Count the whole request
A support answer can involve retrieval, account verification, a connected lookup, generation and logging. Estimating only text-generation cost leaves out the systems that make the answer useful. Model the entire workflow and separate fixed infrastructure from usage-based expenses.
Plan for the busy hour
Average traffic does not describe a product launch or a service incident. Estimate concurrent requests, long conversations and slow provider responses. Reserve capacity for bursts and decide what the customer sees when a dependency cannot respond.
Include the work of keeping it good
Evaluation, monitoring, security updates and human escalation are operating costs. A cheaper response is not a saving if it creates repeat contacts or exposes the wrong account. Compare cost per correctly handled request alongside response latency.
Keep customer pricing understandable
A customer should be able to identify the subscription, included agents and separately billed services. Message lists its current plans on the pricing page. Phone, messaging and third-party service charges need to be considered alongside any AI subscription.
Keep going
Put the next step into practice, or ask us about your setup.