Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for a sale or lease of a vehicle. The method is performed by a software application, and the software application's primary focus is facilitating the negotiation. The method includes various steps. One step is receiving confirmation that an in-person meeting between a merchant representative and a buyer has occurred. Another step is receiving inputs from the merchant representative who is initiating a transaction. These inputs being received are from a device used by the merchant representative, and the transaction is for the sale or the lease of the vehicle. Yet another step is receiving inputs for processing the transaction from both the merchant representative and the buyer. These inputs for processing the transaction facilitate a negotiation on sale or lease terms between the merchant representative and the buyer.

Abstract: Method and system for brokering shipping contracts between solicitors and service providers is disclosed. The system comprises a central processing computer distributing requests for shipping service quote from solicitors to solicitors-predefined list of service providers and an interface used to input parameters of the required shipping service, input quote for such service, review all inputted quotes, select the desired quote, register shipping contract based on selected quote, and send and receive contract related communications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for automated negotiation and discounts for consumers and merchants. In an embodiment, an automated system negotiates discounts with each individual consumer, on a one-on-one basis, on behalf of a merchant while continually finding the optimum equilibrium between live supply and demand data. This may be achieved via a discount system utilizing an algorithm that may seek an ideal balance between supply & demand, and may simulate the merchant's price flexibility or urgency to sell merchandise based on one or more campaign criteria and current market conditions. In another embodiment, the system may also automatically negotiate with merchants, on behalf of the consumers, based on live supply and demand data and the consumers' negotiation preferences. In this manner, the entire negotiations process may be automated using incomplete or complete information to benefit both consumers and merchants alike.

Abstract: Building data exchange system including a web-enabled electronic marketplace that can accumulate structured building system efficiency data through software enabled energy and water audits. The system can include a building energy simulation engine, and database of energy/water efficiency measures. This data can be made anonymous and can populate a confidential electronic database accessible to vendors of energy efficiency products and services, resulting in a more efficient marketplace to the benefit of vendors and building owners.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to computer-implemented systems and methods for searching vehicle listings. An example method may include receiving, from a user of a user device, by a service provider computer comprising one or more processors, a selection of a vehicle identifier associated with a vehicle. The method may also include receiving, from the user device, by the service provider computer, a communication directed to a dealer associated with the vehicle. The method may further include generating an anonymous identifier associated with the user and transmitting, to a dealer device associated with the dealer, the communication and the anonymous identifier. The method may also include transmitting, to the dealer device upon determination of the acceptance of a proposed transaction between the dealer and the user, personal identifying information associated with the user.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method including to provide consumer products and services for sale. The system includes a computer readable database and a computer processor coupled to the computer readable database. The computer readable database is configured to store account data. The account data can be, for example customer needs, types of product preferences or service preferences of the customer, addresses, phone numbers, consumer product specifications, etc. The computer processor is coupled to the computer readable database. The computer processor is configured to receive an order from a customer, input the order into an item catalog, and market the order.

Abstract: In one instance, a system provides an electronic marketplace that matches designers, who can be geographically dispersed and who submit fashion designs into the system, with retailers and fashion companies, who are looking for designs to make finished garments and sale. The system can optionally include factories so that the designer, retailer can have the factories immediately fabricate the selected designs. Optionally, it may also include boutiques that are specialized version of the retailers looking for a particular product for a niche group or market. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: An online real estate rental offer system provides prospective tenants with transparent pricing and other information for a particular rental unit. The system allows prospective tenants to adjust their rent offers in response to offers made by other prospective tenants.

Abstract: A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers.

