I'm planning to hire an to build a custom AI solution for my business. There are so many providers offering services like machine learning, generative AI, chatbot development, AI automation, and predictive analytics that it's difficult to know which one is the right fit.

What factors should I consider before making a decision? I'm particularly interested in understanding:

How to evaluate an AI company's technical expertise and portfolio.
What questions to ask during the initial consultation.
How to compare pricing, timelines, and development approaches.
Whether it's better to work with a specialized AI development company or a full-service software development firm.
Common mistakes businesses make when outsourcing AI projects.

If you've worked with an AI development company, I'd appreciate hearing about your experience, recommendations, and any lessons learned that could help me make an informed decision.