Patent ID: 8108262

Claim:
A method for rating a user, comprising the steps of: calculating in a processor based system an average spread of the user, wherein the average spread comprises an average difference between an initial list price and a final transaction price among transactions in a transaction history of the user; calculating in a processor based system a rounds score, wherein the rounds score is based on a number of counteroffers extended by the user among transactions in the transaction history; calculating in a processor based system a volume score, wherein the volume score is based on a volume of transactions the user has consummated in the transaction history; calculating in a processor based system an abandonment score, wherein the abandonment score is based on a percentage of transactions the user has abandoned in the transaction history; calculating in a processor based system a haggling rating, wherein the haggling rating is based on a combination of the average spread, the rounds score, the volume score, and the abandonment score, and represents an effectiveness of the user in haggling and completing transactions with other users; encoding for display at least one product; encoding for display a product indicator for each of the at least one product; the product indicator denoting whether the price of the at least one product can be haggled; upon selection of one of the at least one product, encoding for display at least one seller willing to sell the product, an initial asking price associated with the at least one seller, and a seller indicator associated with the at least one seller representing whether the at least one seller is willing to negotiate a sales price differing from the initial asking price; and encoding for display the haggling rating associated with the at least one seller.