Short plan and quick places to look

• Decide what you need (scope): website chat widget only, WhatsApp/Facebook + web, simple FAQ bot, or a custom LLM + Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) that can query your docs.
• Where to find Perth talent: local chatbot/AI agencies, freelance marketplaces, local meetup/tech groups, and LinkedIn. (meetup.com, Upwork.com, botmakers.net)

Local options and examples

• Perth agencies that build and integrate AI chatbots (examples you can contact or benchmark): Lakestone.ai, InovArc, Concetto Labs and other Perth chatbot agencies listed on local directories. Use their portfolios to see similar projects. (Lakestone.ai, inovarcai.io, concettolabs.com, botmakers.net)

Freelancers and platforms

• Use Upwork/Freelancer/Fiverr to hire individual developers or small teams (good for smaller budgets or trial builds). Filter for Australia/Perth, relevant skills (OpenAI/GPT, Node/Python, React), and reviews. (Upwork.com)

Meetups & community

• Join Perth AI/chatbot meetups and LinkedIn groups to meet local devs or get referrals — often the fastest way to find vetted, experienced builders. (meetup.com)

How to write a clear job brief (short template you can paste)

• Title: Web developer / AI chatbot integrator (Perth or remote)
• Summary: Integrate an AI chatbot into our site and messaging channels (website live chat + optionally WhatsApp/Facebook). Must support knowledge retrieval from our docs and CRM integration.
• Required skills: OpenAI (or Claude/Gemini), RAG experience (Pinecone/Weaviate/ES), Node.js or Python backend, frontend (React/Next.js) or WordPress plugin experience, API/CRM integration (HubSpot/Salesforce), deployment (Vercel/AWS).
• Deliverables & timeline: prototype in 2–4 weeks, deployment and training, handover docs, 30-day bug support.
• Budget: state hourly or fixed-range and whether you want ongoing support.

Screening checklist and interview questions

• Ask for 2–3 relevant case studies or a live demo of a chatbot they built.
• Technical checks: Which LLM(s) did you use? Do you implement RAG? How do you secure API keys and user data? How do you log/monitor conversations?
• Behavioural checks: Who’s on the delivery team? How do you handle bugs/maintenance? Do you outsource any part of the work?
• Use a short paid trial task (e.g., connect OpenAI to a site chat widget and demonstrate a simple RAG search against one PDF). Good question lists and hiring guides are available from agency/hiring resources. (blog.HubSpot.com, Toptal.com)

Technical red flags to avoid

• No portfolio or examples of deployed bots.
• Vague answers about data security, logging, or how they store user data and API keys.
• Refusal to provide a small paid trial or code samples.

Practical next steps (in order)

1. Write the brief using the template above and set a realistic budget/timeline.
2. Post it: local agency contact pages (examples above), Upwork/Freelancer, and LinkedIn (target Perth). (Upwork.com, Lakestone.ai)
3. Reach out to the Perth Chatbots / AI meetup/community for referrals. (meetup.com)
4. Shortlist 3 candidates/agencies, run the paid trial task, check references, sign an agreement (IP, support, confidentiality).
5. Move to a small pilot, then production and maintenance.

If you’d like, I can:

• Draft a tailored job post from your project details (scope, channels, budget), or
• Draft 3 interview questions + a 1‑week paid trial task to use when screening candidates.

Which one do you want me to prepare now?