You’ve been cooking fire beats — but now you’re wondering: how much should I charge? Whether you’re selling online or in person, setting the right price can be tricky.
This guide will help you understand the different types of beat licenses, what other producers are charging in South Africa, and how to price your beats in a way that’s fair, professional, and profitable.
🎯 Why Beat Pricing Matters
Pricing your beats properly:
- Builds trust with artists
- Helps you stand out in a crowded market
- Gives your work real value
- Avoids awkward “How much?” conversations
Whether you’re selling on BeatStars, WordPress, Shopify, or via WhatsApp, this guide applies to you.
🧾 Beat License Types (and What to Charge)
There are two main license types when it comes to selling beats:
🎧 1. Non-Exclusive / Lease License
This means multiple artists can buy the same beat.
Common Lease Types:
| License | Usage Limit | Typical Price (ZAR) |
| MP3 Lease | 1 song, 1,000–5,000 streams | R150 – R300 |
| WAV Lease | Higher quality, 10,000+ streams | R300 – R600 |
| Trackout Lease | Includes stems, 20,000+ streams | R500 – R1,200 |
Terms to include:
- Beat can’t be re-sold
- No radio play without upgrading
- Limited usage or time period (optional)
🎯 Use license PDFs or automatic delivery on platforms like Beatifyy Pro or WooCommerce + Sonaar.
🔐 2. Exclusive License
This means the beat is sold once, and no one else can use it after purchase.
| Type | Typical Price Range (ZAR) |
| Basic Exclusive | R1,500 – R3,000 |
| Standard Exclusive | R3,500 – R6,000 |
| Premium Exclusive | R7,000 – R15,000+ |
Set your price based on:
- Your reputation
- Artist budget level
- Beat quality and uniqueness
- Whether you’re including stems or mixing services
💡 Many SA producers start exclusives around R2,000 – R3,000 and increase over time.