Abstract: One variation of a method for quoting manufacture of a part during construction of a virtual model of the part within a computer-aided drafting engine includes: receiving a quote file specifying a current manufacturing schedule and a pricing structure for a manufacturing facility; at a first time, in response to insertion of a first three-dimensional virtual geometry into the virtual model, calculating a manufacturing quote for the part based on the first three-dimensional virtual geometry and the quote file; displaying the manufacturing quote; at a second time succeeding the first time, in response to insertion of a second three-dimensional virtual geometry into the virtual model, updating the manufacturing quote based on the second three-dimensional virtual geometry and the quote file; and, at a third time succeeding the second time, submitting a form of the virtual model to the manufacturing facility for manufacture of the part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective, user-friendly approach to help a buyer of a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle to get a firm quote from a dealer on a vehicle that the buyer wants, and is financially qualified for, without the hassle and time expense involved in traditional vehicle sales. Embodiments of the present disclosure also help link dealers with buyers who are pre-qualified and motivated to purchase a vehicle, thus helping to eliminate the wasted time, money, and opportunity costs dealers often devote to customers who are not interested in purchasing, and/or who do not financially qualify to purchase, a vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating a quote of a first service provider, the quote being personalised to a particular customer. The method comprises: capturing (110, 120) from the particular customer a document (10) from a second service provider that is directed towards the particular customer; extracting information (130) on the particular customer from the document; generating (140, 150) the quote based upon the extracted information; and electronically communicating (160) the quote to the particular customer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating delivery of a service associated with a product are disclosed. In general, in an embodiment, a retail website receives a product selection and jobsite information indicative of an intended end-use location of the product where the associated service is needed. The website then solicits bids for the service and allows the user to select a winning bid. If the user selects a bid, the website facilitates delivering the service associated with the selected product.

Abstract: This invention allows the owner of a mobile device capable of two way telecommunications such as a mobile phone to have said device remotely evaluated using an electronic connection and obtain a firm price for said mobile device. More particularly, the owner of a mobile phone may obtain a firm price for said mobile phone before sending said mobile phone to a mail in location.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for allowing buyers to place intended purchase offers and rewarding them whenever they receive counter offers from sellers even before they make the purchases. The invention allows prospective buyers of goods or services to communicate their intended purchase offers, to display their offers on the apparatus for sellers to see and to allow sellers to accept or and counter offer. Buyers get rewarded whenever they receive offers from sellers. The apparatus in the invention consists of a central controller to process purchase offers and counter offers, a database to store information about buyers, sellers, their purchase offers and counter offers, an interface for buyers and an interface for sellers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an effective, user-friendly approach to help a buyer of a car, truck, boat, or other vehicle to get a firm quote from a dealer on a vehicle that the buyer wants, and is financially qualified for, without the hassle and time expense involved in traditional vehicle sales. Embodiments of the present disclosure also help link dealers with buyers who are pre-qualified and motivated to purchase a vehicle, thus helping to eliminate the wasted time, money, and opportunity costs dealers often devote to customers who are not interested in purchasing, and/or who do not financially qualify to purchase, a vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system that allows operators to compile and optionally compare prices across multiple suppliers. The system and method may be based on operator preferences and may be designed to execute orders from a single database and operator interface. The system and method also facilitate the ability to compare pricing and track historical variations and trends across like products and across a plurality of suppliers by a data mapping structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements are provided. A method for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements, comprises acquiring a request for the service solution from a consumer via a conversational interface, and issuing a query to a service knowledge base to obtain a set of service knowledge representation items from the service knowledge base and analyzing each service knowledge representation item to determine whether a custom-fit service solution can be developed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements are provided. A method for custom-fitting a service solution to consumer requirements, comprises acquiring a request for the service solution from a consumer via a conversational interface, and issuing a query to a service knowledge base to obtain a set of service knowledge representation items from the service knowledge base and analyzing each service knowledge representation item to determine whether a custom-fit service solution can be developed.

