U.S. patent application number 13/044337 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for method and system for universal gift registry.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Knot, Inc.. Invention is credited to Inte Ali, Hans Hsu.
Application Number | 20110161195 13/044337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26836298 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110161195 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hsu; Hans ; et al. |
June 30, 2011 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR UNIVERSAL GIFT REGISTRY
Abstract
A gift registry providing a partial payment option for gift
givers and a mandatory and contingent gift substitution for gift
recipients. The gift recipient registers any type of gift idea from
any store or establishment, for any occasion with an associated
gift amount in the registry. The registrant is able to name their
own gift price by selecting a gift amount not necessarily the same
as the retail cost of the gift idea. The gift recipient also
indicates whether they will accept a contingent substitute of gift
or cash if the system is unable to provide the gift idea at the
gift amount. The recipient can also select mandatory substitution
of gift or cash. The difference between mandatory and contingent
substitution is that mandatory substitution automatically occurs
while contingent substitution occurs if and only if the selected
gift is unavailable at the specified gift amount or could not be
delivered in time. In effect, mandatory substitution for cash
allows the registrant to arrange for automatic gift return and
receipt of a cash gift. Gift givers are able to review gift ideas
and associated gift amounts and select them. A gift giver is also
able to select a gift idea and make a partial contribution toward
purchase of the gift idea. This allows higher cost gifts to be
purchased by multiple gift givers and thereby provides recipients
and givers with greater flexibility in their gift selection. When a
mandatory or contingent substitution for cash is provided, the
system includes incentives, such as coupons. The coupons or
incentives are independently profitable and help to offset the cost
of managing the mandatory and contingent substitutions.
Inventors: |
Hsu; Hans; (Riverside,
CT) ; Ali; Inte; (Riverside, CT) |
Assignee: |
The Knot, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26836298 |
Appl. No.: |
13/044337 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11336985 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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13044337 |
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09421108 |
Oct 19, 1999 |
7013292 |
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11336985 |
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60138538 |
Jun 10, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101;
G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06Q 40/04 20130101; G06Q 30/0633
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.8 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20060101
G06Q030/00 |
Claims
1-194. (canceled)
195. A method for enabling a plurality of gift givers to make a
contribution toward an uncommitted balance of a gift for a gift
recipient, the method comprising: transmitting via a network to a
computer device associated with at least one of the plurality of
gift givers an indication of the uncommitted balance of the gift;
receiving via the network from at least one of the computer devices
at least one commitment for an amount towards the uncommitted
balance of the gift, where the amount is for less than all of the
uncommitted balance; generating an updated indication of the
uncommitted balance of the gift based on the received commitment;
and transmitting via the network to a computer device of at least
one of the plurality of gift givers the updated indication.
196. The method of claim 195, further comprising: generating a
purchase request for the gift if the uncommitted balance is less
than or equal to zero.
197. The method of claim 195, wherein the network is the
Internet.
198. The method of claim 195, wherein the gift comprises at least
one gift selected from a catalog of a retailer.
199. The method of claim 195, wherein the gift comprises at least
one gift selected from an online marketplace.
200. The method of claim 199, wherein the online marketplace
includes at least one vendor.
201. The method of claim 195, wherein the gift is selected by the
gift recipient.
202. The method of claim 195, wherein the gift comprises a cash
substitution.
203. The method of claim 202, wherein the cash substitution is a
gift card.
204. A system configured to enable a plurality of gift givers to
make a contribution toward an uncommitted balance of a gift for a
gift recipient, the system comprising: a communications interface
for communicating via a network with at least one computer device
associated with a plurality of gift givers; and a processor in
communication with the communications interface, the processor
configured to: provide the communications interface an indication
of the uncommitted balance of the gift for transmission via the
network to a computer device associated with at least one of the
plurality of gift givers; receive from the communications interface
at least one commitment for an amount towards the uncommitted
balance of the gift, where the amount is for less than all of the
uncommitted balance, wherein the communications interface received
the at least one commitment via the network from at least one of
the computer devices; generate an updated indication of the
uncommitted balance of the gift based on the received commitment;
and provide the communications interface with the updated
indication for transmission via the network to a computer device of
at least one of the plurality of gift givers.
205. The system of claim 204, wherein the gift comprises at least
one gift selected from a catalog of a retailer.
206. The system of claim 204, wherein the gift comprises at least
one gift selected from an online marketplace.
207. The system of claim 206, wherein the online marketplace
includes at least one vendor.
208. The system of claim 204, wherein the gift is selected by the
gift recipient.
209. The system of claim 204, wherein the processor is further
configured to: generate a purchase request for the gift if the
uncommitted balance is less than or equal to zero.
210. The system of claim 209, wherein the processor is further
configured to: generate a request to send a message once the
purchase request has been generated.
211. The system of claim 210, wherein the message is one of an
electronic mail message and a text message.
212. The system of claim 209, wherein the processor is further
configured to: generate a request to send a message once the
purchase request has been satisfied.
213. The system of claim 212, wherein the message is one of an
electronic mail message and a text message.
214. The system of claim 209, wherein the processor is further
configured to: receive a notification that the purchase request has
been satisfied.
215. The system of claim 214, wherein the processor is further
configured to: generate a request to send a message once the
purchase request has been generated.
216. The system of claim 215, wherein the message is one of an
electronic mail message and a text message.
217. The system of claim 214, wherein the processor is further
configured to: generate a request to send a message once the
purchase request has been satisfied.
218. The system of claim 217, wherein the message is one of an
electronic mail message and a text message.
219. The system of claim 204, wherein the network is the Internet.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/138,538, filed on Jun. 10, 1999, for, UNIVERSAL
GIFT REGISTRY METHOD AND SYSTEM, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This inventions relates to the field of data processing in a
business transaction and more particularly to a gift registry
system and method.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Gift registries are known and used in a number of different
markets, with the most common area being wedding registries.
Typically, these registries are provided by a large store or
establishment, with a number of different departments in the store.
When the store has multiple locations, it is also known to provide
some form of link (electronic or otherwise) between the stores so
that a gift recipient (the registrant) can register in one store
and gift givers can review items on the registry and make purchases
at another store. When the registry spans a number of different
locations, the method and technique for maintaining information on
items purchased from the registry and remaining unpurchased is
often not well managed. Accordingly, it is possible that different
people purchase the same item for a recipient from different
locations on the same day and the problem is not discovered until a
registry update is performed at the end of the day or week. It is
common for the department store to maintain the registry in a book
in the store where the recipient registers and periodically update
that book when gifts are purchased. Accordingly, recipients and
gift givers are better served when registry information is updated
automatically and in near-real-time.
