Importance

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Abstract

The present invention sets forth a model, method, database and system by which it is possible for sellers to provide product information to consumers through shopbots, while at the same time charging for price information. In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is provided a model for responding to a shopper's inquiry seeking price information on a product in a competitive marketplace, comprising: receiving the shopper's inquiry for price information on a product; searching for price information of advertised products matching the product for which the price is sought; assembling identified price information into a response to the inquiry, wherein the price of at least one product is withheld from the response; forwarding the assembled response to the shopper along with a cost for obtaining the previously withheld price information; receiving the shopper's agreement to buy the previously withheld price information; and forwarding to the shopper the previously withheld price information in exchange for the agreed upon payment of the cost for the price information. The search for the price information comprises a search of at least one database, which may include an electronic search on a global computer network. Moreover, the price information may be provided to the seller by a variety of known ways, including via a shopbot or directly via a seller of the product.

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First Claim