Abstract: A method of handling negotiations between a seller of an item and prospective buyers of the item is disclosed. A first offer for the item is received. The first offer includes a first item price and a first item quantity. A second offer for the item is received. The second offer includes a second item price and a second item quantity. It is detected that a first prospective buyer submitted a payment corresponding to the first offer before a second prospective buyer submitted a payment corresponding to the second offer. Based on an item quantity of the seller being less than the first quantity plus the second quantity, the seller is notified that the seller has an obligation to provide the first item quantity of the item to the first prospective buyer, but not the second quantity of the item to the second prospective buyer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and computer program for negotiating online transactions. The method includes obtaining a price for an item from one or more sellers. A buyer can make possibly dissimilar offers for one or more of the items. If all offers are less than all the prices for those items, the offer is rejected and a seller can negotiate the price for reoffer to the buyer. If the offer is at least as high as one of the prices, a transaction is processed between the buyer and a seller. If the offer meets the price of more than one seller, the seller to transact with may be determined based on a prioritized list from the buyer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided that includes executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. The method includes receiving lead information from a computing device and generating a lead listing based at least in part on the received lead information. The method further includes identifying at least one retailer based on the received lead information and at least one buying preference associated with each retailer of a plurality of retailers, transmitting the lead listing to the identified at least one retailer, and receiving at least one bid from the identified at least one retailer.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating demand is provided. At least one seller may sponsor a deal room to aggregate selling goods/services from a plurality of buyers. The demand aggregation system can include a dashboard for allowing the at least one seller to set up DealRooms, price curves, offers, products, customers, and/or customer groups, for example. The dashboard can include a plurality of wizards for configuring such information. The demand aggregation system can also include seller displays for notifying buyers of changes in prices relative to ship dates and times of order. The demand aggregation system can also include a predictive modeling and reporting function. An algorithm is employed to utilize product information to post a probability chart on a product price point.

Abstract: An optimization server optimizes a shopping list. The server receives a shopping list including a plurality of items to purchase. The server determines a discount to the price of one or more of the plurality of items, a sentiment score for one or more of the plurality of items, and a sentiment score for a retailer of one or more of the plurality of items. The server groups the plurality of items into a plurality of sub-lists, transmits the plurality of sub-lists to a respective plurality of retail servers, and receives a plurality of bids in response. The server generates optimized shopping lists based at least on the discount, the sentiment scores, and the plurality of bids. The server regenerates at least one of the optimized shopping lists based at least on a dynamic discount condition, a dynamic price condition, or a dynamic inventory condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic, computer implemented portal among service providers and service seekers. The system and methods allow the service seeker to post an electronic submission for services or the service provider to post an electronic submission for services to be provided. The system provides a non-negotiable functionality, which allows parties to instantly contract. In one variation, the service seeker may create a sufficiently detailed submission which can be answered by a service provider. In a second variation, the service provider may create a sufficiently detailed submission to perform services, which can be answered with a non-negotiable, binding legal acceptance from a service seeker. The system also provides a negotiable functionality, in which parties can negotiate aspects of the offer.

Abstract: A system includes a receiving module to receive a purchase inquiry for a cloud computing service from a consumer in a first currency. A pricing module is used to price-out the cloud computing service from a provider where the cloud computing service is provided in a second currency. A reconciliation module reconciles the purchase of the cloud computing service in the consumer's geographical location and currency with the provider's location and currency.

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 computer system receiving audiovisual information, geographic information, and a seller term from a seller computer, said audiovisual information disclosing a seller offer at a seller location captured via said seller computer, said geographic information associated with said location, said audiovisual information associated with said geographic information, said system providing said audiovisual information to a buyer computer for an acceptance of said offer via said buyer computer, said system conditioning said acceptance upon said buyer computer being geographically positioned in compliance with said term based on said geographic information.

Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating real estate transactions that is configured for receiving property information from a listing service or data feed, presenting a property information display on data communication devices for each property; generating a unique transaction actuator in each property information display, and responsive to selecting a unique transaction actuator, generating an offer form with an offer transmittal actuator, wherein the offer form includes a plurality of data fields relating to an offer to purchase property that are populated with the property information for the specific property associated with the selected unique transaction actuator.

Abstract: A system includes a proposal engine configured to present quotes and/or proposals to customers at a network site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing instant, real-time quotes for mixed product/service solutions, such as home improvement products, and allowing for fair price comparisons.

Abstract: A user is provided an interface to specify input corresponding to a set of requested terms for soliciting a transfer of a particular digital content item. The set of requested terms are determined from the input. A determination is also made as to whether the user has a right to transfer the particular digital content item. An offer is published for the user that includes the set of requested terms.

Abstract: A system, device and method involve the management of formulas. In one embodiment, the formulas are buildable through the selection of mathematical components. A formula list facilitates formula management.

Abstract: A server receives a request for a deal from a client device of a merchant, the request for a deal including a merchant identifier. The server then accesses merchant information based on the merchant identifier, the merchant information including a merchant category and a merchant location. Additionally, the server obtains a set of candidate deals based on the merchant category and merchant location. The server then obtains historical information for each candidate deal, the historical information corresponding to one or more conversion rates of the candidate deal when the candidate deal was previously offered by one or more merchants. Next, the server determines a predicted conversion rate for each candidate deal, based on the historical information for the respective candidate deal and selects a deal based on the predicted conversion rates for the set of candidate deals.

