This week has been full of hands-on AI experiments. Yesterday, we built a web-based “” in under 10 minutes by simply describing it to Claude Code. Today, we’re hunting for Prime Day deals, not by browsing Amazon, but by asking ChatGPT (or any AI platform with web access) to find exactly what we want.
To get the most out of this exercise, pick a product with multiple specifications. For example: you want a power strip for your nightstand. It needs A/C outlets, USB-A and USB-C ports, a braided or flat power cord at least five feet long, a flat three-pronged plug to fit behind furniture, and enough output—say 100W—for your devices.
Now, search for that on Amazon. It’s a slog. Even when you filter by Prime Day promotions, you may not get a result that meets all your needs.
Instead, open ChatGPT or Claude and describe the product in a stream-of-consciousness paragraph. If you think you need a more accurate description, add, “Ask me clarifying questions until you’re 95% sure you can complete the task successfully.” Let it play 20 Questions with you.
In about a minute, you’ll get links to exactly what you described—plus some good variations.
Two key takeaways:
- Amazon is getting ready to sell directly to AI agents (bots).
- Consumer search behavior is about to radically shift as people discover how much easier it is to shop with natural language through their favorite AI interfaces.
As always, your thoughts and comments are both welcome and encouraged. -s
About Shelly Palmer
Shelly Palmer is the Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and CEO of The Palmer Group, a consulting practice that helps Fortune 500 companies with technology, media and marketing. Named he covers tech and business for , is a regular commentator on CNN and writes a popular . He's a , and the creator of the popular, free online course, . Follow or visit .
