Spent $150 on a chatbot builder that couldn't even handle basic follow-up questions

I figured I'd save time by paying for one of those no-code AI chatbot platforms to handle customer inquiries for my pest control business. Saw some guys in forums raving about it, so I dropped $150 on the yearly plan without testing it first. After 3 days of tweaking, the bot kept giving people wrong info about rodent exclusion methods and once told a customer we treat termites when we don't. I had to refund that booking and turn the whole thing off. Has anyone found a chatbot tool that actually works for service businesses without needing a developer?

2 comments

2 Comments

claire99915d ago

Used to think these chatbot tools were a set it and forget it solution, but after watching one tell a customer we offered snow removal in July I see it's more trouble than it's worth. Your experience convinced me they're not ready for service businesses with any kind of specialized knowledge.

black.patricia15d ago

Got a buddy who runs a small plumbing company and he tried one of those chatbots last year. A customer asked about fixing a leaky toilet and the bot went on a full rant about septic tank cleaning instead, which they don't even offer. He pulled the plug after two days and said he'll stick to a real person answering the phone.