On-line cash register to use in providing a consumer-to-consumer payment service

• US 7,797,235 B2
• Filed: 02/12/2007
• Issued: 09/14/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: First Data Corporation (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: First Data Corporation (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Golub, Matt, Duncan, John, German, Dan A., Morea, Dominic J., Tsuei, Henry T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Poinvil; Frantzy
• Application Number:
  US11/673,702
• Publication Number:
  US 20070136189A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,310 Days
• Field of Search: 705 10- 44
• US Class Current: 705/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/027 involving a payment switch or gateway
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/40 Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting

Abstract

A method for enabling two individual consumers to complete a transaction that includes payment from one consumer (the payor, or buyer) to another consumer (the payee, or seller). An intermediary typically operates the service over a computer network of nodes, such as the Internet. The buyer has the convenience of paying through a variety of different payment instruments. Likewise, the seller has the convenience of receiving payment through a variety of different disbursement instruments. For a fee, the intermediary collects the payment from the buyer and pays the seller. Although the intermediary may receive payment from the buyer before the intermediary transfers the payment to the seller, the intermediary may choose to pay the seller before receiving payment from the buyer. In this case, the intermediary assumes the risk of nonpayment by the buyer. Alternatively, the intermediary may pay a third party that specializes in processing transactions for the payment instrument chosen by the buyer to assume the risk of nonpayment by the buyer. In this case, the intermediary receives a promise of payment from the third party before the intermediary pays the seller. Such a promise of payment from the third party is referred to as an authorization.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for providing an online cash register on behalf of a seller in an online commerce system to enable offering one or more payment instrument types to a buyer in connection with a transaction between the buyer and the seller, the online commerce system including a buyer computer operated by the buyer, a seller computer operated by the seller, and a transaction facilitator comprising a network-accessible transaction computer that facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers, the method comprising:

receiving information from the seller computer indicative of a request for the online cash register, the information including identification information associated with the seller;

communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information corresponding to a plurality of selectable payment instrument types that can be selected by the seller for offering to the buyer upon qualification;

receiving selection of at least one of the selectable payment instrument types from the seller;

communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information requesting provision of underwriting assessment information from the seller that is required for qualification of the at least one selected payment instrument type;

receiving underwriting assessment information from the seller computer corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type;

based on the underwriting assessment information corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type, performing an underwriting assessment;

in response to receipt of an approval of the at least one selected payment instrument type, storing information indicating that the seller is permitted to offer the at least one selected payment instrument type to the buyer in connect with the transaction facilitated by the transaction facilitator; and

thereafter communicating the online cash register to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the online cash register comprising information corresponding to the at least one selected and permitted payment instrument type for selection by the buyer for use in connection with the transaction.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving from the buyer computer information corresponding to registration by the buyer of a selected payment instrument from one or more payment instrument types offered by the seller, so as to define a registered payment instrument for use by the buyer in connection with the transaction.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

receiving a command from the transaction computer for a transfer of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller; and

effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through the selected registered payment instrument.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving from the seller computer information corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument; and

effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money through the disbursement instrument to the seller in connection with the transaction.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

defining additional charges to be added to the transaction.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the additional charges are selected from the group consisting of sales tax, shipping charges, handling charges, and a fee for providing the payment enabling service.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the online cash register automatically calculates additional charges and a total price for the transaction that includes the sale price plus any additional charges, and communicates, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the sale price of the goods, the additional charges, and the total price.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the online cash register is provided to the seller computer via a web page form for display in connection with setup of the online cash register, and to the buyer computer via an online web page form for display in connection with selection of the payment instrument for use in connection with the transaction.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the online cash register is provided on behalf of the seller to multiple buyers, using multiple buyer computers, for use in connection with multiple transactions.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing backroom capabilities to the seller based upon a determination that the seller has qualified for an online cash register.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the backroom capabilities are provided via a web page graphical user interface.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the backroom capabilities include functions selected from the group consisting of enabling the seller to view orders, providing the seller with tools to monitor shipment of goods, and calculating revenues collected by the seller.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the online cash register is integrated with online functionality of the transaction facilitator.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the integration of the online cash register with the online functionality of the transaction facilitator comprises integration with an online auction site, an online classifieds site, an online shopping mall, or a virtual storefront.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is carried out in response to referral of a seller to the payment enabler from the transaction facilitator.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the transaction facilitator automatically transfers the buyer to the seller'"'"'s online cash register in response to facilitating an agreement for the sale of goods from the seller to the buyer.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the underwriting assessment is based on one or more of the following items of information obtained from the seller:

