Patent Publication Number: US-2013246143-A1

Title: Competitive on-line marketplace

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to buying and selling products and services over the internet and more specifically to systems and methods for searching and obtaining competitive pricing for products and services. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Currently, online consumers searching to locate the lowest price on items, products and/or services have to search numerous websites and/or numerous results within a website in attempt to get the lowest or most competitive price on the product and/or service. The current online marketplace operates mainly based on posting and reposting advertisements and does not provide consumers time or cost efficiency within the shopping environment. Consumers attempting to get the lowest price for a product or service often have to search numerous websites and/or numerous results within a website. When consumers perform online shopping especially for big ticket items the consumer search is extensive, time consuming often yielding numerous results with little or no price fluctuation. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have systems and methods that take into account one or more of the issues discussed above as well as possibly other issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and data processing system for providing a competitive marketplace via a network. 
     In one embodiment, the method includes identifying a plurality of items corresponding to a request for information about an item in responsive to receiving a request for information about the item. The method includes ranking the plurality of items according to price to form a ranking of the plurality of items. The method includes sending information about the plurality of items including the ranking for display on a display. According to the ranking, items with a lower price are displayed more prominently on the display than items with a higher price. Additionally, the method includes providing information regarding the ranking of at least one item in the plurality items to a seller of the at least one item. 
     In another embodiment, a data processing system includes one or more storage devices configured to store program code and one or more processors configured to execute the program code. The data processing system is configured to identify a plurality of items corresponding to a request for information about an item in response to receipt of the request from another data processing system; rank the plurality of items according to price to form a ranking of the plurality of items; send information about the plurality of items including the ranking to the other data processing system for display on a display associated with the other data processing system, wherein, according to the ranking, items with a lower price are displayed more prominently on the display than items with a higher price; and provide information regarding the ranking of at least one item in the plurality items to a seller of the at least one item. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method includes, responsive to receiving a request for information about a vehicle from a first data processing system, identifying, by a second data processing system, a plurality of postal codes for an area having a radius equal to a distance included in the request. The distance is a distance from a location of a user associated with the first data processing system. The method includes determining whether one or more postal codes in the plurality of postal codes are not within a same state as the location of the user. The method includes, responsive to determining that one or more postal codes are not within a same state as the location of the user, excluding the one or more postal codes from the plurality of postal codes to form a reduced set of postal codes. The method includes identifying a plurality of vehicles corresponding to the request that are located at an address in the reduced set of postal codes. The method includes ranking the plurality of vehicles according to price to form a ranking. The method includes sending information about the plurality of vehicles including the ranking to the first data processing system for display on a display associated with the first data processing system. According to the ranking, vehicles with a lower price are displayed more prominently on the display than vehicles with a higher price. Additionally, the method includes providing, to a seller of one vehicle in the plurality of vehicles, information about one or more other vehicles in the plurality vehicles that have a price that is lower than the one vehicle of the seller including the price of the one or more other vehicles. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a network of data processing systems in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates of a block diagram of a marketplace management system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates of a view of a ranking of items in a set of search results displayed on a display of a client device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a process for providing a competitive marketplace over a network in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a process for receiving offers for the sale of an item in a process for providing competitive marketplace in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a process for searching for items according to postal code in a process for providing competitive marketplace in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a process for managing sellers and seller identification information in connection with providing competitive marketplace in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a process for handling a request to purchase an item in connection with providing competitive marketplace in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a process for listing items at a price including a deposit in connection with providing competitive marketplace in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a data processing system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various figures and embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the invention may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system. 
     The different illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a number of different advantages over a traditional online marketplace. For example, the different illustrative embodiments utilize competitiveness amongst sellers as a foundational function principal to reduce prices and provide a competitive online market place for consumers. The various embodiments of the present disclosure deter and/or prevent the ability of price collaboration between sellers. The various embodiments empower sellers with the ability to determine their visibility of their products and/or services to consumers by their chosen prices. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example networked system  100  of computing devices in which various systems and methods of the present disclosure can be implemented. As shown in  FIG. 1 , system  100  includes network  102 , which is the medium used to provide communication links between various computers and other devices. Network  102  may include any suitable connections, such as wired, wireless, or fiber optic links. In some embodiments, network  102  represents at least a portion of the Internet and can include a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol suite of protocols to communicate with one another, although any other public and/or private network(s) could be used in system  100 . 
