Abstract: A product distribution module integrated with a payment module. Actions in the distribution module trigger actions in the payment module. For example, a user clicking a “buy” button triggers the creation of a product mailer for a seller, and triggers the payment module to collect and hold the purchase price and shipping costs from the buyer. Acceptance of delivery by the buyer, or the expiration of a time-out period after tracking delivery by the distribution module, triggers release of the purchase price to the seller. A “shared responsibility” return method and system is also provided. The buyer has until a time out period to object to the product. If the buyer objects, in the buyer's discretion the product can be returned, but the buyer is required to pay a portion of the return shipping costs subject to an algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing a product purchased on the internet According to one embodiment, information associated with a plurality of sellers is stored in a database. This information includes the address of each seller and the dimensions and weight associated with a product to be sold by the seller. Buyer information is also stored in a database. Upon receiving a purchase order from a buyer, which includes at least one product to be purchased, an appropriate mailer is automatically determined based upon the dimensions and weight of the product. Moreover, an optimum mail class is automatically determined based on the geographic location of the buyer and seller, and the size and weight of the product. The mailer is pre-addressed, pre-stamped, and then sent to the seller for the seller to prepare the product for final delivery to the buyer.