Find a lower-cost model that still does the job.
Alternative providers can be worth testing, particularly for well-defined workloads. A cheaper integration should meet the same quality and operational requirements as the one it replaces.
Start with the task
Pick repeatable jobs where you can judge correctness. Compare exact model versions using current rates and your own examples. A low rate is not evidence that the model can handle a sensitive or ambiguous decision.
Check the operational details
Confirm data handling, account limits, latency, and support. Include migration work and fallback behavior in the forecast. Keep provider-specific assumptions out of shared product code where practical.
Roll out in a small slice
Route a limited amount of suitable traffic to the new provider. Monitor acceptance rate, total cost, and regressions. Check any offered credits against the specific product and allowed usage before committing to a larger balance.