Abstract: A method and system for providing order status information using an update status flag to receive status information pertaining to an order placed by a customer with a merchant. It is determined whether the received status information is new relative to further status information pertaining to the order stored within a status record. The status record is updated to include the received status information if the received status information is new. The updated message indicating the received status information is then composed and sent to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically requesting transit status information from a common carrier system over a network. The transit status information indicates a transit status of an item purchased by a customer by placing an order. A message is automatically composed and transmitted to the customer upon determining the transit status of the item purchased by the customer has changed.

Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a close time of an auction includes monitoring the bidding activity during an auction for an item within a predetermined time interval and adjusting a closing time of the auction depending upon the bidding activity within the predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A method and system for providing status updates includes formatting and sending to a bidder a message relating to a status of an auction item.

Abstract: A method and system for to facilitate an electronic auction includes receiving a bid from each of a plurality of bidders for a plurality of merchandise items via a web-based bid form. Each bid including a bid price and a quantity bid. One or more of the merchandise items of the plurality of merchandise items are awarded to each of a plurality of successful bidders of the plurality of bidders at different prices based on the quantity bid by each of the plurality of successful bidders.

Abstract: A method and system for providing simultaneous online auctions includes automatically auctioning a first item and a second item during a common time period via an electronic auction system. Bids for both of the first item and the second item are automatically received at the electronic auction system during the common time period.

Abstract: A method and system to facilitate an electronic commerce transaction includes receiving an offer for an item from a user of an electronic commerce system. The item is available for purchase via an auction facilitated by the electronic commerce system. The item is automatically awarded to the user if the offer is at or above a posted selling price.

Abstract: A method and system for validating a bid are described. A bid page is presented to a user. The bid page includes an interface to receive bid information and includes a bid placement indicia. Responsive to user-selection of the bid placement indicia, the bid information is received at an electronic auction system. The bid information is examined to validate the bid information.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a bid quantity adjustment includes receiving a bid for an auction item for a bidder. The bid includes a bid amount and a bid quantity. An adjusted bid is designated as successful upon determining that the bidder is willing to accept the adjusted bid.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for automatically updating the status of customers' orders and shipments via electronic mail without using a human attendant to create and send the electronic mail messages. Preferably implemented in software, the updating system allows a large set of customers to be periodically updated over a computer or communications network via electronic mail. The system includes a database for maintaining order and shipping status and other relevant information.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting a posted selling price of an unsold item based on a price adjustment parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for performing bidding includes receiving a maximum bid amount a bidder is willing to pay for an item from a bidder using an electronic auction system. A proxy bid is continuously and automatically incremented by a preset bid increment to be greater than a current high bid when the current high bid is not associated with the bidder and the current high bid is not greater than the maximum bid amount.

Abstract: A method and system for offering an item for sale using a user-selectable bid indicia includes presenting a merchandise catalog page to a user. The merchandise catalog page offering an item for sale and including a bid indicia that is user-selectable. Responsive to a user-selection of the indicia of the merchandise catalog page, a bid page is presented to a user to receive bid information relating to a bid for the item.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a multi-person, interactive auction, in a variety of formats, without using a human auctioneer to conduct the auction. The system is preferably implemented in software. The system allows a group of bidders to interactively place bids over a computer or communications network. Those bids are recorded by the system and the bidders are updated with the current auction status information. When appropriate, the system closes the auction from further bidding and notifies the winning bidders and losers as to the auction outcome.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for automatically updating the status of customers' orders and shipments via electronic mail without using a human attendant to create and send the electronic mail messages. Preferably implemented in software, the updating method allows a large set of customers to be periodically updated over a computer or communications network via electronic mail. The method utilizes a database for maintaining order and shipping status and other relevant information.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a multi-person, interactive auction, in a variety of formats, without using a human auctioneer to conduct the auction. The system is preferably implemented in software. The system allows a group of bidders to interactively place bids over a computer or communications network. Those bids are recorded by the system and the bidders are updated with the current auction status information. When appropriate, the system closes the auction from further bidding and notifies the winning bidders and losers as to the auction outcome.