Apparatus, systems and methods for online, multi-parcel, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel returns shipping management
US8600913B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0601
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a computer system (the “Return System”) that provides multi-carrier shipment rating, shipment labeling, shipment tracking, shipment tracking management reports, returns analysis and returns management reporting. In an exemplary embodiment, the Return System has three major components: 1.) A Returns Manager Subsystem that provides a user interface to each Merchant to setup the Merchant's account, setup the Merchant's return policy and rules, and to monitor the status and movement of return shipments; 2.) A Consumer Returns Subsystem that provides each consumer using the Returns System with an online user interface that leads the consumer through the returns process, displays the return policies and rules to the consumer, provides shipping document to ship the return package if appropriate, and permits the consumer to track their return shipments; and 3.) a Returns Processing Subsystem that, in the exemplary embodiment, provides background shipping and tracking functionality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.