Automated systems and methods for processing retail product returns and exchanges
US11734645B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2022 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG08G1/202
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods that automatically process returns or exchanges. Upon receipt of product return requests, the system obtains information about the products and customers to facilitate the returns, aggregates multiple return requests and carries out optimization processing to generate optimized routes for product pickups. Logistic partners evaluate the routes for acceptance. Once accepted, a driver proceeds to a product pickup location and conducts an inspection of the products, which includes photographing the products and placing the products in special uniquely identified containers. The picked-up products are transported to a designated drop-off location, and a second inspection of the products is carried out. Upon successful inspection, retailers are informed of the inspection results and proceed to initiate a refund or product exchange. Refunds or exchanges may be initiated after the first inspection. Other features and functions are employed in various embodiments.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.