Abstract:
Method and apparatus for the sale of goods over the Internet provides, in one example embodiment, a sales or “scrubbing” agent receiving a request to offer goods for sale on an Internet web site, with the request specifying the kind of goods, and restrictions on the sale of the goods. The scrubbing agent validates that the goods are as specified in the request, and offers the goods for sale over the Internet in accordance with any applicable restrictions. The scrubbing agent receives offers over the Internet to purchase the goods, and assures that that any sales of the goods will be made in accordance with any restrictions specified for the sale of the goods. Also, the scrubbing agent may arrange to ship any goods sold, and, optionally, arrange for or invoice the buyer of goods and arrange for or remit payment to the seller of the goods. According to one example embodiment, the seller and buyer of the goods remain anonymous to one another. According to another example embodiment, the scrubbing agent physically inspects the goods to verify that they are bona fide and in conformance with a proposed listing from a seller, before being posted for sale on the Internet.

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE/PERMISSION  
         [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawing hereto: Copyright © 1999, Redtagoutlet.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
         TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to electronic systems for supporting sales transactions, and more particularly to an Internet-based system for the sale of goods over the Internet.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Online sales over the Internet have grown dramatically in just a few short years. Purchasing retail goods online, where the quality and quantity of the goods offered for sale is known with some degree of assurance, is of relatively low risk to a potential buyer. Purchasing other types of goods such as antiques, used goods, or large volumes of goods, can be much riskier when done over the Internet. While the risk for such transactions may be acceptable where the dollar value of the purchase is relatively low, for example less than a few hundred dollars, the risk of such transactions involving more substantial sums is great. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and process for the sale of goods over the Internet for such transactions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The present invention provides method and apparatus for the sale of goods over the Internet. According to one example embodiment, a sales or “scrubbing” agent receives a request to offer goods for sale on an Internet web site, with the request specifying the kind of goods, and restrictions on the sale of the goods. The scrubbing agent validates that the goods are as specified in the request, and offers the goods for sale over the Internet in accordance with any applicable restrictions. The scrubbing agent receives offers over the Internet to purchase the goods, and assures that that any sales of the goods will be made in accordance with any restrictions specified for the sale of the goods. Also, the scrubbing agent may arrange to ship any goods sold, and, optionally, arrange for or invoice the buyer of goods and arrange for or remit payment to the seller of the goods. According to one example embodiment, the seller and buyer of the goods remain anonymous to one another. According to another example embodiment, the scrubbing agent physically inspects the goods to verify that they are bona fide and in conformance with a listing from a seller, before the sale is completed.  
           [0005]    These and various other embodiments of the invention are described below.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a system for the sale of goods using a scrubbing process according to the present invention.  
         [0007]    [0007]FIGS. 2A, 2B and  2 C illustrate a web site design according to one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0008]    [0008]FIG. 3 illustrates one example embodiment of a system for the sale of goods over the Internet according to the present invention.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C illustrate a data flow for one example embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of the Internet system according to the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]    In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0012]    Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an overview of one embodiment of the process  10  of the present invention used to facilitate the sale of goods over the Internet or any comparable wide area network. Further, as used herein, the term “web site” shall mean a node on the Internet which is supported by a server generating web pages processed by a web browser or equivalent. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this process includes, among other elements, as illustrated by element  12 , a “scrubbing agent,” sometimes referred to herein as the “scrubber,” receives a request to offer goods for sale on an Internet web site, wherein the request specifies the goods for sale, and any restrictions on the sale of the goods that the seller may wish to specify, as discussed more fully below. As used herein, the term “scrubbing agent” shall mean an agent which performs an electronic clearinghouse perfecting process, as defined more fully below. As further illustrated by element  14 , process  10  further includes the agent “scrubbing” the goods proposed for sale by a seller, before such goods are placed on sale on the scrubbing agent&#39;s web site. Such goods include, without limitation, wholesale goods, bankruptcy goods, and going-out-of-business goods. This scrubbing process is described in more detail below. Next, the scrubbing agent offers the goods for sale on an Internet web site in accordance with any applicable restrictions such as that the goods may only be sold to a retailer, or only shipped to a designated geographic territory, as indicated in element  16 . Offers for the purchase of the goods may then be received on the web site, as shown in element  18 , and the offers are scrubbed by a scrubbing agent  19 . Negotiations occur between buyers and sellers and an offer is accepted  20 . The scrubbing agency then performs a number of tasks such as but not limited to physically inspecting the goods, arranging to ship the sold goods, and, if necessary, such that such shipping abides by any restrictions specified for the sale of the goods by the seller, as shown in element  22 . In addition, the scrubbing agent may invoice the buyer of the goods and facilitate or make payment to the seller of the goods or make financing arrangements. These and other tasks performed by the scrubbing agent are described in more detail below.  
