How to choose an AI service provider

The AI consulting market is growing fast, and not every provider is the same. Here are five things to look for when choosing who to work with.

1. Do they use AI themselves? The best AI consultants run their own operations on AI. Ask them: is your client management AI-driven? Did AI help build your website? If they're selling AI but running on spreadsheets, that's a red flag.

2. Do they come to you? Remote setup works for technical people, but most businesses need someone to sit down at their desk, configure things, and show them how it works. On-site service is harder to provide but makes all the difference.

3. How do they handle your data? When you use AI, you share sensitive business information — client details, pricing, strategy. Your provider should be transparent about what they can and can't see. Look for zero-logging policies and clear explanations of data flow.

4. What happens after setup? A one-time installation isn't enough. AI tools update, your business changes, new questions come up. Ongoing support — not just a help desk, but actual human guidance — is essential.

5. Is pricing transparent? You should know exactly what you're paying for before you commit. Tiers, what's included in each, and no hidden fees. If a provider can't give you a clear price, they probably can't give you a clear service either.