Abstract: A system and method establish interactive communications between a merchant and a customer via a third party. A merchant computer provides a link to a customer computer via a computer network for accessing a data entry element on the customer computer. The data entry element facilitates entry of customer information for sending to a third-party server at a contact time to initiate merchant communications. The merchant computer receives from the third party server, generally at the contact time, customer information comprising at least one of calling history, the customer information entered into the data entry element, customer information from a data source, and demographic information. The merchant computer accesses the customer information for determining whether to engage in interactive communications with the customer generally at the contact time. The merchant engages in interactive communications with the customer generally at the contact time when it is determined to do so.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing interactive communications between a customer and an agent of a merchant using a third-party. The customer is provided with a link that accesses a data entry element, such as a form, via which the customer can provide additional information to the agent. The third-party receives the entered customer information and forwards it on to the agent via, e.g., a screen pop. If the agent determines that the call should be accepted, the third-party facilitates connecting the agent with the customer.