The Challenge of Modern Online Shopping
Ever tried buying a laptop online? You start with a simple search, and three hours later you’re drowning in processor speeds, RAM configurations, and display specifications you never knew existed. What started as a straightforward purchase turns into a crash course in computer engineering. And let’s be honest – most of us just want a device that works for our specific needs, not a PhD in tech specs. That’s exactly the problem Outfindo is solving, transforming these overwhelming product decisions into clear, confident choices.
The Rising Demand for AI-Powered Shopping Solutions
The e-commerce tools market is experiencing a fundamental shift, driven by the rise of AI-enhanced shopping experiences. With giants like Google, Walmart, and NVIDIA already testing AI shopping journeys, it’s clear that traditional product browsing is becoming a thing of the past. The European e-commerce market alone stands at more than €700 billion, while the global marketing automation market is estimated at €6.7 billion and growing double digits annually. This rapid transformation is being driven by changing consumer behaviors and the need for more sophisticated online shopping experiences. As e-commerce continues to evolve, retailers are recognizing that traditional product categorization and search methods aren’t enough to meet modern customer expectations. Those who don’t adapt to this AI revolution risk losing their audience to more innovative competitors.
Why Online Shopping Needs a Transformation
When it comes to expensive or feature-rich products, the numbers tell an interesting story. With 99% of customers starting their shopping journey online, 81% struggle with product selection due to complexity, and 76% prefer expert advice before making a decision. The journey is long and winding – 60% of consumers take six or more actions before deciding to purchase something new. Most online stores organize products by technical specifications rather than actual customer needs, leading to a frustrating buying journey that can stretch for months, filled with endless research and store visits. Without confidence in their choice, customers often abandon their purchase to continue searching elsewhere.
How Outfindo's AI Online Shopping Guide Works
Outfindo steps in as the solution that brings the expert advice and personal touch of in-store shopping to the digital world. Its mission is clear: to bridge the knowledge gap for online shoppers, empowering them to feel like experts, even without prior expertise. To users, it appears as a smart filter “on steroids” that guides them through a transparent decision tree based on their actual needs rather than technical jargon. Behind the scenes, it’s doing something fascinating – analyzing user discussions across the web (including platforms like Reddit) to understand what really matters to buyers. This approach not only helps customers make better choices but also provides retailers with valuable insights about their visitors’ preferences, whether they purchase or not.
The process is elegantly simple: Outfindo analyzes the store’s product catalog and combines it with real user sentiment from across the web. Retailers just need to add a small piece of code to their website, and suddenly their customers have access to an intelligent shopping assistant that asks the right questions and educates while guiding them to the perfect choice. The result? Happy customers, higher conversion rates, and significantly lower product returns.
Live product selection guide example from Outfindo’s website
How It All Started
The story behind Outfindo began with Jan Matějů’s personal cycling journey. As a former professional cyclist, he was constantly helping friends and family choose the right bikes. This opened his eyes to just how frustrating the online shopping experience could be for complex products when you’re not an expert. That’s when Outfindo vol.1 was born- a then marketplace for bicycles. Jan teamed up with his elementary school friend Martin, whose mathematical genius and analytical skills perfectly complemented Jan’s marketing expertise. The team grew stronger when Ondřej, who had worked with Jan at Delivery Hero, decided to join the mission. A developer with both technical creativity and deep user empathy, Ondřej happened to be the missing piece to turn their vision into reality. The initial vision underwent a metamorphosis when the internal product guide technology became a separate product and in 2023, the marketplace was shut down. That was the rebirth of Outfindo as we know it today – the company that turns indecisive browsers into buyers.