How to Use AI Chatbots for Smart Shopping: My Personal Experience

Ever since I started using AI chatbots for curating my hobbies, finding new games, movies, and anime has been a breeze. But recently, I shifted my focus to something more practical: saving money. Between video games, comic books, anime, and sneakers, it’s incredibly easy to overspend. My Amazon wishlist often taunted me with items I wanted but didn’t need, sitting there for months, begging for a click on “Add to Cart.”

In this article, I’ll share my journey of using AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to find the best deals without succumbing to impulse purchases. This way, you too can harness the power of AI for smart shopping.

The Power of AI in Shopping

AI chatbots have come a long way. They not only enhance hobby exploration but also provide practical solutions like tracking prices, suggesting deals, and even guiding purchasing decisions. Here’s how I did it.

Using ChatGPT for Price Tracking

The first AI I employed was ChatGPT. I was on a mission to find a lower price for the Astro Bot PS5 DualSense Controller, which I had my eye on. I asked ChatGPT for the best available prices and within seconds, it provided a wealth of information:

• New and retail buying options
• Used and resale listings
• Notes on pricing trends

Interestingly, it included links to retailers like GameStop and eBay, making my shopping experience seamless.

Perplexity’s Approach

Next, I turned to Perplexity, curious to see if it could outshine ChatGPT. Perplexity is known for its cited sources which provide context to its suggestions. While it did present a more scholarly approach, listing the lowest prices and indicating where I could find them, it felt lacking in the detail department.

Winner: ChatGPTChatGPT stood out by offering a more comprehensive guide to buying my controller, complete with images, direct links, and real-time price checks.

Real-Life Applications: My Top Three Items

1. The Astro Bot PS5 DualSense Controller

Image credit: Sony

I was determined to find this controller without breaking the bank. ChatGPT recommended GameStop, where I found it for $89.99, a great price which I felt comfortable spending.

2. My First Air Fryer

The next item on my list was an air fryer. I admit, I’ve seen everyone rave about them, and I felt left out. So, I decided to let AI guide me again.

Round 1: ChatGPT

I asked ChatGPT about the best budget-friendly air fryers, and it categorized them neatly:

• Very budget-friendly (under $60)
• Mid-range ($50 to $90)
• Bigger options ($70 to $100+)

ChatGPT also provided cooking tips and sales watch advice, which made the process much easier.

Round 2: Perplexity

In contrast, Perplexity focused on grouping different air fryers into “best performers” and “budget options.” This was valuable, but it didn’t delve as deeply into personalized recommendations.

Winner: PerplexityIn this instance, Perplexity won for its depth of detail. It offered insightful comparisons tailored to my cooking needs, and I eventually settled on the Cosori TurboBlaze, which I found for $89.99.

3. The Nike Men’s Air Force 1 ‘07 Sneaker

Image credit: Nike

As a sneaker enthusiast, I decided I deserved a new pair of Nike Air Force 1s. I queried ChatGPT first, who quickly produced a list of retailers like eBay, StockX, and GOAT, along with pricing comparisons and condition-based recommendations.

Then I turned to Perplexity, which did a good job of highlighting new websites for purchasing sneakers, but it lacked the personalized detail of ChatGPT.

Winner: ChatGPTOnce again, ChatGPT reigned supreme with its detailed tailored listings and specific pricing for my size.

What Made ChatGPT Stand Out?

The consistent winner in my personal AI shopping experiments was ChatGPT. Here’s why:

• Comprehensive Listings: Provides images, links, and pricing charts tailored to specific items.
• User-Friendly: Simplifies the shopping experience, making it less overwhelming.
• Practical Recommendations: Offers tips and insights that guide meaningful shopping choices.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right AI Tool for Smart Shopping

Navigating the world of online shopping can be challenging, especially with the myriad of options available. However, thanks to AI chatbots, making informed purchasing decisions has never been easier. Whether you are a gamer looking for the latest controller, a foodie wanting to dive into air frying, or a sneaker enthusiast wanting that perfect pair, AI can assist you effectively.

So next time you find yourself ready to make a purchase, consider harnessing the power of AI to ensure you are making the best decision. Happy shopping!