WO2010017825A1

WO2010017825A1 - Logistics system

Info

Publication number: WO2010017825A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/006635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralf Manstein; Ursula Herzog-Denu
Original assignee: Ralf Manstein; Ursula Herzog-Denu
Priority date: 2008-08-12
Filing date: 2008-08-12
Publication date: 2010-02-18
Also published as: CA2734012A1; AU2008360583A1; EP2335212A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to secure, objective exchange, confirmation and evaluations methods and systems to decrease risk associated with purchasing items online.

Description

Logistics System

The invention relates to a communication system, particularly relates to logistic exchange of product and currency.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a communication method.

Moreover, the invention relates to a program element.

Beyond this, the invention relates to a computer-readable medium.

On an internet marketplace users offer goods and services (in the foiiowing caiied "product"). The first contact between buyer and seller is through their usernames which will identify them only as online members but not as a real people. The exchange of goods and payment for those goods are based mostly on trust. If the seller sends the goods first without getting paid he trusts the buyer to pay him. If the seller charges the selling price first to a credit card the buyer is at a disadvantage as he has to trust the goods will be delivered. Only the shipment by COD minimizes the risk for both, the buyer may still just get an empty box.

There are many instances, especially in the online community, where either seller or buyer got taken and lost their goods or their money. In order to reduce the risk of fraud and to judge the reliability of the counterpart, in their role as buyer or seller, an exchange and evaluation system becomes necessary that follows every action taken by each trading partner and mirrors their online behavior. Until now correct conduct was not controllable as no security measures are built into the transactions that would help to avoid fraud. The evaluation of conduct was done by the opposite party. After a concluded sale, the buyer and the seller express their experience with the other party during the transaction or they may simply give him a grade. All other users are able to view these evaluations. In such a system subjectivity and misuse are a big danger. Misunderstandings or ill will can produce undeserved evaluations. On the other hand, someone can give himself a good rating by buying his own product under a different username and then tell tales about himself. Objective evaluation is completely impossible. The lack of built-in security measures allows for fraud which now is common place.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a reliable logistic system.

In order to achieve the object defined above, a device for exchanging goods and currency, a method of exchanging goods and currency, a program element and a computer-readable medium according to the independent claims are provided. Further advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims. Embodiments mentioned for the method also apply to the computer-based data communication system, to the program element and to the computer-readable medium.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for facilitating a trade between a buyer and a seller of a product is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: offering a product for sale by a seller at a predetermined price; a predetermined price is the end sale price that may be arrived at by setting a firm price or by bidding for the product or another way that will establish a final sale price; committing to purchase the product by the buyer in an amount equal to a predetermined price; determining if the buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status; if the buyers account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price are transferred into a holding account (which, in an embodiment, can be accessed exclusively by a central entity such as a platform operator, but not by buyer and seller, until the transfer of the product is finished; if this transfer of the product is finished successfully, the money may be transferred to the seller; if this transfer of the product is finished unsuccessfully, the money may be transferred back to the buyer) to provide holding account monies; if the buyer's account has insufficient currency status, the transaction is concluded; messaging the seller the name and/or shipping address of the buyer; messaging the buyer the name and/or address of the seller; in an optional method step which may be omitted in some embodiments, requiring the seller to verify the date of receipt of monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price; requesting the seller to send off, hand over or exchange the product; requesting the seller to verify the shipping status of the product for sale or the exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (which, for instance, may be predefined by a control entity), wherein the shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; requesting the buyer to verify the receipt status of the product for sale within a receipt confirmation response time frame (which, for instance, may be predefined by a control entity), wherein the receipt status may be selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received and no response; requesting the seller to receive the returned product; requesting the seller to verify the return receipt status of the returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame (which, for instance, may be predefined by a control entity), wherein the return receipt status may be selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/accepted/exchange available, received/accepted/exchange not available, received/not accepted, not received and no response; requesting the buyer to send off or hand over said returned product; requesting the buyer to verify the return shipping status of the returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (which, for instance, may be predefined by a control entity), wherein the return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; assigning a conduct value to the seller based upon the shipping status and sellers confirmation thereof and the return receipt status and sellers confirmation thereof; assigning a conduct value to the buyer based upon the receipt status and buyers confirmation of receipt status and of the return shipping status and buyers confirmation thereof.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a data communication system for communicating between a buyer entity (such as a computer, for instance a client computer, operated by a buyer at a buyer's location) and a seller entity (such as a computer, for instance a client computer, operated by a seller at a seller's location which may be remote from the buyer's location, wherein "remote" may denote that seller and buyer are located in different rooms or buildings or cities or have no eye contact, for instance are at least 1 km away from one another) is provided, said data communication system comprising the seller entity, the buyer entity, and a control entity (such as a computer, for instance a server computer, centrally operated to supervise or monitor communication over the communication system); wherein the seller entity, the buyer entity, and the control entity are communicatively coupled via a data communication network (such as a wired or wireless network, for instance an intranet or the public Internet); wherein the control entity is adapted for offering (for instance in response to an electronic offer message sent from the seller entity to the control entity) a product for sale by said seller entity at a predetermined price (for instance via an online auction system or via an online purchase system); wherein the buyer entity is adapted for committing to purchase (for instance by an electronic purchase message sent from the buyer entity to the control entity) said product in an amount equal to said predetermined price; wherein the control entity is adapted for determining if a buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to said predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status; wherein the control entity is adapted for, upon determining that said buyer's account has a sufficient currency status, transferring holding monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price into a holding account to provide holding account monies; wherein the control entity is adapted for, upon determining that said buyer's account has insufficient currency status, concluding said transaction; wherein the control entity is adapted for messaging said seller entity the shipping name and/or address of said buyer entity (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity); wherein the control entity is optionally adapted for messaging said buyer entity the name and/or address of said seller entity (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the buyer entity; wherein the control entity is optionally (particularly when a corresponding money transfer to the seller has already been performed) adapted for requiring said seller entity to verify the date of receipt of said monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity); wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to send off, hand over or exchange said product (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity); wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to verify the shipping status of said product for sale or an exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity), wherein said shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to receive said product or said exchange product (for instance tjy sending a corresponding electronic message to the buyer entity); wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to verify the receipt status of said product for sale or said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the buyer entity), wherein said receipt status is selected from the group consisting of may be received and accepted, received and not accepted and final return, received and not accepted and exchange, not received and no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to receive a returned product (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity); wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to verify the return receipt status of said returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the seller entity), wherein said return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received and accepted, received and accepted and exchange available, received and accepted and exchange not available, received and not accepted, not received and no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to send off or hand over said returned product (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the buyer entity); wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to verify said return shipping status of said returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (for instance by sending a corresponding electronic message to the buyer entity), wherein said return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for assigning a conduct value to said seller entity based upon said shipping status and said seller entity's confirmation thereof and said return receipt status and said seller entity's confirmation thereof (for instance by storing the conduct value in a database; such a conduct value may be for internal use by the control entity or, in another embodiment, may be accessible in a limited or in an unlimited manner by any third part participating at the online auction or purchase system); wherein the control entity is adapted for assigning a conduct value to said buyer entity based upon said receipt status and said buyer entity's confirmation of said receipt status, said return shipping status and said buyer entity's confirmation of said return shipping status (for instance by storing the conduct value in a database; such a conduct value may be for internal use by the control entity or, in another embodiment, may be accessible in a limited or in an unlimited manner, by any third part participating at the online auction or purchase system). The control entity may use a timing device in order to log in and out going messages, emails, confirmations or the lack of those. This may allow, even a long time after a transaction, to retrace or follow the events to provide for a well arranged and clearly reproducible documentation.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a program element (for instance a software routine, in source code or in executable code) is provided, which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to control or carry out a method having the above mentioned features.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable medium (for instance a CD, a DVD, a USB stick, a floppy disk or a harddisk) is provided, in which a computer program is stored which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to control or carry out a method having the above mentioned features.

