OpenAI launched ChatGPT Shopping Research on November 24, 2025, transforming the AI chatbot into a personalized digital shopper. Powered by a GPT-5 mini variant trained specifically for shopping tasks, it helps users discover products, compare options, and even complete purchases without leaving the chat interface.
This guide covers how ChatGPT Shopping works, the Instant Checkout feature powered by Stripe's Agentic Commerce Protocol, and how both consumers and retailers can leverage this new AI-powered shopping experience.
Key Statistics
- 800M+ Weekly Active Users
- 64% Accuracy Rating
- 42% Consumers Using AI for Shopping
- 30x Higher Purchase Rate
Key Takeaways
- GPT-5 Mini Powered: Shopping Research uses a GPT-5 mini variant trained specifically for shopping tasks with reinforcement learning, achieving 64% accuracy on product recommendations
- Instant Checkout via ACP: Buy directly within ChatGPT via Stripe's Agentic Commerce Protocol - now available on Etsy, Shopify (1M+ merchants), and Walmart
- Organic Unsponsored Results: Unlike Google Shopping, ChatGPT delivers ad-free, organic recommendations based solely on product quality and relevance
- 800M+ Weekly Users: Available to all ChatGPT users (Free, Go, Plus, Pro) with nearly unlimited usage - driving 20% of Walmart's AI referral traffic
- GEO Optimization Required: Merchants must optimize for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and allow OAI-SearchBot crawler to appear in results
ChatGPT Shopping Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | GPT-5 mini (shopping) |
| Launch Date | November 24, 2025 |
| Payment | Stripe ACP |
| Availability | Free, Go, Plus, Pro |
| Merchants | 1M+ Shopify stores |
| Partners | Etsy, Shopify, Walmart |
| Region | U.S. (checkout) |
| Features | Visual search, guides |
What Is ChatGPT Shopping Research
ChatGPT Shopping Research is an AI-powered personal shopping assistant that helps users navigate product decisions. Unlike traditional search, it engages in conversation to understand your needs and creates tailored buyer guides.
Key Capabilities
Conversational Discovery:
- Asks clarifying questions about needs
- Understands budget constraints
- Considers use case requirements
Information Synthesis:
- Crawls trusted review sites
- Compares specifications
- Summarizes pros and cons
Visual Search:
- Upload product images
- Find matching items
- Discover similar styles
Interactive Results:
- Personalized buyer guides
- Feedback-driven refinement
- Side-by-side comparisons
How ChatGPT Shopping Works
Shopping Research uses GPT-5 mini trained with reinforcement learning specifically for shopping tasks. It's designed to read trusted sites, cite reliable sources, and synthesize information into actionable recommendations.
Step 1: Start a Conversation
Tell ChatGPT what you're looking for. Be specific about budget, use case, and preferences. For example: "I need a laptop for video editing under $1500 with good battery life."
Step 2: Answer Clarifying Questions
ChatGPT asks follow-up questions to narrow down options: "Do you prefer portability or screen size? Will you use external monitors? How important is gaming capability?"
Step 3: Review Personalized Guide
Receive a tailored buyer guide with top recommendations, specification comparisons, and pros/cons based on your specific needs. Provide feedback to refine suggestions.
Step 4: Purchase or Continue Research
Use Instant Checkout to buy from eligible merchants, or get links to retailers. Continue the conversation to explore alternatives or accessories.
Image-Based Product Search
Upload a photo of any product, and ChatGPT will find matching or similar items online. This is useful for:
- Finding where to buy items you've seen in stores or online
- Discovering alternatives to out-of-stock products
- Locating replacement parts or accessories
- Finding similar styles at different price points
ChatGPT Shopping vs Google Shopping vs Amazon Rufus
The AI shopping assistant landscape now includes three major players: ChatGPT Shopping, Google Shopping (with AI overviews), and Amazon Rufus. Understanding the differences helps consumers choose the right tool and merchants optimize for the right platforms.
AI Shopping Platform Comparison
| Feature | ChatGPT Shopping | Google Shopping | Amazon Rufus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free for all users | Free (ad-supported) | Free (Amazon only) |
| Ad-Free Results | Yes - Organic | No - Ads First | Yes |
| Product Coverage | Web-wide (except Amazon) | Merchant feed-based | Amazon catalog only |
| Direct Checkout | Shopify, Etsy, Walmart | Buy on Google (limited) | Amazon checkout |
| Conversational | Full Chat | Limited AI | Full Chat |
| Personalization | Memory-based | Search history | Purchase history |
| Image Search | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weekly Users | 800M+ | ~1B (Shopping) | ~300M (Amazon) |
| AI Model | GPT-5 mini (shopping) | Gemini | Proprietary LLM |
Use ChatGPT Shopping When:
- Comparing products across multiple retailers
- You want ad-free, unbiased recommendations
- Shopping from Etsy, Shopify, or Walmart stores
- You need detailed product explanations
Use Google Shopping When:
- You need local store availability
- Price comparison is your primary goal
- You want to see merchant ratings
- Already integrated with Google ecosystem
Use Amazon Rufus When:
- You specifically want Amazon products
- Prime delivery is important to you
- You want to see verified purchase reviews
- Checking delivery estimates matters
The Amazon Gap: ChatGPT cannot access Amazon product data because Amazon blocks the OAI-SearchBot crawler. If you primarily shop on Amazon, use Rufus instead. For everything else, ChatGPT offers broader coverage and unbiased recommendations.
Instant Checkout with Stripe
Instant Checkout enables purchases directly within ChatGPT, powered by the Agentic Commerce Protocol co-developed by OpenAI and Stripe. No more navigating to external sites - complete transactions without leaving the conversation.
Participating Merchants
Etsy: U.S. sellers now available for direct checkout
Shopify: Over 1 million merchants joining the platform
Walmart: Partnership announced for direct purchasing
How It Works
- Discovery: ChatGPT recommends products from eligible merchants
- Selection: Choose products and add to checkout
- Payment: Stripe securely handles payment processing
- Confirmation: Receive order confirmation within ChatGPT
Note: Instant Checkout is currently available for U.S. users only. International expansion is planned for 2026.
Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP)
The Agentic Commerce Protocol is an open standard co-developed by Stripe and OpenAI that enables programmatic commerce between AI agents, buyers, and businesses. It's the technical foundation that makes Instant Checkout possible across platforms.
How ACP Works
Shared Payment Tokens (SPT): Secure tokens that let AI apps initiate payments without exposing actual payment credentials. Users authorize once, and agents can transact safely.
One-Line Integration: Merchants can enable ACP with minimal code changes. Stripe handles the complexity of agent-to-business payment flows.
Cross-Platform: Works across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Microsoft Copilot, and other AI platforms implementing the standard.
Agent Identity: Verified agent identities ensure accountability and enable businesses to control which AI platforms can transact.
ACP Partner Ecosystem
| Partner | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI (ChatGPT) | AI Platform | Live |
| Shopify | Merchant Platform | Live |
| Etsy | Marketplace | Live |
| Microsoft Copilot | AI Platform | Coming Soon |
| Perplexity | AI Search | Coming Soon |
| Anthropic Claude | AI Platform | Coming Soon |
GEO: Generative Engine Optimization for eCommerce
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the emerging discipline of optimizing product data specifically for AI shopping assistants like ChatGPT. While traditional SEO focuses on search engine crawlers, GEO targets large language models that synthesize information into recommendations.
Key Insight: 42% of consumers now use generative AI for shopping research (2025). Brands not optimizing for GEO risk becoming invisible to this growing segment.
GEO Implementation Checklist
Crawler Access:
- Allow OAI-SearchBot in robots.txt
- Verify crawler access in server logs
- Ensure product pages are crawlable
Product Feed Quality:
- Complete Schema.org Product markup
- Accurate pricing and availability
- Detailed specifications and attributes
Content Optimization:
- Natural language descriptions (not keyword-stuffed)
- Answer common buyer questions
- Include use case examples
Review Ecosystem:
- Presence on trusted review sites
- Coverage on Reddit, YouTube, forums
- Industry publication mentions
How to Optimize Product Descriptions for ChatGPT vs Google
ChatGPT prioritizes natural language descriptions that AI can synthesize into recommendations. Google-optimized feeds often contain keyword-stuffed content that reads unnaturally to LLMs.
| Aspect | Google Shopping | ChatGPT Shopping (GEO) |
|---|---|---|
| Title Format | Keyword-rich, structured | Natural, conversational |
| Description Style | Feature lists, specifications first | Use cases, benefits, then specs |
| Attributes | All required merchant center fields | Detailed specs + contextual info |
| Trust Signals | Seller ratings, reviews count | Third-party reviews, expert mentions |
| Comparison Info | Not typically included | Include vs. alternatives |
robots.txt Configuration for OAI-SearchBot
Add this to your robots.txt to allow ChatGPT to index your products:
User-agent: OAI-SearchBot
Allow: /products/
Allow: /collections/
Allow: /pages/
Disallow: /cart/
Disallow: /checkout/
Best Product Categories
ChatGPT Shopping excels in categories where comparison shopping matters. The AI's ability to synthesize specifications, reviews, and pricing makes it particularly effective for:
Electronics:
- Laptops, tablets, smartphones
- Headphones and audio equipment
- Smart home devices
- Cameras and accessories
Beauty:
- Skincare routines
- Makeup recommendations
- Hair care products
- Fragrance discovery
Home & Garden:
- Furniture selection
- Kitchen appliances
- Outdoor equipment
- Home decor
Sports Equipment:
- Fitness equipment
- Sports gear
- Outdoor recreation
- Athletic apparel
Shopping Prompts Library: Get Better Results
The quality of ChatGPT Shopping recommendations depends heavily on how you ask. Here are proven prompt templates to get more accurate, personalized product suggestions.
Product Research Prompts
Electronics Comparison:
"I need a laptop for video editing under $1,500. Compare the top 3 options with at least 16GB RAM and good battery life. I'll use external monitors, so screen quality is secondary to performance."
Multi-Constraint Search:
"Find wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, at least 8 hours battery, under $150, that work well for running. Prioritize sweat resistance and secure fit over sound quality."
Gift Finding Prompts
Personalized Gift:
"I need a gift for my mom who loves gardening, is in her 60s, and lives in a small apartment with a balcony. Budget $50-100. She already has basic tools but wants to grow herbs."
Holiday Batch:
"Help me find tech gifts for 3 people: 1) Teenage gamer nephew ($75), 2) Work-from-home sister ($100), 3) Dad who hates complicated gadgets ($50). All should be available for quick shipping."
Comparison & Research Prompts
Deep Comparison:
"Compare the Dyson V15 vs Shark Navigator for a household with pets and hardwood floors. Include pros/cons, maintenance costs, and real user complaints from reviews."
Alternative Finding:
"I like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 but want to explore alternatives. Find 3 options with similar ANC quality, preferably under $200, that work well with both iPhone and Android."
Budget & Value Prompts
Best Value:
"What's the best value standing desk under $400 for a home office? I'm 6'2", need at least 60 inches width, and cable management is important. Include both budget and mid-range options."
Complete Setup:
"Help me build a complete home espresso setup for $800 total. Include machine, grinder, and essential accessories. Prioritize consistent results for lattes over convenience."
Pro Tip: After getting initial recommendations, provide feedback like "Show me alternatives with better reviews" or "I prefer portability over power" to refine results. ChatGPT learns from your responses within the conversation.
AIO: AI Optimization for E-commerce
AI Optimization (AIO) is the emerging discipline of optimizing product data so AI shopping assistants surface your brand. It's the successor to SEO, focusing on how AI systems discover, rank, and recommend products.
The Shift: While SEO optimizes for search engine crawlers, AIO optimizes for AI agents that synthesize information across sources to make recommendations.
AIO Best Practices
Structured Data Quality:
- Complete product specifications
- Consistent data across channels
- Schema.org markup implementation
- Accurate inventory and pricing
Review Ecosystem:
- Presence on trusted review sites
- Active response to feedback
- Verified purchase reviews
- Industry publication coverage
Content Clarity:
- Answer common buyer questions
- Include comparison information
- Highlight unique differentiators
- Provide use case examples
Platform Integration:
- Enable Instant Checkout (ACP)
- Join AI shopping partnerships
- Maintain API/feed accuracy
- Monitor AI recommendation ranking
SEO vs AIO Comparison
| Factor | SEO | AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Audience | Search engine crawlers | AI agents and LLMs |
| Content Focus | Keywords and links | Facts and specifications |
| Success Metric | SERP ranking | AI recommendation rate |
| Trust Signals | Backlinks, domain authority | Review site presence, data accuracy |
| Conversion Path | Click to website | Instant Checkout in chat |
Retailer Optimization Strategies
As AI-powered shopping grows, retailers need to optimize their presence for ChatGPT and similar platforms. Here's how to ensure your products surface in recommendations:
1. Structured Product Data
Ensure product listings include complete, accurate specifications. ChatGPT synthesizes data from multiple sources, so consistent information across channels improves recommendation accuracy.
2. Review Site Presence
ChatGPT reads trusted review sites. Encourage customer reviews, respond to feedback, and maintain presence on major platforms like Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, and industry publications.
3. Clear Product Descriptions
Write detailed, specification-rich descriptions that answer common buyer questions. Include use cases, compatibility information, and key differentiators.
4. Instant Checkout Integration
Join Shopify or Etsy platforms to enable Instant Checkout. Products available for direct purchase receive priority in recommendations where checkout is possible.
5. Competitive Pricing
ChatGPT compares prices across retailers. Transparent, competitive pricing increases the likelihood of recommendation. Consider price matching policies that can be clearly communicated.
7 Common Merchant Mistakes That Kill ChatGPT Visibility
Based on our experience helping ecommerce clients prepare for AI shopping, here are the most common mistakes that prevent products from appearing in ChatGPT Shopping results.
Mistake #1: Copying Google Product Feeds Directly
The Problem: Google-optimized feeds are often keyword-stuffed and formatted for search algorithms, not AI comprehension.
Impact: ChatGPT may misinterpret product attributes or rank competitors with cleaner descriptions higher.
Fix: Create AI-optimized product descriptions using natural language. Explain what the product does and who it's for, not just specifications.
Mistake #2: Blocking OAI-SearchBot in robots.txt
The Problem: Many enterprise sites block unknown crawlers by default, including OpenAI's OAI-SearchBot.
Impact: Complete invisibility in ChatGPT Shopping results - no products indexed.
Fix: Audit your robots.txt file immediately. Add "User-agent: OAI-SearchBot / Allow: /" to ensure products are crawled.
Mistake #3: Overestimating ChatGPT Shopping Traffic
The Problem: ChatGPT receives ~1 billion searches/week vs. Google's ~96 billion. Premature resource reallocation wastes budget.
Impact: ROI expectations not met, stakeholder disappointment, abandoned optimization efforts.
Fix: Monitor utm_source=chatgpt.com traffic before investing heavily. Start with low-cost optimizations (robots.txt, descriptions) before major initiatives.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Amazon Gap
The Problem: Marketplace-only brands selling exclusively on Amazon are completely invisible to ChatGPT.
Impact: Lost opportunity to capture the 42% of consumers using AI for shopping research outside Amazon.
Fix: Build a direct web presence. Even a simple Shopify store with your catalog enables ChatGPT visibility and Instant Checkout.
Mistake #5: Treating GEO as One-Time Setup
The Problem: Teams optimize once and forget. Product feeds become stale, AI systems evolve, competitors improve.
Impact: Declining visibility over time as competitors raise the optimization bar.
Fix: Treat GEO as ongoing optimization like SEO. Schedule monthly feed audits, monitor ChatGPT ranking, iterate on descriptions.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Review Aggregation Sites
The Problem: ChatGPT pulls from third-party reviews on Reddit, YouTube, forums - not just on-site reviews.
Impact: Competitors with broader review presence get recommended even with inferior products.
Fix: Encourage reviews across multiple platforms. Engage with product discussions on Reddit. Create YouTube review content.
Mistake #7: Not Tracking Attribution Properly
The Problem: ChatGPT adds utm parameters automatically, but many analytics setups miss cross-device journeys.
Impact: Underreported ChatGPT ROI leads to reduced investment in a growing channel.
Fix: Implement proper cross-device attribution in GA4. Users often research on ChatGPT, then purchase on different devices.
When to Use ChatGPT Shopping
Best Use Cases
- Complex product comparisons
- Gift ideas with specific constraints
- Technical product research
- Finding items from photos
- Understanding product specifications
When NOT to Use
- Time-sensitive flash sales
- Local inventory checks
- Products requiring try-on
- Urgent same-day purchases
- Luxury authentication needed
When NOT to Prioritize ChatGPT Shopping (Honest Assessment)
ChatGPT Shopping isn't right for every business. Here's an honest assessment of when you should wait before investing significant resources in GEO optimization.
Wait If You Are...
- Amazon-Only Seller: ChatGPT can't access Amazon. Build a direct presence first.
- Local/Regional Business: ChatGPT Shopping is global. Local SEO still matters more.
- B2B Enterprise: ChatGPT Shopping is consumer-focused. B2B use cases are minimal.
- Luxury/Authentication Required: High-value items need verification ChatGPT can't provide.
Invest Now If You Are...
- DTC Brand: Direct-to-consumer brands benefit most from AI visibility.
- Shopify/Etsy Merchant: Instant Checkout eligibility gives you an edge.
- High-Research Products: Electronics, home goods, sports equipment - categories where AI excels.
- Comparison Shopping Categories: Products where specs and reviews drive decisions.
Decision Framework: ChatGPT vs Google Shopping Priority
| Business Type | Google Priority | ChatGPT Priority | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DTC Shopify Brand | Medium | High | Start GEO now |
| Amazon FBA Seller | High | Low | Focus on Rufus |
| Local Retail Chain | High | Low | Prioritize local SEO |
| B2B Equipment | Medium | Low | Wait for B2B features |
| Etsy Artisan | Low | High | Enable Instant Checkout |
| Multi-Channel Retailer | High | High | Optimize for both |
Our Recommendation: Even if ChatGPT isn't your primary channel, allow OAI-SearchBot and optimize product descriptions now. The cost is minimal and positions you for future growth.
Analytics & Attribution: Tracking ChatGPT Shopping ROI
ChatGPT automatically adds utm_source=chatgpt.com to outbound links. However, proper attribution requires additional setup to capture the full customer journey.
GA4 ChatGPT Tracking Setup
Step 1: Create Custom Segment
In GA4, create a segment for ChatGPT referral traffic:
Source contains "chatgpt.com" OR
Medium equals "referral" AND
Source contains "openai"
Step 2: Track Key Metrics
- Sessions from utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Conversion rate vs. other channels
- Average order value comparison
- Time to purchase from first visit
Step 3: Cross-Device Attribution
Enable User-ID tracking in GA4. Many users research on ChatGPT (desktop/mobile) and purchase on a different device. Without cross-device tracking, you'll underreport ChatGPT ROI.
