The Hidden Costs of AI in SaaS Platforms.

AI is everywhere, in finance, HR, marketing, media and operations. Every SaaS platform seems to have an AI-powered feature or module promising automation, efficiency, and smarter workflows. But here’s the catch,  just because a platform adds AI doesn’t mean it adds value. Many companies end up paying more for software solely because AI has been tacked on, often before the features are fully proven or adopted internally.

Uncovering the Hidden Costs of AI in SaaS: AI as a Vendor Upsell

Vendors know AI sells, and this is where the hidden costs of AI in SaaS start to appear. It’s marketed as a “must-have” for modern teams, even if actual usage is minimal.

Take FloQast, for example, their AI modules automate tasks like transaction matching and document annotation, but most teams barely scratch the surface. SAP has rolled out AI features to streamline planning and forecasting, yet companies often pay full price without using these advanced capabilities. Sprinklr bundles AI-powered analytics and engagement tools into its platform, but many customers only need a fraction of what’s offered.

AI becomes a convenient reason to justify higher pricing, even when the business impact isn’t fully realized.

How Hidden Costs Accumulate

AI add-ons can quietly inflate software costs in several ways:

• Bundled AI modules: Vendors often package AI into larger bundles, making it hard to separate the features you actually need from those you don’t.

• Sneaky uplifts: As AI features are new, vendors sometimes increase the price at renewal, claiming “enhanced capabilities.”

• Perceived necessity: Teams feel pressure to adopt AI to stay competitive, even when the ROI is unproven.

  
  

The good news? Because these products are new, there’s often significant room for discounting, especially if you’re willing to challenge the pricing before committing.

Want to Save 30%+ on Software Contracts That Bundle In AI Features?

At Wyn we always want to help you get the best deal possible. This is achieved by using insider knowledge from former sales leaders at major SaaS vendors, we help businesses uncover exactly where software pricing is inflated. We don’t cut licenses your team actually relies on, we make sure you stop overpaying for features you don’t use, including AI add-ons. By taking a strategic, data-driven approach, companies can save thousands, ensure their SaaS stack aligns with real needs, and only pay for what actually delivers value.

If you have any renewals coming up, now is the time to act. Unlock real savings by booking a free call with the Wyn team today.

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