WO2001026009A1 - Real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system - Google Patents

Real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001026009A1
WO2001026009A1 PCT/US2000/027725 US0027725W WO0126009A1 WO 2001026009 A1 WO2001026009 A1 WO 2001026009A1 US 0027725 W US0027725 W US 0027725W WO 0126009 A1 WO0126009 A1 WO 0126009A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
confirmation
real
database
time
bidding
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/027725
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Demaio
Original Assignee
Drive4U.Com, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Drive4U.Com, Inc. filed Critical Drive4U.Com, Inc.
Priority to AU78708/00A priority Critical patent/AU7870800A/en
Publication of WO2001026009A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001026009A1/en

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    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/06Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the use of a quote and bidding system and method for goods or services; in particular, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online quote and bidding system and method for goods or services; even more particular, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online real-time quote and bidding system and method for goods or services using a central database.
  • Giovannoli disclose a computerized quotation system and method.
  • the above patents disclose a system whereby no central database of goods, prices, etc. is involved.
  • a buyer submits a request for a quotation to an Internet site whereby the request is submitted to various sellers, the sellers being required to use specific software to obtain the requests.
  • the sellers are to individually respond to the buyer through HTML type electronic mail.
  • the websites only use one affiliate, which means the customer obtains only one published rate for the city the customer is traveling to and not multiple quotes.
  • the website charges the company a monthly fee for being listed in their directory.
  • sellers and/or affiliates are unable to access a central database to obtain information such as accounts payable or receivable. Nor are affiliates able to access past or future reservations if such information is lost or misplaced.
  • the sellers have no active part in the quotation process. All selected sellers are notified of the request for quote. The sellers do not play an active role in deciding whether they receive a request for quote or not. Rather, the sellers will receive a request for quote whether or not they want to receive the request for quote. Lastly, there are no checks for human error.
  • This invention provides for a seller driven computerized online real-time quote and bidding system for goods or services using a central database.
  • this invention provides a real-time computerized quote and bidding system, comprising: a means for connecting into a database; a plurality of Applications communicated to the database; a plurality of sellers searching the database for the plurality of Applications; a plurality of bids inputted into the database in response to the plurality of Applications; the plurality of bids communicated to a buyer; a first confirmation communicated to the buyer and a seller in response to a first acceptance of at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; a filter means having means to filter the plurality of Applications for determining the plurality of sellers that may access the Application; and means to match the first confirmation and a second confirmation with an acknowledgment communicated to the database from the seller; a means for confirmation checking having: a confirmation screen; the first confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen; the second confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen when the filter means does not match the first confirmation with the acknowledgment within a first specified time limit; a non-responsive letter communicated to a customer service department when the filter means does not match
  • Another aspect of this invention provides for a real-time computerized quote and bidding method, comprising: connecting to a database; sending a plurality of Applications into the database; searching the database, by a plurality of sellers, for the plurality of Applications; filtering the plurality of Applications to determine which plurality of sellers are given access to the plurality of Applications; inputting into the database in real-time a plurality of bids from a plurality of sellers in response to the Application; delivering the plurality of bids in real-time to the buyer; accepting at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; inputting the buyer payment information into the database; conducting a credit check based upon the buyer payment information; sending a first confirmation, in real-time, to the buyer and the seller whose bid the buyer accepted in response to the credit check; responding to the first confirmation with an acknowledgment by the seller within a first specified time limit; and matching the first confirmation with the acknowledgment.
  • Fig. 1 shows a network diagram of the computerized system of the present invention where the Internet is the communications network.
  • Fig. 2 shows ⁇ block diagram of the different functions of the System Central Database.
  • Fig. 3 shows a block diagram representing how a buyer interacts with the computerized system of this invention via the Internet.
  • Fig. 4 shows a data flow diagram representing the flow of information through the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 shows a data flow diagram representing the confirmation system and how the information flows through the system.
  • Fig. ⁇ shows a hypothetical illustration of the Application.
  • Fig. 7 shows a hypothetical illustration of the list of bids.
  • Fig. 8 shows a hypothetical illustration of the Confirmation.
  • the present invention is a real-time computerized online quote and bidding system using a central computer database communications network for processing requests for quotes for goods or services from respective customers who broadcast such requests to a central database which filters the requests and notifies affiliate members of such requests for their bids in response to the request. Only affiliate members logged into the central database will receive such notification and will be able to respond to such requests through the central database. Therefore, the requests for bids never move from the central database and all bids are entered directly into the central database. In essence, by remaining logged into the central database, the affiliate members may continually search for requests for quotes and thereby play an active role in obtaining bids.
  • Fig. 1 shows the system of this invention as configured using the Internet as the communications network.
  • Customers 1 8a, 18b, 1 8c, and affiliates 20a, 20b, 20c are able to access the quote system's World Wide Web site and the system's central database 22 through the Internet 24. Any number of customers may use the Internet to access the quote system's World Wide Web page.
  • a customer may fill out a request for quote application ("Application").
  • the Application requires the input of certain information and conditions required by the customer.
  • the Application will request certain conditions, specifically, the city requested, the type of vehicle, and the times for pickup and/or drop-off.
  • the Information is filtered based on the conditions, as further detailed below, and accessible to the appropriate affiliate members within seconds.
