Live chat provides a quick and user-friendly way for website visitors to ask a question and get a response immediately. It is a nice addition to email ticket support as live chat is mainly used to answer questions from potential customers, not address questions from existing customers.
There are a number of chat applications available that help you speak directly to customers. Be sure to check out the billing management and ticket support services available as many include an option for live chat.
 | ChatstackA fantastic looking chat application that works on Windows and Mac. While chatting with web visitors you can view personal information about them and see social media profiles such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Foursquare and GitHub. Apps are also available for iOS and Android to help you chat to visitors on the go. The branded version of Chatstack retails at a one-off fee of $99, whilst the unbranded version costs $199. All purchases come with six months of updates and support and a thirty day money back guarantee. |
 | eAssistance ProA feature-rich live chat application that offers cool features such as a spell checker, geo mapping, visitor monitoring, and auto-response functionality. A six month subscription for up to five operators retails at $162. Discounts are available for purchasing longer licenses. |
 | GotLiveChatGotLiveChat is an affordable hosted chat solution that permits an unlimited number of operators and chat sessions. It offers canned responses, audio and visual notifications, and the ability to block abusive users. GotLiveChat retails at $9.95 per month and features no branding in the software. |
 | LiveChatA professional live chat solution that allows agents to initiate discussions with customers and then let them rate their experience. Your company logo and colour scheme can be added to the chat window to help personalise the experience. Their starter plan starts from $16 per month per agent. More expensive plans unlock additional features. |
 | Live GuideAn advanced hosted chat solution that offers audio and video chat, mobile chat, reports, canned responses, customisation options, and more. A free trial is available, however you need to contact them to request a quote for the current price of the software. |
 | NelichsoNelichso is a web-based chat service that has some great features such as operator to operator chat functionality, canned responses, an option to transfer chat to another operator, and a chat invitation option. There are many great customisation options available to help you personalise your chat window. The full version of Nelichso can be used free of charge if you only need one operator and one department. Fifteen operators and give departments only costs $1.99 per month, thirty operators and ten departments costs $2.99 per month, and fifty operators and fifteen departments costs $3.99 per month. Without doubt, Nelichso is one of the most affordable live chat solutions available to hosting companies. |