Abstract: A method of operating a price estimation system includes obtaining service requests from consumers, and obtaining bids from service professionals based on the service requests obtained from the consumers. The method additionally includes generating a training set based on the bids and the service requests, and generating a model for generating price estimates based on the training set. The method also includes employing the model to generate the price estimates based on additional service requests provided by additional consumers. In some aspects, the method further includes communicating the price estimates to the additional consumers during performance of a process for obtaining the additional service requests from the additional consumers. In other aspects, the method further includes communicating the price estimates to additional service professionals during performance of a process for obtaining additional bids from the additional service professionals based on the additional service requests.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiment relates to connecting real-world vendors with customers through a virtual game environment using a computer-implemented method, an apparatus comprising one or more processors and one or more memories operatively coupled to at least one of the one or more processors, and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. An exemplary method includes receiving information from a user regarding a desired product or service, presenting a virtual game environment based at least in part on the desired product or service, monitoring the user's activity in the virtual game environment, providing an offer to the user corresponding to the desired product or service, the offer being based at least in part on the user's activity in the virtual game environment, and providing information identifying a real-world vendor corresponding to the offer, thereby enabling interactions between the user and the real-world vendor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing price quotes for 3D objects are described herein. In one embodiment, costs related to generating a 3D object molded from a 3D printer mold may be based on various parameters. The process for generating a price quote may include uploading an initial file to a server and converting that file into a 3D CAD file. The method may also include selecting units, materials, a finish, and/or a quantity of objects to be made. Based on the selections, the server may generate a price quote to produce the one or more objects, and a checkout option may be provided allowing the user to purchase the one or more objects.

Abstract: Consumer safety of repaired vehicles can be improved by providing systems and methods for generating vehicle repair estimate reports based on predictive estimating and transmitting these reports to clients. A master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a web-based graphical user interface. Also, a master server serviced by a vehicle manufacturer generates a vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating and transmits this report to a client via a vehicle repair claims management user interface. The vehicle repair estimate report based on predictive estimating may comprise repair packages and repair information relating to recommended replacement parts and quantities thereof, the part numbers for the suggested replacement parts, the price estimate for the suggested replacement parts, manufacturer-recommended repair instructions, and other relevant information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method to provide information characterizing real-estate market conditions within a geographic sub-region included within a larger geographic region is described herein. An indication of the geographic sub-region is received from a user. A memory device on which is stored information characterizing a set of parcels of real property that have been listed for sale is accessed. A parcel of real property located in the sub-region and for which a purchase offer has been made is identified from the stored information. If a purchase transaction for the parcel of real property has not closed, a range of a plurality of values characterizing the purchase offer is provided in at least one graphical user interface. If a purchase transaction for the parcel of real property has closed, a specific value of the plurality of values characterizing the purchase offer is provided in at least one graphical user interface.

Abstract: Selling intangible property rights may include receiving content from a seller and determining one or more potential purchasers for the content's intangible property rights. The potential purchasers may be determined according to the subject of the content, the audience for the content, and the intangible property rights being sold. An offer to sell the intangible property rights may then be transmitted to one or more potential purchasers, along with a portion of the content. Upon receiving the one or more purchaser's acceptance of the offer, a complete copy of the content may be transmitted to the purchaser.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a smartphone-based virtual wallet, that manages payment options available to a user. One claim recites a method employing a user's portable device, the device including a display and a sensor, the method including acts of: initiating a multi-party auction to solicit bids from a plurality of financial vendors to facilitate a financial transaction for the user, the plurality of remotely-located financial vendors being associated with the user via a virtual wallet hosted on the user's portable device; receiving bids from the plurality of financial vendors; presenting a user interface using the display, the user interface identifying at least two bids solicited from the multi-party auction; upon receiving an indication of a user-selected bid from the at least two bids, initiating a financial transaction using at least some of the details in the user selected bid and information obtained from the virtual wallet. A great variety of other features, arrangements and claims are also detailed.

Abstract: A transaction arbiter system and method is disclosed which incorporates a merchant function database under control of a transaction arbiter that permits merchants to interact in an automated way with bids generated by other merchants. Rather than utilizing fixed price schedules as taught by the prior art, the present invention permits each merchant to define a set of functions which describe how the merchant will respond to a customer request-for-quote for a given product or service. These merchant functions interact with both the customer request-for-quote and the results of other merchant functions to generate a dynamic real-time bidding system which integrates competition among merchant bidders to achieve an optimal consumer price for a given product or service.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating a supply of used items on behalf of an entity that desires to acquire such used items, such as a merchant that sells used items to customers. The used items are obtained based on interactions with recipients who receive items that are sold or otherwise provided by one or more merchants (or other suppliers of items), such as by supplying appropriate information and materials to the recipients along with the items. In some situations, when an item is delivered or otherwise supplied to a recipient by a merchant, the merchant also supplies information to the recipient that indicates an offer from a used item acquirer entity to re-acquire the item from the recipient (such as after the recipient has used the item) and shipping materials for use in returning the item to an indicated destination if the recipient accepts the offer.

