Dispatch
Dispatch vs Shopify Inbox

Dispatch vs Shopify Inbox

Shopify Inbox is free and built in, and its opt-in AI agent answers product and policy questions. If that covers your store, use it. Dispatch is for stores that need helpdesk handoff, post-purchase tools like Corso, and a choice of AI model.

Install on Shopify Talk to us

Bring your own AI key and pay your provider at cost — no per-resolution fees. Dispatch plan pricing: see dispatch.osroc.io.

At a glance

Inbox is the free, native default. Dispatch adds helpdesk handoffs, connected tools and model choice.

Shopify InboxDispatch
PriceFreeA Dispatch plan, plus your AI provider's token price on your own key
AI answersOpt-in AI agent: products, shipping, returns, sizing and policies from your catalog, policies, Knowledge Base and pagesCatalog, policies and pages, plus connected tools (Corso, review apps, your MCP servers)
OrdersLooks up orders after the customer signs inSigned-in shoppers, or order number plus email checked against Shopify, with lockouts
HandoffTo staff in Inbox, or the store's email if no one is availableNot a helpdesk: hands off to Gorgias, Zendesk (beta), Slack live threads or email, with summary and transcript; team replies show in the chat
ReturnsNot coveredCorso returns, exchanges and warranty claims (beta)
AI modelsShopify'sYour choice: Claude, GPT, open models on DigitalOcean, or anything on OpenRouter
BrandingMandatory “powered by Shopify” AI noticeYour widget colours, title and greeting

Sources (checked 2026-10-17): Shopify Inbox on the Shopify App Store, Shopify Help: Inbox, Shopify Help: Inbox AI agent. Prices checked 17 October 2026; check the vendor's site for current pricing.

Where Shopify Inbox is the better fit

  • It's free, native and takes no setup.
  • Shop sign-in personalisation (sizes, purchase history) out of the box.
  • If your team answers chats in Shopify's own Inbox apps, it's already there.

Where Dispatch is the better fit

  • You use Gorgias, Zendesk or Slack and want handoffs to land there, with replies back in the chat.
  • You want post-purchase actions: Corso returns, exchanges and warranty claims.
  • You want to choose the AI model, or connect your own tools over MCP.

Questions

Is Shopify Inbox really free?

Yes, the app is free on the Shopify App Store. Its AI agent is opt-in, needs new customer accounts and a Basic plan or higher, and had no listed price when we checked on 17 October 2026.

Can I use Dispatch and Shopify Inbox together?

Running two chat widgets on one storefront confuses shoppers, so most stores pick one. Dispatch is the better fit when you need helpdesk handoff or connected post-purchase tools.

What does Dispatch do that the Inbox agent doesn't?

Handoffs to Gorgias, Zendesk, Slack or email with summaries and transcripts, order checks for guests by order number and email, Corso returns and exchanges, and your choice of AI model.

What will AI support cost you?Compare per-resolution AI agents at your volume with Dispatch on your own AI key, where a conversation costs the raw model price.Answer product questions before they become returnsDispatch answers sizing, materials, compatibility and stock questions from your Shopify catalog, with question chips in the chat and on the product page.How Dispatch comparesDispatch vs Gorgias AI Agent, Zendesk AI, Intercom Fin, Tidio Lyro, Shopify Inbox and Rep AI: pricing model, helpdesk fit and where each is stronger.

The AI front door to your helpdesk

Answers shoppers instantly, sells while it helps, and hands the hard ones to your team in the tools they already use.

Install on Shopify Talk to us