AI consulting in India spans everyone from solo advisors to large firms, and pricing varies just as widely. Here’s an honest guide to what to expect and how not to overpay. (dgm implements osFoundry, a separate company’s platform — dgm is an independent integration partner, not osFoundry. General information, not financial advice.)
The three pricing models
| Model | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate | Per consultant-day | Exploratory work |
| Fixed project fee | Set price for defined scope | Well-defined projects |
| Monthly retainer | Flat ongoing fee | Ongoing implementation + support |
Day rates suit open-ended exploration but carry cost risk if scope creeps; fixed/flat models are more predictable.
How to avoid overpaying
- Start small — a paid assessment to scope before a big commitment.
- Prefer fixed/flat where scope is clear.
- Watch incentives — consultants who steer you to expensive per-seat tools they resell may have misaligned incentives. Ask about reseller relationships.
Advice vs implementation
Pure advisory hands you a strategy to implement yourself; implementation-led partners do the actual integration. For most businesses the value is in working integration, not a slide deck — so clarify the deliverable before signing. (See choosing an AI partner.)
How dgm prices
dgm uses a flat model: a $399 assessment, then $3,999/month implementation on osFoundry, no per-seat fees and no hidden tool markups (INR approximate; USD authoritative; 18% GST domestic). The assessment is a low-risk way to scope before committing — see also implementation cost.
General information, not financial advice. Engagement costs vary by scope and provider.