TechMerchants’ AI sales expectations and the agent-readiness gap
In September 2026, PYMNTS reported that 68% of merchants expected AI agents to drive at least 5% of digital sales within two years, while 15% had product data an agent could read.
TLDR
PYMNTS reported on September 22, 2026, that 68% of merchants expected AI agents to drive at least 5% of digital sales within two years. Only 15% had product data an agent could read. In an interview with PYMNTS, Sara Craven, general manager of Verifi/ANET at Visa Acceptance, said small and midsize businesses trailed large merchants on readiness but could pivot faster to catch up.
Merchants’ AI sales expectations and the agent-readiness gap
In September 2026, PYMNTS reported that 68% of merchants expected AI agents to drive at least 5% of digital sales within two years, while 15% had product data an agent could read.
TLDR
PYMNTS reported on September 22, 2026, that 68% of merchants expected AI agents to drive at least 5% of digital sales within two years. Only 15% had product data an agent could read. In an interview with PYMNTS, Sara Craven, general manager of Verifi/ANET at Visa Acceptance, said small and midsize businesses trailed large merchants on readiness but could pivot faster to catch up.
