Can AI Help You Find Better Deals When Shopping?

Shopping online offers endless choice, but it can be hard to know if you're truly getting the best price. Sifting through dozens of websites for reviews and discounts can be tiring. We've found that AI can act as a surprisingly capable research assistant, doing much of that legwork for you.

How Can AI Help with Shopping?

AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, can process large amounts of information from the internet in seconds. You can ask them questions in plain English, and they can help you with several shopping tasks:

• Comparing products to find the best one for your specific needs.
• Finding voucher codes you might have missed before checking out.
• Getting a quick summary of what customers generally think, without reading hundreds of reviews yourself.
• Price guidance: While real-time price comparison is still developing, AI can give you a reasonable idea of what you should expect to pay.

Practical Prompts for Smarter Shopping

The trick to getting good results is to ask clear, detailed questions. Here are some examples of prompts you can use.

1. Comparing Products

Imagine you need a new digital radio, but you're not sure which one to get. You can ask an AI to help you choose.

Practical Prompt Example:

"I am looking for a new DAB digital radio for my kitchen. My budget is around £50. I need it to be simple to use with good sound quality and a clear display. Can you compare the Roberts Play 10 and the Pure Elan One and tell me which might be better for me?"

The AI will analyse the features of both models and give you a balanced comparison to help you decide.

2. Finding Voucher and Discount Codes

Before you buy something online, it is always worth checking for a discount code. AI can speed up this search.

Practical Prompt Example:

"I am about to buy some gardening supplies from the B&Q website. Can you search for any active voucher codes or special offers for B&Q in the UK for March 2026?"

The AI will then scan the web for any available codes, like "10% off for new customers" or "free delivery".

3. Summarising Customer Reviews

If a product has hundreds of reviews, you can ask the AI to give you a summary of what people generally think.

Practical Prompt Example:

"Can you summarise the customer reviews for the 'Ninja Foodi AF300UK' air fryer? I want to know what people generally like and dislike about it."

Important Things to Keep in Mind

AI is a useful tool, but it's not perfect. Prices and offers change very quickly, so the AI's information might not always be up to the minute. Always double-check the price on the retailer's website before you make a purchase. Think of AI as your research assistant, not the final decision-maker. For general tips on using AI wisely, our guide to staying safe with AI is worth a look.

FAQ

Helpful Links

• Try Google Gemini
• MoneySavingExpert - A great resource for deals (human-powered!)