2 Ways ChatGPT Will Help You Save Money at Walmart (and 2 Glitches To Watch For)

Alexander Farnsworth / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Since OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT to the public in late 2022, it’s become more and more common for people to turn to the AI bot for answers. Ordinary people have begun asking AI for relationship advice, homework answers, efficiency ideas or casual conversations. Companies have also looked at how they can leverage the convenience craze to their benefit.

Recently, Walmart announced it was teaming up with OpenAI to make shopping easier for consumers. In the past, customers could go to Walmart’s website, enter an item they were looking for into a search bar and then browse a plethora of results. The partnership will allow them to prompt ChatGPT about what they’re looking for. ChatGPT will then give suggestions, and customers can make purchases without leaving the session. 

This large shift in how e-commerce operates may sound convenient, but it has both good and bad aspects. Here’s what you need to know.

How It Helps You

Here are some of the upsides to Walmart and other companies pairing with AI chatbots.

1. Better Shopping Experience

Being able to describe the item you’re looking for and getting suggested results is a game-changer. It makes online shopping much more convenient, as consumers spend less time on Walmart’s website. The ability to make purchases directly through ChatGPT’s Instant Checkout also makes it easier to make purchases quickly.

2. Predictive Recommendations

As you use ChatGPT, the AI gains a better understanding of your wants and needs. Walmart announced that the shopping experience will pivot from a reactive to a proactive approach. In this new type of shopping, ChatGPT will give you item recommendations in anticipation of your needs. This can help you prepare for upcoming events and restock groceries before realizing you need to. Likewise, if you’re planning on making recipes or home improvement projects, ChatGPT can help you determine which ingredients or materials you’ll need and let you purchase them immediately.

Potential Problems 

While there is plenty to be excited about in the Walmart and OpenAI partnership, there are some downsides, too.

1. Privacy Concerns

Allowing an AI bot to give you personalized suggestions for products you should buy means you’ll be giving it access to a lot of personal information. ChatGPT will have access to your purchase history, item preferences and payment data. This means those who use the service are putting their faith in Walmart and ChatGPT to keep their sensitive information secure. If you remain logged into your ChatGPT account and someone else is able to use it or it gets hacked, it can result in many purchases you didn’t authorize. 

2. Trust Issues

Another concern is that ChatGPT may make recommendations based on Walmart’s interests rather than the user’s. For example, if you ask ChatGPT for a recommendation for the best TV under $500, it could recommend a Walmart-brand TV instead of a higher-quality one that meets your price requirements. If you ask for a cheap power bank, ChatGPT may not recommend the least expensive option and instead suggest a slightly more expensive one so you spend more. 

Another potential issue with the partnership is ChatGPT hallucinations, which are mistakes and false statements that AI makes. There is no guarantee that all the AI recommendations you receive will be accurate. If you make a purchase only to find out that the item isn’t what you wanted, you may be less willing to use ChatGPT the next time.

Effects on the Future of Shopping

With an increase in ChatGPT and AI chatbot usage, more stores and companies will get on board with this new type of online shopping. Already, Etsy, an online marketplace, and Shopify, an e-commerce platform, are integrating with ChatGPT to make purchasing easier for customers. 

Amazon is also launching a new AI model called Nova Act to help shoppers make purchases. As AI technology continues to improve, this new method of online shopping will become increasingly common.

Share This Article: