Patent ID: 7801793

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for delay paced online proxy bidding comprising: providing a bid parameter set disposed in computer readable memory of an application server having a plurality of proxy bid parameters, said proxy bid parameters indicating proxy conditions for at least one offering or auction to which proxy automatic bidding is to be made in an automated offering or auctioning system on behalf of an auction bidder, at least one of which parameters includes a counter bid delay value, said proxy bid parameters being specified by said bidder; automatically checking by an application server computer at least one current bid level in a bid data store in computer readable memory of an online offering or online auction system, said data store having a plurality of electronic bids from online auction participants, said electronic bids being separated in time to form a pace of bidding; determining by an application server computer that any of said proxy conditions have been met including that said current bid level reflects a current bid placed by an online auction participant other than the bidder for which automated online proxy bidding is being performed; and placing by an application server computer an electronic counter bid into at least one online auction responsive to said proxy conditions being met and a time following or upon the elapse of said counter bid delay from a time of placement of said current bid; wherein said automatic checking, determining and placing electronic counter bid produce delay paced online proxy bidding according to said counter bid delay value, wherein escalation of said pace of bidding within said auction system is avoided.