eBay Inc.
Method and system for payment delegation using personalized multimedia mechanism

Abstract:

A system, method, and computer program product for providing personalized coordinated shopping among multiple participants in a network marketplace. Social group interactions are extended to shopping, to enhance the scope and efficiency of commerce. A shopping group comprising selected members of a social group includes an authorized purchaser and a number of shoppers who are not authorized to make purchases. A non-authorized purchaser selects desired items and sends a purchase approval request to the authorized purchaser, including a personalized video message describing and supporting the request. The personalized video message is sent to the authorized purchaser by communication means selected according to determined current availability, including via review of a social calendar. The authorized purchaser may approve, decline, or request further information from the requester, upon reviewing the purchase request. The authorized purchaser may modify the requested transaction, including the item actually purchased, the seller, and its shipping data.