If you're asking how much AI consulting costs for a small business, you've probably noticed that most firms won't say until you book a call. That makes it hard to plan. This guide explains how consultants usually price their work, what drives the cost, and what to look out for. Then we walk through our own prices, all of which are published.
How AI consultants usually charge
Most AI consulting falls into one of three pricing models. Many firms mix them.
Hourly billing
Some consultants bill for the time they spend. It's flexible, and it can work for a short, well-defined question. The downside is that you carry the risk. If the work takes longer than expected, the bill grows, and it's hard to budget for a project when you don't know the final number.
Fixed-price projects
A project price covers a defined piece of work, such as an assessment, a training session, or a custom automation. You agree on the scope up front and know the cost before work starts. The key is a clear written scope, so everyone knows what's included and what isn't.
Monthly plans and retainers
A monthly plan covers ongoing work: keeping tools running, answering questions, and making improvements as your business changes. AI tools aren't "set and forget." Connected apps update, AI models change, and your processes evolve. A plan gives you a steady partner for that upkeep at a predictable cost.
What drives the cost of AI consulting
- Number of systems involved. A tool that touches one app is simpler than one that connects your accounting software, CRM, and email.
- How clean your data is. Messy or scattered data takes time to sort out before AI can use it well.
- How many steps and people a workflow involves. A single-step task costs less than a process that crosses departments.
- Custom interfaces. A tool your team uses through a custom screen takes more work than one that runs in the background.
- Training and change management. A tool only pays off if people use it. Training is part of the real cost.
- Ongoing support. Someone has to monitor, fix, and improve the tool after launch.
What to watch for before you sign
- No written scope. You should know exactly what you're getting and what's excluded.
- Hidden software markups. Ask whether AI subscriptions and usage fees are passed through at cost or marked up.
- Surprise extra charges. Ask what happens if work runs over, and whether anything is billed without your approval.
- Long lock-in terms. Find out the minimum commitment and how you can change or cancel.
- No plan for measuring results. If no one sets a baseline, no one can tell you whether the tool paid off. Our guide on how to measure AI ROI shows how to do it.
- Big promises. Be cautious of guaranteed savings before anyone has looked at how your business actually works.
How much AI consulting costs a small business at Phyllogic
We publish our prices because we think you should know the cost before the first call. Here's what we charge. Full details, including what each service doesn't cover, are on our pricing page.
AI Quick Start: $750
The lowest-cost way to start. In one 90-minute working session, we pick one repetitive task and set up a working AI automation or tool for it before the session ends. You also get a 1-page summary of your next opportunities. The full fee is credited toward an AI Readiness Assessment or Quick Win Build if you sign within 30 days. A credit applies once. See the AI Quick Start details.
AI Readiness Assessment: $1,500
This is the easiest place to start if you're not sure where AI fits. Over 1 to 2 weeks, we walk through up to 3 of your workflows with the people who do them. You get your top 3 AI opportunities ranked by estimated hours saved, cost, and difficulty. 100% of the fee is credited toward a Quick Win Build, Custom Build, or your first plan month if you sign within 30 days. If you used a Quick Start credit toward the Assessment, only the amount you paid for the Assessment carries forward. Learn more about the AI Readiness Assessment.
Team AI Training: from $2,500
Hands-on workshops built around your real workflows, so your team learns to use AI confidently and safely.
- Half day (3 hours), up to 20 attendees: $2,500
- Full day (6 hours), up to 30 attendees: $4,500
Quick Win Build: from $3,000
One workflow automated end to end, such as inbox triage, invoice matching, or quote drafting, in about 2 weeks. It comes with a written fixed-price scope, a short user guide, a 30-minute handoff training, and a 30-day warranty. The price ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. See the Quick Win Build details.
Custom AI tools and automations: starting at $7,500
Every build starts with discovery and a written scope with a fixed price. Payment is 50% at signing, 50% at launch. Builds come in three sizes:
- Starter: $7,500 to $15,000 (3 to 5 weeks). One workflow, 1 to 2 connected systems. Example: invoices pulled from email into QuickBooks for approval.
- Standard: $15,000 to $25,000 (5 to 8 weeks). Multi-step workflow or internal assistant, 3 to 4 systems. Example: an assistant that answers staff questions from your handbook and SOPs.
- Advanced: $25,000 to $40,000 (8 to 10 weeks). Multi-department tool with a custom interface, 5+ systems.
Monthly plans: from $900 per month
Our plans keep your AI tools running and improving. Each plan scales with your team:
- Root: $900 per month. Clients with a tool Phyllogic built who want it kept running.
- Seed: $2,000 per month. Teams under 25 with 1 to 2 AI tools.
- Grow: $3,500 per month. Teams of 25 to 100 actively expanding AI use.
- Canopy: $6,500 per month. Teams of 100+ or businesses where AI is central to operations.
Root is a care plan: it keeps a tool we built running, month to month, with no onboarding fee. Seed, Grow, and Canopy add hands-on help, strategy sessions, and reporting. They have a one-time plan onboarding fee of $1,000, waived if you completed a Team AI Training, Quick Win Build, or Custom Build with us in the last 90 days. They also have a 3-month minimum, then run month to month. Paying annually saves 10%, which brings the Seed plan to $1,800 per month. You can compare plans side by side on our support plans page.
Which option fits your budget?
If you're just exploring, start with an AI Quick Start, the Assessment, or a training session. If you already know which task you want to take off your team's plate, a Quick Win Build or Custom Build may be the right step. If you want ongoing help as AI becomes part of how you work, a monthly plan gives you a steady partner. You don't need an Assessment before starting a plan.
Whatever you choose, the goal is the same: AI should take repetitive work off your team's plate so your people can spend their time on the work that matters most. And every build has to pay for itself.
Not sure where to start? Take our free AI readiness scorecard or book a free 30-minute discovery call, and we'll help you find the right fit.