Methods and apparatus for on-line ordering

• US 20020007321A1
• Filed: 03/22/2001
• Published: 01/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: America To Go LLC
• Original Assignee: America To Go LLC
• Inventors: Burton, Peter A.
• Application Number:
  US09/815,449
• Publication Number:
  US 20020007321A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0603 Catalogue ordering
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0623 Item investigation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0633 Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0635 Processing of requisition or of purchase orders

Abstract

Systems and methods for ordering supplies from suppliers or for other e-commerce activities are described. Standards for placing orders and registering catalog information in a database are described. Systems and methods for placing orders, preprocessing supplier information using geographic information, conducting data searches and analyses locally on user access devices, continuously updating displays of browser frames, tracking orders using accounting codes, placing graphical custom orders, submitting graphical orders to suppliers, placing group orders, reducing risks associated with delinquent accounts receivable, and combinations thereof are described.

Claims

1. A method for conveying an order from a user to a supplier, said user inputting said order into an access device in communication with an ordering system via an electronic communication system, said ordering system conveying said order to said supplier, said method comprising:

electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set comprising supplier information; and

electronically receiving an order from said user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronically providing comprises providing supplier information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. address information;

c. service information;

d. hours of operation information;

e. catalog information;

f. critique information;

9. parking information;

h. other information; and

i. a combination of at least two of a-h.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronically providing comprises electronically providing food supplier information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. address information;

c. cuisine information;

d. delivery information;

e. take-out information;

f. hours of operation information;

g. menu information;

h. attire information;

i. parking information;

j. atmosphere information;

k. review information;

l. other information; and

m. a combination of at least two of a-l.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein:

when said user has a location, said electronically providing comprises receiving an indication of said location; and

said electronically providing further comprises providing supplier information corresponding to suppliers located within a preselected distance from said location.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog comprising catalog information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. identification number information;

c. size information;

d. color information;

e. material information;

f. inventory information;

g. customization information; and

h. a combination of at least two of a-g.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein, when said supplier is a food supplier, said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of:

a. entree information;

b. side dish information;

c. beverage information;

d. dessert information;

e. specials information;

f. at least one option corresponding to any of a-e;

g. catering information;

h. grocery information;

i. graphic data corresponding to any of a-i; and

j. a combination of at least two of a-i.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein:

said electronically receiving an order comprises receiving an electronic indication of at least one accounting code from said user, said at least one accounting code selected from a group consisting of;

a. a project code;

b. a client code;

c. a matter code;

d. an expense code;

e. a house account code;

f. a user identification code;

g. an employee identification code; and

h. a combination of at least two of a-g; and

each of said at least one accounting code indicates a debit for at least a portion of said order.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein:

said order comprises at least one amount selected from a group consisting of;

a. a total amount; and

b. a sub-total amount; and

said electronically receiving an order comprises receiving an electronic indication of at least two accounting codes from said user, each corresponding debit being selected from a group consisting of;

a. a dollar amount;

b. a fraction of said total amount;

c. a percentage of said total amount; and

d. a fraction of a sub-total amount; and

e. a percentage of a sub-total amount.

10. A method for transferring catalog information and order information between consumers and suppliers using an electronic communication network, said method comprising:

qualifying at least one consumer entity;

distributing catalog information to at least one consumer entity, said catalog information received from at least one supplier;

receiving order information from at least one qualified consumer entity; and

delivering at least a portion of said order information to one of said at least one supplier.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein:

said method further comprises providing a first format to said at least one consumer entity; and

said receiving comprises receiving said order information in said first format.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

providing a second format to said at least one supplier; and

receiving said catalog information in said format.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein:

said qualifying comprises providing said at least one consumer entity with an encrypted key;

said receiving comprises receiving said encrypted key; and

said receiving further comprises verifying that said encrypted key was received from a qualified consumer entity.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said receiving comprises receiving order information from a user.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said receiving order information from a user comprises receiving order information from said user via a web site.

16. A method for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, said web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device, said access device communicating with a web server via an electronic communication network, said method comprising:

storing data from said server in a frame in said browser; and

replacing at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said storing comprises polling said server for new data.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein:

said replacing comprises replacing said data with said new data; and

transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said storing comprises using a browser automatic refresh function.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said method further comprises excluding said second frame from said display.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein said storing comprises transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising transferring at least one function for use by a user of said access device, said function selected from a group consisting of:

a. a customer service function;

b. an order tracking function;

c. an order fulfillment function; and

d. a combination of at least two of a-c.

