Guide · Updated October 2026
AI chatbots
for ecommerce
How online stores use AI chatbots and automation to answer shoppers at any hour, track orders, handle returns and cut support tickets, and how to choose the right setup.
Guide · Updated October 2026
How online stores use AI chatbots and automation to answer shoppers at any hour, track orders, handle returns and cut support tickets, and how to choose the right setup.
Platform features and app prices change often. Check current pricing for Shopify, WooCommerce and any chatbot app before you decide.
| Store app | Custom assistant | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Fast, install and configure | Weeks, designed around your store |
| Cost model | Monthly plan, often by conversation volume | Build cost plus AI usage and hosting |
| Connections | Your store platform, limited others | Store, ERP, shipping, CRM, help desk |
| Best for | Standard questions and order tracking | Complex catalogs, B2B pricing, several systems |
Many stores start with an app and move to a custom assistant when they outgrow it. See what an AI agent costs to estimate the running cost yourself.
Shopify stores have the widest choice of chat apps and Shopify's own AI features. WooCommerce stores can use plugins or a custom assistant connected through the WooCommerce API. Stores on BigCommerce, Magento or a custom platform usually need a custom build. If your store itself needs work first, see our web design service.
Shoppers accept chatbots when they get fast, correct answers and an easy way to reach a person. They lose trust when a bot pretends to be human, loops on the same answer or cannot see their order. Say clearly that it is an assistant, show a "talk to a person" option on every reply, and review a sample of conversations every week to catch wrong answers early. Store only the conversation data you need, and follow the privacy policy your customers agreed to.
We build chat assistants and order automations for online stores. See AI automation and web design.
FAQs
For standard questions and order tracking, a well-reviewed app for your store platform is often enough. For complex catalogs or several connected systems, a custom assistant fits better.
Yes, when it is connected to your store or shipping system. It can look up the order by email or order number and give the current status.
It can help shoppers find the right product and get answers at any hour, but results vary by store. Measure conversion for shoppers who chat against those who do not.
Store apps charge a monthly plan, often by volume. A custom assistant has a build cost plus monthly AI usage and hosting. We quote custom work in writing, in US dollars.
Send us your top support questions. We will show you what a chatbot can handle and send a written quote.
Ask us