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AI agency vs fractional partner vs hiring in-house: how to choose
Small businesses have three realistic ways to get automation built: hire an agency, hire someone full time, or bring in a fractional partner. Each fits a different situation.
The three options at a glance
- Typical AI agency. Usually sells a project and hands it off. Good for a defined, one-off build; less good if you need someone to keep it running.
- Full-time hire. Maximum control and context, but a full salary, a long hiring process, and a single person who may not have every skill you need.
- Fractional partner. The ongoing function of an Ops Manager or fractional COO without the full-time salary. One accountable person scopes, builds and keeps the work running.
Questions to ask whichever route you choose
- Who is accountable if the automation breaks in month three?
- Who reviews and tests the work before it touches your customers?
- Do I get a written scope and quote before work starts?
- Will I own the accounts, data and documentation afterwards?
Where Swaha AI fits
- Swaha AI is a fractional AI and operations partner: closer to a part-time hire than an agency engagement. Work is scoped and quoted in writing first, and every build is human-reviewed. If you only want an outside opinion, the readiness audit and advisory option has no implementation attached.
- Read how pricing works or see the FAQ. Related: how much does AI automation cost?
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