23. A method for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, said web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device, said access device communicating with a food ordering system web server via an electronic communication network, said method comprising:

storing data from said server in a frame in said browser; and

replacing at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said storing comprises polling said server for new data.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein:

said replacing comprises replacing said data with said new data; and

transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein said storing comprises using a browser automatic refresh function.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein said method further comprises excluding said second frame from said display.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein said storing comprises transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

29. A method for selecting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a location, said ordering system using an electronic communications network, each of said suppliers having a geographic address, said method comprising:

defining a region;

selecting at least one food supplier having an address substantially inside said region.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein:

said region has a border; and

said selecting comprises selecting at least one food supplier having an address that is substantially on said border.

31. The method of claim 29 wherein said defining comprises choosing at least one border for said region, each of said at least one border being no more than an identified distance from said location.

32. The method of claim 31 wherein said defining further comprises identifying said location using latitude and longitude coordinates.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein said identifying comprises identifying said location using geodetic latitude and longitude coordinates.

34. The method of claim 29 wherein said selecting comprises:

converting said address into geodetic coordinates; and

selecting said supplier if said coordinates are within said region.

35. A method for determining if an entity lies within an area, said entity having a location and a zone, said location lying within said zone, said zone lying partially inside said area and partially outside said area, said method comprising:

identifying a polygon defined by an area of intersection between said zone and said area; and

determining if said location lies within said polygon.

36. The method of claim 35 wherein said identifying a polygon comprises:

identifying vertices of said polygon; and

obtaining geodetic coordinates of said vertices.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein said identifying a polygon further comprises approximating said coordinates using a fixed number of significant figures.

38. The method of claim 36 wherein said identifying a polygon further comprises converting said coordinates into base-n values, wherein n is a number greater than 10.

39. A method for sorting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a first location, said ordering system using an electronic communications network, each of said suppliers having a corresponding additional location, said method comprising:

calculating a distance between said first location and each of said additional locations; and

ranking said suppliers by said distances, wherein said ranking is selected from a group consisting of;

a. an ascending order; and

b. a descending order.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said ranking comprises ranking only suppliers having a corresponding distance no greater than a preselected limit.

41. A method for indicating that a supplier delivers to a user of an ordering system, said user communicating with said system via an electronic communication network, said supplier having a delivery area, said user having a location and a zone, said location within said zone, said method comprising:

determining if said zone is within said area; and

recording an indication selected from a group consisting of;

a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said zone is within said area; and

b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said zone is not within said area.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising, if said zone is partially inside of said area and partially outside of said area:

identifying a polygon defined by an area of intersection between said zone and said area; and

determining if said location lies within said polygon.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising recording an indication selected from a group consisting of:

a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said location lies within said polygon; and

b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said location does not lie within said polygon.

44. A method for managing orders placed by users of an on-line food supplies ordering system, said users associating codes with said orders, each of said users using an access device to place at least one order via an electronic communications network, said method comprising:

electronically obtaining at least one code from at least one user, said at least one code corresponding to said at least one order; and

indexing said at least one order using said at least one code for subsequent identification of said at least one order using said at least one code.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

electronically obtaining an instruction from a second user to group said at least one order into at least one group comprising orders having an attribute that satisfies at least one grouping criterion; and

grouping said at least one order in accordance with said instruction, wherein said at least one grouping criterion is selected from a group consisting of;

a. an accounting code;

b. an accounting code range;

c. a user name;

d. a user email address;

e. a user identification number;

f. an employee name;

g. an order date minimum;

h. an order date maximum;

i. an order date range;

j. an order time minimum;

k. an order time maximum;

l. an order time range;

m. an order identification number minimum;

n. an order identification number maximum;

o. an order identification number range;

p. an order total amount minimum;

q. an order total amount maximum;

r. an order total amount range;

s. an order tip amount minimum;

t. an order tip amount maximum;

u. an order tip amount range;

v. an order adjustment amount minimum;

w. an order adjustment amount maximum;

x. an order adjustment amount range; and

y. a combination of at least two of a-x.

