Peapod is an online grocery ordering and delivery service that allows busy people to shop smarter, order online and receive groceries at home. "Shopping for groceries the traditional way is a time consuming task for an increasingly busy society," says Peapod CEO Thomas Parkinson. "With the Internet, shoppers can get the groceries they need with no hassle and without ever leaving the house."

Founded in 1989 as a proprietary grocery ordering and delivery network serving the Chicago metropolitan area, Peapod introduced its online service in 1996. Since then, its customer base has grown to over 55,000 members and its geographic base now includes San Francisco, San Jose, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Austin and Columbus.

Peapod customers pay a monthly membership fee via credit card, a flat shopping and delivery fee and 5% of the total grocery bill. In 1997, Peapod received private equity financing, raising nearly $17 million.

Name: Auto-By-Tel Description: One-stop online car source URL: www.autobytel.com Founded: 1995

If the only thing the Internet allows is the elimination of haggling over car prices, it may be worth it. Auto-By-Tel provides car buyers with comprehensive information including dealer invoice pricing, rebates and incentives. The information-empowered consumer can then submit a free purchase request for the vehicle of their choice at the Auto-By-Tel Web site. Purchase requests are routed to a local Auto-By-Tel Accredited Dealer who calls the consumer with a low, competitive, no-haggle price.

Joining Auto-By-Tel’s network of dealers costs $500 to $1500 per month - a fraction of an auto dealers’ typical monthly advertising budget. Dealers know that the customers who are attracted to Auto-By-Tel are more informed and ready to buy. Auto-By-Tel’s North American network has over 2,600 Accredited Dealer franchises. Auto-By-Tel also offers insurance, leasing and financing services.

Says Peter Ellis, founder of Auto-By-Tel, "The Internet’s opportunities for efficient, rapid communication, comprehensive disbursement of information, and a cost-efficient marketing model, have made it possible for Auto-By-Tel to grow at a phenomenal rate."