Data processing which may be performed according to embodiments of the invention can be realized by a computer program, that is by software, or by using one or more special electronic optimization circuits, that is in hardware, or in hybrid form, that is by means of software components and hardware components.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a fast and reliable logistics in a distributed system which allows for a cooperation between remotely located users which do not have to know one another personally to safely exchange products and money without the risk of fraud. This may be achieved by a data communication system combined with a logistic element which require the users to confirm different activities during product-related and money-related transactions and which allows the users and/or a central control entity to continuously track the bidirectional transfer of merits. Based on such a controlled exchange of a product against money, which may also involve a reliable management, by the control entity, of money paid by a buyer until the product is delivered by a seller, an improved logistics system for network-based cooperation is provided. Furthermore, a rating for the behavior of buyer and seller may be derived exclusively based on objective criteria, not on subjective criteria. Thus, an evaluation of the reliability of seller and buyer may be performed on the basis of facts only, allowing for a more reliable categorization which communication partners are reliable.

In an embodiment, a system is provided that can track every step of the sales transactions and make them visible to both parties. This system may also measure the conduct of both parties, disallow subjectivity and allow only the objective and measurable conduct of the business partner to be rated. In addition to the standard technical security features such a system will objectify the less accessible element of the human conduct and decreases this special online security risk.

An embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods that track the steps of a sales transaction and make them visible to the business partners and measure the conduct of buyers and sellers to decrease the risk associated with purchasing items online or in non- traditional markets. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

All the embodiments for the method described in the following also apply to the communication system, to the program element and to the computer-readable medium, and vice versa.

The secure objective exchange, confirmation and evaluation methods presented here are based on the root elements of a commercial exchange: product for money. For the seller this means handing over the product and receiving the monetary value in return. For the buyer this means receiving, accepting and paying for the product.

The user on the internet marketplace can act as buyer or seller. He has the responsibility to confirm every action necessary for the sales process which, according to embodiments of the present invention, will now be transparent to the trading partners. How he deals with or confirms each action may be objectively registered and then his respective conduct may be summarized and may result in his evaluation. The user automatically evaluates himself through his own behaviour. It should be understood that each step in embodiments of the present invention may be computer implemented by a buyer and seller on their own computers. A corresponding communication for logistic purposes may be realized using the public Internet, or any other appropriate network such as an intranet. The individual procedures may be realized in a digital manner, or even manually.

The buyer and/or the seller can follow his buy-sell transactions and the other parties actions and confirmations in his online account and through automatic email notification. Any user or visitor to the website can view this evaluation at any time by clicking on the user's name. In an embodiment, other than usemame and evaluation no personal information will be shown although the personal data may be known to the operator of the platform.

Sellers and buyers are exchanging a product for currency. A product may be goods and/or services. Currency may be anything of value. Some exemplary re-occurring actions are: (1) Seller hands over the product to the buyer; (2) Buyer hands over the currency; (3) Seller receives the currency; and (4) Buyer receives the product. Actions that modify this basic scenario are: (1) Seller hands over an undesirable product; (2) Seller does not hand over the product; (3) Seller receives no or no sufficient currency; (4) Seller does not receive a returned product; (5) Seller does not accept the returned product; (6) Buyer does not accept the product and returns it for a final return; (7) Buyer does not accept the product and returns an undesirable product for an exchange; (8) Buyer does not accept the product and does not return it; (9) Buyer does not receive the product; and (10) Buyer does not hand over the currency. Tools to control these and other actions are: confirmation of every action (for instance by transmission or exchange of electronic messages such as emails, SMS, MMS, etc.), immediate counteraction if the confirmation or action of a trading partner runs contrary to a smooth uncomplicated transaction process, placement of currency into a neutral account (with, in an embodiment, access only for a control entity, not for seller entity and buyer entity until the transaction is finished in a manner acceptable to both seller and buyer) till both parties have given their final confirmation that signals a mutually agreeable end to the transaction, evaluation of the confirmations in order to transfer the currency to the seller or back to the buyer or to find another mutually agreeable solution,, risk reduction through rating and publishing the conduct of the trading partners.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for facilitating a trade between a buyer and a seller of a product. The buyer and the seller may be registered users of a market platform. A market platform may be an online, digital or other form of a community of buyers and sellers displaying their products or services and exchanging product and currency. The buyer and seller may register by adding their personal and financial data to the database of this market platform.

In an embodiment, the method may have the steps of: offering a product for sale by a seller at a predetermined price. The seller decides to sell a product through the online marketplace. He commits to make the product available for the duration of his online offering. The next steps may be a buyer committing to purchase the product in an amount equal to the predetermined price and determining if the buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status. If the buyers account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price are transferred into a holding account to provide holding account monies. Optionally, fees may also be taken out of the holding account for the service described and claimed herein. An embodiment of the present invention may also provide the step of debiting the buyer's account directly. Another alternative may be the step of: providing a wire transfer form to the buyer; accepting wire transfer information from the buyer; and transferring monies from the buyer to the holding account. Yet another alternative may be the step of: accepting credit and debit cards, accepting any digital form of a financial instrument from the buyer to permit transfer from the buyers account to the holding account. If the buyers account has insufficient currency status, the transaction is concluded.

Assuming sufficient currency status, the method or process may comprise the steps of messaging the seller the name and/or shipping address of the buyer; assuming sufficient currency status, the method or process may comprise the steps of messaging the buyer the name and/or address of the seller; requiring the seller to verify the date of receipt of the monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price; requesting the seller to send off, handover or exchange the product; requesting the seller to verify the shipping status of the product for sale or the exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (the shipping confirmation response time frame may be preset or may be estimated on a case by case basis) wherein the shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response. There are many different outcomes with respect to the shipping status, the following is intended to describe typical outcomes. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is received/accepted the holding monies are transferred to the seller from the holding account. If the shipping status is either not shipped or no response and the receipt status is no response the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the buyer from the holding account. If the shipping status is not shipped and the receipt status is not received the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the buyer from the holding account. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is received/not accepted/final return, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return the product for a final return within a return period. The return period may be preset. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is received/not accepted/exchange, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return the product for an exchange within a return period. The return period may be preset. In this situation, the method may further comprise the step of: offering an exchange product from the seller to the buyer. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is not received, the trade is not concluded and the seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame. If the shipping status is no response and the receipt status is not received, the trade is not concluded and the seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame. Again, the shipping response time frame may be preset (e.g. two days). If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is no response, the trade is not concluded, the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status. If the shipping status is either not shipped or no response and the receipt status is either received/accepted, received/not accepted/exchange or received/not accepted/final return, the trade is not concluded and the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status. The method may further comprise the step of requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame. An agreement status may be, for example, to transfer the holding monies to the seller, transfer the holding monies to the buyer, continue with the final return procedure, continue with the exchange procedure.

The next step may be requiring the seller to provide shipping information regarding the shipping status. For example, this may include how the product was shipped (e.g. DHL, express mail, first class mail), date of shipment, tracking number, if signature was required for receipt, delivery receipt and to which name and/or address the product was shipped.

The next step may be requesting the buyer to verify the receipt status of the product for sale within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein the receipt status may be selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received and no response.