[0006] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries
seldom provide discounted prices. In fact, the ability to charge
gift givers retail prices for items that are commonly. discounted
is often cited as an attractive feature of the gift registry
business. (see for example, pg. 37, The Knot Inc., S-1, Sep. 19,
1999, "Because items are selected by the engaged couple but paid
for by their guests, price sensitivity is minimal and registry
products are rarely discounted by retailers.") Accordingly,
recipients and gift givers are better served when registries
provide access to discounted prices or special sales.
[0007] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries
seldom provide out-of-season access to seasonal products.
Recipients may add a seasonal item to their registry (e.g.,
barbecue sets, skis, patio furniture) however, these items may no
longer be in stock when gift givers attempt to purchase them.
Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better served when
registries provide access to seasonal items without regard to
season.
[0008] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries
have a significant gift return volume, with the associated return
expense. In fact, in traditional registries, a major expense is the
cost of handling returns. To manage this expense, registries
frequently impose restrictive return policies. Registrants return
gifts for many reasons. Some have received duplicate gifts either
within the registry or outside of the registry. Others may have
changed their minds and want a different pattern or model. Still
others may simply wish to do their own shopping, perhaps on-line at
an auction site, or postpone their purchase, and therefore wish to
convert the gift to cash. Sometimes recipients know before a gift
is ordered or shipped, that they wish to return it. However, a
traditional registry does not provide a means to return a gift
before it is ordered or sent, and often have restrictive return
policies for gifts that have been sent. Even when stores have
relaxed return policies, the recipient must still locate the
receipt, and physically transport the gift, or arrange shipping, to
the store at considerable cost and inconvenience. Therefore, both
gift registries and recipients want to avoid the expense involved
in returning a gift. Gift givers want to minimize inconvenience to
the recipient and give a gift that can be conveniently returned by
the recipient and exchanged for something they really want.
Accordingly, all parties are better served when the gift return
process can be made more convenient and efficient.
[0009] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries
require that a gift giver purchase an entire gift, not part of a
gift. For example, a gift giver may purchase one fork, or one
plate, or one platter. However, the gift giver is unable to
purchase part of platter, or contribute to the purchase of a plate.
As an example, in a traditional registry, the giver can't
contribute $250.00 toward purchase of a $4985.00 computer. The gift
giver may also have a certain budget ceiling for a gift and will
only purchase gifts that are equal to or less than that ceiling.
Because they are not able to purchase part of a gift, they select a
gift from the registry that has a cost less than their ceiling. The
difference between the cost of the gift and the giver's gift cost
ceiling is never spent. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are
better served when a registry allows multiple givers to make
partial contributions toward a gift purchase.
[0010] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries are
unable to handle gifts that are not available within their
establishment. A recipient who wants both a computer and silverware
must generally register with two different stores. Having to
register at multiple registries creates problems for both the
recipient and the gift giver. The recipient would prefer to avoid
the inconvenience and cost of having to visit, establish and
maintain multiple registries. The gift giver is also less inclined
to visit multiple establishments in an attempt to purchase a gift
on the registry. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better
served when a single registry accommodates all of the recipient's
desired gifts.
[0011] Traditional gift registries are also unable to handle gifts
for which a value can be calculated, but which are not generally
available from stores. For example, "a lifetime subscription to
Sports Illustrated", "movie tickets to episode 3 of Star Wars", or
"ice cream at the Eiffel Tower on a summer afternoon". However,
recipients may wish to receive such gifts in their registry, and
gift givers may wish to purchase such gifts for recipients.
Accordingly, both recipients and gift givers are better served when
such gifts may be registered and purchased from a gift
registry.
[0012] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries do
not allow a simple cash gift. A recipient may prefer a cash gift so
they can make a donation to a favorite charity, make a down-payment
on a house, defer their purchase of material goods until they have
chosen a place to settle, or purchase a particular gift on their
own from an on-line auction site or outlet mall. A gift giver may
be willing to give a cash gift, but wants the recipient to benefit
from the data processing capabilities of the registry, is uncertain
as to the exact amount required, or wants to know the purpose of
the cash gift. Accordingly, recipients and gift givers are better
served when cash is an available option for a gift.
[0013] Traditional store or establishment based gift registries do
not allow gift substitutions. A recipient may identify a particular
gift in the registry, but be interested in other gifts if that gift
is not available or is replaced by a more advanced model. Those
other gifts could be related to the identified gift (different
make/model/price). Alternatively, the other gifts could be very
different from the identified gift (cash instead of the good or
service). The gift giver may be willing to give alternative, or
substitute gifts, but feel uncomfortable identifying a range of
different gifts if the prices are not all the same. The gift
registry may be interested in providing a good or service even if
it is a substitute gift, rather than simply brokering a cash gift.
Accordingly, all parties to the gift registry are better served
when options for gift substitutions are provided.
[0014] Systems and methods to provide distributed access to a gift
registry are needed. Systems and methods to provide registry of
diverse goods and services, including items that are not
traditionally considered for gifts are needed. Systems and methods
to provide real-time updates to the gift registry are needed.
Systems and methods to reduce the incidence of duplicate gifts are
needed. Systems and methods to provide an opportunity for gift
givers to make a partial contribution or partial purchase of an
item on a gift registry are needed. Systems and methods to allow
recipients to register all their gifts in one location instead of
multiple gift registries are needed. Systems and methods to allow a
recipient to receive cash instead of a good or service are needed.
Systems and methods to reduce or eliminate the cost of gift returns
are needed. Systems and methods to allow a recipient to
automatically convert the gift to cash without the expense of the
traditional return process are needed. Systems and methods to allow
a recipient to set a gift amount for a gift idea are needed. These
and other disadvantages of the existing systems are addressed by
the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a purchase request for a gift from a gift giver with
an associated purchase amount. The system determines whether to
satisfy the purchase request with a purchase or a gift substitution
option.
[0016] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a first purchase request with an associated first
purchase amount from a first gift giver, and receiving a second
purchase request with an associated purchase amount from a second
gift giver. The first and second purchase amounts are aggregated to
satisfy the first or second purchase request.
