Patent ID: 7346554

Claim:
An information processing apparatus for performing a process required for delivering at least one product to a user, the at least one product being ordered by the user via a terminal apparatus connected to a network, with the at least one product being stored in any one of a plurality of types of prestandardized delivery containers, said information processing apparatus comprising: an information storing section for storing product information related to a plurality of types of products, the product information including at least information about product volumes, and delivery container information related to the plurality of types of prestandardized delivery containers, the delivery container information including at least information about internal capacities and prices of the delivery containers; a receiving section for receiving information related to a product order from the terminal apparatus; a first processing section for automatically selecting a delivery container capable of storing all ordered products based on the product information and the delivery container information each time said receiving section receives a product order; a second processing section for obtaining, based on the delivery container information, information related to a price difference between a new delivery container selected anew by said first processing section and an old delivery container previously selected by said first processing section; and a transmitting section for transmitting, to the terminal apparatus, the information related to the price difference obtained by said second processing section.