  • An affiliate is anyone or any company which has registered as a user by completing an Application form. Potential affiliate members are able to obtain an Application form and register on the Internet. Based on the answers to the Application form, the potential affiliate is denied or granted access to the quote system's central database. If approved, the affiliate will be provided with a password, or other means of security, which will enable the affiliate to be connected online to the central database through the Internet. While connected to the central database, the affiliate's screen refreshes every few seconds and thereby allows the affiliate to search for Applications. This method keeps the affiliate current and aware of any Applications, allows an affiliate to respond immediately to the Application, and allows the affiliate to obtain up-to-date current account information. The affiliate is not required to recall the system in order to obtain current information.
  • affiliate's computer screen is automatically refreshed every few seconds just by being logged into the central database.
  • the affiliate has a time limit in which to respond and submit a bid to the central database.
  • the affiliate may either physically input a bid, or in the alternative, the bids may be automatically inputted into the central database.
  • the affiliate by having access to their account information through the account manager as further described below, may store their bids in the central database to be retrieved automatically. Therefore, should an Application be received at a time inconvenient when the affiliate is unable to respond within the time limit, the affiliate will still have the opportunity to bid on the Application. Once all bids are received by the central database, they are sorted and delivered to the customer.
  • the entire quote and bidding transactional process is conducted in real-time and therefore occurs within seconds.
  • a customer is able to receive a response to the Application within seconds, thereby eliminating the need for electronic mail, telephone, and other means of communication which are currently used today.
  • a confirmation check system may be implemented.
  • affiliates are required to retype all customer information into the affiliate's own database. Due to human error, the printed confirmation may be lost, and hence no information would be inserted into the affiliate's database to remind them of the sale or service reservation.
  • Another disadvantage with the current method is that the customer information may be inputted incorrectly which may result in an incorrect delivery and hence the customer would not receive the goods or services they requested and paid for.
  • the affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the affiliate's database or order system.
  • the confirmation screen will appear on the affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the affiliate of the order or service confirmation.
  • the confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the affiliate of the confirmation.
  • the filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation.
  • the affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database.
  • the filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the affiliate's computer database.
  • the filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation.
  • the filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service.
  • the confirmation will be inserted directly into the affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for the affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
  • This invention also provides for a method of a real-time computerized online quote and bidding. After connecting to the
  • a customer may go directly to the quote system's World Wide Web site.
  • the customer completes an Application and forwards it to the central database.
  • affiliates are constantly logged into the central database and play an active role in searching for Applications.
  • the central database filters the Application based on the customer conditions and notifies, in real-time, the potential affiliates that are logged onto the central database of the Application. Since affiliates are required to constantly remain logged onto the central database, which is automatically refreshing every few seconds, the affiliates are in essence searching the central database for Applications for potential sales or job opportunities.
  • the affiliate must respond, within a time limit, with a bid.
  • the bid may either be entered manually or automatically through quotes stored in the central database. All bids from the affiliates are accessed by the central database where they are sorted, for example, in a list. All bids are then generated to the customer, in real-time, as a list of quotes from which the buyer may accept at least one quote. Should no affiliate respond with a bid, the buyer will receive the appropriate response, in real-time. Once accepting a quote, the buyer must input a method of payment and accept the legal contract terms. The payment information is then submitted to the central database where a credit check is performed within a few seconds. If not cleared, the buyer will be required to re-input the payment information. However, if cleared, the buyer and selected affiliate will receive a confirmation immediately.
  • a confirmation check system may be implemented.
  • affiliates are required to retype all customer information into the affiliate's own database. Due to human error, the printed confirmation may be lost, and hence no information would be inserted into the affiliate's database to remind them of the sale or service reservation.
  • Another disadvantage with the current method is that the customer information may be inputted incorrectly which may result in an incorrect delivery and hence the customer would not receive the goods or services they requested and paid for.
  • the affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the affiliate's database or order system.
  • the confirmation screen will appear on the affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the affiliate of the order or service confirmation.
  • the confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the affiliate of the confirmation.
  • the filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation.
  • the affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database.
  • the filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the affiliate's computer database.
  • the filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation.
  • the filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service.
  • the confirmation will be inserted directly into the affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered.
  • the above confirmation check system will ease the job for affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
  • the quote system's central database 22 is comprised of four parts: the real-time quote system 10, real-time bid system 12, real-time confirmation system 14, and the realtime account manager 16.
  • Fig. 3 is a flow diagram describing the preferred embodiment of this invention and Fig. 4 shows how the information would flow through the quote system.
  • a customer uses the Internet to access the quote system's World Wide Web site which allows the customer to fill out an Application for goods or services.
  • the Application requests the input of customer information as well as specific conditions such as the type of goods or services, as further explained below.
  • the Application is then forwarded to the central database where it is filtered based on certain requirements. For example, if the Application is for goods, the type of goods each affiliate member sells will be used as a filtration system to determine which affiliate will receive an opportunity to bid on the Application. In another example, if the Application is for a service, the type of service and the specific city may be used as a filter to determine which affiliate member is to receive the Application.
  • This invention requires an affiliate to play an active role in this quote and bidding system through the central database.
  • An affiliate is required to be connected to the central database at all times. In this manner, the affiliate's computer is accessing the central database every few seconds searching for any Applications available to them.
  • the Applications will remain within the central database and not moved to the affiliate's database. Hence, the affiliate's screen will be refreshed every few seconds thereby allowing all transactions to occur in real-time.