46. The method of claim 45, further comprising communicating to said second user at least one attribute of each order included in said at least one group.

47. The method of claim 45, further comprising communicating to said second user order information chosen from a group consisting of:

a. a supplier name;

b. supplier contact information;

c. a restaurant name;

d. restaurant contact information;

e. order content;

f. an electronic receipt; and

g. any combination of at least two of a-f.

48. The method of claim 44, further comprising testing validity of said at least one code using at least one indication of validity, each code having a corresponding indication of validity only if said code is deemed valid.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said testing comprises receiving said at least one indiction of validity from a second user.

50. The method of claim 48, further comprising warning a second user if one of said at least one code does not have a corresponding indication of validity.

51. The method of claim 44, further comprising screening said at least one order for violations of at least one accounting rule, said at least one accounting rule requiring that an accounting criterion be satisfied, said accounting criterion chosen from a group consisting of:

a. an accounting code;

b. an accounting code range;

c. a user name;

d. a user email address;

e. a user identification number;

f. an employee name;

g. an order date minimum;

h. an order date maximum;

i. an order date range;

j. an order time minimum;

k. an order time maximum;

l. an order time range;

m. an order identification number minimum;

n. an order identification number maximum;

o. an order identification number range;

p. an order total amount minimum;

q. an order total amount maximum;

r. an order total amount range;

s. an order tip amount minimum;

t. an order tip amount maximum;

u. an order tip amount range;

v. an order adjustment amount minimum;

w. an order adjustment amount maximum;

x. an order adjustment amount range; and

y. a combination of at least two of a-x.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said screening comprises receiving said at least one accounting rule from a second user.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising warning a second user one of said at least one order violates one of said at least one rule.

54. A method for using an electronic communication network for ordering a customized food item from a supplier, wherein a user selects said item and at least one option for customizing said item, said method comprising:

electronically receiving an indication of said at least one option from said user via a user access device;

displaying a graphical representation of said item as modified by said at least one option using said device; and

transmitting an order describing said item as modified by said at least one option to said supplier.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein said displaying comprises updating a display of said item to show said item as modified by said at least one option each time said user selects an option.

56. The method of claim 54, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said at least one option is chosen from a group consisting of:

a. a dough option;

b. a cheese option;

c. a sauce option;

d. a topping option;

e. a crust option; and

f. a pizza size option.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a dough option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said dough option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. plain dough;

b. whole wheat dough;

c. sourdough;

d. pan-style;

e. deep-dish style; and

f. a combination of at least two of a-e.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a cheese option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said cheese option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a cheese amount;

b. a cheese type; and

c. a combination of a and b.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a sauce option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said sauce option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a sauce amount;

b. a sauce type; and

c. a combination of a and b.

60. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a crust option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said crust option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. soft; and

b. crispy.

61. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a topping option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said topping option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a pizza coverage fraction;

b. a topping amount;

c. a topping type; and

d. a combination of at least two of a-d.

62. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said option is a pizza size option, said electronically receiving comprises receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said pizza size option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. small;

b. medium; and

c. large.

63. The method of claim 54, wherein said displaying comprises showing a graphical representation of said food item in a cooked state.

64. The method of claim 56, wherein said transmitting comprises transmitting a graphical representation of at least one layer of said pizza, each of said at least one layer corresponding to one of said at least one option, a superimposition of all of said at least one layer corresponding to said pizza as modified by said at least one option, whereby a pizza chef can assemble said pizza in a layer-by-layer fashion.

65. The method of claim 56, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said electronically receiving comprises:

electronically receiving an indication to divide said pizza into more than one section;

electronically receiving an indication of a selection of at least one of said more than one section; and

electronically receiving at least one instruction to apply one of said at least one option to said selection.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein said electronically receiving an instruction comprises:

displaying a hotlink comprising a first graphical representation of said at least one option; and

displaying a second graphical representation of one of said at least one option when said user selects said option, said second graphical display replacing a prior graphical display corresponding to a cursor of said access device.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein said electronically receiving an instruction further comprises displaying a third graphical representation of said option when said user positions said cursor on said selection, said third graphical representation showing said option disposed in said selection.

68. A method for placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system via at least one access device, said group order transmitted to said supplier by said ordering system, said at least one access device and said ordering system in electronic communication via an electronic communication network, said method comprising:

forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and

transmitting said group order to said supplier.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising:

electronically obtaining said host order;

electronically obtaining said at least one guest order.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising:

in response to receiving said host order, generating an invitation for each guest specified by said host, said invitation inviting a respective guest to place a guest order; and

sending said invitation to each corresponding guest.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein said sending comprises sending an electronic invitation having a hotlink to an electronic form for placing said guest order.

72. The method of claim 70, further comprising obtaining an RSVP from each of said at least one guest, said RSVP selected from a group consisting of:

a. an invitation acceptance;

b. an invitation rejection; and

C. an unconfirmed response.

73. The method of claim 72, further comprising communicating said RSVP to said host.

74. The method of claim 68, wherein said forming comprises communicating to said host an order status indication for each of said at least one guest, wherein said order status indication is chosen from a group consisting of:

a. order received; and

b. order not received.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein said forming further comprises receiving an indication from said host to transmit said group order to said supplier.

76. A machine-readable data storage medium encoded with a set of machine-executable instructions for carrying out, with a machine capable of executing said instructions, a method for automatically placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system via at least one access device, said group order transmitted to said supplier by a server, said supplier receiving said group order using an access device, said access devices and said server in electronic communication with each other via an electronic communication network, said method comprising:

electronically obtaining said host order and said at least one guest order;

forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and

transmitting said group order to said supplier.

77. A method for reducing the risk of bad debt, said debt accruing to a provider of an on-line ordering system, said service conveying orders to said supplier, at least one of said orders comprising a price and a payment instruction instructing a financial institution to remit funds corresponding to said price, said method comprising:

submitting said payment instruction to said financial institution;

receiving a first amount from said financial institution, said first amount equal to said funds reduced by a second amount; and

remitting to said supplier a third amount, said third amount equal to said funds reduced by a fourth amount, said fourth amount comprising at least said commission.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein:

said second amount comprises a first service charge;

said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and

said method further comprises;

waiting a predetermined period of time before said remitting; and

investing said first amount during said period, said investing offsetting a loss if said first service charge exceeds said second service charge.

79. The method of claim 77, wherein:

said second amount comprises a volume discounted service charge;

said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and

said method further comprises;

selecting said second service charge such that said second service charge is less than said volume discounted service charge, whereby at least a portion of a benefit of a volume discount is passed from said service provider to said supplier.

80. A display comprising:

an information feature; and

an ordering bar, wherein the ordering bar comprises 4 ordering tabs.

81. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive a location indication.

82. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of selected suppliers.

83. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of desired products.

84. The display of claim 80, wherein one of the ordering tabs comprises means to receive indications of confirmation of an order.

85. The display of claim 81, wherein the information feature shows a list of at least one supplier following receipt of a location indication.

86. The display of claim 82, wherein the information feature shows catalog information following receipt of a selected supplier indication.

87. The display of claim 83, wherein the information feature shows a representation of an order following receipt of at least one desired product indication.

88. A system for conveying an order from a user to a supplier, comprising:

means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set comprising supplier information; and

means for electronically receiving an order from said user,

said means for electronically providing and said means for electronically receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

89. The system of claim 88, wherein said means for electronically providing comprises means for providing supplier information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. address information;

c. service information;

d. hours of operation information;

e. catalog information;

f. critique information;

g. parking information;

h. other information; and

i. a combination of at least two of a-h.

90. The system of claim 88, wherein said means for electronically providing comprises means for electronically providing food supplier information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. address information;

c. cuisine information;

d. delivery information;

e. take-out information;

f. hours of operation information;

g. menu information;

h. attire information;

i. parking information;

j. atmosphere information;

k. review information;

l. other information; and

m. a combination of at least two of a-l.

91. The system of claim 88, wherein:

when said user has a location, said means for electronically providing comprises means for receiving an indication of said location; and

said means for electronically providing further comprises means for providing supplier information corresponding to suppliers located within a preselected distance from said location.

92. The system of claim 88, further comprising means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog comprising catalog information,

said means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable catalog in communication with said means for electronically receiving and said means for electronically providing to said user a locally searchable data set via an electronic communication system.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of:

a. name information;

b. identification number information;

c. size information;

d. color information;

e. material information;

f. inventory information;

g. customization information; and

h. a combination of at least two of a-g.

