AU718375B3 - A method of trading - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A PETTY PATENT Name of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: KEITH WILLIAM DOWLING KEITH WILLIAM DOWLING CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane, QId. 4000, Australia.

A METHOD OF TRADING The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me: A METHOD OF TRADING TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to methods of trading and has particular relevance to methods of trading in scrap or waste materials.

BACKGROUND ART Engineers and fabricators inevitably accumulate scrap metals which are off-cuts from new materials supplied to them by retailers. The scrap metals are generally left to accumulate until there is a sufficient quantity to justify calling in a scrap metal dealer to take the materials away.

Different types and values of off-cuts and scrap metals are usually mixed at the place of storage. A mix of metals potentially of use and value to someoneelse are commonly stored with metals of lesser value and disposed of together.

The prices obtained for scrap metals through dealers are generally very low compared to new metal prices and as such the scraps are often regarded by the holder as being of a nuisance rather than economic value.

In other industries waste materials which are environmental or health risks, but which nonetheless may be used in specific re-cycling processes tend to be accumulated in small "uneconomic" quantities until disposal becomes absolutely necessary.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of trading in materials which has the potential to limit wastage and which can improve the value of the materials to the holders thereof.

Whilst reference is made throughout this description to methods of trading on scrap metals it is to be appreciated that the methodology described may apply equally to other materials capable of being put to good use.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION A method of purchasing materials via a brokerage including: a seller giving advice of stock available for sale to the brokerage, the brokerage requesting "particularised information" (as defined herein) of stock for sale by the seller, the brokerage compiling a data base of stock for sale, the brokerage providing access to its data base to potential buyers the brokerage receiving orders from purchasers, the brokerage receiving payment for stock, arranging deliveries, and making payment to the seller.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of purchasing as aforesaid wherein the seller particularises stock for sale by providing information in accordance with a instructions provided by the brokerage.

The present invention provides a method of trading in scrap metals via a broker database which arranges trade in scrap materials and who is responsible for buying and selling.

The methodology in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need for any direct contact between a brokerage, sellers and buyers.

Particularised information requested by the brokerage will enables a data base to be set up which can efficiently and quickly determine that a particular stock is available, the quantity of the stock and at what price.

The brokerage can determine its financial margins depending on its assessment of stock offered for sale, likely transport costs and the like.

By way of example a schedule of information required by a scrap metal broker from a seller may be as follows: Source of original purchase, Type of metal, e.g. channel section, angle iron, box section and the like, Size, e.g. 75 x 50, 20 mill, Lengths of material, Quantities, Metal type, e.g. aluminium, steel, galvanised steel, copper, stainless steel aluminium.

The broker will also request an undertaking as to the condition and usefulness of the materials.

If the database is computerised then suitable prompts specifically relating to trading in metals may require input from the seller under the following headings: DESCRIPTION SIZE GRADE Square 0 mm x mm Round U mm x mm Flat 0 mm x mm Equal angle a mm x mm Unequal angle n mm x mm Channel mm x mm Rail n mm x mm Columns n mm x mm Beams Q mm x mm Plate n mm x mm Pipe mm x mm Tube Q mm x mm Sheet l mm x mm The methodology is designed to recycle both new and used materials for manufacture or re-use.

The methodology does not require the dismantling or breaking down of materials for re-use, it simply links those with excess materials with those who wish to purchase materials.

A seller or buyer is a customer. The customer is able to use the data base once they have established an account with the broker.

A buyer or seller is able to access the data base using a password or access number given to the them by the broker once they have established their account.

A seller can enter into the data base a description of the materials for sale.

The description of goods may only be made by following the data bases' prompts so that the information can be entered into the correct area in the data base for the particular item or items on offer.

The data base will have the capacity to collate the descriptions being entered so that the sellers and buyers can be provided with a description of what is listed on offer in a form they can readily access.

The present methodology can ideally be used with respect to goods or materials which because of regulation, environmental or health reasons are unable to be disposed of, or are too costly to dispose of.

The data base may have the capacity to not only describe goods but also illustrate products goods or materials on offer.

Persons contracted for pickup and delivery may use an on board system giving the driver "up to the minute" information on pickups and drops also printing out receipt and delivery paperwork. The most efficient route may be established using a GPS system linked to the pickups, the deliveries and the vehicle and the data base.

The price for sale and packaging should be established before pickup and delivery.

Upon pick up, if the description given by the seller is questionable then the goods would either not be picked up or an adjustment charge passed on to the seller.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated that modifications and additions thereto may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (2)

1. A method of purchasing scrap metals via a brokerage over the internet, a seller giving advise of stock available for sale to the brokerage, the brokerage requesting particularised information of the product including its grade, condition, length, quantity, finish, availability date, and the locality of the metals offered for sale by the seller, the brokerage compiling a data base of stock for sale, the brokerage providing access to its data base to potential buyers on the internet. the brokerage receiving orders from purchasers, the brokerage receiving payment for stock, arranging deliveries, and making payment to the seller.

2. A method of purchasing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seller particularises stock for sale by providing information in accordance with a schedule provided by the brokerage. DATEDthis 1st day of February 2000 Keith William DOWLING By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.