     Elements of the present disclosure are implemented by server computer  104  and storage device  106  in connection with network  102 . In this illustrative embodiment, server computer  104  in connection with storage device  106  provides computational resources for implementing an online market place via network  102 . For example, server computer  104  may be a web based server for hosting a website for an online marketplace. Storage device  106  may include one or more databases storing and organizing information for products, services, sellers and consumers in connection with an online marketplace. 
     Client devices  108 - 118  also connect to network  102 . Client devices  108 - 118  may be, for example, personal computers, network computers, personal digital assistants, tablet computers, mobile smart phones, or mobile computing devices. In this illustrative example, client devices  108  and  110  are data processing systems for sellers of products and services while client devices  112 - 118  are data processing systems for consumers of products and services in the online market place provided over network  102 . Server computer  104  provides information, such as webpage documents and application data to client devices  112 - 118  as an interface to the online market place. In one example, separate interfaces are provided to seller data processing systems and consumer data processing systems via network  102 . 
     Network data processing system  100  may include additional server computers, client devices, and other devices not shown. Network data processing system  100  also may be implemented as a number of different types of networks, such as, for example, the internet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).  FIG. 1  is intended as an example, and not as an architectural limitation for the different embodiments. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 2 , an illustration of a block diagram of a marketplace management system  200  is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Marketplace management system  200  includes data processing system  205  in connection with a plurality of databases  210 - 225 . In this illustrative example, data processing system  205  provides processing and software resources for implementing a marketplace accessible over network  202 . For example, data processing system  205  may be a web server (e.g., server computer  104 ) that hosts a website for an online marketplace for products and services accessible over the internet by consumers (e.g., via client devices  112 - 118 ) and sellers (e.g., via client devices  108  or  110 ). 
     Marketplace management program  230  provides programming for data processing system  205  to implement the functionality of online marketplace within marketplace management system  200 . Communication unit  235  provides data communication between data processing system  205  and other elements within marketplace management system  200 . For example, communication unit  235  may retrieve information from databases  210 - 225 . Communication unit  235  may also provide content to web browsers of consumers and sellers over network  202 . 
     When a consumer requests to receive information about a product or service, the consumer logs on to a website provided by data processing system  205 . Data processing system  205  identifies parameters in the consumer&#39;s request. For example, without limitation, the request may include parameters including price, color, model, availability, product name or identifier, and/or any other types of parameters for products and services that can be purchased. Data processing system  205  performs searches of various databases, (e.g., products and services database  220 ) both locally and over the internet to obtain information about a result set of items available for purchase that meet one or more of the parameters in the request. Data processing system  205  may perform any number of different searching algorithms and search any number of different databases in obtaining the information about the set of items that meet parameters in the request. 
     Upon identification of the result set, data processing system  205  ranks the items by price. Data processing system  205  then generates and formats information describing the set of items for display on the device of the consumer the request was received from. Data processing system  205  includes within the information the ranking for price to cause items having a more competitive price to be displayed more prominently on the display of the consumer&#39;s device than items having a less competitive price. For example, without limitation, items with lower prices may be displayed higher, with different colors, with bolding, with larger text, with highlighting, and/or any other way to draw attention to the items with lower prices as opposed to the items in the set with higher prices. For example, how and where an item in the result set is displayed back to the consumer may be referred to as page ranking or page positioning of the item. Thus, the consumer no longer has to search multiple sites or multiple searches within the site and can quickly view his/her wanted item by page ranking/positioning. For example, the lowest price within the consumer search may be the top ranked item on the result webpage. 
