I successfully haggled with an AI garage sale by empowering it

Haggling is awkward and erratic at best, even when bartering with an AI.

In a highly addictive project discovered by TechCrunchyou can discuss prices with a AI Garage Sale, an artificial intelligence robot that sells items of different value. It is the work of the Los Angeles art studio. Brainand according to the publisher, it is primarily powered by OpenAI with intensive training to learn the ins and outs of bartering.

Amid the Cyber ​​Monday madness, it’s a good way to play with artificial intelligence and online shopping. I tried to haggle with the AI ​​several times with various items on sale: a 1997 Tamagotchi, one of those old Big Mouth Billy Bass wall pesters, a copy of Cyrus A. Parsa’s book Artificial intelligence: dangers for humanityan untitled wallet designed by Nikolas Bentel, a roll of $1 George HW Bush presidential coins, an issue of Portable toilet operator mag – the random range of items you would actually find at a garage sale.

I was too skeptical and insecure to spend real money on any of these items (as you should be too), but it’s a blast trying to haggle over price with these rather enthusiastic AI sellers.

Each time, the AI ​​has a new name and backstory, the details of which it will use to negotiate with you, whether they need extra money for a gift for their granddaughter or have a high-pressure boss urging them to make the sale. The AI ​​often tries to match the price to something cheaper, like «two fancy coffees,» and learning to do the math and mention it helped me lower the price.

In a rare find at a garage sale, I managed to get two sold-out pit tickets for Olivia Rodrigo. VISCERA tour show at Madison Square Garden from $3,689 to $2,940 when joined by the ridiculous ticket prices, but it’s still a huge sum considering Pit tickets cost $464.50.. I haggled over a physical certificate that entitled the holder to one share of Tesla Inc for $481; Tesla shares are currently trading at $236.08.

Credit: AI Garage Sale/Brain/Mashable Screenshot

But my most effective method of haggling, beyond directly asking «can you do it cheaper?», was deeply human. I was able to barter more effectively when I empowered the AI ​​bot professionally, empathizing with their long hours or getting them to vent about their boss.

Credit: AI Garage Sale/Brain/Mashable Screenshot

Credit: AI Garage Sale/Brain/Mashable Screenshot

It turns out that the best way to connect with an AI marketer is with the most human traits.