Methods and apparatus for intelligent selection of goods and services in telephonic and electronic commerce

US7283974B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• WEST CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Ronald A. Katz · Los Angeles, US
• Gary L. West · Omaha, US
• Thomas B. Barker · Omaha, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 12, 2002
• Grant date: Oct 16, 2007
• Expiry date: Nov 12, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0643
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer. In one aspect of the invention, goods, service or information are provided to the user via electronic communication, such as through a telephone, videophone or other computer link, as determined by the steps of first, establishing communication via the electronic communications device between the user and the system to effect a primary transaction or primary interaction, second, obtaining data with respect to the primary transaction or primary interaction, including at least in part a determination of the identity of the user or prospective customer, third, obtaining at least a second data element relating to the user, fourth, utilizing the primary transaction or primary interaction data along with the at least second data element as factors in determining at least one good, service or item of information for prospective upsell to the user or prospective customer, and offering the item to the prospective c…