The question almost every prospect asks us: "How much does an AI project cost?" The honest answer: it depends. But that vague answer doesn't help you budget. Here's a concrete framework, based on our real projects.
The 3 categories of AI projects
Category 1 — Adopting existing AI tools: $500 – $5,000. Examples: setting up ChatGPT for your customer service, configuring Zapier/n8n to automate simple tasks, integrating Midjourney into your marketing. No custom development — just configuring existing tools.
Category 2 — Developing a specific AI tool: $3,000 – $20,000. This is where AITsika operates. Examples: an automatic invoice verification tool (like Groupe Piro), a chatbot trained on your data, an analytics dashboard with smart alerts. Duration: 4 to 12 weeks.
Category 3 — AI transformation at scale: $50,000+. Multi-department projects, integration into complex legacy systems, deployment for hundreds of users. This is the territory of Accenture and Capgemini.
The 4 factors that drive price
- Problem complexity: verifying PDF invoices is relatively simple. Forecasting demand while accounting for 50 variables is more complex.
- Quality of existing data: clean, structured data cuts costs by 30 to 50%. Poorly formatted Excel data multiplies the work.
- Level of integration required: a standalone tool is simpler. Integrating with your existing ERP or CRM adds complexity.
- The provider you choose: a senior Paris-based firm bills $1,500 – $3,000 per day. AITsika bills 50 to 70% less for equivalent quality. That's our structural advantage.
Conclusion
The best way to know how much your specific project will cost: a 30-minute diagnostic. Free. No commitment. We analyze your needs, identify the right approach, and give you a concrete estimate.