The mechanics are straightforward: a programme announces an early-bird deadline (typically 6-8 weeks before the final deadline) at a discounted rate, then a standard rate, then sometimes a late rate at a premium. The delta between early and final can be 20-40% per entry.
The difficulty is execution. Early-deadline savings require finished case studies, entry assets, and payment approvals weeks before most agencies would naturally be ready. That means starting the awards process earlier in the production cycle - ideally as campaigns are wrapping up, not after the final deadline has been announced.
The Awardy budget planner shows the earliest and final rate for every programme so you can calculate the exact saving from hitting each early deadline. Add your likely submission count per programme and the savings figure becomes concrete and easy to present to a CFO or client.