AU2012201333A1 - A system and method for exchanging and selling of tangible items - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for an on-line selling and swapping service. The service registers members and allows members to list items that each member is willing to swap, sell, auction in exchange for listing fees for use of the. An example of the items that may be swapped using the swapping service is video games, video game consoles and accessories. To facilitate postage through the mail of an item from one member to another member, a step by step message service helping to prevent fraud. 20D(2) User 2 10 ww alr KI200hI) 200(1)03) 200(4) Swupping/Sei0ng

Description

1 A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING AND SELLING OF TANGIBLE ITEMS ONLINE ADVERTISING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The growth of the World Wide Web has engendered many new vendors of goods and services. Many provide a means to trade securities, bonds and other financial intangibles. [000 1a] Despite the existence of those services, there are no on-line services heretofore known that allow users to simply swap items with other users in a convenient manner. For example, many people who are enthusiastic video game players spend significant time and energy seeking new games to play, while at the same time, have built a large collection of digital video discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), etc. [0002] What is needed is a service for managing the swapping of items, such as DVDs, CDs, etc., between users to a service, and an ideal way of postage of such items. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Briefly, a system and method for an on-line swapping service is provided. The service registers members and allows members to list items that each member is willing to swap with other members directly all within the services. An example of the items that may be swapped using the swapping service is video game consoles, video game accessories, CDs, DVDs, cartridges etc. Unlike existing on-line retailing services, to facilitate delivery through the mail of an item from one member to another member, a printable mailing wrapper is created by the system with the appropriate destination address. The system emails, downloads or otherwise sends the mailing wrapper to the member who is in possession of the item to be shipped. That member simply prints the mailing wrapper on a standard printer, and wraps it around the item to be shipped via standard postal services. [0004] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent when reference is made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 2 FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting the selling and swapping service environment. FIG. 2A is a flow diagram generally showing an operation of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 2B is a flow diagram generally showing an operation of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the main functions of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the registration function of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure for listing an item of the selling and swapping service. FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F are exemplary displays of a page useful for listing an item of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 7 is an exemplary display of a page useful for removing a listing of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 8A is a flow chart of procedure for the Bid or Buy item function of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 8B is a flow chart of procedure for the Request a Trade function of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 9 is a detailed flow chart of procedures regarding the buy and request trade functions, searching, messaging and postage of a buy/trade item to a User who is registered with the selling and swapping service. FIGS. 10A, 1OB and 1OC are exemplary web pages useful for searching for a particular item listed with the selling and swapping service. FIG. I Iis a flow chart of a procedure for direct payment for services rendered and items bought of the selling and swapping service. FIG. 12 is an exemplary display of a page listing fees of the selling and swapping service.

