Support labor cost is loaded with overhead; adjust the hourly rate to match your market and team structure.
Free tools
AI support ROI
AI Support ROI Calculator
Estimate whether AI support automation will pay for itself in your store. Enter ticket volume, average handle time, labor cost, and the AI platform cost to see net monthly savings, annual savings, ROI, and hours returned to the team.
AI support ROI calculatorecommerce support automation ROIAI chatbot savings calculator
Calculator inputs
Build your estimate
Assumptions
Use the estimate with the right caution.
AI platform cost is a single subscription line; add implementation or onboarding if your case requires it.
Deflection rate is a target, not a guarantee. Run a read-only pilot before committing to a number.
When this calculator is useful
Use it in the vendor-evaluation stage, before signing an annual contract. It shows whether the expected labor savings justify the platform cost and who must own the implementation work.
What it does not replace
It does not replace a pilot measurement. Real deflection depends on knowledge-base quality, platform integration, and handoff rules. Treat the output as a planning hypothesis.
Source notes
Where to verify the final number.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Should I include the full agent salary in labor cost?
Use a loaded hourly rate that includes salary, benefits, overhead, and training time. If the team is hybrid, use the blended rate for the time that would be freed.
Why does the calculator ask for target deflection rate?
Most stores do not automate every ticket on day one. The target rate reflects the percentage of repetitive, factual tickets you expect the AI to resolve without human involvement.
What is a realistic payback period?
For stores with clear repetitive volume and clean data, payback can be one to three months. For stores with messy policies or low volume, the business case may be weaker than the vendor pitch suggests.
Capture the model
Get the ecommerce AI and cost checklist.
Use it to audit AI automation savings, readiness gaps, and the fee lines before your next launch, replenishment order, or cross-border campaign.