94. The system of claim 92, wherein, when said supplier is a food supplier, said catalog information comprises information selected from a group consisting of:

a. entree information;

b. side dish information;

c. beverage information;

d. dessert information;

e. specials information;

f. at least one option corresponding to any of a-e;

g. catering information;

h. grocery information;

i. graphic data corresponding to any of a-i; and

j. a combination of at least two of a-i.

95. The system of claim 88, wherein:

said means for electronically receiving an order comprises means for receiving an electronic indication of at least one accounting code from said user, said at least one accounting code selected from a group consisting of;

a. a project code;

b. a client code;

c. a matter code;

d. an expense code;

e. a house account code;

f. a user identification code;

g. an employee identification code; and

h. a combination of at least two of a-g; and

each of said at least one accounting code indicates a debit for at least a portion of said order.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein:

said order comprises at least one amount selected from a group consisting of;

a. a total amount; and

b. a sub-total amount; and

said means for electronically receiving an order comprises means for receiving an electronic indication of at least two accounting codes from said user, each corresponding debit being selected from a group consisting of;

a. a dollar amount;

b. a fraction of said total amount;

c. a percentage of said total amount; and

d. a fraction of a sub-total amount; and

e. a percentage of a sub-total amount.

97. A system for transferring catalog information and order information between consumers and suppliers, said system comprising:

means for qualifying at least one consumer entity;

means for distributing catalog information to at least one consumer entity, said catalog information received from at least one supplier;

means for receiving order information from at least one qualified consumer entity; and

means for delivering at least a portion of said order information to one of said at least one supplier,

said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein:

said system further comprises means for providing a first format to said at least one consumer entity; and

said receiving comprises means for receiving said order information in said first format, said means for providing a first format,

said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

99. The system of claim 97, further comprising:

means for providing a second format to said at least one supplier; and

means for receiving said catalog information in said format,

said means for providing a second format said means for receiving said catalog information, said means for qualifying, said means for distributing, and said means for receiving order information in communication via an electronic communication system.

100. The system of claim 97 wherein:

said qualifying comprises means for providing said at least one consumer entity with an encrypted key;

said receiving comprises means for receiving said encrypted key; and

said receiving further comprises means for verifying that said encrypted key was received from a qualified consumer entity,

said means for receiving said encrypted key, and said means for verifying that encrypted key was received in communication via an electronic communication system.

101. The system of claim 97, wherein said receiving comprises means for receiving order information from a user.

102. The system of claim 101, wherein said receiving order information from a user comprises means for receiving order information from said user via a web site.

103. A system for selectively replacing content in a display of a web page, comprising:

means for storing data from a web server in a frame in a web page having content displayed using a browser running on an access device; and

means for replacing, via an electronic communication network, at least a portion of said content with at least a portion of said data,

said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for polling said server for new data.

105. The system of claim 104, wherein:

said means for replacing comprises means for replacing said data with said new data; and

means for transferring at least a portion of said new data to said display,

said means for replacing said data with said new data and said means for transferring in communication via an electronic communication system.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for using a browser automatic refresh function.

107. The system of claim 103, wherein said system further comprises means for excluding said frame from said display,

said means for excluding, said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

108. The system of claim 103, wherein said means for storing comprises means for transferring a web page from said server, said web page comprising new data.

109. The system of claim 103, further comprising means for transferring at least one function for use by a user of said access device, said function selected from a group consisting of:

a. a customer service function;

b. an order tracking function;

c. an order fulfillment function; and

d. a combination of at least two of a-c;

said means for transferring, said means for storing and said means for replacing in communication via an electronic communication system.

110. A system for selecting food suppliers for a user of a food supplies ordering system, said user having a location, each of said suppliers having a geographic address, said system comprising:

means for defining a region;

means for selecting at least one food supplier having an address substantially inside said region,

said means for defining and said means for selecting in communication via an electronic communication system.

111. The system of claim 110 wherein:

said region has a border; and

said means for selecting comprises means for selecting at least one food supplier having an address that is substantially on said border.

112. The system of claim 110 wherein said means for defining comprises means for choosing at least one border for said region, each of said at least one border being no more than an identified distance from said location.

