Right now, there are relatively few shopbots on the Web, and those that do exist are not exactly perfect. To begin with, most shopbots ask for a wide range of information, from your Zip Code to your bellybutton type. Often they ask for too much at once, Cassar says, forcing users to fill out a long form before they head to the cybermall. Then, once they start working, the shopbots aren't very discerning. Along with prices, the site lists availability and shipping costs.
More unusual items are perhaps easier to find on the Internet.
3-D puzzle to Empire State Building salt and pepper shakers. These items aren't readily available at the local Wal-Mart. Most of these sites do best with computer software, which is sold all over the Web. And some sites are not included in searches because their operators won't let these shopbots in. It's the Web equivalent of keeping teen-agers out of the convenience store.