Abstract: A system and method uses categorized transaction data to respond to requests for pricing information about one or more merchants corresponding to a subset of the transaction data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for shipping products that include (a) sending requests for quotations by electronic transmission to a plurality of selected carriers based upon customer order specifications, available delivery options and a carrier quality database; (b) selecting a carrier quotation based upon quotations received by electronic transmission and the carrier quality database and updating the carrier quality database with the selected carrier and quotation; (c) preparing the product shipment including using an optical scanner to measure shipment dimensions and a weight scale to measure shipment weight of the product shipment; and (d) if the measured dimensions and weight do not conform to the selected quotation, repeating steps (b) and (c) with measured shipment dimensions and weight or, if the measured dimensions and weight do conform to the selected quotation, notifying carrier to ship the product.

Abstract: A system for acquiring access to a web-based application includes one or more computer-readable storage media and an application (e.g., a web browser) for accessing and retrieving over a network a plurality of resources. The system also includes a program interface embodied on the one or more computer-readable storage media. The program interface is configured to present a common set of application program interfaces (APIs) that can be used by the application to demonstrate that a user of the application is entitled to access a first resource. The system also includes programming logic configured to determine if the user of the application is authorized to access the first resource. If it is determined that authorization has not been established to access the first resource, the application is directed to communicate with a marketplace to obtain authorization to access the first resource.

Abstract: A search is performed for information of other products associated with a question about a specific product. A server system 10 searches for information of other products associated with a question about a specific product, in accordance with the following procedure. [1] The server system inputs a product ID and a question text (text) related to a question (S405). [2] The server system extracts a product name corresponding to the product ID from product basic information (FIG. 2(b-1)) in an auction DB 12 (S410). [3] The server system analyzes each of the product name and the question text to specify one or more keywords (S415). [4] The server system sets a search condition for a search for products associated with each specified keyword (S420) and extracts necessary items out of the product information satisfying the search condition, from the product basic information, display information, and product price information (FIGS. 2(b-1) to (b-3)) in the auction DB 12 (S425).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method operating at a server system is disclosed. The server hosts and electronic procurement system. One or more user instructions for importing a purchase requisition are received. In response to the one or more instructions, a purchase requisition is received, where the purchase requisition originates from outside the electronic procurement system. The purchase requisition is converted from a first format to a second format, wherein the second format is native to the electronic procurement system. The converted purchase requisition verified to be consistent with business rules associated with the electronic procurement system, including at least a rule to verify that the purchase requisition originates from a recognized user of the electronic procurement system. Then, the purchaser requisition is routed for approval. Related methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) and electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) that are configured to display advertisements to a user. For example, in one embodiment, advertisements are displayed on a display device of the EVCS or EVSE as the EVCS or EVSE awaits user interaction. An indication is received of user interaction with the EVCS or EVSE. A transaction is facilitated between a user and the EVCS or EVSE by which the user indicates that one or more electric vehicle batteries of an electric vehicle are to be charged via one of one or more charging ports of the EVCS or EVSE. A charging operation is performed that provides an electric charge to the one or more electric vehicle batteries of the electric vehicle via the one of the one or more charging ports.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for serving content based on online registration and offline messages. One example method includes registering online an entity with a content management system, the registering including storing a location associated with the entity, receiving offline from the entity a message that indicates information for use in a sponsored content item, determining that a user is in proximity to the location, and serving a sponsored content item to the user based on information from the registering, the sponsored content item including information from the message.

Abstract: A reverse dutch auction processing method executed by a computer server and computer programs thereof; A user sends a request including at least a value for a parameter representative of a property of the product or service and a maximum first acceptance time period for a product or a service to potential providers; the potential providers receiving the request, wherein in case of acceptance of the request by at least one of the potential providers within said maximum first acceptance time period, closing the request upon confirmation by the user, and in case of no acceptance of the request by any of the providers indicating, by at least one of the providers, an alternative minimum value for the parameter of the requested product or service within or after the maximum first acceptance time period, the user confirming the alternative minimum value by calculating at least a temporary probability of acceptance.

Abstract: Various systems and methods that may relate to referral and/or delivery services are described. Some embodiments may include billing merchants for delivery services in a consolidated fashion, some embodiments may include interactions with point of sale systems.

Abstract: A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids.

