Bug bounty programs are often misunderstood and perceived as costly and difficult to budget for, but with careful planning and a thoughtful approach, organizations can easily control their budget. This involves articulating the scope of the program through a bounty brief, deciding how to run the program by choosing between private or public engagement and time-boxed testing, and determining an incentive program that suits the organization's needs. By tailoring these elements, organizations can maximize the success of their bug bounty program, minimize unknown variables such as cost, and ensure its effectiveness in catching vulnerabilities that slip through traditional testing methods.