In September 2025, OpenAI announced a groundbreaking new feature that allows customers to complete purchases directly within a ChatGPT conversation.
The feature is currently available for Shopify and Etsy merchants in its initial rollout — marking the beginning of a new era in digital commerce known as Interactive Commerce (i-Commerce).
If you own a Shopify store, this step-by-step guide will help you connect your store to ChatGPT and leverage this feature to enhance your sales strategy.
Why You Should Integrate Your Store with ChatGPT
- Increase Conversion Rates: Fewer steps to checkout mean a higher likelihood of completed purchases.
- Better Customer Experience: Customers can buy products directly through the chat interface.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: Early adopters of new technology typically stand out in the market.
Prerequisites
Before starting the integration process, make sure you have:
- An active Shopify account.
- Payment methods set up (credit cards, digital wallets, etc.).
- Updated store settings that support API integrations.
- A developer account or integration token to connect with external platforms.
Step-by-Step: How to Connect Shopify to ChatGPT
Step 1: Enable Checkout API on Shopify
- From your Shopify admin panel, go to Settings > Apps and Integrations > API Access.
- Enable the Checkout API option to allow transactions from external sources.
Step 2: Generate API Keys
- In the same section, create a new API Key and Secret Key.
- Store this information securely — you’ll need it for ChatGPT integration.
Step 3: Set Up Your OpenAI Account
- Log in to your OpenAI business dashboard.
- Under Business Integrations, select Add New Store.
- Enter your Shopify store URL and API credentials.
Step 4: Sync Your Products
- Once connected, your products can be synced automatically.
- Choose which categories or products to display within ChatGPT.
- You can also customize product responses — including descriptions, pricing, and discounts.
Step 5: Test the Checkout Flow
- Open ChatGPT and ask the assistant to order a product from your store.
- Verify that product recommendations, checkout, and payment confirmations work smoothly.
Best Practices to Maximize Results
- Optimize your product descriptions for interactive responses.
- Enable fast payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay to minimize friction.
- Offer exclusive deals for ChatGPT users (extra discounts or free shipping).
- Monitor performance through your Shopify dashboard to track ChatGPT-driven sales.
Potential Challenges
- Data security: Ensure your customers’ payment and personal information are protected.
- Early-stage feature: As this is a new rollout, expect ongoing updates and improvements.
- Integration costs: Small stores may require technical assistance or paid plugins.
Conclusion
Connecting your Shopify store to ChatGPT isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a strategic move that can place your business ahead of competitors.
Interactive commerce (i-Commerce) is no longer a future concept — it’s happening now. Adopting it early can be the difference between running a regular store and leading the market.