Abstract: A dealer to dealer tool allows a dealer to post a car for sale with specific details, or search for a car with specific details, using an app or IVR system and thus untethered from computers, though a computer option is provided. A human operator response system is included as an alternative. The device requires any interested party to meet the minimum price, which may be hidden or posted. The device of the invention allows extra services such as dealer to dealer networking for advice, news, data updates, social purposes and more. If a vehicle does not change owners it is quickly timed out to a Hot List system, then a bulletin board, and then blacklisted until it has a new owner. A dealer signs up and enters a profile of vehicles and/or price ranges of interest, also listing other dealers they do not wish to work with.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for defining a shipping inquiry for moving a specific piece of heavy equipment from a starting location to a destination location. One of a plurality of shipping inquiry submission options is selected, wherein the plurality of shipping inquiry submission options includes: at least one direct submission option that submits the shipping inquiry to a single preferred service provider, requesting that the single preferred service provider fulfill the shipping inquiry; and at least one bid submission option that submits the shipping inquiry to a predefined group of service providers, requesting that the members of the predefined group of service providers submit competitive bids for fulfilling the shipping inquiry.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a non-transitory computer storage medium, for providing reverse auctions for goods and services in real-time. In one aspect, a method includes storing profile information associated with a plurality of information sources, each source associated with a category. A request for information from a user including information associated with a good or service sought is analyzed to identify information sources as responsive to the request based on a comparison of the good or service sought and each information source's associated category. Responses are solicited from the identified information sources. In response, a set of responses from at least a subset of the identified information sources is received, which are then ranked based on a comparison of the particular response to the request for information, and at least a subset of which are presented to the user based on the ranking.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for initiating a shipping inquiry for a specific piece of heavy equipment having a defined manufacturer/model. A logistics database is accessed to obtain at least one logistics criterion for the specific piece of heavy equipment, wherein the at least one logistics criterion defines one or more logistical characteristics for the specific piece of heavy equipment. The at least one logistics criterion is identified to the user.

Abstract: In an electronic negotiation system, a web server stores seller information characterizing an offer. The electronic negotiation system provides for sending and receiving buyer and seller information regarding the offer where the information exchanged includes buyer and seller interest in the offer and a versatility in at least one of the seller defined parameters characterizing the offer. These electronic exchanges may be characterized as occurring in near real-time.

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 method is provided. User input data corresponding relocating a plurality of items is received at a user interface. An initial cost for the moving company to relocate the plurality of items is determined. Availability data is requested. The availability data indicates whether moving resources of the moving company are available for use during a time frame for relocating the plurality of items. Resource utilization of moving resources of the moving company during the time frame is determined based at least in part on the availability data. A determination is made whether the resource utilization meets a predefined threshold. The initial cost is modified based on whether the resource utilization meets the predefined threshold. A determination is made whether the user accepted the modified initial cost. The relocation of the plurality of items is scheduled by reserving at least some of the moving resources during the time frame.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to computer and web-based marketplace for moving services. Specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for providing consumers with quotes for moving services from multiple movers. Embodiments of the present invention allow a consumer to provide details about their move and for movers to provide a customized quote for services based upon the specifics of that consumer's move.

Abstract: A buyer-centric payables bidding method, system, and computer-implemented program instructions are disclosed. The payables bidding system facilitates the discounting of vouchered payables through an online bid process. In the online auction process, suppliers of goods and/or services bid on the right to collect vouchered payments from buyer before the previously agreed “due date” of those payments. The online bid is defined as the discounted amount a supplier is willing to accept in exchange for obtaining prompt payment on a vouchered payment.

Abstract: A system consolidates user interactions with providers of goods and/or services. The system includes an electronic data storage device to store user information corresponding to a user. The system also includes a data processor to administer electronic communications with a plurality of the providers of goods and/or services. The system also includes a consolidation manager to aggregate information from the plurality of the providers into a consolidated format for presentation to the user. Embodiments of the system may aggregate quote information, billing information, and other similar types of information.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically negotiating Internet access between a user and one of a plurality of Internet connection providers. Users can buy or bid for Internet bandwidth, for example, through a server or website or by direct communications with an Internet access point such as, for example, a WIFI access point.

Abstract: A communication server 200 acquires a request specifying a desired location for content creation from a requester terminal 310, and provides a notification of the request to an accepter terminal 300 accepting the content creation. The notification history managing unit 206 stores, as notification history, the distance from an accepter terminal to be provided with the notification to the desired recoding location and acceptance information. Upon acquisition of a new request, a request notification terminal selecting unit 203 selects a accepter terminal 300 that is likely to accept the request according to the notification history, and the request notifying unit 204 provides the selected accepter terminal 300 with the notification.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program product which facilitate contract formation by making explicit the labor content of a bid presented by a second party (potential supplier) to a first party (buying the services or goods). Software executing on an information handling system and controllably accessible to both parties which provides a common set of the job roles, job skills and costs associated with a bid to be presented. Such clarification by use of a common taxonomic table enables the buying party to better understand the cost build up for the labor component and to rank the cost build up among several bidders.

