SaaS payback ranges
Typical SaaS payback is 4-12 months for mid-market deployments. Volume-tier pricing means smaller deployments pay back fastest in months but have lower absolute savings.
Custom build payback
Custom build payback runs 12-24 months. Higher upfront ($40K-$180K) and ongoing engineering, but the per-resolution cost compresses faster at scale.
What shifts the timeline
- Higher monthly volume → faster payback.
- Lower handle time → smaller savings, longer payback.
- Voice-heavy mix → slower payback (lower deflection).
- Multi-language → custom build has marginal edge but slower payback.
- Regulated industry → custom build payback extends to compliance certification timeline.
Callout
How the calculator computes it
Net annual savings divided by 12 = monthly run-rate. First-year cost (setup + 12 months of monthly cost) divided by monthly run-rate = payback in months. The model uses ranges, not point estimates.
Try it on your numbers
Plug in your real volumes and see the projection.
The calculator runs the same methodology described above — channel modifiers, hidden costs, and the build-vs-buy verdict. Free preview without an email.
Run the calculatorFrequently asked
What if I only run a 2-month pilot?
Pilot ROI is rarely meaningful - the deflection rate has not yet converged. Wait until month 4-6 of operation before declaring payback.
Why is my custom payback longer?
Custom builds carry a higher upfront commitment. The trade-off is lower ongoing per-resolution cost at scale; the calculator shows the year-3 break-even.
Does the model include hidden costs in payback?
Yes. Net savings (after hidden costs) drive the payback calculation, not gross savings.