Abstract: A system and method for screening purchases and sorting the types of products sought to be purchased over a computer network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The invention includes providing a user interface for a customer to access an automated seller facility, the facility having two types of product categories, unrestricted and restricted. Access to the facility takes place over a global computer network, with the user interface configured to allow the customer to enter customer data for the purpose of purchasing products from the automated seller facility. The invention next includes receiving the customer data, comprising an account number and a product order from the customer, and specifying a desired product to be purchased over the computer network.

Abstract: A system and method for screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer prior to permitting the potential customer to purchase products or services from an automated seller facility over a computer network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The potential customer enters customer data into a user interface to be received by the seller in the automated seller facility so that the seller can check the potential customer's qualifications. The invention includes performing an initial screening to determine whether the potential customer is qualified to purchase the products or services from the seller. If the potential customer passes the initial screening, an account number is issued to the potential customer. The account number allows the potential customer further access to the automated seller facility so that the potential customer may make an offer to purchase products or services while the automated seller facility performs a complete screening.

Abstract: A method for designing an electronic transactions system and forming a proposal for doing business on a global communications network is disclosed. The invention includes reviewing existing direct sales screening processes, creating new processes, integrating new and existing screening processes, determining and implementing legal terms and conditions for electronic transactions and forming electronic media for posting. Additional steps may include identifying possible transactions based on available products and services, approaching subject matter experts to obtain data, preparing electronic templates and filter mechanisms, and presentation of proposed methods. Steps dealing with legal issues include incorporating terms and conditions of sales through the site, preparing agreements for financial institutions to govern electronic payments, and developing exclusion clauses for traditional third party contracts. Key project personnel create content for an interactive site on a global communications network.