  • the central database filters the conditions based on the Application, the central database notifies all selected affiliates, who are logged into the central database, of the Application. Once notified, the affiliate will have a time limit in which to respond with a bid.
  • the affiliate is to physically input a bid into the central database. This will enable the customer to obtain current price quotes and or obtain any sales which the affiliate may have.
  • the affiliate may store quote information on the central database via access through the account manager.
  • the central database may automatically input a quote for the affiliate within the time limit. However, if an affiliate does not physically input a bid or input any bid information into the central database, the affiliate would have lost an opportunity to bid for that goods or services. Since affiliates communicate directly into the central database, the
  • the affiliate is not required to forward the bid to the system's central database thereby decreasing response time.
  • the central database may log all bids and any required information may be stored, such as whether the affiliate responded to the bid, the amount of the bid, when the bid was accessed by the affiliate, and any other necessary information.
  • the bids are sorted, such as in order of the lowest to the highest bid. Furthermore any other helpful information may be sorted, such as the amount saved on each bid. Once sorted, all the bids are delivered to the customer. As an example, the bids may be delivered to the customer as a list of quotes or bids in order of lowest to highest.
  • Fig. 5 shows how the real-time confirmation system information would flow through the system.
  • the central database After the customer inputs the required payment information and accepts the contract terms, the central database will conduct payment verification, for example, by use of Authorize.net or other common payment verification companies. Once the payment verification is complete, the customer will receive a confirmation within seconds. At the same time, a confirmation is also forwarded to the affiliate, which also occurs in real-time. On the other hand, should the central database receive no response to the Application or if the goods or services are not found in the central database, a proper response may be delivered to the customer in real-time. To be certain that the affiliate receives the confirmation, a confirmation check system may be implemented.
  • the affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the affiliate's database or order system.
  • the confirmation screen will appear on the affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the affiliate of the order or service confirmation.
  • the confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the affiliate of the confirmation.
  • the filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation.
  • the affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database.
  • the filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the affiliate's computer database.
  • the filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation.
  • the filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service.
  • the confirmation will be inserted directly into the affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
  • an affiliate To access account information or receive Applications, an affiliate must be connected online to the central database. If an affiliate is not connected to the central database, no accounting information or Applications may be received by the affiliate. All information is stored within the central database and not within the affiliate database.
  • an affiliate may remain logged into the central database and access any required information, Applications, and input any bid amounts in real-time.
  • One aspect of this invention is the ability of an affiliate or customer to obtain real-time account information.
  • an affiliate or customer may search the central database for any information regarding their account. For example, the affiliate can review all past and future accounts, how many accounts were available for bid, how many the affiliate bid on, and how many confirmations they received. This will allow the affiliate to develop a competitive pricing strategy for their goods or services.
  • the affiliate or customer can access current and up-to-date information. This will allow an affiliate to make necessary pricing strategies immediately.
  • a customer may access the quote system's World Wide Web site which allows the customer to fill out a request for a quote Application for goods or services, such as, in this example, a request for a quote for ground transportation for airport drop-off within a particular city as shown in Fig. 6.
  • the Application will request flight information, pick-up and drop-off location, type of vehicle requested, and other necessary information.
  • the Application is then sent to a central database which filters the Application and notifies selected affiliates.
  • the central database will filter the Application depending on the customer's conditions, specifically, the particular city and the type of vehicle required by the customer. Since the affiliates are continually logged onto the central database, which refreshes every few seconds, the affiliates are notified of the Application within a few seconds.
  • Each affiliate has a time limit, for example, sixty seconds in which to respond with a physical or automatic bid.
  • a credit card check is conducted by the central database through the use of a credit check company such as Authorize.net. Once the credit check is cleared, a confirmation is immediately sent to both the customer and the affiliate with the selected quote as shown in Fig. 8. Since confirmation is conducted in real-time, the customer and affiliate do not have to wait for a fax, electronic mail, any type of delivered mail, or telephone confirmation. The confirmation is done in real-time - within a few seconds.
  • the confirmation is inserted automatically into the affiliate's database or order system in a flashy color, such as red or green, so as to alert the affiliate of the order or service confirmation.
  • the confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, or any other means which will alert the affiliate of the confirmation.
  • the filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation.
  • the affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database.
  • the filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the affiliate's computer database.
  • the filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation.
  • the filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service.
  • the confirmation will be inserted directly into the affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for the affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
  • the affiliate and customer both remain anonymous. All transactions are conducted through the central database and information regarding both the affiliate and the customer are not disclosed to either party. However, once the customer accepts a quote, the central database may forward the customer information to the affiliate and the affiliate may continue to remain anonymous, or both parties may obtain information regarding each other, depending on the type of quote requested. In this example of ground transportation reservations, the affiliate may remain anonymous and the customer information may be forwarded to the affiliate.
  • the confirmation for the reservation of ground transportation is stored in the central database and is accessible by the affiliate or the customer. Should a customer or affiliate lose the confirmation or need to review the confirmation, they may access the account information while logged onto the central database. All information is kept in realtime as well as all past account information, potential bid information, and any other information required to assist the affiliate and customer in performing their function easier and more competitively.

