Abstract:
There is provided a computer-implemented method for enabling a host to facilitate a transaction between a first party and a second party. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a communication from the first party; (b) querying a database based on the communication and obtaining a result that indicates the second party for engagement in the transaction; (c) sending a communication to the second party inviting the second party to correspond with the first party; (d) receiving a correspondence from the second party; and (e) presenting to the first party the correspondence from the second party.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application is claiming priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/234,080, filed on Sep. 20, 2000. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to electronic commerce, and more particularly, to a utility that provides a user of an internet site with the ability to assemble, evaluate and purchase products and services that are available through the site and affiliated sites.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    Current business-to-business internet sites, e.g., websites, may offer a mechanism, such as a keyword search or hyper-linked taxonomy, that displays catalog pages to enable a user of the site, e.g., a buyer, to find one or more products that the buyer may wish to purchase from a seller or vendor. The site may also provide the buyer with the ability to assemble the products into a virtual shopping cart and thereafter to order, and to arrange for payment of, the products.  
           [0006]    Typically, all of the products in such a virtual shopping cart must come from a single seller or vendor, or from a custom-compiled buyer-side catalog. Such a catalog can be very expensive to create. For example, a catalog that is intended to address a significant business-to-business marketplace may cost millions of dollars. Also, if the buyer wishes to determine whether a particular product is suitable for the buyer&#39;s needs, or wishes to determine whether the product offers a competitive advantage, then the buyer must either rely on the description or specification provided in the catalog or perform additional research off-line. Furthermore, these websites are not well suited for the marketing of intangible products or services.  
           [0007]    The buyer may browse an on-line catalog and initiate a transaction for the acquisition of a product. In many cases the transaction is completed satisfactorily, but in other cases the buyer cancels the purchase or the transaction fails for some other reason. A marketer could benefit from the knowledge of why a particular transaction succeeds or fails.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides a web-based utility that introduces a first party, e.g., a buyer, to a second party, e.g., vendor, and facilitates a transaction between the buyer and the vendor.  
           [0009]    The present invention also provides such a utility that enables the buyer and vendor to engage in a dialogue with one another.  
           [0010]    Furthermore the present invention provides such a utility that permits (a) the buyer to learn of a product or service that can be provided by the vendor, (b) the vendor to offer a proposal for a sale of the product or service to the buyer, and (c) the buyer to accept the offer.  
           [0011]    The present invention provides such a utility that facilitates the placement of an order by the buyer and payment by the buyer.  
           [0012]    The present invention provides such a utility that gathers information regarding the success or failure of the transaction.  
           [0013]    These and other advantages of the present invention are achieved by a computer-implemented method for enabling a host to facilitate a transaction between a first party and a second party. The method comprises the steps of: (a) receiving a communication from the first party; (b) querying a database based on the communication, and obtaining a result that indicates the second party for engagement in the transaction; (c) sending a communication to the second party inviting the second party to correspond with the first party; (d) receiving a correspondence from the second party; and (e) presenting to the first party the correspondence from the second party.  
           [0014]    A second computer-implemented method for enabling a host to facilitate a transaction between a first party and a second party comprises the steps of (a) receiving a query from said first party; (b) searching a database, based on said query, for correspondents for engagement in said transaction; (c) sending to said first party, a list of said correspondents that includes said second party; (d) receiving from said first party an indication that said first party desires to correspond with said second party; (e) receiving a correspondence from said first party; (f) presenting to said second party said correspondence from said first party; (g) receiving a correspondence from said second party; and (h) presenting to said first party, said correspondence from said second party.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system configured for employment of the present invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for facilitating a transaction in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary display of a list, as presented to a vendor, that shows pending dialogs involving the vendor.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary page of dialog as viewed by a vendor.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a hypothetical dialog session involving a buyer and two vendors in accordance with the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]    The present invention is a website utility that introduces a first party, e.g., a buyer, to a second party, e.g., a vendor or seller, and further facilitates a transaction between the two parties. The utility is a software program that interfaces with a database. The database is associated with a search engine that allows the first party to formulate a query, or with a hyper-link navigation utility that allows the first party to navigate to a link, relating to a problem or to a specific product or service. For example, based on the query, the search engine searches the database and returns one or more results indicating second parties that are candidates for, i.e., potentially capable of, either (a) providing the product or service or (b) advising the first party with regard to a selection or specification of the product or service.  