3 FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and 13E are exemplary pages useful for viewing items listed by a user, trade requests, trade acceptance and trade confirmation with another user within the selling and swapping service. FIG. 14 is the index page useful for displaying the featured (go gold) listings of the selling and swapping service. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0005] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2a, a swapping service is depicted that may be used to swap items of any type between user's that have registered with the swapping service. Examples of items that may be swapped with the swapping service described herein are video game consoles, video game accessories, CDs, DVDs, cartridges etc. Generally, this system is useful to facilitate swapping of any item where listing fees are charged to members. Some basic concepts of the swapping service and system are described. A swapping/trading service 100 manages trades or exchanges of items between subscribers (also called members) 200(1) to 200(N) to the service. The service collects listing fees from members in exchange for providing the service that enables members to swap and sell items. The fees are accumulated in the members account then collected on a fortnightly basis. Unlike existing trading systems, the items generally are not inventoried by the swapping service but rather stay in the possession of the respective users. Thus, the inventory is kept in the possession and control of the individual members, removing the burden of the service to store inventory. Each user 200(1), 200(2), 200(3), 200(4), registers with the swapping/trading service 100 and receives an email activating the members account users. Once a member has listed their item, their account balance is deducted. Users may list their items available for trading/ swapping with the service so that other users may find and request them. For example, user 1 has item A and user 1 provides information to the system that identifies item A. Examples of this identifying information are described hereinafter. Similarly, user 2 has item B and lists it with the service, user 3 has items C, D and user 4 has item E and lists them with the service. [0006] Referring to FIG. 2A according to the swapping service, when one user desires an item of another user to trade for their own, they send a request through the service to have the item sent to the requesting user. For example, if user 2 requests item A from user 1, user 1 would receive a notification, such as an email, this is the first step to trading. User 1 has set terms to the trade and User 2 has either agreed to the trade terms or has made a counter offer. These terms outline type 4 of postage and packaging preference. If User 1 accepts the agreed terms and accepts to trade their item A for item B, User 1 follows the second step emailing a date of delivery. User 2 agrees to the date and both User 1 and User 2 follow the third step closing their listings. Both User1 and User 2 follow the fourth step of posting items A and item B in the mail. If the trade agreement specified registered post as the only postage option for both parties, they would follow the fifth step emailing each other their proof of delivery (their registered Australian Post tracking number) to one of another within 3 days of the delivery date that User 1 and User 2 has agreed to. In the instance that User 1 had received a request to trade from user 2 as described in the first step in FIG. 2A, it is the right of User 1 to refuse the trade process and choose to sell item A instead, refer to FIG. 2B. For if User 3 had selected to buy and make payment for item A, any other trade request that had no agreed delivery date would be irrelevant and User 1 must deliver the item A to User 3. [0007] The service may be hosted on a server computer connected to the Internet. Data for operating the service is stored in an electronic database, either local to the server computer or remote. [0008] FIG. 3 illustrates some of the high level functions of the swapping service performed by the swap server3.0, comprising Registration 3.1, "List a Item" 3.2, "Remove a Listing" 3.3, "Bid or Buy Outright Item" 3.4, "Post an item" 3.5, "Tell a Friend" 3.6, "Testimonial" 3.7, "Request a Trade" 3.8, "Sign In" 3.9, "Pay Account balance" 3.10, "Listing Fee" 3.11, "Feedback" 3.12 and "Notice Board" 3.13. Data from users is obtained through forms presented through a user interface common to Internet web sites. Other features of the system that are, for simplicity, not shown in FIG. 3, are described hereinafter as well. [0009] FIG. 4 illustrates the Registration service. In step 3.1 a, a main registration form is presented to a user into which a user enters data sufficient to register the user with the system, including home address, email address and other relevant data. The user data is validated as being sufficient in step 3.lb, and then in step 3. 