Open a few data-provider websites. They all promise more contacts, better accuracy, and faster enrichment.

But…

It does not tell you whether the provider can build the lists your team actually needs.

Before paying, I would check how it helps you find prospects and what you are actually paying for.

Can it build the lists you actually need?

One campaign may start with a job title. The next may need a completely different way to find prospects.

Before you pay, check whether the provider can handle:

• People and company search

• Funding, job change, and acquisition signals

• LinkedIn events, company followers, and Sales Navigator searches

• Lookalike and local company searches

• Work email, phone, and LinkedIn enrichment

• MCP, CLI, API, and direct integrations

Otherwise, you may pay for a database and still need three more tools to build the list you want.

Know what you are paying for

Now check what happens to the credits you buy.

• Do unused credits roll over?

• Can you pay monthly?

• Do failed searches cost credits?

• Do you pay again for data you already have?

Start monthly and test the provider on your own ICP. A yearly contract makes little sense before you know the coverage is good.