     As used herein, an item is a product or service. For example, this item may be a product or service that a seller intends to sell or that a consumer may intend to purchase. Marketplace management program  230  can be utilized to allow the consumers the ability to search by price of any product and/or service. For example, without limitation, marketplace management system  200  can be utilized in numerous markets and can be applied to searching and purchasing in housing, malpractice insurance, insurance, automobiles, healthcare insurance, physician visits, carpet cleaning, covered calls, bank loans, credit card offers, boats, electronics. 
     Marketplace management program  230  provides programming for data processing system  205  to contact (e.g., via communication unit  235 ) one or more sellers of items. For example, data processing system  205  may identify contact information for sellers via seller database  210  send messages (e.g., email, notification, text messages) to sellers. 
     In one example, the request from the consumer is a request to receive offers for the item from sellers of the item. For example, using marketplace management system  200 , consumers can post interest in an item. In this example, data processing system  205  notifies all sellers of the request of the consumer to receive offers for the item. Thus, the result set of items returned to the consumer may be based on current seller offers for the item. This, offer procedure allows consumers to receive real-time current-market price offers and provides consumers with greater flexibility and options in obtaining competitive pricing for products and services. 
     In these illustrative embodiments, data processing system  205  notifies sellers of items in the results set of one or more prices of items for the seller to improve their page positioning. For example, data processing system  205  may identify a lowest priced item that is to be displayed most prominently on the consumer&#39;s display. Data processing system  205  may then send a message to sellers that do not currently have the lowest price to offer these sellers the opportunity to compete for the sale of their goods and services. In another example, data processing system  205  may notify a seller that a certain number of sellers have lower prices that the seller or that their offer ranks in at certain percentage of other offers. For example, the notification may be customized to each seller that has an item in the results set that meets the parameters of the consumer&#39;s request. 
     If data processing system  205  identifies or receives notification of more competitive pricing for item(s) in the results set, data processing system  205  re-ranks items in the results set according to the updated pricing. Data processing system  205  then provides information for this re-ranking to the consumer device to modify the page positioning of the items displayed to the consumer. For example, data processing system  205  may perform this re-ranking, and providing of information for the modification of the page positioning in real-time as the change in the price of the item(s) is identified. As used herein, real-time means performing some action at approximately the same time as another action is performed. For example, when an activity is performed in real-time by a data processing system delays due to processing and communication capabilities may occur. 
     In one non-limiting example, seller X&#39;s listing price for the item is $4,000 and seller Y&#39;s listing price for the exact same item is $5,000. In this situation seller X would have a more favorable page positioning on the website. If seller Y decides to reduce his/her price below $4,000 then the data processing system  205  will automatically reconfigure and place seller Y in a more favorable page position than seller X. This bidding for page positioning provides consumers with competitive pricing. This bidding for page positioning also adds benefits to sellers. Sellers can quickly be the gain more exposure for their products and services by reducing their price which in-turn provides them a more favorable page position which increases consumer access and view ability. More exposure will likely bring about more sales. 
     Data processing system  205  stores information about sellers and consumers in one or more databases (e.g., seller database  210 , consumer database  215 ). For example, marketplace management program  230  may include programming for data processing system  205  to verify legitimate sellers and create an account for the sellers. Data processing system  205  may generate and provide an interface (e.g., webpage or application) for sellers to create an account and provide information about the products and services provided. Additionally, via an interface with a seller, data processing system  205  may provide and receive price notifications and changes as described above. Data processing system  205  may also provide an interface for consumers to create an account. Data processing system  205  may store information about consumer preferences, search history, items desired for purchase, seller ratings. 
     In some illustrative embodiments, data processing system  205  may rank and/or sort search results according to a seller&#39;s rating in addition to or instead of using ranking according to price. The seller&#39;s rating may be based on reviews, comments, and/or ratings from one or more consumers. In this example, if a consumer elects to search based on best ranked sellers and a seller with a lowest price may or may not be listed first in the page position depending on the rating of the seller relative to other seller&#39;s ratings. 
