Abstract: A method of sorting items that are received for further shipment includes determining a first quantity of the items to be placed into a first tote and a second quantity of the items to be placed into a second tote. The first tote conveys the items to a first location for immediate shipping to a first set of customers who have ordered only the item. The second tote conveys the items to a second location for matching with different items before being shipped to a second set of customers who have ordered combinations of the item and one or more of the different items. In response to receipt of the items, a first quantity of the items is placed into the first tote in accordance with the determined first quantity, and a second quantity of the items is placed into the second tote in accordance with the determined second quantity.

Abstract: A method of verifying the validity of an email address includes establishing a communication session with a client device; receiving an email address from the client device during the communication session; and while the communication session with the client device remains active, performing an email verification procedure that includes (a) causing a first communication to be sent to the email address; (b) evaluating a second communication received in reply to the first communication; and (c) in response to receiving a second communication indicating that the email address is invalid, sending a request to the client device for a corrected email address. The method may include requesting further information from the client device after receiving the email address, and, while requesting further information from the client device, performing the email verification procedure. Steps (a) to (c) may be repeated using the corrected email address until a valid email address is received.