Trading intermediary device, trading intermediary method, and trading intermediary program

Abstract

The objective is to provide intermediary technology for buying and selling that encourages bidding in auctions. [Solution] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sales brokerage device having a processing unit that performs the following actions: determining whether a predetermined event has occurred in response to a call for bids for a target vehicle; and, if the predetermined event has occurred, extending the bid deadline for the target vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a trading intermediation device, a trading intermediation method, and a trading intermediation program.

Background Art

[0002] With the recent spread of information and communication technologies, digital transformation (DX) has been progressing in various business fields. In the used car trading market as well, DX has been introduced into the intermediation process of purchasing and selling used cars between buyers and sellers.

[0003] In used car trading using a typical used car trading auction site or the like, the seller of the used car registers vehicle information such as the vehicle model, year of manufacture, mileage, and vehicle images of the vehicle to be sold on the used car trading auction site so that it can be viewed by site participants. When a site participant who has viewed the vehicle information on the used car trading auction site wants to consider purchasing the vehicle, for example, a bid request is sent together with the bid price via the used car trading auction site. The used car trading auction site typically selects the bidder who has presented the highest bid price as the winning bidder and matches the seller and the winning bidder.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-222338 describes a used car trading system that enables an individual to list a used car in an auction while keeping the trading commission low without going through an agency. In this used car trading system, after a predetermined bidding period has elapsed, a user who has entered the winning bid price, which is the highest bid price, is recognized as the winning bidder, and the seller and the winning bidder are matched.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In traditional auctions, listing information such as the manufacturer, model, year, mileage, optional equipment, and vehicle images of the vehicles being offered is posted on a vehicle brokerage website. Bidders view the listing information of the vehicles provided by the vehicle brokerage website. Once they find a vehicle they want, the bidder specifies their bid price and sends a request to the vehicle brokerage website for that vehicle.

[0007] In conventional vehicle brokerage systems, there is a clear tendency for some vehicles to attract bids easily, while others do not, depending on the make, model year, mileage, and condition of the vehicle being offered. Sellers have a need to compare bids from multiple buyers and other bidders to achieve the highest possible selling price. On the other hand, bidders want to conduct their purchasing activities efficiently and strategically while competing with other bidders.

[0008] However, for vehicles that did not receive a certain number of bids, it was difficult to establish a fair price, resulting in a lack of favorable transaction opportunities for both sellers and bidders.

[0009] In light of the problems mentioned above, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a sales intermediary technology that stimulates bidding in auctions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a sales brokerage device having a processing unit that performs the following actions: determining whether a predetermined event has occurred in response to a call for bids for a target vehicle; and, if the predetermined event has occurred, extending the bid deadline for the target vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a sales intermediary technology that stimulates bidding in auctions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a trading brokerage system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a trading brokerage device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a trading intermediary device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the brokerage process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) show exhibit acceptance information and vehicle information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a listing request screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows bid acceptance information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a listing request screen with updated bidding deadlines according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a screenshot of the successful bid results screen according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sales brokerage process using an escrow method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In the following embodiment, a sales brokerage device for mediating the buying and selling of vehicles such as used cars is disclosed.

[0015] [Summary of this disclosure] The trading mediation device 100 according to the embodiments described below operates a vehicle mediation website that mediates the sale and purchase of vehicles between site participants by an auction method. When the trading mediation device 100 receives a listing request including vehicle information such as the manufacturer name, vehicle model, model year, mileage, optional equipment, and vehicle image of the vehicle to be listed from the user terminal of the seller (hereinafter referred to as the seller terminal) 20, it displays listing information presenting the vehicle information on the vehicle mediation website. Bidders and potential bidders browse the listing information of each vehicle to be listed on the vehicle mediation website displayed on the user terminal of the bidder or potential bidder (hereinafter referred to as the bidder terminal) 30, and when they find a desired target vehicle, they send a bidding request for the target vehicle to the trading mediation device 100.

[0016] In the following embodiments, the trading mediation device 100 determines whether a predetermined event regarding the degree of attention of the target vehicle during the bidding period has occurred. If a predetermined event has occurred, that is, if it is determined that the degree of attention of the target vehicle is not sufficient, the trading mediation device 100 extends the bidding deadline of the target vehicle and continues the bidding solicitation. For example, the predetermined event may relate to any index indicating the degree of attention of the target vehicle. Specifically, it may be that the number of bids received for the target vehicle has not reached a predetermined number of bids, or alternatively, the number of views of the listing information of the target vehicle on the vehicle mediation website has not reached a predetermined number of views.