[0017] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a gift idea with an associated gift amount from a
gift recipient and receiving a commitment from a gift giver to a
purchase request in an amount that is less than the gift amount.
The commitment of the gift giver serving as a partial satisfaction
of the gift amount.
[0018] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a purchase request for a gift from a gift giver. The
system determines whether to satisfy the purchase request with a
purchase or a gift substitution option.
[0019] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a gift purchase request for a gift from a gift giver
with an associated purchase amount. The system provides the
purchase request to vendors, or makes the purchase request
available to vendors using a remote access system. The purchase
request includes a firm offer with an associated offer amount.
[0020] In one aspect, the invention provides a method and system
for receiving a gift idea from a gift recipient and receiving a
gift amount which is determined by the recipient and is associated
with the gift idea.
[0021] In each of the above aspects, alternatives are provided
where the gift substitution option includes cash as a gift, and
coupons may be included with the cash or the gift. Multiple gift
givers may contribute to the purchase amounts toward the purchase
request. An on-line system provides one of the methods and systems,
and provides access to multiple vendors. The vendors products and
services provide gift ideas for the recipient, with associated
sales prices. Both established vendors and ad-hoc vendors
participate and various vendor contact techniques are provided,
including parallel contact, serial contact and auctions.
[0022] The foregoing specific aspects and advantages of the
invention are illustrative of those which can be achieved by the
present invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting
of the possible advantages that can be realized. Thus, the aspects
and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the
description herein or can be learned from practicing the invention,
both as embodied herein or as modified in view of any variations
which may be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly the
present invention resides in the novel parts, constructions,
arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and
described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0023] The foregoing features and other aspects of the invention
are explained in the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying figures wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system of the
instant invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the steps for gift
recipient registration in the instant invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the steps for gift giver
access and selection of a gift in the instant invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
partial payment or satisfaction of a purchase request in the
instant invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to vendor
location and satisfaction of a purchase request in the instant
invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a summary of an embodiment of steps
relating to selection of vendors and satisfaction of the purchase
request in the instant invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
categorizing gifts in the instant invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
selection of vendors to satisfy the purchase request in the instant
invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
sending purchase requests to vendors to satisfy the purchase
request in the instant invention;
[0033] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
checking vendor responses in the instant invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
selection of vendors to satisfy the purchase request in the instant
invention;
[0035] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to a
cash option in the instant invention;
[0036] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
informing the recipient of gift shipment in the instant
invention;
[0037] FIG. 14 illustrates a summary of an embodiment of steps
relating to selection of vendors and satisfaction of the purchase
request in the instant invention;
[0038] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
selection of vendors to satisfy the purchase request in the instant
invention;
[0039] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
sending purchase requests to vendors to satisfy the purchase
request in the instant invention; and
[0040] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of steps relating to
checking vendor responses in the instant invention.
[0041] It is understood that the drawings are for illustration only
and are not limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Terminology
[0043] A short summary of certain terms is provided here, to reduce
some of the potential questions with regard to those terms, as they
are used in the specification and claims. It is to be understood
that this summary is provided to assist the reader with
understanding how the terms relate to each other, but the summary
does not restrict the meaning of the terms. The figures and
specification more fully establish the meaning for the terms.
[0044] gift--cash, goods or services, that can be received by a
recipient. The gift may be anonymous. When the gift is other than
cash, the registry purchases or arranges purchase and provides the
gift to the recipient using funds provided by the giver. The
registry may provide the gift to the recipient, or the registry may
provide the gift to the giver, who arranges delivery to the
recipient.
[0045] gift idea--a specific gift suggestion that is listed within
a gift registry to assist givers with a gift. The recipient
provides or identifies gift ideas when they register.
Alternatively, others, including friends and relatives of the
recipient, may provide the gift ideas. Gift ideas are typically
selected from a range of products or services that are available
from established vendors. However, there is no requirement that the
gift idea be available from an established vendor. This allows
ad-hoc vendors to participate in the system. This also allows
recipients to designate gift ideas from vendors who might not
normally be associated with a gift registry.
[0046] gift amount--a specific cost or amount that is associated
with a particular gift idea. Just as the gift idea is normally
provided by the recipient, so is the gift amount. The gift amount
is typically the same as or related to the retail cost of the
associated gift idea from an established vendor. However, it is
possible that the gift amount is different from the retail cost of
the gift idea. This difference in cost may be more or less than the
retail cost. Within known gift registries, the gift amount is
generally the retail cost of the gift idea. The concept of having a
recipient include a gift amount within the gift registry and
allowing that gift amount to be different from the retail cost of
the gift idea is one aspect of the invention.
[0047] giver--a person, party or organization intending to provide
the gift to the recipient. A giver is a user of the instant
invention.
[0048] recipient--a person, party or organization that receives the
gift from the giver. A recipient is a user of the instant
invention.
[0049] coupon--something that accompanies a gift, a gift
substitute, or cash in a cash option. The coupon normally
represents an opportunity to receive some good or service at a
reduced price or under special circumstances. Use of a coupon in a
gift registry, such as with a gift, a gift substitute or cash
option is one aspect of the instant invention.
[0050] token--an item, other than the gift, which may be provided
to the giver. The token may be as simple as a card including the
giver's identification and associated gift that will be provided.
Typically, the token serves as a representative of the gift, but is
not an independent gift. A token in a gift registry is one aspect
of the instant invention.
[0051] established vendor--a vendor that has a pre-established
relationship with the registry. Typically, the established vendor
has provided a list of items that may serve as gift ideas, with
associated costs. The, established vendor may provide this list
directly, or may provide access to their own database, such as
through the Internet, to allow users of the system to browse and/or
select gifts or gift ideas. An established vendor is a user of the
inventive system.
[0052] ad-hoc vendor--a vendor that does not have a pre-established
relationship with the registry. Typically, when the system contacts
an ad-hoc vendor regarding a gift idea or purchase request, the
ad-hoc vendor will then become a user of the inventive system. An
ad-hoc vendor relationship is one aspect of the instant
invention.
[0053] purchase request--provided by the giver to the system
indicating that the giver desires to purchase a gift. A purchase
request corresponds to a gift idea. Recipients identify gift ideas
to the system, givers provide a purchase request to the system for
the gift idea. The purchase request has an associated purchase
amount that is also provided to the system by the giver. The
purchase request typically identifies a gift idea that is listed in
the registry. The purchase request may be absolute, or conditional.
