Digital Online Exchange

Abstract

A method of dynamically pricing media content is operatively coupled to one or more clients over a network. The system dynamically adjusts prices of media content and delivers the media content to the clients that order the media content at a dynamically adjusted price. items using a processor based upon the category to which the item is assigned is disclosed. The price can be dynamically adjusted based on profit optimization. Alternatively or additionally, the price can be adjusted based to time between purchases. Further the system is capable or rewarding institutions for allowing members to access the system.

1 . A method, comprising:
 sending a first price of an item for sale from a processor to one or more clients over a network;   receiving one or more orders for the item at the first price from one or more of the clients;   delivering the item to the clients that ordered the item at the first price;   pricing the item at a second price with the processor based at least on the orders at the first price; and   sending the second price over the network to at least one of the clients.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the item is selected from a group including music, text, a video content, a picture, tickets or software. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pricing includes determining the second price based at least on quantity of the orders received for the item. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pricing includes:
 determining profit at the first price is at least equal to a best profit for previous price levels with the processor; and   increasing the first price to the second price, wherein the second price is greater than the first price.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said increasing includes setting the second price as a random percentage above the first price. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pricing includes:
 determining profit at the first price is less than a best profit for previous price levels with the processor; and   reducing the first price to the second price, wherein the second price is less than the first price.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said pricing includes:
 determining profit at the first price is less than a best profit for previous price levels with the processor;   determining a difference between a best price at which the best profit for the previous price levels was obtained and the first price is less than a minimum limit; and   setting the second price to a randomly adjusted price within a range about the best price.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said delivering the item includes transmitting the item from the processor to the clients that ordered the item at the first price over the network. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said delivering the item includes transmitting the item via courier or mail to the clients that ordered the item at the first price over the network. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus, comprising:
 means for sending a first price of an item to one or more clients over a network;   means for receiving one or more orders for the item at the first price from at least one of the clients over the network;   means for delivering the item over the network to the clients that ordered the item at the first price in response to receipt of the orders at the first price;   means for pricing the item at a second price based at least on the orders received at the first price; and   means for sending the second price over the network to one or more of the clients.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said means for pricing the item includes: means for determining the second price based at least on quantity of orders received for the item. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said means for pricing the item includes: means for determining the second price based at least on time between orders. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising: means for identifying one or more of the clients that ordered the item at the first price as members of an institution; and means for rewarding the institution based on the orders received from the members. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a computer readable device encoded with a program executable by a computer, said program being executable to send a first price of an item for sale to one or more clients over a network, said program being further executable to receive one or more orders for the item at the first price from at least one of the clients, said program being further executable to price the item at a second price based on the orders received at the first price, said program being further executable to send the second price of the item to one or more of the clients over the network.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said program being further executable to determine the second price based at least on quantity of orders received for the item. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said program being further executable to determine the second price based at least on time between orders. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said program being further executable to receive payment from the clients that ordered the item at the first price. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein said program being further executable to compensate a supplier of the item for the orders received for the item.