Abstract

This invention relates to the use of a quote and bidding system and method for goods and services; in particular, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online quote and bidding system and method for goods and services; even more particularly, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online (24) real-time quote and bidding system and method for goods and services using a central database (22).

Description

REAL-TIME QUOTE AND BIDDING CONFIRMATION CHECK SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the use of a quote and bidding system and method for goods or services; in particular, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online quote and bidding system and method for goods or services; even more particular, this invention relates to the use of a computerized online real-time quote and bidding system and method for goods or services using a central database.
State of the Art
Obtaining price quotes in today's market is inefficient and time consuming. Consumers commonly have to call each individual business to obtain price quotes for either goods or services. Another option consumers have is to search through the Internet and obtain price quotes from each company's web page site. Either way, obtaining quotes are frustrating, inefficient, and time consuming for the consumer. Therefore, there is a need for a system which allows a consumer to obtain several quotes from various businesses, for goods or services, in one single transaction.
Moreover, when obtaining quotes through the Internet, consumers may not obtain up-to-date pricing information if the web site is not updated, nor will the consumer be aware of sale prices, if any.
Therefore, the consumer is faced with the decision of choosing goods based on old pricing information. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method to obtain current and up-to-date pricing information through the Internet. U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,1 78 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,328 issued to
Giovannoli disclose a computerized quotation system and method. The above patents disclose a system whereby no central database of goods, prices, etc. is involved. A buyer submits a request for a quotation to an Internet site whereby the request is submitted to various sellers, the sellers being required to use specific software to obtain the requests. The sellers are to individually respond to the buyer through HTML type electronic mail. There are many disadvantages to the above quotation system and method. First, the response time for the buyer may take from several minutes to several days depending on when a seller responds to the request. Second, the buyer, having to wait several days for a response, will not know if all possible sellers have responded to the request.
Third, depending on the goods and services sought by the buyer and the time constraints of the buyer, not all companies are able to respond with α quote immediately. To further explain this disadvantage, the disadvantages of ground transportation services will be used as an example. Currently, limousine and ground transportation companies that use online reservation systems are limited to the use of electronic mail. Most systems require 48 to 72 hours advance notice. If you need reservations prior to that, the websites require a customer to telephone the company directly. Other systems will take your last minute reservation up to two hours in advance, but do not provide a quote, the customer is merely given a confirmation number. However, in this situation, the website also requires the customer to telephone the company directly to obtain price quotes. Moreover, the websites only use one affiliate, which means the customer obtains only one published rate for the city the customer is traveling to and not multiple quotes. There are some websites which list directories for ground transportation companies. However, these sites also require at least 48 hours advanced notice, the customer only obtains a maximum of five quotes from the list of ground transportation companies, the website directory does not conduct a background check or guarantee that the companies are licensed and insured, and responses are conducted through electronic mail. Moreover, the website charges the company a monthly fee for being listed in their directory.
Fourth, the use of electronic mail is unreliable compared to the use of real-time transactions. The use of electronic mail requires the buyer to take time to read, reply, and respond back to the seller. In turn, the buyer must then rely on the seller to check, read, and respond to the buyer's electronic mail. This method of obtaining goods or services is unreliable and inefficient.
Fifth, without the use of a central database, sellers and/or affiliates are unable to access a central database to obtain information such as accounts payable or receivable. Nor are affiliates able to access past or future reservations if such information is lost or misplaced. There are no current systems in the market today which allow sellers and/or affiliates to access a central database to obtain such necessary information. Sixth, the sellers have no active part in the quotation process. All selected sellers are notified of the request for quote. The sellers do not play an active role in deciding whether they receive a request for quote or not. Rather, the sellers will receive a request for quote whether or not they want to receive the request for quote. Lastly, there are no checks for human error. Currently, sellers are required to manually input any requests for goods or services into their own database from fax, electronic mail, or any other type of confirmation. The incorrect address, product number, or any pertinent information could cause the buyer to never receive the good or service. Moreover, should a seller never receive the confirmation to input into their database, the buyer will never receive the goods or services. Therefore, there is a need for a more efficient and less time consuming system and method to obtain price quotes. Moreover, there is also a need for a system and method which is seller driven and allows sellers to bid and compete among themselves in a more efficient and less time consuming manner. Hence, this invention will overcome all the disadvantages of the above systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides for a seller driven computerized online real-time quote and bidding system for goods or services using a central database.
One aspect this invention provides a real-time computerized quote and bidding system, comprising: a means for connecting into a database; a plurality of Applications communicated to the database; a plurality of sellers searching the database for the plurality of Applications; a plurality of bids inputted into the database in response to the plurality of Applications; the plurality of bids communicated to a buyer; a first confirmation communicated to the buyer and a seller in response to a first acceptance of at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; a filter means having means to filter the plurality of Applications for determining the plurality of sellers that may access the Application; and means to match the first confirmation and a second confirmation with an acknowledgment communicated to the database from the seller; a means for confirmation checking having: a confirmation screen; the first confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen; the second confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen when the filter means does not match the first confirmation with the acknowledgment within a first specified time limit; a non-responsive letter communicated to a customer service department when the filter means does not match the second confirmation with the acknowledgment within a second specified time limit; and the first confirmation and the second confirmation inserted directly into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
Another aspect of this invention provides for a real-time computerized quote and bidding method, comprising: connecting to a database; sending a plurality of Applications into the database; searching the database, by a plurality of sellers, for the plurality of Applications; filtering the plurality of Applications to determine which plurality of sellers are given access to the plurality of Applications; inputting into the database in real-time a plurality of bids from a plurality of sellers in response to the Application; delivering the plurality of bids in real-time to the buyer; accepting at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; inputting the buyer payment information into the database; conducting a credit check based upon the buyer payment information; sending a first confirmation, in real-time, to the buyer and the seller whose bid the buyer accepted in response to the credit check; responding to the first confirmation with an acknowledgment by the seller within a first specified time limit; and matching the first confirmation with the acknowledgment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig. 1 shows a network diagram of the computerized system of the present invention where the Internet is the communications network. Fig. 2 shows α block diagram of the different functions of the System Central Database.
