How Much Does it Cost To Build a Chatbot?
By Alessandro Botticelli -- January 06, 2023
Like most software projects the chatbot cost really depends on the scale and complexity of the project. These requirements will govern the effort involved in building your perfect automated assistant.
Chatbot expenses divide into two categories: one-time design, development, and deployment costs, plus ongoing monthly maintenance, hosting, and management expenses.
Deployment Channel
The first consideration involves selecting the deployment channel. Options include website widgets, messaging platforms (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Telegram, Viber), or voice assistants (Google Assistant, Alexa, Conversational IVR systems). We typically provide one channel with projects, charging per additional channel based on complexity.
Features
Additional functionality options depend on deployment location. Voice interaction capability for web chatbots costs from around three thousand pounds. Human-agent handover via live chat or WhatsApp integration represents another popular feature.
Natural Language Ability
Supporting complex natural language understanding features beyond simple button-based interfaces requires additional training and more sophisticated conversational flow design. We utilise leading NLU solutions, specifically Google Dialogflow ES and CX, plus Rasa for on-premises or open-source requirements.
Integration Costs
Integration requirements significantly impact pricing. Considerations include connecting to current systems, handing over to live agents, interfacing with CRM and ticketing solutions, and executing complex interactions. Any system with an API and authentication means can be integrated.
Chatbot Packages
Discovery and Requirements Phase
This service helps businesses understand conversational AI potential and identify project requirements. Deliverables include a findings report with industry trend research, stakeholder-gathered requirements, and priority analysis with feasibility assessment.
Proof of Concept (POC)
POCs test technical feasibility and identify potential challenges before full investment. Deliverables include problem definition, platform analysis and selection, simple model building, channel integration, and testing.
Small Project
Simple implementations addressing specific use cases like FAQ responses or product information. Includes website chatbot, Facebook Messenger, NLU, 10-20 intents, hundreds of training phrases, and one language.
Medium Project
More complex implementations handling wider customer inquiry ranges. Includes multiple channels, 50-100 intents, thousands of training phrases, simple integrations, and one or two languages.
Large Project
Comprehensive enterprise implementations with multiple system integrations, thousands of intents, multiple knowledge bases, multiple channels including conversational IVR, custom UI elements, and multiple languages.
Training and Maintenance
Monthly maintenance typically represents approximately 10% of initial implementation costs. Coverage includes analytics platform access, daily supervised learning, conversation monitoring, third-party maintenance, NLU service costs, hosting, reporting, and post-development support.
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