WO2009061011A1

WO2009061011A1 - Method for trade intermediation using internet

Info

Publication number: WO2009061011A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/005540
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong-Seung Won
Original assignee: Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency
Priority date: 2007-11-05
Filing date: 2007-11-05
Publication date: 2009-05-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for trade intermediation using the internet, and more particularly to a method for trade intermediation, which can make easy access to a marketing channel in a trade transaction, effectively solve a variety of claims, and eliminate uncertainty on orders and payments between a provider and a buyer, so as to facilitate international transactions.

Description

METHOD FOR TRADE INTERMEDIATION USING INTERNET

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a method for trade intermediation using the internet, and more particularly to a method for trade intermediation, which can make easy access to a marketing channel in a trade transaction, effectively solve a variety of claims, and eliminate uncertainty on orders and payments between a provider and a buyer, so as to facilitate international transactions. Background Art

[2] In general, trade means exchange of goods between countries. Recently, the meaning of the trade has been extended from conventional trade, that is, exchange of goods, up to modern trade, that is, exchange of services, and trade transactions between countries have been actively carried.

[3] In trade, a provider of goods or services (hereinafter, 'goods or services' will be simply referred to as 'products' as long as there is no additional description) promotes products and makes a trade transaction by directly contacting an overseas buyer.

[4] However, the increase of overseas trading countries, and the existence of many competitors on various products have decreased the percentage of the conventional trade.

[5] Recently, instead of a conventional trade method, trade agents have been established, or major companies have established overseas branches all over the world, so as to increase the efficiency of trade.

[6] However, the above described methods have also not been activated, because time or space limitations have blocked smooth access of a buyer, and when a claim is raised on a product, dispute mediation has not been easy. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the present invention provides a method for trade intermediation, which enables a buyer to smoothly access products without time or space limitations.

[8] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method for trade intermediation, which enables easy dispute mediation even when a claim on a product is raised, and effective decrease of claim frequency in trade by selecting reliable product- providers and buyers.

[9] Furthermore, it is another aspect of the present invention to provide a method for trade intermediation, which can facilitate international transactions by eliminating un- certainty on orders and payments between a provider and a buyer. [10]

Technical Solution

[11] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for trade intermediation using a data communication network in which a manufacturer terminal, a provider terminal, an electronic-payment service terminal, a foreign trade agency terminal, a buyer terminal, a communication service terminal, and a trade intermediation service server are interconnected, the method including the steps of: storing management company information of the provider terminal, and manufacturer product information provided from the provider terminal in a database (DB); receiving the provided manufacturer product information, transferring the manufacturer product information and a relevant evaluation to the buyer terminal, and then receiving again and analyzing the evaluation, thereby appraising export competitiveness of a relevant product, by the foreign trade agency terminal; selecting a company of an export competitive product as a participating company based on the appraisal; receiving a product supply agreement from the manufacturer terminal of a manufacturer manufacturing the product and the provider terminal of a provider providing the product, receiving and storing detailed information on the product from the manufacturer terminal, and storing made agreement items; performing product supply consultation by interconnecting the buyer terminal and the provider terminal in response to a request by the buyer terminal, and determining a price of the product making, by the buyer terminal, a payment based on the determined price via the electronic-payment service terminal transferring a performance bond or an advance payment bond to the buyer terminal after the payment; transferring payment information to the provider terminal; and performing electronic commerce A/S by imposing punitive measures on a relevant terminal in accordance with an agreement on trade intermediation when there is a claim from the buyer terminal or the provider terminal, and notifying remittance to the provider terminal when there is no claim, wherein the step of performing electronic commerce A/S includes the steps of: determining whether the claim raised by the buyer terminal is included in agreement items or not; refunding paid amount to the buyer terminal based on the performance bond or the advance payment bond when the claim is included in the agreement items; updating information on the claim in DB registered provider terminal information; determining that a number of claims exceeds an agreement range; notifying a warning message to the provider terminal when the number is within the agreement range; and notifying contract termination to the provider terminal when the number exceeds the agreement range. [12] Also, the step of performing electronic commerce A/S includes the steps of: determining a number of claims exceeds an agreement range when the claim raised by the buyer terminal is not included in the agreement items; notifying a warning message to the buyer terminal when the number is within the agreement range; and notifying contract termination to the buyer terminal when the number exceeds the agreement range.