seller'"'"'s name, seller'"'"'s address, seller'"'"'s social security number, seller'"'"'s email address, estimated total sales for products to be sold, type of products to be sold, hold criteria for the seller with the transaction facilitator, or credit history of the seller.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the information for underwriting assessment is provided by the payment enabler to a third party that conducts the underwriting assessment.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the payment enabler rates the seller using tiered risk assessment criteria.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the payment enabler processes information provided by the seller to determine whether to place the seller in a high risk, medium, risk or low risk category for fraud and/or chargebacks.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

providing, by the payment enabler, information to a buyer corresponding to a risk criteria associated with the seller.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group consisting of flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

23. A computer-implemented method for effecting a payment from a buyer to a seller in connection with an online transaction utilizing an online cash register provided by a payment enabling system operated by a payment enabler associated with an online commerce system, the online commerce system including a buyer computer operated by the buyer, a seller computer operated by the seller, and a transaction facilitator comprising a network-accessible transaction computer that facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers, the method comprising:

receiving information from the transaction facilitator corresponding to a transaction involving an agreement between the buyer and seller to sell goods to the buyer at a specified price;

assigning a unique reference number to the transaction;

determining any additional charges associated with the transaction;

communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the online cash register on behalf of the seller, the online cash register offering one or more payment instrument types that can be selected by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction, wherein an underwriting assessment has been performed for each of the one or more payment instrument types based upon underwriting assessment information received from the seller and prior to the communication of the online cash register to the buyer computer;

communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, information corresponding to the transaction including the specified price, any additional charges, and the total price;

receiving from the buyer computer information corresponding to registration by the buyer of a payment instrument comprising a selection of one of the one or more payment instrument types as to define a registered payment instrument;

receiving a command from the transaction computer corresponding to an instruction from the buyer to make the payment of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller in connection with the transaction,

effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through a selected registered payment instrument; and

effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money to the seller.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

receiving from the seller computer information corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument,

wherein the transfer of the disbursement amount of money to the seller is effected through the registered disbursement instrument.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

obtaining an authorization in connection with the selected payment instrument from a third party.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the predetermined amount of money from the buyer includes an amount to cover the cost of the payment service provided by the payment enabler, and the disbursement amount of money to the seller comprises an amount of money from the buyer less the cost of the payment service.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the payment instrument registration information includes a buyer-entered payment amount.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the buyer-entered payment amount is at least the amount of the transaction between the buyer and the seller.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein communicating selectable payment instrument type information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur prior to the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a static registration process.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein communicating selectable payment instrument type information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur after the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a dynamic registration process.

31. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

determining whether goods of the transaction have been acceptably delivered prior to transferring the disbursement amount to the seller.

32. The method of claim 23, wherein the payment instrument comprises a cash deposit made by the buyer at a payment location associated with a cash deposit payment instrument processor.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

prearranging a cash deposit of the predetermined amount to be made by the buyer in person at the payment location; and

receiving notification that the buyer has completed the cash deposit.

34. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

in response to receipt of information from the cash deposit payment instrument processor that the required deposit amount has been received from the buyer at the deposit location, transferring funds received from the buyer to a bank account of an intermediary, prior to making payment to the seller.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein the payment instrument comprises a credit card.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the registration of the credit card as a payment instrument comprises:

receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, address, card association, card number, and card expiration date;

sending the registration information to a credit card processor for approval; and

in response to receipt of approval from the credit card processor, registering the credit card as a payment instrument usable by the buyer.

37. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

obtaining an authorization from a third party in connection with the use of the selected payment instrument.

38. The method of claim 23, wherein the payment instrument comprises an electronic fund transaction.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the registration by the buyer of the payment instrument comprises:

receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, a routing number for a bank account to be used in the electronic fund transaction, and an account number for the bank account;

sending the registration information to an electronic fund transaction processor; and

receiving a decision whether future electronic fund transaction requests will be accepted by the electronic fund transaction processor.

