Chatbot app, my build or an agency?
An honest comparison, using typical 2026 market figures. Your quote depends on your scope.
Chatbot app (DIY)
- Setup
- Minutes, by you
- Cost
- $40–$500/mo + credits
- Fits your business
- Generic widget
- Sends leads to your CRM
- Limited
- Who owns it
- You rent it
My build
- Setup
- 2–3 weeks, done for you
- Cost
- From $2,000 once + your API usage
- Fits your business
- Built around your content and site
- Sends leads to your CRM
- Included
- Who owns it
- You own it
Agency
- Setup
- 8–16 weeks
- Cost
- $12k–$45k+
- Fits your business
- Custom
- Sends leads to your CRM
- Usually
- Who owns it
- You own it
| Chatbot app (DIY) | My build | Agency |
|---|
| Setup | Minutes, by you | 2–3 weeks, done for you | 8–16 weeks |
|---|
| Cost | $40–$500/mo + credits | From $2,000 once + your API usage | $12k–$45k+ |
|---|
| Fits your business | Generic widget | Built around your content and site | Custom |
|---|
| Sends leads to your CRM | Limited | Included | Usually |
|---|
| Who owns it | You rent it | You own it | You own it |
|---|
Under about 2,000 questions a month, with simple FAQs? A chatbot app can be enough, and I'll tell you so on the call.