AI Chatbot Selection Without Failure: Top 3 for Individual EC Focusing on Cost Performance

When operating an EC site individually, one of the biggest challenges is "customer support". Are you taking time for routine work such as late-night inquiries and checking order status, and neglecting marketing and product development that you should focus on?
With the evolution of AI technology in recent years, low-cost and high-function AI chatbots have appeared, making it possible to build a 24-hour customer support system even for individual-scale shops. In this article, focusing on cost performance, we introduce carefully selected tools that individual EC should introduce.

A conceptual visual representing a high-tech AI chatbot interface for an e-commerce platform, showing a friendly digital assistant icon and a clean smartphone screen with shopping cart elements, symbolizing modern customer support technology.

1. 3 Criteria for Individual EC to Choose AI Chatbot

Tools for large companies are multi-functional, but it is not uncommon for them to cost hundreds of thousands of yen per month. For individual EC, it is correct to select focusing on the following 3 points.

A detailed data analysis dashboard showing conversion rates and customer interaction metrics on a laptop screen, representing the business growth and efficiency gained through the implementation of automated customer service tools in e-commerce.

2. Focus on Cost Performance! 3 Recommended AI Chatbots

From among many tools, we have carefully selected 3 that individual EC operators should "introduce right now".

  1. Tidio: Free plan is powerful and affinity with Shopify is outstanding. Although foreign-made, Japanese support is progressing.
  2. ChatPlus: High domestic share, attractive overwhelming low price from 1,500 yen/month. Support is also generous.
  3. anybot: Specialized in linkage with LINE Official Account, ideal for domestic EC aiming to acquire repeaters.

3. Expected Effect After Introduction: Benefits of Automation Seen in Data

How much man-hour reduction can be expected by introducing AI chatbot? Simulation of general individual EC (assuming 100 monthly inquiries) is graphed.

As shown in the graph, by automating about 80% or more of inquiries, it is possible to significantly increase the owner's free time.

A professional workspace with multiple computer monitors displaying complex data structures and artificial intelligence neural network diagrams, illustrating the technical backend of modern AI communication systems.

FAQ

Q. Can I operate with only the free plan?
A. Yes, some tools like Tidio can be operated for free within the monthly chat limit. However, paid plans are often required for advanced automatic responses by AI.
Q. Is programming knowledge required for introduction?
A. Most latest tools are designed with "No-Code", and setting is completed just by combining elements like a puzzle.

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Summary

In individual EC, AI chatbot is not just an "efficiency tool" but a "digital clerk" to maximize sales. While suppressing costs, start small from free plans or low-price plans first, and achieve both improvement of customer satisfaction and reduction of owner's burden.

Published: 2026-1-12 / Author: Osamu Yasuda

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References

  • [1] METI: Market Survey on Electronic Commerce
  • [2] Shopify Japan: Importance of Automation in EC Site Operation
  • [3] ITR Market View: AI/Machine Learning Market 2024
  • [4] JADMA: Customer Support Survey
  • [5] Official Service Sites (Tidio, ChatPlus, anybot) Product Specifications
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional advice. Specific results are not guaranteed.