Do This One Thing With AI Before You Use It To Buy Anything
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to become a shopping companion for millions of consumers, but most people still aren't using it in the ways that it can have the biggest financial impact: right before they buy.
If used judiciously, AI can help you save money instead of directing you to spend it. Rather than asking AI what to purchase, do the following five steps in this order.
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1. Use AI as a Shopping Assistant, Not Decision-Maker
As many as 81% of consumers already using AI to shop, according to Consumer Affairs, but they secret to using it well is to use it more as an assistant than as a decision maker. Comparison shopping is one of AI’s best skills.
Simple prompts can help you do such things as compare prices, find lower-cost alternatives summarize reviews and look for hidden fees. While the research organization Gartner found that as many as 11% of consumers are comfortable letting AI purchase things for them autonomously, it’s probably not a great idea to completely hand it over just yet. It’s smarter to use AI as a shopping research assistant, while you still review your actual purchases for relevance and price.
2. Then Use This Prompt Before You Buy Anything Online
You may be tempted to ask AI whether a purchase is "worth it," but remember that it needs more context to consider whether the purchase makes sense to your personal financial circumstances. So I asked ChatGPT and Claude if they could help me customize prompts for consumers to use before they buy anything online.
ChatGPT said: "Before I buy this item, help me spend as little as possible. Compare prices, check sale history, recommend similar lower-cost alternatives, find coupons or cash-back, calculate the total delivered cost, assess whether refurbished or older models offer better value and tell me whether I should buy now or wait."
Claude said: “Compare prices across three retailers with shipping. Does it regularly go on sale? Suggest cheaper alternatives and explain what I'd lose. Find coupons or cash-back. Calculate total cost. Consider refurbished or previous-gen models. Would waiting save more?"
Both AI models suggested that that you can get even more granular in your prompts, asking it to compare everything from price per ounce and unit pricing to shipping costs and return policies if you really want specific data.
3. AI Often Finds Bigger Savings Than Coupons
Using AI as a shopping assistant might change how you buy. For instance, you might choose an older model appliance because AI found you one you didn’t even know was available in good condition. Or maybe you realize buying direct, store brands or refurbished is better on your wallet.
In fact, Reuters reported that Adobe Analytics data found that shoppers who use AI-enabled platforms spent more time (over half again) browsing. They also generate higher revenue per visit than average shoppers.
4. Ask AI if Waiting Could Save You Money
Many products follow predictable pricing cycles that consumers aren’t always aware of. AI can summarize when products typically go on sale and whether today's discount is really a good savings or if it's better to wait. This may be especially true of bigger ticket items like electronics, furniture, fitness equipment and other big purchases. Consumers who used AI shopping tools reported saving around $287 per year according to Consumer Affairs.
5. Always Verify AI's Advice Before You Checkout
While AI can shorten your research time and help you make more informed decisions, it isn't a live pricing database. It may rely on outdated information or invent details, so you always need to double check important info, such as prices, shipping costs, coupon codes, return policies, warranties and more. Always review and double check.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. It was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy. However, AI-generated content may be inaccurate, incomplete or outdated. You should independently verify important information through reliable sources before making any decisions based on this content.
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