By: Nick Gambino
ChatGPT Evolves Beyond Simple Conversations
When ChatGPT first hit the scene, I thought it was no more than an easy way to have dead-end conversations with a robot. As things progressed and they’ve continued to improve the AI chatbot, I’ve come to respect it as a useful digital research assistant.
OpenAI’s Big Ambition: Replacing Search Engines
It’s clear that OpenAI is aiming high and looking to replace the traditional internet search engine. They’ve already announced their own ChatGPT browser. Additionally, there is a ChatGPT mobile device and now they’re introducing shopping directly into AI conversations.
Introducing Instant Checkout
When users search for items they’re looking to buy, ChatGPT will offer the option to purchase it right then and there. This happens without leaving the platform or even the AI conversation. They’re calling it Instant Checkout. For now, it only works with Etsy.
The Future of Agentic Commerce
“This marks the next step in agentic commerce, where ChatGPT doesn’t just help you find what to buy. It also helps you buy it,” the OpenAI article announcing the new feature reads. “For shoppers, it’s seamless: go from chat to checkout in just a few taps.”
Organic Results, For Now
The company says the purchase results are completely organic and not sponsored by sellers or the companies manufacturing them. If this proves successful, I can see that changing over time. Sponsored posts are rampant on Google, Amazon, etc. I don’t see OpenAI leaving money on the table for long. For the moment, it’s a competitive decision.
How the System Works
The system is powered by The Agentic Commerce Protocol. It is built by Stripe in collaboration with OpenAI. However, the transaction itself is handled by the merchant selling the item through whatever payment system they use. ChatGPT is simply the middleman introducing the customer to the merchant.
Fees and Free Usage
Meanwhile, users can enjoy the experience for free, but the merchant selling the product pays a small fee.
What’s Next: Multi-Item Purchases
OpenAI currently limits the Instant Checkout feature to single-item purchases, but they have promised to add multi-item purchases soon.