     In various embodiments, data processing system  205  may rank and/or sort search results according to proximity to a location of the users consumers. This ranking according to proximity may be utilized in addition to or instead of ranking according to price and/or seller rating. For example, a consumer may request to track the closest deals in proximity to their in addition to price. For example, data processing system  205  may first rank the results according to price, but the consumer can elect to include dealer/seller rating and distance (closest to farthest from consumer) in the ranking for the results. 
     In these illustrative embodiments, marketplace management system  200  provides mechanisms and safe guards to deter or otherwise attempt to prevent price collaboration by sellers. For example, when providing results to consumers, data processing system  205  may increase/decrease the price provided by the seller by a certain percentage and/or amount. In one example, the increase in price is for a deposit for the item, should the consumer choose to purchase the item. This deposit is paid to a third-party, (e.g., a provider of marketplace management system) and reduces a chance that fraudulent sellers from directly profiting from the consumers initial payment/deposit. This initial payment/deposit is payable to the third-party and is reflected/subtracted from the total price listed but does not reduce the amount the dealer initially listed. In another example, the price may be decreased to improve a ranking of the item relative to other items in the search results. 
     Additionally, because the deposit is paid to the third party, the contact information of the sellers and the buyer does not need to be reviled to either party. For example, a seller may list a vehicle for $50,000 while marketplace management system  200  lists the car at $50,500 to the consumer. When the consumer chooses to hold the item for purchase, the predetermined percentage, in this example 1%, (or amount $500) is paid listed as a deposit. After payment of the deposit, data processing system  205  provides availability of the sellers contact information. Upon payment of the deposit, data processing system  205  may send a message to the seller to ensure that the item is in stock and/or available. Based on availability of the item, the funds can be withdrawn or placed back into the consumer&#39;s account. 
     In various embodiments of the present disclosure, preventing the disclosure of seller contact information can deter price collaboration among sellers. For example, prior to the payment of the deposit, data processing system  205  may provide information that allows the sellers and consumers to view, for example, the item, the city the item is located is located in, and a seller&#39;s identification number but not names or direct contact such as a phone number and/or other information that would allow contact with the establishments. 
     Additionally, in these illustrative embodiments, data processing system  205  provides sellers with an identification number and periodically changes the identification number to add a layer of difficulty in price collaboration. For example, data processing system  205  may change the identification number after a predetermined period of time, at random intervals, per search session, or during search sessions. Data processing system  205  stores information about the seller to maintain track of the seller despite changing the identification number of the seller. For example, data processing system  205  may maintain a consumers rating of sellers even after periodically or randomly changing identification number. 
     In other embodiments, some or all of the seller&#39;s contact information may be displayed along with the seller&#39;s item in the search results returned to the consumer. For example, the dealer&#39;s name and/or location may be displayed along with the seller&#39;s identification number. 
     Upon receiving a request from a consumer to purchase an item, marketplace management system  200  may provide a wait period for other sellers to match or lower the price the consumer requested to purchase the item. For example, data processing system  205  may send notification of the intent to purchase the item to other sellers of the item and wait for offers or lower prices from the sellers before finalizing the purchase. In one non-limiting example, marketplace management system  200  allows a seller of a vehicle to offer to lower their price for their vehicle within a period of time. In this example, marketplace management system  200  may determine whether the offer matches the vehicle requested to be purchased by the consumer placed with the exception of the vehicle identification number (VIN). 
     In these illustrative embodiments, data processing system  205  can retrieves data from postal code database  235  in searching for items. Postal code database  235  includes postal codes compiled in the United States sorted by state. When receiving a request for information about an item, data processing system  205  can search for the item based on postal code, distance, and/or state where the item or seller is located. For example, in the United States some legislation may prevent dealers of automobiles from competing across state lines. In this example, it may be disadvantageous for a consumer to search by distance of their location because the area encompassing the distance from the consumer&#39;s location may include more than one state. This type of distance search does not provide all consumers the same opportunity to locate the lowest prices within their state. Not all states are round and not all of a state&#39;s population reside within the exact center of the state. 
