Common Questions

Real answers to what people actually ask about AI-powered shopping.

The Big Questions

”Is this just another marketplace taking a cut?”

No. This is fundamentally different from Amazon or Etsy’s model.

When someone buys through ChatGPT using the Agentic Commerce Protocol:

• You are the seller (not OpenAI)
• You get the customer’s email and shipping address
• You handle fulfillment and returns
• You pay standard card processing fees (~3%), not marketplace commissions (15-45%)

The AI is just helping your customer find and buy your product. It’s a shopping assistant, not a middleman.

”Is it safe to let AI buy things with my credit card?”

Safer than typing your card number into a website, actually.

Here’s why: Your card number never leaves Stripe. The AI doesn’t see it. Instead, Stripe creates a one-time “payment token” that:

• Only works for one specific merchant
• Only works for one specific amount
• Expires in about 30 minutes
• Can only be used once

Even if someone intercepted this token, it would be useless to them. And you still have to approve every single purchase before it happens.

”Can the AI buy stuff without asking me?”

No. Every purchase requires your explicit approval.

The flow is always:

1. AI shows you what you’re buying and the total
2. You review and say “yes, buy this”
3. Only then does payment happen

You can back out at any step. The AI can’t spend your money without you saying so.

For Store Owners

”What does it cost me?”

No monthly fees. No listing fees. No commissions on top of normal card processing.

”Do I need a Stripe account?”

Yes, for now. Stripe handles the secure payment token system. The protocol is open, so other payment processors may support it in the future.

”Will this replace my website?”

No. Think of it as an additional sales channel.

Some customers will find you through ChatGPT. Others will still browse your website. Smart merchants offer both options.

”How do customers find me?”

When someone asks ChatGPT for product recommendations, it searches across participating merchants. Results are organic — not paid placements.

Your products are more likely to appear when you have:

• Clear, descriptive product titles
• Accurate pricing and availability
• Good customer reviews

”How do returns work?”

Exactly like they do now. Customer contacts you, you process the refund through Stripe.

ACP doesn’t change your return policies or add any extra steps.

”What can I sell?”

Most consumer products work fine. Restricted categories include:

• Adult content
• Weapons
• Prescription medications
• Anything illegal

Basically, if you can sell it on Stripe normally, you can sell it through ACP.

For Shoppers

”What do I need to start?”

Just two things:

1. A ChatGPT account
2. A payment method saved with Stripe

You don’t need accounts with individual stores.

”How do I track my order?”

After purchase, you’ll get:

• Email confirmation from the merchant
• Tracking info when it ships

The merchant handles everything just like a normal online order.

”What if I have a problem?”

Contact the store directly. You’ll have their email from your order confirmation. Returns, exchanges, and customer service all go through the merchant.

”Is my data being sold?”

No. Here’s what gets shared:

Getting Started

”I’m a Shopify merchant. What do I do?”

Apply to join the program at chatgpt.com/merchants . Shopify integration is coming soon — over a million merchants including Glossier, SKIMS, Spanx, and Vuori will be able to participate.

”I’m on Etsy. What do I do?”

Good news — Etsy is already live. US Etsy sellers can receive orders from ChatGPT users right now.

”I have a custom store. What do I do?”

You’ll need to implement the ACP APIs. Check out the Integration Guide or the Technical Documentation if you’re a developer.

”I’m not technical. Can I still do this?”

If you’re on Shopify or Etsy: Yes, no coding required.

If you have a custom store: You’ll need a developer. The integration isn’t huge, but it does require API work.

Still Curious?