Patent US 5,451,998

This invention is an apparatus and method for shopping at home. The apparatus comprises a video catalog in which a plurality of product images are established, each product image being coordinated with a corresponding product identification in an order form. The video catalog and the order form are distributed to prospective customers. The customers may view the video catalog and product images, and select the corresponding identification of desired product(s) in the order form. Then, to place an order, the customer transmits the order form with the product identification(s) to the merchandiser, by phone, mail or electronic transmission, for example. Then, the merchandiser may arrange for payment of the order by the customer, and delivery of the corresponding product(s) to the customer.