← All use cases / Small business
A one-person plumbing and installation business looking after a community pool spotted wasteful manual processes but had never used AI. He asked ChatGPT questions about the pool system and how to automate it, got a parts list and a plan, and with the previous installer made changes expected to save the pool thousands of euros. He now uses it several times a day for practical problems.
I'm a [TRADE] and one of my clients has [SYSTEM, E.G. A POOL PUMP AND HEATING SETUP] that is run manually: [DESCRIBE HOW IT WORKS NOW]. I think it wastes energy because [REASON]. Explain the options for improving or automating it, the parts I'd likely need, the rough costs and savings, and the questions I should check with the manufacturer or a specialist before proposing it to the client.
Replace the [PLACEHOLDERS] with your own details before you send it.
How to try it
- Describe the setup and the problem in as much detail as you can, including model names.
- Ask follow-up questions until you have a clear plan and parts list.
- Check everything against manufacturer documentation and the relevant regulations before you quote or install anything.
More small business use cases
Price a special offer that still makes a profit with ChatGPT
Ahead of Mother's Day, the owner of a PJ's Coffee branch in Maryland asked ChatGPT for a promotion that gave customers a discount while keeping some profit, and settled on beignets and two coffees for $17.99. He also used it to make the flyer, but its AI-made image drew criticism from locals online, so a real photo of your own food is the safer choice.
I run a [TYPE OF BUSINESS]. For [OCCASION OR QUIET PERIOD] I'd like a special offer that feels generous but still makes money. Here are my usual prices and rough costs: [ITEMS, PRICES, COSTS]. Suggest three bundle or discount ideas, show the profit per sale for each, and write a short, warm line of flyer text for the best one.
Handle a buyer asking for a partial refund with ChatGPT’s help
A fairly new eBay seller had a $500 sale go sour when the overseas buyer asked for a big partial refund. Instead of reacting, he asked ChatGPT what an experienced seller would do; the advice was to stay calm, not argue or offer a discount, and ask the buyer to open a return through eBay, which then handled the case.
I sell [ITEMS] on [PLATFORM]. A buyer who paid [AMOUNT] says [THEIR COMPLAINT] and is asking for [WHAT THEY WANT]. Here's their message: [PASTE]. What would an experienced, fair seller do here, based on how [PLATFORM]'s returns and buyer protection usually work? Then draft a short, calm reply I can send. Tell me what I should check in the platform's own policy before I reply.
Brainstorm content ideas for your small business with ChatGPT
One small-business owner says ChatGPT has helped a lot with brainstorming content ideas and strategies to grow the business.
I run [BUSINESS] in [TOWN], selling [PRODUCTS/SERVICES] to [CUSTOMERS]. Brainstorm 20 social media post ideas for the next month: a mix of behind-the-scenes, tips, customer stories and offers. For each, give a one-line hook and the best platform for it.
Reference: Hacker News