In the volume pricing methodology, a seller initially establishes a price
structure for a product which provides for lower prices as larger
quantities of the product are purchased. The price structure is
electronically made available to potential buyers of the product. For
example, the price structure may be displayed on an Internet site. The
sellers further establish an "open session" period during which orders
for the product are accepted. During the open session period, multiple
buyers are able to place orders for the product up to a maximum available
quantity. At the end of the open session, the total quantity of products
collectively ordered by all of the buyers is calculated. Based on the
total quantity ordered, the final price to all buyers is the lowest price
provided from the price structure regardless of whether the lowest price
had been reached at the time a particular buyer placed their order during
the open session.