Have you ever seen that you have clicked an ad and your Facebook Messenger replied to you instantly? Or heard an advertisement on the radio, looking at which you wanted to buy something, and a voice from the radio instantly explained how to make a purchase? If so, that means, perhaps, you have communicated with the chatbot, a trending innovation redesigning the contours of business customer relations.

Online chat tools are now a norm in the digital environment as they push the boundaries of the initial basic practical application of live chat autoresponders and move up to being smart intelligent virtual communication assistants capable of accomplishing tasks ranging from simple reminders, weather updates, questions and answers, etc. Today you have Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to mention just but a few to demonstrate how complex these AI-driven systems are.

Indeed, chatbots have helped to ease human lives to an extent as would be expected when receiving a convenience at your door step it is never ABSOLUTELY free. This raises the question many businesses ask: The cost of creating a chatbot and the variables which determine this expense

What is Chatbot Technology?

The word "chatbot" is a combination of “chat” and “robot,” reflecting its purpose: A plan carried out to imitate human discourse whether in writing or orally. These bots function based on an input from a user, a request that is parsed and a response generated and the goal is to replicate an interaction with a human.

CHATBOTS can be traced back to the 1960s when they were first invented by a professor at MIT known as Joseph Weizenbaum and his creation of ELIZA. ELIZA was a basic program, and conversed using pattern matching and substitution. Since then the chatbots have advanced significantly due to Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language processing, and voice recognition. Such has made these tools evolve from just being mere chatbots to powerful virtual companions with the potential to perform intelligent interactions.

They are no longer a vicelike, FAQ based chatbots that have a set script of questions and answers. They are now as effective as sophisticated virtual assistant such as ChatGPT that can work with multiple languages, discuss a particular topic, write an essay for you, and many more. The world is discussing ChatGPT again and this is evidence that Artificial Intelligence could emerge as a game changer in the approach to handling users.

Chatbot Implementation in the Business Landscape

Companies have not taken time to realize the benefits of using chatbot technology in enhancing the way they engage customers. Active now using AI and backed by such elements as Data Analysis and Predictive Analysis, modern chatbots can provide personalized efficient service 24/7. Sophisticated modern chatbots can interact with many clients at the same time and can learn certain peculiarities of specific customers without strict supervision.

According to Statista report done a few months back, 64 percent of the companies felt that chatbots were delivering quality and efficient service to their clients. Today, chatbots have become a significant aspect of industries like healthcare, e-commerce, retail, banking, hospitality as it helped the companies to take at least some interactions off the employees’ laps and at least deliver more engaging and satisfying experiences.

But here are the following possibilities of using chatbots that are not directly connected with customer service. In sales they are able to advise their customers what to purchase, help them through the purchasing process and can even convince customers to purchase related products. During operations, chatbots can ease workflows and simplify work processes. Human Resources departments employ chatbots to solve queries raised by the employees, onboard, and help in the recruitment process.

Because of this flexibility companies from different industries have integrated chatbots into their operations to increase their efficiency and competitiveness within the age of artificial intelligence.

Read more: Why Chatbots Are So Popular?

Different Approaches to Chatbot Development

Building a chatbot is a significant investment, requiring careful planning, effort, and resources. However, businesses have several options to develop a chatbot that suits their needs and budget.

1. Building a Chatbot from Scratch (In-house Development)

Developing a chatbot from the ground up allows for full customization, giving businesses complete control over the development process. This approach is suitable for companies that need a highly tailored solution but also requires an experienced team of developers and AI specialists. Building in-house provides flexibility but can be costly in terms of time and resources, especially for complex chatbot projects.

2. Purchasing a Pre-Built Custom Solution

For businesses looking to avoid the complexities of in-house development, pre-built chatbot solutions are available. These ready-made bots allow for faster deployment at a fixed price, but may not offer the level of customization required. This option is best suited for companies that prioritize convenience and do not need extensive modifications.

