Methods and apparatus for anonymously requesting bids from a customer specified quantity of local vendors with automatic geographic expansion

摘要

Methods and apparatus to anonymously request bids from a geographically centered plurality of vendors are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable a plurality of vendors to enter line card information (e.g., part numbers) and geographical information (e.g., zip codes) into a central database via a web page. Customers may then search for vendors in their area. The process automatically expands the geographical search area until a customer determined quantity of vendors are found. An anonymous e-mail message (i.e., a message not disclosing customer identity) is then sent to each selected vendor. The e-mail message preferably includes a hyperlink to a web page related to the customer request. Interested vendors may then supply vendor related information (e.g., price and delivery). If the customer locates a vendor able to meet the customer's needs, the customer may select the vendor to complete the purchase via the broker server.