AI Generated vs Manual Bundles
Understanding when to rely on automation and when to take full control
Overview
Smart Bundles can be created in two ways: automatically by the AI engine or manually by you. Both approaches serve different purposes and support different merchandising strategies. AI bundles adapt in real time based on behaviour, product context and store‑level patterns. Manual bundles give you complete control over the exact combination of products.
This article explains the conceptual differences between AI‑generated and manual bundles, how each type behaves and when each approach is most effective.
What AI‑generated bundles are designed to do
AI‑generated bundles exist to automate the process of finding high‑value product combinations. They analyse behaviour, product relationships and store‑level patterns to create bundles that feel relevant and timely.
AI bundles are ideal for:
- large catalogues
- fast‑changing inventory
- stores with diverse product relationships
- merchants who want automation rather than manual setup
They are dynamic, adaptive and self‑optimising.
AI bundles automate bundle creation and adapt continuously.
What manual bundles are designed to do
Manual bundles give you full control over the exact products, structure and purpose of the bundle. They do not change unless you update them.
Manual bundles are ideal for:
- curated sets
- seasonal campaigns
- brand‑led merchandising
- strict product combinations
- launches and promotions
They are fixed, predictable and fully controlled by you.
Manual bundles give you complete control over the bundle contents.
How AI bundles adapt to behaviour
AI bundles update automatically based on:
- what the shopper is viewing
- what they add to cart
- how they navigate
- which products are trending
- which combinations convert well
- inventory changes
This ensures that the bundle always feels relevant to the shopper's current intent.
AI bundles update in real time based on behaviour.
How manual bundles enforce strict merchandising
Manual bundles do not adapt to behaviour. They remain exactly as you created them. This is useful when you want to:
- promote a specific combination
- maintain a consistent offer
- support a campaign with fixed messaging
- highlight a curated set or collection
Manual bundles are predictable and stable.
Manual bundles stay fixed unless you change them.
How AI bundles use goals and constraints
AI bundles are guided by goals and constraints that shape how the engine behaves. These include:
- bundle size
- product relationships
- contextual relevance
- exclusions
- display locations
- intensity settings
These settings influence how the AI selects products and how aggressively it optimises for AOV.
AI bundles follow goals and constraints to shape their behaviour.
How manual bundles support brand‑led curation
Manual bundles allow you to express your brand's point of view. You can create combinations that reflect your aesthetic, your merchandising strategy or your seasonal storytelling.
Examples include:
- a curated skincare routine
- a themed home decor set
- a seasonal outfit
- a launch‑day bundle
These bundles reinforce your brand identity.
Manual bundles support curated, brand‑led merchandising.
When to choose AI bundles
Choose AI bundles when you want:
- automation at scale
- bundles that adapt to behaviour
- bundles that update with inventory
- minimal manual setup
- relevance across large or complex catalogues
AI bundles are especially powerful for stores with many SKUs or fast‑moving products.
Choose AI bundles when you want automation and adaptability.
When to choose manual bundles
Choose manual bundles when you want:
- full control
- fixed combinations
- campaign‑based bundles
- curated sets
- strict merchandising rules
Manual bundles are ideal for storytelling, launches and brand‑driven merchandising.
Choose manual bundles when you need precision and control.
Using both bundle types together
The strongest stores use both AI and manual bundles. AI bundles provide adaptive, behaviour‑driven combinations that scale automatically. Manual bundles provide curated, brand‑led combinations that support campaigns and merchandising goals.
Together, they create a balanced AOV strategy.
Use both types to combine automation with curation.