40. The method of claim 38, further comprising:

obtaining an authorization for the transfer of the amount of money using the electronic fund transaction, wherein obtaining the authorization comprises;

requesting that an electronic fund transaction processor debit a bank account of the buyer using an automated clearing house; and

receiving a decision whether the request is accepted based upon decision factors including a current balance for the bank account of the buyer and the amount of money.

41. The method of claim 23, wherein the payment instrument comprises a paper check.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

prearranging a check deposit to be made by the buyer through a paper check sent through a postal service; and

receiving notification from a paper check processor that the paper check has cleared.

43. The method of claim 23, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group consisting of flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

44. A computer-implemented method for effecting a payment from a buyer to a seller in connection with an online transaction utilizing an online cash register provided by a payment enabling system operated by a payment enabler associated with an online commerce system, the online commerce system including a buyer computer operated by the buyer, a seller computer operated by the seller, and a transaction facilitator comprising a network-accessible transaction computer that facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers, the method comprising:

receiving information from the seller computer indicative of a request for the online cash register, the information including identification information associated with the seller;

communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information corresponding to a plurality of selectable payment instrument types that can be selected by the seller for offering to the buyer upon qualification;

receiving selection of at least one of the selectable payment instrument types from the seller, for offering to the buyer via the online cash register;

performing an underwriting assessment for the at least one selectable payment instrument type;

storing information indicating that the seller is permitted to offer the at least one selected payment instrument type to the buyer in connection with the transaction;

receiving, from the transaction facilitator based upon an agreement between the buyer and seller to sell goods to the buyer at a specified price, information corresponding to the transaction;

determining any additional charges associated with the transaction;

communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the online cash register on behalf of the seller, the online cash register offering one or more permitted payment instrument types that can be selected by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction;

communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, information corresponding to the transaction including the specified price, any additional charges, and the total price;

receiving from the buyer computer information corresponding to registration by the buyer of a payment instrument comprising a selection of one of the permitted payment instrument types as to define a registered payment instrument;

receiving a command from the transaction computer corresponding to an instruction from the buyer to make the payment of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller in connection with the transaction;

effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through the selected registered payment instrument; and

effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money to the seller.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information requesting provision of underwriting assessment information from the seller that is required for qualification of the at least one selected payment instrument type; and

receiving underwriting assessment information from the seller via the seller computer corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type,

wherein the underwriting assessment is performed based on the received underwriting assessment information.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the underwriting assessment is based on one or more of the following items of information obtained from the seller:

seller'"'"'s name, seller'"'"'s address, seller'"'"'s social security number, seller'"'"'s email address, estimated total sales for products to be sold, type of products to be sold, how long the seller has been associated with the transaction facilitator, or credit history of the seller.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the underwriting assessment information is provided by the payment enabler to a third party that conducts the underwriting assessment.

48. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

assigning a unique reference number to the transaction, for use in connection with operations of the online cash register.

49. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

receiving from the seller computer information corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument; and

effecting a transfer of the disbursement amount of money through the registered disbursement instrument to the seller after use of the selected payment instrument by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction.

50. The method of claim 44, wherein the additional charges are selected from the group consisting of sales tax, shipping charges, handling charges, and a fee for providing the payment enabling service.

51. The method of claim 44, wherein the online cash register automatically calculates additional charges and the total price for the transaction that includes the sale price plus any additional charges, and presents a display of the sale price of the goods, the additional charges, and the total price to a buyer for payment.

52. The method of claim 44, wherein the online cash register is provided to the seller computer via a web page form for display in connection with setup of the online cash register, and to the buyer computer via an online web page form in connection with selection of the payment instrument for use in connection with the transaction.

53. The method of claim 44, wherein the online cash register is provided on behalf of the seller to multiple buyers, using multiple buyer computers, for use in connection with multiple transactions.

54. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

providing backroom capabilities to the seller based upon a determination that the seller has qualified for an online cash register.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the backroom capabilities are provided via a web page graphical user interface.

56. The method of claim 54, wherein the backroom capabilities include functions selected from the group consisting of enabling the seller to view orders, providing the seller with tools to monitor shipment of goods, and calculating revenues collected by the seller.