     In these illustrative embodiments, data processing system  205  can search for the item by distance and postal code while confining the postal codes searched to locate the lowest most competitive price within a single state using postal code database  235 . For example, postal code database  235  may store over 42,000 zip codes according to state. Data processing system  205  may run an algorithm to which locate the positioning of the search location in conjunction with the participating sellers of the item within a state based on the postal code of the seller and the consumer&#39;s requested search location. In one non-limiting example, this algorithm may calculate the search location based on the following equation: D=3958.75*(A tan(Sqrt(1−power(((Sin(@Lat1/57.2958)*Sin(lat2/57.2958))+(Cos(@Lat1/57.2958)*Cos(lat2/57.2958)*Cos((long/57.2958)−(@Long1/57.2958)))),2))/((Sin(@Lat1/57.2958)*Sin(lat157.2958))+(Cos(@Lat1/57.2958)*Cos(lat/57.2958)*Cos((long/57.2958)−(@Long1/57.2958)))))); where D is the distance between the location the consumer wants to search from and the location of the seller, lat1 and long 1 (latitude and longitude) are the location where the consumer wants to search from, and lat2 and long2 are the location of the seller. In another example, may utilize a third party service to determine the distance between two locations. 
     In these illustrative embodiments, marketplace management system  200  also provides consumers with the ability to directly and securely send credit information to sellers in an effort to get approval for financing. For example, data processing system  205  may send and receive a credit application to and from a consumer. Data processing system  205  may then a notification of the submission of the credit application to a seller. A financial manager from the seller may then access the credit application via the seller&#39;s interface provided by marketplace management system  200 . Marketplace management system  200  also provides information and analytical tools to sellers for tracking the performance of the interne sales teams and/or individual members. 
     The illustration of marketplace management system in  FIG. 2  is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other components in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some illustrative embodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into different blocks when implemented in different illustrative embodiments. 
     For example, in some embodiments functions performed in marketplace management system  200  may be performed by multiple data processing systems. For example, portions of the online marketplace described above may be implemented by different servers or implemented within client devices of sellers and consumers. Marketplace management program  230  may include program code for different functions that are performed within different locations within marketplace management system  200 . In one example, the online marketplace may be implemented as a web application where portions of program code from marketplace management program are downloaded and installed on devices of sellers and consumers. Additionally, data processing system  205  may include one of more processors that execute program code from marketplace management program  230  to implement functions of data processing system  205  within marketplace management system  200 . 
     In another example, in some embodiments, databases  215 - 225  may be arranged in a number of different configurations. For example, the databases  215 - 225  may be a single database stored in a storage device within data processing system  205  or may be stored externally to marketplace management system  200  and connected to data processing system  205  via network  202 . In other examples, individual databases in databases  215 - 225  may be split among one or more storage devices with some information from databases  215 - 225  stored locally and other information stored remotely. In another example, resources within marketplace management system  200  (e.g., data processing system  205 , databases  215 - 225 ) may be implemented in a cloud computing environment where operations and functionality of marketplace management system  200  is performed at one or more remote locations and delivered to sellers and consumers via network  202 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of a ranking of items in a set of search results displayed on a display of a client device is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, interface  300  is displayed on display  305 . For example, interface  300  may be a graphical user interface formatted for display via a web browser on a display device of a client device (e.g., client devices  112 - 118 ). 
     In this illustrative example, interface  300  includes list of items  310  that are ranked according to price. As discussed above, items with more competitive prices are displayed more prominently or have better page positioning on the display of the client device. In this depicted example, lower priced items are placed before higher priced items in list of items  310 . For example, as depicted, a consumer viewing list of items  310  would have to scroll down to see some of the higher priced items list of items  310 . Also in this depicted example, the lowest price item is stared indicating that the item currently has the most competitive pricing. Should one of the prices for an item in the list improve, data processing system  205  will re-rank the items for display in accordance with the updated pricing. For example, the seller associated with Dealer ID #DA345 may lower their price from $45,000 to $42,000 to improve their page positioning from fourth to first in list of items  310 . 
