Smart multi-search method
AssigneenetCOMPONENTS, Inc.
InventorTodd McGee
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is a method for providing, in response to a single search multiple product/service item query, search results for multiple products/services that are grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier(s) have inventory with respect to the greatest number of the queried products/services. The user can identify which vendor can best fill the entire order, simplifying the buying process. A single query can be entered by a user covering their entire required bill of materials list. The method is preferably implemented via a website server using known methods of Internet communication. The search results can be customized further to categorize suppliers by geographic location, supplier type, pricing or other criteria.
Claims5
A method for buyers and suppliers of products/services to engage in commerce, comprising the steps of:
- providing access to a searchable electronic database containing product/service inventory and price information for multiple different types of products/services offered by two or more suppliers to search for desired items;
- receiving via electronic communication in a single query search queries for multiple different types and quantities of products/services;
- providing search results for multiple different types and quantities of products/services in response to said query, said search results being grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier has inventory for the greatest number of said queried types and quantities of said multiple different types of products/services.
A method for buyers and suppliers of products/services to engage in electronic commerce, comprising the steps of:
- providing access to a computer-based searchable supplier and products/services information database to search for desired items;
- receiving in a single query search queries for multiple products/services;
- providing in response to said single search query search results for said multiple different types and quantities of products/services, said search results being grouped and ranked by supplier based on which supplier has inventory for the greatest number and types of said queried products/services;
- receiving from buyers requests for quotation for said products/services directed to one or more of said suppliers listed in said search results;
- sending said requests for quotation to said one or more selected suppliers;
- and
- receiving from said one or more selected suppliers quotations submitted in response to said buyer requests for quotation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.