Fig. 3 shows a block diagram representing how a buyer interacts with the computerized system of this invention via the Internet.
Fig. 4 shows a data flow diagram representing the flow of information through the present invention.
Fig. 5 shows a data flow diagram representing the confirmation system and how the information flows through the system.
Fig. ό shows a hypothetical illustration of the Application.
Fig. 7 shows a hypothetical illustration of the list of bids.
Fig. 8 shows a hypothetical illustration of the Confirmation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is a real-time computerized online quote and bidding system using a central computer database communications network for processing requests for quotes for goods or services from respective customers who broadcast such requests to a central database which filters the requests and notifies Affiliate members of such requests for their bids in response to the request. Only Affiliate members logged into the central database will receive such notification and will be able to respond to such requests through the central database. Therefore, the requests for bids never move from the central database and all bids are entered directly into the central database. In essence, by remaining logged into the central database, the Affiliate members may continually search for requests for quotes and thereby play an active role in obtaining bids. The central database does not limit the number of customers which can access the quote system's World Wide Web site to send requests to a central database nor does the central database limit the number of goods and services which can be processed. However the goods and services must be standard items to ensure that there is no confusion as to what buyers are requesting and what sellers are offering to buyers. Fig. 1 shows the system of this invention as configured using the Internet as the communications network. Customers 1 8a, 18b, 1 8c, and Affiliates 20a, 20b, 20c, are able to access the quote system's World Wide Web site and the system's central database 22 through the Internet 24. Any number of customers may use the Internet to access the quote system's World Wide Web page. Once accessed, a customer may fill out a request for quote application ("Application"). The Application requires the input of certain information and conditions required by the customer.
For example, if the customer requests quotes for the service of reserving ground transportation, the Application will request certain conditions, specifically, the city requested, the type of vehicle, and the times for pickup and/or drop-off. When the Application is sent to the central database, the information is filtered based on the conditions, as further detailed below, and accessible to the appropriate Affiliate members within seconds.
An Affiliate is anyone or any company which has registered as a user by completing an Application form. Potential Affiliate members are able to obtain an Application form and register on the Internet. Based on the answers to the Application form, the potential Affiliate is denied or granted access to the quote system's central database. If approved, the Affiliate will be provided with a password, or other means of security, which will enable the Affiliate to be connected online to the central database through the Internet. While connected to the central database, the Affiliate's screen refreshes every few seconds and thereby allows the Affiliate to search for Applications. This method keeps the Affiliate current and aware of any Applications, allows an Affiliate to respond immediately to the Application, and allows the Affiliate to obtain up-to-date current account information. The Affiliate is not required to recall the system in order to obtain current information.
Rather, the Affiliate's computer screen is automatically refreshed every few seconds just by being logged into the central database.
Once an Application is accessed by the Affiliate, the Affiliate has a time limit in which to respond and submit a bid to the central database. The Affiliate may either physically input a bid, or in the alternative, the bids may be automatically inputted into the central database. In the latter situation, the Affiliate, by having access to their account information through the account manager as further described below, may store their bids in the central database to be retrieved automatically. Therefore, should an Application be received at a time inconvenient when the Affiliate is unable to respond within the time limit, the Affiliate will still have the opportunity to bid on the Application. Once all bids are received by the central database, they are sorted and delivered to the customer.
The entire quote and bidding transactional process is conducted in real-time and therefore occurs within seconds. A customer is able to receive a response to the Application within seconds, thereby eliminating the need for electronic mail, telephone, and other means of communication which are currently used today.
To be certain that the Affiliate receives the confirmation, a confirmation check system may be implemented. Currently, Affiliates are required to retype all customer information into the Affiliate's own database. Due to human error, the printed confirmation may be lost, and hence no information would be inserted into the Affiliate's database to remind them of the sale or service reservation. Another disadvantage with the current method is that the customer information may be inputted incorrectly which may result in an incorrect delivery and hence the customer would not receive the goods or services they requested and paid for.
With programming or software available to Affiliates either by direct electronic transfer to the Affiliate's own computer or database, or by providing Affiliates with computer disks, compact disks, or other appropriate means, the Affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the Affiliate's database or order system. In a preferred embodiment, the confirmation screen will appear on the Affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the Affiliate of the order or service confirmation. The confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the Affiliate of the confirmation.
The filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation. The Affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database. The filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the Affiliate's computer database. The filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation. The filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the Affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service. If an acknowledgment is found, the confirmation will be inserted directly into the Affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for the Affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
This invention also provides for a method of a real-time computerized online quote and bidding. After connecting to the
Internet, a customer may go directly to the quote system's World Wide Web site. The customer completes an Application and forwards it to the central database. Affiliates are constantly logged into the central database and play an active role in searching for Applications. The central database filters the Application based on the customer conditions and notifies, in real-time, the potential Affiliates that are logged onto the central database of the Application. Since Affiliates are required to constantly remain logged onto the central database, which is automatically refreshing every few seconds, the Affiliates are in essence searching the central database for Applications for potential sales or job opportunities.
Once the Application is accessed by an Affiliate, the Affiliate must respond, within a time limit, with a bid. The bid may either be entered manually or automatically through quotes stored in the central database. All bids from the Affiliates are accessed by the central database where they are sorted, for example, in a list. All bids are then generated to the customer, in real-time, as a list of quotes from which the buyer may accept at least one quote. Should no Affiliate respond with a bid, the buyer will receive the appropriate response, in real-time. Once accepting a quote, the buyer must input a method of payment and accept the legal contract terms. The payment information is then submitted to the central database where a credit check is performed within a few seconds. If not cleared, the buyer will be required to re-input the payment information. However, if cleared, the buyer and selected Affiliate will receive a confirmation immediately.
To be certain that the Affiliate receives the confirmation, a confirmation check system may be implemented. Currently, Affiliates are required to retype all customer information into the Affiliate's own database. Due to human error, the printed confirmation may be lost, and hence no information would be inserted into the Affiliate's database to remind them of the sale or service reservation. Another disadvantage with the current method is that the customer information may be inputted incorrectly which may result in an incorrect delivery and hence the customer would not receive the goods or services they requested and paid for.
With programming or software available to Affiliates either by direct electronic transfer to the Affiliate's own computer or database, or by providing Affiliates with computer disks, compact disks, or other appropriate means, the Affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the Affiliate's database or order system. In a preferred embodiment, the confirmation screen will appear on the Affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the Affiliate of the order or service confirmation. The confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the Affiliate of the confirmation.
The filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation. The Affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database. The filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the Affiliate's computer database. The filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation. The filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the Affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service. If an acknowledgment is found, the confirmation will be inserted directly into the Affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. The above confirmation check system will ease the job for Affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
The above summary of the present invention was merely a brief overview of the invention. The different aspects of the present invention is further detailed below. As shown in Fig. 2, the quote system's central database 22 is comprised of four parts: the real-time quote system 10, real-time bid system 12, real-time confirmation system 14, and the realtime account manager 16.
Real-time Quote System
Fig. 3 is a flow diagram describing the preferred embodiment of this invention and Fig. 4 shows how the information would flow through the quote system. A customer uses the Internet to access the quote system's World Wide Web site which allows the customer to fill out an Application for goods or services. The Application requests the input of customer information as well as specific conditions such as the type of goods or services, as further explained below. The Application is then forwarded to the central database where it is filtered based on certain requirements. For example, if the Application is for goods, the type of goods each Affiliate member sells will be used as a filtration system to determine which Affiliate will receive an opportunity to bid on the Application. In another example, if the Application is for a service, the type of service and the specific city may be used as a filter to determine which Affiliate member is to receive the Application.
Throughout this process, all information pertaining to the customer and the Affiliates are kept confidential and not disclosed to either party. This prevents the Affiliate and the customer from individually calling the other to request quotes and/or solicit information.
Real-time Bidding System
This invention requires an Affiliate to play an active role in this quote and bidding system through the central database. An Affiliate is required to be connected to the central database at all times. In this manner, the Affiliate's computer is accessing the central database every few seconds searching for any Applications available to them.
Moreover, the Applications will remain within the central database and not moved to the Affiliate's database. Hence, the Affiliate's screen will be refreshed every few seconds thereby allowing all transactions to occur in real-time. Once the central database filters the conditions based on the Application, the central database notifies all selected Affiliates, who are logged into the central database, of the Application. Once notified, the Affiliate will have a time limit in which to respond with a bid. In a preferred embodiment, the Affiliate is to physically input a bid into the central database. This will enable the customer to obtain current price quotes and or obtain any sales which the Affiliate may have. However, in another preferred embodiment, the Affiliate may store quote information on the central database via access through the account manager. Therefore, if an Affiliate is unable to respond to an Application within the time limit, the central database may automatically input a quote for the Affiliate within the time limit. However, if an Affiliate does not physically input a bid or input any bid information into the central database, the Affiliate would have lost an opportunity to bid for that goods or services. Since Affiliates communicate directly into the central database, the
Affiliate is not required to forward the bid to the system's central database thereby decreasing response time. The central database may log all bids and any required information may be stored, such as whether the Affiliate responded to the bid, the amount of the bid, when the bid was accessed by the Affiliate, and any other necessary information. The bids are sorted, such as in order of the lowest to the highest bid. Furthermore any other helpful information may be sorted, such as the amount saved on each bid. Once sorted, all the bids are delivered to the customer. As an example, the bids may be delivered to the customer as a list of quotes or bids in order of lowest to highest. Since the central database is continually refreshing every few seconds, the total elapsed time from when the customer forwards the Application to the central database, to when the customer receives the quotes, is only a few seconds. Moreover, because all transactions occur in real-time, this invention does not require the use of electronic mail, telephones, or other such means of communication as is commonly used today. All transactions are conducted in real-time and hence reduces the response time to a customer.
