Perplexity Adds Shopping Feature as It Seeks to Expand User Base

Perplexity AI has launched a shopping feature on its platform. Perplexity added the shopping feature to attract users to its platform as it takes on Google’s search engine dominance. According to Yahoo Finance, Perplexity’s shopping feature is a one-stop solution that allows users to research and buy products.

“Introducing Perplexity Shopping- a one-stop solution where you can research and purchase products. It marks a big leap forward in how we serve our users, empowering seamless native actions right from an answer. Shopping online just got 10x easier and fun,” the company posted on X.

Product Cards

The AI startup will generate product cards in visual formats for users. The cards will display relevant items based on the questions users ask in relation to their shopping. Perplexity’s new AI feature takes on traditional e-commerce rivals like Amazon and Google.

The shopping feature will initially be available to US-based users before expanding to other regions. To use the feature, US users should have paid for the Pro subscription tier. The AI startup plans to leverage the shopping feature to expand its AI chatbot userbaser while developing related services such as online shopping and search.

“You can use it to research and make purchases on all things like building your library, buying electronics for throwing a party, and so on,” the San Francisco-based AI startup said in a video posted on X.

From the video, users can learn how to query Perplexity AI search in a conversational way. The AI chatbot allows users to refine results through follow-up responses. Perplexity’s shopping feature is powered by a range of integrations that include Shopify. This gives the AI platform access to the most recent and relevant information from sellers on the ecommerce platform that ship to the US.

Multiple Features

Perplexity’s AI shopping comes with a raft of features that save users time. These include a one-click checkout that facilitates full purchase processing within the app. This feature ensures users complete their transaction on the Perplexity page without having to cross over to the merchant’s website.

“Just save your shipping and billing information through our secure portal and select ‘Buy with Pro’ to place your order,” the company said.

Perplexity says that each Buy with Pro order comes with free shipping. In situations where the Buy with Pro feature is not available, users are redirected to the seller’s website to complete their purchase.

Perplexity’s AI shopping also comes with a Snap to Shop search function. This visual tool displays relevant products to users in line with the images they upload. This enables users to find the items they are looking for even when they can’t remember the names.

Tough Competition

In a bid to differentiate itself from competitors such as Google, Perplexity says its shopping suggestions are not sponsored. The company refers to its results as unbiased recommendations that are generated by its AI depending on user reviews.

“When you ask Perplexity a shopping question, you’ll still get the precise, objective answers you expect, plus easy-to-read product cards showing the most relevant items, along with key details presented in a simple, visual format,” the company said.

The AI startup, which is backed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, will not be earning commissions from the sales generated through its platform. According to Sara Platnick, Perplexity’s spokesperson, the company has not added a commercial element on the products.

Just recently, Perplexity said it will begin adding ads to its general AI responses for US users. The ads will be designed as paid media and sponsored follow-up queries. These will appear beside Perplexity’s AI answers.