         [0013]    According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, scrubbing goods entails, at least in part, validating that the goods are of the kind, quality, condition, authenticity and/or quantity represented by the seller proposing to sell the goods over the agent&#39;s web site. On the other side of the transaction, the scrubbing agent investigates the buyer&#39;s credentials to establish the buyer meets one or more criteria established by the agent, such as the buyer&#39;s reputation in the business community or credit history. By this mechanism and others to be described hereinbelow, the scrubbing agent thus provides buyers and sellers an Internet marketplace wherein sales transactions may be accomplished by either buyers or sellers with confidence that goods offered for sale on the web site conform to the seller&#39;s representations and that a buyer of goods is credible and financially able to complete a sales transaction.  
         [0014]    Thus, according to one example embodiment of the invention, the process and scrubbing agent&#39;s web site and computer system  28  is designed to provide the following operations and functions:  
         [0015]    1) pre-approving and screening of buyers and sellers and assignment of a quality grade to each participant;  
         [0016]    2) maintaining the confidentiality of buyers and sellers;  
         [0017]    3) providing a trusted intermediary between buyers and sellers;  
         [0018]    4) providing pricing and merchandising consultation;  
         [0019]    5) verifying quantity, authenticity and condition of goods;  
         [0020]    6) minimizing the risk for buyers and sellers;  
         [0021]    7) facilitating transactions;  
         [0022]    8) generating electronic purchase orders and invoices;  
         [0023]    9) arranging credit terms; and  
         [0024]    10) coordinating shipping, packing and delivery.  
         [0025]    The invention, in one or more of the embodiments described herein, provides a seller can obtain the following advantages:  
         [0026]    1) can remain anonymous;  
         [0027]    2) can quickly post merchandise on the agent&#39;s web site;  
         [0028]    3) can reach a worldwide network of pre-qualified buyers;  
         [0029]    4) can deal with a single entity to carry out a transaction;  
         [0030]    5) can maximize the selling price with minimum time and effort;  
         [0031]    6) can project the total outcome of a sale online; and  
         [0032]    7) can review account history online.  
         [0033]    The invention, in one or more of the embodiments described herein, provides a buyer can obtain the following advantages:  
         [0034]    1) can remain anonymous;  
         [0035]    2) can reduce total acquisition cost;  
         [0036]    3) can submit offers online;  
         [0037]    4) can deal with a single entity to carry out a transaction;  
         [0038]    5) can make payments electronically;  
         [0039]    6) can qualify for credit;  
         [0040]    7) can project a total estimate for transactions online; and  
         [0041]    8) can review account history online.  
         [0042]    Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B and  2 C, there is illustrated an overview of an architecture for an Internet-based system  28  supporting a web site  30 , hosted on a computer system  28  connected to the Internet (as illustrated in FIG. 5 and described further below) according to one example embodiment of the invention. System  28  provides the necessary database and other software functionality to support the web site  30  and other functionality described herein. Web site  30  includes a home page  31  providing access to a public area  32  and a private area  34 . The public area  32  provides potential customers or visitors one or more web pages generated to provide: 1) general information  36  about the web site, for example how to use the sales process using the web site; 2) an on-line application and contract documents  38  to collect application and contract data from potential customers; and 3) a showroom or listings of goods for sale  40  on the web site that have been designated “non-restricted inventories” currently available for sale on the web site. These web pages have all of the same functions of the qualified user showroom, described more fully below, without the functionality of making offers to purchase.  
         [0043]    As further illustrated in FIG. 2B, application and contract documents pages  38  collect data for the scrubbing agent to process to determine if the user meets any standards applied by the agent to qualify a buyer or a seller. According to one example embodiment, there is provided an online contract that has an “accept” button or function that will enable the user to agree to and accept all of the terms and conditions specified within the contract. By accepting the contract online the application and contract can be submitted electronically to the agent for processing. If the application is approved, a hard copy of the contract is obtained from system  28  and sent to the qualified user for a hard copy signature. If the application data is incomplete or rejected, the applicant is informed by pages  38 .  
