Online Merchants

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 13 (38%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 18 (53%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 3 (9%)

• Create, manage, or automate orders or invoices, using order management or invoicing software.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Deliver e-mail confirmation of completed transactions and shipment.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Calculate purchase subtotals, taxes, and shipping costs for submission to customers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Compose descriptions of merchandise for posting to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Calculate revenue, sales, and expenses, using financial accounting or spreadsheet software.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Prepare or organize online storefront marketing material, including product descriptions or subject lines, optimizing content to search engine criteria.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Create or maintain database of customer accounts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Disclose merchant information and terms and policies of transactions in online or offline materials.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Design customer interface of online storefront, using web programming or e-commerce software.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Transfer digital media, such as music, video, or software, to customers via the Internet.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Devise, select, or purchase domain name and web address.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Initiate online auctions through auction hosting sites or auction management software.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Implement security practices to preserve assets, minimize liabilities, or ensure customer privacy, using parallel servers, hardware redundancy, fail-safe technology, information encryption, or firewalls.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Correspond with online customers via electronic mail, telephone, or other electronic messaging to address questions or complaints about products, policies, or shipping methods.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Purchase new or used items from online or physical sources for resale via retail or auction Web site.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine and set product prices.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Compose images of products, using video or still cameras, lighting equipment, props, or photo or video editing software.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Upload digital media, such as photos, video, or scanned images to online storefront, auction sites, or other shopping Web sites.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Cancel orders based on customer requests or inventory or delivery problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Order or purchase merchandise to maintain optimal inventory levels.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine location for product listings to maximize exposure to online traffic.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Promote products in online communities through weblog or discussion-forum postings, e-mail marketing programs, or online advertising.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collaborate with search engine shopping specialists to place marketing content in desired online locations.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Investigate products or markets to determine areas for opportunity or viability for merchandising specific products, using online or offline sources.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Measure and analyze Web site usage data to maximize search engine returns or refine customer interfaces.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Develop or revise business plans for online business, emphasizing factors such as product line, pricing, inventory, or marketing strategy.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Select and purchase technical web services, such as web hosting services, online merchant accounts, shopping cart software, payment gateway software, or spyware.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Investigate sources, such as auctions, estate sales, liquidators, wholesalers, or trade shows for new items, used items, or collectibles.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Participate in online forums or conferences to stay abreast of online retailing trends, techniques, or security threats.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Integrate online retailing strategy with physical or catalogue retailing operations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Create or distribute offline promotional material, such as brochures, pamphlets, business cards, stationary, or signage.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Fill customer orders by packaging sold items and documentation for direct shipping or by transferring orders to manufacturers or third-party distributors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Receive and process payments from customers, using electronic transaction services.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain inventory of shipping supplies, such as boxes, labels, tape, bubble wrap, loose packing materials, or tape guns.Little or no AI speed-up · core task