Real-time Confirmation System
Fig. 5 shows how the real-time confirmation system information would flow through the system. Once the customer receives the quotes, the customer has the ability to choose and accept at lease one quote. Should the customer accept a quote, the customer will be required to submit payment information and accept contractual terms. As is commonly required in the market, a customer is required to input payment information before obtaining quotes. However, in this preferred embodiment, no payment information is required by the customer until the customer accepts a quote and agrees to the legal disclosure terms.
After the customer inputs the required payment information and accepts the contract terms, the central database will conduct payment verification, for example, by use of Authorize.net or other common payment verification companies. Once the payment verification is complete, the customer will receive a confirmation within seconds. At the same time, a confirmation is also forwarded to the Affiliate, which also occurs in real-time. On the other hand, should the central database receive no response to the Application or if the goods or services are not found in the central database, a proper response may be delivered to the customer in real-time. To be certain that the Affiliate receives the confirmation, a confirmation check system may be implemented. With programming or software available to Affiliates either by direct electronic transfer to the Affiliate's own computer or database, or by providing Affiliates with computer disks, compact disks, or other appropriate means, the Affiliate may be alerted of the confirmation on a confirmation screen and the confirmation may be inserted automatically into the Affiliate's database or order system. In a preferred embodiment, the confirmation screen will appear on the Affiliate's computer screen in a flashy color so as to alert the Affiliate of the order or service confirmation. The confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, blinking or any other means which will alert the Affiliate of the confirmation.
The filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation. The Affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database. The filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the Affiliate's computer database. The filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation. The filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the Affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service. If an acknowledgment is found, the confirmation will be inserted directly into the Affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for Affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
Real-time Affiliate Account Manager
To access account information or receive Applications, an Affiliate must be connected online to the central database. If an Affiliate is not connected to the central database, no accounting information or Applications may be received by the Affiliate. All information is stored within the central database and not within the Affiliate database.
Therefore, with a password, or any other means of security, an Affiliate may remain logged into the central database and access any required information, Applications, and input any bid amounts in real-time. One aspect of this invention is the ability of an Affiliate or customer to obtain real-time account information. With the use of a password, or any other means of security, an Affiliate or customer may search the central database for any information regarding their account. For example, the Affiliate can review all past and future accounts, how many accounts were available for bid, how many the Affiliate bid on, and how many confirmations they received. This will allow the Affiliate to develop a competitive pricing strategy for their goods or services. Moreover, since all account information is stored in real-time, the Affiliate or customer can access current and up-to-date information. This will allow an Affiliate to make necessary pricing strategies immediately.
Example Of Real-Time Online Quote And Bidding System
With the use of the Internet, a customer may access the quote system's World Wide Web site which allows the customer to fill out a request for a quote Application for goods or services, such as, in this example, a request for a quote for ground transportation for airport drop-off within a particular city as shown in Fig. 6. The Application will request flight information, pick-up and drop-off location, type of vehicle requested, and other necessary information.
The Application is then sent to a central database which filters the Application and notifies selected Affiliates. The central database will filter the Application depending on the customer's conditions, specifically, the particular city and the type of vehicle required by the customer. Since the Affiliates are continually logged onto the central database, which refreshes every few seconds, the Affiliates are notified of the Application within a few seconds. Each Affiliate has a time limit, for example, sixty seconds in which to respond with a physical or automatic bid.
If an Affiliate fails to respond with a bid, the Affiliate will have lost a potential job. However, if the Affiliate responds with a bid, all bids are sorted in order from the lowest to the highest, as well as the amount saved on each bid as shown in Fig. 7. The list of bids is then forwarded to the customer in real-time. Since all transactions are conducted in real-time, the customer will have received the list of quotes within approximately ninety seconds from the time the Application was entered into the central database. Therefore, the customer does not have to wait for an electronic mail, fax, any type of delivered mail, or telephone response from the Affiliate.
If the customer decides to accept a certain quote, the customer will be required to submit credit card information and agree to certain contractual terms. Once the customer agrees to the contract terms and has inputted all payment information, a credit card check is conducted by the central database through the use of a credit check company such as Authorize.net. Once the credit check is cleared, a confirmation is immediately sent to both the customer and the Affiliate with the selected quote as shown in Fig. 8. Since confirmation is conducted in real-time, the customer and Affiliate do not have to wait for a fax, electronic mail, any type of delivered mail, or telephone confirmation. The confirmation is done in real-time - within a few seconds. The confirmation is inserted automatically into the Affiliate's database or order system in a flashy color, such as red or green, so as to alert the Affiliate of the order or service confirmation. The confirmation may also appear in bold letters, all capital letters, shaded, large font size, different font, or any other means which will alert the Affiliate of the confirmation.
The filter means in the central database will time stamp the confirmation. The Affiliate is then required to re-check all information on the confirmation, and send an acknowledgment into the database. The filter means will, within a specified time limit, for example, 10 minutes of the time stamp, match the confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will reinsert a second confirmation into the Affiliate's computer database. The filter means will also time stamp the second confirmation. The filter means will, within another specified time limit, for example, 5 minutes, again attempt to match the second confirmation with an acknowledgment. If no matching acknowledgment is found, the central database will send a notification to the central database's customer service department which will, in turn, telephone the Affiliate to notify them of the order of good or reservation of service. If an acknowledgment is found, the confirmation will be inserted directly into the Affiliate's database or order system based on filtered conditions such as date and time of the service or good to be delivered. This will ease the job for the Affiliates and eliminate any human error in misplacing or mistyping a confirmation.