         [0044]    The private area  34  of the web site  30  is entered only by qualified users or customers that have a valid user ID and password. In one example embodiment, qualified users receive a user ID and password. There are three main areas contained within the qualified user portion of the web site, and users&#39; access to those areas are determined to the privileges assigned to their user name and password. A qualified buyer can access web pages generated to provide a custom showroom  42  with listings of goods for sale. A qualified seller can access web pages generated to submit information on a product submission  44  for consideration by the scrubbing agent for posting for sale on the web site  30 . Qualified buyers and sellers can access web pages generated to review their own user account information  46 . In one example embodiment, a qualified seller is not permitted to view showroom postings of their own listings, thus precluding a seller from knowing the scrubbing agent&#39;s mark-up on the seller&#39;s goods.  
         [0045]    According to one example embodiment and as illustrated further in FIG. 2C, the showroom  42  is customized to a user profile  42   a  to accommodate seller restrictions and/or buyer requested specifications (discussed above and further below). Showroom pages, provided by active server pages in one example embodiment, provide that users can enter the showroom and select a category  42   b  for viewing. Categories are defined, for example, as Electronics, Sporting Goods, Military Surplus, Tools or Miscellaneous. Each category lists available goods for sale, or in other words, inventories, that best fit that category. According to one example embodiment, inventories listed under a category heading contain the following information:  
                                                   Column Headings   Sample row detail:                           Lot #   SG101           Description   Callaway Biggest Big Bertha Drivers           # of SKU&#39;s   8           Total Quantity   10,000 ea.           Total Price   $500,000.00 USD           Restrictions   non US Markets           Availability   Now           Location   US East Coast           Sell All Only.   Yes           End Date   8-1-99                      
 
         [0046]    The showroom web pages further provide that by selecting one of the items  42   c  of inventories listed within a category, the user can review more detail related to the inventory. Inventories listed under an inventory heading will, according to one example embodiment of the invention, contain the following information in each row by SKU:  
                                   Column Headings   Sample row detail:                   SKU   CBB42R10       Manf./Brand   Callaway       Description   Biggest Big Bertha Driver       Model #   MR42R10G       Size   42″ Graphite Regular flex 10-degree Men&#39;s R       Color   Titanium       Weight/unit   3 lbs.       Shipping Class   Al       # of units/Shipping Units   1       Weight/shipping unit   3 lbs.       # of shipping units/pallet   50       Quantity   500       Unit Type   each       Unit Price   $50.00       Extended Price   $25,000.00                  
 
         [0047]    In addition, in one example embodiment, each SKU row detail will have some type of “thumbnail” image attached to it as required.  
         [0048]    The showroom pages further provide that, from the inventory detail list, the user is provided with an option to purchase form  42   d.  If this session is activated by a web page selection, all inventory detail and user information is transferred over to an online web offer to purchase form automatically. After performing any desired changes to the offer form as permitted, the web page user can select to calculate or re-calculate (on successive iterations) the projected total cost of the transaction  42   e.  Reiterations can be performed until the desired results are achieved.  
         [0049]    Once an offer to purchase has been compiled to a satisfactory level, the user can then accept and place an offer  42   f,  which is then deemed submitted  42   g  to the agent. At this time the system  28  performs  42   b  the following:  
         [0050]    1. Assign an offer number to the document.  
         [0051]    2. Date and time stamp the offer.  
         [0052]    3. Prompt the user to print a copy for their use, such as purchase order back up.  
         [0053]    4. Electronically transmit the details to the scrubbing agent and update the system.  
         [0054]    5. Launch an e-mail to the seller than an offer has been made with date &amp; time.  
         [0055]    6. Launch an e-mail to the buyer indicating that the offer has been received on the system (after the offer has been scrubbed).  
         [0056]    7. Launch an e-mail to the scrubbing agent that an offer has been made on one of their accounts.  
         [0057]    8. Update a database and start tracking the activity surrounding the offer.  
