Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for processing inputs of various formats to be used in an auction are described. In some implementations, a conversion application can be used to assist a user in setting a conversion ratio by which a service can be valued (e.g., for converting values between commercial and proprietary currency). In some implementations, a cash value of the service to be rendered can be defined. In these implementations, the conversion application can facilitate the determination of an appropriate conversion ratio by which the cash value can be converted to other currency value (e.g., to other proprietary currency).

Abstract: An automated system for matching orders to buy and sell securities including a displayed market where orders are executed at a BBO price and where information about the market is made available to investors and a midpoint matching market for matching buy and sell orders at a predetermined price, namely, the midpoint between the national best bid and offer. The displayed market and the midpoint matching market are linked so that orders submitted to the displayed market are exposed to the midpoint matching market and can be executed at an improved price if a contra order is available on the midpoint matching market.

Abstract: A vehicle trade banking system for dealers and wholesalers that buy and sell automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and other vehicles that uses an application software system that accepts, distributes and stores vehicle data, price quotation data and vehicle condition data to facilitate the banking of vehicle trade-ins allowing dealers to confirm a buyer for a trade-in and thereby accept a trade-in from a consumer interested in purchasing a newer vehicle from the dealer.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for providing quotes for fitness equipment. A selection of a property type, a number of property units, and a specification of a fitness room size are obtained from a user. A first user interface is generated for obtaining a selection of fitness equipment from the user. The selection of fitness equipment is obtained from the user via the first user interface. A quote is automatically generated for providing fitness equipment to the user. The quote is based at least in part on the selection of fitness equipment, the fitness room size, the number of property units, and the property type. A second user interface is generated for presenting the quote.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized or personalized memorabilia to end users, wherein the system allows the price for the customized or personalized memorabilia to be established by obtaining the lowest production costs from approved vendors, and further allowing such costs to be offset by any sponsorship underwriting of the memorabilia. The system further allows establishment of advertising to target demographic audiences by underwriting customized or personalized memorabilia orders and placing advertising indicia for the sponsor on or with the ordered customized or personalized memorabilia.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for dynamic two-way auction, applicable for auctioning participating goods, comprising: (1) setting, by a server. The descriptive information, possible search conditions and the relations which associate each search condition with the descriptive information of all participating goods are set up and stored on the server side; (2) sending, by a buyer terminal and/or a seller terminal, a search request which includes a search condition to the server; (3) parsing, by the server, the search request to obtain the search condition, determining whether a definition of a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information has been recorded, and performing step (4) if the relation has not been recorded; (4) defining, by the server, a relation which associates the search condition with the descriptive information of some participating goods.

Abstract: A online marketplace that can connect nearby buyers and sellers in a time-sensitive and efficient manner. The system can enable users who want something to connect with nearby users who can provide that something by utilizing automatically detected location data from the users' computing devices. The system can allow both buyers and sellers to post listings, and can also allow listings to define multiple quantities of an item or service and allow multiple offers to be made and accepted on such listings via an auction mechanism. The system can improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers can quickly find each other by not allowing users to submit offers on listings with price changes that degrade the listing. The system can also improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers complete their transaction by facilitating a peer-to-peer payment process with dispute resolution controls.

Abstract: A online marketplace that can connect nearby buyers and sellers in a time-sensitive and efficient manner. The system can enable users who want something to connect with nearby users who can provide that something by utilizing automatically detected location data from the users' computing devices. The system can allow both buyers and sellers to post listings, and can also allow listings to define multiple quantities of an item or service and allow multiple offers to be made and accepted on such listings via an auction mechanism. The system can improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers can quickly find each other by not allowing users to submit offers on listings with price changes that degrade the listing. The system can also improve the efficiency with which buyers and sellers complete their transaction by facilitating a peer-to-peer payment process with dispute resolution controls.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing the sale of commodities, such as tier-priced commodities, are described. Risk is managed by bundling with the commodity a financial instrument designed to indemnify against the risks associated with purchasing the commodity. The financial instrument may be an insurance instrument, for example. In one embodiment, bundled products are offered for sale to two or more bidders, at respective offer prices. The bidder that exceeds their respective offer price by the greatest amount is sold the bundled product. Different prices may be offered to different purchasers for respective bundled products. The offers, bids, and determination of who wins the bidding may be made by processors or computers coupled to networks, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system includes a proposal engine configured to present quotes and/or proposals including a plurality of selections to customers at a network site.

