AI settings: provider, key and AI features
PHP Bid works with any OpenAI-compatible AI service. Add one API key and you get six AI features that save sellers time and help buyers find and trust items.
Menu Settings › AI Settings
Connecting an AI provider
| Provider | Notes |
|---|---|
| Groq | Fast, with a generous free tier - the easiest way to start. Get a key at console.groq.com. |
| OpenAI (ChatGPT) | Model gpt-4o-mini by default: very good quality for a low price. Key at platform.openai.com. |
| DeepSeek | Low cost, good quality. |
| Custom | Any OpenAI-compatible API (for example a local server): enter the API URL and the model name. |
- Choose the provider - the API URL and the model are filled in for you.
- Paste your API key.
- Click Test connection and save.
The SSL check should stay on. Switch it off only on a local test server (XAMPP) when the connection fails with a certificate error.
The AI features
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Smart listing & price estimate | From a few words: title, subtitle, category, condition, value estimate, starting, reserve and Buy now prices and selling tips. See Selling an item. |
| Description writer (lots and pages) | Writes a professional description from the title and a few notes, and the pages of the website in the admin panel. |
| AI search on the website | Visitors type what they want ("vintage watch under 3000 ending today") and get the right filters. Works without a key with simple rules. |
| Translation of categories and pages | Translates categories and pages into all active languages. |
| "Ask AI about this lot" | Buyers ask questions about a lot and get instant answers based only on the listing. |
| AI moderation check | One click in the auction editor: risk level, problems and suggestions for the listing. |
Each feature has its own switch, so you can use only the ones you want. Without a key, the AI buttons are hidden (and the AI search uses its simple rules).
Costs: the AI provider charges you per use, not PHP Bid. With Groq's free tier or a small model such as gpt-4o-mini, a busy marketplace usually spends only a few dollars a month.