[0017] When extending the bidding deadline, the trading mediation device 100 may notify the bidder terminal 30 that the bidding deadline of the target vehicle has been extended and prompt the potential bidders to reconsider their bids for the target vehicle. In this way, the trading mediation device 100 can attract attention to target vehicles with insufficient attention and encourage potential bidders to participate in the bidding. By obtaining bids from more bidders, it may be possible to support the formation of an appropriate price for the target vehicle. <00​​​First, a sales brokerage system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sales brokerage system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the sales brokerage system 10 has a seller terminal 20, a bidder terminal 30, and a sales brokerage device 100, and each user terminal 20, 30 and the sales brokerage device 100 are connected to each other via a network 50 such as the Internet. The sales brokerage device 100 is also connected to a financial institution server 40 for depositing and withdrawing vehicle purchase proceeds, etc.

[0019] Each user terminal 20, 30 is implemented by an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet. The user terminals 20, 30 communicate with the information processing device such as the sales brokerage device 100 or other servers via the network 50 and, for example, utilize the vehicle brokerage service provided by the information processing device such as the sales brokerage device 100 or other servers.

[0020] The sales brokerage device 100 is implemented by an information processing device such as a server or a personal computer. The sales brokerage device 100 communicates with user terminals 20, 30 and / or financial institution servers 40, etc. via a network 50, operates a vehicle brokerage site that mediates the buying and selling of vehicles, and implements sales brokerage processing as described in detail below.

[0021] Here, the trading intermediary device 100 is implemented by a computing device such as a server or a personal computer, and may have a hardware configuration such as that shown in Figure 2. Specifically, the trading intermediary device 100 has a memory 101, storage 102, processor 103, communication device 104, user interface (UI) device 105, and peripheral device interface 106 that are interconnected via bus B.

[0022] The programs or instructions that implement the various functions and processes described later in the trading intermediary device 100 are stored in a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) or flash memory, and are stored in the memory 101 and / or storage 102 via the peripheral device interface 106. However, the programs or instructions do not necessarily have to be installed from the storage medium; they may also be downloaded from any external device via the network 50 or the like.

[0023] Memory 101 is implemented using random access memory, static memory, etc., and when a program or instruction is activated, it reads the program or instruction, data, etc. from storage 102 and stores them.

[0024] The storage 102 is implemented by a hard disk drive or the like and stores files, data, etc., used to execute the installed program or instructions, along with the program or instructions themselves. The memory 101, storage 102, and removable storage medium may be collectively referred to as non-transitory storage medium.

[0025] The processor 103 may be implemented by one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), processing circuits, etc., which may consist of one or more processor cores, and executes various functions and processes of the trading intermediary device 100, as described later, according to data such as programs, instructions, and parameters necessary to execute said programs or instructions stored in the memory 101.

[0026] The communication device 104 is realized by various communication circuits that perform communication processing with external devices, the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WLAN (Wireless LAN), WiFi, and other networks 50.

[0027] The user interface (UI) 105 may consist of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, and microphone; output devices such as a (head-mounted) display, speaker, headset, and printer; and input / output devices such as a touch panel, and realizes an interface between the user and the trading intermediary device 100. For example, the user operates the trading intermediary device 100 by operating a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on a (head-mounted) display or touch panel using a keyboard, mouse, etc.

[0028] The peripheral device interface 106 provides various interfaces for connecting to peripheral devices such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) ports.

[0029] However, the hardware configuration described above is merely an example, and the trading intermediary device 100 according to this disclosure may be implemented by any other suitable hardware configuration.

[0030] [Trading intermediary device] Next, a trading intermediary device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the trading intermediary device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, the trading intermediary device 100 has a storage unit 110 and a processing unit 120. For example, one or more functional units of the storage unit 110 and the processing unit 120 may be realized by one or more processors 103 executing one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory 101.

[0031] The storage unit 110 stores various information and data used in the trading brokerage process executed by the trading brokerage device 100, and in response to access requests for various information and data from the processing unit 120, it passes the requested information and data to the processing unit 120. The storage unit 110 also stores intermediate data and output results generated by the processing unit 120 during and after the execution of the trading brokerage process.