1c, a terms-of-use statement is presented to the user that the user must click to accept in step 3.1 d in order to proceed. In step 3.11 the user is asked to respond to automatic email in order to activate the membership. [0010] FIG. 5 illustrates the List a Item function 3.2, invoked when a user desires to list an item to be made available for trade, selling or auctioning where the item to be listed is, for example a video game. In step 3.2a, the user is prompted by a category page specifying the proper category for the video game's system. The user is prompted by a second category menu that specifies the 5 video game's condition. The user proceeds to the item description page In step 3.2b as shown in FIG. 6A and 6D, prompting the user to enter the details for the game that includes the title, subtitle, region type, Item description, postage cost, start date, listing duration, postage method, postal terms, payment methods, additional listing options, automatic relisting, listing fee acceptance, fee amount. Within step 3.2b are subcategories with a multiple choice to describe either a game or system or accessories detailed condition, each sub category hides itself based on its need by the user. As shown in FIG. 6A The game sub category details the name, overall condition, minor scratches, surface scratches, deep scratches, case, manual and if bubble wrap will be used within or outside the game during postage. As shown in FIG. 6B the system sub category details the console/system name, overall condition, original packaging included, TV leads included, Power adapter/leads included, cosmetic condition specifying and scratches, dents or cracks. As shown in FIG. 6C the accessories sub category details the accessory name, overall condition, original packing included, manual, is wireless, cosmetic condition specifying and scratches, dents or cracks As shown in FIG. 6D There are now two options that the user can select, if user selects step 3.2bi the video game will be listed as either as an auction/Buy Outright Now, from here the user has the new options to select type of bid increment, reserve price and Buy Outright Now amount. However if the user selects step 3.2bii listing the video game for trade as well as Buy Outright Now, the user is able to select trade item(s) for, Trade Agreement Policy and Buy Outright Now amount. After selecting either option, the user will have the option to progress to step 3.2c to upload any relevant images to the listing. Once user has finalised details the listing is able to be submitted and clicks submit to be transferred to another page FIG. 6E and 6F step 3.2d clarifying all listing details are correct before submitting. The user selects submit and the listing is automatically uploaded to the server to be displayed on the website. [0011] The Remove a listing function 3.3 permits a user to close an auction if that auction is over 8 hours left remaining and is selected by clicking the 'close now' icon as illustrated in FIG. 7 Buy Outright Now and Trade listings can be closed at any time. Within the closed auction tab the user does have the option to relist their item. [0011 a] The system builds a database of items available for swapping or selling as a result, if an item becomes sold all aspects of swapping become inactive, however if the user was to close the listing after a successful trade agreement, it would result in a trade [0012] FIG. 8a illustrates the flow chart for the Bid or Buy item function 3.4. User A has listed an item as an auction or Buy Outright Now, User B has found this item and has the two options 6 to Bid on an auction or/and Buy Outright Now when following step 3.2a. Given User B has selected 3.4bi to Bid on the item they have to make the highest bidder to purchase the item, however if another user selects 3.4bii the buy outright now, User B bids are no longer effective. If User B was to either win the highest bid3.4bi on the item or buy outright 3.4bii User B makes payment for the item to User A, the next step Post an item" 3.5 once receiving payment, User A posts the item direct to User B using the address details from User B details on the servers database. Both User A and User B now follow the next step to leave feedback 3.12 specifying their experience with the current transaction outcome. The final step Pay Account balance 3.10 User A pays the amount owing for the Listing fee and other fees incurred such as featured (Go Gold Featured) or Buy Outright Now and Trade extra services. [0013] The Tell a Friend function 3.6 permits a user to enter email addresses of other persons that may be interested in the swapping/selling service. The swapping/selling service sends an email message to those persons, together with an introduction to the service. [0014] The Testimonials function 3.7 presents a page to a user and prompts a user to comment on the swapping service itself, with permission to use that comment as a publishable testimonial about the service for marketing purposes. [0015] FIG. 8b illustrates the summarized flow chart for the Request Trade item function 3.8 in regards to Buy Outright or trade option. User A creates the listing involving both a form of payment Buy Outright Now and trade for another listed item option. In step 3.8, User B has found an item and has the two options to step 3.8ii Buy Outright the item or to step 3.8i trade for the item. Given User B has selected 3.8i request trade option for the item, in order for the trade to become a binding contract both User A and User B must email with both confirmation agreeing to a trade agreement that is further described in FIG. 9, the postage date of both listed items and to post within 3 days of that agreed date to post. The trade agreement is chosen by User A, who specifies that both parties must use the postage method of registered post and/or the packaging includes inner or outer bubble wrap to secure the item. Part of the registered post agreement involves the tracking number from both User A and User B must sent to one another via email within 3 days of the agreed delivery date. If User B has not received and responded to the confirmation trading date of both items emailed from User A and another user selects 3.8ii the buy outright now of the item User A has listed, then User B has not entered into a binding contract to trade both items. In another scenario where User B selects to buy outright 3.8ii and make payment for the item A to User A, then User A follows the next step Post an item 3.5 once 7 receiving payment. User A posts the item direct to User B using the address details from User B details on the server's database. However if User B has selected the Request Trade 3.8i option based on