ChatGPT Shopping Traffic Benchmarks
Based on industry data from Similarweb and Adobe:
- 20% Walmart AI Referral Share (From ChatGPT)
- 15% Etsy AI Referral Share (From ChatGPT)
- 30x Purchase Likelihood (vs. organic search)
- 42% Consumers Using AI for Shopping (2025)
Attribution Challenge: ChatGPT often serves as a research tool, not the final conversion point. Implement multi-touch attribution to accurately value ChatGPT's role in the customer journey.
Consumer Mistakes: Getting Better Results
Mistake #1: Vague Requests
Error: Asking "What laptop should I buy?" without context.
Impact: Generic recommendations that don't match your needs.
Fix: Include budget, use case, and specific requirements: "I need a laptop under $1000 for college with good battery life for note-taking and light gaming."
Mistake #2: Not Providing Feedback
Error: Accepting first recommendations without refinement.
Impact: Missing better options that match your preferences.
Fix: Use the interactive interface to provide feedback. Say "I like option A but want something lighter" or "Show me alternatives with better reviews."
Mistake #3: Ignoring Price Verification
Error: Not verifying current prices before purchase.
Impact: Prices change frequently; AI may show outdated information.
Fix: Always check retailer websites for current pricing, especially for deals and promotions that may have expired.
Mistake #4: Skipping Image Search
Error: Only using text descriptions for product search.
Impact: Missing exact matches for products you've seen.
Fix: Upload photos when looking for specific items, similar styles, or trying to identify products from images.
Mistake #5: Not Using Instant Checkout When Available
Error: Navigating to external sites for eligible products.
Impact: More friction, potential cart abandonment.
Fix: Use Instant Checkout for Etsy, Shopify, and Walmart products to complete purchases seamlessly within ChatGPT.
Conclusion
ChatGPT Shopping Research represents a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and purchase products. By combining conversational AI with comprehensive product research, it eliminates the friction of traditional comparison shopping while providing personalized recommendations.
For retailers, optimizing for AI-powered shopping is becoming as essential as SEO. As more transactions flow through conversational commerce, businesses that adapt their product data, review presence, and checkout integrations will capture the growing AI shopping market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ChatGPT Shopping and when was it launched?
ChatGPT Shopping Research is an AI-powered personal shopping feature launched on November 24, 2025. Powered by GPT-5 mini trained specifically for shopping tasks with reinforcement learning, it helps 800 million+ weekly users discover products, compare options, and make purchases directly within ChatGPT using the Agentic Commerce Protocol.
Is ChatGPT Shopping free for consumers?
Yes, ChatGPT Shopping Research is completely free and available to all ChatGPT users including Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans. OpenAI is offering nearly unlimited usage during the holiday season for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and year-end sales - no subscription required for the shopping features.
Can I buy products directly in ChatGPT?
Yes, through Instant Checkout powered by Stripe's Agentic Commerce Protocol. You can complete purchases directly within ChatGPT for products from over 1 million Shopify merchants, U.S. Etsy sellers, and Walmart. Payment is processed securely through Stripe without leaving the conversation.
Does ChatGPT Shopping show ads or sponsored results?
No, ChatGPT Shopping presents organic, unsponsored recommendations based solely on product quality and relevance. Unlike Google Shopping which displays paid ads, ChatGPT synthesizes information from trusted sources without paid placements influencing recommendations - a key differentiator.
Why can't ChatGPT search Amazon products?
Amazon blocks ChatGPT's OAI-SearchBot crawler from accessing product data. This means ChatGPT Shopping cannot display Amazon products in results. If you primarily shop on Amazon, you'll need to use Amazon's own Rufus AI assistant instead. This creates an opportunity for marketplace-only brands to build visibility elsewhere.
What is the Agentic Commerce Protocol?
The Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) is an open standard co-developed by Stripe and OpenAI that enables AI agents to initiate secure purchases. It uses Shared Payment Tokens (SPT) so AI apps can transact without exposing payment credentials. Merchants can enable ACP with as little as one line of code.
How accurate are ChatGPT shopping recommendations?
According to OpenAI's internal benchmarks, ChatGPT Shopping achieves 64% accuracy on product recommendations. For multi-constraint queries (specific budget, features, and use cases), accuracy is 52%. The AI continuously improves through user feedback and expanded product data access.
Is ChatGPT Shopping available outside the US?
ChatGPT Shopping Research is available globally for product discovery and research. However, Instant Checkout (direct purchasing) is currently limited to U.S. users only. International expansion is planned for 2026, with European markets expected first.
How do I track ChatGPT referral traffic to my store?
ChatGPT automatically adds utm_source=chatgpt.com parameters to links. Set up a custom segment in Google Analytics 4 to filter traffic by this source. For proper attribution, implement cross-device tracking since many users research on ChatGPT but purchase on different devices.
What is GEO and how is it different from SEO?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) optimizes content for AI shopping assistants rather than search engine crawlers. While SEO focuses on keywords and backlinks, GEO prioritizes structured product data, review presence across platforms, and natural language descriptions that AI can synthesize into recommendations.
How do I get my products to appear in ChatGPT Shopping?
To appear in ChatGPT Shopping: 1) Allow OAI-SearchBot in your robots.txt, 2) Use structured data (Schema.org Product markup), 3) Maintain accurate product feeds with complete specifications, 4) Build review presence on trusted sites, 5) Join Shopify or Etsy for Instant Checkout eligibility.
What is OAI-SearchBot and should I allow it?
OAI-SearchBot is OpenAI's web crawler that indexes product data for ChatGPT Shopping. If you want products to appear in AI shopping results, you must allow OAI-SearchBot in your robots.txt file. Many enterprise sites block unknown crawlers by default, making products invisible to ChatGPT.
How does ChatGPT Shopping compare to Google Shopping?
ChatGPT Shopping offers conversational, personalized recommendations with no ads - it asks clarifying questions and creates tailored buyer guides. Google Shopping displays paid product listings with price comparison. ChatGPT synthesizes reviews and specifications into natural language explanations, while Google focuses on merchant listings and shopping ads.
How does ChatGPT Shopping compare to Amazon Rufus?
ChatGPT Shopping covers products across the web (except Amazon), while Rufus only searches Amazon's catalog. ChatGPT offers Instant Checkout on Shopify, Etsy, and Walmart. Rufus provides Amazon-specific features like delivery estimates and Prime eligibility. Use ChatGPT for cross-retailer comparison, Rufus for Amazon-specific shopping.
How does ChatGPT personalize shopping recommendations?
If ChatGPT Memory is enabled, Shopping Research uses your stored preferences, interests, and past conversations to personalize results. For example, if it knows you're a gamer, laptop recommendations will factor in gaming capability. You can manage memory settings to control personalization.
Which platforms integrate with ChatGPT Shopping Instant Checkout?
Instant Checkout is live for over 1 million Shopify merchants (including Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx, Vuori), U.S. Etsy sellers, and Walmart. Partners implementing the Agentic Commerce Protocol include Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, Anthropic Claude, and Salesforce.
How does ChatGPT Shopping compare to Perplexity Buy With Pro?
Both offer AI-powered shopping with direct checkout capabilities. Perplexity Buy With Pro requires a Pro subscription ($20/month), while ChatGPT Shopping is free for all users. ChatGPT has 800M+ users and broader merchant integration, while Perplexity offers tighter search integration and real-time price tracking.
What is ChatGPT Pulse for shopping?
ChatGPT Pulse surfaces shopping cards and recommendations based on trending products and deals proactively during conversations. It complements Shopping Research by suggesting relevant products without explicit queries, similar to discovering items while browsing a store.
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