     The illustration of marketplace management system in  FIG. 2  is intended as an illustrative example and not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which different illustrative embodiments may be implemented. For example, without limitation, the page positioning of items in list of items may include items with lower prices displayed higher, with different colors, with bolding, with larger text, with highlighting, and/or any other way to draw attention to the items with lower prices as opposed to the items with higher prices. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 4 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for providing a competitive marketplace over a network is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 4  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by receiving a request for information about an item (block  405 ). In block  405 , the request may be a request from a consumer to search for products and services for sale by sellers. The process then searches one or more databases to identify items corresponding to the request (block  410 ). Thereafter, the process ranks items according to price (block  415 ). 
     The process then sends information about items including the ranking for display (block  420 ). In block  420 , according to the ranking, items with a lower price are displayed more prominently on than items with a higher price. For example, the results of the search are displayed on a consumer&#39;s device such that lower priced items are displayed in a manner that that can be viewed easier than items with higher prices. 
     Thereafter, the process provides information regarding the ranking to a seller (block  425 ). In block  425 , the process may provide information about one or more items in the result set that have a price that is lower than an item of this seller and include the price of the one or more items. For example, the process may provide a seller with a report of where the seller&#39;s products and services have ranked in multiple search results over a period of time. In response to this information about the seller&#39;s page positioning, the seller may choose to lower their price to improve their page positioning. 
     The process then identifies a change in price of at least one of the items (block  430 ). In block  430 , in one example, the seller may notify marketplace management system  200  of the change in their price to obtain better page positioning. In another example, marketplace management system  200  may periodically search for updated pricing on items in the results set. When the process identifies a change in price of at least one of the items, the process re-ranks the items according to the change in price (block  435 ). Thereafter, the process sends information including the re-ranking for re-ordering the display (block  440 ). In blocks  435  and  440 , the re-ranking of the items and sending of the information to modify the page positioning on the consumer device is performed in real-time as the change in price is identified. For example, the client device may periodically refresh the webpage to receive updated page positioning information. In another example, the webpage may be dynamically updated with the updated page positioning information. The process then returns to block  425  and provides information regarding the re-ranking to a seller and continues to monitor for changed prices. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for receiving offers for the sale of an item in a process for providing competitive marketplace is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by receiving a request for offers for sale of an item (block  505 ). The process illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be implemented in connection with the process illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, in block  405  the request may a request for offers for sale of an item. The process then sends information about the request to sellers of the item (block  510 ). In block  510 , the consumer&#39;s request may be sent to all sellers of the item via a seller&#39;s interface to marketplace management system  200  (e.g., via a webpage, email, text message). Thereafter, the process receives offers to sell the item and a price for the item (block  515 ). The process then proceeds to block  415  in  FIG. 4  to ranks item according to price and continues with the process for providing a competitive marketplace over a network. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for searching for items according to postal code in a process for providing competitive marketplace is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 6  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by receiving a location and a distance in the request (block  605 ). The process illustrated in  FIG. 5  may be implemented in connection with the process illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, in block  405  the request may include search parameters for the item including the location the consumer wants to search for items in as well as a distance to that location. The process then identifies a plurality of postal codes for an area having a radius equal to the distance (block  610 ). In block  610 , data processing system  205  may use a mathematical algorithm and search postal code database  225  to identify each postal code within the desired search area. 
     Thereafter, the process determines whether one or more postal codes in the plurality of postal codes are not within a same state as the location of the user (block  615 ). In block  615 , the postal codes in postal code database  225  may be associated with the state the postal code is located in. If the process determines that all of the postal codes in the plurality of postal codes are within a same state as the location of the user, the process proceeds to block  625  discussed below. 