Abstract: A method for managing sourcing requests. The method utilizes a computer interface to collect the sourcing request and present that sourcing request to a sourcing agent. The method also utilizes a computer interface to allow the sourcing agent to initiate and conduct a sourcing protocol that provides a list of results from which the sourcing agent can select the most appropriate sourcing solution for an organization. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer medium with instructions to collect sourcing request data, determine whether the sourcing program needs modification and modifying the sourcing program.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for administering a sales transaction, including: receiving consumer transaction requirements and seller transaction requirements within one or more established transaction parameters; filtering the consumer transaction requirements based on the seller transaction requirements and producing a subset of consumer transaction requirements based on the filtering; receiving bids from potential sellers, wherein the bids are limited to a predefined number and type of variables; displaying the bids to potential sellers and receiving subsequent bids; displaying a plurality of the bids and the identities of the potential sellers that correspond to the displayed bids to one or more potential consumers; and receiving from the one or more potential consumers an acceptance or rejection of one or more of the displayed bids.

Abstract: Buyer-driven methods of purchasing a motor vehicle include one or more buyers, each buyer composing a buyer-specific offer to purchase a motor vehicle and optionally motor vehicle-related services. Each offer is based on an individual buyer willing price that is based on an individual buyer perceived value of the motor vehicle and related services, and one or more buyer-specific conditions imposed on purchasing a motor vehicle within the set of motor vehicles. Buyers register with, and communicating their respective buyer-specific offer to, a website hosted by a computer server, the website accessible by network-connected devices of the buyers. One or more website-registered sellers communicate their respective seller conditions to the website, and software in a system server filters the buyer-specific offers. The sellers may accept, decline, or make alternative responses to the website, which ranks the seller response for buyers.

Abstract: A print or logo data generating system and method in which a width dimension of a printable medium is identified and original source data obtained. The processing further involves automatically resizing the source data to a predefined maximum width not greater than the width dimension of the printable medium prior to executing any user-requested changes, and displaying a first image representation of the original source data. Upon receipt of a user-requested change in the size of the original source data and a user-requested change in the number of colors of the original source data, the size change request is executed first.

Abstract: A system and method allows one or more users to purchase an offering of goods or services using at least three computer systems, by one user making a proposal for the two to jointly consume the offering, and the other user accepting the proposal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to maximize the number of participants submitting proposals for requirements of all sizes and to increase transparency in property selection to aggregate more data regarding potential lease properties earlier than current practice, qualify candidate properties for lease, expedite and standardize a request for proposal (RFP) process to use the increased transparency to include not just rent, but other costs and lease provisions respecting candidate lease properties, and negotiate a lease for a target candidate property. Additionally, the system and method preferably enable a simultaneous reverse auction process with various potential Lessors on either or both the financial or qualitative lease terms and conditions increasing the outcomes for the Client Operator/Lessee.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for generating and display a listing of offers of items to be sold on a third party marketplace. The system includes a processing unit and a storage device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit has stored information for configuring the processing unit to receive a plurality of offers wherein each offer is associated with an item to be offered for sale, item information, and a seller identification. The processing unit is further configured to receive a search criterion, sort the plurality of offers based on the seller identification to generate one or more seller-specific offer listings, sort each of the seller-specific offer listings based on the search criterion, and generate a listing of offers by iteratively selecting an offer from each of the seller-specific search listings.

