Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic commerce that provides for an “auto-clearance” function in which, after expiration of a pre-determined listing period for an item for sale, the item is automatically placed on sale or “clearance” at a reduced price. The present invention allows an online seller of a unique, one-of-a-kind item to automatically place the item on clearance after a period of time.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically determining the weight class of an item sold via an electronic commerce system and to be shipped are disclosed. The weight class can then be used to determine a shipping cost. This helps a seller to determine a fair and reasonable shipping charge for an item without the need to weigh it or access shipping rate charts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for conducting electronic commerce which allows a customer to place an item on hold online, in the customer's shopping cart, and changing the status of the item to temporarily unavailable, so that users other than the customer may view the item, but may not purchase the item unless it is made available again, either at the end of a defined time period or because the customer decides to take the item out of their shopping cart. This is a desirable feature for items that are unique, one-of-a-kind, or of limited availability.