this post was submitted on 30 Sep 2026
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691
McDonald's is reportedly using AI to "dynamically" price its burgers (www.engadget.com)
submitted 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) by spaghettiwestern@sh.itjust.works to c/technology@lemmy.world
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McDonald's has been using artificial intelligence to dynamically price menu items in the US and some global markets, according to a report by Reuters. This involves finding the "optimal price" to match what a particular store's patrons would be willing to pay.

This fluctuates according to location, and even stores in the same city can have different cost amounts for the same exact items, according to information reviewed by Reuters. This is basically surge pricing, like with ride-share platforms, but for hockey puck burgers that have been sitting under a hot lamp.

Reuters got a look at the interface that franchisees use to access this technology and it's pretty creepy. Messages show stuff like "your restaurant is showing MEDIUM SENSITIVITY to price" based on "customer willingness to pay in your area." Cost differences at nearby locations can be stark. Researchers found that a Bic Mac at a Fresno, California store cost $5.69, but the same burger cost $6.89 at another branch two miles down the road. That's a 21 percent difference.

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[–] Smaile@lemmy.ca 18 points 2 days ago (4 children)

How do I manipulate it to lowball

[–] anarchy79@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Not go there

[–] Felis_Catus_Domesticus@lemmy.world 10 points 2 days ago (1 children)

[–] SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

WTF is even Grimace? The turd after a supersize meal?

[–] PumaStoleMyBluff@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Start stealing burgers so they know you're not willing to pay the current price

[–] HerbGrower@slrpnk.net 1 points 1 day ago

They will just close up shop or lock things down.

Don't steal their products. Reject them entirely. Invite friends over and cook at home instead.

[–] Kissaki@feddit.org 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

This reminds me of a video I saw where someone committed to this. New phone, use free offers, put stuff in cart but don't buy, GPS in low income or low spend areas. They got someone from Craigslist to do much of this work.

It worked. I don't remember channel or where they compared afterwards, though.

Seems like here it's store based not individual customer based. Maybe you can get others to join you. Buy only the cheapest items, and the other items will get cheaper.