In the event the buyer wants to return the product, the next step may be requesting the seller to verify the return receipt status of the returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein the return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/accepted/exchange available, received/accepted/exchange not available, received/not accepted, not received and no response.

Additional inputs may be required regarding the return of a product. This may include the steps of: requiring the seller to provide receipt information regarding the return receipt status of a returned product; requiring the buyer to verify the return shipping status of the returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein the return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.

The method may further comprise the step of: determining a seller return receipt status, wherein the seller return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/no exchange product available, received/exchange product available, not received and no response. If the seller return receipt status is received/accepted, the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account. If the seller return receipt status is received/accepted/no exchange product available, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account. If the seller return receipt status is received/exchange product available, the seller is asked to send the exchange product to the buyer and confirm shipment within a shipping response time frame. If the seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame.

The method may further comprise the step of: requiring the buyer to provide receipt information regarding the receipt status; and requiring the buyer to provide shipping information regarding the return shipping status of a returned product. If the return shipping status by the buyer is correctly shipped or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status. If the return shipping status by the buyer is either not shipped or negligently shipped, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the seller from the holding account. The method may further comprise the step of requiring an agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame.

The method may further comprise the step of: assigning a conduct value to the seller based upon the shipping status and the seller's confirmation of the shipping status and of the return receipt status and the seller's confirmation of the return receipt status; assigning a conduct value to the buyer based upon the receipt status and the buyer's confirmation of the receipt status, the return shipping status and the buyer's confirmation of the return shipping status. The conduct value may be positive, negligent, negative or neutral. The evaluation of the conduct of seller and buyer is based on their answers - "yes", a reasoned "no" answer or no answer at all - and the relationship of these answers to one another. The conduct value is measured by their answers and/or the absence thereof. The relationship of these answers will result in the self evaluation that is publicly available online. A positive conduct value may be given when performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and confirming it. A negative conduct value may be given when not performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and not confirming it. A negative conduct value may be given when not performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and confirming it. A negligent conduct value may be given when performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and not confirming it. A neutral conduct value may be given when the truth about an action performed or not performed cannot be determined in the statement that is made by confirming or not confirming this recommended and necessary action which in this case would lead to a conclusion of the trade that is not agreeable to both parties.

The buyer's account may be any number of financial instruments including a bank account, credit card, debit account, digital checks, web cents, paypal, t-pay, firstgate, any digital financial instrument and any financial tool that can transfer monies from the buyer to the holding account.

Each of the time frames may be any preset number of days, minutes, etc. For example, the shipping confirmation response time frame may be preset at two days. However, this is not to be taken in a limiting sense as the time frame may be any length of time. The received confirmation response time frame and receipt confirmation response time frame may also be preset.

Each action performed by the seller and the buyer may be initiated and confirmed by a messaging system and registered in a database (which may include data stored on a physical memory device such as a harddisk). The method may further comprise the step of: sending a reminder message by the messaging system if an action was missed or not confirmed; and registering the reminder message in a database.

The step of assigning a conduct value to the seller may further comprise: assigning a conduct value to the seller based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the shipping status of the original product or an exchange product and the return receipt status in case of a returned product. The step of assigning a conduct value to the buyer may further comprise: assigning a conduct value to the buyer based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the receipt status of the original product or an exchange product and the return shipping status in case of a returned product.

The method may further comprise the step of requiring an agreement status within an agreement status time frame. For example, the seller may agree to credit the buyer a certain amount back and send an alternate product. When the agreement status time frame has expired with an agreement between the buyer and the seller, the trade may be concluded or may continue - as in the scenario of an exchange - and the agreement is binding. When the agreement status time frame has expired without an agreement between the buyer and the seller, the trade is concluded, the holding monies are transferred to an intermediate account until the buyer and the seller reach an agreement.

In the event that a product is missing or late, an embodiment of the present invention envisions that the seller may be requested to provide a reconfirmed shipping status. The reconfirmed shipping status may be selected from the group consisting of: shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response. When the shipping status is no response and the receipt status is not received and the subsequent reconfirmed shipping status is not shipped, negligently shipped or no response, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account. When the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is not received and the subsequent reconfirmed shipping status is not shipped or negligently shipped, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding accounts. When shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is not received and the subsequent reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, or no response, the seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and the buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame. When the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, the receipt confirmation is not received or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status. If the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, the receipt confirmation is received/accepted, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the seller from the holding account.

If the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, the receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/final return, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return the product for a final return within a return period. If the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, the receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/exchange, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return the product for an exchange within a return period. If the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is either not shipped, negligently shipped or no response and the receipt confirmation is received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status.

The modifying actions, those other than the basic re-occurring actions, are a security risk for the other trading partner. An embodiment of the present invention reduces or minimizes this risk by: requiring confirmation of every separate action of a transaction between sellers and buyers; initiating immediate and automatic counteraction if seller's or buyer's action/confirmation runs contrary to a smooth uncomplicated transaction process; taking confirmation or lack of confirmation of every step of a transaction to automatically and objectively produce an assessment of the trading partner's conduct in business as every action and its confirmation represents the way a trading partner is conducting himself in business; charging the price of the product to the buyer and transfers it to the seller only after both parties are satisfied with the outcome of the transaction; automatically saving the confirmation actions and the rated conduct in business in a database and making the evaluation available online.

This way the seller and the buyer will always be informed about the status of the transaction and can be assured that the transaction will be secure. They receive the assessment of their conduct solely through their own actions, not through a third party. This evaluation of conduct may be entered into a database and can be accessed by any future trading partner.

For effective control of the steps of the transaction it is recommended to deposit all currency into a neutral account, to allow for adequate time to perform a certain action and to confirm the action, to use a mode of shipping that requires a signature upon receipt, to allow for a second chance to perform a certain action and to confirm that action if the first time limit to do so has passed, to keep the trading partners informed about every step via messaging, email or another mode of communication. These are variables that can be set according to the customs of a certain country, according to the estimated length of time to ship an item, etc.

It is possible to ship only so the recipient has to validate the receipt of the product through his signature. It may be advantageous to attain proof of delivery if a worse case scenario arises, such as the buyer insisting he did not receive the product - although he did - and trying to get his currency refunded. Every action/confirmation that the buyer and seller have to perform may be preceded by an informative email. A chosen financial account of the final buyer may be debited and the currency (holding account monies) may be held in a neutral account till the complete transactions are concluded to everyone's satisfaction. A reasonable time should be allowed to react to and perform each required action/confirmation, such as 2 days - counted from the send-out of the notification - for the seller to ship his product and confirm, 9 days for the buyer to confirm the receipt of the product - counted from the email informing him that his currency was received and that the seller will send the product, etc. As a trading partner may have forgotten to confirm an action he may have already performed (e.g. sending the product but forgetting to confirm online that he did) the system may give him a second chance to do so within a certain time frame. Confirmations may be done using an online form.

By way of an example, a seller decides to sell a product through the online marketplace. He commits to make the product available for the duration of his online offering. When the buyer buys the product through the final mouse click or the like the purchase price may be paid by debiting the buyer's bank account or credit card (or via another financial instrument) and will be held in trust in an account of the online service. The method may comprise the step of debiting the buyers account directly. Now the seller will receive an email with the mailing address and/or name of the buyer and other information on this sale. He will be asked to verify the date of receipt for the currency in the holding account and to subsequently ship the product within a couple days and to confirm the shipping or the personal delivery online. He can answer "shipped" or "not shipped" or he may choose not to answer at all. If he answers "shipped" he will be presented with a form to give some additional information about the shipment. If he chooses "not shipped" he will be asked to justify his behavior. He can select the appropriate reason from a menu. No confirmation will trigger further inquiries. The purchase price which is held in trust will be blocked. It will not be transferred - to the seller or back to the buyer - till this problem is solved. A system of online forms and emails is provided to accomplish this.

