How to reply to customer chats 24/7 without hiring more staff
The cost of replying to customer chats 24/7 can range from Rp1,750,000 per month with AI automation to USD 600–1,500 per operator per month when using outsourcing services. Hiring new employees for night shifts can also increase salary costs and other benefits. By considering various options, you can choose the solution that best fits your business needs and budget.
What is the cost of hiring new employees?
The cost of hiring new employees for night shifts can vary depending on the position and location. The average entry-level salary in Indonesia ranges from Rp3.4–6.3 million per month. When adding employer BPJS contributions and holiday bonuses (THR), the total employer cost can reach approximately Rp5,916,667 per month. These cost differences stem from variations in roles and work locations.
Source: Gaji rata-rata di Indonesia — berbagai sumber
What are the benefits of using outsourcing services?
Using outsourcing services to reply to customer chats can save internal time and resources. The cost of customer service outsourcing in Indonesia ranges from USD 600–1,500 per operator per month, depending on the level of expertise and service complexity. The total cost per head is typically around 1.35–1.55 times the base salary, including BPJS, THR, severance pay, and management fees.
Source: Indonesian BPO pricing benchmarks 2026 — https://zipang.id/articles/indonesian-bpo-pricing-benchmarks-2026
Source: Tarif & Biaya Jasa Outsourcing di Indonesia — https://www.sigmasolusiservis.com/id/insights/tarif-biaya-jasa-outsourcing-indonesia
How can AI automation help?
AI automation, such as the solution offered by Arcana AI, can be an effective way to reply to customer chats 24/7. With a subscription cost of Rp1,750,000 per month for the Ascend tier, AI can respond to WhatsApp messages in about 15 seconds and is available 24/7. A one-time setup fee is charged separately from the monthly subscription.
Source: Arcana AI — Layanan & harga — https://indomustrading.com/id/services/
Options compared
| Option | Cost per month | Working hours | Reply time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hire in-house | Rp5,916,667 | 8 hours | ~1-2 minutes | Cost includes BPJS & THR |
| Agency/BPO | USD 600–1,500 | 24/7 | ~1-5 minutes | Cost depends on expertise |
| AI automation | Rp1,750,000 | 24/7 | ~15 seconds | Arcana AI |
Options worth considering
Hiring new employees for night shifts can be a solution if you want full control over customer interactions. However, this requires higher costs, including salaries, BPJS, and THR. Additionally, you need to consider the time for training and managing employees.
Using an agency or BPO can reduce internal management burdens and offer flexibility in service scaling. Monthly costs range from USD 600–1,500 per operator, depending on the level of expertise and service complexity required. This can be a good option if you want customer service available 24/7 without direct management.
AI automation, such as Arcana AI, offers a cost-effective solution with a subscription fee of Rp1,750,000 per month. AI can reply to messages in about 15 seconds and is available 24/7. This is an efficient option if you want quick responses without increasing employee workloads.
FAQ
How much does AI automation cost per month?
The cost of AI automation with Arcana AI is Rp1,750,000 per month.
What is the cost of hiring new employees?
The total employer cost for new employees can reach approximately Rp5,916,667 per month.
How much does outsourcing services cost?
The cost of outsourcing services ranges from USD 600–1,500 per operator per month.
How quickly can AI reply to customer chats?
AI from Arcana AI can reply to messages in about 15 seconds.