         [0021]    The present invention combines user-friendly human-computer interface elements such as forms, folder hierarchy and dialogs. In the context of a business transaction, it provides a unique method for buyers and vendors to collaborate in a problem-solving process, from an initial inquiry through to an order. The utility allows the buyer to establish a virtual file, e.g., a project, that is a data area within which to organize correspondence and other information relating to the transaction. The organization of information within the project area provides a convenient location from which the buyer can further investigate the product or service or compare or evaluate a plurality of products or services. The project organization allows the buyer to conveniently deal with a plurality of vendors, for example, by broadcasting a query to the plurality of vendors. The utility also provides the vendor with a project area within which to organize information relating to the transaction.  
         [0022]    Although presented herein in the context of facilitating a business transaction, the term “transaction” also means an exchange of information or correspondence between parties in other suitable scenarios. For example, a first party may seek advice from a second party with respect to a health issue, a religious issue or a political issue. Furthermore, the present invention recognizes that one or both parties may regard the transaction as being one of a confidential nature and, therefore, one or both of the parties may opt to remain anonymous.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system  100  configured for employment of the present invention. The primary components of system  100  include a buyer workstation  105 , a vendor workstation  135  and a server  112 , each of which is coupled to a computer network, such as the internet  110 .  
         [0024]    The buyer workstation  105  and the vendor workstation  135  are preferably conventional computers, such as a desktop personal computer (PC). They each typically include a local processor, a memory, a display and a user interface, such as a keyboard. They also include software, such as an internet browser, for sending and receiving data via the internet  110 .  
         [0025]    The present invention does not contemplate any particular configuration for either the hardware or software of buyer workstation  105  or vendor workstation  135 , as any suitable computer system can be employed in these roles. Also, the workstations need not be stationary, but instead can be implemented in a wireless system such as a personal digital assistant, e.g., a Palm Pilot™ available from Palm, Inc., or a cellular telephone.  
         [0026]    The terms “dialog” and “correspondence” are intended to encompass any convenient form of communication, such as text, audio and video. Also, although the present invention involves a dialog between a buyer at buyer workstation  105  and a vendor at vendor workstation  135 , the buyer and seller, as generators of the dialogue, need not necessarily be human beings but could instead be virtual characters formed by components employing techniques of artificial intelligence. For example, the dialogue generated by the seller may be produced by a component of software associated with vendor workstation  135  rather than by an actual human being. The present invention also contemplates a language translation capability to allow for a dialog between users who speak different languages, such as those of different ethnic or national descent.  
         [0027]    Server  112  includes a processor  115 , a memory  120  and a database  130 . Memory  120  contains one or more software modules that, in turn, contain instructions and data for controlling processor  115  to execute the methods described herein. Also, the website and the search engine are preferably, but not necessarily, resident as software components of server  112 .  
         [0028]    Although the instructions and data for employment of the present invention are described herein as being installed in memory  120 , they can be stored on an external storage media  125  for subsequent loading into memory  120 . Storage media  125  can be any conventional storage media, including, but not limited to, a floppy disk, a compact disk, a magnetic tape, a read only memory, or an optical storage media. Storage media  125  could also be a random access memory, or other type of electronic storage, located on a remote storage system and coupled to memory  120 .  
         [0029]    Database  130  is a memory that contains data relating to the transactions that the present invention serves to facilitate. Such data may include, for example, buyer profiles, vendor profiles, descriptors of products and services available from the vendors, an archive of dialogues between buyers and vendors, and other information relating to the transactions.  
         [0030]    The utility of the present invention is managed by a host or administrator that is typically a third party, i.e., not either a buyer or a vendor. The host is thus a middleman, conceptually positioned between the first and second parties. The administrator of the utility could also be the administrator or operator of server  112 , but such is not required.  