Abstract: A method of automated negotiation is provided. The method is implemented using at least one computer, and includes receiving, from a seller, an ask price for an item and a accept price for the item. The method also includes storing the ask price for the item and the accept price for the item in a memory element provided by the at least one computer. The method also includes providing the ask price for the item to a buyer and receiving, from the buyer, an offer price and a max price. The method also includes storing the offer price for the item and the max price for the item in the memory element. The method also includes calculating a final transaction price using the at least one computer and assessing a penalty to the buyer based at least on the offer price.

Abstract: A source identification service is described that identifies sources for items of interest that are provided by a network-based service and may benefit from additional sources. The source identification service may identify sources for an item of interest in response to receipt a request. In one aspect, the source identification service may conduct a search of a network-based information resource using keywords pertaining to the item of interest to obtain a listing of sources capable of providing the item of interest. A source score may be generated for respective sources and compared to a selected value to identify potential sources for further consideration. The potential sources may also be filtered based upon selected criteria to refine the list of potential sources. An offer may be provided by the source identification service inviting the source to provide the item of interest on the network-based service.

Abstract: Methods for the long-term leasing by a company of a plurality of properties, two or more of which are separately owned by identifying each property to be leased; and tendering to each property owner an offer to lease each property for a term of years with a lump sum payment as consideration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed a vehicle inspection system for carrying out vehicle inspection and providing a quote for repair of a service recipient's vehicle, the quote being provided to a service recipient at a desired location. The vehicle inspection system includes a mobile device having a computer with a processor, a display screen, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium includes computer-readable instructions for: displaying a graphical user interface, receiving a command to initiate vehicle inspection, determining at least one current part condition associated with at least one part of the vehicle, receiving condition data associated with the at least one current part condition, receiving vehicle identification data for the vehicle, electronically communicating the condition data and the vehicle identification data to a quoting server, receiving quote data from the quoting server, and displaying a price quote associated with the quote data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus receive a graphic of the property, determine a characteristic of the property from the received graphic, modify a modifiable hierarchical scripted questionnaire based on the characteristic of the property determined based upon the received graphic, display the questionnaire as modified, based on the characteristic of the property determined from the received graphic and display an estimate pertaining to the property based on the graphic and the responses to the questionnaire.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to systems, methods and computer readable media for bidding on service requests, that involves receiving a service request, wherein the service request comprises a user identifier, a location and a destination; generating a bid request corresponding to the service request; receiving a plurality of bids, wherein each bid comprises a service provider identifier for a corresponding service provider, a cost and a service time; transmitting the plurality of bids; and receiving a selected bid of the plurality of bids.

Abstract: A home remodeling cost estimator tool is used to create a cost breakdown for use when remodeling a house or a room, based on user interaction with photos, for example from such sites as Houzz.com and other proprietary data sources. For any photo in a photo database for such design sites, a user can work with the estimator to generate a price estimate and a breakdown for a building project.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises setting a first seed price for a network service item offered by a plurality of service providers in a computing network, and advertising a first seed price range for the network service item based on the first seed price; allocating service requests for the network service item among the service providers within a first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle, the allocating based on respective proposed costs advertised by the service providers relative to the first seed price range and further based on network-based performance capacity of the service providers in fulfilling the allocated service requests; and calculating a second seed price for a second dynamic network service fulfillment cycle contiguously following the first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle, based on the first seed price and the allocating within the first dynamic network service fulfillment cycle.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for telepresence assisted item transport facilitation are described herein. Telepresence data about a physical space can be received where the physical space includes a plurality of transport items for a client. The telepresence data can be interacted with to permit evaluation of the plurality of transport items. A normalized evaluation of the plurality of transport items can be stored based on the interaction with the telepresence data. A set of transportation quotes can be generated for members of a set of transportation vendors for the plurality of transport items. The set of transportation quotes can be presented to the client.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method, system and program product relating to dynamic competitive pricing. An aspect includes a method for providing digital auctions that uses a network manager to establish processing communication to at least one vendor participants. The network manager receives information about a consumer's contemplated purchase through a consumer's digital device. The information includes conditions related to the contemplated purchase. The information and conditions about the contemplated purchase of the consumer is then communicated, via the network manager, to the vendor participants. The network manager communicates back to the consumer a most advantageous offer provided by the vendor participants relating to the contemplated purchase through a webpage provided by the network manager.

