Abstract: A method of lead generation includes receiving a question from a consumer and forwarding the question to one or more subscribers to the system. One or more of the subscribers may respond to the question. The subscribers may review the questions from the consumers and decide whether to respond to one or more of the received questions. The subscribers are charged to respond to the question. The consumer is notified of the responses from the subscribers that choose to respond. Alternatively, the responses are presented to the consumer.

Abstract: A method of demand dependent lead generation includes receiving a question from a consumer and forwarding the question to one or more subscribers. Preferably, the subscribers may review the question(s) from the consumers and individually determine whether to respond to one or more of the received questions. The subscribers are charged a price to respond to the question. The subscribers may review the question(s) from the consumers and individually determine whether to respond to one or more of the received questions. The price for responding is determined based on measured demand for responding to a plurality of questions. The consumer is notified of the responses from the subscribers that choose to respond. Alternatively, the responses are presented to the consumer. In one embodiment, the subscribers are charged the fee when the response is presented to the consumer that asked the question.

Abstract: An automated system for providing inventory information to a consumer includes a first receiver for receiving a request from a consumer. A forwarding engine forwards the request from the consumer to one or more subscribers to the system. A second receiver receives a response from the subscribers. The response includes customized inventory information related to inventory (e.g., products, services, availability) of the subscriber providing the response. A debiting system charges a fee to the subscribers that provide a response to the request. A reply engine for notifies the consumer of the response. Alternatively, the responses are presented to the consumer. In one embodiment, the subscribers are charged the fee when the response is presented to the consumer that made the request.