Experts Explain How to Beat Bot-Driven Pricing and Get the Best Deal
Retailers can tailor prices using customer data. Consumer advocates offer practical tips for finding better deals in the face of dynamic pricing strategies.
Businesses are increasingly leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence, to personalize prices for individual customers. This practice, known as surveillance or personalized pricing, uses customer data, shopping behavior, and location, sparking significant consumer concern.
Recent examples, such as Walmart's AI assistant Sparky, have ignited public debate and worries that customer data is being used for price manipulation. Despite assurances from company leaders that they price products, not people, the discussion around fair pricing continues.
The growing consumer dissatisfaction and perception of arbitrary pricing have prompted action. Several states have enacted bans on surveillance pricing, though federal intervention has been limited.
Experts are now offering practical advice to consumers on how to navigate this evolving pricing landscape. These recommendations focus on strategies to secure better deals and avoid situations where individuals may be charged more than others for the same goods.