     If, however, the process determines that one or more postal codes in the plurality of postal codes are not within a same state as the location of the user, the process excludes the one or more postal codes that are not within a same state as the location of the user (block  620 ). The process then searches for items corresponding to the request that are located in the plurality of postal codes (block  625 ). In block  625  the search results are searched by postal code and distance, however, the search is limited to a single state. For example, a consumer may be able to receive a more competitive marketplace when dealers can compete with each other without crossing state lines. Block  625  is an example of one implementation of block  410 . For example, the process illustrated in  FIG. 4  may have search results confined to a single state as described in  FIG. 6 . The process then continues to block  415  in  FIG. 4  and continues with the process for providing a competitive marketplace over a network. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 7 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for managing sellers and seller identification information in connection with providing competitive marketplace is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 7  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by receiving a request to authorize a seller (block  705 ). In block  705 , data processing system  205  may perform a seller account creation and login process. The process then generates a system identifier for the seller (block  710 ). In block  710 , this system identifier is uniquely associated with that seller and remains confidential. Thereafter, the process generates a periodic identifier for the seller (block  715 ). In block  715 , the periodic identifier is temporary and included with information about the items sold by the seller. The process then maps the periodic identifier to the system identifier (block  720 ). In block  720 , the process keeps track of a current periodic identifier of the seller using the mapping. Thereafter, the process includes the periodic identifier of the seller in the information about items (block  725 ). In block  725 , the periodic identifier may be included in a results set of items to be displayed to a user (e.g., block  430  in  FIG. 4 ). 
     The process then determines whether a predetermined period of time has passed since the periodic identifier was generated (block  730 ). When the predetermined period of time has passed, the process generates a changed periodic identifier for the seller (block  735 ). In block  735 , the period of time may be a predetermined amount of time or a randomly generated amount of time. The period of time may be based on a search session or on a transaction between a seller and consumer. Thereafter, the process maps the changed periodic identifier to the system identifier for each seller (block  740 ). The process then changes the periodic identifier of the seller in the information about items to the changed periodic identifier (block  745 ), with the process terminating thereafter. In block  745 , the process periodically modifies the identifier of the seller displayed to consumers and other sellers. This adds a layer of difficulty in price collaboration and helps to provide a competitive market place. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 8 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for handling a request to purchase an item in connection with providing competitive marketplace is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 8  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by receiving a request to purchase an item (block  805 ). The process then provides information regarding a purchase price of the item to sellers of the item (block  810 ). In block  810 , the process allows other sellers of the item the opportunity to match or lower the price of the requested item. Thereafter, the process determines whether an offer to sell the item has been received from one of the sellers within a predetermined period of time (block  815 ). If the process determines that an offer to sell the item has not been received from one of the sellers within a predetermined period of time, the process proceeds to block  835  discussed below. 
     If, however, the process determines that an offer to sell the item has been received from one of the sellers within a predetermined period of time, the process determines whether the price in the offer is lower than the purchase price (block  820 ). If the process determines that the price in the offer is lower than the purchase price, the process sends a notification of the price of the offer (block  825 ). In block  825 , the notification is sent to the consumer and the process returns to block  805  waits for the consumer to accept or reject the lower priced offer. If the consumer accepts the lower priced offer, the process may repeat with other sellers offered the opportunity to match or lower their price. If the consumer rejects the lower priced offer, the process may proceed to block  815  and waits to determine another offer is received within the predetermined period of time 
     If, however, at block  820 , the process determines that the price in the offer is not lower than the purchase price, the process determines whether the predetermined period of time has lapsed (block  830 ). In block  830 , the predetermined period of time may be set by marketplace management system  200  (e.g., a day or a week) or selected by a consumer based on how quickly they wish to receive the item. If the process determines that the predetermined period of time has not lapsed, the process returns to block  815  and determines whether an offer to sell the item has been received from one of the sellers within the predetermined period of time. If, however, the process determines that the predetermined period of time has lapsed, the process processes the request to purchase the item (block  835 ), with the process terminating thereafter. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for listing items at a price including a deposit in connection with providing competitive marketplace is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be implemented in server computer  104  via network  102  in  FIG. 1 . The process also may be implemented by marketplace management program  230  in data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     The process begins by identifying a price of each of the items (block  905 ). The process illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be implemented in connection with the process illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, in block  905  the process may identify the price of items corresponding to the request identified in block  410  in  FIG. 4 . The process then increases the price of each of the items by a percent (or amount) (block  910 ). In block  910 , the increased price is for a deposit where the deposit plus the seller&#39;s price forms a listing price for each of the plurality of items. Thereafter, the process lists the items at the listing price (block  915 ). 
