Abstract: Configuration data received from a consumer regarding a configurable article such as an automobile in which the consumer is interested in purchasing is entered by the consumer and automatically forwarded to a number of participating dealers within the consumer's geographic area. The dealers can respond by quoting for an exact match of the article as configured or for a near exact match. The consumer is notified of the progress of quotes received as they are received. At the close of the quote period contact information is automatically exchanged between the consumer and the dealer who submitted the lowest exact match quote, and the dealer is charged a referral fee. The consumer can also request information regarding a selected non-exact match quote whereupon contact information is automatically exchanged between the consumer and the second dealer, and the second dealer is also charged a referral fee.