AU2013200110A1 - A web server, client computing device and computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract In one embodiment there is provided a web server for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and a database for storing digital data including product data representing a product and social graph data representing a social graph, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a purchase request from a first user, receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a second user; store, in the database, social buying group graph data representing a social buying group comprising the first user and the second user; and store, in the database, discount data in relation to the social buying group graph data representing a first discount in relation to the social buying group wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a third user; updating, in the database, the social buying group graph data to represent a social buying group comprising the first, second and third user. updating, in the database, the discount data to represent a second discount, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount. Display Device ROM Processor 1000 1010 AV interface Storage Network device 1/0 interface Interface 70 1050 Audio 190 - PC Network 180 160,_z HID Storage 130._ medium reader Figure 1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification for the Invention Entitled: A WEB SERVER, CLIENT COMPUTING DEVICE AND COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR FACILITATING E-COMMERCE SOCIAL GROUP DISCOUNTING The invention is described in the following statement: 1 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to e-commerce in general and in particular to a web server, client computing device and computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce 5 transactions. The invention has been developed primarily for use with a web server for deployment across the Internet and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use. Background 10 E-commerce transactions are commonplace today, with most online shopping portals offering capabilities such as shopping carts, checkout and the like. However, existing e-commerce transactions generally only involve two parties; being the buyer and the merchant, and further typically involve the sale of a product or service to a single buyer. As such, existing e-commerce portals, by being adapted only for a two party 15 relationship, fail to take advantage of group buying power and the associated economies of scale that ensue. Furthermore, existing e-commerce portals exist independently of each other, relying on search engine referrals for customer engagement. As such, these existing e-commerce portals fail to implement means allowing a user to browse between merchants according to 20 user interest. It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. Summary 25 The invention seeks to provide a web server, client computing device and computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce transactions which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. According to one aspect, there is provided a web server for facilitating e-commerce social 30 group discounting comprising: a processor for processing digital data; 2 a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and 5 a database for storing digital data including product data representing a product and social graph data representing a social graph, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a purchase request from a first user, 10 receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a second user; store, in the database, social buying group graph data representing a social buying group comprising the first user and the second user; and store, in the database, discount data in relation to the social buying group graph data 15 representing a first discount in relation to the social buying group. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing users to create social buying groups in order to maximize the discount on their purchasing requests. Specifically, the discount available to users is primarily based on the economies of scale wherein users that pursue their purchases in a collaborative manner will yield a higher discount. 20 Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a third user; updating, in the database, the social buying group graph data to represent a social buying group comprising the first, second and third user. 25 updating, in the database, the discount data to represent a second discount, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount. Advantageously, the web server is configured to allow additional users to join an active social buying group of two or more users. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second 30 discount model in accordance with a discount model. Advantageously, the web server is configured such that the discount from the inclusion another user to a social shopping cart is determined by a discount model. 3 Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, discount model selection data from a merchant representing the discount model. Advantageously, one or more merchants using the web server to offer products may select 5 the applicable discount model depending on their business needs. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a number of users. Advantageously, the web server is configured for calculating an additional discount based on the inclusion of a second user to a social shopping cart. In this manner, further users are 10 enticed to join the social buying group so as to further leverage greater discount. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a product profit margin. Advantageously, the web server is configured for calculating a discount based on, but not limited to, the potential profit margin of a particular product. 15 Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, shopping cart data representing a shopping cart of the second user, the shopping cart comprising at least one item of the first user. Advantageously, the web server is configured to store the products in a user's shopping cart in the database. 20 Preferably, the least one item comprises an indicia of the first user. Advantageously, the web server is configured to display an indicia for each product in the social shopping cart to represent the user that made the purchase request. Preferably, the indicia comprises an image representing the first user. Advantageously, the web server is configured such that the indicia could comprise, but is not 25 limited to, an image of the user. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, user interaction data from the second user representing a user interaction with the indicia, the user interaction data comprising communication data representing a communication message; and 30 send, via the network interface, the communication data to the first user. 4 Advantageously, the web server is configured to allow a first and second user in a social buying group to communicate prior throughout the purchasing process to maximise their discounts and make a more informed purchasing decision Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the 5 database, the communication data. Advantageously, the web server is configured to store communication data between a first and second user regarding a certain product such that a third user can view the communication data to make a more informed purchasing decision. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the 10 network interface, shopping cart graphical user interface data representing a shopping cart graphical user interface, wherein the shopping cart graphical user interface comprises similar items arranged vertically and dissimilar items arranged horizontally. Advantageously, the web server is configured to visually display a social shopping cart as a grid wherein the vertical axis displays purchases of the same product and the horizontal axis 15 displays purchases of different products. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a second purchase request from the first user; send, via the network interface, notification data representing a notification to the second 20 user in accordance with the social graph data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for sending a first user to notifications about the purchase requests of an associated user Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, location data representing a location of the first user, and 25 send, via the network interface, merchant data representing one or more merchants. According to another aspect, there is provided a computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting, the computer readable storage medium having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: 30 instructions for receiving, via a network interface, purchase request data representing a purchase request from a first user, 5 instructions for receiving, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a second user; instructions for storing, in a database, social buying group graph data representing a social buying group comprising the first user and the second user; and 5 instructions for storing, in the database, discount data in relation to the social buying group graph data representing a first discount in relation to the social buying group. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises: instructions for receiving, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a third user; 10 instructions for updating, in the database, the social buying group graph data to represent a social buying group comprising the first, second and third user. Instructions for updating, in the database, the discount data to represent a second discount, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second 15 discount model in accordance with a discount model. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, discount model selection data from a merchant representing the discount model. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second 20 discount in accordance with at least a number of users. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a product profit margin. Preferably, the processor is also controlled by the computer program code to calculate the 25 second discount in accordance with the number of people the first buyer has in their social group and has networked too, Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, shopping cart data representing a shopping cart of the second user, the shopping 30 cart comprising at least one item of the first user. Preferably, the least one item comprises an indicia of the first user. 6 Preferably, the indicia comprises an image representing the first user. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises: instructions to receive, via the network interface, user interaction data from the second user representing a user interaction with the indicia, the user interaction data comprising 5 communication data representing a communication message; and instructions to send, via the network interface, the communication data to the first user. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, the communication data. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the 10 network interface, shopping cart graphical user interface data representing a shopping cart graphical user interface, wherein the shopping cart graphical user interface comprises similar items arranged vertically and dissimilar items arranged horizontally. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a second purchase 15 request from the first user; send, via the network interface, notification data representing a notification to the second user in accordance with the social graph data. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, location data representing a location of the first user, and 20 send, via the network interface, merchant data representing one or more merchants. According to another aspect, there is provided a web server for facilitating e-commerce transactions comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being 25 coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and a database for storing digital data including product data representing a product and sales price data associated with the product representing a sales price of the product, the 30 database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 7 select the product data and the sales price data; send the product data and the sales price data via the network interface; receive commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users representing a commitment to purchase the product; and 5 update the sales price data to a lower sales price in accordance with the commitment data . Advantageously, the web server applies group buying power to e-commerce applications, wherein referrals are incentivized by the price of a product being determined by the number of customers having committed to purchase a product, thereby allowing a merchant to offer 10 greater discounts in exchange for a larger number of sales. The web server advantageously is configured to determine adjust the prices of a large number of products in accordance with a number of commitments to purchase each product. The web server further advantageously assists in the referral process. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 15 determine sale date data representing a sale date for the product; and at the sale date, conduct an e-commerce transaction in respect of the one or more users and the product. Advantageously, the web server is configured to determine the date at which the product is to be sold, and, at that date, process e-commerce transactions in respect of each user who 20 had committed to purchase the product. In this manner, the period in which users may commit to purchase the product may be configured for each product depending on factors such as the nature of the product, users and the like. Advantageously, the web server could also be configured to, record a users transaction from 25 a merchant, and within a time period, aggregate further e-commerce transactions from the same merchant, and from additional buyers in the users social network, and determine a increased discount for each additional buyer varying by the amount of people each additional buyer networks too at time of purchase, and refunding each buyer the difference of the aggregated discount from the time of transaction and the end time period. 30 Preferably, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 8 receive first commitment data from a first user at a first time; receive subsequent commitment data from subsequent users at subsequent times, wherein the first commitment data comprises the sale date data. Advantageously, a first user committing to purchase a product may determine the sale date 5 of the product. In this manner, the web server is advantageously configured for receiving the sale date preference from the first user and closing the sale at the date specified by the first user. As such, the web server advantageously allows for users to determine the sale dates of products. Preferably, the sale date data is determined in accordance with the first time and a time 10 period, the time period being selected from the set of time periods comprising the time periods comprising: * at the end of the current day time period; e a 24 hour time period; e at the end of the current week time period; and 15 e a user selectable time period. Advantageously, the web server is configured to allow a user to select from a set of sale periods, one of which may suit the user's preference. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, social graph data representing one or more social graphs of one or more 20 users; and wherein, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to generate social graph notification data in accordance with the social graph data. Advantageously, the web server is configured to facilitate the referral process by making use 25 of existing social graph data representing existing trusted relationships of a user. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the network interface, the social graph notification data. Advantageously, the web server is configured to manage the sending of notification data to one or more relations of a user, thereby automating the referral process. 30 Preferably, in sending the notification data in accordance with the social graph data, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send notification data selected from the set of notification data comprising: 9 email notification data; short message service notification data; and social networking site application programming interface data. Advantageously, the web server is configured to utilize a variety of notification means to 5 facilitate the referral process, each of which may be suited to a particular situation. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to update the social graph data in accordance with the social graph notification data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing the internal recordal of social network data, thereby eliminating the need for constant referral to an external social network 10 site. According to another aspect, there is provided a client computing device comprising a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled, across a data network, to a web server as described above, wherein the network interface is adapted for sending and receiving data as referred to above. 15 According to another aspect, there is provided a computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the computer readable storage medium having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: instructions for selecting the product data and the sales price data; 20 instructions for sending the product data and the sales price data via the network interface; instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users representing a commitment to purchase the product; and instructions for updating the sales price data to a lower sales price in accordance with the commitment data . 25 Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises: instructions for receiving sale date data representing a sale date for the product; and instructions for, at the sale date, conducting an e-commerce transaction in respect of the one or more users and the product. Preferably, the instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from 30 one or more users further comprise: instructions for receiving first commitment data from a first user at a first time; 10 instructions for receiving subsequent commitment data from subsequent users at subsequent times, wherein the first commitment data comprises the sale date data. Preferably, the sale date data is determined in accordance with the first time and a time period, the time period being selected from the set of time periods comprising the time 5 periods comprising: at the end of the current day time period; a 24 hour time period; at the end of the current week time period; and a user selectable time period. 10 Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises: instructions for receiving social graph data representing one or more social graphs of one or more users; and wherein, the instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, further comprising instructions for generating social graph notification data in 15 accordance with the social graph data. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for sending, via the network interface, the social graph notification data. Preferably, the instructions for sending the notification data in accordance with the social graph data, further comprise instructions for sending notification data selected from the set of 20 notification data comprising: email notification data; short message service notification data; and social networking site application programming interface data. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for 25 updating the social graph data in accordance with the social graph notification data. According to another aspect, there is provided a web server for facilitating e-commerce transactions comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being 30 coupled to the processor via a bus; 11 a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via a bus; and a database for storing digital data including merchant data representing details of two or more merchants and geolocation data representing the locations of the two or more 5 merchants, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive first geolocation data representing a first location; select first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the first geolocation data; 10 send, via the network interface, the first merchant data; calculate distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants; select second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the distance data; and 15 send, via the network interface, the second merchant data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing users to browse from shop window to shop window in an online environment according to location much like a user would do in the physical world. Specifically, the web server is controlled to calculate distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants such that the 20 web server is able to calculate other merchants in the vicinity of the first merchant, so as to be able to allow the user to browse to one of the other merchants. Preferably, the database further comprises category data representing one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant 25 data further in accordance with the category data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to browse shop windows not only according to location, but also according to category. Preferably, the database further comprises sub-category data representing one or more sub categories of the one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the 30 processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the sub-category data. 12 Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to further limit the merchants that are selected by the web server within a category. Preferably, the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: 5 receive, via the network interface, selected category data representing a category selected by a user; and select second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to select a particular category of interest. 10 Preferably, the processor, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first category data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send the first category data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for selecting the category data in accordance 15 with the merchant data. In this manner, the user may browse to merchants having one or more of the categories contained within the categories of the current merchant. Preferably, the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data. 20 Advantageously, the web server is able to select merchants in accordance with a direct category match. Preferably, the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with related category data. 25 Advantageously, the web server may be adapted to match merchants having similar categories Preferably, the database further comprises criteria data representing one or more criteria of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further 30 in accordance with the criteria data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to control the selection of other merchants according to a particular criteria relating to the merchant. 13 Preferably, the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with criteria threshold data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing for ranges of criteria, such as star 5 rating or walking distance. Preferably, the criteria data comprises criteria data selected from the set of criteria data comprising: rating best deal 10 popular walking distance; and district criteria data. Advantageously, the web server is configured to allow for a variety of criteria, each of which may be preferred by a user. 15 Preferably, the database further comprises image data representing one or more image relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first image data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send, via the network interface, the image data. 20 Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing each merchant to be represented visually. Preferably, the database further comprises map data relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: 25 generate map data in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and further send, via the network interface, the map data. Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to view the location of each merchant. Preferably, the database further comprises product data representing one or more products 30 for sale relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: 14 select first product data representing a first product in accordance with the merchant data; and further send, via the network interface, the first product data. Advantageously, the web server is adapted for facilitating the purchasing of one or more 5 products of the merchants. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; and conducting an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data. 10 Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; select detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and send, via the network interface, the detail data via the network interface. 15 Advantageously, the web server is configured for allowing a user to view further details relating to a product. According to another aspect, there is provided a web server for facilitating e-commerce transactions comprising: a processor for processing digital data; 20 a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via a bus; and a database for storing digital data including merchant data representing details of two 25 or more merchants and geolocation data representing the locations of the two or more merchants; wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive first geolocation data representing a first location; select first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the first 30 geolocation data; 15 send, via the network interface, the first merchant data; calculate distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants; select second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the 5 distance data; and send, via the network interface, the second merchant data. Preferably, the database further comprises category data representing one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant 10 data further in accordance with the category data. Preferably, the database further comprises sub-category data representing one or more sub categories of the one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the sub-category data. 15 Preferably, the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, selected category data representing a category selected by a user; and select second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data. 20 Preferably, the processor, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first category data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send the first category data. Preferably, the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the 25 category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data. Preferably, the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with related category data. 30 Preferably, the database further comprises criteria data representing one or more criteria of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant 16 data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the criteria data. Preferably, the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with 5 criteria threshold data. Preferably, the criteria data comprises criteria data selected from the set of criteria data comprising: rating best deal 10 popular walking distance; and district criteria data. Preferably, the database further comprises image data representing one or more image relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending the merchant 15 data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first image data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send the image data. Preferably, the database further comprises map data relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program 20 code to: generate map data in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and further send the map data. Preferably, the database further comprises product data representing one or more products for sale relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending 25 merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first product data representing a first product in accordance with the merchant data; and further send the first product data. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 17 receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; and conducting an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data. Preferably, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 5 receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; selecting detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and sending the detail data via the network interface. According to another aspect, there is provided a client computing device comprising a 10 network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled, across a data network, to a web server as described above, wherein the network interface is adapted for sending and receiving data as referred to above. According to another aspect, there is provided a computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the computer readable storage medium having 15 computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: instructions for receiving first geolocation data representing a first location; instructions for selecting first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the first geolocation data; 20 instructions for sending, via a network interface, the first merchant data; instructions for calculating distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants; instructions for selecting second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the distance data; and 25 instructions for sending, via the network interface, the second merchant data. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium, further comprises instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with category data. Preferably, the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting the second merchant data further in accordance with the sub 30 category data. 18 Preferably, the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for: receiving, via the network interface, selected category data representing a category selected by a user; and 5 selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data. Preferably, the instructions for sending the merchant data further comprise: instructions for selecting first category data in accordance with the merchant data; and instructions for further sending the first category data. Preferably, the instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the 10 category data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data. Preferably, the instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with related category data. 15 Preferably, the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the criteria data. Preferably, the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with criteria threshold data. 20 Preferably, the criteria data comprises criteria data selected from the set of criteria data comprising: rating best deal popular 25 walking distance; and district criteria data. Preferably, the instructions for sending the merchant data further comprise: instructions for selecting first image data in accordance with the merchant data; and instructions for further sending the image data. 30 Preferably, the instructions for sending merchant data further comprise: 19 instructions for generating map data in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and instructions for further sending the map data. Preferably, the instructions for sending merchant data further comprise instructions for: 5 selecting first product data representing a first product in accordance with the merchant data; and further sending the first product data. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprising instructions for: receiving, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the 10 first product by a user; and conducting an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data. Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises: instructions for receiving, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; 15 instructions for selecting detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and instructions for sending the detail data via the network interface. It should be noted that the client computing device and the computer readable storage medium provide the same or similar advantages as the advantages provided by the web 20 server, some of which are described herein. For example, the client computing device provides the advantage of deployment across a computer network, such as the Internet, providing distribution, access and economy of scale advantages. Furthermore, the computer readable storage medium provides further advantages, such allowing the deployment of computer instructions for installation and execution by one or more computing devices. 25 Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 30 Fig. 1 shows a computing device on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 20 Fig. 2 shows a network of computing devices on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a computer implemented method for facilitating e-commerce transactions 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows an exemplary graphical user interface of an e-commerce interface in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a computer implemented method for facilitating e-commerce transactions in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 10 Fig. 6 shows an exemplary GUI allowing a user to browse from shop window to shop window in an e-commerce environment in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention Fig. 7 shows a computer implemented method for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 15 Fig. 8 shows an exemplary GUI of the overall in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 9 shows an exemplary GUI allowing a user to browse through various categorized stores in an e-commerce environment in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; 20 Fig. 10 shows an exemplary GUI allowing the user to browse through a merchants product catalogue in addition to the users visiting the store in an e-commerce environment in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 11 shows an exemplary GUI allowing the user to view a social shopping cart in an e-commerce environment in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present 25 invention. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features. Computing device 30 Fig. 1 shows a computing device 100 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. In particular the steps of the methods for facilitating e-commerce transactions and allowing a user to browse from shop window to shop window in an e 21 commerce environment may be implemented as computer program code instructions executable by the computing device 100. The computer program code instructions may be divided into one or more computer program code instruction libraries, such as dynamic link libraries (DLL), wherein each of the libraries performs a one or more steps of the method. 5 Additionally, a subset of the one or more of the libraries may perform graphical user interface tasks relating to the steps of the method. The device 100 comprises semiconductor memory 110 comprising volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). The memory 100 may comprise either RAM or ROM or a combination of RAM and ROM. 10 The device 100 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 130 for reading the computer program code instructions from computer program code storage media 120. The storage media 120 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks. The device further comprises 1/O interface 140 for communicating with one or more 15 peripheral devices. The 1/O interface 140 may offer both serial and parallel interface connectivity. For example, the 1/O interface 140 may comprise a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar 1/O interface for interfacing with the storage medium reader 130. The 1/O interface 140 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 160 such as keyboards, pointing devices, joysticks and the like. 20 The 1/O interface 140 may also comprise a computer to computer interface, such as a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) interface, for interfacing the device 100 with one or more personal computer (PC) devices 190. The 1/O interface 140 may also comprise an audio interface for communicate audio signals to one or more audio devices 1050, such as a speaker or a buzzer. 25 The device 100 also comprises a network interface 170 for communicating with one or more computer networks 180. The network 180 may be a wired network, such as a wired EthernetTM network or a wireless network, such as a BluetoothTM network or IEEE 802.11 network. The network 180 may be a local area network (LAN), such as a home or office computer network, or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or private WAN. 30 The device 100 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 1000 for performing the computer program code instructions. The processor 1000 may be a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) or complex instruction set computer (CISC) processor or the like. The device 100 further comprises a storage device 1030, such as a magnetic disk hard drive or a solid state disk drive. 22 Computer program code instructions may be loaded into the storage device 1030 from the storage media 120 using the storage medium reader 130 or from the network 180 using network interface 170. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded from the storage device 1030 into the memory 110. During 5 the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 1000 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 110, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores one or more intermediate results in memory 100. In this manner, the instructions stored in the memory 110, when retrieved and executed by the processor 1000, may configure the computing device 100 as a special-purpose machine 10 that may perform the functions described herein. The device 100 also comprises a video interface 1010 for conveying video signals to a display device 1020, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device. The device 100 also comprises a communication bus subsystem 150 for interconnecting the 15 various devices described above. The bus subsystem 150 may offer parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like. Network of computing devices 20 Fig. 2 shows a network 200 of computing devices 100 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The network 200 comprises a web server 210 for serving web pages to one or more client computing devices 220 over the Internet 230. The web server 210 is provided with a web server application 240 for receiving requests, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) requests, and 25 serving hypertext web pages or files in response. The web server application 240 may be, for example the ApacheTM or the Microsoft TM IIS HTTP server. The web server 210 is also provided with a hypertext preprocessor 250 for processing one or more web page templates 260 and data from one or more databases 270 to generate hypertext web pages. The hypertext preprocessor may, for example, be the PHP: Hypertext 30 Preprocessor (PHP) or Microsoft AspTM hypertext preprocessor. The web server 210 is also provided with web page templates 260, such as one or more PHP or ASP files. Upon receiving a request from the web server application 240, the hypertext preprocessor 250 is operable to retrieve a web page template, from the web page templates 260, execute any dynamic content therein, including updating or loading information from the one or more 23 databases 270, to compose a hypertext web page. The composed hypertext web page may comprise client side code, such as Javascript, for Document Object Model (DOM) manipulating, asynchronous HTTP requests and the like. Client computing devices 220 are provided with a browser application 280, such as the 5 Mozilla FirefoxTM or Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM browser applications. The browser application 280 requests hypertext web pages from the web server 210 and renders the hypertext web pages on a display device 1020. Facilitating e-commerce transactions Fig. 3 shows a computer implemented method 300 of one embodiment for facilitating e 10 commerce transactions. The computer implemented method 300 is executed by one or more computing devices 100 and in particular one or more computing devices 100 connected across the Internet 230 as substantially shown in Fig. 2. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the method is performed by a web server 210 for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the web server having a processor 1000 for processing digital data, a memory 15 device (110, 1030) for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus 150, a network interface 170 for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus 150. The web server 210 also has a database 1030 for storing digital data including product data representing a product and sales price data associated with the product representing a sales 20 price of the product. The web server 210 implemented method 300, as is described herein advantageously leverages group buying power by way of electronic notifications, updates and the like to attract further customers to purchase a product. The referral process is incentivized by the price of a product being determined by the number of customers having committed to 25 purchase a product. In this manner, a merchant is able to allow for greater discount, having a larger number of sales. Fig. 4 shows an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 400 of an e-commerce interface. As is shown in the figure, the GUI 400 is rendered by a web browser application 280, typically on a client computing device 220 such as a home PC. However, in other 30 embodiments, the GUI 400 may be rendered in a number of other manners, such as by an application operating on a smart phone device, the application adapted to send and receive data to and from the web server 210. The web server 210 implemented method 300 starts at step wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to select the product data and the sales price data. 24 In this manner, the web server 210 may be operable to select those products from the product data contained in the database 270 that are marked as being live. For example, the web server 210 may be operable to keep track of stock levels of the product, and only offer those products that have sufficient stock levels. 5 It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment, the web server 210 implements a backend merchant interface for allowing third party merchants to upload product data. In this manner, at the conclusion of a successful e-commerce transaction, the web server 210 may be operable to send order data to the relevant merchant informing the merchant of the transaction, and perhaps initiate an electronic funds transfer to pay the merchant. 10 The backend merchant interface may be adapted depending on the application. For example, for smaller merchants, the backend merchant interface may take the form of a web page, allowing for the manual input of data. For larger merchants, the backend merchant interface may take the form of an application programming interface (API), allowing for the automated transfer of data. 15 At step 310, the web server 210 sends the product data and the sales price data via the network interface for rendering and display on a client computing device 220 or similar. In the GUI 400, there is shown the display of at least one product 405. In this particular example, the products for display are shown near the bottom of the GUI 400. The products on display may be selected by the web server 210 in accordance with a particular merchant, product 20 category, user interest and the like. Associated with the product 405 is the current price of the product. As will be seen below, the web server 210 is operable to manipulate the price of the product. As such, the displayed price 415 will typically be discounted during the sale period, as will be described in further detail below. 25 The GUI 400 presents the user with two methods to purchase the product 405 on display. The first is the 'Buy Now' button 410, representing the traditional e-commerce method of purchasing a product. In one embodiment, activating the 'Buy Now' button 410 will cause the web server 210 to place the product 405 in the shopping cart of a user. In one embodiment, the price of the e-commerce transaction will be the price displayed in the displayed price 415 30 field. In an alternative embodiment, the price of the e-commerce transaction will be the initial price at which the product 405 was set. It should be noted that 'product', as described herein, may also relate to services offered. 25 The second method by which the user may purchase the product 405 is by means of the 'Tell 'n Save' button 420. By activating the 'Tell 'n Save' button 420 is making a commitment to purchase the product. As such, at step 315, upon a user activating the 'Tell 'n Save' button 420, the web server 210 5 is operable to receive commitment data, via the network interface, from the browser application 280 representing a commitment to purchase the product. In this manner the web server 210 is adapted to receive commitment data one or more users representing a commitment to purchase the product. There are various methods in which to ensure the commitment of the user, such as having 10 explicitly stated terms and conditions. In a preferred embodiment however, the web server 210 is operable to reserve the product price using the credit card details of the user. In this manner, the user may be required to set up an account having recorded thereagainst their credit card details. The web server 210 may be operable to reserve the current price of the product 405 at the time the user activates the 'Tell 'n Save' button 420. As will be described 15 in further detail below, the price recorded by the web server 210 for the product 405 may be reduced at a later stage and, as such, at the time of the closing of the sale (also described below), the web server 210 may be adapted to charge the price at the time of the close of sale to the user's credit card. At step 320, the web server 210 is operable to update the sales price data of the product 405 20 to a lower sales price in accordance with the commitment data. For example, the processor may be programmed according to the following exemplary discount schedule: Number of commitments Discount 0-10 2% 11-50 5% 51-100 10% 101-200 20% As such, using the above schedule, should over 100 commitments to purchase the product be received, at the close of sale, each user who had committed to purchase the product will be eligible to receive the product at a discount of 20%. In this manner, each participant in the 25 sale of the product is incentivized to refer the product to friends and relatives so as to be able to further leverage a greater discount. As will be described in further detail below, the web server 210 may be adapted for facilitating this referral process. In this manner, the web server 210 facilitates the e-commerce process of merchants allowing discounted products in exchange for word-of-mouth/viral marketing. The discount schedule may be linear or non 30 linear. In a preferred embodiment, the discount schedule takes the form of a decaying 26 exponential, thereby allocating a greater discount for initial commitments as compared to later commitments. Once a user has committed to buy a product 405, the committed product 435 may appear in a second location 425 in the GUI 400. In association with the committed product 435, there 5 may be displayed: * time remaining info field 430 allowing the user to view the time remaining to the sale date; * committed info field 445 showing the total number of commitments for the product 435; 10 0 An 'Add one' button 455 allowing the user to commit to the purchase of a further product; * The current discounted price of the product (not shown); * Checkout button 460 allowing a user to checkout the product 435 at the currently discounted price; and 15 e Information expansion means 440 allowing the user to either view further information in relation to the product, or other products that are similar to the product 435, determined in accordance with a similarity algorithm. In one embodiment, the discount schedule may be determined by each merchant. The web server 210 is further adapted for determining the sale date in respect of each 20 product. The sale date is the date at which the product 405 is sold to each of the users who had committed to purchase the product 405 and is also the date at which the final sale price of the product is determined 405. Typically, where a merchant specifies the number of products that are available for sale, the web server 210 may be configured to close the sale at the time of the number of commitments equaling the number of products has been 25 received. However, in a preferred embodiment the first user to commit to purchasing the product 405 has the option of choosing the sale date of the product 405. For example, should the user wish to receive the product relatively quickly, such as in time for Christmas, the user may opt to have the sale closed within 24 hours. Alternatively, where a user wishes to attempt a 30 greater discount by taking advantage of a longer window in which to refer the product, the user may opt for a longer period, such as a week. 27 Specifically, the processor 100 is controlled by the computer program code to determine sale date data representing a sale date for the product 405 and, at the sale date, conduct an e commerce transaction in respect of the one or more users and the product. Furthermore, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor 5 1000 is controlled by the computer program code to receive first commitment data from a first user at a first time, receive subsequent commitment data from subsequent users at subsequent times, wherein the first commitment data comprises the sale date data. The GUI 400 may comprise input means (not shown), such as a drop-down box and the like, for receiving sale date data from the user. In this manner, the user may select any time 10 period, for example, including: * at the end of the current day time period; e a 24 hour time period; e at the end of the current week time period; and * a user selectable time period. 15 In one embodiment, in order to facilitate the referral process, the processor 100 is controlled by the computer program code to receive social graph data representing one or more social graphs of one or more users and wherein, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to generate social graph notification data in accordance with the social graph data. 20 For example, a user may provide the web server 210 with their login credentials to a social networking site. In this manner, each time the user makes a commitment, the processor 100 is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the network interface, the social graph notification data. The sending of the notification may be achieved through the use of an API interface provided by the social networking site. 25 For example, upon a user having committed to purchase a DustBuster vacuum cleaner, the web server 210 may be operable, using the API interface provided by the social networking site to update the user's social status to: "George is getting a DustBuster vacuum cleaner, check it out here" In a further embodiment, the web server 210 may be adapted to send messages to the 30 members of the user's social graph. For example, the web server 210 may be adapted to send private messages to each of the friends as reflected by the user's social graph data. 28 Alternatively, the web server 210 may be adapted to compile an internal social graph data data of the relations of the user's social graph within the database 270, so as to be able to update commitment notifications without having to send notification data to an external site. In this manner, the web server 210 is operable to update the social graph data in accordance 5 with the social graph notification data. Note that in various embodiments the web server 210 may be adapted to send different types of notification data, including email notification data and short message service (SMS) notification data. Virtual E-commerce 10 Fig. 5 shows a computer implemented method 500 of another embodiment for facilitating e commerce transactions. The method 500 is executed by one or more computing devices 100 and in particular one or more computing devices 100 connected across the Internet 230 as substantially shown in Fig. 2. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the method 500 is performed by a web server 210 for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the web server 15 having a processor 1000 for processing digital data, a memory device 110, 1030 for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus 150, a network interface 170 for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus 150. As will be described in further detail below, the method 500 is advantageously suited for 20 allowing users to browse from shop window to shop window in an online environment according to location much like a user would do in the physical world. For example, a user interested in handbags may browse from shop window to shop window of those shops being collocated and stocking handbags. The method 500 starts at step 505 wherein the web server 210 receives first geolocation 25 data representing a first location. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary GUI 600 allowing a user to browse from shop window to shop window in an e-commerce environment. In a preferred embodiment, the GUI 600 is rendered by means of a web browser application 280 on a personal computing device. However, GUI 600 may be adapted to the mobile environment for display on a mobile communication 30 device so as to allow a user to be guided while shopping. There are various manners by which the web server 210 may obtain the location data of the user, such as by using the IP address allocated to the computing device 100, an on board GPS (global positioning system) of a mobile device or simply asking the user for a preferred location. 29 Having received the geolocation data, at step 510, the web server 210 is operable to select first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the geolocation data. For example, the geolocation data may represent the Chinatown district in Sydney, wherein the web server 210 is adapted to select a merchant closest to the point represented by the 5 geolocation data. At step 515 the web server 210 is adapted to send, via the network interface 170, the first merchant data. In the GUI 600, the GUI comprises an image representation of the merchant 630. While the embodiment shown in Fig. 600 comprises an image representation of the merchant 630, the merchant may be represented by other means, such as textual data and 10 the like. At step 520, the web server 210 is controlled to calculate distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants. In this manner, the web server 210 is able to calculate other merchants in the vicinity of the first merchant, so as to be able to allow the user to browse to one of the other merchants. It should be noted that the 15 distance calculation may be performed at any stage, and may be recalculated and stored in the database 270. At step 520, the web server 210 is operable to select second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the distance data. The second merchant may be a merchant selected by the web server 210 as being the next merchant that the user would like 20 to browse to, typically determined solely in accordance with proximity. In further embodiments described in further detail below, the use may be able to affect the selection of the second merchant in accordance with one or more category or criteria selections. At step 520, the web server 210 is controlled to send, via the network interface, the second merchant data for display in the GUI 600. Typically, the user may actuate direction controller 25 inputs 640 for browsing forward and backwards between shop windows. In a preferred embodiment, the database 270 further comprises category data representing one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor 1000, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the category data. In this manner, a 30 user is able to browse shop windows not only according to location, but also according to category. For example, a user interested in handbags may opt to browse according to the women's fashion category. As is shown in the GUI 600, the merchant data 630 may be displayed in conjunction with category data 605. In the example given, the categories comprise the Automotive, Beauty, 30 House, Books, Technology and Hardware categories. Using this example, a user may select a category, such as 'Books', such that subsequent navigation of the direction controller inputs 640 will display a merchant stocking books. It should be noted that more than one category may be selected at one time. 5 In a further preferred embodiment, the database 270 further comprises sub-category data representing one or more sub-categories of the one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the sub-category data. For example, in the GUI 600, there are displayed sub-categories 10 relating to the 'House' category. In this manner, a user may further limit the merchants that are selected by the web server 210, so as to be able to, for example browse only 3 bedroom houses that are on sale. In various embodiments, the web server 210 is able to calculate the category data. For example, the web server 210 may be operable to determine the category that the user is 15 interested in in accordance with the browser behavior of the user. However, in a preferred embodiment, the user is able to select the category (as described above) such that the web server 210 receives, via the network interface 170, selected category data representing a category selected by a user and select second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data. 20 The web server 210 may also be able to select the category data in accordance with the merchant data. For example, where a department store comprises a number of departments, each relating to a separate category, the web server 210 may be operable to select those categories relating to the merchant currently being displayed. In this manner, the user may browse to merchants having one or more of the categories contained within the categories of 25 the current merchant. Specifically, the web server, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to select first category data in accordance with the merchant data and further send the first category data. The web server 210 may be able select merchants in accordance with a direct category match, so that, for example, the web server 210 would match merchants having the 'BOOKS' 30 category with merchants also having the same 'BOOKS' category. Specifically, the web server 210, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data. 31 Alternatively, the web server 210 may be adapted to match merchants having similar categories, such that, for example, merchants having a 'TECHNOLOGY' category will be selected from merchants having a 'HARDWARE' category. Specifically, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, the web server 210 is controlled 5 by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with related category data. Also shown in GUI 600 are one or more categories, operable by a user to control the selection of other merchants. In the example given, the user is able to direct the web server 210 to select only those merchants having 10 e a high rating, such as, for example, rated by other users or shoppers; * the best deals, such as, for example, merchants having the greatest discount; * the most popular, such as, for example, those merchants most viewed by other browsers; * within a certain walking distance, so as, for example, a user can limit those 15 merchants to those being within a 5km radius. Given in the GUI 600 is a slider control, 620 operable by a user in selecting the preferred radius; or * within a certain district, such as, for example, the downtown district. Specifically, the database 270 further comprises criteria data representing one or more criteria of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor 1000, in selecting the 20 second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the criteria data. For cases where the user opts to use a criteria threshold, such as a walking distance threshold, the processor 1000, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with 25 criteria threshold data. As can be seen from GUI 600, in one embodiment, each merchant may be represented visually. Specifically, the database 270 further comprises image data representing one or more image relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor 1000, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to select first image 30 data in accordance with the merchant data and further send the image data. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the GUI 600 may comprise map data 625 allowing a user to view the location of each merchant. Specifically, the database 270 further comprises map data relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in 32 sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to generate the map data 625 in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and further send the map data for rendering in the GUI 600. The map data may display one or more indicia representing the two or more merchants. 5 Furthermore, the indicia may display associated order data indicating the next merchant selected by the web server 210 for browsing. For example, a first merchant indicia may have displayed the number '1' and a second merchant indicia may have displayed the number '2'. In this manner, the user is able to see the order or merchants for browsing that the web server has chosen. In this manner, the user may elect to skip a merchant if necessary. 10 In a further preferred embodiment, the web server 210 may be adapted to facilitate the purchasing of one or more products of the merchants. In this manner, the database 270 further comprises product data representing one or more products for sale relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor 100, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to select first product data representing a first product in 15 accordance with the merchant data; and further send the first product data. For example, in GUI 600, there is shown a product 635 in the shop window of the merchant. The product 635 may be an icon, operable by a user to initiate a purchase of the product 635. In this manner, more than one product 635 may be displayed in each shop window. Upon selection of a product 635 in a shop window, the web server 210 receives, via the 20 network interface 170, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by the user and is adapted to conduct an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data. The display of products in a shop window may be displayed in a 2D or 3D environment. In certain embodiments, a user may simply wish to view further details relating to each 25 product and may click on a product to view further information relating to the product, such as the price of the product. Specifically, the processor 1000 is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface 170, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user, select detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and send the detail data via the network interface. 30 In accordance with a further embodiment, in GUI 600 there is shown shopper indicia 645 showing the number of shoppers currently browsing a shop in accordance with method 500, or who have committed to purchase a product in accordance with method 300. In the example given, the shopper indicia 645 for the store named 'Mazy's' shows that there are currently 3 friends browsing the store. The 3 friends may be browsing the store using GUI 33 600 or may be physically present in the store, having their location tracked by a mobile communication device. The shopper indicia 645 may indicate the total number of shoppers within the store, or alternatively, the total number of shopper within the store who are within the user's social network. In this manner, a shopper can view which shops his or her friends 5 are interested in. Furthermore, the shopper indicia 645 may show input means labeled 'request friend' allowing a shopper to become friends with a friend within the store. For example, two females, having an interest in shoes, may meet in a shoe shop and become associated with each other. Yet further, the shopper indicia 645 may show users who have committed to purchase a 10 product in accordance with method 300. As such, input means labeled 'tag 'n buy' may be indicated allowing a user to also commit to buy a product in accordance with method 300. The input means may display the name of a user who committed to purchase the product, such as the first user who committed to purchase the product, or the name or image of the actual product. 15 Further still, there may be displayed an option allowing a user to buy a gift for another user. For example, should a user see that one of their friends is in a candy store, the user can elect to buy a piece of candy for the user as a gift. As such, in GUI 600, there is shown input means labeled 'Buy gift' allowing a user to buy a gift for Roger Brown. Also, the web server 210 may have recorded in the database 270 date data of user's birthdays. In this manner, 20 the web server 210 may selectively display the input means in accordance of the birthday date data. In summary, by seeing a friend/shopping buddy through geo-detection, (by delayed transaction/users mobile location) users can buy for others in that shop at a discount on their birthday, (which will be displayed along side or buy 'N' tag for a set period prior to the event). 25 Also by knowing where a friend is shopping and viewing their future purchase (by the delayed transaction), users can buy for their friends/shopping buddy's without the worry of buying the same product as a gift, whilst knowing their shopping interests. Also, users can grow shopping buddies (friends) based on similar interests and location wherein users details are attached to the buy and tag and or friends gift( special occasion) 30 favorites. Further the gift button is activated from users friends database prior to special event in a predetermined time allowing users to see and purchase gift once this gift is selected a predetermined discount is applied by the geo location vendor and the item is removed from the available favorite list of friends gift list. 34 Furthermore, there is allowed for marketing, pre purchase stock management and shoppers interests allowing shop vendors, by clicking on his store, to view who is purchasing from his store and how much stock is required in a pre-purchase capacity. By being able to predict actual sales this allows the store to move stock in preparation for purchase. 5 As such, delayed transaction allows the web server 210 to place a user in store location for set period of time such that others can see or request as a friend bases on other locals with similar interests. Furthermore, there is provided for special occasion such as birthday/wedding from friends favorite list. Yet further, there is provided the use of mobile communication devices as an identifier and 10 social communicator allowing buyers to interact, as well as shop owner to interact with customers, either when shopping at that shop both remotely or physically. In other words, when the customer walks into a shop and has such a mobile app, the computer and GPS matches the geo location and places them also on the map. Further there is allowed for a user to buy real time gift selection at the source of the users mobile location. 15 Facilitating e-commerce socialgroup discounting Fig. 7 shows a computer implemented method 700 for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting. The method 700 is executed by one or more computing devices 100 and in particular one or more computing devices 100 connected across the Internet 230 as substantially shown in Fig. 2. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the method 700 is 20 performed by a web server 210 for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting, the web server having a processor 1000 for processing digital data, a memory device 110, 1030 for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus 150, a network interface 170 for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus 150. 25 As will be described in further detail below, in one embodiment, the method 700 is advantageously suited for allowing one or more customers to group into one or more social buying groups for the purposes of leveraging greater discount from a merchant. For example, Sarah would like to purchase the new issue of Flashpoint from the web server and she has noticed that Richard is also interested in Flashpoint. Sarah realised that forming a social 30 shopping cart with Richard could lead to an increased mutual discount and decided to do so. The method 700 starts at step 705 where the web server 210 receives a purchase request from a first user. Turning now, to Fig. 8, there is shown an exemplary GUI 800 for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting. The GUI 800 comprises of a list 810 of available product 35 categories, a list 820 of the relevant stores in the area corresponding to that product category, an image of the selected store 830, a map 840 of the geographical position of the first user and the relevant stores in the area and a list of buyers within the selected store 850. Fig. 9 shows regions 810, 820 and 830 in greater detail. In order to make a purchase request 5 the first user selects the desired store by choosing the relevant product category 915 from region 910 and subsequently the desired store 925 from region 920. At this stage the user has the option to either enter the store 860 or view the social shopping cart 855 of a user visiting the store. For example, Brad is interested in purchasing a new pair sneakers from a local store as soon as possible. Upon entering the web server Brad decides to enter the LAX 10 fashion store by selecting the shoes category followed by selecting LAX fashion and the enter store button. Figure 10 shows an exemplary GUI 1001 allowing the user to view the products in the store catalogue 1011 and make a purchase request for a particular item 1015. A first discount is applied when the purchase request is made. 15 Having received the purchase request data, at step 710, the web server 210 receives an association request from a second user. Referring back to Figure 10, Region 1021 represents the list of users within the store where the selected user 1025 is the first user. In a preferred embodiment, once the second user has entered the selected store they have the option to associate with the first user from the 20 list of users 1021 for the benefit of a mutual second discount of their purchase requests. In one embodiment, the list of users within the store 1021 may be populated when the received GPS location of the mobile device of the first user coincides with the GPS location of the respective store. As the first user makes an order within the store, their social shopping cart is updated to include the subsequent purchase requests. 25 A purchase request may be made by scanning the product barcode, such as a 2D barcode, using the mobile device, ordering through the web server 210 or ordering in person through the store merchant at the physical store. Furthermore, as additional users are added to the social shopping carts, the social buying group graph data and discount data is updated in the database 270 to account for the 30 change in the users of the social buying group and the discount provided to the users in the social buying group. For example, John noticed that Richard and Jade are buying the new issue of Flashpoint and decides to join their social buying group; as a result, the database is updated as the discount has increased and social buying group data has changed due to the inclusion of John. 36 In a preferred embodiment, any subsequent purchase requests made from the first user will be received by the web server 210 wherein a notification message of the second purchase request made by the first user will be sent to any other users of the social buying group. The notification can be sent using, but is not limited to, e-mail, SMS and social media news feeds. 5 For example, if Sarah was to purchase a new book about Steve Jobs, any users associated with Sarah will receive an email notification of Sarah's purchase to encourage further purchases. Having received the association request data, at step 715, the social buying group graph data of a social shopping cart comprising the first and second user is stored in the web 10 server database 270. In a preferred embodiment, the social buying group graph data comprises of the first and second user in the group and an indicia 1117 of the respective users. Shopping cart data comprises of the product requests of the users in the social shopping cart and is stored in the web server database 270. Having stored the social buying group graph data, at step 720, the web server 210 stores the 15 second discount data in the web server database 270, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount. Figure 11 shows an exemplary GUI 1100 which displays the purchase requests of the social shopping cart of the first and second user. A second discount is granted for the first and second user when an additional purchase request is made through the social shopping cart. 20 The product requests in the social shopping cart 1110 comprises of the product requests 1115 by the first and second user wherein each product request comprises of the product image and the indicia 1117 representing the user that made the purchase request. In a preferred embodiment, the social shopping cart is arranged such that similar items are arranged vertically and dissimilar items are arranged horizontally. In other embodiments, the 25 social shopping cart 1110 may be arranged such that similar items are stacked above one another or the social shopping cart 110 may be arranged in any other configuration. In one embodiment, the second discount is calculated by the web server 210 using a discount model determined by the merchant comprising of the product relevance, the product profit margin and the purchase requests of the first user. The second discount is 30 subsequently displayed for the user as a cumulative output 1118 and an absolute output 1120 in the web browser application 280 and stored in the web server database 270. For example, John is receiving a 15% discount in his purchase of the biography of Einstein and the biography of Steve Jobs, the 15% discount comprises of a 10% discount set by the merchant on those particular products and a 5% discount due to the similarity of the two 37 products. An additional 5% discount is possible if another user decides to join his social buying group. Furthermore, the web server 210 has the ability to receive the location of the first user in order to return a list of the relevant stores nearby the first user. There are various manners 5 by which the web server 210 may obtain the location data of the user, such as by using the IP address allocated to the computing device 100, an on board GPS (global positioning system) of a mobile device or simply asking the user for a preferred location. In a preferred embodiment, the webserver 210 may comprise of a filter list option 847 wherein a list of relevant stores 845 may be filtered by selecting a maximum distance from 10 the first user's location. Referring back to figure 8, the map data shown in region 840 comprises of the relevant merchants in the area 845. Yet further, the web server 210 has the ability to allow users in a social buying group to communicate and interact with one another both throughout the social buying group process and after purchases have been made. In one embodiment, this provides the first user with 15 the ability to convince the second user to engage in a particular purchasing activity or to ask questions about the product. The communication feature is available by selecting the indicia 1117 of a user in the social shopping cart 1110. For example, Brad and John are both interested in purchasing the new issue of Flashpoint however Brad is unsure of the quality. Brad initiates a conversation with John by selecting his indicia in the social shopping cart to 20 find out more about the product. In one embodiment, communication data recorded in a social buying group in reference to a particular product sent to the web server database 270 wherein a third user can receive the communication data regarding the same product. More specifically, users visiting the merchant's store can view prior user communication data of each product in the merchant's 25 store. For example, Richard is interesting in buying the new issue of Flashpoint however is unsure of the quality. Richard noticed that Brad and John previously had a conversation regarding the quality of the product and decided to view the conversation to understand the product more. One aspect may be applicable to layby systems. Specifically, since a purchase request is 30 inherently a delayed transaction, such a layby scheme may be implemented by the social group discounting operations of the web server 210 so as to further encourage sales through additional purchase requests, higher discounts and word of mouth advertising. In a preferred embodiment, a layby contract may be initiated when a first user makes an in-store purchase of an item on lay-by. The first user may subsequently provide the store with an email address 38 wherein the email address provides a link to create a new social shopping cart. In one embodiment, the first user may require a unique code such as a receipt number or the like to create the social shopping cart as a form of user authentication. Once the first user has created the social shopping cart, the first user may invite subsequent users to join the social 5 shopping cart by way of email, word of mouth or a social media news feed and the like. Once subsequent users join the social shopping cart the discount may increase as the orders in the social shopping cart grows. The layby installments may be automated by the web server 210 to periodically charge the 10 user through their credit card, debit card or by bank transfer. For applications where such layby systems are not applicable, the web server 210 may be adapted to facilitate group discounting even where the first user completes the purchase. Specifically, the web server 210 may record coupon data in relation to a social buying group comprising the first user upon receiving association requests from further users. In this 15 manner, the first user is incentivized in referring social contacts even for non-delayed transactions such as those described above. Such coupon data may be redeemable by submitting the coupon to the merchant at a physical store or by sending coupon data to the web server 210 using a computing device 100. Alternatively, users may be provided with periodic or aperiodic loyalty payments or credit 20 payments to the users social buying account or bank account. In one embodiment, when a user purchases goods, the payment of goods may be paid in full by the user immediately wherein any discount owed to the user is subsequently refunded to the user as direct credit to the user bank account. In another embodiment, when a user purchases goods, the transaction may be delayed wherein the user is subsequently charged the discounted price 25 of the goods after a predetermined period. 39 Interpretation In accordance with As described herein, 'in accordance with' may also mean 'as a function of' and is not necessarily limited to the integers specified in relation thereto. 5 Composite items As described herein, 'a computer implemented method' should not necessarily be inferred as being performed by a single computing device such that the steps of the method may be performed by more than one cooperating computing devices. Similarly objects as used herein such as 'web server', 'server', 'client computing device', 10 'computer readable medium' and the like should not necessarily be construed as being a single object, and may be implemented as a two or more objects in cooperation, such as, for example, a web server being construed as two or more web servers in a server farm cooperating to achieve a desired goal or a computer readable medium being distributed in a composite manner, such as program code being provided on a compact disk activatable by a 15 license key downloadable from a computer network. Wireless: The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and 20 links, and wireless Ethernet. In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any 25 wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires. 30 Processes: Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing 40 device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities. Processor: In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that 5 processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors. The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more 10 processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The 15 processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM. Computer-Readable Medium' Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier 20 medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein. Networked or Multiple Processors.' In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the 25 one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. 30 Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or 41 jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Additional Embodirnents: Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer 5 readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer 10 readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer 15 program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. Carrier Medium: The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single 20 medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to 25 perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Implementation: It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment 30 by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular 35 programming language or operating system. 42 Means For Carrying out a Method or Function Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the 5 necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. Connected 10 Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices 15 or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. Embodiments: Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that 20 a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable 25 manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and 30 aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific 35 Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific 43 Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant 5 to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is 10 understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific 15 terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide 20 reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. Different Instances of Objects As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described 25 must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Comprising and Including In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, 30 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. 44 Scope of In vent/on Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim 5 all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention. 10 Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the e 15 commerce industry. 45

Claims (77)

1. A web server for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and a database for storing digital data including product data representing a product and social graph data representing a social graph, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a purchase request from a first user, receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a second user; store, in the database, social buying group graph data representing a social buying group comprising the first user and the second user; and store, in the database, discount data in relation to the social buying group graph data representing a first discount in relation to the social buying group.

2. A web server as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a third user; updating, in the database, the social buying group graph data to represent a social buying group comprising the first, second and third user. updating, in the database, the discount data to represent a second discount, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount.

3. A web server as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount model in accordance with a discount model.

4. A web server as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, discount model selection data from a merchant representing the discount model.

5. A web server as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a number of users. 46

6. A web server as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a product profit margin.

7. A web server as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, shopping cart data representing a shopping cart of the second user, the shopping cart comprising at least one item of the first user.

8. A web server as claimed in claim 7, wherein the least one item comprises an indicia of the first user.

9. A web server as claimed in claim 8, wherein the indicia comprises an image representing the first user.

10. A web server as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, user interaction data from the second user representing a user interaction with the indicia, the user interaction data comprising communication data representing a communication message; and send, via the network interface, the communication data to the first user.

11. A web server as claimed in claim 10, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, the communication data.

12. A web server as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the network interface, shopping cart graphical user interface data representing a shopping cart graphical user interface, wherein the shopping cart graphical user interface comprises similar items arranged vertically and dissimilar items arranged horizontally.

13. A web server as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a second purchase request from the first user; send, via the network interface, notification data representing a notification to the second user in accordance with the social graph data.

14. A web server as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, location data representing a location of the first user, and send, via the network interface, merchant data representing one or more merchants. 47

15. A client computing device comprising a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled, across a data network, to a web server as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the network interface is adapted for sending and receiving data as referred to in any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce social group discounting, the computer readable storage medium having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: instructions for receiving, via a network interface, purchase request data representing a purchase request from a first user, instructions for receiving, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a second user; instructions for storing, in a database, social buying group graph data representing a social buying group comprising the first user and the second user; and instructions for storing, in the database, discount data in relation to the social buying group graph data representing a first discount in relation to the social buying group.

17. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: instructions for receiving, via the network interface, association request data representing an association request from a third user; instructions for updating, in the database, the social buying group graph data to represent a social buying group comprising the first, second and third user. Instructions for updating, in the database, the discount data to represent a second discount, wherein the second discount is greater than the first discount.

18. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount model in accordance with a discount model.

19. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, discount model selection data from a merchant representing the discount model.

20. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a number of users.

21. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 17, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to calculate the second discount in accordance with at least a product profit margin. 48

22. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 16, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, shopping cart data representing a shopping cart of the second user, the shopping cart comprising at least one item of the first user.

23. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 22, wherein the least one item comprises an indicia of the first user.

24. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 23, wherein the indicia comprises an image representing the first user.

25. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 23, further comprising: instructions to receive, via the network interface, user interaction data from the second user representing a user interaction with the indicia, the user interaction data comprising communication data representing a communication message; and instructions to send, via the network interface, the communication data to the first user.

26. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 25, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to store, in the database, the communication data.

27. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 22, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the network interface, shopping cart graphical user interface data representing a shopping cart graphical user interface, wherein the shopping cart graphical user interface comprises similar items arranged vertically and dissimilar items arranged horizontally.

28. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 22, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, purchase request data representing a second purchase request from the first user; send, via the network interface, notification data representing a notification to the second user in accordance with the social graph data.

29. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 22, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, location data representing a location of the first user, and send, via the network interface, merchant data representing one or more merchants.

30. A web server for facilitating e-commerce transactions comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; 49 a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and a database for storing digital data including product data representing a product and sales price data associated with the product representing a sales price of the product, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: select the product data and the sales price data; send the product data and the sales price data via the network interface; receive commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users representing a commitment to purchase the product; and update the sales price data to a lower sales price in accordance with the commitment data.

31. A web server as claimed in claim 30, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: determine sale date data representing a sale date for the product; and at the sale date, conduct an e-commerce transaction in respect of the one or more users and the product.

32. A web server as claimed in claim 31, wherein, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive first commitment data from a first user at a first time; receive subsequent commitment data from subsequent users at subsequent times, wherein the first commitment data comprises the sale date data.

33. A web server as claimed in claim 32, wherein the sale date data is determined in accordance with the first time and a time period, the time period being selected from the set of time periods comprising the time periods comprising: at the end of the current day time period; a 24 hour time period; at the end of the current week time period; and a user selectable time period.

34. A web server as claimed in claim 30, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to receive, via the network interface, social graph data representing one or more social graphs of the one or more users; and wherein, in receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to generate social graph notification data in accordance with the social graph data. 50

35. A web server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send, via the network interface, the social graph notification data.

36. A web server as claimed in claim 34, wherein, in sending the notification data in accordance with the social graph data, the processor is controlled by the computer program code to send notification data selected from the set of notification data comprising: email notification data; short message service notification data; and social networking site application programming interface data.

37. A web server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to update the social graph data in accordance with the social graph notification data.

38. A client computing device comprising a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled, across a data network, to a web server as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 37, wherein the network interface is adapted for sending and receiving data as referred to in any one of claims 30 to 37.

39. A computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the computer readable storage medium having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: instructions for selecting the product data and the sales price data; instructions for sending the product data and the sales price data via the network interface; instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users representing a commitment to purchase the product; and instructions for updating the sales price data to a lower sales price in accordance with the commitment data .

40. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 39, further comprising: instructions for receiving sale date data representing a sale date for the product; and instructions for, at the sale date, conducting an e-commerce transaction in respect of the one or more users and the product.

41. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 40, wherein, the instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users further comprise: instructions for receiving first commitment data from a first user at a first time; instructions for receiving subsequent commitment data from subsequent users at subsequent times, wherein the first commitment data comprises the sale date data. 51

42. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 41, wherein the sale date data is determined in accordance with the first time and a time period, the time period being selected from the set of time periods comprising the time periods comprising: at the end of the current day time period; a 24 hour time period; at the end of the current week time period; and a user selectable time period.

43. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 39, further comprising: instructions for receiving social graph data representing one or more social graphs of one or more users; and wherein, the instructions for receiving commitment data, via the network interface, from one or more users further comprise instructions for generating social graph notification data in accordance with the social graph data.

44. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 43, further comprising: instructions for sending, via the network interface, the social graph notification data.

45. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 43, wherein, the instructions for sending the notification data in accordance with the social graph data, further comprise instructions for sending notification data selected from the set of notification data comprising: email notification data; short message service notification data; and social networking site application programming interface data.

46. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 43, further comprising instructions for updating the social graph data in accordance with the social graph notification data.

47. A web server for facilitating e-commerce transactions comprising: a processor for processing digital data; a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus; and a database for storing digital data including merchant data representing details of two or more merchants and geolocation data representing the locations of the two or more merchants, the database being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive first geolocation data representing a first location; 52 select first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the first geolocation data; send, via the network interface, the first merchant data; calculate distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants; select second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the distance data; and send, via the network interface, the second merchant data.

48. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the database further comprises category data representing one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the category data.

49. A web server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the database further comprises sub category data representing one or more sub-categories of the one or more categories of the two or more merchants, and wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the sub-category data.

50. A web server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, selected category data representing a category selected by a user; and select second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data.

51. A web server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first category data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send the first category data.

52. A web server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data.

53. A web server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor, in selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with related category data.

54. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the database further comprises criteria data representing one or more criteria of the two or more merchants, and wherein the 53 processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with the criteria data.

55. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor, in selecting the second merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to the select second merchant data further in accordance with criteria threshold data.

56. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the criteria data comprises criteria data selected from the set of criteria data comprising: rating best deal popular walking distance; and district criteria data.

57. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the database further comprises image data representing one or more image relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending the merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first image data in accordance with the merchant data; and further send, via the network interface, the image data.

58. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the database further comprises map data relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: generate map data in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and further send, via the network interface, the map data.

59. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the database further comprises product data representing one or more products for sale relating to the two or more merchants, and wherein, the processor, in sending merchant data, is controlled by the computer program code to: select first product data representing a first product in accordance with the merchant data; and further send, via the network interface, the first product data.

60. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; and conducting an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data.

61. A web server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to: 54 receive, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; select detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and send, via the network interface, the detail data via the network interface.

62. A client computing device comprising a network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled, across a data network, to a web server as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 61, wherein the network interface is adapted for sending and receiving data as referred to in any one of claims 47 to 61.

63. A computer readable storage medium for facilitating e-commerce transactions, the computer readable storage medium having computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising: instructions for receiving first geolocation data representing a first location; instructions for selecting first merchant data representing a first merchant in accordance with the first geolocation data; instructions for sending, via a network interface, the first merchant data; instructions for calculating distance data representing the distance between at least two of the two or more merchants; instructions for selecting second merchant data representing a second merchant in accordance with the distance data; and instructions for sending, via the network interface, the second merchant data.

64. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, further comprising instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with category data.

65. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting the second merchant data further in accordance with the sub-category data.

66. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, wherein the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for: receiving, via the network interface, selected category data representing a category selected by a user; and selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the selected category data.

67. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, wherein the instructions for sending the merchant data further comprise: instructions for selecting first category data in accordance with the merchant data; and instructions for further sending the first category data. 55

68. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, wherein the instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with matching category data.

69. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 64, wherein the instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the category data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with related category data.

70. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with the criteria data.

71. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for selecting the second merchant data further comprise instructions for selecting second merchant data further in accordance with criteria threshold data.

72. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the criteria data comprises criteria data selected from the set of criteria data comprising: rating best deal popular walking distance; and district criteria data.

73. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for sending the merchant data further comprise: instructions for selecting first image data in accordance with the merchant data; and instructions for further sending the image data.

74. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for sending merchant data further comprise: instructions for generating map data in accordance with the geolocation data and the map data; and instructions for further sending the map data.

75. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, wherein the instructions for sending merchant data further comprise instructions for: selecting first product data representing a first product in accordance with the merchant data; and further sending the first product data. 56

76. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, further comprising instructions for: receiving, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; and conducting an e-commerce transaction in accordance with the product selection data.

77. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 63, further comprising: instructions for receiving, via the network interface, product selection data representing a selection of the first product by a user; instructions for selecting detail data representing one or more details relating to the product, and instructions for sending the detail data via the network interface. 57