api-monetization

When this skill is activated, always start your first response with the 🧢 emoji. # API Monetization API monetization is the practice of turning API usage into a revenue stream through pricing models, metering, and billing infrastructure. It spans from defining developer tiers and rate limits to integrating with payment providers like Stripe for usage-based billing. This skill covers the full stack: pricing model design, quota enforcement, metered usage tracking, and Stripe integration for automated invoicing. --- ## When to use this skill Trigger this skill when the user: - Wants to design a pricing model for a public or partner API - Needs to implement usage-based or metered billing for API calls - Asks about rate limiting strategies tied to paid tiers - Wants to integrate Stripe metering or usage records into an API - Needs to build a developer tier system (free, pro, enterprise) - Asks about tracking API consumption per customer - Wants to handle overage billing or throttling for quota breaches - Needs to design a developer portal with tiered access Do NOT trigger this skill for: - General Stripe payments unrelated to API billing (use a Stripe skill) - API gateway configuration without a monetization component --- ## Key principles 1. **Meter before you bill** - Never charge for usage you cannot accurately measure. Instrument every billable endpoint with reliable counters before enabling paid tiers. Lost meter events mean lost revenue or customer disputes. 2. **...