Sam Altman-led OpenAI may integrate commission system in ChatGPT shopping feature
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As per the current model, the San Francisco-based AI company displays products on its platform with links that redirect users to external online retailers. OpenAI also established a partnership with payments group Shopify in April.
Citing multiple sources familiar with the proposals, a report by The Financial Times claims that OpenAI intends to integrate a full checkout system directly into ChatGPT. This would allow users to complete transactions entirely within the platform.
Once this system is set up, merchants that process and fulfill orders through this integrated system will then pay a commission to OpenAI.
OpenAI aims to push its e-commerce ambitions for revenue generation
This push into e-commerce appears to signify a key strategic shift for the loss-making startup, which is valued at $300 billion. Currently, OpenAI's revenue comes from subscriptions to its premium services. By taking a cut of sales, the company may monetise users of its free ChatGPT version, which has remained an untapped revenue source until now, the report added.
Why OpenAI's e-commerce model may be a threat to Google
OpenAI's move may also pose a threat to Google's business model. The report says that consumers are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for search and product discovery, potentially bypassing traditional search engines.
While the feature is still under development and details may change, OpenAI and partners like Shopify have reportedly been presenting early versions to various brands and discussing financial terms.
Shopify's checkout technology, which underpins shopping features on other online services like
TikTok
, is well-suited for this kind of integration, the report noted.
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