How Agents Will Change Cyber Week Shopping

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As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, one thing is on every retailer's mind: Cyber Week. This year, however, retailers are getting some help that could change how they sell and how customers shop — AI agents. Imagine having a dedicated assistant that can personalize customer experiences, optimize pricing, manage inventory, and even detect fraud, all in real time. Sounds like Christmas came early, right? Let's look at how agents can help drive revenue and make this your merriest, most successful Cyber Week yet.

?? But first…What is an “agent”?

You’ve probably been using predictive AI for quite some time, and more recently generative AI to automate processes. Now, you can build agents, which perform tasks or make decisions on behalf of an employee or team. These agents can help customers or employees autonomously, at any time, and across any channel – sales, service, marketing, commerce, and more – by taking specific actions based on your trusted data and defined guardrails.

Think of agents as your super-smart, always-on virtual assistants. They're not just about automating tasks; they actually learn and adapt, using data to make decisions and mimic human-like interactions. In our retail world, that means they can handle anything from personalizing customer experiences to managing inventory, helping store associates find what they need, and even chatting with customers online. It's like having an extra set of hands that also happens to be a data-crunching genius.?

Want to learn more? See how agents can make a difference across your organization.

POV: Agents can help you win Cyber Week

Imagine Cyber Week as a massive celebration, and agents are the ultimate party planners. For retailers, agents can act like a super-savvy assistant that predicts what customers want before they even know it, helping you stock the right merchandise and offer personalized deals. And for shoppers? Agents act like their own personal shopping sherpas, always ready to find the best bargains, alert them to price drops, and even help them avoid that dreaded post-Cyber Week regret by making sure they find the perfect presents for everyone on their list.

Here’s how agents can help your Cyber Week experience shine:

?? Personalization pros ??

Forget about generic emails and one-size-fits-all promotions. Agents can analyze customer data faster than you can say "Black Friday." They'll whip up personalized recommendations and offers that'll make your customers feel like VIPs. Imagine sending a discount code for that cozy sweater Sally's been eyeing, or reminding John about the gadget on his wishlist that just hit a more desirable price point. That's what we call precision targeting!

?? Pricing wizards ??

Agents can adjust prices in real time based on demand, shopper’s price sensitivity, competitor pricing, and inventory levels. Picture this: As your stock starts to dwindle, your agent gradually increases the price to maximize profit. Or, if a product isn't moving fast enough, it slashes the price to stir up interest. It's like having a merchandising team on call 24/7!

?? Customer service superheroes ??

Cyber Week means a flood of customer inquiries. But don't worry, agents have got your back. They can handle routine questions, track orders, make personalized product suggestions, and even arrange for returns or exchanges. And the best part? They don't need coffee breaks, so they're available round-the-clock. Your customers will love the quick, efficient service, and your team will love not being overwhelmed.

?? Inventory management ninjas ??

Running out of stock during Cyber Week is a nightmare. But with agents, it's a thing of the past. They monitor your inventory levels, predict demand, and automatically place orders with suppliers. You'll never miss a sale because you ran out of stock. Plus, they can even help optimize your warehouse operations. Talk about efficiency!

?? Fraud busters ??

With increased sales comes increased risk of fraud. But agents are on the case. They can detect unusual patterns and flag suspicious activities in real time. Whether it's a sudden spike in purchases from a single account, a mismatch in billing and shipping addresses, or an unusually high number of returns, your agent will spot it and alert your team.

?? Omni-channel masters ???

Cyber Week isn't just about online sales. Agents can help you create a seamless shopping experience across all channels. They can analyze data from in-store, online, and mobile platforms to provide consistent, personalized experiences. So, whether your customer is shopping from their couch or in your store, they'll feel the love.

Are you ready for Cyber Week? Embrace the power of agents and watch as they help you deliver unforgettable shopping experiences, maximize your sales, and keep your customers coming back for more.?

Retail Checkout

Here’s what else is new in retail…?

• See our holiday shopping predictions for this year.
• Read our blog to learn how AI can power your Cyber Week pricing strategy.
• Find out how luxury brands are grabbing attention this holiday season to help you to drive more sales

Retail Q&A

What topic should we tackle in an upcoming newsletter? Let us know what’s on your mind.

This newsletter was curated by Patricia Staino , Editorial Lead at Salesforce.

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