Abstract: The ability to participate in an active auction is enabled for remote bidders by allowing the remote bidder to use a bidding device coupled to an active auction through a network. The remote bidding device receives live audio from the auction with minimal delay, and can receive and provide bidding information to the auction in real time. As such, the remote bidder can participate with equal standing as local participants.

Abstract: RFID readers transmit a Quiet Technology (QT) command to RFID tags causing at least one of the tags to transition between a private profile and a public profile. When a tag is inventoried in the private profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its private memory. When a tag is inventoried in the public profile, it replies to the reader with contents from its public memory, where the contents of the public memory may be a subset and/or modified version of the private memory contents, or entirely different altogether. The tag's profile can be switched again by another QT command from the reader, or following a loss of power at the tag. An access password and/or a short-range mechanism may be employed to allow only authorized readers to transition tag profiles or interrogate the private memory contents of tags in the public profile.

Abstract: A method for marketing and selling auction items includes the steps of providing a system for generating a customized auction website to facilitate access to an inventory of auction items, receiving a request from a subscriber of the system to generate a customized auction website to provide access to the inventory of auction items for a user of the customized auction website, and generating the customized auction website according to subscriber specified parameters. The method further includes the steps of receiving a bid request for an auction item from a user of the customized auction website and communicating a response to the bid request to the user via the customized auction website. A method is for use by auction houses and a plurality of buyers, where identity of the auction house remains unknown to the customer of a buyer, and identity of the customer remain unknown to the auction house.

Abstract: A mobile terminal server (40) distributes information on an item put up for auction at an auction venue and bid price information to a smartphone (11), and every time the information on the item is changed, transmits empty data as well as a bid price that is automatically raised by a server (30) until it reaches the lowest acceptable price. The smartphone (11) receives the distributed bid price information and displays the bid price on a display unit (113). If the displayed bid price is a desired price, the user selects a participate mode, and places a bid by operating a place bid key (B3). The smartphone (11) maintains communication with the mobile terminal server (40) as long as empty data is transmitted. This prevents communication from being suspended and prevents a delay in display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating a service transaction bidding process online which involves filtering all quotes received and displaying only a dynamic subset of all quotes received for a requested service, wherein inclusion in the subset is based on the financial appeal of at least one common feature of the quotes received and providers submitting quotes that are filtered out and not included in the dynamic subset are notified and queried to submit more competitive quotes.

Abstract: Systems and methods of applications for wearable devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a wearable device receives data from a personal computing device communicatively coupled to the wearable device. The data can correspond to content of an online marketplace. In response to receiving the data, the content can be caused to be displayed on the wearable device. The wearable device can detect an input from a user. The input can correspond to a requested action. The wearable device can transmit at least one instruction to the personal computing device. The instruction(s) can be configured to cause the personal computing device to perform the requested action.

Abstract: A system and method of supplying customers a product is disclosed. The method includes the steps of creating a request list containing items that the consumer would like to purchase, transmitting the request list to the plurality of suppliers for a quote, receiving the quotes from the plurality of suppliers and selecting suppliers from the plurality of suppliers to contact, and agreeing to terms of sale and closing the request list.

Abstract: A non-transitory processor-readable medium is provided that stores code representing instructions to be executed by a processor to filter data associated with an entity for a first predefined time period in response to an access by the entity at a first time to a preselected network location from a plurality of preselected network locations. The plurality of preselected network locations are associated with forced web traffic patterns. The processor is also caused to filter data associated with the entity for a second predefined time period in response to an access by the entity at a second time to a preselected network location from the plurality of preselected network locations during the first predefined time period. The second time is after the first time.

Abstract: An electronic auction server may be configured such that winners of an electronic auction session can obtain a bid item for less than the cost of buying the bid item on the open market (by paying a marketplace acquisition price). The electronic auction server can be configured to initiate an electronic auction session among a predetermined set number of bidder accounts after each bidder account of the set number of bidder accounts has committed to the electronic auction session. Also, upon initiation of the electronic auction session, a bid price is set to an initial bid price and each bidder account is debited for an entry price upon initiating of the electronic auction session and ascribed with a start quantity of bids.

