A Smarter Way to Shop
Imagine asking a friend which running shoes are best under ₹5,000, and they instantly show you top-rated options, complete with reviews, prices, and where to buy. That’s exactly what ChatGPT’s new shopping feature is aiming to do, turning the AI assistant into a digital shopping buddy.
OpenAI has launched this new feature across all versions of ChatGPT, from the free plan to the premium Pro tier. It’s designed to help users quickly find what they’re looking for, from fashion to gadgets to home essentials, without the usual mess of ads and endless scrolling.
How It Works
Just type in what you need, like “best budget headphones” or “stylish shoes for a wedding,” and ChatGPT will show you a list of options with product images, prices, star ratings, and where to buy them. You don’t even need to log in to use it.
What makes this tool unique is that it doesn’t show ads or promote products based on paid partnerships. Instead, it uses real product data to suggest items that actually match your needs. It’s like having a friend who’s done all the research for you.
Still Buy on Retailer Sites
While ChatGPT can help you compare and decide what to buy, you’ll still need to visit retailer websites to complete the purchase. But by the time you get there, most of the hard work, like comparing options or reading reviews, will already be done.
Challenge to Google and Online Ads
This move is seen as a direct shake-up for traditional search engines like Google, where shopping results are often driven by ads. By eliminating advertisements and commissions from the picture, OpenAI is placing its bets on a more reliable and user-centric experience.
OpenAI is aiming high, with internal projections suggesting it could reach $125 billion in revenue by 2029. That’s a massive leap from its estimated $4 billion in revenue last year.
What It Means for the Future
ChatGPT is quickly becoming more than just a chatbot; it’s evolving into a central hub for everyday tasks, and shopping is just the beginning. As people get used to this new, smarter way to browse, it could completely change how we shop online.
Would you use ChatGPT to find your next pair of sneakers?