Most agencies and developers run multiple clients’ automations under the same set of platform accounts or API credentials.
This approach often appears efficient at first, but it can introduce operational and financial issues, particularly when billing disputes arise or when clients end their engagement.
Why do shared accounts create problems?
- Usage attribution becomes difficult.
- Client data is stored together.
- Cost allocation requires estimates.
Usage attribution becomes difficult.
When multiple clients’ workflows and API calls run through shared accounts, usage data is intermingled.
If platform logs do not clearly identify which operations belong to which client, producing a clean, defensible invoice becomes challenging.
If audit trails aren’t robust, it becomes extremely difficult to produce a transparent, client-specific bill, making disputes almost inevitable when clients challenge their invoice.
Client data is stored together.
Storing multiple clients’ credentials, message histories, logs, or user data in shared environments increases administrative complexity and security risk.
If a client requests data export or deletion, separating it from others may be time-consuming or unclear.
Cost allocation requires estimates.
Agencies often try to divide platform charges across clients using internal tags, spreadsheets, or scripted tracking.
This method relies on accurate internal processes and may not accurately reflect actual usage. Any discrepancy can trigger billing disagreements.
The most reliable approach is to separate accounts per client.
Maintaining account and environment separation reduces ambiguity and simplifies both billing and security management.
Below are recommended practices across common platforms and tool categories: