System for marketing goods and services utilizing computerized central and remote facilities

Abstract

A system and means for transacting business utilizing remote and central locations. Each of the locations has an array of electronic communications equipment for communicating information about goods and services comprising audio, video, and data between the central location and a customer at the remote location.

1 . An apparatus for marketing at least one of goods or services, comprising:
 a first computerized central communications facility adapted to provide a first database of information relating to goods and/or services to a customer at a computerized remote communications facility upon request, and to enable said customer to select and contact a second computerized central communications facility of a different provider having a second database of information relating to goods and/or services to provide to said customer at said computerized remote communications facility upon request; and   a communication device to enable said first computerized central communications facility to communicate with said computerized remote communications facility, said communication including transmitting a first set of information from said first computerized central communications facility to said computerized remote communications facility.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the computerized central communications facilities is adapted to provide a directory of providers of goods and/or services. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the computerized central communications facilities is further adapted to provide live customer assistance upon request. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , adapted to record a presentation stopping point for future reference. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further adapted for downloading application software from at least one of the computerized central communications facilities to said computerized remote communications facility. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for marketing goods and/or services, comprising:
 a first central communications facility programmed to provide a database relating to goods and/or services to a user at a computerized remote facility, said central communications facility adapted to enable said user to select and contact at least one other central communications facility of a different provider, providing a second database relating to goods and/or services, and adapted to permit said user to access said second database;   a first communication device associated with said first central communications facility for providing live communication with said computerized remote facility;   a second communication device associated with said first central communications facility for providing a second simultaneous communication between said first central communications facility and said computerized remote facility; and   a database of information relating to goods and/or services accessible by said customer at said remote facility.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said database of information relating to goods and/or services includes a directory of providers of goods and/or services. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said second communication device is adapted to download application software to said computerized remote facility. 
     
     
         9 . An apparatus for marketing goods and/or services, comprising:
 a central communications facility adapted to provide a set of information relating to goods and/or services to a customer at a computerized remote facility, said central communications facility further adapted to be accessible to said customer through information provided by at least one other central communications facility of a different provider; and   a communication device to enable said central communications facility to communicate with said remote facility, said communication including transmitting said set of information to said customer at said remote facility.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to initiate contact with said customer. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to contact said customer and apprise them of goods and/or services offered or any special offerings. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to provide employee recruiting information. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to verify the identity of said customer. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to provide information about the sale and/or financing of housing. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to provide a coupon relating to said goods and/or services to said customer. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to provide a discount relating to said goods and/or services to said customer. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to charge said customer a fee to obtain access to said information relating to goods and/or services. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the central communications facilities is configured to receive an auction bid to buy.