Abstract: The method for conducting a purchase involves obtaining a target item specification for purchasing a target item, wherein the target item specification comprises a target item description, a target purchase date, and a target price, obtaining, using a central processing unit (CPU), candidate item information related to a candidate item found on a merchant site consistent with the target item specification, wherein the candidate item information comprises a candidate item description and a candidate item price, populating a categorized entry in a user budget using the candidate item price and the target purchase date, wherein the candidate item price is no more than the target price, updating, using the CPU, the budget based on user transactions, generating a result by analyzing, using the CPU, the user budget with respect to the categorized entry, and submitting the result to a user for formulating a decision regarding whether to purchase the candidate item.

Abstract: The present invention allows users to quickly develop web pages, or offers, to meet their advertisers' individual needs; mange the offers and inventory; and prioritize the order in which the offers are displayed. Functions included in the invention allow the user to internally monitor performance of marketing campaigns. The invention also has the ability to automatically prioritize which offers are to be displayed to users and in what order they will appear based upon the number of orders outstanding from an advertiser, the revenue generated from each conversion, the conversion rate of each offer, and a manual factor inserted based upon the business priority. The current invention allows the user to effectively and efficiently run a business where the user is required to set up offers for individual advertisers and maintain an effective balance of priority based upon business concerns, revenue, inventory of offer and conversion rates.

Abstract: A part location system is described that utilizes computer-based techniques for bringing together repair facilities and suppliers to increase the efficiency of locating recycled, used or aftermarket parts using a computer network, such as the Internet. The part location system receives an estimate from a first user over a communication network. The part location system then parses the estimate to extract information that identifies a list of parts needed by the first user and automatically generates a request for quote (RFQ) using the information extracted from the estimate. The part location system then sends the RFQ to suppliers via the communication network. Subsequently, the part location system receives quotations from at least one of the suppliers via the communication network in response to the RFQ and presents the quotations received in response to the RFQ to a repair facility via the communication network.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for providing a payer with a platform for reference pricing of health care deliverables are disclosed. One method includes identifying a set of one or more health care deliverables to which reference pricing is to be applied, and setting a reference price for each health care deliverable of the set. For this embodiment, setting the reference price includes providing the payer with analysis of negotiated rates for the health care deliverable across at least one of geographies, demographics, and centers of excellence, and allowing the payer to set the reference price for each health care deliverable based on the provided analysis. The method further includes receiving a health care deliverable request from a user who is covered by the payer, retrieving the set reference price corresponding to the health care deliverable request, and providing the set reference price or out-of-pocket cost to the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method to process items for sale or bid, to transmit electronic negotiations between prospective buyer and seller, and to verify the condition of the item before delivery to the buyer. The invention facilitates autonomous and remote negotiation between sellers and prospective buyers while protecting buyers from fraud and item misrepresentation. With the present invention, items can be sold individually and are not treated as standardized items that are interchangeable with similar commodity goods. The present invention also provides a waitlisting function. In addition, the functionality of traditional auction systems may be integrated with the novel features of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention provides a system and method for conducting a reverse auction by allowing prospective buyers to list desired items.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a transaction between a buyer and one of a number of sellers is provided. The transaction is related to a project specified by the buyer. A set of sellers is identified. A flow control process operates over a number of successive processing cycles. In each processing cycle, sellers are selected from the set for classification as sellers of a particular type (“Invited Sellers”). The Invited Sellers increase incrementally over the number of successive processing cycles. The system automatically enables at least one action carried out by the Invited Sellers in each processing cycle. The duration of the processing cycles can vary. The number of Invited Sellers selected in each processing cycle can vary. In one embodiment, the number of Invited Sellers selected in each processing cycle depends upon a number of offers that are submitted by Invited Sellers and received by the buyer.

Abstract: A system and method are described for managing a contacts database within an online stationery service.

