| 摘要 |
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for presenting a cost estimate to a potential customer. SOLUTION: The method allows a manufacturer to determine whether or not a potential customer is a desirable customer. The manufacturer can determine whether or not the potential customer is a potential competitor. Further, the manufacturer can also determine whether or not the potential customer intends to use a product for purposes other than its proper purpose. When the potential customer is not a potential competitor, the manufacturer can present a cost estimate of a particular article (or service) by accepting technical information from the potential customer. In one embodiment, the potential customer can first communicate with the manufacturer through an electronic communications network. Another feature of the method allows the manufacturer to present an estimate of the article or service to the customer and make a contract with the customer to sell the article or service after the customer has approved the estimate. |
