13. A computer-readable storage device storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising: presenting an input field on a user interface of a generalized search entity, wherein the generalized search entity processes data using a generalized search engine that indexes and searches both merchant sites and non-merchant sites; receiving, from a user, user input in the input field, wherein the user input comprises a text-based query; correlating the text-based query against a product database of products for sale from merchants to yield a correlation; determining, via a processor, that the user input is associated with one of a search intent and a purchase intent to yield a determination, wherein the determination of whether the user input indicates the purchase intent or the search intent is made based on the correlation; when the determination indicates the search intent: presenting a search result comprising a non-merchant site; receiving a search interaction associated with the non-merchant site; and transitioning the user to the non-merchant site; and when the determination indicates the purchase intent: presenting a purchase-related search result comprising a buy option associated with the user input; receiving a purchase interaction associated with the buy option; and managing a purchase of an item associated with the purchase interaction based on payment information stored at the generalized search entity, wherein delivery of the item is handled via a merchant site separate from the generalized search entity.
14. The computer-readable storage device of claim 13 , wherein the merchant sites and non-merchant sites are websites.