Multi-stage automated auctions

1. An automated auctioning method with a server computer including a data storage device, a data processing device and a network connection device, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a multi-function stage, during which said data processing device produces a first graphical user interface to allow a user to:

a) buy an item outright;

b) make an offer for an item, whereupon further action is taken to determine whether said offer is to be accepted; and

c) place an auction bid that is processed in a subsequent auction stage;

changing automatically, with said processing device, from said multi-function stage to the auction stage after a first predetermined period of time for all items not sold in the multi-function stage such that said processing device produces a second graphical user interface to allow a user during said auction stage to place an auction bid but not to buy an item or make an offer;

changing automatically, with said processing device, from said auction stage to a fulfillment stage after a second predetermined period of time during which transactions are concluded based on an assessment of data created during said auction stage; and

wherein said further action is sending a message to a seller in response to the offer being made and wherein the offer is automatically accepted if it falls within a seller defined range.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a channel of communication is established between a buyer and a seller in response to an offer being made by said buyer.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a buying action or an offering action is not facilitated during said auction phase.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said items represent media advertising opportunities.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said media advertising opportunities are newspaper advertisements.

6. Internet serving apparatus comprising data storage devices, data processing devices and network connection devices, wherein a processing device is configured to implement a multi-function stage, an auction stage and a fulfillment stage, wherein:

during said multi-function stage said processing device produces a first graphical user interface to allow a user to:

a) buy an item outright;

b) make an offer for an item, whereupon further action is taken to determine whether said offer is to be accepted; and

c) place an auction bid that is processed in a subsequent auction stage;

after a first predetermined period of time, said processing device changes automatically from said multi-function stage to said auction stage for all items not sold in the multi-function stage and said processing device produces a second graphical user interface to allow a user to place an auction bid but not to buy an item or make an offer;

after a second predetermined period of time, said processing device changes automatically from said auction stage to said fulfillment stage during which transactions are concluded based on an assessment of data created during said auction stage; and

wherein said further action is taken by said processing device by sending a message to a seller in response to the offer being made and wherein said further action is taken by automatically accepting the offer if it falls within a seller defined range.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said processing device is configured to establish a channel of communication between a buyer and a seller in response to an offer being made by said buyer.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said data storage devices store data related to media advertising opportunities.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said media advertising opportunities are one of:

newspaper advertisements and

broadcast advertisements.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said data storage devices store data related to physical advertising locations.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said physical advertising locations are locations at exhibitions.