Up to this point in the process, the Affiliate and customer both remain anonymous. All transactions are conducted through the central database and information regarding both the Affiliate and the customer are not disclosed to either party. However, once the customer accepts a quote, the central database may forward the customer information to the Affiliate and the Affiliate may continue to remain anonymous, or both parties may obtain information regarding each other, depending on the type of quote requested. In this example of ground transportation reservations, the Affiliate may remain anonymous and the customer information may be forwarded to the Affiliate.
The confirmation for the reservation of ground transportation is stored in the central database and is accessible by the Affiliate or the customer. Should a customer or Affiliate lose the confirmation or need to review the confirmation, they may access the account information while logged onto the central database. All information is kept in realtime as well as all past account information, potential bid information, and any other information required to assist the Affiliate and customer in performing their function easier and more competitively. The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:
1 . A real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system, comprising: a means for connecting into a database; a plurality of Applications communicated to the database; a plurality of sellers searching the database for the plurality of Applications; a plurality of bids inputted into the database in response to the plurality of Applications; the plurality of bids communicated to a buyer; a first confirmation communicated to the buyer and a seller in response to a first acceptance of at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; a filter means having means to filter the plurality of Applications for determining the plurality of sellers that may access the Application; and means to match the first confirmation and a second confirmation with an acknowledgment communicated to the database from the seller; a, means for confirmation checking having: a confirmation screen; the first confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen; the second confirmation communicated to the confirmation screen when the filter means does not match the first confirmation with the acknowledgment within a first specified time limit; a non-responsive letter communicated to a customer service department when the filter means does not match the second confirmation with the acknowledgment within a second specified time limit; the first confirmation inserted directly into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment; and the second confirmation inserted directly into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
2. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the means for connecting to the database comprises communicating via the Internet.
3. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the database further comprises a means for auto refreshing a computer screen.
4. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the database further comprises a security code to allow the plurality of sellers and the buyer to search the database.
5. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bids are communicated directly into the database in real-time.
6. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bids may be communicated automatically into the database.
7. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of bids are communicated to the buyer in real-time.
8. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the first confirmation is communicated to the buyer and the seller in real-time.
9. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the database further comprises an account manager whereby the plurality of sellers and the buyer may access account information.
10. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 9 wherein the security code is required to access the account manager.
1 1 . The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 further comprising a payment method inputted into the database by the buyer in response to the first acceptance.
12. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the database further comprises a payment authorization processor for checking the credit worthiness of a payment method.
13. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the buyer and the plurality of sellers are anonymous.
14., The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sellers are continually connected to the database to search for the plurality of Applications, communicate a bid, and to access the account manager.
15. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the filter means further comprises a time stamp attached to the first confirmation and the second confirmation communicated to the seller.
16. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the non-responsive letter is communicated to a customer service department when the filter means does not match the first confirmation with the acknowledgment with the first specified time limit;
17. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the filter means further comprises an alert letter communicated to a customer service department if the second confirmation is not matched with the acknowledgment within a specified time limit.
18. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the first confirmation and the second confirmation are displayed in a different color than the seller's display screen.
19. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the first confirmation is inserted into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
20. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system of claim 1 wherein the second confirmation is inserted into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
21 . A real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method, comprising: connecting to a database; sending a plurality of Applications into the database; searching the database, by a plurality of sellers, for the plurality of
Applications; filtering the plurality of Applications to determine which plurality of sellers are given access to the plurality of Applications; inputting into the database in real-time a plurality of bids from a plurality of sellers in response to the Application; delivering the plurality of bids in real-time to the buyer; accepting at least one bid in response to the plurality of bids; inputting the buyer payment information into the database; conducting α credit check based upon the buyer payment information; sending a first confirmation, in real-time, to the buyer and the seller whose bid the buyer accepted in response to the credit check; responding to the first confirmation with an acknowledgment by the seller within a first specified time limit; and matching the first confirmation with the acknowledgment.
22. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising accessing an account manager to obtain account information.
23. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising automatically inputting into the database in real-time a plurality of bids from a plurality of sellers in response to the Application.
24. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising providing the plurality of sellers with a security code for accessing the database and the account manager.
25. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising attaching a time stamp to the first confirmation sent to the seller.
26. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising sending a second confirmation to the seller if the first confirmation is not matched with the acknowledgment from the seller within a second specified time limit.
27. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 26 further comprising attaching a time stamp to the second confirmation.
28. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising notifying a customer service department if the first confirmation is not matched with the acknowledgment from the seller within the first specified time limit.
29. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising notifying a customer service department if the second confirmation is not matched with the acknowledgment from the seller within the second specified time limit.
30. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation chώck method of claim 21 further comprising inserting the first confirmation directly into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
31 . The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising inserting the second confirmation directly into the seller's database when matched with the acknowledgment.
32. The real-time quote and bidding confirmation check method of claim 21 further comprising displaying the first confirmation and the second confirmation in a different color than the seller's display screen.
PCT/US2000/027725 1999-10-06 2000-10-04 Real-time quote and bidding confirmation check system WO2001026009A1 (en)

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