Patent ID: 8036940

Claim:
A method implementable in at least one server coupled to a network, the method comprising: receiving, at a first time from a product seller via a first client device coupled to the network, a first value indicative of a first quantity of the product, the first quantity having not been acquired by the seller at the first time, the first quantity to be acquired by the seller at a second time later than the first time, the first quantity comprising an over-commitment for sale by the seller of the product beyond existing and available stock on hand; generating a user interface at a third time to a second client device coupled to the network and associated with a product buyer, the user interface displaying a second value indicative of a second quantity of the product, at least one portion of the second quantity being selectable to be made subject to a purchase commitment by the buyer, the third time being earlier than the second time and later than the first time, the second quantity comprising the first quantity and a third quantity of the product acquired by the seller as of the third time; and receiving at the third time from the buyer a commitment to purchase the at least one portion.