Patent ID: 7451102
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method performed by a computer system comprising the steps of: storing a vendor's list of goods and/or services in a database accessible by the computer system; establishing an instant message communication between a user apparatus and a vendor apparatus both the user and the vendor identified by unique screen names on contact lists residing at both the user apparatus and the vendor apparatus, the establishing occurring by selecting the vendor from the contact list; presenting and displaying the vendor's list of goods and/or services to the user in response to the establishment of the instant message communication, ordering by the user of specific selected items from the vendor's list of goods and/or services through use of the instant message communication; generating a unique order identification number which references information from the user's screen name, the vendor's screen name and information generated by the computer system; using the user's screen name to determine whether the user is a repeat user and if the user is a repeat user, using the user's screen name to determine whether the user's order is a new order or an order change; if the order is an order change, retrieving and updating the order using the order identification number; if the order is a new order, storing the order and corresponding order identification number; if the user is not a repeat customer, adding the user's screen name to the vendor's contact list; and using the order identification number to identify and track a specific order placed by the user from the list of goods and/or services.