[13] Also, the step of consultation for product supply further includes the steps of: receiving a request for detailed product information from the buyer terminal; and transferring the detailed product information stored in the DB to the buyer terminal.

Advantageous Effects

[14] According to the present invention, a buyer can search for product information via a data communication network at any time, and can easily access a product in real-time communication with a provider via a communication service terminal. Also, a claim raised on a product is fairly processed based on an agreement, and thereby allowing easy dispute mediation. In addition, it is possible to effectively decrease claim frequency in trade by selecting reliable product-providers and buyers.

[15] Also, in the present invention, payment can be made via a credit card. Herein, the amount paid by a credit card is securely paid to the provider, and secures a safe trade transaction.

[16] In addition, in the present invention, the issue of various relief means for a buyer, such as a performance bond or an advance payment bond, may interest many buyers, and the issue of various relief means for a provider, such as a payment guarantee, may interest many providers. Accordingly, trade transactions can be actively carried. Brief Description of the Drawings

[17] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a trade intermediation system according to an embodiment of the present invention

[18] FIG. 2 is an entire flow diagram illustrating a method for trade intermediation according to an embodiment of the present invention

[19] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of selecting a participating company according to an embodiment of the present invention

[20] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of making a product supply contract according to an embodiment of the present invention

[21] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of consultation for product supply according to an embodiment of the present invention

[22] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of electronic commerce of a product according to an embodiment of the present invention and

[23] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of performing electronic commerce A/S according to an embodiment of the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[24] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a method for trade intermediation according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In various details such as below-mentioned description, detailed description with regard to relevant functions and constructions that might unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention is to be omitted. Also, below-described terms are with regard to functions according the present invention, and have to be defined based on overall contents of the present patent specification.

[25]

[26] Hereinafter, a trade intermediation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[27] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a trade intermediation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[28] As shown in FIG. 1, a trade intermediation system(lOO) according to the present embodiment includes a manufacturer terminal(l 10), a provider terminal(120), a trade intermediation service server(130), an electronic-payment service terminal(140), a foreign trade agency terminal(150), a buyer terminal(160), a communication service terminal(170), and a data communication network(190).

[29] The manufacturer terminal(l 10), the provider terminal(120), the trade intermediation service server(130), the electronic-payment service terminal(140), the foreign trade agency terminal(150), the buyer terminal(160), and the communication service terminal(170) can be interconnected and can communicate with each other via the data communication network(190). Also, each of the computers used for the manufacturer terminal(l lθ), the provider terminal(120), the trade intermediation service server(130), the electronic-payment service terminal(140), the foreign trade agency terminal(150), the buyer terminal (160), and the communication service terminal(170) includes an input unit by which each terminal manager inputs a command, a communication unit for communication via the data communication network, a processing unit for controlling operations of a terminal, and a storage unit for storing operations of a terminal.

[30] The manufacturer terminal(l 10) transfers product information of a manufacturer (a manufacturer in the present invention indicates 'a product manufacturing company' or 'a service providing company') to the provider terminal(120). Herein, a plurality of manufacturer terminals may be used by a plurality of manufacturers.

[31] The provider terminal(120) receives the product information from the manufacturer terminal(l 10), and transfers the received information to the trade intermediation service server(130). Herein, the provider terminal may be connected with plural manufacturer terminals, and there may be one or more provider terminals.

[32] The trade intermediation service server(130) performs operations required for overall trade processes. In other words, the trade intermediation service server(130) transfers the product information uploaded by the provider terminal(120) to the foreign trade agency terminal(150), uploads information on a product (which is appraised to have export competitiveness by the foreign trade agency terminal(150)) to the data communication network(190) so that the information can be accessed by the buyer terminal(160), receives payment information of the buyer terminal(160) from the electronic-payment service terminal(140), and notifies the payment information to the provider terminal(120).

