Methods and systems consistent with the present invention overcome the
shortcomings of existing trading systems by providing an invoiceless
trading system that creates incentives for customers to pay suppliers
within a predetermined period of time, such as a settlement period.
Specifically, the invoiceless trading system enables a customer to obtain
a discount on orders placed with suppliers in return for an immediate
payment (e.g., within 24 hours) by the customer. The supplier receives
payment within the predetermined period of time, and the customer
receives additional cash benefits by providing an early payment to the
supplier. To communicate with and transfer funds between customers and
suppliers, the invoiceless trading system may use an electronic gateway
and a settlement bank. In addition to creating an incentive to embrace
e-commerce, both customers and suppliers avoid the need to manually
process orders and use invoices to complete transactions.