A conditional purchase request is typically a commitment to the
purchase request, if some other event occurs or fails to occur. An
example is with partial satisfaction of the purchase amount for the
purchase request, where if another giver fails to make a commitment
to fund the remaining balance, the giver may withdraw their
commitment to that purchase request and associated purchase
amount.
[0054] purchase amount--a financial value, such as a dollar amount,
that is associated with a purchase request. The giver provides the
purchase amount to the system in association with the purchase
request. Just as the purchase request correlates to a gift idea,
the purchase amount correlates to the gift amount. If the purchase
amount is less than the gift amount, the gift is normally
considered to be a commitment or partial satisfaction of the
purchase amount. If the purchase amount is more than the gift
amount, the system will normally provide the excess as a cash
option. A system that can accommodate a purchase amount that is
different from the gift amount is one aspect of the instant
invention.
[0055] gift substitution option--a substitute gift. The gift
substitution option is a particular type of transaction that is one
aspect of the invention.
[0056] cash option--a gift in cash, rather than a good or service.
The cash option is a particular type of transaction that is one
aspect of the invention.
[0057] contingent substitution--a substitution that occurs as a
result of certain conditions. The contingent substitution is a
particular type of transaction that is one aspect of the
invention.
[0058] mandatory substitution--a substitution that occurs
regardless of certain conditions. The mandatory substitution is a
particular type of transaction that is one aspect of the
invention.
[0059] partial satisfaction--a purchase amount or a commitment to a
purchase amount that is less than the full gift amount. Partial
satisfaction is a particular type of transaction that is one aspect
of the invention.
[0060] commitment--an assurance from a giver that they will provide
a purchase amount toward a purchase request of a gift idea.
Typically, a giver makes a commitment when they are providing only
a partial contribution toward the full cost of the gift idea. The
systems uses the commitment from one giver to inform other givers
that they can also contribute to the full cost of the gift idea.
This information thereby allows other givers to also provide
partial satisfaction of the full cost of that gift idea. A
commitment is a particular type of transaction that is one aspect
of the invention.
[0061] The preceding summary is not intended to be the only source
of definition for the terms. The specification, drawings and claims
provide further explanation and examples.
[0062] The present invention provides a number of unique advantages
for givers and recipients. In one embodiment of the invention, gift
recipients register multiple gift ideas with a gift registry. These
multiple gift ideas each include an associated gift amount to
assist a prospective gift giver in their selection of an
appropriate gift from the list of gift ideas. The system includes
information from gift vendors to assist the recipient and the giver
in their selections.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the gift registry is an on-line
system, though many of the concepts are adaptable to a conventional
gift registry. In the preferred embodiment, the on-line system
links multiple interactive sites using a variety of technologies to
provide a wide-area system. This interconnection allows givers and
recipients to access the on-line system through access means that
include wired and wireless computer connections; voice and data
telecommunications connections; in-store systems; in-locale
systems; and kiosk systems.
[0064] When a gift giver selects a gift using the system, they
submit a purchase request for the gift with an associated purchase
amount. Typically, the purchase amount is the same as the gift
amount. However, in one embodiment, the giver may not be able to
provide the full gift amount. Accordingly, their purchase amount
may be less than the gift amount. The system is able to accommodate
this less than full satisfaction of the purchase amount in a number
of different ways.
[0065] It is also possible that when the recipient selects a gift
idea and associated gift amount, they identify a gift amount that
is less than the amount that established vendors have indicated
they will sell the item. The recipient may have a number of reasons
for identifying a gift amount that is less than the established
price of the item. The recipient may know of a source for the item
where the cost is less than established merchants, and is willing
to purchase the gift themselves if they receive cash in that amount
rather than the gift itself. Alternatively, the recipient may be
unaware of an established cost of the gift idea, or the purchase
price for the gift idea may increase. For these circumstances, and
others, the system provides the gift substitution option and the
cash option. With these options, the system accepts the giver's
purchase request and associated purchase amount. If the system is
unable to satisfy the purchase request at the purchase amount, the
recipient is provided an opportunity to receive a substitute gift,
or cash in the amount of the purchase amount. This allows the giver
to select a gift at the purchase amount, and allows the recipient
to receive the gift, a substitute gift or purchase the gift using
the cash from the cash option. These elements of the invention are
described in greater detail below.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of system 100 of the
present invention includes a remote access on-line communication
port 102, which provides remote access means for users, such as
gift givers 106, gift recipients 108, and vendors 110. In the
embodiment illustrated in the figures, the remote access is an
on-line access via the Internet 104. However, it is understood that
any form of access that provides the capability for individuals to
interact with the system is appropriate for the instant
invention.
[0067] The various users 106, 108, 110 connect to the Internet 104
using any of the known types of Internet access 112, including
dial-up line, modem, wired connection, wireless connection,
broad-band cable, fiber optic, public switched telephone network
(PSTN), wide area network, and local area network. As indicated,
the type of connection is not unique to the invention and it is
envisioned that these and new types of connection will be available
to users.
[0068] In the event that direct user access to system 100 using the
Internet is not appropriate or desired, it is also possible that
users 106, 108, 110 contact a representative 114 of system 100
using known forms of contact. These forms of contact 116 include
wired and wireless telephony using private and public networks,
such as the PSTN.
[0069] System 100 also includes an access 118 to the Internet 104.
However, system 100 requires greater access bandwidth to the
Internet than individual users, given the greater demands of
multiple users. Accordingly, it may be appropriate for access 118
to provide higher bandwidth at T-1 or T-3 megabit rates as compared
to lower bandwidth rates of user access 112, which may be in the
50-100 kilobit rate. Regardless, the interconnection of users 106,
108, 110 and system 100 will depend on many factors. Within the
scope of the instant invention, the interconnection bandwidth can
affect the quality and timeliness of the access, but it does not
affect the overall invention.
[0070] Within system 100, a number of elements provide information
storage and access. A router or routers 120 provides a connection
between the system network 122 and the remote access network or
interne 104. System network 122 provides a broadband highspeed data
and communication bus for individual elements of system 100.