57. The method of claim 44, wherein the online cash register is integrated with online functionality of the transaction facilitator.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the integration of the online cash register with the online functionality of the transaction facilitator comprises integration with an online auction site, an online classifieds site, an online shopping mall, or a virtual storefront.

59. The method of claim 44, wherein the method is carried out in response to referral of the seller to the payment enabler from the transaction facilitator.

60. The method of claim 44, wherein the transaction facilitator automatically transfers the buyer to the seller'"'"'s online cash register in response to facilitating an agreement for the sale of goods from the seller to the buyer.

61. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment enabler rates the seller using tiered risk assessment criteria.

62. The method of claim 61, wherein the payment enabler processes information provided by the seller to determine whether to place the seller in a high risk, medium, risk or low risk category for fraud and/or chargebacks.

63. The method of claim 61, further comprising:

providing, by the payment enabler, information to the buyer corresponding to a risk criteria associated with the seller.

64. The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group consisting of flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

65. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

obtaining an authorization in connection with the selected payment instrument from a third party.

66. The method of claim 44, wherein the predetermined amount of money from the buyer includes an amount to cover the cost of the payment service provided by the payment enabler, and the disbursement amount of money to the seller comprises an amount of money from the buyer less the cost of the payment service.

67. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment instrument registration information includes a buyer-entered payment amount.

68. The method of claim 67, wherein the buyer-entered payment amount is at least the amount of the transaction between the buyer and the seller.

69. The method of claim 44, wherein communicating selectable payment instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur prior to the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a static registration process.

70. The method of claim 44, wherein communicating selectable payment instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur after the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a dynamic registration process.

71. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

determining whether goods of the transaction have been acceptably delivered prior to transferring the disbursement amount to the seller.

72. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment instrument comprises a cash deposit made by the buyer at a payment location associated with a cash deposit payment instrument processor.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

prearranging a cash deposit of the predetermined amount to be made by the buyer in person at the payment location; and

receiving notification that the buyer has completed the cash deposit.

74. The method of claim 72, further comprising:

in response to receipt of information from the cash deposit payment instrument processor that the required deposit amount has been received from the buyer at the deposit location, transferring funds received From the buyer to a bank account of an intermediary, prior to making payment to the seller.

75. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment instrument comprises a credit card.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein the registration of the credit card as a payment instrument comprises:

receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, address, card association, card number, and card expiration date;

sending the registration information to a credit card processor for approval; and

in response to receipt of approval from the credit card processor, registering the credit card as a payment instrument usable by the buyer.

77. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment instrument comprises an electronic fund transaction.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the registration by the buyer of the payment instrument comprises:

receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, a routing number for a bank account to be used in the electronic fund transaction, and an account number for the bank account;

sending the registration information to an electronic fund transaction processor; and

receiving a decision whether future electronic fund transaction requests will be accepted by the electronic fund transaction processor.

79. The method of claim 77, further comprising:

obtaining an authorization for the transfer of the amount of money using the electronic fund transaction, wherein obtaining the authorization comprises;

requesting that an electronic fund transaction processor debit a bank account of the buyer using an automated clearing house; and

receiving a decision whether the request is accepted based upon decision factors including a current balance for the bank account of the buyer and the amount of money.

80. The method of claim 44, wherein the payment instrument comprises a paper check.

81. The method of claim 80, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

prearranging a cheek deposit to be made by the buyer through a paper check sent through a postal service; and

receiving notification from a paper check processor that the paper check has cleared.

82. A system for providing an online cash register on behalf of a seller to enable offering one or more payment instrument types to a buyer in connection with a transaction between the buyer and the seller, in connection with effecting payment for goods purchased by the buyer using a buyer computer system from the seller using a seller computer system in an online transaction facilitated by a transaction facilitator, the transaction facilitator operating a network-accessible transaction computer that facilitates commercial transactions between buyers and sellers, the system comprising:

a payment enabling system;

an interface for data communications with the buyer computer;

an interface for data communications with the seller computer;

an interface for data communications with the transaction computer;

the payment enabling system receiving information from seller computer indicative of a request for the online cash register, the information including identification information associated with the seller;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information corresponding to a plurality of selectable payment instrument types that can be selected by the seller for offering to the buyer upon qualification;

