It started with a simple question: Why should merchants pay $99/month for an AI assistant before seeing any results?
In July 2025, while exploring the Shopify App Store, we discovered something shocking. Every AI chat solution demanded hefty monthly fees—$29, $49, even $99 per month—regardless of whether they actually helped sell anything. Merchants were being asked to gamble on technology with no guarantee of ROI.
We knew there had to be a better way.
The "IaOrana" Philosophy
"IaOrana" means "hello" in Tahitian. It's more than a greeting—it's an invitation to connect, to understand, to begin a relationship. This philosophy drives everything we do at IaOrana: creating genuine connections between merchants and their customers through AI that actually understands.
Just as "IaOrana" welcomes visitors to Tahiti with warmth and authenticity, our AI assistant welcomes shoppers with intelligent, helpful conversations that feel natural and lead to real purchases.
The Breakthrough Moment
The pivotal moment came during a late-night coding session. We had originally planned to build custom AI solutions for individual brands, starting with a $700 pilot program. But then it hit us—why limit this to a few merchants when we could help thousands?
"What if we made it FREE to install and only charged when the AI actually drives sales?"
This wasn't just about pricing. It was about alignment. When merchants succeed, we succeed. When customers find what they're looking for, everyone wins.
Building Something Different
We spent weeks perfecting the technology:
- Universal Product Intelligence: Our AI learns your entire catalog instantly, whether you sell snowboards or skincare
- Natural Conversations: Powered by GPT-4, it understands context, intent, and nuance
- Seamless Shopping: Customers can browse, ask questions, and add to cart without leaving the chat
- Complete Attribution: Every AI-influenced sale is tracked with 95% accuracy
The Performance Model Revolution
Instead of monthly fees, IaOrana AI Assistant operates on a simple principle: We only earn when you earn.
Our 2.5% commission on AI-influenced sales means:
- Zero risk for merchants—if it doesn't sell, you don't pay
- Our interests are perfectly aligned with yours
- You keep 97.5% of every AI-driven sale
- No surprises, no monthly bills, just results
We even capped it at $25 per order and $250 per month because fairness matters more than maximizing revenue.
From Idea to App Store in 18 Days
Through an incredible partnership between human vision and AI development assistance, we went from concept to approved Shopify app in just 18 days. Every line of code was written with one goal: help merchants grow without risk.
On July 18, 2025, at 7:53 AM, we received the email: "Your app has been approved." But we weren't done. We immediately set it to "fully visible" so any merchant could find us.
Why FREE Matters
FREE isn't just a price point—it's a philosophy. It means:
- Trust: Try before you commit
- Accessibility: Every merchant deserves AI, not just those with big budgets
- Innovation: Focus on making sales, not collecting subscriptions
- Partnership: We grow together
The Future of Commerce
We believe the future of e-commerce isn't about charging merchants for potential—it's about delivering results and sharing in the success. IaOrana AI Assistant is just the beginning of this revolution.
Every day, we see merchants discovering what's possible when AI truly understands their products and customers. From fashion to food, electronics to cosmetics, our universal AI adapts to any catalog and creates conversations that convert.
Join the Revolution
If you're a Shopify merchant tired of paying for promises, it's time to try something different. IaOrana AI Assistant is FREE to install, takes minutes to set up, and only earns when it helps you earn.
Because at IaOrana, we believe the best technology should be accessible to everyone. And the best partnerships are built on shared success.
Ready to transform your store with risk-free AI? Install IaOrana AI Assistant from the Shopify App Store to get started.
IaOrana: Where AI meets Aloha. Where technology serves humanity. Where success is shared.