Servers 124, 126, which are linked to system network 122, serve as
the processing backbone of system 100. The software source code for
system 100, as well as the interface to the system provided by
these servers. Servers 124 and 126 are any of the known and
envisioned types of computer hardware/software. They include
processors, memory, input/output devices, and other assorted and
known peripherals. Typically, servers 124, 126 are general purpose
computer processors that are customized by the software that is
written, compiled and loaded into their memories through some form
of storage medium. However, as the state of art changes, servers
124, 126 may become more specialized, or may assume qualities that
are not presently known.
[0071] In one embodiment, one group of web servers 124 that are
powered by an application servers/services (examples include COLD
FUSION, servlets, and ASP) supports the interactive media of the
system. This includes the HTML code and underlying databases
required for the web site, as well as the server administration
required for the site.
[0072] Another group of web servers 126 provide the financial or
electronic commerce support for system 100. These servers include
encryption or protection functions to rapidly and securely process
user transactions. Servers 126 also support the required financial
tracking and audit for system 100.
[0073] A group of data storage devices 128 are also interconnected
to system network 122. These data storage devices provide storage
as information repositories, and very little independent processing
of information. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, data storage devices
or servers 128 include SQL databases with various information. One
set of information includes supplier or vendor data 130. Another
set of information includes system data 132. System data 132
includes data from individual users 106, 108, 110, as well as data
required by system 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the
information in the supplier or vendor database 130 is provided by
established vendors 110. However, it may be appropriate that the
information in database 130 is not maintained within system 100,
but is instead available on distributed databases 134 that are
available through the multiple vendor locations.
[0074] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, users 106, 108, 110 remotely
access system 100 using the Internet. In another embodiment, system
100 is located in a centralized location, such as at a shopping
mall, or a department store. In this embodiment, users access
system 100 with an input terminal at the centralized location.
System 100 has connections to other terminals at other centralized
locations. In this embodiment a recipient in one city can identify
gift ideas and gift amounts, while gift givers in other cities can
access the system to make purchase requests with corresponding
purchase amounts. While it is possible to implement embodiments of
system 100 within a single commercial establishment, the benefits
are more fully realized when multiple vendors 110 are users of the
system. The advantage of multiple vendors and more than a single
establishment will be more apparent as the system is more fully
described.
[0075] Recipient Registration
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, at step 202,
a prospective gift recipient 108 accesses system 100 through some
form of remote on-line access, such as through the Internet 104 via
their internet connection 112. In this embodiment, access is
through a browser application, such as NETSCAPE or INTERNET
EXPLORER, that is running on the user's computer, WEBTV or wireless
device.
[0077] Once connected to system 100, the recipient provides
identifying information regarding themselves and the circumstances
surrounding their registration. For example, the system solicits
the recipient's name, address, age and any personal likes or
dislikes. System 100 uses some of this information for gift
delivery and other information for marketing purposes. Some, though
not all recipient information is also available to other users of
system 100, including potential givers and vendors. System 100 also
solicits the circumstances surrounding the gift registration. This
includes the type of event (wedding, birthday, bar mitzvah,
graduation, etc.) as well as information relating to the event
(date, time, location, honeymoon location, indoor or outdoor party,
etc.). This information, which is solicited from the recipient,
becomes part of that recipient's data record that is maintained in
database 132 of server 128. Normally, the recipient provides the
requested information, but friends or relatives can also provide
the information, such as for a child or for a surprise party.
[0078] At step 204, after the recipient provides the requested
information, they are provided access to possible gift ideas, and
gift amounts from established vendors 110. System 100 may
pre-screen or prioritize vendors based on recipient information.
For example, vendors with products or services that are commonly
associated with a wedding may receive a high priority display if
the event is a wedding, but will have a lower priority display if
the event is a child's birthday.
[0079] Information on the products and services that are available
from vendor 110 is either maintained in data records on database
130 of server 128, or is maintained in data records on database 134
available through the vendor location. However, because system 100
has access to either database, the actual location of the
information is transparent to recipient 108.
[0080] Recipient 108 reviews the products and services available
from established vendors 110 and the associated costs for those
products and services, as provided by the vendor. The cost
associated with the products and services is normally the vendor's
retail price for that product or service. In this regard, system
100 performs functions that are similar to a traditional in-store
gift registry, where information related to the recipient is
collected by personnel at the store, along with information on the
event. That information is used to assist the recipient with
selection of gift ideas. However, in a traditional store registry,
the collected information may not be available to givers, or other
vendors. Additional, in a traditional in-store registry, the
recipient does not have an opportunity to select from multiple
vendors.
[0081] Where the gift idea is available from an established vendor,
system 100 provides the associated cost of that gift idea to the
recipient, to assist the recipient with selecting a gift amount
associated with the gift idea. Assuming that the vendor supplied
cost is current and the product or service is available, when the
recipient selects that vendor supplied cost as the gift amount
associated with the gift idea, there is a reasonable probability
that a giver can purchase that gift idea for the associated gift
amount.
[0082] At step 206, the recipient determines whether the gift idea
and cost from established vendors is desired. The instant invention
also allows the recipient to provide a gift amount that is
different from the vendor supplied cost. For example, if the
recipient has determined that the gift idea is available from
another source, such as a discount house, there is a possibility
that the gift idea is available for less than the cost supplied by
established vendor 110. In this example, the discount house is not
an established vendor of system 100 and therefore their products
and services, with associated costs, are not available to
recipients and givers through system 100. In another example, the
gift idea may not be available from any of the established vendors
and recipient 108 does not know the actual cost of the gift idea.
In this case, the gift amount may be the recipient's best guess of
the cost to purchase the gift idea. In another example, the
recipient may know the cost to purchase the gift idea through an
established vendor and also through other vendors, and still
assigns a gift amount that is less than the cost of the gift idea
from any of the known vendors. In this case, the recipient is
hoping that system 100 will be able to locate the gift idea for
less than the known costs. Or, the recipient deciding that they
prefer cash to the gift, sets an artificially low gift amount,
knowing that the gift is unavailable for that gift amount. In this
mariner, the recipient can predispose that gift to the gift
substitution option or cash option, rather than the gift
itself.
[0083] At step 210, if the recipient determines that the
established vendors are not able to provide the desired gift idea
at the desired gift amount, the recipient provides the desired gift
and associated gift amount.
[0084] At step 212, if the recipient also knows of a vendor, that
is not established with system 100, that vendor information is
provided to system 100.