         [0058]    Qualified users also submit product information  44   a  for review and approval by the scrubbing agent in order for such goods to be listed within the web site for sale as illustrated by pages  42  (FIG. 2A). Sellers must provide all required information. The web site  30  provides that information can either be keyed in online  44   a,  or uploaded from a variety of formats. This ensures that users are able to list product in the manner that best fits their needs.  
         [0059]    According to one example embodiment, sellers are required to provide the following information:  
                                                           (1 request per inventory listed by SKU)            Descrip-   Attributes                   tion   by Qty   Terms   Location   Shipping Class               Quantity   Graphics   History   Posting   Units/shipping units                   end date       Model #   Restrictions   Warranties   Ownership   Weight/shipping unit                   Title       Price   Sell all or   Condition   Authen-   Shipping units/pallet           portion       ticity            Product lead times, is product available now or in production or other?                  
 
         [0060]    Once the information is received, the system  28  performs several tasks  44   b  including calculating the projected net selling price to be received by seller upon completion of the sale, based on the user&#39;s profile and other data as desired, and reiterates  44   c  the edit/calculate process until a desired result is obtained. Then, the requested is submitted  44   d.  Not all information provided to the scrubbing agent is necessarily used on the actual product listing when posted on the web site for sale. Not all inventories submitted will be posted on the web site for sale, as some inventories will be deemed unacceptable by the scrubbing agent. Thus, all inventories submitted will be verified or “scrubbed”  44   e  prior to posting. As noted above, one or more of the following criteria are applied in order to determine if the goods are acceptable for posting:  
         [0061]    1) verification and perfection of seller&#39;s title in the goods;  
         [0062]    2) physical inspection and verification of the quality, quantity and kind of the goods;  
         [0063]    3) securing the transfer of the goods;  
         [0064]    4) managing logistics of final deliveries;  
         [0065]    5) verification buyer is financially capable of paying for purchased goods;  
         [0066]    6) verifying location of the goods; and  
         [0067]    7) verifying pricing of the goods.  
         [0068]    Once an inventory has been deemed acceptable for posting  44   f,  the inventory is available to be posted  44   g  on the web site  30 , in a showroom  42 . The following information, according to one example embodiment, is used for posting the inventory goods for sale in a showroom  42 :  
                                   Column Headings   Sample row detail                   Lot #   SG101       Description   Callaway Biggest Big Bertha Drivers       # of SKUs   8       Total Quantity   10,000 ea.       Total Price   $500,000.00 USD       Restrictions   non US Markets       Availability   Now       Location   US East Coast       Sell All Only.   Yes       End Date   8-1-99       SKU   CBB42R10       Manf./Brand   Callaway       Description   Biggest Big Bertha Driver       Model #   MR42R10G       Size   42″ Graphite Regular flex 10-degree Men&#39;s R       Color   Titanium       Weight/unit   3 lbs.       Shipping Class   A1       # of units/Shipping Units   1       Weight/shipping unit   3 lbs.       # of shipping units/pallet   50       Quantity   500       Unit Type   each       Unit Price   $50.00       Extended Price   $25,000.00                  
 
         [0069]    An inventory may be comprised of one SKU or many SKU line items. The inventory header will summarize the inventory, whereas the inventory detail will list each SKU by row using the required column headings.  
         [0070]    The review account pages  46  allow qualified users to administer their account and inventory activity. The tools required to administer offers and account information will reside within this environment. From this location the user will review transaction specific information related to any scenario related to the ability to conduct business on the web site.  
         [0071]    The review account area allows company specific information to be modified, updated and/or changed as required by using the master ID. The user can also add additional users with defined access. According to one example embodiment, administrators may set up new users with new passwords. As mentioned above, users can be permitted to buy and/or sell goods using system  28 .  
         [0072]    In one example embodiment, if the user wishes to review information related to the selling of inventories the following information is displayed on a web page:  
         [0073]    Requested Postings:  
         [0074]    Accepted for Posting=YES or NO  
         [0075]    Comments  
         [0076]    Active Postings:  
         [0077]    Offers Made=YES or NO  
         [0078]    View details of the Offer made  
         [0079]    Accept  
         [0080]    Reject  
         [0081]    Counter  
         [0082]    Make Counter Offer.  
         [0083]    According to another example embodiment, if the user wishes to review information related to the buying of inventories they will be presented with the following information/options on a web page:  
         [0084]    Active Offers Made:  
         [0085]    Status of Offer  
         [0086]    Accepted  
         [0087]    Rejected  
         [0088]    Countered  
         [0089]    Make Counter Offer.  