Abstract: A system for selling items won in an auction provides a bidding fee auction for an item and receives one or more bids for the item. The system determines a winning bidder based on the received one or more bids and generates a user interface providing the winning bidder a first option to purchase the item at a purchase price calculated based on the one or more bids, and a second option to list the item for sale in an electronic marketplace. The system receives a selection including the first option or the second option. When the selection includes the first option, the system initiates payment processing for the item. When the selection includes the second option, the system generates a user interface requesting a listing price for the item, receives the listing price in response to generating the user interface requesting the listing price, and verifies the received listing price. The system generates a listing including a description of the item and the listing price.

Abstract: An online auction system includes a host system which has at least one processor executing processor executable code, at least one non-transient memory communicating with the at least one processor and storing processor executable code, wherein the processor executable code when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to: (1) transmit a first signal to a network indicative of a first auction presentation page for auctioning an item, the first auction presentation page having a bid mechanism and being free of a buy-now mechanism; (2) receive a first bid signal from a user terminal indicative of a first activation of the bid mechanism; and (3) in response to receiving the first bid signal transmit a second signal to the user terminal over the network indicative of at least a portion of the first auction presentation page having a buy-now mechanism.

Abstract: A method for buying and selling vehicles includes receiving information identifying a vehicle, retrieving condition data corresponding to the vehicle from a condition database, wherein a device inside the vehicle generates at least some of the condition data while the vehicle is being operated, and analyzing the condition data to determine a condition of the vehicle, wherein the condition of the vehicle relates to at least one of a quality or a value of the vehicle. Further, the method includes communicating an indication of the vehicle condition to an end user device, and, in response to the indication of the vehicle condition, receiving an offer to purchase the vehicle. A notification is generated based on the offer to purchase the vehicle, wherein the notification indicates a status of a purchase of the vehicle according to the offer to purchase the vehicle, and the notification is communicated to the end user device.

Abstract: A web based auction system interface is configured for performing I/O operations between a bidder and an auction system through a browser. The web based interface includes an auction query interface and an auction bid entry interface; the latter permits users to specify bids in format that includes a bid price and a bid ranking for any auction item.

Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a marketplace. A first price for one or more financial options associated with one or more software products is determined based on a pre-determined set of factors. The one or more financial options include at least an option of buying to lease the one or more software products. The first price for the one or more financial options associated with the one or more software products is modified based on the one or more financial options opted by one or more users.

Abstract: An auctioning system and methods interacting with multiple devices are set forth that includes a main server, remote terminals, and remote individual communication devices that communicate with one another and are adapted to display information to a user about a product or service for sale, and information pertaining to predefined auction parameters for the user to attempt to purchase said product or service.

Abstract: A method for improving the driving behavior of a driver includes the step of receiving a request to establish a goal from a first user, such as a parent. A request to establish a non-monetary reward from the first user is received. The driving behavior of a second user, such as a teen, is monitored over time. The driving behavior of the second user is compared to the goal. Based upon the comparison, is may be indicated that the second user has met the goal and can receive the non-monetary reward.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing user-driven reverse auctions are provided. The systems and methods enable a user to request bids for products or services, receive bids in response to the offers, and manage the bids. The methods provide receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user for an offer for products or services, the request including search criteria; identifying, via the computing device, at least one merchant of said products or services based on the search criteria; sending the request to the at least one merchant and receiving one or more bids from the at least one merchant; and presenting, via a computing device, the one or more bids to the user.

Abstract: A platform through which companies that offer products bid to obtain an opportunity to provide a product to an end user expressing an intent in purchasing it. The user specifies a first data set defining a product he or she desires to buy, a designated time at or by which it is to be provided, and a value that the user is willing to pay. The platform receives a second data set from each of one or more vendors. Each such data set includes a range of prices that the respective vendor is willing to accept for its sale of the product, and a bid strategy. A bid process is then executed to generate a result that identifies at least one vendor, and a price within the range of prices originally offered by that vendor. The result is provided to the user, and a transaction may then be consummated.

