The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method /
system for facilitating communications between service providers and potential customers for services. The computer-implemented method /
system provides a marketplace for interactions, both online and off-line, between service providers and potential customers, including
purchasing groups, particularly buyer-driven service-related interactions. The marketplace advantageously allows
categorization, key word searching,
group purchasing, service packaging,
data mining, auctions and other commercial features and functionality. The computer-implemented method /
system also supports holographic imagery, e.g., in the form of virtual assistants, that facilitates marketplace-related activities. Based on the computer-implemented method / system, service providers are able to efficiently and cost effectively extend the reach of their marketing and promotional activities to a wide range of additional customers, and customers are able to initiate access service providers ideally suited to meet their needs, i.e., buyer-driven commerce, at desirable prices and according to required timeframes.