1 in 4 business owners say AI is costing them clients: Here's what that means for 2026
Briefly

1 in 4 business owners say AI is costing them clients: Here's what that means for 2026
"In a new survey conducted by UPrinting, a U.S.-based online custom printing service, business owners revealed a complex relationship with artificial intelligence. While many see opportunity in AI's potential, others are grappling with the challenges it creates, from lost revenue and eroded trust to hard questions about authenticity and accountability. As AI reshapes the small business landscape, entrepreneurs are learning to adapt, stay competitive, and use automation without losing the human touch that defines their work."
"According to a UPrinting study, 25% of business owners reported that they had lost business over the past year as customers turned to AI tools instead of paying for their services. The same DIY mindset that once fueled YouTube tutorials is now powered by AI. Instead of searching for how to design a logo, consumers are typing "generate me a logo" into an AI prompt box. These tools deliver near-instant results, and that convenience often outweighs the value of expertise."
Many small business owners experience both opportunity and disruption from AI. Twenty-five percent reported losing clients to customers using AI tools rather than paying for services. Sixty-five point five percent worry AI will make their businesses feel less personal or authentic. Fifty-four percent of owners earning $150,000+ see immediate AI benefits in customer support, while forty-six percent cite marketing content as a top use. Gen Z owners show elevated concern about AI-driven misinformation, and half of senior managers refuse to delegate hiring or performance decisions to AI. Entrepreneurs emphasize human expertise and selectively integrate AI to remain competitive without sacrificing authenticity.
Read at Charlotte Observer
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