         [0090]    Accepted Offers:  
         [0091]    Status of Transaction  
         [0092]    Comments  
         [0093]    According to another example embodiment, if the user wishes to review information related to Account History the following is presented:  
         [0094]    Account History:  
         [0095]    Closed Deals Sold  
         [0096]    Closed Deals Purchased  
         [0097]    Flexibility to compile reports from history data fields.  
         [0098]    In one example embodiment, the buyer can use the web site  30  to edit quantity and unit price to adjust their offer to purchase. As illustrated further in FIGS. 4 a,    4 B and  4 C, if an offer is submitted and does not match the posted unit price and quantity, the seller will have the option to either accept, reject or counter again. Likewise the response from the seller must be flagged as a counter offer if appropriate. Therefore, much of the same functionality built for the ability to make an offer to purchase will be replicated within the user administration area for the consideration of offers. Otherwise, it is a simple case of rejecting or accepting an offer. In the event the offer is rejected without counter, a buyer can re-enter the system to make a new offer, rather than a counter-offer.  
         [0099]    According to one example embodiment, all offer activity must pass through the scrubbing agent&#39;s control, through system  28 , prior to posting on the web site user administration area and/or notifications to either party. This protects the anonymity of the users. The system  28  and the scrubbing agent, in one example embodiment, will not allow information to pass through that may jeopardize the confidentiality of either party or the elimination of the scrubbing agent&#39;s involvement in the transaction.  
         [0100]    According to one example embodiment, upon receipt from a qualified buyer of an offer to purchase goods on terms and conditions offered or approved by a qualified seller and notification by e-mail to the qualified buyer of acceptance of its offer to purchase, The scrubbing agent will cause the transaction to be completed as follows: (1) it purchases and accepts title to and delivery of the goods from the qualified seller; (2) it causes the goods to be delivered via common carrier to the qualified buyer; and (3) it invoices and collects the purchase price and the applicable qualified buyer transportation charges from the buyer by wire transfer; provided that the purchase price and transportation charges shall be due and payable by wire transfer immediately upon receipt of an invoice unless a later due date is specified by the invoice. A qualified buyer to whom goods are delivered shall notify the scrubbing agent immediately of any variance between the description of the goods purchased and the goods received.  
         [0101]    According to another example embodiment, the scrubbing agent obtains from the seller such warranties relating to goods purchased as are available, and transfers such warranties to the buyer buying the goods. In addition, the scrubbing agent, in one embodiment, represents and warrants to the buyer it transfers good and merchantable title to the goods to the buyer, free and clear of all liens. Accordingly, the buyer has a high degree of assurance in purchases made through the scrubbing agent.  
         [0102]    According to yet another example embodiment of the invention, following acceptance of an offer to sell goods by a qualified buyer, and confirmation of receipt of acceptance by the buyer, the qualified seller sells the goods to the scrubbing agent within fifteen (15) business days thereafter unless otherwise agreed between the seller and the scrubbing agent. The sale date is a business day selected by the selling agent unless thirty (30) days credit is extended by the seller. The scrubbing agent pays the purchase price (or an agreed percentage thereof) for the goods when due by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by irrevocable, direct pay letter of credit issued by a national banking association or other financial institution or entity having an acceptable short term credit rating. The seller provides to the scrubbing agent concurrent or prior to such payment, the fees due to the scrubbing agent from the seller with respect to the sale and such documents, instruments and certificates as are customary or reasonable and requested by the scrubbing agent evidencing the transfer of merchantable title to the goods to the scrubbing agent or a person designated by it, free and clear of all liens; applicable warranties; compliance with applicable state and federal laws, including those relating to payment of applicable taxes or exemptions therefrom, bulk sales, security interests and duties and tariffs; and authorization of the sale by the seller and any other person or government entity, agent, trustee, bankruptcy trustee, and representative with power of attorney, having an interest therein or jurisdiction over the goods or their sale. Not more than thirty (30) days after the sale date the scrubbing agent pays any unpaid balance of the purchase price to the seller by wire transfer.  