         [0031]    Preferably, the administrator is compensated for facilitating the transaction between the buyer and vendor. The compensation to the administrator may come from either, or both, the buyer and the vendor. However, the compensation need not come from either the buyer or the vendor. For example, the administrator could sell advertising space on the website, where the advertising is targeted to a user of the site based on the nature of the user&#39;s correspondence, a user profile, or some other targeting technique.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method  200  executed by server  112  for facilitating a transaction in accordance with the present invention. Method  200  commences with step  202 .  
         [0033]    In step  202 , a buyer using buyer workstation  105  formulates a query by presenting one or more search terms or a question to a search engine. For example, the buyer&#39;s query may be stated as, “steam turbine turning problem”. The query is transmitted from buyer workstation  105  via the internet  110  to server  112  for presentation to the search engine. Method  100  progresses to step  204 .  
         [0034]    In step  204 , the search engine receives the query, searches database  130 , and returns search results to buyer workstation  105 . For example, the search results can include a list of vendors that sell steam turbines, steam turbine components, or steam turbine maintenance supplies. The search results may also include a list of vendors that service steam turbines or that provide consulting services relating to steam turbine operation. Method  200  progresses to step  206 .  
         [0035]    In step  206 , the buyer selects from the list of search results one or more vendors with whom the buyer would like to engage in a dialogue or some other exchange of correspondence. Method  200  progresses to step  208 .  
         [0036]    In step  208 , the utility gives the buyer an opportunity to create a new project in a project folder. In one implementation of the present invention, the project is automatically given a name taken from the terms of the search. So, for example, assume a project named “steam turbine turning problem” is created in a project folder named “MyProject”. The buyer can create, within the new project or within an existing project, a dialog page, or dialog pages, for use in corresponding with each of the selected vendors. After the buyer creates the dialog page, the buyer submits to server  112  the dialog page and a request for server  112  to create the project folder. Method  200  progresses to step  210 .  
         [0037]    In step  210 , server  112  receives the request that was submitted by the buyer in step  208  and responds by providing a form for display on buyer workstation  105  on which the buyer can enter text, audio and video, e.g., attach an electronic file, to further describe the buyer&#39;s problem or to make a request of the vendors to take some particular action. This step can be implemented by presenting the buyer with one or more questions that help to better define the nature of the problem the buyer wishes to solve. Method  200  progresses to step  212 .  
         [0038]    In step  212 , the buyer submits to server  112 , the completed form from step  210 . Method  200  progresses to step  214 .  
         [0039]    In step  214 , server  112  creates database records for database  130  and generates new entries in the buyer&#39;s project folder. Server  112  also creates a new entry in a project folder for each of the selected vendors. The generation of the new entries can be performed using any suitable technique, such as by generating hypertext markup language (HTML) code. Method  200  progresses to step  216 .  
         [0040]    In step  216 , server  112  sends a message, e.g., an email, to each of the selected vendors. The email notifies a recipient vendor that a new entry has been created in the vendor&#39;s project folder. Method  200  progresses to step  218 .  
         [0041]    In step  218 , a vendor using vendor workstation  135 , in response to receipt of the email, visits the website and checks the new contents of the vendor&#39;s project folder. Method  200  progresses to step  220 .  
         [0042]    In step  220 , the vendor indicates to server  112  whether the vendor wishes to respond to the buyer&#39;s request/question. If the vendor does not wish to respond, then method  200  progresses to step  222 . If the vendor wishes to respond, then method  200  advances to step  224 .  
         [0043]    In step  222 , since the vendor does not wish to respond, server  112  updates database  130  to terminate the dialog between the buyer and the vendor. Method  200  then advances to step  240 .  
         [0044]    In step  224 , the vendor responds to the request/question from the buyer. In the response, the vendor can include any appropriate correspondence. For example, the vendor may:  
         [0045]    (a) perform the action requested by the buyer;  
         [0046]    (b) answer the question asked by the buyer;  
         [0047]    (c) ask a question of the buyer; or  
         [0048]    (d) submit a proposal to the buyer.  
         [0049]    The proposal includes, for example, terms and conditions relating to a sale of product or service from the vendor to the buyer. In the preferred embodiment, server  112  provides a form for display on vendor workstation  135  with which the vendor can enter text and attach an electronic file, e.g., audio and video. This feature permits the vendor to either attach or provide a link to a document relating to the dialog with the buyer. For example, the vendor can provide a link to a page showing a particularly relevant product or other information. Method  200  progresses to step  226 .  
