Virtual print market place

摘要

A method to create a virtual print market place using one or more interconnected computers comprising collecting market information comprising an identity of service providers and the print services and pricing provided by each, obtaining criteria established by an interactive shop for selecting service providers to provide print services offered to patrons of the interactive shops; and selecting service providers to provide the set of print services based on the criteria and the market information. In another aspect, a method of creating a market place is provided comprising obtaining bids from service providers identifying print services and terms for providing the print services as well as from interactive shops identifying print services and terms for purchasing the print services and establishing an agreement between the service provider and the interactive shop when the terms are compatible.