OpenAI Introduces Instant Shopping Feature in ChatGPT
OpenAI has launched a groundbreaking feature that allows ChatGPT users to make purchases directly within the chat interface. The new Instant Checkout capability enables seamless shopping from Etsy sellers without requiring users to navigate away from their conversations.
The feature is currently available to all ChatGPT users across the United States, marking a significant step in OpenAI’s commerce integration strategy. According to the original reporting from eamvisiondirect.com, this development represents OpenAI’s continued expansion into practical AI applications.
Expanding Merchant Partnerships
While Etsy sellers are the initial partners for Instant Checkout, OpenAI has confirmed that over one million Shopify merchants will join the platform soon. Major brands including Glossier, SKIMS, and Spanx are among the upcoming participants in this shopping ecosystem.
Currently, the system supports single-item purchases only, but OpenAI has announced plans to introduce multi-item shopping carts and expand to additional regions and merchants in the near future.
Open Source Commerce Protocol
In a move that could standardize AI-driven shopping, OpenAI is open-sourcing the technology behind Instant Checkout. The Agentic Commerce Protocol, developed in collaboration with payment processor Stripe, is designed to serve as a foundation for AI-powered commerce and simplify integration for developers wanting to connect their stores with ChatGPT.
Advancing Toward AI Agents
This shopping feature represents another milestone in OpenAI’s broader vision of creating fully functional AI agents. The industry-wide race to develop AI assistants capable of handling complex tasks—from writing reports to booking travel and shopping—continues to accelerate.
Recent months have seen OpenAI introduce several agent-like features, including ChatGPT Pulse for daily briefings and research, ChatGPT Agent for app integration, and OpenAI Operator for form completion and order placement.
How Instant Checkout Works
For users who already turn to ChatGPT for shopping recommendations, the process becomes remarkably streamlined. When asking for product suggestions like “gift ideas for a housewarming” or “best running shoes under $100,” items supporting Instant Checkout will display a “Buy” option.
Users can then complete their purchase directly within the chat by confirming order details, shipping information, and payment method. ChatGPT subscribers can use their stored payment card or choose alternative payment options.
Seller Experience and Fees
The service operates as an intermediary, with ChatGPT providing buyer information to sellers who then handle order fulfillment through their standard processes. While the service remains free for users, sellers will pay a small fee on completed purchases.
OpenAI emphasizes that Instant Checkout availability won’t influence product recommendations or give preference to participating sellers in search results. However, when multiple sellers offer the same product, Instant Checkout capability may be considered in ranking to optimize user experience.
As AI agents become more integrated into daily tasks, their effectiveness will increasingly depend on access to personal data, raising important questions about privacy and data security that users should consider when adopting these new shopping capabilities.
