Vendors promise big numbers, but the only ROI that matters is yours. This simple method uses your own chat volume, handling time and costs to estimate whether an AI agent pays for itself.
Last updated: October 17, 2026. Prices and features change often, so always confirm on the official website before you buy.
Key takeaways
- ROI = (time saved + extra revenue − AI cost) ÷ AI cost.
- Use your real chat volume and a conservative resolution rate (30% to 50%) for the first estimate.
- Measure for 2–4 weeks during a free trial before deciding.
Step 1: Collect your numbers
| Input | Where to find it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Chats per month | Your chat or help desk reports | 1,000 |
| Average handling time | Reports or a quick sample | 6 minutes |
| Hourly support cost | Wages plus overhead | $20 |
| Expected AI resolution rate | Start conservative | 50% |
Step 2: Estimate time saved
Chats resolved by AI = 1,000 × 50% = 500. Time saved = 500 × 6 minutes = 3,000 minutes, or 50 hours. Value = 50 × $20 = $1,000 per month.
Step 3: Estimate the AI cost
With Text Growth for two users (yearly billing): 2 × $79 = $158, including 200 AI resolutions. The other 300 resolutions need 6 packs of 50 at $49.50 = $297. Total: $455 per month. See Text pricing for other scenarios.
Step 4: Add revenue impact (optional)
If the AI answers pre-sales questions at night or recommends products, some chats turn into orders. Track orders from chats in your store analytics. Leave this at zero in your first estimate and add it once you have data.
Step 5: Calculate ROI
ROI = ($1,000 − $455) ÷ $455 ≈ 120%. In this example, every $1 spent on the platform returns about $2.20 in saved time, before counting any extra sales.
Note that this example counts the full platform cost. If your team would pay for chat seats anyway, the extra cost of AI is lower and the ROI higher.
What lowers ROI
- Low chat volume: with 50 chats a month, savings are small
- Complex questions the AI cannot resolve
- Poor knowledge sources, which cause transfers and repeat contacts
- Lower CSAT if customers cannot reach a person
Best for: Teams that want to test AI ROI with real data
Starting price: 14-day free trial, no card required
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Frequently asked questions
What resolution rate should I assume?
Use 30% to 50% for planning. Vendors publish higher figures, but your rate depends on your questions and content. Improve it with our performance guide.
How long until an AI agent pays off?
With steady volume and good knowledge, many teams can see the effect within the first month. Measure during the trial before you commit.
Final verdict
Run the numbers with your own data, start conservative and measure during a 14-day trial. If the AI resolves a meaningful share of your chats without hurting CSAT, the return is usually clear.
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