         [0050]    In step  226 , server  112  updates the project folders of the buyer and the vendor in database  130 . Method  200  progresses to step  228 .  
         [0051]    In step  228 , server  112  sends a message, e.g., an email, to the buyer to notify the buyer of a new entry in the buyer&#39;s project folder. Method  200  progresses to step  230 .  
         [0052]    In step  230 , the buyer accesses the website and opens the buyer&#39;s project folder. In each of the dialog pages associated with vendors that have responded, the buyer finds a dialog report that shows the buyer&#39;s initial request/question and the vendor&#39;s response. Method  200  progresses to step  232 .  
         [0053]    In step  232 , the buyer indicates to server  112  whether the buyer wishes to respond to the correspondence from the vendor. Also in step  232 , in the case where the vendor submitted a proposal in step  224 , the buyer may decide to reject the proposal and discontinue further correspondence with the vendor. If the buyer does not wish to respond, then method  200  progresses to step  234 . If the buyer does wish to respond, then method  236  advances to step  236 .  
         [0054]    In step  234 , since the buyer does not wish to respond, server  112  updates database  130  to terminate the dialog between the buyer and the vendor. Optionally, in the case where the buyer, in step  232 , decided to reject the proposal and discontinue correspondence, server  112  can send an email to the vendor to notify the vendor of the buyer&#39;s decision. Method  200  then advances to step  240 .  
         [0055]    In step  236 , the buyer responds to the correspondence from the vendor. The buyer indicates to server  112  whether the buyer wishes to:  
         [0056]    (1) continue with further correspondence to the vendor; or  
         [0057]    (2) accept a proposal that was submitted by the vendor (see step  224 ).  
         [0058]    For the further correspondence, for example, the buyer may:  
         [0059]    (a) answer a question that was presented by the vendor;  
         [0060]    (b) ask a question of the vendor;  
         [0061]    (c) send additional information to the vendor;  
         [0062]    (d) respond to the vendor&#39;s submission of a proposal (see step  224 ); or  
         [0063]    (e) request a proposal from the vendor.  
         [0064]    If the buyer wishes to continue with further correspondence, then method  200  loops back to step  214 . The loop back to step  214  can be executed through as many volleys of correspondence as desired by the buyer and vendor. In this manner, both parties have an opportunity to further clarify an issue or to elevate the level of correspondence to a more conclusive action, such as a proposal, a bid and eventually an order. If the buyer wishes to accept a proposal, then method  200  advances to step  238 .  
         [0065]    In step  238 , server  112  presents to the buyer an order form for the vendor&#39;s product or service. Preferably, the form is customized to include any terms and conditions agreed upon by the buyer and seller in the course of their correspondence. Server  112  sends a copy of the form to the vendor. The buyer&#39;s completion of the form is intended to advance the relationship between the buyer and vendor from one of negotiation to that of obligation. Preferably, a legally binding electronic signature secures the rights and obligations of the buyer and vendor. Server  112  arranges for payment of the purchase from the buyer. The arrangement of payment may include an electronic funds transfer, an access to a line of credit, or a currency translation. The method then advances to step  240 .  
         [0066]    In step  240 , server  112  sends a form to the buyer seeking to obtain feedback relating to the buyer&#39;s ranking of the vendor. For example, the form may request the buyer to comment on the buyer&#39;s level of satisfaction with the vendor, e.g., “Please rank this vendor”, where the buyer may indicate a ranking between 1 and 5.  
         [0067]    In step  242 , the dialog is terminated. A status for the dialog is changed from “active” to “archived” and, as indicated below in step  246 , the dialog is thereafter available as “read only”. Server  112  determines an amount of compensation payable to the administrator of the utility for facilitating the transaction between the buyer and the vendor.  
         [0068]    In step  244 , server  112  sends an email to the buyer and an email to the vendor to inform each of these parties that the dialog is now discontinued. Method  200  then advances to step  246 .  