Abstract: A process for a pre-acquisition auction for recycled electronic devices is disclosed herein. A plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices are established with each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition, and each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic system includes: a control unit, configured to generate a geo-fence around a destination location for distributing an order for a good to a goods provider located within the geo-fence; identify a temporal bid from the goods provider for bidding on the order; determine a winning bid based on a bid time of the temporal bid; and a display unit, coupled to the control unit, configured to display the winning bid.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for searching auction data. According to one or more embodiments of the disclosure, a method is provided. The method may include by a server comprising one or more processors, one or more vehicle purchasing parameters input by a dealer. In addition, the method may include accessing auction data from a plurality of vehicle auctions, the auction data associated with one or more vehicles being auctioned at one or more of the plurality of vehicle auctions. Furthermore, the method may include determining from the auction data, based at least in part on the one or more vehicle purchasing parameters, at least one potential vehicle, of the one or more vehicles, to purchase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for buying and selling one or more vehicles are provided herein. In one embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may provide a guarantee price to a seller of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may provide a fee associated with receiving the guarantee price for the vehicle. Further, in an additional embodiment, the systems and methods disclosed herein may facilitate the purchase and/or execution of a put option for the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which assist a user in selling one or more items. The systems and methods may allow a user to provide pictures and a voice description of the items for an expert analysis which may determine an estimated value of the items for the user. The user may then select whether they want to sell the items based on the estimated value, and select options for selling the items which include ordering a pre-labeled package, scheduling a pickup of the items, and finding a local drop-off point for the items. The provided systems and methods make the selling process easier for a user and may convince users who may normally not be inclined to sell items due to the hassle of selling.

Abstract: A non-Internet-dependent networked communication and transmission system and method for conducting one or more auctions via an electronic interface connecting an auctioneer at a master computer or server and one or more bidders at enticement locations, with software to control the auction process.

Abstract: A method and system for auctioning an auction item in a multi-attribute auction. A winning bid is selected by determining a secret value function indicative of acceptable combination of attribute values for the auction owner. The auction owner computing device or the auction server generates alternate combinations of attribute values based at least in part on the secret value function. To generate the alternate combinations of attribute values at least some of the combinations of attribute values are perturbed so as to hinder the bidders from deriving or finding the secret value function. The auction server informs the bidders, via a bidder interface of a client computing device, about the alternate combinations of attribute values and required biding directions. The bidder can offer a bid in a next round based on the alternate combinations of attribute values, in a progressive manner and without knowledge of the secret value function.

Abstract: A system and method for providing users an assessment tool for determining the level of demand for domain names. The assessment tool is configured to receive, by a server communicatively coupled to a network, a request from a requester. The request is used to identify a domain name and determine whether the domain name is registered. When the domain name is not registered, a search metric for the domain name is determined and a first user interface listing the domain name and the search metric is displayed. The first user interface enables the requester to purchase the domain name.

Abstract: Dynamic pricing can be used in, for example, second price auctions for internet advertising. A safety margin is subtracted from a bid to generate a modified bid. Upon notice that the modified bid is successful, a total margin is determined The total margin is a difference between the modified bid and a winning bid. Use of dynamic pricing enables an advertiser to win more often than if a fixed margin greater than the safety margin is used.

Abstract: Techniques for business event processing are presented. Methods and apparatuses disclosed herein may operate receive a request to perform an operation on a first listing previously listed by a marketplace participant at an online market location; to identify at least one additional listing having certain characteristics in common with the listing from a plurality of previously listed second 1istings including the first listing; and to automatically to perform the operation on the at least one additional listing.

Abstract: A system and method optionally includes or utilizes a processor may receive a request for social network content for display in a position of a plurality of sponsored content positions in a newsfeed of a social network interface, each of the plurality of sponsored content positions having a position criterion, at least two of the plurality of sponsored content positions having a different position criterion and identify a sponsored content item of a plurality of sponsored content items stored on a database based, at least in part, on a characteristic of the sponsored content item meeting the position criterion and a bid associated with the sponsored content item. A transmitter may transmit the sponsored content item from the processor to a server for display on a user interface.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for facilitating an auction-based fair allocation and usage of thread resources for user messages according to one embodiment in an on-demand services environment. In one embodiment and by way of example, a method includes receiving, by and incorporating into the database system, a bid for allocation of resources to a tenant. The bid may be received from a computing device associated with the tenant and placed, via an auction interface, based on one or more factors including at least one of a budget, a reservation, and a price. The method may further include dynamically comparing the bid with one or more other bids associated with one or more other tenants seeking the resources, and allocating the resources to the tenant, if the bid is accepted over the one or more other bids.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for determining bid prices for content items. A winner associated with an auction is identified for delivery of a content item, including identifying a first bid associated with the winner and an associated first expected clickthrough rate. A next finisher is identified in the auction including identifying a second bid associated with the next finisher and a second expected clickthrough rate associated with second bid. A price is determined that a content sponsor associated with the winner should pay for presentation of the content item, including identifying a third bid and corresponding third expected clickthrough rate dependent on the third bid whose product, being the first product, is substantially equal to a product, being the second product, of the second bid and the second expected clickthrough rate. The content sponsor is charged the price.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, bid specifications for an ecommerce transaction are transmitted from a party requesting bids to a plurality of bidders. Then a modification to the bid specifications is received from a first bidder of the plurality of bidders along with a bid in accordance with the modified bid specifications. The modified bid specifications may then be transmitted to the plurality of bidders other than the first bidder. Bids in accordance with the modified bid specifications are then received from each of the plurality of bidders other than the first bidder. One of the bids may be selected, and the ecommerce transaction may be consummated based on the selected bid.

Abstract: An electronic commerce auction system is provided. The auction system receives bids during an initial auction period. The auction period can be extended by overtime auction periods. The duration and quantity of overtime auction periods can vary based on criteria such as the number of new bids in the prior period, the cumulative duration of overtime periods, and the amount by which the high bid has increased compared to the close of the prior period.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for conducting auctions, specifically municipal bond auctions, over electronic networks, particularly the Internet, is disclosed. The auctioneer maintains a web site from which information about bonds to be auctioned can be obtained. A user participates in the auction by accessing the web site via a conventional Internet browser and is led through a sequence of screens that perform the functions of verifying the user's identity, assisting the user in preparing a bid, verifying that the bid conforms to the rules of the auction, displaying to the user during the course of the auction selected bid information regarding bids received and informing the bidder how much time remains in the auction. The user may be given the option of confirming the accuracy of his bid before submitting the bid. The auctioneer is able to review bidding history, determine the winner and notify the winner over the network, and display selected auction results to bidders and observers over the network.

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 dealers, manufacturers, and consumers. A consumer may provide a request for a response regarding a specific automobile using an image of a vehicle identification number or a graphical user interface. Automobile market data may be provided to a dealer based on the request. Bids to sell the specific automobile may be requested from dealers based on the request. 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 buyer sends an inquiry with a copy of a contract to the auction platform administrator. The administrator checks the inquiry with the contract on whether it contains sufficient and complete information. If the information is insufficient or incomplete, then the inquiry is returned to the buyer to be verified. After correcting, the revised inquiry is again sent by the buyer to the administrator. If the check of completeness of the inquiry by the administrator finds that there is sufficient information, then the product and the product cards and potential suppliers are identified. The product cards are then consolidated and sorted to obtain a ranking of the product cards. The ranking is then sent to the buyer. The ranking is also sent to the suppliers. Check if an improvement of the offer was made by a supplier. If an improvement was made by a supplier, then the product cards are again consolidated for obtaining a revised ranking and are thereupon sent to the buyer and seller.

Abstract: The present system provides standardized method and procedures to inspect, sell, auction and purchase used vehicles. The system provides certified technicians that go to the car dealers' location to obtain the information related with the vehicles to be sold. The technicians record the condition of the vehicle while inspecting it, and evaluate the vehicle's condition. The information is presented to potential buyers to solicit offers and bids on the vehicles to be auctioned. An online auction session will be conducted to invite bids from the registered users. A final winner will be determined by the system.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein may relate to partitioning identity or position information for a plurality of wireless transmitters positioned within a geographical region into a plurality of sub-partitions.

Abstract: A platform through which companies that offer products bid to obtain an opportunity to provide a product to an end user expressing an intent in purchasing it. The user specifies a first data set defining a product he or she desires to buy, a designated time at or by which it is to be provided, and a value that the user is willing to pay. The platform receives a second data set from each of one or more vendors. Each such data set includes a range of prices that the respective vendor is willing to accept for its sale of the product, and a bid strategy. A bid process is then executed to generate a result that identifies at least one vendor, and a price within the range of prices originally offered by that vendor. The result is provided to the user, and a transaction may then be consummated.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method to sell or procure complementary goods. complementary good according to the invention is a good whose value or utility is enhanced when paired with another good, such a pair of goods is a communication license to encumbered spectrum and a complementary clearing right to clear the spectrum of its encumbrance. The invention provides automated procedures to facilitate the fashioning and sale of clearing rights so as to enhance the value of the communications license.