AI shopping assistant
An AI shopping assistant is software that helps a shopper choose in a chat: it asks what they need, recommends products from the store’s own catalog, explains why each one fits and helps them buy.
What it means in practice
In a shop, a good assistant asks two or three questions and hands you the right thing. “Is it for you or a gift? Dry skin or oily? Under US$50?” Online, the shopper usually filters a product grid alone and guesses. An AI shopping assistant brings the questions back. The shopper describes what they want in their own words, on your website chat, WhatsApp or Instagram, and gets a short list from your catalog with the reason for each pick.
It is the selling side of an ecommerce chatbot. The same chat that recommends a moisturizer also answers “is it in stock?”, “how long is delivery?” and, after the sale, “where is my order?”.
Why it matters for an online store
- Shoppers who cannot choose do not buy. A large catalog, similar products and unclear sizing all end in a closed tab. A question answered in the moment keeps the shopper going. See cart abandonment.
- The answer has to come from your catalog. A recommendation for a product you do not sell, or one that is out of stock, is worse than none. The assistant needs your live products, variants and stock.
- Recommendations should carry a reason. “This one, because you said dry skin and fragrance-free” is something a shopper can check. A list with no reason reads as an advert.
- Shoppers ask in many languages. The same catalog has to be explained to every shopper in the language they write in.
How it works in chat
- It asks before it suggests. Two or three short questions about use, size, budget or preferences, and no more than the choice needs.
- It reads your catalog. Products, variants, prices and stock come from your store, such as Shopify or Wix, or from a Google Sheet if you sell without a website. See Google Sheets.
- It suggests a few, with reasons. One to three products that are in stock, each with the reason it fits what the shopper said.
- It helps them buy. A link to the product, an approved discount where your rules allow it, or a payment link in the same chat.
AeroChat recommends products from your own catalog and explains why each one fits, on web chat, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, Telegram and email. It replies in the customer’s language, and it only offers a discount within the rules you set.
An example exchange
Shopper, on Instagram: I need a moisturizer for dry skin, no fragrance, under US$40. (example)
AeroChat: Two that fit. The Calm barrier cream, US$34, is fragrance-free and made for dry, sensitive skin. The Daily hydrating gel, US$28, is lighter, also fragrance-free, and suits you if you want something for under makeup. Both are in stock. Do you prefer a cream or a gel?
Shopper: The cream. Can I pay here?
AeroChat: Yes. The Calm barrier cream is US$34 plus US$5 delivery, US$39 in total. Here’s your secure payment link.
AeroChat: Payment received, thank you. Your order is confirmed and ships tomorrow.
Related terms
Read next
- WhatsApp product recommendations from your catalog
- Product recommendations for beauty stores
- Size and fit questions for fashion stores
Help every shopper pick the right product
Start your 7-day free trial. No credit card needed. Connect your catalog, and AeroChat asks what the shopper needs, suggests products that are in stock with the reason for each, and sends the payment link in the chat.
On Shopify? Install AeroChat from the Shopify App Store.