How To Trust Your AI Shopping Assistant Will Work In Production

When offering new AI technology such as an AI assistant, the risks can seem large. There’s always a risk when we integrate a new module into our system. Although we know that AI Shopping Assistants work in theory, what if they fail to provide shoppers with met expectations? These are some of the questions that merchants have to ask themselves when implementing new solutions on their site.

This is why we are providing some insight into how you can go into implementing your AI Shopping Assistant with trust. There has been evolving data and operational scaffolding in place since mid-2023 when chat AI technology gained traction.

Now, there are lessons to be learned and ways to approach chat AI technology that ensure that you can place your trust in it. Also, that you can take things at your own pace and be confident that you have a solution that works for you.

Low Risk Exposure

When implementing a new solution on your eCommerce platform, taking things slow to begin with can be a great starting place. Understandably, brands want to know that when they offer a shopping assistant to customers, customers will have their needs met.

If the assistant falls short on expectations, it could have the adverse desired effect. Causing customers to view your business negatively as a result of something you are trying to do to enhance their experience is a big fail.

Smart AI Search in Action

Boost conversions with AI-powered search and autocomplete for faster, more relevant product discovery.

Learn More



That’s why, starting things slowly with a low-risk exposure is a great way to know that you can trust the process. Just like in all things in life, rushing into things head on is not always the best idea. 

If you were painting a house, you would start with one wall and see how it looks before buying 50 tins of paint. This is the same philosophy. Low visibility surfaces are a great way to introduce the assistant into your system for customers that are looking for it, rather than the solution being promoted.

Low Visibility Surfaces

Low visibility surfaces could include modules such as:

• “Ask AI” inside autocomplete: this means that shoppers will already be using the search solution, and AI can provide an additional hand. Since an AI backed search will already be using similar data, this should offer an extra add-on advantage, as opposed to something novel and new.

• Minor Widget Button: as opposed to plastering all over your site about your new AI assistant, why not just create a small widget. This means that shoppers will not be enticed by a big promotion, but can look further if they so choose to.

• Limited Pages: you can offer your AI assistant on limited pages, so that you are able to keep track of how it is operating and if customers are having their needs met.

Once these surfaces seem to be ticking over nicely, that can be a great time to expand. Any expansion can be made cautiously and with guardrails. However, knowing that the solution has been successfully launched will make this next step less daunting.  



Crawl-Walk-Run

This technique is called ‘crawl-walk-run’ and it means not getting ahead of yourself. Guardrails that might be helpful for your business to employ in this situation could include:

• Refusal policies

• Brand-safe language

• Legal disclaimers

Having these at your disposal can give you the confidence to move forwards with this new solution. Making sure you have covered all bases and are heading for a seamless integration is key for peace of mind and business stability.

Conclusion

As with any business decision, taking your time and covering your bases is of key importance. Just as with any new human sales assistant, you understand that the process will take time. There may be errors along the way but ultimately everything will be smoothed out. The AI Shopping Assistant is no different. Taking things slowly to begin will set up a solid foundation as you move further down the line, and you can be more confident in the rewards your new solution will bring.

Unlock Your eCommerce Potential

Fast Simon's advanced personalization technology harnesses the power of behavioral targeting, turning real-time shopper actions into conversions.

Schedule a Demo