Let’s face it—running a glazing business isn’t getting any easier. You face stiff competition, customers expecting faster quotes, and increasing pressure to get things right first time. That’s where AI comes in. More glazing businesses are starting to use it to speed up quoting, improve communications, and reduce errors—but figuring out how to budget for AI can be a challenge.

If you’ve ever thought, “How much is this all going to cost us,” you’re definitely not alone. Many companies are keen to use AI but worry it’ll cost an arm and a leg. The good news? You don’t need to dive in headfirst or break the bank to start seeing benefits.

This guide will help you understand the real costs of AI, how to make the most of what you spend, and avoid common money drains—all while giving your business a serious efficiency boost.

Understanding the True Cost of AI in Glazing

AI can feel like a big investment—but it’s not just the cost of a fancy bit of software. Let’s break it down using everyday glazing examples so it’s crystal clear what you’d actually be paying for.

• Software subscriptions: To get the most out of the various AI tools, you probably will end up on a subscription, but many have a free level, and even the subscriptions are typically a low monthly fee that is way lower than the cost of the time you will save.
• Hardware upgrades: Most AI tools work in the cloud, but you might need a better tablet for surveyors or laptops in the office to handle it smoothly. This isn’t for every business and the level of hardware that will run your other tools effectively, will be more than enough for using AI tools.
• Team training: AI tools are only good if your staff can use them. Factor in time (and training fees) for training your team on using AI-powered tools. It’s amazing how many people have used ChatGPT at home and now believe they have seen everything AI can do!
• Integration with your current systems: If you use specific software for customer records or job scheduling, you might need help programming the AI to connect with it with things like API’s or Zapier. This could be a one-off cost through your software provider or IT support.

Start Small: Identify High-Impact, Low-Cost AI Opportunities

If the thought of a full AI transformation sounds overwhelming (and expensive), don’t worry. You absolutely don’t need to do it all at once. The smartest route? Start small with tools that give you fast wins for little cost.

• AI-enabled marketing assets: The marketing team are often the first to implement new ways of doing things, so although it isn’t the most transformative use of AI, it may help to dip the toe here and see the time saving you can get just from this area.
• Email Responses: Using either built in tools such as Copilot or external tools such as Claude or ChatGPT will save you hours of time each week and are a real low cost, high value (time saving) way to justify the benefits of AI for your business.
• Scheduling assistants: Use AI to suggest the best job times or delivery routes, based on location, availability, and travel time. It’s like a supercharged calendar that helps keep your day running like clockwork.
• AI Agents/ChatBots: Some AI tools can answer basic enquiries  by pulling answers from your existing FAQs. Think “When can you fit my patio doors?” or “What’s your average turnaround?”—sorted without anyone lifting a finger. GlazingBot is a great example of this, built specifically for the glazing industry.

These tools are often available on affordable subscriptions (some even free to start with), and many don’t need a big tech setup. What they do need is a little bit of time to get going—and a clear idea of what you want them to do for your team.

Build a Smart AI Budget by Aligning with Business Goals

One of the easiest ways to make AI work for your finances is to only spend money on tools that solve real problems in your glazing business. That means your AI budget should be shaped around your goals—not gadgets.

Start by asking simple questions like:

• Where am I losing the most time? Is your office manager spending hours re-checking measurements? AI can assist with digital site surveys and accuracy checks.
• Where am I spending money fixing avoidable mistakes? Tools that streamline admin or customer communication can reduce errors—like getting the wrong glass spec on site.
• Which tasks delay jobs or cost me customers? Delayed quotes, missed messages, or inefficient delivery routes? There’s an AI tool for each of these.

Once you’ve spotted where AI can genuinely support your goals—quicker lead responses, fewer installation errors, better delivery routes—you can set a budget that actually helps fix those issues, instead of just being a tech experiment.

Avoid Budget Pitfalls: What Not to Waste Money On

AI can do a lot—but not everything it can do is useful for every glazing business. Here’s where most companies go wrong when budgeting:

• Buying full-featured tools when you only need a small part: If you just want faster quoting, don’t go for a full CRM bundled with AI bells and whistles. Pay for what you’ll actually use.
• Ignoring integration: If your AI tool doesn’t talk to your other systems (like job tracking or invoicing), you might end up making more work for your team. Always check compatibility.
• Overloading your team: If you roll out too much tech too quickly, your staff might not use it—or worse, make more mistakes trying to learn. Start simple, grow gradually.

In short, focus on tools that fit your business size and style. A small glazing team doing local installs doesn’t need the same AI features as a national manufacturer. Choose smart, not shiny.

Stretch Your Budget: Leverage Free Tools and Scalable Solutions

You don’t need deep pockets to dip your toe into AI. There are loads of ways to keep your AI budget tight while still making genuine improvements to your operations.

• Use freemium tools: Lots of popular AI tools offer free versions with basic features—ideal if you just want to trial them. These free plans often include everything you need, just in small doses.
• Look for scalable pricing: Some platforms let you start on a low-cost plan and scale up as you grow—perfect for small businesses who don’t want to over-commit.
• Take advantage of pilot programmes: Some AI companies offer pilots or pay-as-you-go trials. This means you can run a test for a few jobs or over a quiet month without big upfront spending.
• Repurpose tools you already use: Platforms like Google Sheets or Outlook can connect with basic AI add-ons. You might already have tools that can work harder—without buying anything new.

For instance, trialling an AI tool that reviews customer feedback and flags common complaints could cost nothing in the first month and help you spot repeat issues—saving you time and reputation in the long run.

There’s never been a better time for glazing companies to start using AI—but only if it’s done with the right plan and budget. Whether you’re hoping to speed up your quotes, stop small mistakes becoming costly ones, or just make days run more smoothly, AI has something to offer—all without blowing your budget.

By understanding the true costs, starting small, and aligning with your goals, you can build a smart AI budget that delivers real results. Avoid flashy spending, stick with tools you’ll actually use, and remember—some of the best solutions don’t cost much at all.

At thinkivity, we help glazing companies of all sizes get started with AI in a way that makes sense – for your budget, your goals, and your team. Want guidance on what to use and what to avoid? We’re here to help. And again, you don’t need to commit to full blown in person bespoke training. Our GlazePro AI is a great place to start.