3. Subscription-based chatbot Platforms

This option allows businesses to subscribe to a chatbot service, paying a monthly or annual fee to access pre-configured, customizable chatbots. Subscription-based platforms reduce the upfront investment and provide regular updates and support. This approach is ideal for businesses that need a functional bot but don’t require highly advanced features.

4. Leverage Pre-Built Tools

Low-code or no-code chatbot platforms allow even non-technical teams to build basic chatbots using drag-and-drop interfaces. These platforms offer simplicity and ease of use, making them a good option for small businesses with limited technical expertise or budget constraints.

5. Outsourcing Chatbot Development

One of the most popular approaches to chatbot development is outsourcing the project to an expert IT outsourcing company. This method provides businesses with the flexibility to develop customized, scalable chatbots without having to invest heavily in in-house resources. Outsourcing allows you to work with experienced developers and AI specialists who can handle the entire process, from design to maintenance.

This is where EDUTO stands out. As an innovative IT outsourcing company based in Vietnam, EDUTO offers custom chatbot development services tailored to your business needs. Whether you're looking for a basic chatbot to handle customer inquiries or a sophisticated AI-driven bot capable of complex interactions, EDUTO provides end-to-end solutions that ensure seamless integration, scalability, and ongoing support. Their expertise in AI, coupled with a cost-effective outsourcing model, makes them an ideal partner for businesses looking to leverage chatbot technology without breaking the bank.

Follow more: EDUTO Services

Chatbot Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?

When it comes to chatbot development, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The cost can vary dramatically based on factors like the type of chatbot, features, development approach, and more. Let’s break down the primary factors influencing chatbot development costs:

Chatbot Type

Chatbots generally fall into two categories: rule-based bots and AI-powered bots.

• Rule-based bots rely on decision trees and pre-defined rules to respond to queries. They are simpler to develop and more affordable, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per month.
• AI-powered bots, which can learn from past interactions, process complex queries, and offer personalized responses, are more sophisticated, and the cost reflects this complexity. Developing an AI chatbot can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the level of customization.

Features and Complexity

Chatbot costs can escalate quickly depending on the scope and functionality. A simple chatbot designed to answer FAQs will be far less expensive than one integrated with NLP, predictive analytics, or e-commerce capabilities. For example, developing a chatbot that mimics the functionality of ChatGPT could cost between $30,000 and $50,000 or more.

Technology Stack and Integrations

The tools and technologies used to build the chatbot, such as programming languages and AI frameworks, also affect the overall cost. More sophisticated tools generally mean higher development expenses.

Development Time

The longer it takes to develop the chatbot, the higher the cost. This is why many companies opt to outsource development to countries like Vietnam, where high-quality development services are available at competitive rates.

Ongoing Maintenance

A chatbot requires regular updates, maintenance, and support to continue functioning smoothly. These ongoing costs must be factored into the overall budget to avoid surprises.

Tips to Reduce Chatbot Development Costs

1. Start Small
   Begin with a basic version of your chatbot and gradually add more complex features as your needs grow. This way, you can test the core functionality without overspending.
2. Clearly Define Your Requirements
   Before development begins, have a clear idea of what you need your chatbot to do. This will minimize costly changes later in the development process.
3. Consider Outsourcing
   Outsourcing to a reliable partner like EDUTO can significantly reduce development costs while still ensuring high-quality results. EDUTO offers flexible outsourcing models tailored to your project needs, whether it’s a small chatbot or a complex AI-driven system.
4. Leverage Pre-built Tools
   If your chatbot requirements are basic, consider using a no-code or low-code platform to reduce development time and cost.

Final Thoughts

The cost of creating a chatbot depends on many factors such as the technology, employed for creating the bot, and the complexity of the chatbot. When running a business it is important to decide whether you want to construct, purchase or outsource a new software and consider all the advantages as well as the risks of each in regard to your company’s requirements.

If there is any need of trusted service provider for chatbot development then EDUTO shall be preferred with open eyes. Vietnam based IT outsourcing company EDUTO provides an individualized approach to the development of the chatbot and aims to maximize your business’s ROI. Contact us now to find out how we can assist you in creating a chatbot that you require to advance your business at a fair cost.