Patent ID: 8239279

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for conducting a multi-site auction supplied from a source of inventory, comprising the steps of: (a) establishing in a computerized common controller processor and memory a plurality of auction venues autonomous of one another but under the control of said computerized common controller processor and memory, wherein each of said plurality of auction venues is connected to one or more affiliated auction websites, which each permit a unique set of participants to access auctions generated by its respective auction venue; (b) establishing in said computerized common controller memory a unique set of parameters for each auction venue, wherein each set of parameters delineates a distinct marketing framework for each auction venue; (c) establishing an inventory comprising a plurality of items; (d) generating a data file in said computerized common controller memory for each of said plurality of items in said inventory, each said data file including a registration mark and at least one characteristic of said item; (e) selling an auction currency draft to a first participant, wherein said draft is registered in said computerized common controller memory and assigned by said computerized common controller processor to a first auction venue and one of said at least one affiliated auction website; (f) selecting with said computerized common controller processor and memory a data file for said first auction venue based upon an algorithm, which correlates said item characteristics in said data file with said unique set of parameters for said first auction venue; (g) distributing said data file to said first auction venue with said computerized common controller processor and memory based upon a percentage of the total amount of auction currency drafts assigned to said first auction venue; and (h) conducting an auction at said first auction venue from said at least one auction website affiliated with said first auction venue, wherein said first participant enters bids with previously purchased auction security drafts.