Short version: a focused first agent is usually a fixed-price project rather than an open-ended spend, plus modest ongoing model and hosting costs. What moves the number is scope — how much the agent connects to, and how much it's allowed to do.
What drives the build cost
- Number of systems it connects to — one CRM is simpler than five tools.
- What it's allowed to do — read-only answers are cheaper than taking actions.
- How much oversight it needs — approvals and audit trails add safety and scope.
- Data quality — clean, accessible data is faster than untangling messy sources.
Ongoing costs
Beyond the build there are running costs: the AI model/API usage and hosting. For most business agents these are modest and predictable, and we're transparent about them up front. Support is optional — keep us on a retainer to maintain and improve it, or run it yourself.
How to keep it sensible
Don't commission a giant agent that does everything on day one. Pick one job, ship it, measure the time saved, then expand. It's cheaper, lower-risk, and you learn what's actually worth automating.
Get a real number
The only honest quote is one scoped to your case. See our transparent pricing and AI Agents service, or tell us the task and we'll come back with a realistic figure.