Abstract: An on-line venue in which buyers can anonymously communicate precisely what product or service they want to purchase by posting an interactive request that a number of sellers/service providers can then directly respond to according to one embodiment of the invention. Such embodiments may promote the buyers interests in directly matching their needs with qualified vendors. In contrast to what others provide, where the buyer has to search within each seller/service providers and then send their request. Embodiments of the present invention broadcast a buyer's needs to relevant/selected sellers/service providers. Such embodiments may take the burden from a buyer in finding the right products and services by self-qualifying the lead to proactive prospective sellers/service providers.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and system for customers to identify their Financial Value and to auction this value, through a full-time public network, to selected service and product providers (collectively “vendors”) seeking customers with specific profiles.

Abstract: A method and system of obtaining a bid from a provider of services, involving creating a client request for proposal (RFP) document, storing the client RFP document in a data store, inviting a bidding service provider to respond a stored client RFP document, allowing an invited bidding service provider to access the stored client RFP document, allowing the bidding service provider to respond to the stored client RFP document, obtaining all completed responses and all rate elements from bidding service providers, generating a comparative financial analysis showing a sorted list of responses, generating a weighted report, the generated weighted report comprising a display of bids having a best compliance with the client RFP document in top down order based on the comparative financial analysis, and providing the generated weighted report to the client.

Abstract: Techniques for providing property information are described herein. According to one embodiment, a cloud-based platform at a server is provided to allow property owners to engage with property service providers regarding property improvement projects to be performed on the properties. Information describing tasks of the property improvement projects performed by the property service providers is recorded in a property history database. In response to a request received from a user for information concerning one of the properties, property improvement history data of the property is retrieved from the property history database. A property report is generated for the property, where the property report includes general multi-listing service (MLS) information and the property improvement history of the property.

Abstract: An application services marketplace may match various solution providers to a solution request, then creating a bid or proposal for services. Upon acceptance of the bid, the services may be configured and deployed. A market maker may combine multiple solution providers to address a specific request, and may use a schema expressly defined or implied in a request to select and configure a combination of services. The market maker may combine monitoring services with analysis services, monitoring services with load generators, or other combination of services that may be used during development or deployment of an application.

Abstract: A data collection system provides a first computer media for collecting image data, a second computer media for analyzing the image data and locating anomalies in the image data, a third computer media for linking particular image data to address data of the property where the anomaly is present and a fourth computer media for generating a list of pertinent properties having similar anomalies by address. The image data collected by an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone.

Abstract: Embodiments for methods, systems and apparatuses of a commerce network for completing a commercial transaction are disclosed. One computer-method includes receiving, by one or more commerce network servers, a buyer-initiated demand for fulfillment of the commercial transaction, identifying suppliers to satisfy the buyer-initiated demand based on buyer policies and supplier characteristics, requesting quotes from the identified suppliers, receiving quotes from the identified suppliers, evaluating and selecting, by the one or more commerce network servers, one or more of the received quotes, wherein evaluating and selecting the one or more of the received quote comprises applying evaluating criteria to the received quotes, wherein the evaluation criteria includes applying a weighted combination of a plurality of evaluating factors, and facilitating presentation of the one or more selected quotes to the buyer.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for managing shipping transactions provide a graphical user interface that contemporaneously displays a list of shipment requests and one or more interface elements. The shipment requests each display information about a shipment request including a plurality of carriers and associated bid statuses. The interface elements include a create shipment requests interface element that receives a user input. Upon receiving the user input the graphical user interface displays a create shipment request screen that allows a shipper to create multiple shipment requests and send them to at least one carrier. The carrier receives a communication regarding the shipment request and the communication includes a prompt to respond. In response to the prompt a second graphical user interface is displayed to the carrier that allows further communication with the shipper regarding the shipment request.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for purchasing an item to purchase automatically and jointly by using the internet, in particular to a purchasing system and a method thereof on the internet which is capable of economizing human and material resources and lowering the unit cost of an item by performing all processes from a notice of tender to an ordering automatically on the internet and purchasing an item required for many companies and establishments jointly.

Abstract: Joint pricing and replenishment of freshness inventory or products having different qualities determines the joint pricing and inventory strategies to optimize the retailer's benefits from product freshness, employing a dynamic programming formulation that incorporates a demand model that captures consumer choice based on both the freshness and price.