[0032] The processing unit 120 acquires various information and data stored in the storage unit 110, executes the trading brokerage process, and stores the intermediate data and output results generated during and after execution in the storage unit 110. Each process in the trading brokerage process executed by the processing unit 120 is realized by the processing unit 120 executing the trading brokerage program.

[0033] [Buying and selling brokerage processing] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a buy / sell brokerage process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The buy / sell brokerage process is performed by the buy / sell brokerage device 100 described above, and more specifically, it may be realized by one or more processors 103 of the buy / sell brokerage device 100 executing one or more programs or instructions stored in one or more memories 101.

[0034] In step S101, the processing unit 120 receives a listing request from the seller terminal 20. Specifically, the seller uses the seller terminal 20 to access the vehicle brokerage site and requests to list the vehicle for auction on the listing request screen of the vehicle brokerage site. When sending the listing request, the processing unit 120 requests the seller to enter the vehicle information of the vehicle for auction. The seller enters vehicle information related to the vehicle for auction, such as the manufacturer, model, year, mileage, vehicle inspection expiration date, and vehicle images, on the listing request screen and sends the listing request to the sales brokerage device 100. Note that these are merely examples of vehicle information, and the vehicle information disclosed herein may include any other data items related to the vehicle.

[0035] The processing unit 120 stores the listing request and vehicle information for the target vehicle received from the seller terminal 20 in the storage unit 110. The storage unit 110 may store and manage listing reception information for each listing request using a data structure such as that shown in Figure 5(a). As shown in Figure 5(a), the storage unit 110 may manage each listing request using data items such as "listing reception ID" which identifies the listing request received from the seller terminal 20, "reception date and time" which indicates when each listing request was received, "user ID" which identifies each seller, "vehicle information ID" which identifies the vehicle information of the target vehicle, "number of views" which indicates when the bidder terminal 30 viewed the listing information, and "number of detailed accesses" which indicates when the bidder terminal 30 accessed detailed vehicle information by pressing the details button described later.

[0036] Furthermore, the storage unit 110 may store and manage each vehicle information using a data structure as shown in Figure 5(b). As shown in Figure 5(b), the storage unit 110 may manage each vehicle information using data items related to the vehicle information, such as the "manufacturer name," "model name," and "year of manufacture," for each vehicle information ID that identifies each vehicle information for each listing request received from the seller terminal 20.

[0037] In step S102, the processing unit 120 displays the listing information corresponding to the received listing request. Specifically, the processing unit 120 displays the listing information for each target vehicle in response to the received listing request on the vehicle brokerage site and solicits bids for the listed vehicles from site participants such as potential bidders.

[0038] For example, the processing unit 120 may display a listing request screen on the vehicle brokerage site as shown in Figure 6. The listing request screen shown in Figure 6 displays vehicle information received from the seller terminal 20 of the target vehicle, vehicle image, details button, bidding deadline, bid price input space, and bid application button.

[0039] Here, the "Details" button is used to display more detailed data items of the vehicle other than the manufacturer, model, year, mileage, inspection expiration date, and vehicle images listed on the top page of the listing information. If a potential bidder is interested in the vehicle and wants to view more detailed vehicle information, they can click the "Details" button to display the detailed vehicle information. The detailed vehicle information may include other data items other than those listed on the top page of the listing information, as well as the results of a vehicle inspection. The results of a vehicle inspection may consist of vehicle quality evaluation items such as year, chassis number, model, manufacturer, vehicle name, information and comments on equipment, interior and exterior condition, repair history, defect information, and inspection comments, along with evaluation results for each item. Furthermore, the results of a vehicle inspection may include not only textual information but also video or still image information of the interior and exterior condition.

[0040] Such vehicle quality evaluation items may be any appropriate ones commonly used in the used car distribution industry. Furthermore, the on-site inspection results may include an exploded view of the vehicle showing repair history, scratches, and other damage. The on-site inspection results may also include or be attached to images (still images or videos) of the vehicle taken from multiple viewpoints. This image information allows site participants to obtain more detailed information about the vehicle that is not available in text information, up to the limits of resolution (by enlarging the images), when making a bid.

[0041] In step S103, the processing unit 120 receives a bid request from the bidder terminal 30. Specifically, the bidder views the listing information for each vehicle posted on the vehicle brokerage site on the bidder terminal 30, and when they find a desired vehicle, they enter their bid price in the bid price input space on the listing request screen for that vehicle on the vehicle brokerage site and press the bid request button. Upon detecting that the bid request button has been pressed, the processing unit 120 stores the bid price and bid request entered on the bidder terminal 30 in association with the listing information for the vehicle.

