Abstract: Disclosed is a computer implemented method comprising the steps of calculating a fuel entitlement price, which is valid for a first order time period; receiving within the first order time period an order signal representing a first order by a customer for a fuel entitlement volume at the entitlement price, and accepting the first order, wherein the entitlement volume entitles the customer to take delivery from one or more of a plurality of filling stations, within a first entitlement time period, of a volume of fuel, in the aggregate, up to the entitlement volume, the first entitlement time period extending beyond the first order time period; updating a fuel entitlement balance of the customer to reflect the first order and the first entitlement time period; and updating the fuel entitlement balance of the customer in response to receipt of data indicating that the customer has taken delivery of a volume of fuel from a filling station.

Abstract: A system and methods for web based graphical internet searching for locating unique items sought by buyers of designs, furnishings and accessories through use of the internet. The invention includes a search interface where both a seller and buyer will use the same graphical alphabet, which divides an item into its component parts, to decipher the language of design which has an infinite number of stylistic combinations.

Abstract: A professionally-qualified bidding system for a user seeking professional services is presented. The teachings are generally related to a professionally-qualified bidding system for a user seeking professional services. From the user perspective, the system generally includes a component operable for receiving a user's request for a professional service, an optional component operable to verify the user's request, a component operable for a viewing of the user's request by a qualified professional service provider, and a component for communicating a bid from the professional service provider to the user. In some embodiments, the user's request can be verified through one or more questionnaire's, or a submission from the user. In some embodiments, the professional service provider is qualified automatically. And, in some embodiments, the bid can be updated to provide the user with a real-time, or near real-time, status of the professional service provider's offer or counteroffers.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided that holds counter information obtained by integrating a consumption of a consumable that depends on usage of service provided by the image forming apparatus. A log corresponding to the usage of the service is set in job log information with a synchronization flag set off. The log in the job log information, for which the synchronization flag is set off, is set on. The counter information and the job log information are output after the synchronization flag for the log having the synchronization flag set off has been set on.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for conducting electronic commerce. Information is received that describes an item sold by a merchant. A database is queried for a category associated with the item sold by the merchant. An inventory database of another merchant is queried for the category, and a description is retrieved of a related item in the same category. A suggestion is then made for the another merchant to promote the related item.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for performing automobile transactions are disclosed. In an example embodiment, automobile market data representative of current automobile market characteristics is stored. The automobile market data may include pricing, inventory, and consumer interest information received from manufacturers, dealers, and consumers. A consumer may provide a request for a manufacturer response indicating whether a specific automobile can be provided. Automobile market data may be provided to a manufacturer based on the request and a manufacturer response provides a verification, confirmation, or offer indicating that the specific automobile can be provided for the consumer. Bids to sell the specific automobile may be requested from dealers based on the manufacturer response. Dealer bids may be provided to the consumer with prices and a delivery options. The consumer may select a bid which specifies a pickup location at a first dealer.

Abstract: A method for proximity based purchasing and selling, and a system thereof are provided. The method includes the steps of determining a geographical location of a plurality of buyers, determining a product/service desired by at least a portion of the plurality of buyers, and grouping buyers by the determined geographical location and the desired product/service, such that a seller provides the product/service at a discounted rate as a result of the grouped buyers being in a geographical region and wanting a similar product/service.

Abstract: The demand aggregation system includes deal room sponsored by a third party host. The third party host facilitates commercial transactions between a plurality of buyers and at least one seller. In exchange for sponsorship of such a deal room, the third party host can receive an incentive such as a percentage of sales, seller discount or the like. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided to aid discovery of sellers and/or offers that can be included in a group buying event for a buying group. The buying group receives a greater discount as the total purchase amount in the group buying event increases.