the payment enabling system receiving selection of at least one of the selectable payment instrument types from the seller;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information requesting provision of underwriting assessment information from the seller that is required for qualification of the at least one selected payment instrument type;

the payment enabling system receiving underwriting assessment information from the seller computer corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type;

based on the underwriting assessment information corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type, the payment enabling system performing an underwriting assessment;

in response to receipt of an approval of the at least one selected payment instrument type, the payment enabling system storing information indicating that the seller is permitted to offer the at least one selected payment instrument type to the buyer in connection with the transaction facilitated by the transaction facilitator; and

the payment enabling system thereafter communicating the online cash register for display to the buyer via the buyer computer, the online cash register comprising information corresponding to the at least one selected and permitted payment instrument type for selection by the buyer for use in connection with the transaction.

83. The system of claim 82, the payment enabling system further receiving information from the buyer computer corresponding to registration by the buyer of a selected payment instrument from one or more payment instrument types offered by the seller, so as to define a registered payment instrument for use by the buyer in connection with the transaction.

84. The system of claim 83, the payment enabling system further receiving a command from the transaction computer for a transfer of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller, and effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through the selected registered payment instrument.

85. The system of claim 82, the payment enabling system further receiving information from the seller computer corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument, and effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money through the disbursement instrument to the seller after use of a selected payment instrument by the buyer to make a payment in connection with the transaction.

86. The system of claim 82, the payment enabling system further defining additional charges to be added to the transaction.

87. The system of claim 86, wherein the additional charges are selected from the group consisting of sales tax, shipping charges, handling charges, and a fee for providing the payment enabling service.

88. The system of claim 82, wherein the online cash register automatically calculates additional charges and a total price for the transaction that includes the sale price plus any additional charges, and communicates, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the sale price of the goods, the additional charges, and the total price.

89. The system of claim 82, wherein the online cash register is provided to the seller computer via a web page form for display in connection with setup of the online cash register, and to the buyer computer via an online web page form for display in connection with selection of a payment instrument for use in connection with the transaction.

90. The system of claim 82, wherein the online cash register is provided on behalf of the seller to multiple buyers, using multiple buyer computers, for use in connection with multiple transactions.

91. The system of claim 82, the payment enabling system further providing backroom capabilities to the seller based upon a determination that the seller that has qualified for the online cash register.

92. The system of claim 91, wherein the backroom capabilities are provided via a web page graphical user interface.

93. The system of claim 91, wherein the backroom capabilities include functions selected from the group consisting of enabling the seller to view orders, providing the seller with tools to monitor shipment of goods, and calculating revenues collected by the seller.

94. The system of claim 82, wherein the online cash register is integrated with online functionality of the transaction facilitator.

95. The system of claim 94, wherein the integration of the online cash register with the online functionality of the transaction facilitator comprises integration with an online auction site, an online classifieds site, an online shopping mall, or a virtual storefront.

96. The system of claim 82, the payment enabling system providing the online cash register operations in response to referral of the seller to the payment enabler from the transaction facilitator.

97. The system of claim 82, wherein the transaction facilitator automatically transfers the buyer to the seller'"'"'s online cash register in response to facilitating an agreement for the sale of goods from the seller to the buyer.

98. The system of claim 82, wherein the underwriting assessment is based on one or more of the following items of information obtained from the seller:

seller'"'"'s name, seller'"'"'s address, seller'"'"'s social security number, seller'"'"'s email address, estimated total sales for products to be sold, type of products to be sold, hold criteria for the seller with the transaction facilitator, or credit history of the seller.

99. The system of claim 82, wherein the information for underwriting assessment is provided by the payment enabler to a third party that conducts the underwriting assessment.

100. The system of claim 82, wherein the payment enabler rates the seller using tiered risk assessment criteria.

101. The system of claim 100, wherein the payment enabler processes information provided by the seller to determine whether to place the seller in a high risk, medium, risk or low risk category for fraud and/or chargebacks.

102. The system of claim 100, the payment enabling system providing information to the buyer corresponding to a risk criteria associated with a seller.