Abstract: Described is a system and method that satisfies offers from customers with quotes from suppliers in a way that increases the likelihood of achieving an acceptable match. The system is configured to receive an offer for a product. The system queries in parallel multiple suppliers for rate quotes on the desired product. Each of the suppliers is ranked according to the lowest rate quoted by each supplier. The supplier quoting the lowest rate is selected as the winner of the offer. The system may then evaluate any other rate quotes provided by the winning provider. The system may satisfy the customer's offer with the winning provider at a higher rate than the winning rate quoted, up to the customer's offer.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating graphite material usage and labor pricing including the following parameters: category, material, class, dimensions, and quantity. The information is used for improved efficiency via web-based graphite purchasing. The method takes into consideration the additional labor cost when very small dimensions are entered which require special work holding containment. The process requires that the user make a selection for each of the parameters so a validation step can occur ensuring the desired product can be manufactured and an accurate labor charge or quote can be provided. During the calculation step, the labor surface area is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area which is derived from a second degree equation derived by a linear regression curve that is applied to the labor cost based on the calculated surface area. After the calculation step the price each and total quantity price is returned.

Abstract: An online sales/automatic rebate and coupon redemption system provides online customers automatic retrieval and redemption of all applicable rebates and coupons during purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system purchases from merchants using applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system makes it possible to automatically retrieve coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site. The system provides coupons to potential customers via email, based on customer profile, geographical information, etc. Manufacturers and merchants can update coupon value and content based on ongoing sales and volume of customer activity.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention includes a predictive model for ticket sales. In one embodiment, the model predicts ticket sales as a function of the quality of the event and the quality of the section in which the seat is located over a range of ticket prices. The present invention also includes a system and method for dynamically pricing tickets wherein the aforementioned sales projections, coupled with real-time factors relating to the characteristics of the game and the remaining tickets, are used to optimize ticket prices to maximize revenue at the venue.

Abstract: A system and method for providing customized or personalized memorabilia to end users, wherein the system allows the price for the customized or personalized memorabilia to be established by obtaining the lowest production costs from approved vendors, and further allowing such costs to be offset by any sponsorship underwriting of the memorabilia. The system further allows establishment of advertising to target demographic audiences by underwriting customized or personalized memorabilia orders and placing advertising indicia for the sponsor on or with the ordered customized or personalized memorabilia.

Abstract: A selection set evaluation device comprises selection item storage means (201) where information concerning selection items are stored, selection item presenting means (202) for presenting selection items to a user, selection item selection means (203) for allowing the user to select one or more of the presented selection items, evaluation criterion storage means (207) where evaluation criterion used for evaluating a selection set constituting of the one or more selection items selected by the user; and selection set evaluating means (209) for evaluating the selection set on the basis of the evaluation criterion stored. Thus a selection set evaluation device for evaluating a selection set which is a combination of selection items selected by the user on the basis of predetermined evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A total cost management system including a user interface having: (i) selectable options to facilitate building a total cost template including at least one section having a plurality of variables associated therewith; (ii) selectable options to facilitate at least one of the following: creating, deleting, manipulating, configuring, changing, modifying, moving, or any combination thereof, at least one of the at least one section and at least one of the plurality of variables; and (iii) selectable options to define at least one total cost unit price for: at least one item, at least one group of items, at least one assembly, at least one group of assemblies, at least one sub-assembly, at least one group of sub-assemblies, at least one lot, and/or at least one service wherein the at least one total cost unit price is defined by a formula including a plurality of the variables in at least one section.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for effectuating a buyer-driven and buyer-executed commerce system. The system allows prospective buyers and sellers of goods and services to anonymously exchange conditional Requests For Bids and Conditional Sales Offers based on the buyer's guaranteed ‘purchasing loyalty’ for a self-defined minimum quantity of goods or services, and/or quality of goods of services and/or the length of time or price to which the buyer would agree to be bound or any combination of those condition's. That buyer guarantee permits a seller to easily pre-determine their offers based on the calculated value of ‘capturing’ that buyer's ‘guaranteed purchasing loyalty’. In a preferred embodiment, the method and system of the present invention includes a controller which receives Requests For Bids from prospective buyers and also receives, stores and displays to prospective buyers bindable sales proposals from a multitude of prospective sellers.