113. The system of claim 112 wherein said means for defining further comprises means for identifying said location using latitude and longitude coordinates,

said means for identifying and said means for choosing in communication via an electronic communication system.

114. The system of claim 113 wherein said means for identifying comprises means for identifying said location using geodetic latitude and longitude coordinates.

115. The system of claim 110 wherein said means for selecting comprises:

means for converting said address into geodetic coordinates; and

means for selecting said supplier if said coordinates are within said region,

said means for selecting said supplier and said means for converting in communication via an electronic communication system.

116. A system for determining if an entity having a location and a zone lies within an area comprising:

means for identifying a polygon defined by the intersection of a zone and an area, said zone lying partially inside said area and partially outside said area; and

means for determining if said location, which lies within said zone, lies within said polygon,

said means for identifying and said means for determining in communication via an electronic communication system.

117. The system of claim 116 wherein said means for identifying a polygon comprises:

means for identifying vertices of said polygon; and

means for obtaining geodetic coordinates of said vertices,

said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

118. The system of claim 117 wherein said means for identifying a polygon further comprises means for approximating said coordinates using a fixed number of significant figures,

said means for approximating, said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

119. The system of claim 117 wherein said means for identifying a polygon further comprises means for converting said coordinates into base-n values, wherein n is a number greater than 10,

said means for converting, said means for identifying vertices and said means for obtaining in communication via an electronic communication system.

120. A system for sorting suppliers for a user of a supplies ordering system, comprising:

means for calculating a distance between a first location of said user and each of one or more additional locations of said suppliers; and

means for ranking said suppliers by said distances, wherein said ranking is selected from a group consisting of;

a. an ascending order; and

b. a descending order;

said means for calculating and said means for ranking in communication via an electronic communication system.

121. The system of claim 120, wherein said means for ranking comprises means for ranking only suppliers having a corresponding distance no greater than a preselected limit.

122. A system for indicating that a supplier delivers to a user of an ordering system, said supplier having a delivery area, said user having a location and a zone, said location within said zone, comprising:

first means for determining if said zone is within said area; and

means for recording an indication selected from a group consisting of;

a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said zone is within said area; and

b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said zone is not within said area,

said means for determining and said first means for recording in communication via an electronic communication system.

123. The system of claim 122, further comprising, if said zone is partially inside of said area and partially outside of said area:

means for identifying a polygon defined by the intersection of said zone and said area; and

means for determining if said location lies within said polygon,

said means for determining if said zone is within said area, said first means for recording, said means for identifying, and said means for determining if said location lies within said polygon in communication via an electronic communication system.

124. The system of claim 123, further comprising means for recording an indication selected from a group consisting of:

a. an indication that said supplier delivers to said user if said location lies within said polygon; and

b. an indication that said supplier does not deliver to said user if said location does not lie within said polygon,

said second means for recording, said means for determining if said zone is within said area, said first means for recording, said means for identifying, and said means for determining if said location lies within said polygon in communication via an electronic communication system.

125. A system for managing orders placed by users of an on-line food supplies ordering system, said users associating codes with said orders, said system comprising:

means for electronically obtaining at least one code from at least one user, said at least one code corresponding to said at least one order; and

means for indexing said at least one order using said at least one code for subsequent identification of said at least one order using said at least one code,

said means for obtaining and said means for indexing in communication via an electronic communication system.

126. The system of claim 125, further comprising:

means for electronically obtaining an instruction from a second user to group said at least one order into at least one group comprising orders having an attribute that satisfies at least one grouping criterion; and

means for grouping said at least one order in accordance with said instruction, wherein said at least one grouping criterion is selected from a group consisting of;

a. an accounting code;

b. an accounting code range;

c. a user name;

d. a user email address;

e. a user identification number;

f. an employee name;

g. an order date minimum;

h. an order date maximum;

i. an order date range;

j. an order time minimum;

k. an order time maximum;

l. an order time range;

m. an order identification number minimum;

n. an order identification number maximum;

o. an order identification number range;

p. an order total amount minimum;

q. an order total amount maximum;

r. an order total amount range;

s. an order tip amount minimum;

t. an order tip amount maximum;

u. an order tip amount range;

v. an order adjustment amount minimum;

w. an order adjustment amount maximum;

x. an order adjustment amount range; and

y. a combination of at least two of a-x,

said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

127. The system of claim 126, further comprising means for communicating to said second user at least one attribute of each order included in said at least one group,

said means for communicating, said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

128. The system of claim 126, further comprising means for communicating to said second user order information chosen from a group consisting of:

a. a supplier name;

b. supplier contact information;

c. a restaurant name;

d. restaurant contact information;

e. order content;

f. an electronic receipt; and

g. any combination of at least two of a-f,

said means for communicating, said means for electronically obtaining at least one code, said means for indexing, said means for electronically obtaining an instruction, and said means for grouping in communication via an electronic communication system.

