You already know that ChatGPT can code and answer tough questions instantly. But now, it can also do your shopping.
Yes, really! Imagine saying, “Find me a navy linen blazer under ₹6,000 and get it delivered by Friday,”
and then watching ChatGPT open websites, compare prices, and place the order — all while you relax with a cup of coffee.
This advanced feature comes through the ChatGPT Agent — a version of the chatbot that can browse, click, and shop on your behalf.
According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, “Agent represents a new level of capability for AI systems,” as he explained in a blog post on X (formerly Twitter) after the feature launched on July 17, as reported by CNBC.
The agent works using a virtual computer, allowing it to:
Visit websites
Fill out forms
Check calendars
Even send you PowerPoint decks or spreadsheets directly to your inbox
In one demo, it managed a full wedding to-do list, including booking flights and choosing gifts.
What It Means for Amazon, Google, and You
This AI-powered shopping tool could shake things up for major companies like Amazon and Google. If users start asking AI to shop for them, traffic to these platforms may drop.
Research firm eMarketer noted that Amazon is already trying to control how agents access its site by adding “guardrails.”
Google may also be affected. Fewer people might use Google to search for products or see ads, potentially reducing their ad revenue.
As for OpenAI, they plan to earn from this tool through affiliate fees, not ads. Sam Altman earlier said in a Stratechery interview that if a user buys something via ChatGPT’s Deep Research feature, OpenAI will charge a small commission.
That said, OpenAI is taking privacy and safety seriously. The agent won’t be used for highly sensitive tasks yet,
and there are strict safety measures in place. For example, it requires manual approval before spending your money.
How the AI Shopping Agent Works
Here’s what the experience looks like:
You say, “Find running shoes under ₹8,000, check sizes, and order from the seller with the fastest delivery.”
ChatGPT opens a browser, checks multiple stores, looks at your saved sizes and preferred delivery options.
It then shows you the top 3 options.
You approve one.
The order is placed, and you get the receipt and tracking link via email — all while you’re busy at work.
Still Slow, But Promising
Right now, some tasks take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. But Yash Kumar, the product lead for ChatGPT Agent, told The Verge, “Even if it takes that long, it’s still faster than doing it yourself.”
If the process becomes faster and affiliate earnings grow, ChatGPT Agents could transform online shopping — just like streaming changed how we watch movies. Amazon and Google may need to prepare for big changes.
