Patent ID: 7103567
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. An intermediary computer device for use by an intermediate party and to implement a system for indicating relative values of products offered to a customer over a computer network, the intermediary computer device comprising: a processing portion for receiving a request to include a description of at least one product on a product list maintained by the intermediate party, the request being received over the computer network from a vendor computer device; a processing portion for performing a product evaluation for each of the at least one product according to a plurality of predetermined evaluation criteria administered by the intermediate party; a processing portion for applying a rating scale having discrete levels to the product evaluation for each of the at least one product so as to thereby assign a corresponding discrete level to each of the at least one product; a processing portion for receiving an inquiry regarding a specific product, the inquiry being received by the intermediate party over the computer network from a customer computer device; a processing portion for providing to the customer, in response to the inquiry and over the computer network, the description of any product on the product list corresponding to the specific product, each corresponding product description having the respective established product evaluation, the associated discrete level, and a vendor associated therewith; a processing portion for designating a service package associated with the product and corresponding to the discrete level assigned thereto, and providing an indicia of the service package to the customer, the service package including a designated level of responsibility for the product, corresponding to the discrete level, as assumed by the intermediate party; and a processing portion for receiving a selection of the product from the customer, the product selection including the indicia informing the customer of the associated service package.