[0085] At step 208, the information regarding the desired gift idea
and desired gift amount is stored in a database of server 128, with
vendor information if available. The recipient also indicates
whether this gift idea is subject to the gift substitution option
or cash option, and stores that information in the database of
server 128. The gift substitution option and cash option is
described below in greater detail.
[0086] At step 214, system 100 determines whether the recipient
wants to identify additional gift ideas, looping to step 204 if
there are additional gift ideas, otherwise ending the registration
process.
[0087] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the concept of a gift amount associated
with a gift idea in the instant invention is illustrated and
described within the context of an on-line or remote access gift
registry system. This concept is also appropriate for a traditional
gift registry. However, a traditional gift registry may be
disinclined to implement this concept as their profit source and
motive is unclear. The gift substitution option, cash option and
coupons, described below, help provide an incentive for this
concept, even in a traditional gift registry.
[0088] Giver Access and Gift Selection
[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, at step 300, a gift giver 106
who is a user of system 100 similarly accesses system 100 with some
form of remote on-line access, such as through the Internet 104 via
their internet connection 112. In this embodiment, the access of
gift giver 106 is through a browser application, such as NETSCAPE
or INTERNET EXPLORER, that is running on the user's computer, WEBTV
or wireless device.
[0090] At step 302, once connected to system 100, the gift giver
provides identifying information regarding the recipient so as to
access the gift ideas of that recipient and learn more about the
circumstances surrounding the recipient's gift registration. For
example, recipient 108 may provide a password or event name to the
gift givers, when they provide an invitation to a wedding. It is
also envisioned that a URL for the recipient registry page will be
sent by e-mail to gift givers. The e-mail also includes any
password or information required to access the web page. This
allows the gift giver to properly identify the correct recipient
and access the gift ideas and gift amounts. Gift giver 106 also
provides some identifying information about themselves, as well as
payment information for gift purchases. System 100 uses some of
this information for gift payment and delivery and other
information for marketing purposes.
[0091] At step 304, system 100 determines from on-line database
servers 128 whether any of the gift ideas of the recipient have a
commitment or partial satisfaction. If there are any commitments or
partial satisfactions, at step 306, system 100 updates the
information for display so that all information regarding gift
ideas and gift amounts is current.
[0092] At step 308, the gift giver reviews the gift ideas and
associated gift amounts for the desired recipient.
[0093] At step 310, the gift giver selects a gift idea and makes a
purchase request to system 100 for the gift idea.
[0094] At step 312, the gift giver provides a purchase amount to
system 100 corresponding to the purchase request. The purchase
amount may be the same as the uncommitted balance of the gift
amount (with consideration for commitments by other gift givers and
partial satisfaction), or the purchase amount may be less than the
gift amount.
[0095] At step 314, system 100 determines whether the gift giver
wants to select other gifts for this recipient, and if so, loops to
step 304.
[0096] At step 315, system 100 determines whether the gift giver
will pay with a credit card, and if so charges the card.
[0097] At step 316, system 100 determines whether the gift giver
wants to review gift ideas of another recipient, and if so loops to
step 302.
[0098] At step 317, system 100 determines whether the gift giver
will pay with a check, and if so cashes the check at step 317. At
step 317, system 100 may wait for an actual check or may arrange
for electronic presentment of a check drawn on the gift giver's
account.
[0099] At step 318, gift giver 106 disconnects from system 100.
[0100] Though not illustrated in FIG. 3, there are additional steps
related to payment processing that system 100 performs with the
gift giver before the giver disconnects from the system. For
example, credit card or electronic payment is provided by system
100 using known types of transaction processing systems. Encryption
or protection for the sensitive aspects of the transaction are also
provided by system 100.
[0101] Partial Satisfaction
[0102] One problem with a traditional gift registry is that a giver
has essentially only two choices for a particular gift. The giver
either purchases the entire gift, or does not purchase the gift.
This is because there is no easy process for a giver to purchase
part of a gift, or contribute to the purchase of a gift. This can
be particularly problematic when the giver arrives late to the
registry. The lower cost gift ideas are typically gone and the only
remaining gift ideas are the computer for $3995.00, or the crystal
punch bowl for $2485.00. Faced with these choices, the giver, who
isn't interested in spending that much on a gift, purchases the
proverbial toaster outside the registry. The recipient, who already
has a toaster, must return it. It is very probable that the
recipient would prefer that the giver make a contribution to one of
the items on the registry, rather than make a purchase outside the
registry.
[0103] With a partial purchase option, the giver can make a
commitment for part of the gift amount. The registry records that
partial purchase against the gift idea so that other givers, can
assist with the purchase. When enough givers make commitments, the
gift can be purchased. If enough givers are not committed, the
recipient can receive the cash instead and make up the balance, or
do something else with the cash.
[0104] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, after a gift giver has selected
a gift idea and made a purchase request with an associated purchase
amount, at step 400, system 100 determines whether the purchase
amount is equal to or greater than the gift amount. If so, there
are sufficient funds to attempt to satisfy the purchase request at
step 408.
[0105] If the purchase amount is less than the gift amount, then at
step 402, system 100 determines whether other gift givers have made
a commitment or partial satisfaction for that gift idea.
[0106] If other gift givers have made a commitment or partial
satisfaction; then at step 404, system 100 determines whether the
combination of those amounts are sufficient to equal or exceed the
gift amount. If so, system 100 attempts to satisfy the purchase
request at step 408.
[0107] If the combined amounts are not sufficient to equal or
exceed the gift amount, then at step 410, system 100 identifies the
purchase request in the database of server 128 as partially
satisfied.
[0108] The partial purchase concept can be combined with the gift
substitution option and cash option described below. For example, a
giver, who wants to commit to part of a gift, will know that if
other givers do not make commitments for that particular gift, the
recipient will alternatively get a substitute gift or cash in the
amount of their commitment.
[0109] Alternatively, the giver can specify that their commitment
to the purchase request with a partial purchase amount is good only
so long as other givers make commitments sufficient to meet the
full purchase amount and thereby satisfy the purchase request. If
other givers do not make the necessary commitments within a period
of time, the giver can withdraw their commitment.
[0110] Partial purchase is adaptable to conventional gift
registries, if the underlying databases supporting the registry are
suitably adapted. One requirement for providing partial purchase is
that the database must be updated and maintained more frequently
than once a day. If the gift registry is maintained by a single
establishment or vendor, and giver's commitments are recorded with
the registry when made, the database is always current and partial
purchase is easily accommodated. However, if the gift registry is
distributed across multiple locations of the establishment, the
database must be updated as actions occur, rather than batch
processing at the end of the day.