The buyer will also receive an email regarding the sale and may be asked to confirm the receipt and his acceptance of the product. His answer can be "received/accepted", "received/not accepted/final return", "received/not accepted/exchange", "not received" or he may elect not to answer at all. If he answers "received/accepted" he will be presented with a form to give some additional information about receiving and accepting the product. If he answers "received/not accepted/final return" he will be presented with a form to select his reason of non-acceptance from a menu and asked to return the product. If he answers "received/not accepted/exchange" he will be presented with a form to select his reason of non-acceptance from a menu and asked to return the product. The return of product will also be monitored. His "received/accepted" answer will trigger the transfer of the purchase price to the seller if the seller confirmed correct shipment. The "not received" answer will trigger inquiries with the seller. Also no confirmation will trigger further inquiries. Until the situation is resolved the purchase price which is held in trust will not be transferred to either party.

If the buyer or the seller do not answer within a certain time frame they will be reminded by email to do so. A method of tracking and requiring information through a series of online forms and emails may been created to produce clear statements about the shipping, receipt and acceptance of the original product as well as about the return of the product in case of non-acceptance or if the returned product was received, not received, accepted or not accepted. Until it is clear where the product is, if it is in an acceptable condition and who deserves the currency (for instance, "Is it to be transferred to the seller or back to the buyer ?") or if another feasible solution has been reached, the transaction is not over and the currency is not transferred. Therefore the possibility of fraud is vastly reduced. Both parties may be constantly informed about the status of the transactions by way of emails or they may view it in their online account.

The evaluation of the conduct of seller and buyer is based on their answers, and the relationship of these answers to one another. Their conduct is measured by their answers or the absence thereof. The relationship of these answers will result in the self evaluation that is publicly available online.

In a trouble-free transaction without complications, the buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. After the seller sends off the product he confirms this action online. When the buyer receives and accepts the product he confirms "received/accepted" online. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. As each of the trading partners have conducted themselves flawlessly both of them receive a conduct value rating of "positive" for a successful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

Not all transactions, though, go smoothly. There may be many different complications. A first complication may be that the buyer does not hand over the currency. The following description will run through many common scenarios each starting with the step of: the buyer committing to purchase the product. Next the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. No (or no sufficient amount of) currency can be transferred because of insufficient funds or other reasons. Both trading partners are notified that no currency could be transferred and that therefore the transaction is concluded. As the seller has done nothing wrong he receives a conduct value of "positive" for an unsuccessful transaction while the buyer receives a negative conduct value due to his insufficient funds for this unsuccessful transaction.

A second complication may be that the seller does not send the product. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery, (2) because of change of address, (3) because not picking up from shipper. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. In the first situation, as the buyer has done nothing wrong he receives a positive conduct value and the seller receives a negative conduct value for non-shipment. In the second situation, and third situation, the buyer receives a negligent conduct value due to his careless handling of the potential receipt of the product. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent. But the buyer confirms receipt and acceptance of the product or the buyer confirms receipt but no acceptance of the product. This confirmation shows a discrepancy between the seller's and the buyer's answers. Therefore the seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange transaction process as described herein. As the buyer has conducted himself correctly he receives a conduct value of "positive" for this transaction (it cannot be determined if he just pressed the wrong button and did not receive the product, a carelessness which warrants a "negligent" or if he actually pressed the right button and received it, a correct confirmation which warrants a "positive". The possible "negligent" conduct value may be softened to "positive" when an agreement is reached) while the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction due to his negligent confirmation procedure (the seller definitely did not conduct himself properly which normally warrants a negative. Here it is softened by coming to an agreement with the buyer). The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction may be concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent. The buyer does not confirm receipt or acceptance of the product. The absence of a response by the buyer (in combination with the seller's negative confirmation) may trigger the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account. As the buyer has conducted himself negligently he receives a conduct value of "negligent" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.

A third complication may be that the seller does not confirm the sending of the product. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery, (2) because of change of address, (3) because not picking up from shipper. Due to the fact that the buyer may have not waited long enough to receive the product as the shipping service may have delayed shipment the seller is urged to reconfirm the status of the shipment and to give the shipment details.

Subsequently, no reconfirmation on part of the seller is now interpreted as not shipped as he repeatedly did not confirm. This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. As the buyer has done nothing wrong he may receive a conduct value of "positive" for non-receipt due to a non-delivery, in the situation of a non- receipt confirmation due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper, the buyer will get a "negligent" conduct value for an unsuccessful transaction. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.

In the event the seller reconfirms that nothing was shipped or was shipped incorrectly, his reconfirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. As the buyer has done nothing wrong he may receive a positive conduct value for an unsuccessful transaction (an original non-receipt confirmation due to change of address or not picking up from shipper triggers a negligent conduct value for the buyer) while the seller may receive a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

Another scenario may arise in the event the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. In a first instance, the buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product. The positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. As the buyer has conducted himself correctly he may receive a positive conduct value for a successful transaction. An original non-receipt confirmation due to change of address or not picking up from shipping may trigger a negligent conduct value for the buyer while the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value due to his original negligent shipment confirmation for this successful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.

As above, the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. Now the buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product. The negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product triggers a return or exchange procedure as described herein. Even if this transaction concludes successfully the seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value due to his original negligent shipment confirmation.

Although the seller reconfirms, as above, that everything was shipped correctly the buyer again confirms non-receipt of the product or now gives no confirmation at all. In any case seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this last mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product may trigger a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. As the buyer has conducted himself correctly he may receive a "positive" conduct value (a non-receipt confirmation in this instance or in the original confirmation due to change of address or not picking up from shipper triggers a negligent conduct value for the buyer) for this transaction while the seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction due to his original negligent confirmation procedure. The transaction may be concluded.

If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both may receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment. But the buyer confirms receipt and acceptance of the product or the buyer confirms receipt but no acceptance of the product. Although the buyer seems to have received the product the system does not really know without the confirmation of the seller. Therefore the seller and buyer may be asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - for instance confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this last mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product may trigger a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. As the buyer has conducted himself properly he may receive a conduct value of "positive" for this transaction (It cannot be determined if he actually received the product or did not. The last case would show negligence in pressing the wrong button which may warrant a "negligent". The possible "negligent" conduct value is softened to "positive" when an agreement is reached). The seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction due to his negligent confirmation procedure. The transaction may be concluded.

If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer may commit to purchase the product. Now the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer may be asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment. The buyer does not confirm receipt or acceptance of the product, he gives no response at all. The absence of a response by the buyer in combination with the seller's absence of confirmation may be interpreted as "not shipped/not received" and may trigger the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account. As the buyer has conducted himself negligently without doing a wrong action he receives a conduct value of "negligent" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non- shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

A fourth complication may be that the buyer does not receive the product. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer may be asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms the shipment. But the buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery, or (2) because of change of address, (3) because not picking up from shipper. Due to the fact that the buyer may have not waited long enough to receive the product as the shipping service may have delayed shipment the seller is urged to reconfirm the status of the shipment and to give the shipment details. The seller reconfirms that nothing was shipped. Now the seller corrects his first positive confirmation. This may trigger the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. As the buyer has done nothing wrong he receives a "positive" conduct value for his original non-receipt confirmation due to nondelivery. If non-receipt confirmation due to carelessness because of a change of address, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value. If non-receipt confirmation because not picking up from shipper, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.

The seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. The buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product. The positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value. If his original non-receipt confirmation showed to carelessness because of a change of address the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating. If his original non-receipt confirmation showed carelessness because the buyer did not pick up from shipper the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating for this successful transaction. The seller receives a conduct value of "positive" for a successful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.

As above, the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. The buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product. The negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product may trigger a return or exchange procedure as described herein.

As above the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. Now the buyer again confirms non-receipt of the product or now gives no confirmation at all. In any case seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option this last mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for a confirmation due to nondelivery (he is not punished for giving no confirmation at this time as he already responded in the first place). Alternatively, if this confirmation or an original non-receipt confirmation showed carelessness because of a change of address the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value.

If the buyer (now or originally) confirmed non-receipt due to not picking up from shipper, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction. The seller receives a conduct value of "positive" for this transaction. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The seller does not reconfirm anything now, after initially confirming shipping the product. The buyer may or may not respond. Seller and buyer may be asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - which may be confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this last mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for the present or the original confirmation due to non-delivery (he is not punished for giving no confirmation at this time as he already responded in the first place). Alternatively, if his present or original confirmation showed carelessness for instance because of a change of address or because not picking up from the shipper, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating for this transaction; the seller receives a conduct value of "negligent" for skipping the reconfirmation this time. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details may be reiated to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (Information given in the registration) to the shop account.

With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller does not confirm the shipment. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; or (3) because not picking up from shipper. Due to the fact that the buyer may have not waited long enough to receive the product as the shipping service may have delayed shipment the seller is urged to reconfirm the status of the shipment and to give the shipment details. No reconfirmation on part of the seller is now interpreted as not shipped as he repeatedly did not confirm. This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery by the seller, or a "negligent" conduct value due a confirmation to carelessness because of change of address or for not picking up from shipper. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

Alternatively, the seller reconfirms that nothing was shipped. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a conduct value of "positive" for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent" due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non-receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

Having not confirmed anything before, the seller now reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. The buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product. The positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. The buyer receives a conduct value of "positive" for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent" due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non-receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper. The seller receives a conduct value of "negligent" due to his original non-confirmation of shipping the product for this successful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

Having missed his first chance to confirm, the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. The buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product. The negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product triggers a return or exchange procedure as described herein.

After giving no confirmation before, the seller now reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. Now the buyer confirms non-receipt of the product or now gives no confirmation at all. In any case seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - which may be confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a conduct value of "positive" for a present or original confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery (he is not punished for giving no confirmation at this time as he already responded in the first place) or "negligent" due to carelessness because of a present or original confirmation of non-receipt due to a of change of address or not picking up from shipper. The seller receives a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction due to his original negligent confirmation procedure. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that no product has been sent. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; or (3) because not picking up from shipper. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a conduct value of "positive" for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent" due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non- receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

A fifth complication may be that the buyer does not confirm the receipt of the product. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that the product has been sent. The buyer does not confirm the receipt. The buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non-receipt of the product. If he ignores these chances for confirmation the seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a conduct value of "negligent" due to his negligent confirmation procedure for this transaction, while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. The transaction is concluded.

The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that the product has not been sent. The buyer does not confirm the receipt. The buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non-receipt of the product. If the time limit to respond to the second chance for confirmation has passed then the buyer's no confirmation (in combination with seller's statement that nothing was shipped) is interpreted as "not received". This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account The seller receives a conduct value of negative for this unsuccessful transition due to his non-shipment of the product. The buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value due to his negligent confirmation procedure for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller does not confirm any shipment. The buyer does not confirm the receipt. The buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non- receipt of the product. Also the seller gets notification urging him to confirm a second time. No confirmations are taking place. As no information about shipment or receipt has been transmitted this is interpreted as "no transaction occurred". This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a conduct value "negligent" for his negligent confirmation procedure for this unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.

A sixth complication may be that the buyer does not accept the product. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that the product has been sent. The buyer confirms the receipt of the product but does not accept it. He has to return the product to the seller, he can return it for good or exchange it. In order for the currency to be transferred back to the buyer's account the returned product - which is returned for a final return not exchanged - has to be received and accepted by the seller. If the product is to be exchanged, the original product has to be returned to and accepted by the seller and the newly exchanged product has to be received and accepted by the buyer in order for the currency to be transferred to the seller's account.

Final return of the product without exchange: The seller confirms that he received the returned product and accepted it. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction for following correct procedure. The seller receives for shipping and confirming a "positive" conduct value. The transaction is concluded.

In another instance, the seller may confirm that he received the returned product but does not accept it or that he did not receive the returned product because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; (3) because not picking up from shipper; or (4) he gives no confirmation at all. The buyer is urged to confirm the return shipment and the condition of product at the time of the return shipment.

Now the buyer confirms that nothing was returned and/or that the condition of the returned product at the time of return shipment was not the same condition as in the original delivery. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. As the buyer has acted incorrectly he receives a conduct value of negative for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery. The seller may also receive "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non- receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded.

Having been urged to confirm the return shipment, the buyer confirms that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment. Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to continue with the final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a continuation of the final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction for following correct procedure. The seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non- receipt because of no delivery. Alternatively, the seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. The transaction is concluded. Urged to confirm the return shipment, the buyer does not confirm that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment. Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement which may be confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to continue with the final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a continuation of the final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a conduct value of "negligent" for this transaction due to his negligent return shipment confirmation while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non- acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery. The seller may alternatively receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a non-receipt confirmation due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

The following describes the return of the product with exchange. The seller confirms that he received the returned product, accepted it and that an exchange product can be shipped. Now the seller is supposed to send off the new product. Then the seller (1) confirms that the exchanged product has been sent; (2) confirms that nothing was shipped; or (3) does not give any confirmation. The buyer (I.) confirms the receipt of the exchanged product and accepts it; (II.) confirms the receipt of the exchanged product but does not accept it; or (III.) confirms not having received the exchanged product because of non-delivery; change of address; not picking up from shipper, or does not give a confirmation. In order to continue with the intended exchange of currency and product, the various transaction steps and confirmations have to be made by both trading partners as described herein. The trade continues till it is finally concluded by the intended proper exchange of currency and product or by way of a final solution to the arising complication. Only then is the evaluation for the buyer's and seller's conduct given.

The seller confirms that he received the returned product, accepted it and that he has no exchange product. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account. As the buyer has acted correctly he receives a conduct value of "positive" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives for his correct conduct a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/acceptance of the returned product and confirming the unavailability of an exchange product. The transaction is concluded.

The seller confirms that he received the returned product but does not accept it or that he did not receive the returned product because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; (3) because not picking up from shipper; or (4) he gives no confirmation at all. The buyer is urged to confirm the return shipment and the condition of product at the time of the return shipment. The buyer confirms that nothing was returned and/or that the condition of the returned product at the time of return shipment was not the same condition as in the original delivery. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account. As the buyer has acted incorrectly he receives a conduct value of negative for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value when confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery. Alternatively a "negligent" conduct value may be given to the seller because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded.

Urged to confirm the return shipment, the buyer confirms that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment. Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement which may be confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to continue to exchange the product. Taking that option, this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or a continuation of the exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction for following correct procedure. The seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery. Alternatively, the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.

