Providing digital representations based on physical items

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for collecting information for physical products by providing virtual products to customers. Virtual products (digital representations of physical products) may be provided to customers that provide item information including but not limited to evidence of ownership of corresponding physical products, for example photographs or sales receipts. The customers may use the virtual products in various applications in which the customers may establish a virtual presence. The information provided by the customers may be collected, analyzed, and applied in one or more areas of real-world production and marketing, for example in obtaining competitive pricing information. Digital lockers may be provided for the customers to which the virtual products are stored; the applications may access the virtual products for a customer from a respective digital locker.