One embodiment of the present invention distributes data via a network to
remotely located users. Historical purchase information for a first user
is stored in a database. Authorization is received over a network from
the first user allowing a second user to view at least a portion of the
historical purchase information. In addition, the first user selectively
specifies which historical purchase information may be viewed by the
second customer. An electronic notification is transmitted to the second
user, wherein the notification informs the second user of the first
user's authorization.