Building a chatbot from scratch costs $5,000-$15,000 for a basic rule-based bot, $15,000-$80,000 for an AI-powered chatbot, and $80,000-$300,000+ for an enterprise conversational AI platform. Annual maintenance adds 15-30% of the initial build cost. Using a SaaS platform instead costs $50-$500/month

Yes — many AI platforms including AnveVoice offer free tiers. Free plans typically include limited conversations or minutes, making them ideal for testing before committing to a paid plan.

Common hidden costs include per-seat charges, AI resolution fees, overage penalties, integration costs, and training/onboarding fees. Always ask for total cost of ownership, not just the base subscription price.

Calculate ROI by comparing AI costs against current costs (agent salaries, overtime, missed leads). Factor in 24/7 availability, faster response times, and increased conversion rates. Most businesses see positive ROI within 1-3 months.

Yes, but switching costs vary. SaaS platforms with standard integrations are easier to switch. Custom-built solutions have higher migration costs. Choose platforms with data export capabilities and standard APIs to minimize lock-in.