AI SDR tools promise pipeline by automating the top of the funnel. They typically bill as software: a monthly platform fee plus per-seat pricing, often on an annual contract, charged whether or not meetings result. That means the buyer keeps the outcome risk.
The main alternative is pay-per-result: instead of paying for an AI rep's activity, you pay a fixed price per verified outcome (a qualified lead or a held meeting), and results that fail your acceptance criteria are never billed. This moves the quality and outcome risk to the vendor.
See the full comparison: AI SDR vs. human SDR vs. pay-per-result, and an honest alternative to AI SDR tools.