What does AI support actually cost, and how should a founder think about the ROI?

Two pricing models dominate: per-resolution (Fin's $0.99, you pay only when the AI actually solves a ticket) and platform or usage pricing, with enterprise players like Decagon tying contracts to outcomes. The honest math compares it to your fully loaded cost per human-handled ticket (typically $5-10), but read the fine print: 'assumed resolutions', handoff fees, and volume minimums make bills less predictable than the headline price. Klarna's $40M savings claim and subsequent walk-back is the reminder that ROI includes retention, not just deflected tickets.