[33] The electronic-payment service terminal(140) processes the payment made by the buyer terminal(160), and notifies the processed payment information to the trade intermediation service server(130). The electronic-payment service terminal(140) can use a bank's computerized system.

[34] The foreign trade agency terminal(150) receives the product information (which is uploaded on the data communication network(190) by the provider terminal(120)), transfers an evaluation for product preferences, together with the product information, to the buyer terminal(160), and appraises the export competitiveness of the product by receiving and analyzing the results. The foreign trade agency terminal(150) can be managed by agencies throughout many countries.

[35] The buyer terminal(160) evaluates the export competitiveness of the product in response to the evaluation transferred by the foreign trade agency terminal(150), and processes orders and payments of an overseas buyer.

[36] Through the communication service terminal(170), the provider terminal(120) and the buyer terminal(160) are connected with each other in voice communication or video communication. The communication service terminal (170) can use a system for a wire telephone company, a mobile communication company, or a satellite telephone company.

[37] The data communication network(190) supports data communication connections of respective terminals, and herein, the internet can be used for the network.

[38] Hereinafter, a method for trade intermediation according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[39] FIG. 2 is an entire flow diagram illustrating a method for trade intermediation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[40] As shown in FIG. 2, a method for trade intermediation according to the present embodiment is performed and managed by the trade intermediation service server(130) in the trade intermediation system(lOO), and includes the steps of selecting a par- ticipating company (S 100), making a product supply contract(S200), and consultation for product supply(S300), electronic commerce of a product(S400), and performing electronic commerce A/S(S500).

[41] In the step SlOO of selecting a participating company, the trade intermediation service server(130) receives information of the manufacturer terminal(l 10) from the provider terminal(120), and selects a manufacturer as a participating company. The step SlOO of selecting a participating company is for selection of a reliable manufacturer.

[42] In the step S200 of making a product supply contract, a product supply contract is made between the manufacturer terminal(l 10) (selected in the step SlOO of selecting a participating company) and the provider terminal(120).

[43] In the step S300 of consultation for product supply, at the request of the buyer terminal(160), the buyer terminal(160) and the provider terminal(120) are connected with each other via the communication service terminal(170) or the trade intermediation service server. The step S300 of consultation for product supply allows a buyer to directly contact a provider, and thus to access required information.

[44] In the step S400 of electronic commerce of a product, at the request of the buyer terminal(160), the provider terminal(120) is required to perform electronic commerce of a product.

[45] In the step S500 of performing electronic commerce A/S, when a claim is received from the buyer terminal(160) or the provider terminal(120), punitive measures according to an agreement on trade intermediation are impose don a relevant terminal.

[46]

[47] (The step of selecting a participating company)

[48] Hereinafter, the step of selecting a participating company according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[49] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of selecting a participating company according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[50] As shown in FIG. 3, in the step SlOO of selecting a participating company, the first step Sl 10 is for registering information on a company managing the provider terminal(120) in a database (DB) of the trade intermediation service server(130). The registered company information may include information required for general trade transactions, such as credit information, business results information, etc. of a provider.

[51] The second step S 120 is for receiving information on a company managing the manufacturer terminal(l 10) from the provider terminal(120), and registering the information in the DB of the trade intermediation service server. The registered company information may include information required for general trade transactions, such as product information, product quality, credit information, business results information, etc. of a manufacturer.

[52] The third step S 130 is for transferring the information on the management company of the manufacturer terminal(l 10) to the foreign trade agency terminal(150), and requesting the export competitiveness evaluation of the foreign trade agency terminal(150). The foreign trade agency terminal(150) transfers the transferred company information and an evaluation of the relevant company to the buyer terminal(160), receives the corresponding response from the buyer terminal(160), and evaluates the export competitiveness of the relevant product by analyzing the received response. The computer analysis process of the evaluation transferred by the internet is widely known to those skilled in the art, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[53] In the fourth step S 150, when the foreign trade agency terminal(150) appraises that a product is export competitive in step S 140, the manufacturer terminal(l 10) manufacturing the relevant product receives the notification that the manufacturer has been selected as a participating company.

