System and methods for discount retailing
US8355948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q50/188
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and methods to mutually satisfy a consumer with a discount and a vendor with a minimum number of sales by establishing a tipping point associated with an offer for a good or service. If the tipping point is met, the sale of the good or service is executed and the consumer is charged and receives an indication of the discounted sale, such as a certificate. If the tipping point is not met, the discount offer is abandoned and the consumer is not charged. Once the tipping point is established, the vendor receives a payment, even before the consumer uses the certificate. The system and methods also include a reward or loyalty program, an exchange or secondary market for the purchased deals, and a matching algorithm that matches customers to relevant goods or services.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.