System and Method for Displaying and Selling Goods and Services in a Retail Environment Employing Electronic Shopper Aids

摘要

A system and method for supporting existing merchants and malls to better serve customers by providing easy access to merchandise and sales assistants over a communication network in order to display items dynamically and to provide expert information on products. The shopping experience is enhanced by a portable client identification to allow ease of shopping and checkout. For items purchased that need installation or service or support, access to live experts is provided. Direct connection to service providers is available over the network. If a shopper does not find the desired merchandise he is referred to another merchant who has the product with the referring merchant receiving a commission or other consideration.