As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers in search of bargains are turning to technology to maximise savings. Among various tools available, using artificial intelligence (AI) as a personal shopping assistant is emerging as a popular trend. With the largest user base and extensive user-generated resources, ChatGPT is proving to be a valuable assistant in the quest for the best deals.
Recently, a custom version of ChatGPT was put to the test by Amanda Smith, to determine its effectiveness in locating discounted products. The experiment was conducted using ChatGPT Plus, which provides access to the GPT-4 model with internet capabilities, for a fee of $20 per month. The goal was to assess whether the tool could facilitate greater savings than its subscription cost.
The test involved two scenarios: purchasing a high-value product and searching for valid coupons.
For the significant purchase, Smith sought to find a more affordable option for a MacBook Pro, a popular laptop model. Utilising the Shopping GPT feature, Smith was immediately presented with two options: a model $180 cheaper and another $50 less than the Apple Store prices of $999 and $1,199, respectively. However, a crucial oversight was made—the less expensive option was a refurbished model. This underscored the importance of ensuring ChatGPT searches are accurately parameterised and always substantiating AI findings by checking directly with company websites.
Further refinement of the search criteria, specifically requesting only brand-new models from well-reputed retailers, initially yielded prices equivalent to those at the Apple Store. However, following encouragement from ChatGPT to inspect open-box deals, Smith discovered savings of up to $295 at Best Buy.
In terms of finding valid coupons, Smith explored opportunities to maximise discounts on Amazon. ChatGPT directed her to Amazon's coupons page and suggested using the PayPal Honey browser extension, which applies eligible coupons automatically at checkout. Testing this suggestion, Smith tracked 4% cashback on a Madewell linen dress and received a discount on a pair of Adidas sneakers via Honey.
Overall, ChatGPT effectively guided Smith towards discovering hidden savings and evaluating purchasing options, particularly when complemented by personal diligence and additional tools like browser extensions. Additionally, ChatGPT's potential extends beyond shopping, with capabilities to aid in negotiating service costs or creating cost-effective plans for events.
As consumers weigh technology's role this holiday season, ChatGPT exemplifies how melding AI with traditional shopping strategies might yield more substantial discounts and smarter buying choices. Whether savings outweigh the cost of tools like ChatGPT Plus likely depends on the individual's shopping habits and tech-savviness, but the utility of AI in bargain hunting is becoming increasingly promising.
Source: Noah Wire Services