Abstract: A method is provided for operating an on-line retailing operation for retailing of at least one print product to a customer. The print product is supplied by a print merchant operation that displays plural image items for remote viewing by a customer. The print merchant operation transacts a first type of order with the customer for supply of at least one print product, and transacts a second type order with the print merchant for fulfillment of the first type order.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus configured for use in routing customer orders, received over the internet, to a service provider such as a print service provider selected from a plurality of competing print service providers, comprises an electronic interface configured to receive and acknowledge customer orders; first processing means configured to compare the requirements of a received order with pre-stored information specific to each of the competing service providers; responsive means configured to establish a list of the service providers determined to be able to fulfill requirements of the received order; and processing means configurable, for a received order, to make the selection from the list and to route the received order to the selected service provider.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is to utilize infrastructure to create an on-line marketplace for print services, in a manner which balances the interests of a plurality of users of print services, with the interest of a plurality of print service providers in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A digital photographic image service process comprises registration of a user data including user name, address and financial account details; capture of photographic image data in response to an activation signal generated by and/or authorized by said user; forwarding of said additional image data to an photographic e-service provider responsible for fulfilment of an order for delivery of said photographic image data, or physical prints generated therefrom; and collection of payment, by electronic means.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus configured for use in routing customer orders, received over the internet, to a service provider such as a print service provider selected from a plurality of competing print service providers, comprises an electronic interface configured to receive and acknowledge customer orders; first processing means configured to compare the requirements of a received order with pre-stored information specific to each of the competing service providers; responsive means configured to establish a list of the service providers determined to be able to fulfill requirements of the received order; and processing means configurable, for a received order, to make the selection from the list and to route the received order to the selected service provider.