ChatGPT Business Agent: What It Is And Who Can Use It
Alongside business profiles, OpenAI launched Business Agents: an assistant a business can publish inside ChatGPT. Here is how they work and who can use one today.
A ChatGPT Business Agent is an assistant a business publishes in ChatGPT to answer shoppers’ questions about its products and policies, using information the business supplies. At launch it is open to eligible U.S. ecommerce and online service businesses with a website that meet OpenAI’s Business Agents policy and have passed verification. It was free at launch.
- Business Agents are open to eligible U.S. ecommerce and online service businesses.
- The business supplies the information and sets the agent’s guidelines.
- ChatGPT labels the chat so shoppers know they are talking to the seller’s agent.
- Agents must disclose they are AI and keep prices accurate.
- A Business Agent can be the destination of a ChatGPT ad.
How A Business Agent Works
When a business appears in a ChatGPT answer, people can open its profile and chat with its agent. The agent answers using the product details and guidelines the business provides. ChatGPT labels the conversation, so shoppers know they have moved from ChatGPT to the seller’s agent.
For now, buyers complete purchases on the business’s own website, which is one more reason your website has to be ready.
Who Can Use One
- U.S. ecommerce and online service businesses
- with a website
- that meet OpenAI’s Business Agents policy
- and have a verified profile (the identity check unlocks agent creation).
Local stores and restaurants are not part of the agent launch. OpenAI says it plans to expand Businesses in ChatGPT and Business Agents to more markets and categories.
The Rules Agents Follow
Agents must disclose that they are AI, keep prices accurate and avoid pressure tactics. Purchases and sharing personal data need the shopper’s explicit approval. OpenAI does not share Business Agent chats with the business.
Cost And Ads
Publishing an agent was free at launch; OpenAI has left open the possibility of charging later. Separately, a Business Agent can be the destination of a ChatGPT ad: clicking a sponsored placement opens a labelled chat with that seller’s agent. Sponsored Agents are in a limited test with selected advertisers, and OpenAI says paying does not change how often ChatGPT recommends a business.
Getting Ready For A Business Agent
An agent can only be as good as what you give it: accurate products, prices, delivery and return policies, and clear answers to common questions. Those live on your website first. Storebox builds and maintains that website and sets up your ChatGPT Business Profile, so you are ready when your business qualifies. See plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ChatGPT Business Agent free?
It was free at launch. OpenAI has not ruled out charging later.
Can a local shop or restaurant create a Business Agent?
Not at launch. Agents are for eligible U.S. ecommerce and online service businesses with a website.
Can the agent take payments?
Not yet. Buyers are sent to the business’s own website to complete purchases. OpenAI has said it is working on agent payments.
Will I see my customers’ chats with the agent?
No. OpenAI says it does not share Business Agent chats with businesses.