Even after being urged to confirm that return shipment the buyer does not confirm that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment. Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to continue to exchange the product. Taking that option this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or a continuation of the exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a conduct value of "negligent" for this transaction due to his negligent return shipment confirmation while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value when confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery. The seller may alternatively receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due for a change of address, for not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that nothing was shipped or the seller does not give any confirmation. The buyer confirms the receipt of the product but does not accept it. As the negative confirmation/no-confirmation of the seller and buyer indicate opposite scenarios they are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement. Depending on their agreement - confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers either a final return or exchange procedure as described herein. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value. It cannot be determined if he just pressed the wrong button and did not receive the product, a carelessness which warrants a "negligent" or if he actually pressed the right button received it which warrants a "positive". The possible "negligent" conduct value is softened to "positive" when an agreement is reached. The seller receives a "negligent" conduct value. The seller definitely did not conduct himself properly which normally warrants a negative. Here it is softened by coming to an agreement with the buyer. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a

"neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiment but to which the invention is not limited.

Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 schematically illustrate a communication and logistic system according to an exemplary embodiment at different steps during a communication and exchange process according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The illustration in the drawing is schematically. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

In the following, referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 8, operation of a communication system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained.

The communication system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is adapted for a communication between a seller (not shown) operating a seller computer 102, a buyer (not shown) operating a buyer computer 104 and a control server computer 106 controlling and managing communication within the communication system 100. The seller computer 102, the buyer computer 104 and the control computer 106 are part of or form a computer network, in the present scenario form part of the public Internet or any other wired or wireless network. Further computers which are not shown in Fig. 1 can be part of such a communication system 100 allowing for a communication between distributed remotely located computers 102, 104, 106. Between each of the computers 102, 104, 106, electronic communication messages may be exchanged, wherein the control computer 106 centrally controls the system 100.

The communication system 100 may be a client-server system or may alternatively be a peer-to-peer system.

The seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may have processing capabilities (for instance may comprise a microprocessor or a central processing unit, CPU) and may further include an input/output unit (not shown) such as a graphical user interface (GUI) including input elements such as a keypad, a joystick, a computer mouse, a trackball, a joystick or even a microphone of a voice recognition system. Furthermore, the input/output unit of each of the seller computer 102 and buyer computer 104 may comprise a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube, a plasma device or the like. Via such a display device, information may be displayed to a user operating the buyer computer 104 or the seller computer 102. The seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may further have memory capabilities which may be provided by an electronic storage device (not shown). Data related to the exchange within the communication system 100 may be stored in such a storage unit temporarily or permanently. Each of the computers 102, 104 may further comprise a (for instance wired or wireless) communication interface allowing for a communication within the network 100.

The control computer 106 may be a server computer having processing capabilities, communication capabilities, memory capabilities, etc. The server 106 may coordinate exchange of communication messages between the units 102, 104, 106. Such a communication may optionally be performed using encryption for data transfer safety. If desired, transmitted communication messages may be compressed to reduce the amount of data to be exchanged. The server computer 106 is coupled for bidirectional data communication with a database 108 in which the computer server 106 may store data in relation with the communication with communication system 100.

The communication system 100 may represent an Internet auction system centrally controlled by the server computer 106. During such an Internet auction, in the present scenario, a product is offered by an operator of the seller computer 102 for sale. In the present scenario, the buyer computer 104 is operated by a user who wishes to buy the offered product. However, in an alternative scenario, the buyer computer 104 may also operate as a seller computer, and/or the seller computer 102 may operate as a buyer computer. In other words, the role of a seller or buyer computer may depend on a specific scenario. Further potential seller computers or buyer computers may be part of the communication network 100, although not shown in Fig. 1.

As can further be taken from Fig. 1, a first account unit 110 is shown which belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to the seller/seller computer 102. Such a coupling may be in accordance with an online banking system or the like. Also the control computer 106 belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to an account unit 112. Also the buyer computer 104 belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to an account unit 114.

The communication between the entities 102, 104 and 106 may be performed in a wired manner (that is to say via cable connections) and/or in a wireless manner (for instance via Bluetooth, infrared communication, RF communication, etc.).

The seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may be stationary entities such as a desktop computer, or may be mobile devices such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.

The scenario shown in Fig. 1 relates to a situation in which the seller has offered via the seller computer 102 a product for sale for a predetermined price in an Internet auction system provided by the central server computer 106. Via the server computer 106 which may be operated by an operator (or an agent or an authority) of the Internet auction system, this product may be offered for sale to potential buyers which are connected via the communication network 100. Participation at the Internet auction may be restricted by the server computer 106 to users which have previously registered themselves in the Internet auction system.

To provide necessary information regarding the product, the price, contact data of the seller, etc., the seller computer 102 transmits a seller offer message 120 to the control computer 106. In response to this sale offer message 120, the control computer 106 may bring the offer into a format so that it can be offered to potential buyers via the Internet auction system.

In the present scenario, the buyer computer 104 sends a purchase message 130 to the control computer 106 indicating that the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 commits to purchase the product in an amount equal to the price defined by the seller computer 102 or being a price for which the product is sold as a result of an Internet auction organized and managed by the control computer 106.

Now referring to the operation mode 200 shown in Fig. 2, the control computer 106 determines if the account unit 114 of the buyer has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to said predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or an insufficient currency status. For that purpose, in one embodiment, the control computer 106 directly sends a corresponding query to the buyer computer 104 in form of a communication message 210. In another embodiment (not shown), the control computer 106 will check whether sufficient money is available at the side of the buyer by querying the account unit 114 assigned to the buyer computer 104.

If the response to the query 210 is "Yes", compare reference numeral 215, that is if the buyer's account unit 114 has a sufficient currency status, holding money from said buyer's account unit 114 is transferred in an amount equal to that predetermined price to the holding account 112 which is accessible only by the control computer 106, not by the computers 102, 104. This ensures that the seller does not have access to the money before having sent the sold product to the buyer. Such a money transfer is indicated schematically with reference numeral 220 in Fig. 2 and may be the result of a purely electronic money transfer. Alternatively, the money may be also transferred physically, for instance by a money courier. In the described scenario, the money may be held by the control computer 106 acting as a trustee. After the entire transfer of the acquired product is finished successfully, the control computer 106 may then transfer the money from the account 112 to the seller's account 110. Alternatively, the buyer computer 104 may transfer monies directly from the associated bank account 114 directly to the holding account 112 of the control computer 106 via transfer 220.

Alternatively, the money may be transferred from the bank account 114 directly to the bank account 110 of the seller computer 102, however with the limitation that the seller cannot get access to the transferred money before the product has been sent to the buyer.

If the answer to the query 210 is "No", compare reference numeral 225, that is if the buyer's account has insufficient currency status, the transaction is concluded. Then, the entire trade between the buyer and the seller is terminated, and this event can be confirmed to the seller computer 102 by a message 230 and to the buyer computer 104 by a message 240.

As a next step, as shown in operation mode 300 illustrated in Fig. 3, the control computer 106 messages said seller computer 102 the shipping address of the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 by an address notification message 310 such as an email (so that the seller is enabled to send the product to the buyer).The control computer 106 messages said buyer computer 104 the address of the seller by an address notification message 320 such as an email (so that the buyer is enabled to send back the product to the seller in a scenario in which the buyer does not accept a shipped product). Thus, the buyer will receive the address of the seller and the seller will receive the address of the buyer. Further, is it possible that the transmitted address information includes both name and address. Thus, said buyer computer 104 may receive the address (or name and address) of the seller operating the seller computer 102 by an address notification message 320 such as an email. Said seller computer 102 may receive the address (or name and address) of the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 by an address notification message 310 such as an email. Alternatively, such an address notification message can also be sent directly from the buyer computer 104 to the seller computer 102 and directly from the seller computer 102 to the buyer computer 104.