Abstract: A computer based system manages the collection and analysis of data on promotions and commerce supported by the promotions. The system in one arrangement includes a first web portal for harvesting promotion based data relating to commerce and a second web portal for bringing sellers of media channel inventory into communication with buyers of media channel space. The first portal includes a first programmed processor for collecting an identifier key associating a user with a selected promotion. Engagement is facilitated by one or more tools to actively build user specific data that characterizes the effectiveness of the promotion. A tracking methodology is implemented to further collect data associated with the user and the promotion in assessing promotion impact on commerce. A second web portal is linked to a programmed processor and database. The processor implements an allocation algorithm that assists in pricing promotions based on the promotions effectiveness as measured by user responsiveness thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate a transaction between a seller and a buyer. According to one embodiment, seller offer information is received at a controller. The seller offer information is associated with an item, such as a secondary market item, being offered for sale by a seller. Buyer offer information, associated with a buyer offering to make a purchase, is also received. An evaluation rule is determined, and the seller offer information and the buyer offer information are matched based on the evaluation rule. It is then arranged for the seller to sell the item to the buyer.

Abstract: Systems and methods that deliver supplies in interactive social games are described. In some embodiments, a method initializes an instance of an interactive social game for a first player and identifies a supply fulfillment invitation sent to the first player. The supply fulfillment invitation is associated with a request for in-game supplies from a second player and is presented to the first player using a graphical expression of a supply delivery vehicle. A response is received to the supply fulfillment invitation from the first player. The response indicates acceptance or rejection of the supply fulfillment invitation. An in-game benefit is provided to the first player in response to acceptance of the supply fulfillment invitation. The response is communicated from the first player to the second player using the graphical expression of the supply delivery vehicle.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to electronic buying and selling systems and methods. In particular, the invention concerns relations among distinct price curves, price curve attributes (i.e., factors of the offer that can affect the price curves) and buyers or potential buyers. For instance, a price offered to a system user can vary based on total volume of all people aggregating in private environments, cumulative total order by user, ship date, optimal time, as well as terms and conditions associated with the offer (e.g., no cancellation of order, cancellation possible, payment method . . . ).

Abstract: Systems and methods that deliver supplies in interactive social games are described. In some embodiments, a method receives a request for supplies from a first player in an interactive social game. A graphical expression of a supply delivery vehicle is presented to the first player. The supply delivery vehicle offers multiple supply options, each having an associated processing time. A supply option selection is received from the first player as well as an identity of additional players. The method distributes a supply fulfillment invitation to the additional players using the graphical expression of the supply delivery vehicle. An in-game benefit is provided to the additional players in response to acceptance of the supply fulfillment invitation. The first player is notified upon completion of the processing time for the selected supply option, which indicates availability of the requested supplies to the first player.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide a social supply harvest mechanic for interactive social games are described. In some embodiments, a method receives a request for supplies from a first player in an interactive social game. The method presents multiple supply options to the first player, where each supply option has an associated processing time. A supply option selection is received from the first player as well as an identity of a second player. A supply fulfillment invitation is distributed to the second player. The processing time associated with the selected supply option is shortened if the second player accepts the supply fulfillment invitation. A visual indicator is presented to the first player upon completion of the processing time for the selected supply option. The visual indicator represents an availability of the requested supplies to the first player.

Abstract: This invention is a method of brokering a relationship between buyers and sellers via electronic means by way of an intermediary facilitating this relationship. Potential buyers of goods or services relay their requirements and desired range of pricing for a good or service to an aggregator. A potential buyer's personal contact information is hidden from any seller that would be interested in selling a buyer the requested good or service. Sellers have the option of searching a list of willing buyers of goods or services or may have this list sent to them electronically. Additionally, the requirements of buyers may be proactively used to search seller websites or databases via a web crawler. A brokerage fee to an aggregator is all that is required for a seller to gain access to a buyer via proxy. This method does not bind buyers to sellers.

Abstract: A method of bidding to drive competition in an auction, including receiving a plurality of bids from a plurality of bidders, distinguishing the bidders according to a subset of a parameter, assigning at least one identifier to the bidders in each subset, the subset associated with the identifier is unknown to the bidders outside of the subset, and displaying a lowest bid with the identifier for each bidder.