[0042] For example, the processing unit 120 stores and manages each bid request received from the bidder terminal 30 in bid acceptance information. The bid acceptance information may be stored in the storage unit 110 in a data structure such as that shown in Figure 7. As shown in the figure, the bid acceptance information may include data items such as a "bid acceptance ID" that identifies the bid request received from the bidder terminal 30, a "reception date and time" when each bid request was received, a "user ID" that identifies each bidder, a "listing acceptance ID" that identifies the listing request received from the seller terminal 20, and a "bid price" received from the bidder terminal 30.

[0043] In step S104, the processing unit 120 determines whether a predetermined event has occurred. Specifically, the processing unit 120 determines at a predetermined timing whether a predetermined event related to the level of attention given to a target vehicle currently being offered for bidding on the vehicle brokerage site has occurred. As a predetermined timing, for example, the processing unit 120 may perform a determination to determine whether a predetermined event has occurred a predetermined period before the currently set bidding deadline (for example, one day before, 12 hours before, 3 hours before, etc.). Such a predetermined period can typically be set by the operator of the vehicle brokerage site.

[0044] Furthermore, the predetermined event may relate to any indicator showing the level of attention given to the target vehicle, and it may be determined that the predetermined event has occurred when the level of attention given to the target vehicle is below a predetermined threshold. That is, the processing unit 120 checks the level of attention given to the target vehicle at the set determination timing, and if the level of attention given to the target vehicle is below a predetermined threshold (S104:YES), that is, attention to the target vehicle is low, it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the level of attention given to the target vehicle is not below a predetermined threshold (S104:NO), that is, attention to the target vehicle is sufficient, it proceeds to step S106.

[0045] One example of an indicator showing the level of attention here is the number of bids for the target vehicle. That is, a predetermined event may occur even if the number of bids for the target vehicle does not reach a predetermined number or more. In this case, the processing unit 120 checks the number of bids for the target vehicle at the set determination timing, and if the number of bids for the target vehicle has not reached a predetermined number or more (S104:YES), it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the number of bids for the target vehicle has reached a predetermined number or more (S104:NO), it proceeds to step S106.

[0046] Another example of an indicator of attention level is the number of views of the bid solicitation for the target vehicle. That is, a predetermined event may occur even if the number of views of the bid solicitation for the target vehicle does not reach a predetermined number of views or more. In this case, the processing unit 120 checks the number of views of the bid solicitation for the target vehicle at the set determination timing, and if the number of views of the target vehicle has not reached a predetermined number of views or more (S104:YES), it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the number of views of the target vehicle has reached a predetermined number of views or more (S104:NO), it proceeds to step S106.

[0047] As another example of an indicator of attention level, for example, the number of detailed accesses to the vehicle information of the target vehicle may be used. That is, a predetermined event may occur even if the number of detailed accesses to the vehicle information of the target vehicle does not reach a predetermined number of accesses or more. In this case, the processing unit 120 checks the number of detailed accesses to the vehicle information of the target vehicle at the set determination timing, and if the number of detailed accesses to the vehicle information of the target vehicle has not reached a predetermined number of accesses or more (S104:YES), it proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, if the number of detailed accesses to the vehicle information of the target vehicle has reached a predetermined number of accesses or more (S104:NO), it proceeds to step S106.

[0048] The specific examples of the attention indicators mentioned above are merely illustrative, and this disclosure can be applied to any other indicator of attention. Furthermore, the determination process in step S104 may be limited to a predetermined number of executions, such as only once, in order to avoid a situation where successful bids are never performed again.

[0049] In step S105, the processing unit 120 extends the bidding deadline for the target vehicle. Specifically, the processing unit 120 may extend the bidding deadline currently set for the solicitation of bids for the target vehicle by a predetermined period. This period may typically be set by the operator of the vehicle brokerage site and may be a fixed period such as one week, three days, or 24 hours. Alternatively, a variable period may be set according to the value of an indicator of attention. That is, a relatively longer period may be set for lower indicators of attention, and a relatively shorter period may be set for higher indicators of attention.

[0050] Furthermore, the processing unit 120 may extend the bidding deadline for the vehicle if it obtains consent from the seller of the vehicle. That is, when the processing unit 120 intends to extend the bidding deadline for the vehicle, it may request permission from the seller terminal 20 to extend the bidding deadline. The processing unit may then extend the bidding deadline if the seller grants permission. This allows the seller to avoid any disadvantages caused by extending the bidding deadline if they wish to sell the vehicle early.