         [0069]    In step  246 , server  112  updates database  130  to save the dialog in an archive (read only) version of the project. Server  112  updates database  130  to maintain a complete record of the correspondence between the buyer and the vendor. Such a record can be indexed by the original search results and accessed and displayed by either the buyer or the vendor.  
         [0070]    Preferably, in addition to the exchange of correspondence by email, the present invention provides for a real-time chat between the buyer and vendor. As such, the exchange need not be in written format, but instead, by way of a spoken dialog between the parties.  
         [0071]    To further facilitate the transaction, the present invention also provides a scheduling tool that the buyer and vendor can use to schedule virtual meeting times, or set dates for milestones. The tool can be employed at any time during the transaction, even after the order is placed. As such, the transaction can be extended and further managed beyond the point of order placement, to include delivery, installation, follow-up and maintenance.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary display of a list  300 , as presented to a vendor, that shows pending dialogs involving the vendor. List  300  shows a plurality of pending dialogs, one of which is dialog  305 . Dialog  305  is identified by a title  310 , in this example, “STEAM TURBINE TURNING PROBLEM PLANT GENERAL TYPE”. List  300  also shows, for dialog  305 , a dialog start time  315  and a dialog status  320 . In this example, dialog status  320  indicates that the vendor was “the last to contribute to this dialog”.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary page  400  of dialog as viewed by a vendor. Page  400  includes a message  405  from a buyer to the vendor, and a message  410  from the vendor to the buyer. Page  400  also includes a link  415  to an attached document, and a navigation button  420  to a page from which the vendor can ask a clarifying question of the buyer. Likewise, the buyer can access a page similar to that shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the present invention provides each of the buyer and vendor with a central, segregated area within which to maintain communication with one another.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a hypothetical dialog session  500  involving a buyer and two vendors in accordance with the present invention. Session  500  begins with step  505 .  
         [0075]    In step  505 , the buyer submits a query, “tuning loops”, to server  112 . Server  112  employs a search engine to search database  130 . Session  500  progresses to step  510 .  
         [0076]    In step  510 , the buyer selects two vendors, namely Vendor #1 and Vendor #2, from a result list and initiates a dialog with both vendors by asking a question, “How can I better tune the loops in my refinery?” Server  112  sends an email to Vendor #1, where session  500  continues with step  515 , and server  112  also sends an email to Vendor #2, where session  500  continues with step  530 .  
         [0077]    In step  515 , Vendor #1 receives the email, visits the website, and reads the question that was posted by the buyer in step  510 . Vendor #1 does not have an answer. Consequently, the dialog between the buyer and Vendor #1 is discontinued. Server  112  sends an email to the buyer indicating that the dialog with Vendor #1 is discontinued. Session  500  progresses to step  520 .  
         [0078]    In step  520 , the buyer receives the email, visits the website, and reads the replay from Vendor #1. Server  112  asks the buyer to rank the buyer&#39;s experience with Vendor #1. Session  500  progresses to step  525 .  
         [0079]    In step  525 , server  112  closes the dialog between the buyer and Vendor #1, and saves a read-only copy of the dialog in database  130 .  
         [0080]    In step  530 , Vendor #2 receives the email that resulted from step  510 , visits the website, and reads the question that was posted by the buyer in step  510 . Vendor #2 replies to the question with another question, “How many loops need tuning?” Server  112  sends an email to the buyer. Session  500  progresses to step  535 .  
         [0081]    In step  535 , the buyer receives the email that was sent in step  530 , visits the website, reads the reply from Vendor #2, and further responds with, “I am not sure how many need tuning. How can I find that out?” Server  112  sends an email to Vendor #2. Session  500  progresses to step  540 .  
         [0082]    In step  540 , Vendor #2 receives the email that was sent in step  535 , visits the website, and reads the buyer response. Vendor #2 responds, “I have a diagnostic tool that can tell you what loops need tuning and how badly they need tuning. The cost is $34.00 per loop.” Server  112  sends an email to the buyer, and session  500  progresses to step  545 .  
