Ryder study: 64% of online shoppers use AI tools to find and compare products

# What the survey measured A Ryder study of more than 1,100 online shoppers found 64% use AI tools to help find and compare products before buying. The study asked about specific AI features shoppers use and what factors now matter most when choosing where to buy.

# Which AI tools shoppers use Search and shopping assistants are the most-adopted AI tools in this sample: 45% of respondents reported using them. The next-most-common use was customer review summaries or key takeaways at 37%. Visual or image-based search, voice assistants, and virtual try-on or visualization tools were used less often but were included among the listed options.

# What shoppers care about now

# What Ryder executives say

# Retail implications

# What shoppers should know Shoppers are already using AI features for discovery and comparison. The tools most commonly used help narrow choices (search assistants) and digest reviews (summaries). If you prefer fast delivery or flexible returns, that preference is influencing where others shop and may affect which retailers appear in AI-driven results.

# Short, actionable steps

• Consider investments in visual search, voice-friendly content and review-summary features, since shoppers are adopting those tools.
• Reassess fulfillment and returns policies against competitors, because convenience and speed are growing decision factors.

• Try visual search or virtual try-on where available to reduce uncertainty before purchase.

# Bottom line The Ryder study presents a snapshot where AI-assisted discovery is already common. The mix of tools shoppers use and the growing importance of convenience and returns suggest both merchants and buyers should adjust how they list, surface and evaluate products online.