[0051] After setting a new bidding deadline, the processing unit 120 notifies the bidder terminal 30 that the bidding deadline for the target vehicle has been extended. Specifically, in step S102, the processing unit 120 may notify the bidder terminals 30 of bidders who have already placed bids and those who have not yet placed bids of the updated listing information or a link to the listing information, as shown in Figure 8. The processing unit 120 also notifies the seller terminal 20 that the bidding deadline has been extended and a new bidding deadline has been set.

[0052] In one embodiment, the processing unit 120 may further notify bidder terminals 30 that have bid on or viewed vehicles similar to the target vehicle of the extended bidding deadline. For example, the processing unit 120 may refer to the past history of the listing acceptance information and vehicle information shown in Figure 5 and the bidding acceptance information shown in Figure 7 to identify bidder terminals 30 that have previously bid on or viewed vehicles that match or are similar to one or more data items of the vehicle information of the target vehicle whose bidding deadline has been extended, such as the vehicle type, year of manufacture, mileage, and color, and notify the identified bidder terminals 30 that the bidding deadline for the target vehicle has been extended, prompting them to consider bidding on the target vehicle. In addition, the processing unit 120 may make bidding price information showing the distribution of bid prices of bid requests received up to the present available for viewing to the bidder terminals 30, enabling them to determine their bid price by referring to the bidding price information.

[0053] In step S106, the processing unit 120 determines whether the bidding deadline for the target vehicle has expired. If the original bidding deadline or the updated bidding deadline has expired (S106: YES), the processing unit 120 proceeds to step S107 and terminates the bidding process. On the other hand, if the original bidding deadline or the updated bidding deadline has not expired (S106: NO), the processing unit 120 proceeds to step S102 and continues the bidding process.

[0054] In step S107, the processing unit 120 selects a successful bidder from the received bid requests. Specifically, the processing unit 120 may refer to the bid acceptance information, which stores the bid requests received by the bid deadline, to identify a predetermined number of bid requests that offer the highest bid prices, and select the bidders of the identified predetermined number of bid requests as the successful bidders for the vehicle in question.

[0055] The number of bidders to be selected as the successful bidder may be specified by the operator of the vehicle brokerage site, the seller, etc. For example, if the specified number is set to "1", the single bidder who submits the highest bid price may be selected as the successful bidder. Alternatively, if the specified number is set to "3", the three bidders who submit the top three bid prices may be selected as the successful bidders.

[0056] The processing unit 120 may also transmit successful bidder information to the seller terminal 20 and seller information to the successful bidder terminal 30. For example, the successful bidder information provided to the seller terminal 20 may be displayed on the auction results screen, as shown in Figure 9, by each successful bidder's "User ID," "Username," "Address / Contact Information," and "Winning Bid Price." In the illustrated example, three successful bidders have been selected, and the predetermined number is set to "3." The seller information provided to the successful bidder terminal 30 may also be displayed on the auction results screen, as shown in Figure 9, by the seller's "User ID," "Username," and "Address / Contact Information."

[0057] The transaction is then terminated. The processing unit 120 may further perform the transaction mediation process for the vehicle between the seller and the successful bidder. For example, the processing unit 120 may perform the process to realize the transfer of the vehicle and the purchase price between the seller and the successful bidder using an escrow system.

[0058] For example, as shown in Figure 10, in step S201, the seller and the successful bidder conclude a sales contract for the vehicle in question. At this time, the processing unit 120 may, for example, provide an electronic contract service to the seller terminal 20 and the successful bidder terminal 30. Specifically, the processing unit 120 may create a sales contract for the vehicle in question based on the contract details agreed upon between the seller and the successful bidder, send it to the seller terminal 20 and the successful bidder terminal 30, and request electronic signatures on the sales contract. Once the processing unit 120 has obtained electronically signed sales contracts from both the seller and the successful bidder, it may store and manage the electronically signed sales contracts in the storage unit 110.

[0059] In this way, a neutral operator provides both the seller and the successful bidder with a fair and reliable sales contract, enabling secure transactions between them. Furthermore, the sales intermediary device 100 can know the contents of the sales contract for the vehicle in question, set and manage the schedule for each step, such as the payment of the purchase price and the handover of the vehicle, and notify the seller and the successful bidder of the progress and schedule of each step in a timely manner. After the sales contract is concluded, the successful bidder first deposits the purchase price into the bank account of the operator of the vehicle intermediary site.

