Purchasing systems and methods wherein a buyer takes possession at a retailer of a product purchased using a communication network
US6754636B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F9/026
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Purchasing systems and methods are provided wherein a buyer takes possession of a product at a retailer. A purchasing system may communicate with a buyer through a communication network to establish a first price for a product between the buyer and a seller. The purchasing system may also arrange for the buyer to take possession of the product at a retailer, different from the seller, that offers the product for sale at a second price. Verification information, which enables the retailer to authorize the buyer to take possession of the product, is transmitted to the retailer. The buyer provides a payment, based on the first price, to the purchasing system in exchange for the right to take possession of the product at the retailer. In one embodiment, the purchasing system receives a buyer offer, including an offer price, related to the product. In another embodiment, the purchasing system transmits redemption information, including a redemption code, to the buyer. The redemption information may also include information that enables the creation of a voucher to be used when taking possession of the product. The purchasing system may also receive information related to an attempt by t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.