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Ask HN: Do you think AI avatars can substitute sales representatives?
1 points by ekulianova 604 days ago
Hey everyone! I think you've seen multiple startups creating virtual talking AI avatars. Do you think they can be used as sales team?
3 comments

Sure, especially if the procurement team is also represented by AI avatars.

But if you want to get a sizeable contract from me personally, I'd like to talk with real person right at the spot (and not only if the AI can't give some canned answer).

Of course, when it comes to grocery-style small transactions, I might not really care.

Seems plausible with the advancements in the technology. Which startups have you looked at? So far the best ones I've seen are Synthesia and HeyGen. There's still a bit of "uncanny valley" going on, but I could see them closing the realism gap over the next few years.
Will the avatars hi five me?
how will they wine and dine you? i guess they could use door-dash.

or give you that big, wide, very fake smile and proudly remember your name almost correctly.

will they ever actually tell you the prices of what you are asking for at the quantities you ask instead of a confusing impenetrable bundle of whatever they want to sell?

will they still be such transparently psychopathic compulsive pathological liars?

will they only call you back at the end of the quarter when they need a sale or two?

will they nervously shush their AI FAE if some engineering detail he presents works against selling you something you don't need?

honestly, i can't imagine why this wouldn't work other than the high-five.