How much does business automation cost?

Automation work averages $150 an hour + GST. Fixed-scope projects can be quoted, and sometimes come in cheaper than hourly. We'll give you an estimate before any work starts.

What are good automations for a small business?

Common wins are new enquiries going straight into your CRM, quote and invoice reminders, jobs created automatically from bookings or forms, attachments filed to the right folder and follow-up emails or SMS sent on time.

Which is better: Zapier, Make or n8n?

Zapier is the easiest to start with and connects to a huge range of apps. Make suits more complex, visual workflows. n8n is very flexible and can be self-hosted for more control. We'll recommend the one that suits your setup and budget.

Does Google have its own automation tools?

Yes. Google Workspace has automation built in, and Google AppSheet can run automated workflows on your data. We can build inside your existing Google Workspace.

Can ChatGPT or AI create workflows?

AI can do useful steps inside a workflow, like sorting enquiries or drafting replies. Someone still needs to connect your tools reliably and check the results, which is where we come in.

Do we need to change our software?

Usually not. Most of the time we work with what you've already got.

Is it safe to connect our systems?

We set up access carefully and document what's connected to what, so you're never left wondering where your data goes.

What happens if an automation stops working?

We build in checks and alerts, and we can look after your automations on an ongoing basis or hand them over with documentation.

Do you build AI agents?

Yes, in a range of environments, including inside Google Workspace. Every AI agent is scoped to your requirements, so get in touch to talk through what you need.

Do you work outside Brisbane?

Yes. Most automation work is done remotely, so we work with businesses across Queensland and Australia-wide.

Business automation for Brisbane and Queensland businesses

Stop doing the same admin twice.

We connect the apps you already use, so quotes, jobs, invoices and follow-ups move on their own. Zapier, Make, n8n, AppSheet, ServiceM8 and AI agents. Around $150 an hour + GST.

5.0 on Google · Brisbane and Ipswich based

The short answer

Looking for business automation in Brisbane? In Cahoots Co connects the apps Queensland businesses already use, like Google Workspace, Pipedrive, ServiceM8 and Xero, so information moves between them without anyone retyping it. We build with Zapier, Make, n8n and Google AppSheet, and build AI agents to your requirements. Automation work averages $150 an hour + GST, and fixed-scope projects can be quoted lower.

If your team types it twice, it should be automated.

01Someone re-types the same customer details into three different systems.
02Quotes, jobs and invoices live in different places, and nothing lines up.
03Leads sit in an inbox until someone remembers to follow up.
04You know AI could help, but you don't know where to start without making a mess.

What we automate

Workflow automation with Zapier, Make and n8n.

Your apps talking to each other. A form fill creates the contact in your CRM, the job in your job system and the follow-up email, without anyone touching it.

Zapier in Brisbane Zapier in Sydney

Business apps with Google AppSheet.

Custom apps and simple CRMs built on your Google data, so your team has one place to enter and find things, without a big development budget.

AppSheet development

Job management with ServiceM8 and Xero.

Quotes, jobs, scheduling and invoicing set up properly for field-service businesses, with Xero kept in sync.

ServiceM8 setup

Automations inside Google Workspace.

Gmail, Sheets, Forms, Drive and Calendar working together: attachments filed automatically, sheets kept up to date and reminders sent on time.

Google Workspace support

AI automation and AI agents.

AI that does real work: sorting enquiries, drafting replies, summarising calls and pulling details out of documents. Built in the tools that suit your business, under your AI policy, and scoped to your requirements.

AI agents AI policy

Marketing automation.

Lead capture, email and SMS follow-up and CRM updates connected to your website and ads, so every enquiry is captured and traced back to where it came from.

Websites Ads

Tools we work with

Zapier
Make
n8n
Google AppSheet
ServiceM8
Google Workspace
Pipedrive
Xero

Using something else? Ask us. Most modern business tools can be connected.

What does automation cost?

Automation work

About $150 / hour + GST

Our average rate for automation work, charged for the time it takes. It’s a good way to frame your budget.

Zapier, Make and n8n workflows
Google AppSheet apps
ServiceM8 and Xero setup
Google Workspace automations

Fixed-scope projects

Quoted

When the job is clearly defined, we can quote a fixed price, and it sometimes comes in cheaper than hourly. AI agents are scoped and quoted to your requirements.

How it works

1
Tell us the task
The task that eats your week, who does it and the tools involved.
2
Map it
We map how it works today and find the simplest fix, usually in tools you already pay for.
3
Build and test
We build it and test it with your team before anything goes live.
4
Look after it, or hand it over
Ongoing support if you want it, or documentation so your team can run it.

Automation we’ve done

How we helped NuGrow build a Pipedrive workflow that reflects how its team worksRead it

How a ServiceM8 Implementation Gives Field-Service SMEs a System Their Team Can RunRead it

Case Study: Automation & WordPress Support for a Brisbane Salon MarketplaceRead it

In Cahoots Co completes Zapier Automation for Brisbane BusinessRead it

Automation for Brisbane and Queensland businesses.

We\u2019re based in Ipswich and work with businesses across Brisbane, South East Queensland and Australia-wide. Most automation work is done remotely, so location is rarely a barrier.