AI chatbots aren't just for big corporations anymore. In 2025, small businesses can implement intelligent customer service at a fraction of historical costs.
What Can Chatbots Actually Do?
Modern AI chatbots go far beyond simple FAQ responses:
- Answer customer questions 24/7
- Book appointments and reservations
- Provide order status updates
- Qualify leads before human handoff
- Handle basic support tickets
Realistic Expectations
Let's be honest: chatbots aren't perfect. They work best when:
- Handling routine, repetitive questions
- Operating within a defined scope
- Having clear escalation paths to humans
- Being transparent that they're AI
Implementation Costs
Basic chatbot setup can start from £500-£2,000, while more sophisticated AI-powered solutions typically range from £3,000-£10,000. The ROI comes from reduced support staff time and 24/7 availability.
Getting Started
Start small. Identify your top 10 most common customer questions and build a chatbot that handles those brilliantly. Expand from there based on real customer interactions.
Need help implementing a chatbot? Contact PYCO IT for a free consultation.