I'd argue that conversational interfaces for retail would only be good for standardised commodities - 6 medium hens eggs, a pack of 10 M6 screws, a ream of A4 p

I'd argue that conversational interfaces for retail would only be good for standardised commodities - 6 medium hens eggs, a pack of 10 M6 screws, a ream of A4 paper etc - i.e. stuff that you don't care about the brand or specifics, you just need some eggs etc. Websites could do A LOT better by concentrating on putting better product info on their site: proper high res pictures from multiple angles (e.g. for products in boxes, show me every side of the box that I can zoom in and read the text on), descriptions that aren't just copy-paste marketing B.S., and proper measurements/sizes/specifications. That'd go a long way toward reducing confused shoppers having to call a help centre... Personally, if I have to talk to someone at a store (online or not), they've already started to annoy me. I just want to get my stuff then carry on with the more important things in life. Plus what is it about chatbots that is getting people so excited? Anyone that has an Alexa or Google home will tell you they are frustrating and irritating to use and a long way away from doing anything useful apart from trivial stuff like setting kitchen timers or stilted and excruciatingly awkward question-answer settings.