         [0103]    According to one example embodiment of the invention, the scrubbing agent marks up the seller&#39;s selling price for each transaction on the web site  30 . In the case where sellers use the web site  30 , buyer pays, in one example embodiment, the seller&#39;s selling price plus the agent markup which is a percentage of the value of the total inventory being offered. This percentage is added to asking price for posting. The percentage may vary depending on the services rendered, as for example shown in the following schedule:  
                                                           Scrubbing Markup Schedule                Fees:   Example Percentage                            Base   5%           Anonymity   1%           Qualification = Quality   2%           Terms (financing)   2%           Guaranteed Payment   2%           Inventory Validation &amp; Consulting   4%           Example Total   16%                      
 
         [0104]    In this example, the base fee is 5%, with various other services costing additional percentages, such that, for instance, in the example above the total markup is 16% of the total value of the inventory being sold on web site  30 .  
         [0105]    In the case of buyers, the standard terms may be, for example, net 30 days from receipt of inventory. In the event the buyer pays cash upon receipt, they may receive a discount of −1% of the cost of inventory purchased plus freight. Or, the buyer may pad an additional 1.5% of the cost of inventory purchased plus freight for each 30 days over net 30 from date of receipt of inventory.  
         [0106]    According to yet another embodiment, the scrubbing agent may charge a seller a fee based on the quality of the buyer in order that the scrubbing agent guarantee payment of the seller&#39;s invoice. In the example schedule set forth below, the buyers may be divided into several levels, A, B and C, each of which has a different risk profile associated with it. In addition, the schedule is broken down by payment to seller in net 30 days, and cash payment.  
                                                                             Level A   Level B   Level C                                        Payment in Net 30                       0 to $250,000   10%   12%   14%           $250k to 500k   9%   11%   13%           $500k to $2,000,000   8%   10%   12%           $2.0m to $5.0m   7%   9%   11%           $5.0m and over   6%   8%   10%           Payment           0 to $250,000   12%   14%   16%           $250K to 500k   11%   13%   15%           $500k to $2,000,000   10%   12%   14%           $2.0m to $5.0m   9%   11%   13%           $5.0m and over   8%   10%   12%                      
 
         [0107]    Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated in more detail one embodiment of a process  100  according to the present invention wherein goods are offered for sale on an Internet web site according to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, process  100  includes, as shown in element  102 , generating one or more web pages to receive application data used to qualify an entity to open an account and use the scrubbing agent&#39;s web site for the sale of goods. As illustrated in element  104 , the agent establishes accounts for use of the web site for qualified buyers and qualified sellers based at least in part on application data received through the web site. According to one embodiment, the account information for a qualified buyer includes data specifying whether the qualified buyer is a wholesaler, retailer, or both, and the geographic territory associated with the qualified buyer. As illustrated by element  106 , a qualified seller makes a proposal to offer goods for sale on the web site, wherein the proposal includes data describing the goods for sale and data specifying one or more restrictions on the sale of goods, and, in one embodiment, one or more web pages are generated to receive data from the seller specifying the proposal. As illustrated in element  108 , the scrubbing agent approves or rejects a qualified seller&#39;s proposal to offer goods for sale on the web site and, in one example embodiment, generates one or more web pages indicating the acceptance or rejection of the proposal. As illustrated by element  110 , an approved offer is added to a pool of goods for sale, wherein such pool is represented by a set of data electronic data maintained in connection with the web site. Further, as illustrated in element  112 , in response to a request by a qualified buyer to review goods for sale on the web site, and using the set of data, one or more web pages are generated to display information representing pending goods for sale that are available to be purchased by the requesting qualified buyer. According to one example embodiment, goods for sale that are available to the requesting qualified buyer are selected in accordance with the restrictions specified for the sale of the goods by the qualified seller. As illustrated by element  114 , one or more web pages are generated to receive data for a qualified buyer&#39;s offer to purchase goods for sale or to receive data from a qualified seller accepting, rejecting or counter-offering an offer submitted by a qualified buyer. As shown in element  116 , goods associated with accepted offers are removed from the pool of goods for sale and the set of data is updated to reflect the same. Further, one or more post sale processing steps may be performed, such as shipping the goods, invoicing or other sales support steps  118 .  
         [0108]    According to another example embodiment, to the fullest extent possible, this system and process of the present invention is paperless, wherein all transactions occur electronically. Thus, according to one example embodiment, the system interfaces with EDI systems for those participants working from an EDI platform. Also according to yet another embodiment, all activity generated by the web site is archived for use in reporting required by any internal department and as defined for users.  
