SAN FRANCISCO (September 3, 2009)--Most people make friends on Facebook by sending a request to be added to someone's friends’ list, but an Australian marketing company hopes to save time and energy by simply buying clients a few thousand buddies.

The service from uSocial is mostly meant for businesses, celebrities and other individuals looking to expand on the social network, and Facebook isn't happy about it.

Under the service, which launched this week, 1,000 new Facebook friends cost less than $200.

For 5,000 Facebook friends, uSocial charges $654.30 under a promotion.

Leon Hill, 24, the founder of uSocial, says businesses and other clients are essentially buying a base of potential customers.

Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt says uSocial detracts from Facebook's efforts to foster a culture of authenticity.