[54] The above described steps make it possible to select an export-competitive manufacturer.

[55]

[56] (The step of making a product supply contract)

[57] Hereinafter, the step of making a product supply contract according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[58] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of making a product supply contract according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[59] As shown in FIG. 4, the step S200 of making a product supply contract according to the present embodiment includes: the step S210 of receiving the approval of a product supply agreement from the manufacturer terminal(l 10) and the provider terminal(120) and the step S220 of receiving product information from the manufacturer terminal(l 10), and storing the received information in the DB of the trade intermediation service server(130). The approval of the product supply agreement may include profit distribution of product transactions, a performance bond on unsupplied products, an insurance contract for compensating claims, contract cancellation according to claims, etc. The performance bond on unsupplied products and the compensation for claims are for preventing the loss in a case where a product is not supplied or a damaged product is supplied, because, according to the present invention, a buyer is required to make a payment as a credit payment via a credit card, or as a cash payment via an escrow service before receiving a product. The approval of the product supply agreement may include all items required for general trade transactions even though such items are not described in detail in the present embodiment. [60] Through the above described steps, it is possible to make a fair contract among the manufacturer terminal, the provider terminal, and the trade intermediation service server.

[61]

[62] (The step of consultation for product supply)

[63] Hereinafter, the step of consultation for product supply according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[64] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of consultation for product supply according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[65] As shown in FIG. 5, the step S300 of consultation for product supply according to the present embodiment includes: the step S310 of receiving a request for detailed product information from the buyer terminal(160); the step S320 of transferring the detailed product information stored in the DB of the trade intermediation service server to the buyer terminal(160), connecting the buyer terminal(160) and the provider terminal(120) with each other via the communication service terminal(170) in voice communication or video communication; and the step S330 of determining the price of a product via the communication connection.

[66] The above described steps allow a buyer to receive information on an interesting product without time or space limitations through the data communication network(190), and also, to immediately achieve consultation for product with the provider terminal(120) via voice or video communication connection.

[67] Also, through the intermediation of the trade intermediation service server(130), a buyer and a provider can meet each other. The time difference between respective countries may restrict online-connection between a buyer and a provider. When buyers from different countries request consultations on a certain product, the trade intermediation service server(130) can set a consultation time, and thus provide the multiple buyers and a provider with time and space for consultations on one product.

[68] In the step S330 of determining the price of a product, the price is determined according to one of several price-determination models usually used online, by an agreement between a buyer and a provider, or a recommendation by the trade intermediation service server(130). The price-determination models may include: a set- price model in which a provider determines a product price and markets the product; a general auction model in which when multiple buyers propose prices within a predetermined period from the product registration of a provider, the product is sold to the buyer who offers the highest price; an inverse auction model in which when multiple providers propose selling prices within a predetermined period from the product registration of a buyer, the buyer makes a contract with the provider who offers the lowest price; and a Dutch auction model in which a provider begins with a high price which is lowered until a buyer is willing to accept the provider's price. Besides the above described models, other models appropriate for a product characteristic can be selected.

[69]

[70] (The step of electronic commerce of a product)

[71] Hereinafter, the step of electronic commerce of a product according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[72] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of electronic commerce of a product according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[73] As shown in FIG. 6, in the step S400 of electronic commerce of a product according to the present embodiment, the first step S410 is for checking the payment of the buyer terminal(160) via the electronic-payment service terminal(140). Herein, it is preferable that the payment is made as a credit payment via a credit card, or as a cash payment via an escrow service.

