Electronic retail order communication

Abstract

Multiple users are provided the ability to add or modify items in an open order created by an originating user on an electronic retail system. The originating user has the ability to verify and authorize a final purchase order that is submitted to the retail system. The originating user forwards an open order to other users, who are then allowed to add to the order, such as by adding items to a shopping cart. In a tandem browsing mode, other users are invited to observe the interaction of the originating user with an electronic retail system and modify an order for approval by the originating user.

1 . An electronic retail system comprising:
 means for generating an order by an originating user on the electronic retail system;   means for communicating the order to a non-originating user;   means for receiving additions to the order from the non-originating user; and   means for providing the order, including additions to the order, to the originating user for submission as a combined order.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic retail system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for generating an order comprises a computer system coupled via a network to an electronic retail system server. 
     
     
         3 . The electronic retail system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for communicating the order to a non-originating user comprises an originating user network appliance. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic retail system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for providing the order to the originating user comprises an electronic retail system server.