//Beforeyouship is a pre-build tool to estimate the LLM cost

Hacker News

For one of my projects, I needed to choose an LLM but got lost in numbers and tokenization. So I searched for a solution which could help me do the math, but only found tools that helped with cost management and optimization at the production stage. I did some research and found that this is an existing problem, especially if you are a vibe-coder or solo developer starting an AI-powered app from scratch. So I built an MVP to test with you guys — if any of you relate to the problem, please tell me what works and what's missing. Already included retries, prompt caching, batch discounts, and 3×/10× growth scenarios across 6 models (GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, DeepSeek and more). Also the app models full architecture, the user just needs to pick an app type and set the usage pattern.

Visit product View on Hacker NewsMar 26, 2026

Share card

Actual performance

3points

5comments

Did not reach leaderboard

Launch Intel predictions

Analyze your own launch →

Indie HackersFits the IH revenue-focused audience · Strong signals: ios, gemini · Missing: supports, reddit linkedin, podcasting

73%73% predicted probability of success on Indie Hackers, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

best fitHighest predicted score across all platforms for this description.

Product HuntOn track for Day 1 leaderboard · Strong signals: claude, model, user · Missing: mac, agents, macos

67%67% predicted probability of success on Product Hunt, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

TrustMRRLess likely to generate early MRR · Strong signals: ios · Missing: mobile apps, personal, entrepreneurs

39%39% predicted probability of success on TrustMRR, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

AppSumoMay struggle as an AppSumo deal · Missing: plus, platform, intuitive

30%30% predicted probability of success on AppSumo, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Acquire.comPre-revenue stage for this audience · Strong signals: growth · Missing: arr, mrr, revenue

18%18% predicted probability of success on Acquire.com, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Hacker NewsMay not resonate with HN audience · Strong signals: exist, existing, io · Missing: https docs, excited, just released

17%17% predicted probability of success on Hacker News, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

nativeThis product was originally launched on this platform.

BetaListMay not resonate with beta-testers · Missing: web3, chat, crypto

0%0% predicted probability of success on BetaList, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Correct prediction on native model

Similar products

Lyft Fare Estimate54%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Lyft Fare Estimate

Hacker News2

Estimate Uber Fares67%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Estimate Uber Fares

Hacker News1

Estimate your AI CO2 footprint50%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Estimate your AI CO2 footprint

Hacker News6

Stormio Pre-announcement33%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Stormio Pre-announcement

Hacker News1

A reliability layer that prevents LLM downtime and unpredictable cost39%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

A reliability layer that prevents LLM downtime and unpredictable cost

Hacker News1

Simple Estimate30%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Project Cost Estimate Software For Agencies & Dev Shops

Indie Hackers4b2b

A Data-Driven Tool to Estimate the Monthly Cost of Owning a Home51%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

A Data-Driven Tool to Estimate the Monthly Cost of Owning a Home

Hacker News3

ROOF Cost Calculator40%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Instantly estimate your roof replacement cost with accurate

Indie Hackers1ai

Datadog Cost Calculator10%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

Estimate Datadog Costs

Product Hunt+11

DripStat – Full Java APM at 1/10th the Cost of NewRelic40%Launch Intel prediction score: how likely this product is to succeed on its source platform, based on its name, tagline, and description.

DripStat – Full Java APM at 1/10th the Cost of NewRelic

Hacker News9

Browse all products Analyze your launch