[74] As known to those skilled in the art, a credit card is issued only when a credit rating satisfies a standard of a credit card company, and thus can help the estimation on the credit rating of a buyer. In the present invention, once the payment is made by a credit card, a buyer cannot unilaterally cancel the approval. Such impossibility of the buyer s unilateral approval cancellation can definitely guarantee the payment for the product provided by a provider, thereby securing a safe transaction. Also, in a case where a buyer wants to cancel a transaction on an unsatisfied received product, when predetermined conditions are satisfied (the conditions of product returns or transaction cancellation can be set up in the first step of the step of making a product supply contract), it is possible to cancel the approval. Therefore, the buyer can safely make a payment with a credit card. On the other hand, when a transaction is canceled, a credit card payment can be easily canceled by cancellation of a credit card approval number. (The amount paid by a credit card is usually paid to a provider in about one month after the approval. In other words, as long as the cancellation period is limited within a payment period, it is possible to cancel the card transaction before the amount is paid to a provider. Therefore, there is no problem in canceling the approval of the credit card transaction.) Also, since a credit card is widely used all over the world, the use is not limited by countries, contrarily to a trade card, which has functions similar to the credit card, but can be used in only seven countries.

[75] Also, as known to those skilled in the art, in an escrow service, a bank with a good credit rating intervenes between transaction parties as an intermediation role. The bank sends the prepaid amount to a counterpart only with the approval of a relevant payer. In a cash transaction via such an escrow service, after receiving a product from a provider, a buyer who has prepaid an amount through the escrow service allows the prepaid amount to be sent to the provider only when the received product is satisfying. Accordingly, when the received product is not satisfying, the buyer can prevent the remittance of the prepaid amount, and thereby reducing the risk. On the other hand, the provider can deliver a product only when the buyer has prepaid the amount, and thereby reducing the risk of a receivable amount on the delivered product.

[76] The second step S420 is for issuing a performance bond or an advance payment bond to the buyer terminal(160). The performance bond (P-BOND) or the advance payment bond (AP-BOND) is used as protection means for a buyer. Also, the issue of the bonds may help interest more buyers, contrarily to a conventional transaction with unsecured credit between transaction parties.

[77] The third step S430 is for notifying payment information to the provider terminal(120). After receiving the information, the provider terminal(120) requests the manufacturer terminal(l 10) to deliver a product, and accordingly, the manufacturer terminal(l 10) delivers the product to a buyer.

[78] The fourth step S440 is for determining whether a claim for a product is raised by the buyer terminal(160) or not, within a predetermined period. It is preferable that the predetermined period is to be from credit card approval to before the amount is paid.

[79] The fifth step S450 is for notifying remittance to the provider terminal(120) if there is no claim raised by the buyer terminal. In other words, only when the delivery between the buyer and the provider is completed without a claim, the amount is sent. Therefore, a claim for a low-quality product, which is raised by the buyer, can guarantee refund of payment. Also, the provider delivers the product after the buyer pays the amount in cash or credit card. Accordingly, the trade transaction can be securely made without any possibility of not receiving the amount for the provided product.

[80] On the other hand, when a claim is raised in the previously described fourth step

S440, electronic commerce A/S is performed in step S500. In other words, a method for trade intermediation according to the present invention includes a method for solving the problem related to product delivery. The step S500 of performing electronic commerce A/S will be described below.

[81]

[82] (The step of performing electronic commerce A/S)

[83] Hereinafter, the step of performing electronic commerce A/S according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[84] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a step of performing electronic commerce A/S according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[85] As shown in FIG. 7, in the step S500 of performing electronic commerce A/S according to the present embodiment, the first step S510 is for determining whether the claim raised by the buyer terminal(160) is reasonable or not. The determination on the claim is performed by comparing the raised claim with agreement items stored in the DB of the trade intermediation service server.

[86] In the second step S520, when the claim is reasonable (in other words, the claim raised by the buyer terminal exists in the DB), the paid amount is refunded to the buyer terminal(160) via the electronic-payment service terminal(140) on the basis of the performance bond or the advance payment bond (which is issued in the step S400 of electronic commerce of a product). Accordingly, once a reasonable claim is raised from a buyer (for example, critical quality difference between an actual product and an advertised product, shortage of quantity, etc.), the paid amount is refunded so that the buyer can securely make a trade transaction without any loss.

[87] The third step S530 is for updating the information on reasonable claims in the DB registered provider terminal information.

[88] First, it is determined that the number of claims is within the predetermined number on the agreement in step S540. The agreement items are based on the agreement approval in the previously described step S200 of making a product supply contract.

