E-commerce volume pricing
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A system that facilitates volume pricing, comprising:
- at least one processor coupled to a memory that executes the following computer executable components;
a first component that generates a virtual forum configured to host a private deal room that displays an offer for an item for sale by a seller;
a second component that grants or forbids access to the private deal room, access is granted to a potential buyer who qualifies based at least in part on criteria chosen by the seller; and
a third component that determines a lowest price for the item.
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Abstract
In the volume pricing methodology, a seller initially establishes a price structure for a product which provides for lower prices as larger quantities of the product are purchased. The price structure is electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For example, the price structure may be displayed on an Internet site. The sellers further establish an “open session” period during which orders for the product are accepted. During the open session period, multiple buyers are able to place orders for the product up to a maximum available quantity. At the end of the open session, the total quantity of products collectively ordered by all of the buyers is calculated. Based on the total quantity ordered, the final price to all buyers is the lowest price provided from the price structure regardless of whether the lowest price had been reached at the time a particular buyer placed their order during the open session.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system that facilitates volume pricing, comprising:
at least one processor coupled to a memory that executes the following computer executable components; a first component that generates a virtual forum configured to host a private deal room that displays an offer for an item for sale by a seller; a second component that grants or forbids access to the private deal room, access is granted to a potential buyer who qualifies based at least in part on criteria chosen by the seller; and a third component that determines a lowest price for the item. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19)
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13. A method for facilitating volume pricing, comprising:
employing at least one processor to execute computer executable instructions stored in memory to perform the following acts; selecting a set of buyers who qualify for access to a private deal room as a function of seller terms and conditions; presenting an offer for a product or service to a buyer at a current price in the private deal room; accepting a quantity of the product or service by the buyer; aggregating a total quantity ordered via the deal room; and updating a price point based at least in part upon the total quantity ordered. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 20)
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18. A method for facilitating volume pricing, comprising:
employing at least one processor to execute computer executable instructions stored in memory to perform the following acts; displaying an offer for an item at a specified price in a private electronic forum; limiting access to the forum to participants satisfying a seller'"'"'s terms and conditions; receiving an order for the item from at least one participant; reducing the specified price when an amount of the item ordered exceeds a threshold; and agreeing to fill all orders at the lowest specified price.
Specification