Systems and methods for automatically locating web-based social network members are provided. According to one embodiment, contact content including an associated GPS identifier and status for web-based social network members located at or near the same location automatically appears on a GPS-enabled device. A further exemplary system includes a GPS-enabled device configured to receive a GPS identifier and a status representing a location and a current state for a web-based social network member, a processing module that associates the received GPS-identifier and the received status, and a communications module that sends the associated GPS-identifier and status to a server comprising a web-based social network database. Contact content in a web-based social network database record in the web-based social network database is updated to include the associated GPS identifier and status for the web-based social network member.

Object driven newsfeeds supporting interest-based social networks aid in the formation of relationships based on similar domains of user interest. A space efficient graphical user interface (GUI) enables access to an object driven newsfeed of contextual and relevant information to aid a consumer/user in making buying decisions in an e-commerce environment.

Techniques for updating content created for a third party user are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method for updating content comprises receiving information for an item associated with a third party user, requesting a search including information for a plurality of items offered for purchase, the search request being based on the received information for the at least one item, and updating content for the third party user with one of the items included in the list of items received in response to the search request. Information for the item associated with the third party user may be received from a list of items associated with the third party user and maintained by the third party user or from a content source associated with an entity other than the third party user.

A commerce system has retailers offering products for sale to consumers. A database is provided including product information corresponding to a plurality of products. A shopping list is provided including a set of the products. The shopping list is evaluated to determine a difference between a budget and a total price of the shopping list. An interface is provided to alter the shopping list or total price of the shopping list based on the difference between the budget and the total price of the shopping list. The commerce system is controlled by displaying the budget and total price with the shopping list to influence purchasing decisions. An individualized offer is presented to reduce the total price of the shopping list. An alternate product is presented to add to the shopping list. A warning is provided to signify that the total price of the shopping list exceeds the budget.

Some embodiments of the invention enable users to manage codes which may be redeemed for value. For example, some embodiments provide systems and methods for automatically identifying a code communicated to a user which is redeemable for value, and adding the code to an inventory maintained for the user. When the user later shops at a site which allows a code to be redeemed for value, some embodiments of the invention may automatically detect when the user has navigated to a page on the site which allows redemption of the code, and may make the user aware that the code may be redeemed on the page. If the user opts to redeem the code, the field on the page into which the code is to be input may be automatically identified, and the code may be automatically input into that field.

Systems and methods for facilitating the provision of goods using automated stores are provided. The automated stores are distributed across a geographical area and are remotely controlled to create an on-line marketplace. Users of the system can access the marketplace using an interactive portal to purchase items. Buyers can create purchase orders for items stocked in the marketplace and collect the items at one or more automated stores. The items are consigned to the buyers in real time at the automated store.

A method of and system for purchasing an item using contributions from multiple people enables multiple users to contribute towards a gift. Typically the gift is one that each user would not purchase individually, but as a group, each user is able to contribute a portion of the total payment. Preferably, a gift host selects the gift, provides desired information and invited contributors are informed of the gift by email. The invited contributors then provide the necessary information to contribute before a deadline is reached. If the contributions are enough to purchase the gift, the gift is purchased and is given to a gift receiver.

The present invention is a method and system for a network-based grocery store. The invention provides for network-based order placement, fulfillment, and delivery.

A computer-implemented method includes generating on a user terminal a merchant web site associated with a merchant with code for a merchant web page, transmitting a product selection request for the user to a remote open payment system that is separate from the merchant, and displaying purchase information responsive to the product selection request using the code for the merchant web page.

A method of automatically detecting damage following a loss causing incident is disclosed. The method includes capturing image information about a group of physical objects in their initial states and comparing these with image information about the group of physical objects in their modified states following a loss causing incident. The method includes detecting discrepancies between the initial and modified states and automatically assesses the degree of damage and/or loss.