The present invention provides a system for implementing a purchaser
incentive program on a network-wide level. The system associates SKU and
UPC data on a network level to provide consumers with a purchasing
environment that is both convenient and cost-efficient. The association
of SKU and UPC data at a network level also provides consumers with the
ability to analyze their own purchase data for a variety of purposes,
including analyses relating to the consumer's spending behaviors or
patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates a network-wide
search for an item that a consumer desires to purchase under terms or
conditions that are selected by the consumer and are therefore perceived
to be optimal by that consumer. In accordance with another aspect of the
invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates
data analysis by a consumer based upon any of several factors, including
items purchased, prices for those items, retailer ID, SKU number, UPC,
manufacturer ID, and/or the like. The system may compile any of the above
data across multiple entities for the purpose of data analysis, such as
analyses which may be employed in consumer budgeting for example.