BizRate Browses, Buys

BizRate.com, an online marketplace and consumer rating firm, has acquired EBoodle.com and will merge its browser companion with BizRate's existing technology to create a suite of online shopping tools. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

     Expected to be available this summer, the browser companion will travel with users as they shop on the Web, providing access to merchant ratings, comparison shopping information and personalized content. For shoppers considering a purchase from a particular site, says BizRate, a single click will allow them to access product reviews, compare prices across merchants, view special offers or discounts and evaluate merchant ratings, from on-time delivery and product selection to customer support and privacy policies. The content of the browser bar will be controlled by users and includes a personalized "single-click'' digital wallet. When used to make an online purchase, it automatically enters passwords, credit card information and shipping and billing addresses. In addition, BizRate says users will be able to track the status of orders from any merchant, as well as related store receipts and e-mail correspondence.