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Investing in ai automation: has anyone seen real returns?

Users Question Returns from AI Automation Investments | Claims Fall Short in Practical Use

By

Alexandre Boucher

Nov 28, 2025, 12:15 PM

Edited By

Fatima Rahman

3 minutes needed to read

A person reviewing AI automation tools on a laptop with graphs and charts showing investment returns

The debate over the effectiveness of AI and automation in business is heating up. Many people are expressing doubts about their investments in these technologies, citing disappointing performance. Some assert that the flashy demos seen online don't translate to real-world success.

In recent discussions, several individuals lamented their experiences with AI automation tools, reporting that they often underdeliver. A common theme among many comments is the frustration with spending hundreds of dollars on tools that fail to produce satisfactory results. One user noted, "I wasted a few hundred dollars buying automations that just donโ€™t work well in practice."

Overview of User Experiences

Users are searching for insights into profitable automation strategies that could offer tangible benefits to their businesses. Despite the buzz around these technologies, many find themselves disillusioned after trialing various solutions.

One thread from an online forum sparked this conversation, where a member sought feedback on the usefulness of AI automations, particularly those designed for generating content and conducting outreach. The user's experiences raise questions about the effectiveness of various tools available on the market.

Key Themes from User Feedback

  1. Lack of Real Results: Many reported that the automations they tried were underwhelming, often failing to produce quality output.

  2. High Stakes, Low Returns: Users expressed disappointment with the high costs associated with these tools, especially when outcomes didn't match expectations.

  3. Curiosity About Alternatives: There's a strong desire among people to learn which automations others have found beneficial in a practical setting.

"+1, would love to know how people quantify their gains." - A comment from the forum

Despite the general skepticism, some users are still eager to explore possibilities and learn from othersโ€™ experiences. The community's continued engagement indicates a growing interest in real productivity solutions amid widespread disappointment. Users hope that by sharing insights and quantifying gains, they can better navigate the complex world of AI automation.

Notable Quotes

  • "After trying them, it gives very lousy output."

  • "What all automations have you tried for your businesses and which ones were actually helpful?"

Key Insights from Community Discussions

  • ๐Ÿ”ฝ Many users express skepticism about the ROI of AI automations.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ Some seek to quantify benefits and share successful strategies.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Engagement remains strong as users look for community-driven advice.

Forecasting the Automation Horizon

Expectations around AI automation will likely shift in the near future. Many experts predict that around 60% of companies will either scale back their investments or pivot towards machine learning solutions that show more promise in delivering ROI. This skepticism stems from a growing awareness that the initial allure of automation often oversells its practical capabilities. As businesses reassess their strategies, there's a strong chance that developers will focus on creating user-friendly tools that provide measurable outcomes, ultimately shifting the landscape toward solutions that not only meet hype but deliver clear benefits.

Lessons from the Dot-Com Burst

A lesser-known but relevant parallel can be drawn to the dot-com bubble of the late 1990s. Back then, many tech startups attracted heavy investment based on ambitious promises but ultimately faltered when faced with the realities of market demands and user needs. This led to a shakeout in which only the companies that adapted to user needs and demonstrated consistent value survived. Similarly, today's AI automation sector may need to undergo a cleansing process where only the solutions that truly enhance productivity and yield satisfactory results will thrive. Just as the best from the dot-com era emerged with stronger foundations, the current automation market could see resilient solutions rise to the top amidst the chatter of disappointment.