How to Reduce Customer Support Costs on Shopify: 3 Friendly Tips

Running a Shopify store? Then you know how important fast, friendly customer support is. But let’s be honest—support can get expensive, fast. Here are 3 practical tips to help you cut costs without sacrificing quality or customer happiness.

1. Automate Support Wherever You Can

Automation is your best friend when it comes to saving time and money. Modern tools like AI chatbots can answer common questions instantly, help with orders, and even learn from every conversation. That means less repetitive work for you, and faster answers for your customers!

Why Add an AI Chatbot to Shopify?

• Always On – Your AI chatbot never sleeps. Customers get instant help, day or night.
• Fast, Accurate Answers – AI pulls info from your site and the web, so answers are always up-to-date.
• Personal Touch – You can teach your chatbot about your brand and customize how it responds.
• Order Status 24/7 – Customers can check their order status anytime, just by entering their order ID.
• Always Up-to-Date Products – With Shopify API integration, your chatbot knows what’s in stock and what’s new.
• Easy Setup – Connect the chatbot to your store in minutes—no coding needed.
• Gets Smarter Over Time – The more it chats, the better it gets.
• Flexible Pricing – Choose a plan that fits your needs. Use your own API keys or let Chaterimo handle it for you.

2. Put Helpful Info on Your Website

Most customers want answers right away—and they’d rather not wait for support. Make it easy for them by adding:

• A Knowledge Base – Step-by-step guides and troubleshooting tips for your products.
• FAQs – Short, clear answers to common questions. Organize them by topic, and add a search bar so customers can find what they need fast. Keep updating your FAQ as new questions come in!
• Video Tutorials – Some people learn better by watching. Short videos can save everyone time.

The more info you share, the fewer support requests you’ll get. Simple as that.

3. Consider Outsourcing (When It Makes Sense)

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to hire a big team. Outsourcing can be a smart way to keep costs down and coverage up.

Pros of Outsourcing

• Save Money – Pay only for the help you need, instead of hiring full-time staff.
• 24/7 Support – Agencies can cover all hours, so you don’t have to.
• Expertise – Support pros know how to handle tricky questions.

Cons of Outsourcing

• Less Personal – Outsourced teams may not know your brand’s voice as well as you do.
• Quality Control – You’ll need to train and check in to keep standards high.
• Language/Cultural Barriers – If support is overseas, make sure communication is clear and culturally appropriate.

How Do You Know If Your Support Is Working?

Want to keep your customers happy and your costs under control? Track these key numbers:

• FCR (First Contact Resolution) – How often do you solve a customer’s problem on the first try?
• AHT (Average Handle Time) – How long does it take to answer a typical question?
• CSAT (Customer Satisfaction) – Are your customers happy with your support?

Check these regularly, ask for feedback, and look for patterns. That’s how you improve and keep costs in check!

How to Keep Support Quality High—Even While Saving Money?

Cutting costs doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards. Here’s how to do both:

• Keep Your Knowledge Base Fresh – If customers can find answers themselves, you’ll get fewer support requests.
• Let AI Help – Smart chatbots can suggest answers before a customer even talks to support.
• Stay Personal – Automation is great, but don’t lose your brand’s friendly voice. A well-set-up AI chatbot can sound just like you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add customer support to Shopify?

Check the Shopify App Store for support apps (including Chaterimo). They let you add live chat, a chatbot, and manage emails. Just install, connect, and set up your replies.

How can I outsource customer service on Shopify?

Hire an agency or freelancers. Or, try Chaterimo’s AI chatbot—it can handle most questions automatically and save you money.

How can I improve support without spending much?

Focus on your FAQ, knowledge base, and AI automation. You’ll cut costs and keep customers happy.

How can I boost sales on Shopify?

Use email marketing, discounts, upselling, cross-selling, speed up your site, and run ads. Fast, helpful support (with Chaterimo) can also turn more visitors into buyers.

How do I offer a customer discount on Shopify?

Go to Discounts in your Shopify admin and create a new code or automatic discount. Offer a percentage, fixed amount, or free shipping—whatever works best for your customers!