I agree. I expect that the initial use cases will be where the purchase is for a specific SKU and the consumer just wants to make sure they are getting the best deal. For example, we are about to get a new coffee machine, we know the make and model we want, and we just care about price at. this point. But eventually you may want the Agent to do the "discovery" using general specs with price being only one spec -- alongside reviews, detailed spec comparisons, etc. But in the near term, these Agents will be automated price seekers.
It's probably my marketing background talking, but most people make buying decision based on emotions. While I could see some people outsourcing their groceries to an agent, I feel most people will always do the shopping.
i think the liability piece is going to be really hard to get over
the other thing you start wondering about is .. how does monetization of the agents work .. like is this my $20/month sub .. what happens if there's a gain-share agreement? can the agent accept rebates and commissions?
I agree. I expect that the initial use cases will be where the purchase is for a specific SKU and the consumer just wants to make sure they are getting the best deal. For example, we are about to get a new coffee machine, we know the make and model we want, and we just care about price at. this point. But eventually you may want the Agent to do the "discovery" using general specs with price being only one spec -- alongside reviews, detailed spec comparisons, etc. But in the near term, these Agents will be automated price seekers.
It's probably my marketing background talking, but most people make buying decision based on emotions. While I could see some people outsourcing their groceries to an agent, I feel most people will always do the shopping.
Great piece
i think the liability piece is going to be really hard to get over
the other thing you start wondering about is .. how does monetization of the agents work .. like is this my $20/month sub .. what happens if there's a gain-share agreement? can the agent accept rebates and commissions?