[0060] In step S202, the processing unit 120 receives a payment notification from the financial institution server 40 and / or the successful bidder terminal 30 indicating that the payment for the vehicle has been received.

[0061] In step S203, the processing unit 120 sends a payment receipt notification to the seller terminal 20 indicating that it has received the payment from the successful bidder. This payment receipt notification may include information requesting that the vehicle and accompanying documents (such as the vehicle registration certificate) be handed over to the successful bidder by a specified deadline.

[0062] In Step S204, the seller hands over the vehicle to the successful bidder.

[0063] In step S205, the successful bidder sends a vehicle receipt notification to the sales intermediary device 100 indicating that they have received the vehicle, and the processing unit 120 receives the vehicle receipt notification from the successful bidder terminal 30. Upon receiving the vehicle receipt notification, the processing unit 120 begins preparing to transfer the purchase price received in step S202 to the seller.

[0064] In step S206, the processing unit 120 transfers the purchase price to the seller's bank account. Specifically, the processing unit 120 instructs the financial institution server 40 to transfer the purchase price or the amount after deducting a predetermined fee to the seller's bank account, and sends a purchase price transfer notification to the seller's terminal 20 indicating that the purchase price has been transferred to the seller's bank account.

[0065] In this way, the processing unit 120 can implement the sales brokerage process using the escrow method, enabling the safe transfer of the vehicle and the purchase price between the seller and the successful bidder. It should be noted that the sales brokerage process by the sales brokerage device 100 is not necessarily limited to the escrow method described above, and may follow other methods.

[0066] According to the aforementioned sales intermediary device 100, if the vehicle being offered for sale does not attract enough attention and there is a possibility that an appropriate sales price will not be formed, the sales intermediary device 100 may extend the bidding deadline for the vehicle in order to increase the number of bidders and encourage potential bidders to reconsider their bids for the vehicle. In this way, the sales intermediary device 100 can attract attention to the vehicle that has not attracted enough attention and encourage potential bidders to participate in the bidding. By obtaining participation from more bidders, it may be possible to support the formation of an appropriate price for the vehicle.

[0067] Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 10. Buying and Selling Brokerage System 20,30 User terminals 40 Financial Institution Servers 100 Trading intermediary device 110 Storage section 120 Processing Unit

Claims

1. To determine whether the predetermined decision timing has arrived for the bidding process for the target vehicle, When it is determined that the predetermined timing has arrived, the attention level of the target vehicle is checked, If the level of attention is below a predetermined threshold, the bidding deadline for the vehicle in question will be extended. To select a predetermined number of bidders as successful bidders from the bid requests received by the aforementioned extended bidding deadline, A trading intermediary device having a processing unit that performs the following actions.

2. The aforementioned level of attention includes the number of bids for the vehicle in question, as described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned level of attention includes the number of views of the bidding announcement for the vehicle in question, as described in claim 1.

4. The trading intermediary device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit variably sets the extension period for the bidding deadline according to the value of the attention level.

5. The sales brokerage device according to claim 1, further comprising the processing unit notifying bidder terminals that have bid on or viewed vehicles similar to the target vehicle that the bidding deadline has been extended.

6. The sales brokerage device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit requests permission from the seller terminal of the target vehicle to extend the bidding deadline when the level of attention is below a predetermined threshold, and extends the bidding deadline for the target vehicle when consent is obtained from the seller of the target vehicle.

7. To determine whether the predetermined decision timing has arrived for the bidding process for the target vehicle, When it is determined that the predetermined timing has arrived, the attention level of the target vehicle is checked, If the level of attention is below a predetermined threshold, the bidding deadline for the vehicle in question will be extended. To select a predetermined number of bidders as successful bidders from the bid requests received by the aforementioned extended bidding deadline, A method of brokering buying and selling transactions, where the process is performed by a computer.

8. To determine whether the predetermined decision timing has arrived for the bidding process for the target vehicle, When it is determined that the predetermined timing has arrived, the attention level of the target vehicle is checked, If the level of attention is below a predetermined threshold, the bidding deadline for the vehicle in question will be extended. To select a predetermined number of bidders as successful bidders from the bid requests received by the aforementioned extended bidding deadline, A trading brokerage program that causes a computer to execute commands.

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