Survey: Shoppers buy after AI recommends — small businesses need to be visible to AI

The technology company Snipp, based in Vancouver, Canada, announced on 6 October 2026 a new survey of 1,000 people in the United States who regularly use AI tools — such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot and Perplexity — on how they shop. The results show a major shift: AI is no longer just a helper for looking up information; it has become a guide for buying.

62% (61.8%) of respondents have bought a product after an AI recommended it, and another 26% say they would consider doing so. 84% have discovered a new product or business through AI. The biggest shopping job AI does for buyers is comparing products — 58% use it for that.

AI has also become an engine for finding deals: 71% have asked AI to find them a promotion, discount, coupon or deal, and 63% say AI has saved them money on a purchase. 42% say an AI assistant is one of the places they start when looking for a product — below traditional search engines (72%), but above brand websites, social media and even YouTube.

"Consumers are increasingly turning to AI to help them discover products, compare options and make purchase decisions," said Atul Sabharwal, CEO of Snipp.

But there is another side. 85% trust AI at least somewhat, yet 69% worry that AI recommendations could be influenced by advertising, payments from companies or retailers. And 39% say they would be willing to try new brands if AI helped them find better products, lower prices or better offers — good news for small businesses competing against big names.

The key message for businesses, in the words of Ritika Garg, Snipp's chief marketing officer, is a new "discoverability" challenge: businesses have spent years learning how to appear on Google. Now they need to think about how their products and offers show up when someone asks AI "what should I buy, where, and for how much?"

Important to remember: this survey was conducted in the United States, among people who already use AI — not everyone. But the direction is clear: as ChatGPT, Gemini and similar tools spread in Tanzania, customers will start their shopping journey by asking AI, not just Google. 81% of respondents expect AI to change at least moderately how they shop over the next two to three years.

What does this mean for you?

Small businesses and online sellers: Make sure your product information is online in plain language — product name, price, your location, and its features — so AI can read and recommend it. You don't need an expensive website: a WhatsApp Business or Facebook page with clear descriptions and real prices is enough. Write in simple Swahili and English.

Shoppers: Use AI to compare prices and hunt for discounts before you buy — 63% say it has saved them money. But remember the worry of the 69%: a recommendation could be a hidden advert. Ask the AI "why exactly are you recommending this?" and still compare prices in the shop.

Parents: For household and school needs, ask AI to find offers and discounts before you head to the market. It is a way to save money — but don't buy on the impulse of a single recommendation; verify first.