Providing web-based access to an e-commerce catalog and electronic ordering functionality to facilitate the sale of merchandise via the global computer communications network; business management services in the field of e-commerce and on-line retail sales; facilitating the online sale of office supplies, office products, computers and computer related supplies and products, janitorial supplies, sanitary maintenance supplies, maintenance, repair and operating supplies, welding supplies, medical supplies, furniture, plumbing and electrical supplies, oilfield supplies and other merchandise via the global computer communications network; providing a complete web-based online ordering system for use in e-commerce, including website design, creation and operation of online catalogs and search engines, customized shopping lists and bundles, an online ordering system, multi-tier order approval processes and records management system enabling compilation and reporting of records of prior purchases and other data