Abstract: A system, typically offered in electronic network such as the Internet, automates the supply chain business process and provides functionality for vendors to quote items and for the retailer to review and approve quotations. The system sends purchase orders to vendors for review and approval, and tracks goods received and manages invoices and payments.

Abstract: Online services offer modeling is provided. A system for managing online offers for products and services includes a components module, an offer module, a subscription module, a billing module and a change management module. The component module defines the properties of components that may be included in an offer. The offer module defines the features of the offer, including one or more components. The components may be a base component or an add-on component. The subscription module processes the provisioning of an offer. The market module specifies countries or regions in which offers are made available. The billing module processes billing and payment actions for an offer. The change management module processes alterations to a provisioned offer, inserting the properties of an add-on component into the properties of a base component.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the actual cost of a product and/or service includes a process for determining the actual cost of a product and/or service whereby financial data associated with one or more “contributing consumers” is obtained from one or more sources. The financial data includes data associated with specific financial transactions. The financial data, and/or specific financial transactions are categorized and/or associated with a specific purchase of a product and/or service. The financial data obtained from one or more contributing consumers is then aggregated, processed, and/or categorized, according to the identified and specific product and/or service associated with the financial data. A “user consumer” then initiates a request for financial data associated with the purchase of a specified product and/or service.

Abstract: The invention discloses devices and methods for modifying the price of a product offered for sale, primarily on the internet. Specifically, the invention allows for a purchaser of the product and others to dynamically alter the price of the product. The price can go both down and up and downward price may be compensated by advertising revenue or other income sources.

Abstract: Described is a system and method that satisfies offers from customers with quotes from suppliers in a way that increases the likelihood of achieving an acceptable match. The system of the present invention is configured to receive from a customer an offer for a product. The system queries in parallel multiple suppliers for rate quotes on the desired product. Each of the suppliers is ranked according to the lowest rate quoted by each supplier. The supplier quoting the lowest rate is selected as the winner of the offer. The system may then evaluate any other rate quotes provided by the winning provider. The system may satisfy the customer's offer with the winning provider at a higher rate (if one was provided) than the winning rate quoted, up to the customer's offer (perhaps adjusted for a reasonable profit).

Abstract: Various embodiments include systems, methods, and software to manage offers in a network-based commerce system. One embodiment includes providing sellers an option when listing an item for sale to receive best offers for the item from buyers. This embodiment further includes receiving best offers submitted by offerees via the network-based commerce system and notifying sellers of received best offers. Some embodiments further include providing sellers an option to accept, reject, or ignore the individual best offers received. In some such embodiments, ignored best offers expire after a period, such as 48 hours. Yet further embodiments include notifying offerees of acceptance or rejection of their submitted best offers.

Abstract: In order to obtain competitive pricing for vehicle servicing, a pricing service provider is used to obtain pricing data from a plurality of service vendors. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the following types of additional information for each vendor will be provided along with the pricing data, to enable the consumer (the owner or operator of the vehicle) to make an informed selection: a rating of the vendor, a relative distance between the consumer (or known vehicle location) and the vendor, and a time period defining when the vendor will be able to accommodate the service. In at least some embodiments, a pricing service provider hosts a reverse auction for the benefit of the consumer. In at least some embodiment, the pricing service provider hosts a webpage upon which results of the service requests from the plurality of vendors are displayed.

Abstract: In order to obtain competitive pricing for vehicle servicing, a pricing service provider is used to obtain pricing data from a plurality of service vendors. In at least some embodiments, one or more of the following types of additional information for each vendor will be provided along with the pricing data, to enable the consumer (the owner or operator of the vehicle) to make an informed selection: a rating of the vendor, a relative distance between the consumer (or known vehicle location) and the vendor, and a time period defining when the vendor will be able to accommodate the service. In at least some embodiments, a pricing service provider hosts a reverse auction for the benefit of the consumer. In at least some embodiment, the pricing service provider hosts a webpage upon which results of the service requests from the plurality of vendors are displayed.

