A
consumer-centric service for matching local consumers with local service providers. A matching is performed between
consumer needs and local vendor capabilities and the results are presented back to the
consumer so that the choice of which vendors to be contacted is left to the consumer. Mechanisms are provided for immediately and automatically contacting the chosen vendor in one or more of a plurality of communication media and offering the chosen vendor the details of the consumer's request, including the preferred method of contact information, for a fee. Also, the
system immediately informs the consumer about the status of the vendor contacts, including whether or not the vendor has accepted the lead. Once a chosen vendor accepts the lead, the consumer is contacted by the vendor, in the manner requested by the consumer. Thus, the invention enables consumers to maintain control over the selection and
contact process with matched vendors. The
system of the invention is particularly advantageous for providing
community based services such as babysitting, cleaning, painting,
software support,
typing, and in obtaining professional services from professionals such as electricians, carpenters, gardeners, accountants, lawyers, and the like.