As can be taken from an operation mode 400 shown in Fig. 4, the control computer 106 may then request the seller computer 102 to send off, handover or exchange said product. This can be performed by a send request message 410. With the same message 410 or with a separate communication message 420, the control computer 106 may request the seller computer 102 to verify the shipping status of the product for sale or said exchange product within a shipping configuration response time frame Δti.

In response to such a shipping configuration message 420, the seller computer 102 may send back to the control computer 106 a shipping status confirmation message 430. The verified shipping status may be "shipped" in a scenario in which the seller has already shipped the product to the buyer. It may be "not shipped" if the shipping has not been performed. It may be "negligently shipped" when a shipping has been performed however, a problem has occurred during the shipping. If there is "no response" from the seller computer 102, this will be also acknowledged by the control computer 106.

All the messages exchanged between the entities 106, 104, 102 as well as the failure of responding to requests by one of the seller computer 102 or buyer computer 104 may be stored in the database 108 by the control computer 106. Fig. 5 shows an operation mode 500 in which shipping 505 of the product has been initiated by the seller. Such a shipping 505 may be a physical shipping of a material product by a transport company or may be also the shipping in an electronic form such as the shipping of an electronic voucher, software or any other virtual product.

In a receive message 510 the control computer 106 may request the buyer computer 104 to receive the product or an exchange product, for instance in a scenario in which the product is no more available for the seller, but a similar product is still available. Hence, an exchange product may be a product which has similar properties as the ordered product and is sent as an exchange to that product, for instance since the product has been destroyed or is no longer available.

The control computer 106 further sends a verification request 520 to the buyer computer 104 asking the buyer computer 104 to verify the receipt status of the product for sale or said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame Δt₂. A corresponding verification message 530 may be sent back by the buyer computer 104 upon receipt of the verification request 520.

In case that the shipped product is fine for the buyer, the money may be transferred from the holding account 114 to the account 110 of the seller computer 102 or the seller computer 102 may be granted unlimited access to the transferred money if it has been transferred before directly to the seller's account 110.

Although not shown in the figures, by a further communication message, the control computer 106 may then require the seller computer 102 to verify the date of receipt of said money from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price. In response to the receipt of this verification request message, the seller computer 102 may send a corresponding verification message.

However, it may also happen that the shipping has not been performed properly. It is also possible that the shipping has been performed properly, but the product is not to the contentedness of the buyer, for instance is damaged. It is also possible that an exchange product is not to the contentedness of the buyer, for instance deviates significantly from the expected product. Other problems can occur as well.

Depending on the details of the shipping, the buyer may report, via the verification message 530, one of different receipt statuses. One possible receipt status is received and accepted, in this scenario everything is fine. Another receipt status is receipt, but not accepted and finally returned to the seller. A further receipt status is received, but not accepted and request for an exchange of the product against another product. Another receipt status is not received, when the buyer 104 has not received the product. It is also possible that there is no response from the buyer computer 104 regarding the receipt status.

Depending on one of these scenarios, the procedure will be continued accordingly. One specific example will be explained in the following.

In a scenario, in which the product has been received by the buyer but shall be returned, as can be taken from an operation mode 600 shown in Fig. 6, the control computer 106 will send a communication message 610 to the seller computer 102 requesting that the seller shall receive the returned product. Moreover, with a verification communication message 630, the control computer 106 may also request the seller computer 102 to verify the return receipt status of the returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame Δt₃. Possible receipt statuses can be received and not accepted, received and accepted and exchange available, received and accepted and exchange not available, received and not accepted, not received, no response.

As can be taken from an operation mode 700 shown in Fig. 7, the control computer 106 sends off a request 710 to the buyer computer 104 requesting the buyer computer 104 to send off or hand over the returned product. In response to the receipt of this message 710, the return 720 of the product may be initiated from the buyer to the seller. In such a scenario, the buyer may return the product to the sender by shipping. Again, this return 720 can be a physical return or an electronic return, for instance via e-mail. This depends on the nature of the product.

The control computer 106 further requests the buyer computer 104, by a communication message 730, to verify the return shipping status of the returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame At₄. Such a return shipping status may be shipped, non-shipped, negligently shipped or no response. A corresponding status may be included in a verification message 740 sent from the buyer computer 104 to the control computer 106 upon receipt of the communication message 730. The respective return receipt status is sent from the seller computer 102 to the control computer 106 via a communication message 740.

In this scenario, it depends on the availability of an exchange product whether the trade between the buyer and the seller is continued or concluded. Various scenarios are possible. As can be taken from an operation mode 800 shown in Fig. 8, the control computer 106 may process internally the events during the trade between the buyer computer 104 and the seller computer 102. After a corresponding processing, conduct values for the seller and for the buyer are stored in the database 106. For instance, a conduct value may be assigned to the seller computer 102 based upon said shipping status and said seller's confirmation thereof and said return receipt status and said seller's confirmation thereof. Furthermore, a conduct value may be assigned to the buyer computer 104 based upon said receipt status and said buyer's confirmation or said receipt status, said return shipping status and said buyer's confirmation or said return shipping status.

Therefore, if in the future another buyer or seller wants to see how the corresponding trade partner has behaved in the past, these conduct values are available via the communication system 100 so that future buyers and sellers get a better impression about the reliability of a trade partner.

It should be understood that the foregoing relates to preferred embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

C l a i m s

1. A computer-based logistics method for communicating between a buyer and a seller of a product, said method comprising the steps of: offering a product for sale by said seller at a predetermined price; committing to purchase said product by said buyer in an amount equal to said predetermined price; determining if a buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to said predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status; wherein upon determining that said buyer's account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price are transferred into a holding account to provide holding account monies; wherein upon determining that said buyer's account has insufficient currency status, transaction is concluded; messaging said seller the shipping name and/or address of said buyer; optionally, requiring said seller to verify the date of receipt of said monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price; requesting said seller to send off, hand over or exchange said product; requesting said seller to verify the shipping status of said product for sale or of an exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein said shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; requesting said buyer to receive said product or said exchange product; requesting said buyer to verify the receipt status of said product for sale or said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein said receipt status is selected from the group consisting of may be received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received and no response; requesting said seller to receive a returned product; requesting said seller to verify the return receipt status of said returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein said return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/accepted/exchange available, received/accepted/exchange not available, received/not accepted, not received and no response; requesting said buyer to send off or hand over said returned product; requesting said buyer to verify said return shipping status of said returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein said return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; assigning a conduct value to said seller based upon said shipping status and said seller's confirmation thereof and said return receipt status and said seller's confirmation thereof; assigning a conduct value to said buyer based upon said receipt status and said buyer's confirmation of said receipt status, said return shipping status and said buyer's confirmation of said return shipping status.