Abstract: The method provides users with estimates for vehicle repairs. The user, typically the vehicle owner, provides details sufficient to identify the vehicle, and location details to enable the system to locate suitable mechanics and replacement parts, and determine labor costs and times. The user may provide symptoms of the problem, and the system provider automatically determines the likely cause of the symptoms. Once a diagnosis has been generated, local labor and replacement auto part prices are automatically located, and a repair estimate automatically calculated. The estimate, along with a list of local mechanics with interest or expertise in the particular type of repair, is then automatically communicated to the vehicle owner.

Abstract: A respective submission is received from each of multiple recommending client network nodes (12, 14). Each of the submissions includes respective recommendation information in association with a respective online document identifier identifying a respective online document and a respective geographic location identifier identifying a respective geographic location. For each of multiple of the received submissions, the recommendation information and the online document identifier are indexed in association with the geographic location identifier. In response to receipt of location information from a searching client network node (12, 14), ones of the online document identifiers that are associated with respective ones of the geographic location identifiers that correspond to the received location information are ascertained. The ascertained ones of the online document identifiers are ranked based on the recommendation information respectively associated with the online document identifiers.

Abstract: A method for decentralized transportation dispatching is disclosed. The method bypasses utilizing a centralized dispatch call center and includes announcing a transportation requirement via broadcasting directly by at least one user, and replying to the transportation requirement with a plurality of competitive bidding information directly from a plurality of transportation providers who are capable of providing a passenger-carrying service or providing a goods-carrying service. The method further includes selecting one transportation provider from the transportation providers according to a request from the user, in which the selecting is performed through referencing the bidding information replied to by the transportation providers.

Abstract: An enhanced shopping experience is provided via a graphical user interface of a mobile station. The shopping experience may include a categorical hierarchy for a catalog of downloadable content items. The catalog may support any or all of several additional features, such as animated promotions, search capabilities, sharing a wishlist with and receiving a wishlist from another user of the shopping service. The shopping experience may also include an interactive virtual mall.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting freight forwarding companies is provided wherein bids for shipping lanes and the like are received well in advance of a freight move. Bids are submitted on shipping lanes and other move associated transactions by pre-approved freight forwarding companies. This information is stored in a database. Selection of the freight forwarding company or companies occurs in connection with evaluating the bid information submitted and historical data stored on the database.

Abstract: A secure computer network, competitive offer system, and associated methods for facilitating the exchange of confidential information between service vendors and consumers with a reasonable expectation of privacy. In an embodiment, the methods and systems comprise using a secure computer network for facilitating the exchange of confidential information between vendors and consumer in service or service/good hybrid industries.

Abstract: A request for a valuation of a data set is received, over a network, from a requesting user. A plurality of valuation elements associated with the data set are identified, using a data processing system. A data valuation estimate is determined, using the data processing system, for the data set using the plurality of valuation elements. A representation of the data valuation estimate is transmitted, over the network, to the requesting user such that the representation of the data valuation estimate is caused to be displayed on a display device associated with the requesting user.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a management method and system for the selection of a reliable, trusted and safe certified contractor from a proprietary information database. More particularly the database will contain contractors that have undergone a thorough background investigation so that only company and individual contractors satisfying the certification requirements can be allocated to homeowners.

Abstract: Cloud based services are provided enabling electronic data interchange between suppliers and consumers of goods and services with the integration of business tools for finance, manufacturing, customer relationship management, supply chains, analytics and electronic commerce. By providing a compatibility layer to these business tools between various suppliers and consumers of goods and services, workflows can be extended with cloud-based services and automatic supply-demand matching provided based on constraints specified by the suppliers and consumers. Real-time (event-driven) order fulfillment can be implemented through the cloud based services.