the trade agreement both User A and User B now follow Post an item 3.5i, both must follow the agreed type of postage method, type of packaging and use the address details from the server's database. Both User A and User B now follow the next step to leave feedback 3.12 specifying their experience with the current transaction outcome. The final step Pay Account balance 3.10 User A pays the amount owing for the Listing fee and other fees incurred such as featured (Go Gold Featured) or Buy Outright Now and Trade extra services. [0015a] FIG. 9 illustrates the flow chart when a user chooses to use bid or by an item 3.4 function or chooses the Request a Trade item 3.8 function. In step 3.8a, a user selecting advanced search among the global header is presented with a page, such as the one shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B and1OC, which allows a user to search for a particular item, e.g., game in several ways, including keywords/title, category, price range, post code, sort by high to lowest/ lowest to highest, ending, buy outright. In step 3.8b, the results of the search are displayed on a page to the user. In step 3.8c, user B selects game they were searching for. User B has listed Item B and is interested in Item A. User B has stated on the listing that they are willing to trade for Item A. User A in return has also made a willing to trade for Item B that is advertised on the item A listing. User B follows Request a Trade by clicking on the trade request icon in the Item A listing FIG. 13A illustrates the "request trade" icon. User B is now on step 3.8d the Trade request page FIG. 13B, User B must select the item he has listed for trade, accept the trade agreement created by User A on the Item A listing as shown on FIG. 13A. User B must tick the checkbox next to the Terms and conditions link to highlight the fact they have agreed to Terms and conditions in the registration process and Trade Agreement terms listed by User A to proceed with the trade request. User B is also given the option to add "request message" where they are able to specify any other negotiations of their own by posting a trade message. User B then submits the trade request 3.8e then receives a page outlining their Trade request email has been sent to User A. FIG.13c User A receives the email in his user control panel menu and in Step 3.8f User A examines the request sent by User B by clicking on the User B name link to another page checking User B "feedback" 3.12 score to gain the trust of the user and views the details entailed in Item B listing. From here User A follows step 3.8g emailing User B confirmation email on the postage date of both Item A and Item B to one another the steps are listed in FIG. 13D for both Users to follow instructions. In step 3.8hi another path User A can undergo in step 3.8hh is to reject the trade request by ignoring the message or respond a not interested message where the trade request process would end and User B would follow step 8 3.8ii buy outright, User A would retrieve User B address following step 3.8jj then post Item A to User B following step3.8kk. if User A however chooses to follow the step 3.8g accepting the trade by sending a message to User B confirming postage date of both items, User B, In return follows step 3.8h once receiving User A confirmation postage date message illustrated in FIG.13E User B agrees to postage date responding an acceptance of postage date message to User A involving the postage date of both Item A and Item B illustrated in FIG. 13E. In step 3.8i User B clicks on the 'trade now' icon in the Item B listing illustrated in Fig.13A. This confirms to the system User B has received User A acceptance of the trade that led to the close of Item B listing. User A verifies that Item A has been closed as a result of trade now option select by User B, User A follows step 3.8i clicking on the 'trade now' icon in the Item B listing, this confirms to the system User A has received User B acceptance of the trade that led to the close of Item A listing. In step 3.8k both Users deliver on the agreed postage agreement, if inner and outer bubble wrap is part of the agreement of package and handling both users must comply, If registered post is part of the agreement both users must post Australian Post Tracking numbers on an email to one another. If any User fails to comply with the trade terms, they are in breach of their contract and must pay the buy outright amount. [0016] The Sign In function 3.9 allows users to view auctions based on their time zone. The default website time is based on either AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time or AEDST Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time. If a user can ensure their correct time zone is entered in their registration 3. land later be changed within their profile details within the "My User Menu". [0017] The Pay Account balance function 3.10 With reference to FIG. 11 a user has accrued listings fees as well as item amounts to pay and within the user 'my user menu', 'my account' tab and selecting outstanding payments step 3.1 0a the user is able to pay the amounts owing with a list of transaction they need to make final payments on. A new page Step 3. 1Ob has the user select a payment gateway option to pay the amount owing. In Step 3.1 Oc the payment data is sent to the payment processor selected for processing. The user is then returned to the 'My User Menu' once payment is finalised. [0018] The Listing Fee function 3.11 with reference to FIG. 12 allows a user to add extra features to any listing as well as view the costs that will be added to the User Account balance. When the User selects a option when creating a listing, they will view an immediate addition to their fees under fee amount when selecting the option with fee cost highlighted.

9 [0019] The Feedback function 3.12 allows users to post their experience in regards to their transaction with another user, it is a guided tool to prevent fraud and help users to make better judgement calls. [0020] The Notice Board function 3.13 with reference to FIG. 14 is to update users of the changes made to the terms and conditions in regards to look and interactions of the website. Notice headlines are advertised on the index page in full view of any user.

Claims (49)

1. A system for managing swaps, selling and auctions of tangible items, comprising: an Internet connection; an electronic database; and a server computer that is connected to the electronic data base, and communicates with users through the Internet connection, wherein the server computer is programmed to: register a first user in the electronic database, receive a first name of a first tangible item to list from the first user through the Internet connection, store the first name in the electronic database, and list the first name on a web site of the server computer that begins a first transaction adding a first deduction of account balance from the first user in the electronic database; register a second user in the electronic database, receive a second name of a second tangible item to list from the second user through the Internet connection, store the second name in the electronic database, and list the second name on a web site of the server computer that begins a second transaction adding a second deduction of account balance from the second user in the electronic database; register a third user in the electronic database, receive a third name of a third tangible item to list from the third user through the Internet connection, store the third name in the electronic database, and list the third name on a web site of the server computer that begins a third transaction adding a third deduction of account balance from the third user in the electronic database; register a fourth user in the electronic database, receive a fourth name of a fourth tangible item to list from the fourth user through the Internet connection, store the fourth 11 name in the electronic database, and list the fourth name on a web site of the server computer that begins a fourth transaction adding a fourth deduction of account balance from the fourth user in the electronic database; receive a first bid on auction through the Internet connection from the first user for the second tangible item that results bid won beginning a fifth transaction adding a first deduction of tangible items account balance owing from the first user in the electronic database, send a first message through the Internet connection to the second user requesting that the second tangible item be shipped to the first user, receive a second message through the Internet connection confirming receipt of the second tangible item in the electronic database to complete the first tangible item transaction; send a third message through the Internet connection from the fourth user to third user regards to first trade request for the third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, send a fourth message through the Internet connection from the third user to fourth user regards to a first trade request confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, send a fifth message through the Internet connection to third user from the fourth user regards to a second trade request confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, send a sixth message through the Internet connection from the third user to fourth user regards to a first shipment confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, send a seventh message through the Internet connection to third user from the fourth user regards to a second shipment confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, receive receipt confirmation through the Internet connection of the fourth tangible item by third user in the electronic database to complete the second tangible item transaction, receive receipt confirmation through the Internet connection of the third tangible item by fourth user in the electronic database to complete the third tangible item transaction; and issue user account balance must be under debt amount owing so that the swapping/selling/auctioning process can begin.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein second message is received from the first user. 12

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the second message is received from an automatic delivery confirmation feature.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the third tangible item comprises a video game.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the third name comprises a video game title

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the third tangible item comprises a compact disc (CD).

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the fourth tangible item comprises a digital video disc (DVD).

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second tangible item comprises a video game console.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second name comprises a video game console title.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the second tangible item comprises a video game accessory

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the second tangible item comprises a digital video disc (DVD).

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the second name comprises a video game console.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the first message comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the mailing address of the first user. 13

14. The system of claim 1, wherein before the first transaction the server computer is further programmed to: receive item details from the first user and store the item details in the electronic database.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, after the transaction, the server computer is further programmed to: display item listing on the web site, representing the item of the first user.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the server computer is further programmed to: display a page from the web site if a user clicks on the graphic.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the page comprises information to proceed with bid/buy outright/ request trade for first item.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein third message is sent to the third user from fourth user.

19. The system of claim 1, wherein the third message is received from an automatic delivery confirmation feature.

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the third message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first trade request of the fourth user.

21. The system of claim 1, wherein the fourth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first trade request confirmation of the third user. 14

22. The system of claim 1, wherein the fifth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the second trade request confirmation of the fourth user.

23. The system of claim 1, wherein the sixth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first shipment confirmation of the third user.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the seventh message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the shipment confirmation of the fourth user.

25. A method for managing swaps, selling and auctions of tangible items, comprising: registering a first user in the electronic database, receiving a first name of a first tangible item to list from the first user through the Internet connection, store the first name in the electronic database, and listing the first name on a web site of the server computer that begins a first transaction adding a first deduction of account balance from the first user in the electronic database; registering a second user in the electronic database, receiving a second name of a second tangible item to list from the second user through the Internet connection, store the second name in the electronic database, and listing the second name on a web site of the server computer that begins a second transaction adding a second deduction of account balance from the second user in the electronic database; registering a third user in the electronic database, receiving a third name of a third tangible item to list from the third user through the Internet connection, store the third name in the electronic database, and listing the third name 15 on a web site of the server computer that begins a third transaction adding a third deduction of account balance from the third user in the electronic database; registering a fourth user in the electronic database, receiving a fourth name of a fourth tangible item to list from the fourth user through the Internet connection, store the fourth name in the electronic database, and listing the fourth name on a web site of the server computer that begins a fourth transaction adding a fourth deduction of account balance from the fourth user in the electronic database; receiving a first bid on auction through the Internet connection from the first user for the second tangible item that results bid won beginning a fifth transaction adding a first deduction of tangible items account balance owing from the first user in the electronic database, send a first message through the Internet connection to the second user requesting that the second tangible item be shipped to the first user, receiving a second message through the Internet connection confirming receipt of the second tangible item in the electronic database to complete the first tangible item transaction; sending a third message through the Internet connection from the fourth user to third user regards to first trade request for the third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, sending a fourth message through the Internet connection from the third user to fourth user regards to a first trade request confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, sending a fifth message through the Internet connection to third user from the fourth user regards to a second trade request confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, sending a sixth message through the Internet connection from the third user to fourth user regards to a first shipment confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, sending a seventh message through the Internet connection to third user from the fourth user regards to a second shipment confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, receiving receipt confirmation through the Internet connection of the fourth tangible item by third user in the electronic database to complete the second tangible item transaction, receiving receipt confirmation through the Internet connection of the third tangible item by fourth user in the electronic database to complete the third tangible item transaction; and 16 issue user account balance must be under debt amount owing so that the swapping/selling/auctioning process can begin.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein second message is received from the first user.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the second message is received from an automatic delivery confirmation feature.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the third tangible item comprises a video game.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the third name comprises a video game title