103. The system of claim 82, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group consisting of flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

104. A system for effecting a payment from a buyer to a seller in an online transaction utilizing an online cash register provided on behalf of the seller to enable offering one or more payment instrument types to the buyer in connection with the transaction, the online transaction between the buyer and seller facilitated by a transaction computer operated by a transaction facilitator, the system comprising;

a payment enabling system;

an interface for data communications with a buyer computer associated with the buyer;

an interface for data communications with a seller computer associated with the seller;

an interface for data communications with the transaction computer;

the payment enabling system receiving information from the transaction facilitator corresponding to the transaction involving an agreement between the buyer and seller to sell goods to the buyer at a specified price;

the payment enabling system assigning a unique reference number to the transaction;

the payment enabling system determining any additional charges associated with the transaction;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the online cash register on behalf of the seller, the online cash register offering one or more payment instrument types that can be selected by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction, wherein an underwriting assessment has been performed for each of the one or more payment instrument types based upon underwriting assessment information received from the seller and prior to the communication of the online cash register to the buyer computer;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, information corresponding to the transaction including the specified price, any additional charges, and the total price;

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer computer information corresponding to registration by the buyer of a payment instrument comprising a selection of one of the one or more payment instrument types as to define a registered payment instrument;

the payment enabling system receiving a command from the transaction computer corresponding to an instruction from the buyer to make the payment of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller in connection with the transaction;

the payment enabling system effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through a selected registered payment instrument; and

the payment enabling system effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money to the seller.

105. The system of claim 104, the payment enabling system receiving from the seller computer information corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument, and wherein the transfer of the disbursement amount of money to the seller is effected through the registered disbursement instrument.

106. The system of claim 104, the payment enabling system obtaining an authorization in connection with the selected payment instrument from a third party.

107. The system of claim 104, wherein the predetermined amount of money from the buyer includes an amount to cover the cost of the payment service provided by the payment enabler, and the disbursement amount of money to the seller comprises an amount of money from the buyer less the cost of the payment service.

108. The system of claim 104, wherein the payment instrument registration information includes a buyer-entered payment amount.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein the buyer-entered payment amount is at least the amount of the transaction between the buyer and the seller.

110. The system of claim 104, wherein the operations of communicating selectable payment type instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur prior to the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a static registration process.

111. The system of claim 104, wherein the operations of communicating selectable payment type instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur after the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a dynamic registration process.

112. The system of claim 104, the payment enabling system determining if goods of the transaction have been acceptably delivered prior to transferring the disbursement amount to the seller.

113. The system of claim 104, wherein the payment instrument comprises a cash deposit made by the buyer at a payment location associated with a cash deposit payment instrument processor.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system prearranging a cash deposit of the predetermined amount to be made by the buyer in person at the payment location; and

the payment enabling system receiving notification that he buyer has completed the cash deposit.

115. The system of claim 113, in response to receipt of information from the cash deposit payment instrument processor that the required deposit amount has been received from the buyer at the deposit location, the payment enabling system transferring funds received from the buyer to a bank account of an intermediary, prior to making payment to the seller.

118. The system of claim 104, the payment enabling system obtaining an authorization from a third party in connection with the use of a selected payment instrument.

119. The system of claim 104, wherein the payment instrument comprises an electronic fund transaction.

120. The system of claim 119, wherein the registration by the buyer of the payment instrument comprises;

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, a routing number for a bank account to be used in the electronic fund transaction, and an account number for the bank account;

the payment enabling system sending the registration information to an electronic fund transaction processor; and

the payment enabling system receiving a decision whether future electronic fund transaction requests will be accepted by the electronic fund transaction processor.

121. The system of claim 119, the payment enabling system obtaining an authorization for the transfer of the amount of money using the electronic fund transaction, and wherein obtaining the authorization comprises:

the payment enabling system requesting that an electronic fund transaction processor debit a bank account of the buyer using an automated clearing house; and

the payment enabling system receiving a decision whether the request is accepted based upon decision factors including a current balance for the bank account of the buyer and the amount of money.

122. The system of claim 104, wherein the payment instrument comprises a paper check.

123. The system of claim 122, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system prearranging a cheek deposit to be made by the buyer through a paper check sent through a postal service; and

the payment enabling system receiving notification from a paper check processor that the paper check has cleared.

124. The system of claim 104, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group including:

flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

116. The system of 104, wherein the payment instrument comprises a credit card.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the registration of the credit card as a payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, address, card association, card number, and card expiration date;

the payment enabling system sending the registration information to a credit card processor for approval; and

in response to receipt of approval from the credit card processor, the payment enabling system registering the credit card as a payment instrument usable by the buyer.