[0111] Gift Substitution Option, Cash Option and Name Your Own Gift
Amount
[0112] In a traditional gift registry, such as a wedding registry,
a prospective gift recipient registers with one or more commercial
establishments. When the registration is with a single
establishment, there are normally multiple departments within the
establishment. This allows the recipient to select or identify
gifts from the different areas, at different prices. Thus, china,
silver, sheets, linens, kitchen ware, bath ware and other assorted
gift ideas can be selected. When the gift registration is with
multiple co-located establishments, such at in a shopping mall, the
gift recipient can register at one store in the mall for china,
another store in the mall for intimate apparel, another store for
sporting goods, etc.
[0113] However, the recipient may know that the gift ideas they
select at the establishment are priced at retail, and that the same
items are available from a discount establishment at a savings.
Therefore, the gift recipient, knowing that the same gift is
available at a lower price has a dilemma. If they register with the
retail establishment, the giver will be able to take advantage of
the centralized gift registry, but will have to pay more for the
gift than it could be purchased for at a discount establishment.
However, if the gift recipient does not register this gift, gift
givers would have no way of knowing that this gift is wanted. Some
gift recipient will register the gift at the higher price, and then
attempt to return it, taking the cash and buying the same gift at
the lower price. This is inconvenient for the recipient. Moreover,
some stores have sought to prevent this practice by implementing
restrictive return policies.
[0114] The gift substitution option, cash option and name your own
gift amount concepts help to solve the dilemma. A recipient
identifies the gift idea with the registry. However, rather than
merely identifying the gift idea, the recipient also provides an
associated gift amount for the gift idea. In a traditional gift
registry, the gift amount would be the same as the cost of the gift
idea at the registry. However the invention allows the gift amount
to be something other than the retail cost at the traditional
registry. Without the invention, in a traditional gift registry,
the retail establishment is unable to provide the gift at the gift
amount without discounting the item. Since discounting outside
planned sales events is something most registries are not inclined
to do, the concept would normally fail.
[0115] With the gift substitution option, cash option and name your
own gift amount, when the establishment is willing to broker the
transaction between the giver and the recipient, all parties can
gain the advantage of a centralized gift registry. The recipient
can register gift ideas in a centralized location and thereby avoid
the problem of multiple undesired gifts. The recipient can also
reduce the gift cost for the giver. The giver can determine which
gift ideas are desired by the recipient and know that they are not
buying a duplicate gift that will be returned. The giver also
receives the advantage of a lower cost for the gift.
[0116] However, without some incentive the registry gains little
from the cash option. The registry profit that normally helps to
offset the cost of establishing and maintaining the registry, is
not available without purchase of a gift. At least for this reason,
traditional gift registries are not inclined to support a cash
option.
[0117] A problem for a cash option in a traditional gift registry
is that the registry provides the gift amount to the recipient as
cash, rather than selling the gift. Unless the registry takes a
percentage of the gift amount as a fee, there must be some form of
incentive for the registry to implement a cash option. In the
instant invention, one of these incentives is provided by coupons
that accompany the cash option or sale of marketing information.
The coupon aspect of the invention is explained in greater detail
below.
[0118] In the gift substitution option and cash option, the
recipient can indicate that if the registry is unable to satisfy
the giver's purchase request with a purchase, the recipient will
accept a substitute gift, or wants the purchase amount in cash. The
recipient may ask the registry to conceal the gift substitution
option or cash option from the giver, or they may ask the registry
to inform the giver that if the purchase request is not satisfied,
the request will be satisfied with the gift substitution option or
cash option.
[0119] In this description, the gift substitution option and the
cash option have been treated as somewhat distinct options.
However, it is reasonable to consider the cash option as a
particular form of gift substitution, where the gift substitute is
not another type of good or service, but is cash instead.
[0120] It is also possible that the recipient does not register any
particular gift ideas, but instead registers gift amounts (e.g.
cash contributions) in varying amounts. This might be appropriate
for a charity, wanting to have a gift registry, but desiring that
all gift contributions be in the form of cash. In this embodiment,
the registry may use the marketing type of information gained from
gift givers to help offset the cost of the registry. For example,
gift givers who have indicated a desire to contribute cash to the
local ballet or theater production company, are likely to have an
interest in other forms of entertainment related to the ballet or
theater. This information can be used to develop targeted coupons
that are provided to the gift recipient in conjunction with a gift
receipt.
[0121] Established and Ad-hoc Vendors
[0122] Once a gift giver has selected a gift idea and made a
purchase request, with an associated purchase amount, and system
100 has determined that the purchase amount is greater than or
equal to the gift amount, it is possible for system 100 to attempt
to satisfy the purchase request.
[0123] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, at step 532, system 100 first
determines whether the recipient has selected a mandatory
substitution. The mandatory substitution option at step 534 occurs
when the recipient says that they don't care if the gift is
available, they want system 100 to substitute for the gift. The
substitute can be another gift, or cash. Because a cash
substitution is accommodated in a slightly different manner than
substitution of another gift, the cash option (step 500) is
addressed separately within the mandatory substitution. The cash
option applies to a particular gift, or to all gifts for that
recipient in the registry. If the cash option is selected, then at
step 528, system 100 credits the recipient's account with the
purchase amount and ends. The cash option is described elsewhere in
greater detail.
[0124] If the cash option is not selected, then at step 501, system
100 determines whether the recipient has selected a gift
substitution option. If the gift substitution option is selected,
then at step 530, system 100 makes the gift substitution (changes
the purchase request to the substitute gift) and attempts to
satisfy the purchase request (of the now substituted gift) at step
502. The gift substitution option applies to a particular gift, or
to all gifts for that recipient in the registry. The gift
substitution option is also described elsewhere in greater
detail.
[0125] If the recipient has not selected the gift substitution
option at step 501, then at step 502, system 100 attempts to
satisfy the purchase request with established vendors 110 of system
100. These may be vendors who have an active participation with
system 100, such as through providing data or access to data to
assist the recipient and gift giver with gift selection, or vendors
who actively participate with system 100 in an attempt to satisfy
outstanding purchase requests. Alternatively, vendors 110 may be
passive, relying on system 100 to contact them with outstanding
purchase requests.
