Website for facilitating a transaction

• Main Authors: ELLERN, JUNE S, YAMAMORI, NUBUAKI, BAQAR, MIR M, LADD, BARTON H, OGURA, GAKU, FUJITA, TADASHI, IYER, PRIYA R, YADA, AKIKAZU
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 05.03.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: CALCULATING; COMPUTING; COUNTING; DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FORADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORYOR FORECASTING PURPOSES; PHYSICS; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE,COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTINGPURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

A website is taught to verify the identity of a potential customer. The manufacturer can determine if the potential customer is a potential competitor. If the potential customer is not a potential competitor the manufacturer can receive technical information from the potential customer and provide a price quotation for certain goods (or services). In an embodiment, the potential customer can initially contact the manufacturer through an electronic communication network. Similarly, the price quotation can be provided by the manufacturer to the potential customer over an electronic communication network. In accordance with one feature of the invention, a design is prepared. The design can be prepared in cooperation between the manufacturer and the potential customer or a third party can be included. In accordance with another feature, the potential customer can agree not to disclose technical information. In accordance with a feature of the invention the manufacturer can communicate with the potential customer and internal organizations as the method progresses. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a customer can track work-in-progress after manufacturing has begun. A feature also allows a customer to approve a sample received from the manufacturer.