AI Chatbot vs Live Chat: Which Should You Use?

AI chatbots and live chat are not competitors. They are a team. The chatbot handles the routine, the volume and the after-hours. Live chat handles the complex, the emotional and the high-value.

We combine both in our AI Chatbots & Assistants service, so the chatbot qualifies and the human closes.

AI chatbot: scale and speed

AI chatbots handle unlimited conversations at once. They are always on, never tired and consistent. They are perfect for FAQs, lead capture and after-hours enquiries.

Live chat: empathy and complexity

Live chat brings human judgment, empathy and negotiation. It is better for complex sales, complaints and high-value customers who expect personal attention.

The combined approach

Use the chatbot as the first line. It answers FAQs, captures leads and qualifies enquiries. When a conversation needs a human, the chatbot hands off with full context. The human picks up where the bot left off.

ScenarioUse AI ChatbotUse Live Chat
After-hours enquiryYesNo
Simple FAQYesOptional
Lead qualificationYesIf high value
Complex complaintNoYes
High-value negotiationNoYes

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

How much does an AI chatbot cost?

A standard AI chatbot for a business website starts from around $4,990 plus GST for the build. Monthly management and tuning starts from $690 per month. Custom multi-step agents with integrations start from $12,000 plus GST.

Where is TPR Media based?

TPR Media operates from Level 34, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000, serving clients across Brisbane and Australia-wide.

TPR Media compares AI chatbots and live chat, explaining when to use each and how to combine them for the best customer experience.