Shop for headphones and running shoes with ChatGPT shopping

PartialEvidence: Described by posterPosted Apr 29, 2025Last checked Nov 3, 2026

Lee Chong Ming tried ChatGPT shopping for headphones and running shoes; it compared well but didn't cite sources or show many photos.

Source checked Nov 3, 2026
Results shared
Limitations noted

How to use this

Tap Copy prompt.
Open ChatGPT.
Paste it into the message box.
Replace anything in [CAPITAL LETTERS IN BRACKETS] with your own details.
Send it, then read the answer before acting on it.

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A prompt is the message you send to the AI tool. Copy the one on this page, put your own details where it asks, and read the answer before you act on it.

Prompt

Improved prompt

Our fuller version of the source's prompt, with fill-in details and rules, or one written to avoid what went wrong. Not tested by the poster.

What the prompt labels mean

Our fuller version of the person's prompt. They didn't use this version, and we haven't tested it.

Before you start, ask me 1–3 short questions about the details below and wait for my answers. Once I've answered, confirm the plan in one line and run the whole task start to finish.

Goal: Help me choose a product that fits my budget and preferences, with sources, photos and where to buy it.

Questions to ask me first:
- What's your budget, and where do you live?
- Which brands or models do you already like?
- What matters most: fit, looks, features or price?

Inputs (fill in or confirm):
- Product type: [FOR EXAMPLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES OR RUNNING SHOES]
- Budget: [AMOUNT AND CURRENCY]
- Country: [COUNTRY]
- Favorites and must-haves: [DETAILS]

Rules:
- Include my favorite models if they fit, or explain why not.
- Cite the source for every claim, such as a review or spec sheet.
- Use my stated needs to change the shortlist, not just the notes.
- Show where to buy each pick in my country, with today's price.

Checkpoint: Show me a shortlist of 3–5 with one-line reasons before a deeper comparison.

If you get stuck: If you can't find a price or a source, say so instead of guessing.

Verify before you finish: Open each store link to confirm the price and that it's in stock.

Output: A comparison table with sources, photo links, prices and stores.

Done when: I can choose between two finalists and know where to buy them.

Customize this prompt

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Product type

Budget

e.g. 50 dollars

Country

Favorites and must-haves

Your prompt

Before you start, ask me 1–3 short questions about the details below and wait for my answers. Once I've answered, confirm the plan in one line and run the whole task start to finish.

Goal: Help me choose a product that fits my budget and preferences, with sources, photos and where to buy it.

Questions to ask me first:
- What's your budget, and where do you live?
- Which brands or models do you already like?
- What matters most: fit, looks, features or price?

Inputs (fill in or confirm):
- Product type: [FOR EXAMPLE NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES OR RUNNING SHOES]
- Budget: [AMOUNT AND CURRENCY]
- Country: [COUNTRY]
- Favorites and must-haves: [DETAILS]

Rules:
- Include my favorite models if they fit, or explain why not.
- Cite the source for every claim, such as a review or spec sheet.
- Use my stated needs to change the shortlist, not just the notes.
- Show where to buy each pick in my country, with today's price.

Checkpoint: Show me a shortlist of 3–5 with one-line reasons before a deeper comparison.

If you get stuck: If you can't find a price or a source, say so instead of guessing.

Verify before you finish: Open each store link to confirm the price and that it's in stock.

Output: A comparison table with sources, photo links, prices and stores.

Done when: I can choose between two finalists and know where to buy them.

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ChatGPT Used in source Gemini Grok Claude

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The prompt they actually used

The exact prompt from the source.

What are the best headphones under $500 USD?

AI tool

ChatGPT

Outcome

Lee Chong Ming of Business Insider tried ChatGPT's new shopping feature on two searches. Asked for the best headphones under $500, it sorted options into categories with a top picks summary and named the Sony WH-1000XM5 best overall, but didn't say where to buy them until Lee asked for the best price, when it gave live prices and links from retailers in Singapore. Its side-by-side comparison with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra read well, but Lee couldn't tell where the information came from. Asked for running shoes for short, easy runs under $200, it listed the Nike Pegasus 41, Brooks Ghost 16, Hoka Clifton 9 and others, but left out favorites like the Adidas Ultraboost, kept the same lineup after Lee mentioned being a neutral pronator and showed few images. Lee found it efficient for comparisons but not built for picky shoppers.

Evidence: Described by posterThe person describes what happened in words, without screenshots or video.

Known limitations

PartialThe source says it only partly worked, or had a significant problem a person had to deal with.

What went wrong: Comparisons were quick and clear, but ChatGPT didn't show sources or enough photos and ignored the shopper's favorite brand.

Source

Posted: Apr 29, 2025 by Lee Chong Ming (Business Insider)
Last checked: Nov 3, 2026
Method:: How we verify

https://www.businessinsider.com/chatgpt-openai-shopping-feature-efficient-google-2025-4

Context: The original prompt is quoted in the article; the Improved version is ours and hasn't been tested. This tested ChatGPT's shopping feature when it launched in April 2025, and it may work differently now. Lee was shopping from Singapore, so prices and stores were local.