[89] Second, when the number of claims is within the predetermined number on the agreement, a warning message is notified to the provider terminal(120) in step S560.

[90] Third, when the number of claims exceeds the predetermined number on the agreement, contract termination is notified to the provider terminal(120) in step S550. Herein, the notification of a warning message or contract termination, which is based on agreement items, helps transaction parties to try to perform the agreement items in accordance with a principle of good faith, and prevents wrong contract cancellation. Also, when the claims raised by a buyer are frequently accumulated, the relevant provider is excluded from the transaction by contract cancellation. Thus, only reliable providers may be allowed to participate in a trade transaction. Therefore, a trade transaction via the trade intermediation service server(130) can gain a lot of confidence from a buyer.

[91] On the other hand, in the previously described step S510, when the raised claim is unreasonable, it is determined that the number of the DB registered unreasonable claims exceeds the predetermined number on the agreement in step S570.

[92] Then, when the number of claims is within the predetermined number on the agreement, a warning message is notified to the buyer terminal(160) in step S590.

[93] Also, when the number of claims exceeds the predetermined number on the agreement, contract termination is notified to the buyer terminal(160) in step S580. Accordingly, unreliable buyers frequently raising unreasonable claims can be excluded from the transaction by contract cancellation, and thus only reliable buyers may be allowed to participate in a trade transaction. Therefore, a trade transaction via the trade intermediation service server(130) can gain a lot of confidence from providers.

[94]

[95] While an embodiment according to the present invention has been described as above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the idea of the invention is not limited to the described embodiment. Therefore, it should be understood that other modifications and changes obvious to those skilled in the art may be made within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[96]

[97]

Claims

[1] A method for trade intermediation using a data communication network in which a manufacturer terminal, a provider terminal, an electronic-payment service terminal, a foreign trade agency terminal, a buyer terminal, a communication service terminal, and a trade intermediation service server are interconnected, the method comprising the steps of: storing management company information of the provider terminal, and manufacturer product information provided from the provider terminal in a database (DB); receiving the provided manufacturer product information, transferring the manufacturer product information and a relevant evaluation to the buyer terminal, and then receiving again and analyzing the evaluation, thereby appraising export competitiveness of a relevant product, by the foreign trade agency terminal; selecting a company of an export competitive product as a participating company based on the appraisal receiving a product supply agreement from the manufacturer terminal of a manufacturer manufacturing the product and the provider terminal of a provider providing the product, receiving and storing detailed information on the product from the manufacturer terminal, and storing made agreement items; performing product supply consultation by interconnecting the buyer terminal and the provider terminal in response to a request by the buyer terminal, and determining a price of the product making, by the buyer terminal, a payment based on the determined price via the electronic-payment service terminal transferring a performance bond or an advance payment bond to the buyer terminal after the payment; transferring payment information to the provider terminal; and performing electronic commerce A/S by imposing punitive measures on a relevant terminal in accordance with an agreement on trade intermediation when there is a claim from the buyer terminal or the provider terminal, and notifying remittance to the provider terminal when there is no claim, wherein the step of performing electronic commerce A/S comprises the steps of: determining whether the claim raised by the buyer terminal is included in agreement items or not; refunding paid amount to the buyer terminal based on the performance bond or the advance payment bond when the claim is included in the agreement items; updating information on the claim in DB registered provider terminal information determining that a number of claims exceeds an agreement range; notifying a warning message to the provider terminal when the number is within the agreement range; and notifying contract termination to the provider terminal when the number exceeds the agreement range.

[2] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of performing electronic commerce A/S comprises the steps of: determining a number of claims exceeds an agreement range when the claim raised by the buyer terminal is not included in the agreement items; notifying a warning message to the buyer terminal when the number is within the agreement range; and notifying contract termination to the buyer terminal when the number exceeds the agreement range.

[3] The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the step of consultation for product supply further comprises the steps of: receiving a request for detailed product information from the buyer terminal; and transferring the detailed product information stored in the DB to the buyer terminal.

[4] The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the payment is made as a credit payment via a credit card, or as a cash payment via an escrow service.