125. A system for effecting a payment from a buyer to a seller in an online transaction utilizing an online cash register provided on behalf of the seller to enable offering one or more payment instrument types to the buyer in connection with the transaction, the online transaction between the buyer and seller facilitated by a transaction computer operated by a transaction facilitator, the system comprising;

a payment enabling system;

an interface for data communications with a buyer computer associated with the buyer;

an interface for data communications with a seller computer associated with the seller;

an interface for data communications with the transaction computer;

the payment enabling system receiving information from the seller computer indicative of a request for the online cash register, the information including identification information associated with the seller;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information corresponding to a plurality of selectable payment instrument types that can be selected by the seller for offering to the buyer upon qualification;

the payment enabling system receiving selection of at least one of the selectable payment instrument types from the seller, for offering to the buyer via the online cash register;

the payment enabling system performing an underwriting assessment for the at least one selectable payment instrument type;

the payment enabling system storing information indicating that the seller is permitted to offer the at least one selectable payment instrument type to the buyer in connection with the transaction;

the payment enabling system receiving, from the transaction facilitator based upon an agreement between the buyer and seller to sell goods to the buyer at a specified price, information corresponding to the transaction;

the payment enabling system determining any additional charges associated with the transaction;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, the online cash register on behalf of the seller, the online cash register offering one or more permitted payment instrument types that can be selected by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction;

the payment enabling system communicating, to the buyer computer for display to the buyer, information corresponding to the transaction including the specified price, any additional charges, and the total price;

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer computer information corresponding to registration by the buyer of a payment instrument comprising a selection of one of the permitted payment instrument types as to define a registered payment instrument;

the payment enabling system receiving a command from the transaction computer corresponding to an instruction from the buyer to make the payment of a predetermined amount of money from the buyer to the seller in connection with the transaction;

the payment enabling system effecting a transfer of at least the predetermined amount of money from the buyer through the selected registered payment instrument; and

the payment enabling system effecting a transfer of a disbursement amount of money to the seller.

126. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system further operative for:

communicating, to the seller computer for display to the seller, information requesting provision of underwriting assessment information from the seller that is required for qualification of the at least one selected payment instrument type; and

receiving underwriting assessment information from the seller via the seller computer corresponding to the at least one selected payment instrument type,

wherein the underwriting assessment is performed based on the received underwriting assessment information.

127. The system of claim 126, wherein the underwriting assessment is based on one or more of the following items of information obtained from the seller:

seller'"'"'s name, seller'"'"'s address, seller'"'"'s social security number, seller'"'"'s email address, estimated total sales for products to be sold, type of products to be sold, how long the seller has been associated with the transaction facilitator, or credit history of the seller.

128. The system of claim 126, wherein the underwriting assessment information is provided by the payment enabler to a third party that conducts the underwriting assessment.

129. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system assigning a unique reference number to the transaction, for use in connection with operations of the online cash register.

130. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system receiving from the seller computer information corresponding to registration by the seller of a disbursement instrument, and effecting a transfer of the disbursement amount of money through the registered disbursement instrument to the seller after use of the selected payment instrument by the buyer to make the payment in connection with the transaction.

131. The system of claim 125, wherein the additional charges are selected from the group consisting of sales tax, shipping charges, handling charges, and a fee for providing the payment enabling service.

132. The system of claim 125, wherein the online cash register automatically calculates additional charges and a total price for the transaction that includes the sale price plus any additional charges, and presents a display of the sale price of the goods, the additional charges, and the total price to a buyer for payment.

133. The system of claim 125, wherein the online cash register is provided to the seller computer via a web page form for display in connection with setup of the online cash register, and to the buyer computer via an online web page form in connection with selection of a payment instrument for use in connection with a transaction.

134. The system of claim 125, wherein the online cash register is provided on behalf of the seller to multiple buyers, using multiple buyer computers, for use in connection with multiple transactions.

135. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system providing backroom capabilities to the seller based upon a determination that the seller has qualified for the online cash register.

136. The system of claim 135, wherein the backroom capabilities are provided via a web page graphical user interface.

137. The system of claim 135, wherein the backroom capabilities include functions selected from the group consisting of enabling the seller to view orders, providing the seller with tools to monitor shipment of goods, and calculating revenues collected by the seller.