129. The system of claim 125, further comprising means for testing validity of said at least one code using at least one indication of validity, each code having a corresponding indication of validity only if said code is deemed valid,

said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for testing validity in communication via an electronic communication system.

130. The system of claim 129, wherein said means for testing comprises means for receiving said at least one indiction of validity from a second user.

131. The system of claim 129, further comprising means for warning a second user if one of said at least one code does not have a corresponding indication of validity,

said means for warning, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for testing validity in communication via an electronic communication system.

132. The system of claim 125, further comprising means for screening said at least one order for violations of at least one accounting rule, said at least one accounting rule requiring that an accounting criterion be satisfied, said accounting criterion chosen from a group consisting of:

a. an accounting code;

b. an accounting code range;

c. a user name;

d. a user email address;

e. a user identification number;

f. an employee name;

g. an order date minimum;

h. an order date maximum;

i. an order date range;

j. an order time minimum;

k. an order time maximum;

l. an order time range;

m. an order identification number minimum;

n. an order identification number maximum;

o. an order identification number range;

p. an order total amount minimum;

q. an order total amount maximum;

r. an order total amount range;

s. an order tip amount minimum;

t. an order tip amount maximum;

u. an order tip amount range;

v. an order adjustment amount minimum;

w. an order adjustment amount maximum;

x. an order adjustment amount range; and

y. a combination of at least two of a-x,

said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for screening in communication via an electronic communication system.

133. The system of claim 132, wherein said means for screening comprises means for receiving said at least one accounting rule from a second user.

134. The system of claim 132, further comprising means for warning a second user one of said at least one order violates one of said at least one rule,

said means for warning, said means for obtaining, said means for indexing, and said means for screening in communication via an electronic communication system.

135. A system for ordering a customized food item from a supplier, wherein a user selects said item and at least one option for customizing said item, said system comprising:

means for electronically receiving an indication of said at least one option from said user via a user access device;

means for displaying a graphical representation of said item as modified by said at least one option using said device; and

means for transmitting an order describing said item as modified by said at least one option to said supplier,

said means for receiving, said means for displaying, and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

136. The system of claim 135, wherein said means for displaying comprises means for updating a display of said item to show said item as modified by said at least one option each time said user selects an option.

137. The system of claim 135, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said at least one option is chosen from a group consisting of:

a. a dough option;

b. a cheese option;

c. a sauce option;

d. a topping option;

e. a crust option; and

f. a pizza size option.

138. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a dough option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said dough option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. plain dough;

b. whole wheat dough;

c. sourdough;

d. pan-style;

e. deep-dish style; and

f. a combination of at least two of a-e.

139. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a cheese option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said cheese option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a cheese amount;

b. a cheese type; and

c. a combination of a and b.

140. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a sauce option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said sauce option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a sauce amount;

b. a sauce type; and

c. a combination of a and b.

141. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a crust option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said crust option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. soft; and

b. crispy.

142. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a topping option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said topping option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. a pizza coverage fraction;

b. a topping amount;

c. a topping type; and

d. a combination of at least two of a-d.

143. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said option is a pizza size option, said means for electronically receiving comprises means for receiving an indication of at least one attribute of said pizza size option, said at least one attribute selected from a group consisting of:

a. small;

b. medium; and

c. large.

144. The system of claim 135, wherein said means for displaying comprises means for showing a graphical representation of said food item in a cooked state.

145. The system of claim 137, wherein said means for transmitting comprises means for transmitting a graphical representation of at least one layer of said pizza, each of said at least one layer corresponding to one of said at least one option, a superimposition of all of said at least one layer corresponding to said pizza as modified by said at least one option, whereby a pizza chef can assemble said pizza in a layer-by-layer fashion.

