Would you let AI make purchases for you? Two-thirds of us say no, even with better deals, but I don’t think it matters anyway – 1v1 Video Chat & LIve Streaming & Influencer Subscription

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Consumer trust lags behind AI shopping ambitions
According to a survey by Omnisend, 66% of U.S. shoppers say they would not allow AI to make purchases for them, even if it meant securing better deals.

This resistance reflects not just hesitation about new technology, but a deeper mistrust of whose interests these AI tools actually serve.
“Consumers are open to AI enhancing their shopping experience, but there’s a world of difference between getting a smart recommendation and handing over the entire wallet,” says Bernard Meyer, e-commerce expert at Omnisend.
Agentic AI promises convenience by automating the selection and payment process.

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In theory, this could streamline buying decisions, reduce time spent searching for deals, and even personalize orders, but many shoppers remain skeptical.
“Shoppers want to know exactly what they’re buying, whether it’s size, color, or brand. Trusting an agent to make those calls is still a leap. Especially when consumers suspect AI is working for the retailer, not them. Until that trust gap closes, AI will remain a product discovery tool.”
Nearly half of those surveyed, 48%, believe AI should focus on customer service improvements rather than transactional control.
Many feel AI’s current use prioritizes upselling rather than helping customers.
In fact, 42% see AI today as being mainly geared toward increasing sales rather than solving problems.
This perceived bias undermines confidence in AI agents and fuels concern over the erosion of independent choice.
Even the best online marketing tool or email marketing service might struggle with public perception if AI is seen as amplifying manipulation or exploiting user data for targeting.
In addition to trust, data privacy plays a significant role in the hesitation, and 58% of respondents said they were concerned about how AI handles their data.
If users fear these systems are aligned with commercial agendas rather than their interests, adoption may stall regardless of technical sophistication.
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Efosa Udinmwen

Freelance Journalist

Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master’s and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. Efosa can be contacted at this email: udinmwenefosa@gmail.com

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