Abstract: A method and system for buying and selling services online includes a process for custom services, a commodity process and a collaborative workspace on a website. The process for custom services includes the posting by a buyer of specific criteria for a desired service, the bidding by a seller to perform the service, and the selection of a seller by the buyer. The commodity process includes the posting by a seller of a service offering, the posting by the buyer of requirements for the purchase of the service offering, and the purchase of a service offering by the buyer. The commodity process may also include an optimization process that provides the buyer with an optimized list of service offerings. The collaborative workspace includes communication tools, a file structure, workbenches and project management tools used by the buyer and seller for facilitating the setup, development and release of one or more services.

Abstract: The demand aggregation system includes deal room sponsored by a third party host. The third party host facilitates commercial transactions between a plurality of buyers and at least one seller. In exchange for sponsorship of such a deal room, the third party host can receive an incentive such as a percentage of sales, seller discount or the like. Furthermore, mechanisms are provided to aid discovery of sellers and/or offers that can be included in a group buying event for a buying group. The buying group receives a greater discount as the total purchase amount in the group buying event increases.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates e-commerce volume pricing is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the system includes an offers and orders component that receives and aggregates orders for a product from a plurality of buyers. The system also includes a logistics component that determines a shipping price for the product for a subset of the plurality of buyers. The shipping price is determined at least in part upon the subset of buyers sharing a shipping method. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which buyers within an aggregated purchasing group may be subject to different pricing structures for the same product.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. In response to a user request to access a first item associated with the electronic procurement system, wherein the first item is unavailable, a second available item corresponding to the first item is identified. The second available item is displayed to the user in accordance with business rules associated with the user. A purchase order is generated for the displayed item. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A seller, having previously sold a product to an original purchaser subject to a buyout-provision condition, determines if the buyout-provision condition is satisfied. If the buy-out provision condition is satisfied, the seller retakes the product from the original purchaser and resells the product to a subsequent purchaser.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling buyers and sellers to collaborate within their communities of interest and other social networks to determine similar buying interests, negotiate best pricing and terms in order to realize optimum deal terms, and close their collective best deal (for those buyers that are willing to commit once deal pricing and terms have been presented) in a real-time, dynamic manner analogous to how deals are negotiated in the real world. Further augmenting the current state-of-the-art, buyers are given the opportunity to pool their collective buying requirements from specific sellers for discounts based on volume pricing thereby enabling the purchase of potentially many goods from the sellers instead of being limited to a specific item, or group of items.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a transaction between a buyer and one of a number of sellers is provided. The transaction is related to a project specified by the buyer. A set of sellers is identified. A flow control process operates over a number of successive processing cycles. In each processing cycle, sellers are selected from the set for classification as sellers of a particular type (“Invited Sellers”). The Invited Sellers increase incrementally over the number of successive processing cycles. The system automatically enables at least one action carried out by the Invited Sellers in each processing cycle. The duration of the processing cycles can vary. The number of Invited Sellers selected in each processing cycle can vary. In one embodiment, the number of Invited Sellers selected in each processing cycle depends upon a number of offers that are submitted by Invited Sellers and received by the buyer.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for grouping orders. One or more original orders are received. The one or more original orders are grouped using grouping rules to form a set of grouped orders. Upon determining that the set of grouped orders cannot be completely filled, at least one short order is created. The at least one short order is grouped with the set of grouped orders using grouping rules to form a set of consolidated orders.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems and apparatus for a buyer/supplier network aiding supplier enablement through creation of a requisition between a buyer and a supplier are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by the buyer/supplier network, a collaboration request for information about a good or service being purchased by a buyer. At least one supplier is identified from an approved supplier list that has the requested information. An account is created for each of the identified suppliers on the buyer/supplier network, and an invitation is sent to each of the suppliers to join the buyer/supplier network. Each of the invited suppliers is allowed to log into the buyer/supplier network through the invitation, and address the request for information.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of demand aggregation in a geo-spatial network are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes creating an item group associated with a registered user of a geo-spatial network, inviting a set of neighboring users geo-spatially proximate to the registered user to join the item group, placing at least one of the set of neighboring users as a member of the item group and/or communicating items of the item group to a set of providers of the items of the item group. The method may includes placing a good and/or a service in the item group, and/or generating a frequency data, a pricing data, a unit data, and/or a time data. The method may further include geo-fencing the item group in an area that encompasses a neighborhood community in a threshold geographical radius from the registered user who creates the item group.

Abstract: A system and method for creating purchase transactions based on a series of previously created loan transactions is provided. The system and method applies to small unorganized groups of neighbors as well as formal trade exchanges or bartering organizations. The system provides the means for subscribing members to create a network of members, called a loan group, by loaning or consigning products and services to a set of members some of whom in turn loan or consign products and services to a third set of members and this “loan-it-forward” process can repeat as many levels as desired creating a network structure. The method of this invention determines when a purchase transaction can occur and adjusts loan units along the paths in the network structure to provide payments (equal to the purchase transaction amount) on each loan along the paths of members connecting the two members involved in the purchase transaction.

Abstract: In a cashless gaming environment, a gaming patron has accounts and may accumulate winnings as well as different types of awards. Methods for efficiently exchanging the awards are disclosed. A secondary market is established for trading different goods and services. Liquidity of credits and awards is established.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a computer-implemented system for planning a supply of items to a first location associated with a supply chain from one or more second locations associated with the supply chain. The system accesses a logical representation of the supply chain and identifies one or more controlling locations and one or more staging locations in the supply chain. The system selects one or more of the identified locations according to a set of rules for selecting one or more of the identified controlling locations and identified staging locations for supplying items to the first location from one or more of the second locations and generates a plan for supplying items to the first location from one or more of the second locations according to the selection of one or more of the identified locations.

Abstract: A method and system are provided that enable buyers and sellers to communicate with each other and to negotiate the purchase terms of featured merchandise in a group-buying opportunity. Sellers and buyers may use various forms of on-line group-buying mechanisms in conjunction with the negotiation features of the invention. Buyers may send various inquiries to sellers regarding merchandise offered for sale through the online group-buying sale. Sellers may respond to buyer questions and queries, and in some instances, sellers may communicate instructions to the on-line group-buying mechanism to alter the course of an on-line group-buying sale in progress, e.g., a further reduction in price. The method and system further provides a mechanism for calculating a demand curve based on received buyer offers and applying the demand curve to an on-line group-buying sale.

Abstract: Binary advertising markets are developed where personalized media such as digital and even analog advertising is delivered to and accessed by audience members enabling advertisers to buy advertising for broadcast to televisions, smartphones and other types of digital devices. The market is designed to provide participants a new way to have their orders entered, matched, executed, and settled, to manage and monitor risk characteristics of their content placement or advertising placement transactions, and any rights and positions that result from those transactions. Standardized units of exchange represented by profile access rights and display space access rights appropriately designed for their respective markets are used in both primary direct and secondary alternative markets. Processes are also implemented where an audience member receives economic benefit in exchange for confirming view of or rating an advertisement, or viewing advertisements while logged in.

Abstract: A system for aggregating demand through an online buying group, which may include: (a) an e-commerce server-data processing system and configured to define a buying marketplace for a featured at least two different items by specifying the featured at least two different items for the marketplace, a time interval during which the marketplace is available, the marketplace defining a predetermined partial number of different items to activate the sale and one or more prices for the featured product available through the marketplace, (b) a buyer client data processing system coupled to said e-commerce server-data processing system, to display the data describing the conditions for the featured items on the buyer client data processing system, and to receive buyer order inputs that include the buyer's offer for the featured items and to transmit the buyer order inputs for the featured items to said e-commerce server-data processing system.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for optimizing a business transaction between a selling vendor and a shipping vendor. The method includes receiving a query from a selling vendor. The query includes customer order data. The method also includes identifying at least one possible shipping vendor based on the customer order data and determining shipping information for each of the at least one possible shipping vendors. The method further includes selecting a preferred shipping vendor from among the at least one possible shipping vendors and completing the transaction between the selling vendor and the shipping vendor.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automatic patent transaction system. The invention comprises a patent database, a member database, a match computing device, a share computing device, a non-member database, and a licensing and transacting computing device. The operation method of the invention also comprises a method for the participation of member and non-member, and a method for the participation of member only. Thus, the invention is able to increase the trade efficiency of the patent and reduce the trade cost of the patent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system, method, computer product and computer system for selling a business. The method forms a set of qualified buyers and a set of qualified sellers; enabling only the set of qualified buyers to view at least one business offered for sale by the set of qualified sellers. The method further enables the set of qualified buyers and the set of qualified sellers to upload documents necessary to fund and close the sale of the at least one business; and provides the set of qualified buyers and the set of qualified sellers access to trusted support professionals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for conducting electronic commerce. A merchant participates in an online community of merchants. Sales information is shared with the online community such that each merchant is informed of each sale of each merchant participating in the online community.

