Usage limits for GPTs
response caps and plan tiers
If you sell access to a GPT, you need usage limits. Without limits, one heavy user can burn your costs, or share access with an entire group.
Posted: 2026-01-11 • Category: Usage Limits
Why “response limits” are the simplest control
Tokens are accurate but confusing for customers. Responses are easy to understand. A “response” is a completed reply. This makes response-based usage limits ideal for pricing and fairness.
A practical starting model
- Free trial: small response allotment
- Monthly plan: fixed number of responses
- Add-on packs: buy more responses as needed
Warning thresholds that reduce churn
Good systems warn users before they run out. A common pattern is a warning at 50 responses remaining. That gives the customer time to add responses before they go dry.
The real requirement: enforcement
A usage limit is only useful if it can be enforced. LockedGPT is a platform designed specifically to secure, control, and monetize access to custom GPTs using real API-based enforcement.