AI market research generates a net monthly value of $3,875 per 100 tasks by reducing task time from 60 to 25 minutes. Based on a $500 monthly cost, the payback period is approximately 3 days.
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AI market research delivers a net value of $3,875 per month for every 100 tasks completed, assuming a $500 monthly cost. By reducing the time required for a research task from 60 minutes to 25 minutes, organizations capture 58 hours of saved labour per month.
This calculation uses a loaded staff cost of $75 per hour. In the NetLift model, value is determined by subtracting the full cost of AI—including licenses, training, and rework—from the labour value of the realized time saved.
Worked example for AI Market Research ROI using stated NetLift assumptions. The table below is illustrative — to run this calculation with your own numbers, use the free AI ROI calculator:
| Input (stated assumption) | Value |
|---|---|
| Tasks per month | 100 |
| Time without AI (per task) | 60 min |
| Time with AI (per task) | 25 min |
| Loaded staff cost | $75/hour |
| AI cost per month (licences + usage) | $500 |
| Computed result | Value |
|---|---|
| Hours saved per month | 58 h |
| Labour value of time saved | $4,375 / month |
| Current net value | $3,875 / month |
| Payback | about 3 days |
Every input above is an assumption until you track real work. In NetLift the same calculation runs on verified time blocks, so the result carries an Evidence Quality grade instead of being an estimate.
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Net value is the labour value of realized time saved minus the full AI cost. This cost includes more than just the $500 monthly license; it accounts for implementation, training, and any necessary review or rework. For a volume of 100 tasks, the gross labour value of time saved reaches $4,375, leaving a significant margin after monthly expenses.
Payback measures how long it takes for the net value generated by the AI to cover its total cost to date. Based on the provided assumptions, the $500 monthly cost is recouped in about 3 days of operation. This speed of return allows leaders to move from an "Estimate Only" grade to a "Verified" Evidence Quality grade as they track real work blocks.
NetLift measures actual time saved against objective baselines rather than relying on self-reported estimates. This approach assigns an Evidence Quality grade to each result, ensuring that decisions to Expand or Stop a project are based on deterministic data. Because NetLift measures work and value rather than individual productivity, it provides these insights without screenshots, keystroke logging, or browser monitoring.
14-day free trial. No credit card required.
About the author
Paige Gilmore · Founder, NetLift
Paige Gilmore is the founder of NetLift, the AI Value Management platform that helps organisations measure the cost, savings and return of AI adoption.
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