Abstract: A system is described that provides a single dashboard that organizes and displays all invitations-to-bid that have been received by a user from all of their various bid opportunity sources. The system also provides analytics and report functionality to prioritize invitations-to-bid and identify optimal project opportunities. Based on user-defined criteria, the system can be enabled to automatically respond with an approval or a rejection of certain invitations. In some embodiments, the system provides automatic notifications of bid deadlines to ensure that bid submissions are received on time.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring and executing an assignment exchange or auction with extensions to allocate items among bidders is disclosed. A server initializes the assignment auction or exchange and receives bid messages from one or more bidder devices, each bidder device associated with a bidder. Bidder devices may also communicate one or more constraints to the server to affect the allocation of items among bidders by the server. Additionally, the server includes bidder configuration data modifying the presentation of auction or exchange data to different bidders, allowing different bidders to receive different amounts of information regarding the auction or exchange. The bidder configuration data also allows the server to enable or restrict the types of bid messages different bidders may communicate to the server.

Abstract: A system and method for managing selection of a prescription drug plan, based on generating a request for proposal (RFP), submitting the RFP to prescription benefit management (PBM) vendors, receiving bids from PBM vendors, and calculating weighted scores of the bids to determine total score for the plan.

Abstract: A method for estimating costs associated with relocating a plurality of items is provided. An interface is provided to a device. The interface receives user input data associated with relocating a plurality of items and displays a plurality of cost estimates that includes a total moving cost. The plurality of cost estimates are based at least in part on predefined item cost and user input data. At least one of the plurality of cost estimates is dynamically updated after at least a portion of the user input data is received. At least one of an estimate sheet and moving tariff form is provided. The estimate sheet is based at least in part on the plurality of cost estimates and received user input data. The moving tariff form provides a list of at least one charge and service associated with the plurality of cost estimates.

Abstract: A system that determines an estimate of damage to a surface area of a vehicle. The system may include a scanner that generates scanning data representative of a surface area of the vehicle. The system may also include a computing device that processes the scanning data to detect damage items and generates an estimate of damage using the processed scanning data.

Abstract: A methodology for standards registrars to meet requirements of governmental accrediting agencies includes a unique set of procedures and work instructions for certifying or registering an organization as conforming to one or more national or international standards. The procedures and work instructions assure adherence to the international guidance document government registrars, while providing easily used and maintained instructions for employees. The procedures and work instructions are amenable to translation into various foreign languages. In one embodiment, the methodology includes procedures and work instructions governing the quotation process and scheduling of audits, including selection of auditors, as well as audit package review and issuance of appropriate certificates of compliance are. The procedures and work instructions for all audits and certifications are preferably controlled (150) and directly auditable via a single location or office, such as the registrar's headquarters.

Abstract: Quotes entered into an automated trading system may comprise a visible, or primary, amount, and a linked or hidden amount. The visible amount only is shown to other traders on the system but part or all of the linked amount may be dealt if the order with the quote is match is for an amount greater than the visible amount. If, after matching and deal confirmation, all the visible amount has been dealt, but some or all of the linked amount remains, a fresh order for the remaining linked amount is generated and submitted to the trading system for matching. The new quoted may be visible only or may have a visible component up to a limit specified by the maker on submission of the original quote, with the remainder being linked. Maker quotes converted to taker quotes by an auto-match routine may be resubmitted for undealt linked amounts in the same way. In one aspect of the invention, linked amounts are matched and dealt before visible amounts.

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: 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: Methods and systems for seamlessly integrating an end-to-end acquisition process using a flexible data structure are disclosed. A flexible data structure consistent with these methods and systems may connect the buyer's requirement to the vendor's proposed solution, facilitating a requirement-by-requirement evaluation process allowing buyers to evaluate content as well as price of a proposal. Embodiments of the present invention standardize the format of proposals, allowing buyers to more easily compare vendors' proposals side-by-side. Still other embodiments of the present invention produce an error checking report to further aid vendors in improving proposals and buyers in evaluating proposals.