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the third tangible item comprises a compact disc (CD).

31. The method of claim 25, wherein the fourth tangible item comprises a digital video disc (DVD).

32. The method of claim 25, wherein the second tangible item comprises a video game console.

33. The method of claim 8, wherein the second name comprises a video game console title.

34. The method of claim 25, wherein the second tangible item comprises a video game accessory

35. The method of claim 25, wherein the second tangible item comprises a digital video disc (DVD).

36. The method of claim 25, wherein the second name comprises a video game console. 17

37. The method of claim 25, wherein the first message comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the mailing address of the first user.

38. The method of claim 25, further compromising, before the first transaction, receiving item details from the first user and store the item details in the electronic database using the server computer.

39. The method of claim 38, further compromising, after the transaction, displaying the item listing on the web site, representing the item of the first user using the server computer.

40. The method of claim 39, further compromising, displaying a page from the web site if a user clicks on the graphic using the server computer.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the page comprises information to proceed with bid/buy outright/ request trade for first item.

42. The method of claim 25, wherein third message is sent to the third user from fourth user.

43. The method of claim 25, wherein the third message is received from an automatic delivery confirmation feature.

44. The method of claim 25, wherein the third message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first trade request of the fourth user.

45. The method of claim 25, wherein the fourth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first trade request confirmation of the third user. 18

46. The method of claim 25, wherein the fifth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the second trade request confirmation of the fourth user.

47. The method of claim 25, wherein the sixth message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the first shipment confirmation of the third user.

48. The method of claim 25, wherein the seventh message aided by the website comprises an email of form of a document, wherein the document contains the shipment confirmation of the fourth user.

49. A non-transitory computer-readable medium, whose contents include a program, which, when executed on a server computer, performs a method for managing swaps, selling and auctions of tangible items, comprising: registering a first user, receiving a first name of a first tangible item to list from the first user, receiving a first transaction adding a first deduction of account balance from the first user, storing the first name, and listing the first name on a web site using a listing module; registering a second user, receiving a second name of a second tangible item to list from the second user, receiving a second transaction adding a second deduction of account balance from the second user, storing the second name, and listing the second name on the web site using the listing module; registering a third user, receiving a third name of a third tangible item to list from the third user, receiving a third transaction adding a third deduction of account balance from the third user storing the third name, and listing the third name on the web site using the listing module; registering a fourth user, receiving a first name of a fourth tangible item to list from the fourth user, receiving a fourth transaction adding a fourth deduction of account balance from the fourth user, storing the first name, and listing the first name on a web site using a listing module; 19 receiving bid on auction from the first user for the second tangible item, sending results bid won to first user beginning a fifth transaction adding a first deduction of tangible items account balance owing from the first user, send a first message to the second user requesting that the second tangible item be shipped to the first user, receive a second message confirming receipt of the second tangible item to complete the first tangible item transaction using a bid/buy an item module; receiving a first request from fourth user sending a third message to the third user for the third tangible item, sending a fourth message from the third user to fourth user regards to a first trade request confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, sending a fifth message to third user from the fourth user regards to a second trade request confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, sending a sixth message from the third user to fourth user regards to a first shipment confirmation for shipment of the fourth tangible item in return for third tangible item, sending a seventh message to third user from the fourth user regards to a second shipment confirmation for the shipment of third tangible item in return for fourth tangible item, receiving receipt of the fourth tangible item by third user to complete the second tangible item transaction, receiving receipt confirmation of the third tangible item by fourth user to complete the third tangible item transaction using a trade request an item module;