2. A method as in claim 1, comprising at least one of the following features: said buyer's account is selected from the group consisting of a bank account, credit card, debit account, digital checks, financial instrument, web cents, paypal, t-pay, firstgate, digital financial instrument and any financial tool that can transfer monies from the buyer to the holding account; the method further comprises requiring said seller to provide shipping information regarding said shipping status; the method further comprises requiring said seller to provide receipt information regarding said return receipt status of a returned product; the method further comprises requiring said buyer to provide receipt information regarding said receipt status; the method further comprises requiring said buyer to provide shipping information regarding said return shipping status of a returned product; said conduct value is positive, negligent, negative or neutral; said shipping confirmation response time frame is preset; said receipt confirmation response time frame is preset; said buyer and said seller are registered users of a market platform; said buyer and said seller register by adding their personal and financial data to the database of this market platform; the method further comprises sending a reminder message by said messaging system if an action was missed or not confirmed, and registering said reminder message in a database; said step of assigning a conduct value to said seller is further comprised of assigning a conduct value to said seller based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the shipping status of the original product or an exchange product and the return receipt status in case of a returned product; said step of assigning a conduct value to said buyer is further comprised of assigning a conduct value to said buyer based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the receipt status of the original product or an exchange product and the return shipping status in case of a returned product; the method further comprises debiting said buyers account directly; the method further comprises providing a wire transfer form to said buyer, accepting wire transfer information from said buyer, and transferring monies from said buyer to said holding account; the method further comprises accepting any digital form of a financial instrument from said buyer to permit transfer from said buyers account to said holding account; the method further comprises offering an exchange product from said seller to said buyer; each action performed by said seller and said buyer is initiated and confirmed by a messaging system and is registered in a database; wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is received/accepted said holding monies are transferred to said seller from said holding account; wherein if said shipping status is either not shipped or no response and said receipt status is no response said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said buyer from said holding account; wherein if said shipping status is not shipped and said receipt status is not received said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said buyer from said holding account.

3. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is received/not accepted/final return, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return said product for a final return within a return period.

4. A method as in claim 3, comprising at least one of the following features: said return period is preset; the method further comprises determining a seller return receipt status, wherein said seller return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/not accepted, not received and no response.

5. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is received/not accepted/exchange, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return said product for an exchange within a return period.

6. A method as in claim 5, comprising at least one of the following features: said return period is preset; the method further comprises determining a seller return receipt status, wherein said seller return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/not accepted, received/accepted/no exchange product available, received/accepted/exchange product available, not received and no response.

7. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is not received, said trade is not concluded and said seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame.

8. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein if said shipping status is no response and said receipt status is not received, said trade is not concluded and said seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame.

9. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is no response, said trade is not concluded, said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status; wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is no response, said trade is not concluded, said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status, wherein the method further comprises requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame; wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is no response, said trade is not concluded, said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status, wherein the method further comprises requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame, wherein said agreement status time frame has expired with an agreement between said buyer and said seller, said agreement is binding; wherein if said shipping status is shipped and said receipt status is no response, said trade is not concluded, said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status, wherein the method further comprises requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame, wherein said agreement status time frame has expired without an agreement between said buyer and said seller, said holding monies are transferred to an intermediate account until said buyer and said seller reach an agreement.

10. A method as in claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein if said shipping status is either not shipped or no response and said receipt status is either received/accepted, received/not accepted/exchange or received/not accepted/final return, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status.

11. A method as in claim 10, wherein the method further comprises requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame, optionally comprising: said agreement status time frame has expired with an agreement between said buyer and said seller and said agreement is binding; or said agreement status time frame has expired without an agreement between said buyer and said seller, said holding monies are transferred to an intermediate account until said buyer and said seller reach an agreement.

12. A method as in claim 7 or any one of the above claims, wherein said seller provides a reconfirmed shipping status, wherein said reconfirmed shipping status is selected from the group consisting of: shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.

13. A method as in claim 12, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is not shipped or negligently shipped, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred back to said buyer from said holding account; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/accepted, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said seller from said holding account; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/final return, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return said product for a final return within a return period; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/exchange, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return said product for an exchange within a return period; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped or no response, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is either not shipped, negligently shipped or no response and said receipt confirmation is received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received, no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status.

14. A method as in claim 8 or any one of the above claims, wherein said seller provides a reconfirmed shipping status, said reconfirmed shipping status selected from the group consisting of: shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.

15. A method as in claim 14, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is not shipped, negligently shipped or no response, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred back to said buyer from said holding account; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/accepted, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said seller from said holding account; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/final return, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return said product for a final return within a return period; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, said receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/exchange, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return said product for an exchange within a return period; wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status is shipped, said seller is asked to provide in-depth details of the shipment within a shipping confirmation response time frame and said buyer is asked to confirm receipt within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein if said reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is either not shipped, negligently shipped or no response and said receipt confirmation is received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received, no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status.

16. A method as in claim 4 or any one of the above claims, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/accepted said holding monies are transferred back to said buyer from said holding account, wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping , status within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein if said return shipping status by said buyer is shipped or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein if said return shipping status by said buyer is either not shipped or negligently shipped, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said seller from said holding account.

17. A method as in claim 6 or any one of the above claims, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/accepted/no exchange product available, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred back to said buyer from said holding account; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/ accepted/ exchange product available, said seller is asked to send said exchange product to said buyer and confirm shipment within a shipping response time frame and said buyer is required to provide receipt information regarding the receipt status of said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein if said return shipping status by said buyer is shipped or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer and said seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status; wherein if said seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, said trade is not concluded and said buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein if said return shipping status by said buyer is either not shipped or negligently shipped, said trade is concluded and said holding monies are transferred to said seller from said holding account.

18. A method according to any one of the above claims, further comprising at least one of the following features: requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame; requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame, wherein said agreement status time frame has expired with an agreement between said buyer and said seller and said agreement is binding; requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame, wherein if said agreement status time frame has expired without an agreement between said buyer and said seller, said holding monies are transferred to an intermediate account until said buyer and said seller reach an agreement.

19. A computer-based data communication system for communicating between a buyer entity and a seller entity, said data communication system comprising: the seller entity; the buyer entity; and a control entity; wherein the seller entity, the buyer entity, and the control entity are communicatively coupled via a data communication network; wherein the control entity is adapted for offering a product for sale by said seller entity at a predetermined price; wherein the buyer entity is adapted for committing to purchase said product in an amount equal to said predetermined price; wherein the control entity is adapted for determining if a buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to said predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status; wherein the control entity is adapted for, upon determining that said buyer's account has a sufficient currency status, transferring holding monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price into a holding account to provide holding account monies; wherein the control entity is adapted for, upon determining that said buyer's account has insufficient currency status, concluding said transaction; wherein the control entity is adapted for messaging said seller entity the name and/or shipping address of said buyer entity; wherein, optionally, the control entity is adapted for messaging said buyer entity the name and/or address of said seller entity; wherein the control entity is optionally adapted for requiring said seller entity to verify the date of receipt of said monies from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to send off, hand over or exchange said product; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to verify the shipping status of said product for sale or of an exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein said shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to receive said product or said exchange product; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to verify the receipt status of said product for sale or said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein said receipt status is selected from the group consisting of may be received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received and no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to receive a returned product; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said seller entity to verify the return receipt status of said returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein said return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/accepted/exchange available, received/accepted/exchange not available, received/not accepted, not received and no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to send off or hand over said returned product; wherein the control entity is adapted for requesting said buyer entity to verify said return shipping status of said returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein said return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response; wherein the control entity is adapted for assigning a conduct value to said seller entity based upon said shipping status and said seller entity's confirmation thereof and said return receipt status and said seller entity's confirmation thereof; wherein the control entity is adapted for assigning a conduct value to said buyer entity based upon said receipt status and said buyer entity's confirmation of said receipt status, said return shipping status and said buyer entity's confirmation of said return shipping status₌

20. A computer-readable medium, in which a computer program of communicating between a buyer and a seller of a product is stored, which computer program, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out or control a method according to any one of the above claims.

21. A program element of communicating between a buyer and a seller of a product, which program element, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out or control a method according to any one of the above claims.