Ask what they built for a business like yours, what it costs after setup, and what happens when the AI gets something wrong. Those three answers tell you most of what you need to know.
1. What have you built for a business like mine?
Ask to see it working, not a slide deck. A short video or a live demo is enough. If they have nothing for a business like yours, that isn't a deal breaker, but you'll be their first.
2. What does it cost after setup?
Many consultants charge a monthly fee to run what they build. Among the consultants on this list who publish a price, monthly plans run $297 to $1,500. Ask what the monthly fee covers and how you cancel.
3. What happens when the AI gets something wrong?
It will, sometimes. A good answer is that a person on your team checks its work before anything reaches a customer, at least at the start.
4. Where does my data go?
Ask which AI company processes your files and customer messages, and whether that company can use them to train its models. If you handle health or financial records, ask for that answer in writing.
5. Who keeps it running, and who owns it?
Ask who fixes it when it breaks, and whether the accounts are in your name. Ask whether you can still use what they built after you stop working together.
6. Can we start with one small task?
Starting small is normal. On this list, a first project usually costs $299 to $1,800. Pick the task that eats the most hours each week and start there.
7. How will we know it worked?
Agree on one number before you start, like hours saved each week or calls answered after closing time. Check that number after a month.
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