Abstract: A buying and selling process for selling and buying products and services allows buyers to post their desire-to-buy (DTB) to sellers. The sellers can respond to the DTBs by making desire-to-sell (DTS) Offers which match the DTB criteria that includes the specified product, price and DTB timing. Buyers either chose to accept or reject the offer. After a sufficient number of buyers have accepted the DTS Offer above the minimum volume of buyers for activation, the seller activates the purchase of the product or service. The buyers receive a right-to-buy (RTB) notice from the seller specifying the deal fulfillment process, including confirmation of the right-to-buy price (RTBP).

Abstract: Systems and methods for organizational purchasing are disclosed herein. More specifically, in certain embodiments a campaign corresponding to a product may be created and potential buyers informed of the campaign. These potential buyers may then themselves purchase the product in association with the campaign. In this manner not only are potential buyers informed that a product is being offered to one or more other buyers but the purchases of the individual buyers in association with the campaign may be aggregated to, for example, achieve a lower purchasing cost for each buyer relative to what the buyer would have paid if he had purchased only the quantity of product he desired.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic quantity purchasing system which is a host computer that a user may access to purchase quantities of goods or services at a locked-in price for later redemption. The preferred communication means employed is via secure, high-speed Internet access. Data storage is electronic. Users employ the system to make an instant purchase of a small or large quantity of a commodity, such as gasoline at the current purchase price. Users can redeem all or part of their balance for real product at a physical location in the future when desired. The redemption will draw down the user's account balance at the locked-in purchase price, so the user is able to circumvent the market price in effect at the time of redemption.

Abstract: A multiple criteria buying and selling system and method is provided. A seller initially establishes a deal structure for a product, which provides seller defined selling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product, such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warranty information. A buyer will be able to review a list of deals if the seller's selling criteria matches a buyer defined buying criteria. The deal structure is preferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-price criteria information that the buyer's would consider important in a purchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The deal structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internet site.

Abstract: A multiple criteria buying and selling system and method is provided. A seller initially establishes a deal structure for a product, which provides seller defined selling criteria information relating to the purchasing of the product, such as volume per unit price, quality, delivery time and warranty information. A buyer will be able to review a list of deals if the seller's selling criteria matches a buyer defined buying criteria. The deal structure is preferably set up so as to provide buyers with both price and non-price criteria information that the buyer's would consider important in a purchase of the type of product being offered by the seller. The deal structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the deal structure may be displayed on an Internet site.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises: a readout portion that reads out from a memory of a supply unit that is replaceably loaded on the image forming apparatus itself, information about a plurality of vendors, which is stored in the memory; and a transmitter that transmits to a terminal apparatus the readout information about the vendors. And a terminal apparatus comprises: an obtainer that obtains information about the supply unit from respective servers owned by the vendors, by making access thereto according to the information about the vendors, which is received from the image forming apparatus; a display that displays on itself the obtained information; and an ordering portion that transmits an order for a supply unit to one of the servers, according to an order instruction issued by a user. After order transmission, information about a vendor owning the server that receives that order is stored in a storage.