         [0109]    According to still another example embodiment of the invention, the scrubbing agent provides for anonymous shipping, or a blind bill of lading. In this process, a truck (or other transport such as rail or boat) company picks up product, takes possession not knowing final destination. The product goes to the trucking company&#39;s facility for final instructions, where the trucks are given final bill of lading with final destination instructions. All shipping documents reference the entities information as appropriate. For shipping purposes, the web site accommodates zip code to zip code information for product quantity and description, shipping class, weight, and number of trucks required -or- cubic feet required.  
         [0110]    Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C there is illustrated a data flow  120  using system  28  for one example embodiment of a transaction according to the present invention. An offer  121  to purchase inventory is made, and is sent electronically  122  to the scrubbing agent and the data stored in the system  28  is updated. The system  28  filters the offer data  124 , either automatically or with assistance from the scrubbing agent removing, for example, the identity of the potential buyer making the offer, and the offer is sent electronically to the seller, and the system is updated  126 . The offer may be sent via e-mail, for example, and also be available to review online on the web site  30  by the seller when the seller reviews its account status. The seller is thus presented with the offer  128 . If  130  the offer is either rejected or accepted, the system  28  databases are updated and information concerning such rejection or acceptance is sent  132  to the scrubbing agent, and system  28  filters the data to remove the identity of the seller  134 . Details of the rejection or acceptance are then sent electronically to the buyer and the system  28  is updated  136 . If the seller has rejected the offer, the results of the offer are presented to the buyer  138 . Such results may include a counter offer. If  140  the buyer in turn rejects the counter offer the offer is terminated  142 , and the buyer may again make a new offer  121 . If the buyer accepts the counter-offer, the counter is re-presented to the seller through the above-described process beginning at  122 .  
         [0111]    If an offer is accepted, it is presented to the buyer  144 , and a purchase order is issued  146  from buyer to the agent. The purchase order is then sent electronically, for example by e-mail or over the web site  30 , and the system  28  is updated  148 . A purchase order is then in turn issued to the seller by the agent  150 , either over the web site, or by e-mail, or by other means of communication such as mail or fax. Again, this purchase order is sent electronically and the system  28  updated  152 . The seller in turn receives the purchase order and coordinates shipping with the agent  154 . The inventory is in turn shipped  156 , with arrangements made by the agent.  
         [0112]    The inventory is then received by the buyer  158 . The seller invoices the agent  160 , and the agent invoices the buyer  162 . The invoicing is performed electronically and the system  28  is updated  164 . The agent in turn receives the invoice  166 , and the buyer pays the agent  168 , using electronic payment, in one example embodiment, and the system  28  is updated  170 . The scrubbing agent receives payment from the agent  172 , and the scrubbing agent in turn pays the seller  176 , again with the payments being performed electronically, and the system updated  174 .  
         [0113]    In one or more of the embodiments described above, offers are entered into a supporting database on the web site  30 , and may be viewed by a buyer or seller reviewing their account information. In one embodiment, the offers are entered directly by a buyer or seller into a form on a web page generated by the site  30 , and notices of such pending offers are sent by e-mail to the offeree or applicable party. In another embodiment, offers may be submitted by e-mail to an e-mail inbox of the scrubbing agent or an e-mail inbox maintained as part of the site  30  that the scrubbing agent has access to. The scrubbing agent in turn can enter these offers into the web site data repositories, and notify the other party of the offer. As such, scrubbing data to provide anonymity for example may be done manually by a scrubbing agent personnel, or automatically by electronic filtering of the data by the system  28 .  
         [0114]    Referring now to FIG. 5 there is illustrated an overview of one embodiment of the Internet system  200  according to the present invention. A scrubbing agent&#39;s system  28  is provided, is connected to the Internet  204  and hosts the agent&#39;s web site and provides the web pages and other electronic functions as described above. System  28  may be one or more computers, and located in multiple locations. Potential users or prospects&#39; computers  206  are also connected to the Internet  204 , and allow potential users to browse the agent&#39;s web site using a web browser. In addition, qualified users&#39; computers  208  are also connected to the Internet  204 , and allow qualified users to use the scrubbing agent&#39;s web site  30  using a web browser.