In a move that the company says will change the way people shop online, OpenAI has today announced the launch of Shopping Research in ChatGPT.
The new feature, rolling out now on both mobile and web for logged-in users across Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans, enables users to conduct in-depth product discovery and comparison within the chat interface itself. The rollout is global, so users in Singapore are included, meaning Singaporean online shoppers can now use ChatGPT to research purchases the same way users elsewhere can.
Shopping Research changes the chat interface into a conversational buying assistant. Rather than simply providing basic product specs or a price check, the tool asks clarifying questions, researches across the web for up-to-date details (specs, reviews, availability, pricing), and builds a tailored buyer’s guide in response to your needs.
OpenAI describes it this way, “ Instead of sifting through dozens of sites, you can just describe what you’re looking for … and shopping research builds a thoughtful guide to help you decide.”
It is designed to be especially useful for detail-heavy categories: electronics, home and garden, kitchen and appliances, beauty, sports and outdoor.
Why this matters for Singapore shoppers
In Singapore’s highly digital retail environment, this comes at an opportune moment. Recent data shows nearly half of Singaporean consumers say they have used AI-powered assistants (such as ChatGPT) when shopping, and many expect faster checkouts, personalised promotions, real-time inventory updates and simpler online journeys.
With mobile commerce dominant, as Singapore is a mobile-first country, and many shoppers already looking beyond local channels, having an AI chat tool that can navigate reviews, specs and trade-offs can save time and help make better informed decisions.
Some examples of how Singapore-based users might use Shopping Research in ChatGPT include:
- “I’m looking for a 65-inch 4K HDR TV under S$1,800, in a bright Singapore living room, help me compare models and tell me what features matter.”
- “Help me pick a compact fitness tracker suited for Singapore weather (humid, outdoors use) with good battery life and smartphone notifications.”
- “I’m browsing headphones for commuting in Singapore (MRT + bus), noise-cancelling, over-ear, under S$300, compare some good options.”
How to use Shopping Research in ChatGPT
Here’s a step-by-step guide for Singapore users to make the most of Shopping Research:
- Log in to ChatGPT – Use your Free, Go, Plus or Pro plan account on web or mobile.
- Start with a shopping question – Simply type what you’re looking for, e.g. “I need a compact mirrorless camera for travel under S$2,000.”
- Let ChatGPT detect the shopping intent – The tool will automatically suggest the Shopping Research mode (you’ll get a prompt like “Research the best options” or you can select it from the (+) menu).
- Answer the clarifying questions – ChatGPT will ask follow-up questions to narrow down the budget, usage context, features, brand preferences or who the item is for. You’ll answer, for example: “For everyday use, priority is battery life and weight. I’ll travel often to Malaysia and Thailand.”
- Review the curated buyer’s guide – After a short time, ChatGPT returns a structured guide: top recommended products, pros & cons, side-by-side comparison, trade-offs, and your best fit given your constraints.
- Interact and refine – You can indicate “Not interested in this model” or “More like this” for refined results. The chat remains interactive, so you can drill down further.
- Verify price and availability – Because the model may not always have fully up-to-date stock or pricing, it’s wise to check the retailer directly before purchase. OpenAI notes this limitation.
- Purchase externally – Currently, you’ll be directed to relevant retailer links to complete the purchase (for Singapore users, this means check local e-commerce/marketplace listings).
But, as this is still new, OpenAI cautions that users should:
- OpenAI cautions that the feature is still new and may occasionally produce outdated or approximate pricing/availability. Users should double-check.
- While the tool supports Singapore globally, local delivery/shipping/promotions may vary, always factor in shipping, duties (if cross-border), and local warranty.
- Because the Singapore market often emphasises mobile shopping and omnichannel experiences, specify local logistics constraints (e.g., “delivery within 48 hours in Singapore”, “local warranty service”) to get tailored recommendations.
- For cross-border shopping (very common in Singapore), you can ask the feature to include a comparison between a local Singapore seller vs an overseas site (shipping, import tax, warranty).
- Privacy: OpenAI says your chats are not shared with retailers, and the results are based on publicly available information.
Singaporean shoppers now have a new shopping assistant in ChatGPT’s Shopping Research: one that can talk through preferences, ask the right questions, pull data from across the web, and deliver a customised buying guide. Whether you’re researching tech gadgets, home appliances or gifts, it’s like having a virtual personal shopper tailored for your specifications, in your own language, at your own pace.