Abstract: A business process is described for conducting business transactions over the Internet, allowing buyers an opportunity to reduce the price of a product/service based on the buyer's performance during a Price-Determining-Activity (PDA). Sellers offer the product/service within a specified price range, and buyers agree to a binding agreement, in exchange for the opportunity to close the transaction at the lowest price by achieving a high score or performance during the PDA. The price may change during the PDA, and the available price at any given time may be displayed or otherwise made available to the buyer. The price change may be continuous, at intervals, in response to certain events. The PDA may be a video game, electronic board game, sports bet, card game, or any other activity, or against the seller, a software opponent, or a computer opponent. The PDA may involve another buyer competing for the same product/service.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for an electronic auction transaction includes organizing by a computer each of a plurality of task requests into one or more respective groups. Each task request corresponds to a respective desired use of one or more resources. In addition, each task request has a respective task bid. The computer determines a group bid for each group at least in part by comparing the products calculated by multiplying each first bid within the group by a respective multiplier. The group bid is indicative of a collective value associated with the task bids of the group. The respective multiplier is a number indicative of the comparative value of the task bid relative to the other task bids in the group. The computer determines one or more winning group bids by comparing the group bids to each other.

Abstract: A computerized system for developing online relationships between providers of services and people who need the services is described. The system aids providers of services (“Providers”) in developing offerings, contracts, customer bases, marketing programs, and reputations through automated systems and communications via an online internet enabled interface is described. Simultaneously, the system aids consumers of services in evaluating service providers, developing relationships with them, and negotiating mutually agreeable service contracts while controlling privacy. The particular application used to describe the invention is for the healthcare industry but the same hardware, software, processes and systems is designed to be applied to any service industry where security and privacy are concerns.

Abstract: A receiving section receives a supply request for product from a terminal set up at a shop or a terminal used by a client. A first determination processing section determines whether a product in stock can be reserved for an order. A first reserve processing section reserves the product in stock for the order when the first determination processing section determines that the product can be reserved. A second determination processing section determines whether a semifinished product necessary for manufacturing a final product can be reserved when the first determination processing section determines that the product reserve is inadequate. A second reserve processing section reserves the semifinished product for the order when the second determination processing section determines that the semifinished product can be reserved.

Abstract: A photographer 2 registers photographing availability information by accessing a server at a service provider 3 from his terminal (S 1). A photograph client 1 registers photographing request information by accessing the server at the service provider 3 from a home terminal (S 2). The photograph client 1 selects a photographer 2 to be assigned to photograph a subject desired by the client based upon registered photographing availability information provided by photographers 2 (S 3). The selected photographer 2 performs a photographing operation (S 4). The photographer 2 registers a photographed image at the server of the service provider 3 (S 5). The photograph client 1 receives the image from the server of the service provider 3 (S 6).

Abstract: A system and methods to enable a plurality of vendors of information to sell that information to a plurality of consumers of information are disclosed. The information may include sales leads, such as sales leads for potential sales of insurance products. The disclosed system may enable a plurality of users to provide standing orders for information, including defining a plurality of parameters or filters. The system applies these parameters to information offered for sale by the vendors, and automatically delivers information that satisfies the parameters. The system may enable the user to define when to purchase information, such that information offered for sale during a time the user cannot use it is not purchased. The disclosed system may therefore provide an online marketplace that enables a plurality of different users to purchase information sold by a plurality of different vendors in an easy and consistent way.

Abstract: A flexible joint purchase order system in which a sales price is determined based on demand without causing a seller to have a loss, comprising: an accepting means for accepting purchase application information and reporting an application for purchase, an entry price of an article, and a desired quantity; an order data table for storing the application for purchase, the entry price, and the desired quantity; a condition table for registering an initial cost, a fixed cost, and a maximum sales quantity; and a network for comparing a first value (equal to the entry price times the desired quantity of articles entered at prices equal to or higher than the entry price) with a second value (equal to the initial cost added to the product of the fixed cost and the desired quantity), for determining the sales to be made, and for transmitting the entry price as the sales-determined price.

Abstract: A method of transacting sales over a computerized network correlates in a first database record a first product and a plurality of first purchasers to form a pool; further correlates a plurality of second purchasers; issues an offer to a vendor of the first product; and consummates a transaction between the vendor and the first and second purchasers. The offer is issued to the vendor responsive to a time rate of accumulation of buyers in the pool. A first commitment price for buyers is responsive to historical sales performance of the first product; a price trend of an article similar to the first article; or a price trend of the first article itself over time. A second product desired to be purchased by a first purchaser is defined, and an offer is made to a vendor for the purchase of the second product.