Abstract: A selection device (100) selects a second seller that is allowed to sell a product under a second sales condition after the product for sale by a first seller under a first sales condition becomes sold out. A setter (101) sets an offer deadline. An acceptor (102) accepts an offer of a sales condition of the product containing a number of the products to be sold, a sale price and an introductory text from one or a plurality of sales offerers until the set offer deadline. A selector (103) selects one of the offers based on the sales condition of the accepted offer when the set offer deadline comes, sets the sales offerer with the selected offer as the second seller, and sets the sales condition of the selected offer as the second sales condition. An obtainer (104) obtains a stock quantity of the sales product for sale by the first seller under the first sales condition.

Abstract: With respect to one order information piece in security transaction, processing of reception, transaction condition confirmation, transaction settlement and result transmission is executed serially. A transaction system is configured so as to divide a transaction including a plurality of transaction requests into predetermined units and execute resultant processing units in parallel. When such division is conducted, the sequential property is ensured. For example, the progress situation of processing is stored in a database every processing and every step. Issues, terminals, markets and servers are included as predetermined units.

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: Disclosed is an improved approach for implementing enterprise software systems that addresses the above-described problems with existing systems. The present approach provides an effective and efficient way for defining schemas for services, and to define how to map the schema to particular transactional contexts.

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: 3D fabrication and rapid prototyping can quickly produce tightly toleranced arbitrary shapes in single units or small quantities. Yet its adoption has been limited in some promising market areas (for example, medical and dental prosthetics). Such products require diverse specialized process sequences that historically involve multiple vendors in long, close, service-intensive relationships. An online marketplace more evenly balances capacity utilization and negotiating strength within these complex supply chains while allowing preservation of existing relationships and service levels. Marketplace software embodiments enable any member of a supply chain to request a quotation for any stage(s) of a fabrication, invite bids, negotiate, award the project, and track its progress. Participants post, view, and collaboratively edit 3D point clouds generated by measurements or CAD.

Abstract: A method for providing a cloud-based service includes receiving information from a customer of the service over a conversational interface, the information identifying a requirement of the customer related to a resiliency of the service, and identifying a service provider who provides the service in a manner that satisfies the requirement. A method for building a knowledge base of cloud-based service providers includes receiving information from a service provider, the information specifying at least one resiliency attribute of the service provider, matching the information to a standardized service descriptor, wherein the service descriptor is indexed within an ontology-based organizational framework that indexes a plurality of service descriptors, and storing the service descriptor for the service provider.

Abstract: The COMMERCE FACILITATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“CF”) transform consumer service request input data via CF components into provider service confirmation messages and provider service monitoring triggers. In one implementation, a commerce facilitating system embodiment is disclosed, comprising: a processor; and a memory disposed in communication with the processor and storing processor-issuable instructions that cause the processor to generate a graphical user interface that is display via a display screen operatively connected to the processor, the user interface including a map visualization comprising: a graphical element depicting a location of a service provider; graphical elements depicting locations of a plurality of potential customers for the service provider; and a graphical element depicting a fitness for the service provider conducting commerce with one of the potential customers, compared to the other potential customers.

Abstract: The invention is a method of allowing merchants and service providers to dynamically maintain their inventory and accept consumer offers on demand. Consumers have the ability to “name their price” for deals at local establishments.

Abstract: A system, methods, and apparatus for performing used 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 and consumer interest information received from consumers, dealers, and manufacturers. A consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may provide a request for a response regarding a specific used automobile with a specific a vehicle identification number. Automobile market data may be provided to a used automobile buyer based on the request. Bids to purchase the specific used automobile may be requested from used automobile buyers based on the request. Buyer bids may be provided to the consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller with prices and a delivery options. The consumer seller or manufacturer off-lease seller may select a bid to sell the specific used automobile based on the bid.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed that provide an online marketplace for services from vendors. The method includes providing to service vendors a request for a service that a customer creates on the system. Further, the method includes receiving bids from the service vendors in response to the request for the service. The method further includes receiving a selection of one of the bids from the customer. The method further includes providing a payment to a selected vendor corresponding to the selected one of the bids.