         [0083]    In step  545 , the buyer receives the email that was sent in step  540 , visits the website, and reads the reply from Vendor #2. The buyer then responds, “I am very interested in your product and would like to purchase it. Thank you for your assistance.” The buyer also indicates to server  112  that the buyer wishes to place an order with Vendor #2. Server  112  sends an email to Vendor #2. Although not shown in FIG. 5, Vendor #2 receives this email and visits the website to read the buyer&#39;s correspondence. After step  545 , session  500  progresses to step  550 .  
         [0084]    In step  550 , server  112  presents the buyer with an order form to purchase the product, i.e., the diagnostic tool, from Vendor #2. The buyer completes the form and dispatches it to server  112 . Server  112  sends the order to Vendor #2 and arranges for payment of the purchase from the buyer. Server  112  also determines an amount of compensation payable to the administrator of the utility for facilitating the transaction between the buyer and Vendor #2. Session  500  progresses to step  555 .  
         [0085]    In step  555 , server  112  asks the buyer to rank the buyer&#39;s experience with Vendor #2. Session  500  progresses to step  560 .  
         [0086]    In step  560 , server  112  closes the dialog between the buyer and Vendor #2, and saves a read-only copy of the dialog in database  130 .  
         [0087]    The following several paragraphs describe some of the advantages of the present invention over current systems.  
         [0088]    The buyer may select items for inclusion in a project from a plurality of vendors or affiliated websites. The website of the present invention permits the buyer to engage in correspondence and negotiations with vendors that may be competitors of one another. This allows the buyer to conveniently compare the quality of vendor responses and prices.  
         [0089]    The present invention is a relatively inexpensive alternative to a comprehensive catalog. Since the search for information is not limited by that available in a catalog, the pool of vendors is much greater than that typically represented in the catalog, and the buyer may be introduced to a vendor that the buyer would not have found by searching the catalog. Furthermore, since the buyer is given an opportunity to present a query to a plurality of vendors, the vendors may respond by offering a product or service that is not represented in the catalog. Also, the exchange of correspondence between the buyer and the vendor allows both parties to better define the buyer&#39;s requirements and the appropriate product or service for those requirements. Such exchanges are particularly useful where the vendor provides an intangible product, e.g., advertising time on a radio station, or advice.  
         [0090]    In a case where a buyer includes a team of members working together on a task, the project organization provides for a convenient access point for a secure collaboration area such as a discussion group or an extranet. This is particularly useful where the team members are not necessarily co-located with one another.  
         [0091]    The user satisfaction/ranking feature of the present invention provides insight into questions such as:  
         [0092]    (1) What are the most common problems that buyers are trying to solve? 
         [0093]    (2) What are the most/least popular products or product combinations? 
         [0094]    (3) Which vendors are the most effective at answering questions and addressing the problems of the buyers? 
         [0095]    Analysis of the database of questions and answers allows the administrator to suggest bundles of products and services to recommend a “best” solution to the most common and difficult problems. This will also permit the administrator to create branded products from the information captured from the database. For example, patterns or relationships between questions asked and resulting products purchased will be determined, and thereafter, if a buyer asks questions associated with the patterns, then a product or a group of products will be suggested to the buyer. The present invention thus provides the administrator of the utility with a unique opportunity to employ the system as a customer relationship management tool.  
         [0096]    Also, since the system has access to correspondence from both parties, it can serve as a central repository for details of current and archived transactional events such as:  
         [0097]    (1) open and closed bidding;  
         [0098]    (2) subscription status;  
         [0099]    (3) enrollment information;  
         [0100]    (4) open purchase orders;  
         [0101]    (5) responses to postings such as job postings; and  
         [0102]    (6) notification of product improvements, e.g., software upgrades.  
         [0103]    The host website can be implemented in a manner that requires an advance registration of a user before that user is permitted access to the site, but such registration is not mandatory. For example, a buyer, during a first-time use of the website, may be permitted to submit a query and merely provide a password so the buyer can subsequently review the search results. A vendor need not have any preexisting knowledge of the website. For example, if the search engine lists the vendor in the search results, and the buyer selects that vendor, the utility of the present invention can send an introductory email to the vendor inviting the vendor to participate in an exchange of correspondence with the buyer.  
         [0104]    It should be understood that various alternatives and modifications of the present invention could be devised by those skilled in the art. As such, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.