UPDATE: In a groundbreaking move, ChatGPT has unveiled its new “Instant Checkout” feature, allowing users to make purchases directly within the chat interface. This significant development, announced by OpenAI on Monday, transforms ChatGPT into a personal online shopping assistant, streamlining the purchasing process for consumers.
With this feature, users can now easily buy products recommended by ChatGPT without the hassle of navigating away from the chat. For instance, if you ask for the “best mattress under $1,000” or “gift ideas for an avid reader,” ChatGPT will provide tailored product suggestions. If a user decides to buy one of these recommendations, they can complete the purchase seamlessly within the chat interface. Currently, this feature supports transactions from U.S. Etsy sellers, with plans to expand to over 1 million vendors through a partnership with Shopify.
This innovative approach marks ChatGPT’s entry into agentic commerce, acting as a facilitator between buyers and sellers while handling transactions efficiently. Merchants will incur a small fee for each completed sale, as confirmed by OpenAI.
Vanessa Lee, VP of product at Shopify, emphasized the urgency of this shift, stating, “Shopping is changing fast. People are discovering products in AI conversations, not just through search or ads.” This reflects a significant behavioral change among consumers who increasingly rely on AI tools for their shopping decisions.
Amazon is also adapting to this trend with its “Buy for Me” feature, allowing shoppers to purchase products from vendors outside of Amazon’s platform. This competitive landscape highlights the rapid evolution in e-commerce driven by AI technologies.
This feature is co-developed with payment processor Stripe and currently supports single-item purchases. OpenAI’s commitment to enhancing the shopping experience is evident, as they aim to provide a seamless transition from chat to checkout with just a few taps.
As AI continues to transform online shopping, consumers can expect more integrated solutions that simplify their purchasing experiences. This development not only impacts shoppers but also provides merchants with a unique opportunity to connect with millions of potential customers while maintaining control over their payment systems and customer relationships.
Stay tuned for more updates as this feature rolls out and changes the landscape of online commerce.