OpenAI is testing Business Agents in ChatGPT, allowing verified companies to answer customer questions within the chatbot. Jay Peters reports for The Verge that the beta program initially targets eligible e-commerce and online service businesses in the United States.
The agents can appear when ChatGPT mentions a participating company in an answer. Users can then open a separate, labeled conversation with that company’s agent. They can ask about products and services, compare options, and pose follow-up questions.
Businesses can set instructions for their agents and provide company information to guide their answers. OpenAI says the conversations will remain separate from a user’s main ChatGPT chat, making it clearer when a response comes from a business representative rather than ChatGPT itself.
Verification and business insights
Companies will use a new Business Hub to claim their organization and complete verification. OpenAI does not disclose the precise verification process. Benji Shomair, OpenAI’s vice president of monetization, says the methods vary by business.
The hub will also provide participating companies with data on how they appear in ChatGPT. That includes mentions in responses and so-called discovery topics, the subjects through which users find a business in the chatbot.
The launch creates a new channel between brands and people using ChatGPT for research and purchase decisions. OpenAI describes the feature as an early step toward deeper business participation in ChatGPT. The company says it plans to examine further ways for businesses to connect with customers, both directly and through agents.
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