This article explains the conditions under which you can successfully apply a buffer for technical components (Tech-Costs) on a Plan Item in Mercury.

When is a buffer applied?

The buffer for technical components is only applied when the costs of the component are calculated via a volume. This means it can only be applied to volume-based pricing models stored on the Plan Item.

  • The buffer is applied with these pricing models:
    • TKP, based on Impressions.
    • CPC, based on Clicks.
    • CPV, based on Views.
  • Buffer Effect: When you enter a buffer on the Plan Item, it is applied as a surcharge to the planned target volume (e.g., Impressions, Clicks) of the technical component. The increased volume is then used to determine the planned technical costs.

When is the buffer not applied?

The buffer can not be applied to technical components whose costs are calculated using other billing models:

  • Percentage (%) of the media costs.
  • Fixed Price.

Note: Even if you enter a buffer in the corresponding column on the Plan Item, for a Fixed Price or Percentage model, no surcharge is applied to the costs because these models are not volume-based.