Abstract: Methods for the selection, purchase and shipping of items offered for sale. Said methods are enabled by computer software modules that allow a consumer to: (1) pay for items sold through an e-commerce website by using check and cash payment methods; (2) specify a future payment date and a future shipping date for a designated transaction with an e-commerce vendor; (3) specify a price at which the consumer is willing to purchase a particular item offered through an e-commerce website, after which the website crawls the Internet and automatically purchases the item and/or notifies the consumer if the item is found at or below the specified price; (4) arrange a customized installment payment schedule for purchasing items through an e-commerce website; and (5) create and manage a gift registry with an e-commerce vendor with a great degree of flexibility.