     The process then receives a request to purchase an item (block  920 ). When the process then receives a request to purchase an item, the process requests a deposit to hold the item for purchase (block  925 ). The process then subtracts the deposit from the increased price (block  930 ). In block  930 , when the deposit is receive the contact information of the seller is then revealed to the consumer. Additionally, the process may perform a search to check that the item is still available at the requested price. Thereafter, the process notifies the seller of the request to purchase the item (block  935 ), with the process terminating thereafter. In block  935 , the consumer can purchase the product from the seller at the sellers asked listing price. 
     The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various illustrative embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks may be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowcharts or block diagrams. 
     In some embodiments, the function or functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example data processing system  1000  in accordance with this disclosure. In this example, the data processing system  1000  includes a bus system  1002 , which provides communications between a processor  1004 , a memory  1006 , a persistent storage  1008 , a communications unit  1010 , an input/output (I/O) unit  1012 , and a display  1014 . In these illustrative examples, data processing system  1000  is an example of one implementation of server computer  104  and client devices  108 - 118  in  FIG. 1 . Data processing system  1000  is also one example of data processing system  205  in  FIG. 2 . 
     Processor  1004  process instructions for software that may be loaded into memory  1006 . Processor  1004  may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation. Further, processor  1004  may be implemented using a number of heterogeneous processor systems in which a main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. As another illustrative example, processor  1004  may be a symmetric multi-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type. 
     Memory  1006  and persistent storage  1008  are examples of storage devices  1016 . A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, data, program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory  1006 , in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. For example, persistent storage  1008  may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage  1008  may be a hard drive, a flash memory, an optical disk, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage  1008  also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage  1008 . 
     Communications unit  1010  provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, communications unit  1010  is a network interface card. Communications unit  1010  may provide communications through the use of either or both physical and wireless communications links. 
     Input/output unit  1012  allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system  1000 . For example, input/output unit  1012  may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit  1012  may send output to a printer. Display  1014  provides a mechanism to display information to a user. 
     Program code for an operating system, applications, or other programs may be located in storage devices  1016 , which are in communication with the processor  1004  through the bus system  1002 . In some embodiments, the program code is in a functional form on the persistent storage  1008 . These instructions may be loaded into memory  1006  for processing by processor  1004 . The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor  1004  using computer implemented instructions, which may be located in memory  1006 . For example, processor  1004  may perform processes for one or more of the modules and/or devices described above. 
     In some embodiments, various functions described above are implemented or supported by a computer program product that is formed from computer readable program code and that is embodied in a computer readable medium. Program code for the computer program product may be located in a functional form on computer readable storage device that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system  1000  for processing by processor  1004 . In some illustrative embodiments, the program code may be downloaded over a network to persistent storage  1008  from another device or data processing system for use within data processing system  1000 . For instance, program code stored in a computer readable storage medium in a server data processing system may be downloaded over a network from the server to data processing system  1000 . The data processing system providing program code  1018  may be a server computer, a client computer, or some other device capable of storing and transmitting program code  1018 . 
     As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage medium(s) having program code embodied thereon. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, without limitation, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. The program code may also be loaded for execution by a processor to provide processes for implementing the functions or operations described in the present disclosure. 
     The different illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a competitive online marketplace with the implementation of bidding seller against seller is to have bids displayed on the website by page ranking or positioning. Consumers can utilize embodiments of the present disclosure to quickly find the lowest priced offer or most competitive offer instead of searching multiple results within one site, or multiple sites for the same item. The different illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure save the consumer time and money and allow the sellers the opportunity to hedge their inventory or financial forecast in coloration with their strategy and current or future economic forecast. In addition the creation of competitive online marketplace in accordance with the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the chance for sellers to directly profit from deposits due to the fact that a third party verifies the seller. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. 
     The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.