146. The system of claim 137, wherein, when said food item is a pizza, said means for electronically receiving comprises:

means for electronically receiving an indication to divide said pizza into more than one section;

means for electronically receiving an indication of a selection of at least one of said more than one section; and

means for electronically receiving at least one instruction to apply one of said at least one option to said selection,

said means for receiving an indication to divide, said means for receiving an indication of a selection, and said means for receiving at least one instruction in communication via an electronic communication system.

147. The system of claim 146, wherein said means for electronically receiving an instruction comprises:

means for displaying a hotlink comprising a first graphical representation of said at least one option; and

means for displaying a second graphical representation of one of said at least one option when said user selects said option, said second graphical display replacing a prior graphical display corresponding to a cursor of said access device,

said means for displaying a hotlink and said means for displaying a second graphical representation in communication via an electronic communication system.

148. The system of claim 147, wherein said means for electronically receiving an instruction further comprises means for displaying a third graphical representation of said option when said user positions said cursor on said selection, said third graphical representation showing said option disposed in said selection,

said means for displaying a third graphical representation, said means for displaying a hotlink and said means for displaying a second graphical representation in communication via an electronic communication system.

149. A system for placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said system comprising:

means for forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and

means for transmitting said group order to said supplier,

said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

150. The system of claim 149, further comprising:

means for electronically obtaining said host order;

means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order,

said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

151. The system of claim 150, further comprising:

in response to receiving said host order, means for generating an invitation for each guest specified by said host, said invitation inviting a respective guest to place a guest order; and

means for sending said invitation to each corresponding guest,

said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

152. The system of claim 151, wherein said means for sending comprises means for sending an electronic invitation having a hotlink to an electronic form for placing said guest order.

153. The system of claim 151, further comprising means for obtaining an RSVP from each of said at least one guest, said RSVP selected from a group consisting of:

a. an invitation acceptance;

b. an invitation rejection; and

c. an unconfirmed response;

said means for obtaining an RSVP, said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

154. The system of claim 153, further comprising means for communicating said RSVP to said host,

said means for obtaining an RSVP, said means for communicating said RSVP, said means for generating, said means for sending, said means for electronically obtaining said host order, said means for electronically obtaining said at least one guest order, said means for forming and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

155. The system of claim 149, wherein said means for forming comprises means for communicating to said host an order status indication for each of said at least one guest, wherein said order status indication is chosen from a group consisting of:

a. order received; and

b. order not received.

156. The system of claim 155, wherein said means for forming further comprises means for receiving an indication from said host to transmit said group order to said supplier,

said means for communicating and said means for receiving in communication via an electronic communication system.

157. A system for automatically placing a group order with a supplier, said group order comprising a host order selected by a host and at least one guest order selected by at least one guest, said at least one guest selected by said host, said host order and said at least one guest order input into an ordering system, said group order transmitted to said supplier, said supplier receiving said group order, said system comprising:

means for electronically obtaining said host order and said at least one guest order;

means for forming a group order from said host order and said at least one guest order; and

means for transmitting said group order to said supplier,

said means for electronically obtaining, said means for forming, and said means for transmitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

158. A system for reducing the risk of bad debt, said debt accruing to a provider of an on-line ordering system, said system conveying orders to said supplier, at least one of said orders comprising a price and a payment instruction instructing a financial institution to remit funds corresponding to said price, said system comprising:

means for submitting said payment instruction to said financial institution;

means for receiving a first amount from said financial institution, said first amount equal to said funds reduced by a second amount; and

means for remitting to said supplier a third amount, said third amount equal to said funds reduced by a fourth amount, said fourth amount comprising at least said commission,

said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

159. The system of claim 158, wherein:

said second amount comprises a first service charge;

said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and

said system further comprises;

means for waiting a predetermined period of time; and

means for investing said first amount during said period, so as to offset a loss if said first service charge exceeds said second service charge,

said means for waiting, said means for investing, said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.

160. The system of claim 158, wherein:

said second amount comprises a volume discounted service charge;

said fourth amount comprises a second service charge; and

said system further comprises;

means for selecting said second service charge such that said second service charge is less than said volume discounted service charge, whereby at least a portion of a benefit of a volume discount is passed from said service provider to said supplier,

said means for selecting, said means for submitting, said means for receiving, and said means for remitting in communication via an electronic communication system.