Some ECT admins have recommended adding a live chat feature. We've resisted, since we're unlikely to have staff consistently available to join chats.

Today I came across a reasonably priced AI Web Agent at www.BigSur.AI. Current pricing is $49 per month for up to 10,000 site visitors, plus $6 for each additional 1,000. From what I can see, integration with an ECT site would be pretty straightforward.

I tried the Big Sur agent at www.wyze.com, a seller of home security devices, asking intentionally weird questions like:

"Can I install your devices on a structure in a flood plain that might get submerged?"
"Can any of your devices detect poisonous snakes?"
"How quickly can you deliver to [my address]?"

The responses were surprisingly coherent and useful.

Even more surprising, when I visited the Wyze site later in another incognito session, the agent seemed to remember my snake question and proactively responded with a disclaimer about camera limitations - see the screenshot below.

Here are some of the Big Sur AI reference sites:

www.bataleon.com - snowboards
www.bruntworkwear.com - work apparel
www.dphue.com - cosmetics
www.inglesina.us - baby strollers
www.kurufootwear.com - shoes
www.redmond.life - natural products
www.stio.com - outdoor apparel
www.wyze.com - security devices

Oddly, it looks like some of the references on the Big Sur homepage no longer use the service - apparently switching to higher-end alternatives. And during business hours, several of the sites appear to use human chat services in addition to the AI agent.

I'd love to hear if anyone here has tried to implement an AI chat bot, and thoughts on using AI agents for pre-sales support in general.

I'd also be grateful if others will visit some of those sites, give the bot a try, and let me know what you think!