Settlement systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession
of a product at a retailer. In one embodiment, a purchasing system arranges through
a communication network for a buyer to purchase a product from a seller at a first
price. The purchasing system also arranges for the buyer to take possession of
the product at a retailer that offers the product for sale at a second price. Payment
of an amount based on the first price is received from the buyer, and the purchasing
system arranges for the retailer to receive payment of an amount based on a settlement
price in exchange for providing the product to the buyer.