138. The system of claim 125, wherein the online cash register is integrated with online functionality of the transaction facilitator.

139. The system of claim 138, wherein the integration of the online cash register with the online functionality of the transaction facilitator comprises integration with an online auction site, an online classifieds site, an online shopping mall, or a virtual storefront.

140. The system of claim 125, wherein the payment enabling system is operative in response to referral of the seller to the payment enabler from the transaction facilitator.

141. The system of claim 125, wherein the transaction facilitator automatically transfers the buyer to the seller'"'"'s online cash register in response to facilitating an agreement for the sale of goods from the seller to the buyer.

142. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system rating the seller using tiered risk assessment criteria.

143. The system of claim 142, the payment enabling system processing information provided by the seller to determine whether to place the seller in a high risk, medium, risk or low risk category for fraud and/or chargebacks.

144. The system of claim 142, the payment enabling system providing information to the buyer corresponding to a risk criteria associated with the seller.

145. The system of claim 125, wherein the plurality of payment instrument types are selected from the group consisting of flash cash deposit, credit card, electronic fund transaction, virtual private payment account, and paper check.

146. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system obtaining an authorization m connection with the selected payment instrument from a third party.

147. The system of claim 125, wherein the predetermined amount of money from the buyer includes an amount to cover the cost of the payment service provided by the payment enabler, and the disbursement amount of money to the seller comprises an amount of money from the buyer less the cost of the payment service.

148. The system of claim 125, wherein the payment instrument registration information includes a buyer-entered payment amount.

149. The system of claim 148, wherein the buyer-entered payment amount is at least the amount of the transaction between the buyer and the seller.

150. The system of claim 125, wherein the operations of communicating selectable payment instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur prior to the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a static registration process.

151. The system of claim 125, wherein the operations of communicating selectable payment instrument information and receiving payment instrument registration information occur after the transaction between the buyer and the seller in a dynamic registration process.

152. The system of claim 125, the payment enabling system determining if goods of the transaction have been acceptably delivered prior to transferring the disbursement amount to the seller.

153. The system of claim 125, wherein the payment instrument comprises a cash deposit made by the buyer at a payment location associated with a cash deposit payment instrument processor.

154. The system of claim 153, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system prearranging a cash deposit of the predetermined amount to be made by the buyer in person at the payment location; and

the payment enabling system receiving notification that the buyer has completed the cash deposit.

155. The system of claim 153, the payment enabling system, in response to receipt of information from the cash deposit payment instrument processor that the required deposit amount has been received from the buyer at the deposit location, transferring funds received from the buyer to a bank account of an intermediary, prior to making payment to the seller.

156. The system of claim 125, wherein the payment instrument comprises a credit card.

157. The system of claim 156, wherein the registration of the credit card as a payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, address, card association, card number, and card expiration date;

the payment enabling system sending the registration information to a credit card processor for approval; and

the payment enabling system, in response to receipt of approval from the credit card processor, registering the credit card as a payment instrument usable by the buyer.

158. The system of claim 125, wherein the payment instrument comprises an electronic fund transaction.

159. The system of claim 158, wherein the registration by the buyer of the payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system receiving from the buyer registration information comprising a name, a routing number for a bank account to be used in the electronic fund transaction, and an account number for the bank account;

the payment enabling system sending the registration information to an electronic fund transaction processor; and

the payment enabling system receiving a decision whether future electronic fund transaction requests will be accepted by the electronic fund transaction processor.

160. The system of claim 158, the payment enabling system obtaining an authorization for the transfer of the amount of money using the electronic fund transaction, and wherein obtaining the authorization comprises:

the payment enabling system requesting that an electronic fund transaction processor debit a bank account of the buyer using an automated clearing house; and

the payment enabling system receiving a decision whether the request is accepted based upon decision factors including a current balance for the bank account of the buyer and the amount of money.

161. The system of claim 125 wherein the payment instrument comprises a paper check.

162. The system of claim 161, wherein the registration of the payment instrument comprises:

the payment enabling system prearranging a check deposit to be made by the buyer through a paper check sent through a postal service; and

the payment enabling system receiving notification from a paper check processor that the paper check has cleared.