AI-powered search engines are evolving beyond just answering queries, they’re now becoming full-fledged shopping assistants. Perplexity, a rising player in the AI search space, has rolled out a groundbreaking feature that allows its Pro subscribers in the US to purchase products directly within the search engine. This marks a significant shift in how consumers interact with AI-driven search tools, blending information retrieval with seamless e-commerce transactions. But what does this mean for online shopping? Let’s explore the details.
Buy with Pro: How It Works
Perplexity’s new Buy with Pro feature is designed to make online shopping faster and more convenient. Here’s how it functions:
- Integrated Purchasing: When Pro subscribers search for a product, a “Buy with Pro” button appears, allowing them to make a purchase directly from the search results.
- Saved Payment Details: The system leverages stored shipping and billing information to streamline the checkout process.
- Free Shipping: All purchases made through Buy with Pro come with free shipping, making it a competitive alternative to traditional online marketplaces.
- Redirection for Unsupported Products: If a product isn’t available for direct purchase, users are redirected to the merchant’s website to complete their transaction.
Is There a Catch? Perplexity’s Monetization Approach
One of the biggest questions surrounding this feature is whether Perplexity benefits financially from purchases made through Buy with Pro. Surprisingly, Perplexity spokesperson Sara Platnick stated that there is currently no commercial element to the feature—meaning the company does not take a commission or affiliate fee from these transactions. However, this could change as the service scales and refines its monetization strategy.
New Shopping Features for Non-Pro Users
Even if you’re not a $20/month Pro subscriber, Perplexity is enhancing shopping experiences for all users with the following updates:
- AI-Generated Product Cards: Product-related searches now display product images, prices, and AI-generated summaries of key features and customer reviews.
- Snap to Shop Visual Search: Users can take a picture of a product and ask AI-based queries about it—similar to Google Lens. This feature is currently exclusive to Pro subscribers but could expand in the future.
- General AI Shopping Insights: Users receive structured shopping recommendations based on aggregated data and search trends.
Implications for E-Commerce & Online Shopping
The integration of AI-powered shopping into search engines like Perplexity could significantly reshape the e-commerce landscape. Here’s how:
- Faster Purchase Decisions: Consumers can compare products and complete purchases within seconds, reducing browsing time on multiple e-commerce platforms.
- Increased Merchant Exposure: Businesses that participate in Perplexity’s new merchant program gain visibility based on AI-driven search trends.
- Potential Disruption to Traditional Marketplaces: If AI search engines perfect in-platform shopping, major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay could face increased competition from AI-driven product discovery tools.
Challenges & Future Developments
While Perplexity’s AI-powered shopping tool introduces a new level of convenience, there are still challenges to address:
- Limited Merchant Integration: Unlike Amazon or Shopify, Perplexity is still in the early stages of establishing a marketplace model.
- Trust & Security: Users may hesitate to store payment details directly in a search engine rather than in a dedicated e-commerce platform.
- Scaling & Expansion: The feature is currently US-exclusive and available only to Pro users. Expansion to global markets and free-tier users will determine its long-term success.
Perplexity’s latest update signals a bold move towards seamless, AI-powered commerce, potentially redefining how we shop online. By integrating direct purchases, AI-generated shopping insights, and visual search capabilities, Perplexity is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the AI-driven shopping space.
However, whether it can rival established online marketplaces will depend on user adoption, merchant partnerships, and long-term monetization strategies. For now, it’s an exciting development that tech enthusiasts and online shoppers alike should keep an eye on.