ALWAYS ON. A screenshot of an AI Live seller during a selling session.
It was only a few years ago when live selling became popular among e-commerce sites. The chaotic, high-energy they brought to live selling sessions appealed to consumers. But according to Steve Sy, the founder and CEO of Great Deals Corp., “AI commerce is redefining e-Commerce."
For the past 20 years, e-Commerce has been: Search. Scroll. Compare. Checkout. That era is ending. We are entering the age of AI Commerce.” Sy says.
The new era now includes AI live sellers who can engage with customers.
Building an AI live seller
Sy explained that the image and likeness of an actual model is recorded, and from this data, an AI avatar is created. This avatar is programmed as a highly trained salesperson who never gets tired and doesn’t have a bad day. They engage with viewers in real time, answer questions, and even close sales, all while responding in the buyer’s language.
“The AI live sellers can hold selling sessions 24/7, which means your store never closes,” Sy said, further sharing the benefits of having AI live sellers. These benefits include data from each interaction of the AI live seller. “Every interaction is tracked, so you understand exactly what questions buyers are asking, what hesitations are coming up, and what’s converting,” Sy added.
Steve Sy with the live model for their AI Avatar.
An actual human in the cockpit
There might be some hesitation when it comes to anything AI.
“AI live selling is unthinkable, at least from my perspective, and based on my personal experiences in the service industry, where face-to-face interaction and communication are indispensable. I cannot imagine connecting with an AI even for the tiniest details of my daily life.” Veronika, who patronizes live selling and who once worked in sales, said.“I understand the hesitation, I really do.” Sy acknowledged. He recognized that change is uncomfortable and that there is a natural fear that AI might disrupt what’s already working.
“There is always a human layer overseeing the process,” Sy said, offering a reassurance that they do not see AI as a replacement but rather as an amplifier. Their team monitors selling sessions, adjusts scripts and responses as needed, and steps in when necessary.
“Think of it like a pilot and an autopilot, the AI handles the routine (live selling) with efficiency, but there is always a skilled human in the cockpit,” Sy said.
Move and adapt
Despite the hesitation regarding AI live sellers, Sy shared what he learned from his own journey as a successful businessman: “Failing is not the biggest risk; it's standing still while the world moves forward.”
He advises starting small, learn the technology, and asking questions from trusted partners who can walk you through the process.
Taking a look into the future, Sy shared: “The businesses that will thrive in the next decade aren’t necessarily the biggest ones, but the ones that are willing to adapt. Don’t let fear make your choices.” Sy advised.
With live sellers now on our screens, the question is: will you scroll up or add to cart?