Integrated online help system and buyer-initiated C2C marketplace

An integrated method and system for requesting and delivering help with goods and information via the Internet comprising:

• a system for the user to post a help request, identified by request type (goods wanted or info wanted), request category within each type, the fees to be paid, and a detailed description of the request;
• a system for help providers to search for open requests and post responses;
• a system for both help requesters and providers to update their requests and responses;
• a procedure for the help providers to enter a “guaranteed refund rate” to facilitate transactions involving merchandise;
• a set of four methods and procedures to support the irreversible transaction involving information:
• (a) a method and procedure for the help providers to derive a “projected satisfaction index” for their responses;
• (b) a method and procedure for the help requester to calculate a “minimum pay rate” on the basis of the projected satisfaction index provided by the help provider;
• (c) a procedure for the help providers to show their “help credentials” by entering anything that can increase the help requester's confidence in their responses;
• (d) a method and procedure for the help requester to sign a “contract” with the help provider, prior to viewing his/her response. It requires that the requester pay a minimum amount on the basis of the minimum pay rate derived above, even if the response is eventually found unacceptable. The contract requires that the requester commit to working with the help provider in case a follow-up is needed for a complete resolution;
• a system for the requester to accept, reject, or ask for further clarification on each of the responses received;
• a payment system for the help requester to disburse payment to the help providers;
• a messaging system to notify the help requester and provider regarding their counterparts' activities concerning the request;
• a peer rating system for regulating user activities.