Selling on ChatGPT has now become possible thanks to the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) developed by OpenAI in collaboration with Stripe. This protocol introduces a new commerce infrastructure that enables users to discover products and make instant purchases directly within the chat platform.
In short: When a user types something like “a durable suitcase under 3000 TL” during a conversation, if your product feed matches, it will appear in the results. If the Instant Checkout feature is enabled, the user can complete the payment via Stripe without leaving the chat window. This makes the purchasing process seamless within a single ecosystem.
ACP leaves order, return, and shipping processes entirely under the merchant’s control. In other words, the system only functions as a discovery and payment channel; customer relations remain fully in the hands of the brand. This structure revolutionizes e-commerce by uniting the “search → discovery → purchase” chain in a single place.
OpenAI and Stripe Partnership: A New Era in E-Commerce
OpenAI formed a strategic partnership with Stripe to transform the chat experience directly into commerce. While Stripe provides the secure payment infrastructure, OpenAI manages product discovery and the user experience.
With this partnership, the Instant Checkout feature was launched. Now, when users click “Buy,” Stripe’s secure payment system comes into play, and the order information is transmitted to the business. The brand processes the payment, ships the product, and manages returns according to its own policies.
By combining Stripe’s payment network, which covers millions of users in the US, with OpenAI’s access to over 100 million active ChatGPT users, a brand-new marketing and sales channel emerges for businesses. This turns chat-based AI tools from mere knowledge sources into the new storefront of e-commerce.
What is Instant Checkout?
Instant Checkout is a new payment experience that allows users to complete purchases securely with a single click, without leaving the chat window.
Normally, buying a product requires navigating through multiple pages, but with this feature, the product is selected, paid for through Stripe, and the order is automatically sent to the merchant.
Integration for Shopify and Etsy Sellers
Initially, direct selling was activated for Etsy stores. Etsy products are displayed in the recommendation feed for US-based users and can be purchased via Instant Checkout. Shopify integration is currently in testing and will be launched “soon.”
This means that more than 1 million Shopify merchants will be able to sell their products directly through chat. Businesses will be able to connect their existing product feeds without installing any additional software. Once a user sees and purchases the product within the chat, the payment is processed via Stripe, and the order appears in the Shopify dashboard.
For Türkiye specifically, neither Etsy nor Shopify integration is yet active. However, since the global launch started in the US and OpenAI announced plans for regional expansion by 2026, Turkish e-commerce brands preparing early will gain a significant advantage.
How Does the Sales Process Work?
Selling products within AI-powered chat isn’t very different from traditional e-commerce; the only distinction is that the entire process takes place within the conversation window.
- Product Matching: A user searches for a product (e.g., “a durable suitcase under 3000 TL”). If your product feed matches, it appears in the suggestion list.
- Instant Payment: When the user likes the product, they click “Buy,” completing the payment securely via Stripe.
- Order Flow: Once payment is confirmed, the order information goes directly to the business. The product is prepared, shipped, and returns are handled within the brand’s own system.
The key point here is that chat-based commerce only serves as a discovery and payment facilitator; the entire customer experience remains with the brand.
Advantages and Considerations for Merchants
The biggest advantage of this new sales channel is that it shortens the customer journey. The user sees the product within the chat, purchases without being redirected, and this has the potential to increase conversion rates.
Advantages:
- New sales channel: AI-powered chat platforms help reach different user groups.
- Lower cart abandonment: Completing payments directly in chat reduces drop-offs.
- Open integration: With the ACP protocol, the technical process is transparent and standardized.
Points to consider:
- Competition: Multiple brands may be listed for the same product; price, quality, and stock will be decisive.
- Commissions: OpenAI and Stripe will charge a fee per transaction.
- Limited features: Currently, only single-product purchases are supported.
Therefore, businesses must consider both opportunities and potential limitations when shaping their strategies.
Is Selling on ChatGPT Possible in Türkiye?
Currently, direct sales are only active in the US. The first phase launched with Etsy, and Shopify will soon follow. OpenAI officially announced plans for regional expansion starting in 2026.
In Türkiye, there is no application process available yet. However, since Shopify and Etsy are already widely used in the country, Turkish businesses will be automatically included when the integration opens.
This means e-commerce companies in Türkiye should prepare now by:
- Structuring their product feeds correctly,
- Testing Stripe or alternative compatible payment systems,
- Developing SEO + AIO content strategies aligned with the algorithms.
Even though it’s not active yet, the brands that adapt first will gain a huge competitive edge once it arrives 🚀
From the US to Türkiye: Roadmap and Expectations
According to OpenAI, regional expansion is planned for 2026.
While there is no official date for Türkiye, the fact that Shopify and Etsy are already active here indicates that Turkish merchants will be included once the rollout expands. The most critical factor will be the payment infrastructure. Since Stripe is not officially available in Türkiye, alternative solutions may be considered when expansion happens.
Thus, the smartest strategy for Turkish brands is to produce early content, prepare product feeds, and adapt to global payment solutions in advance.
Conclusion: The Role of ChatGPT in the Future of E-Commerce
This new integration marks the beginning of a new era in e-commerce. Users can now search, discover, and purchase without leaving the platform. This innovation not only boosts conversion rates but also provides businesses with brand-new customer acquisition channels.
Although the system is not yet active in Türkiye, OpenAI’s roadmap shows that expansion in the coming years is inevitable. That’s why it’s crucial for Turkish brands to start creating content, building strategies, and preparing technically right now.
In short, chat-based AI is no longer just an information tool but is becoming the new storefront of digital commerce. For businesses that want to get ahead in e-commerce, this opportunity will be one of the most critical competitive advantages of the future.
🚀 For strategies that will take your brand step by step further in the increasingly competitive digital world, feel free to get in touch with me.