[0126] The primary distinction between established vendors and
ad-hoc vendors is that system 100 has some form of pre-existing
relationship with established vendors and has no pre-existing
relationship with ad-hoc vendors. It is reasonable that over time,
ad-hoc vendors become established vendors, through their
interaction with system 100, or through contact by system 100 in an
attempt to satisfy outstanding purchase requests.
[0127] At step 504, if system 100 is able to satisfy the purchase
request at the purchase amount with an established vendor, that
gift idea is considered complete within the registry and system 100
begins the process of ordering and delivery. The process of
ordering and delivery can take a number of days or weeks. During
that time, the recipient may change their mind regarding the gift
substitution option or cash option. Accordingly, before the gift is
actually shipped to the recipient, at step 534, system 100 again
determines if the recipient has selected a mandatory substitution
option. Just as the mandatory substitution option at step 532 had
two steps, so does the mandatory substitution option at step 534.
If system 100 determines that the recipient has selected a cash
option at step 520, then at step 528, system 100 credits the
recipient's account with the purchase amount and ends.
[0128] If at step 520, the recipient has not selected the cash
option, then at step 521, system 100 determines whether the
recipient has selected the gift substitution option. If so, then at
step 530, system 100 cancels the order, substitutes the gift and
attempts to satisfy the purchase request with the now substituted
gift at step 502.
[0129] If the recipient has not selected the gift substitution
option at step 521, then at step 522, system 100 arranges shipping
of the gift and pays the vendor.
[0130] At step 524, system 100 updates the gift registry database
to show gift purchase, and at step 526, system 100 informs the
recipient of the purchase and provides a token to the giver before
ending.
[0131] A number of steps are required to maintain and update the
database records, complete the purchase of the gift, provide an
acknowledgement of the purchase to either or both the recipient and
giver, as well as arrange for payment from the gift giver, payment
to the vendor and shipment to the desired destination. These are
understood to occur in step 522 through 526. Any novel aspects of
the invention related to these additional steps are described in
greater detail. The other aspects, which are readily understood to
those of ordinary skill to occur within the system and method and
are not further described herein.
[0132] If system 100 was unsuccessful in satisfying the purchase
request at step 504 with established vendors, then at step 506,
system 100 attempts to satisfy the purchase request with ad-hoc
vendors. An ad-hoc vendor is one that does not have a pre-existing
relationship with system 100. However, that does not mean that the
identity of the ad-hoc vendor is unknown to system 100. For
example, when the gift recipient selects a gift idea and associated
gift amount, they have an opportunity to also identify a vendor
that they believe may be able to provide that gift idea at that
gift amount. This is particularly helpful when the gift idea is
unusual, or not commonly given as a gift. System 100 maintains
information on ad-hoc vendors in server database 128.
[0133] At step 508, if system 100 was able to satisfy the purchase
request with an ad-hoc vendor, system 100 begins the process of
ordering and shipping the gift before again determining if the
recipient has selected a cash option at step 520.
[0134] At step 510, if system 100 was unable to satisfy the
purchase request with either established or ad-hoc vendors, system
100 determines whether the failure is due to inability to locate a
vendor that can provide the gift at any price. If system 100 could
not locate a vendor who can satisfy the gift idea, the recipient is
so informed at step 512 and the recipient is provided an
opportunity to provide an identity of an ad-hoc vendor that maybe
able to satisfy the gift. At step 514, if the recipient provides
additional information, system 100 again attempts to satisfy the
purchase request at step 502.
[0135] If the recipient does not provide additional information at
step 514, then at step 538, system 100 determines whether the
recipient has selected a contingent substitution option. A
contingent substitution occurs when the gift recipient says that
they want system 100 to substitute another gift or cash if and only
if the desired gift is unavailable at the price that the recipient
has listed, or can not be delivered on time.
[0136] Just as the mandatory substitution option included two
tests, so does the contingent substitution option (step 536). At
step 538, system 100 determines whether the recipient has selected
contingent substitution. If not, then at step 542, system 100
credits the gift giver's account and ends.
[0137] If the recipient has selected contingent substitution, then
at step 540, system 100 determines whether that contingent
substitution is cash. If so, then at step 528, system 100 credits
the recipient's account and ends. If not, system 100 substitutes
the contingent gift at step 530 and attempts to satisfy the request
at step 502.
[0138] If system 100 determines that the gift was located at step
510, then at step 516, system 100 determines whether the purchase
request can be satisfied if it is modified.
[0139] If system 100 determines that a modified purchase request
can not be satisfied at step 516, then at step 538, system 100
determines whether the recipient has selected the contingent
substitution option (step 536), as described above.
[0140] If a modified purchase request can be satisfied, then at
step 518, system 100 determines whether the recipient will accept
the modification.
[0141] If system 100 determines at step 518 that the recipient will
accept the modified purchase request, then system 100 attempts to
satisfy the purchase request at step 502. If not, then system 100
determines whether the recipient has selected the contingent
substitution option (step 536), as described above.
[0142] Vendor Contact and Bidding
[0143] There are number of different embodiments for contacting
vendors, once gift givers have made purchase requests with
associated purchase amounts. One embodiment uses a primarily serial
approach. Another embodiment uses a primarily parallel approach.
Another embodiment uses an auction type approach. These embodiments
can be somewhat combined with each other so that an auction is used
with a parallel approach. It is also possible that when the vendors
are contacted, they are initially presented with a firm offer that
is priced below the purchase amount indicated by a gift giver. The
amount of the firm offer is in then incremented until a vendor
accepts the offer, or the gift giver's purchase amount is reached.
In this manner, system 100 attempts to get the best price for the
gift. Any savings can be refunded to the gift giver, provided to
the recipient as cash, or retained by the system as profit.
[0144] In one embodiment for contacting vendors, system 100
actively seeks vendor responses by sending or providing purchase
requests to the vendors. The vendors either respond to those
requests, or ignore them. An example of this active approach would
be use of e-mail, fax, pager, or telephone to send or provide the
request to the vendor. This active approach may use any of a number
of different techniques.
[0145] In another embodiment for contacting vendors, system 100 is
more passive and makes purchase requests available to the vendors.
The vendors are able to review these requests and may respond to
the requests, or ignore them. An example of this more passive
approach would be use of a web page, or bulletin board. This more
passive approach may also use any of a number of different
techniques. Thus, one difference between the active and more
passive approach is whether the system provides the requests to the
vendors, or whether the system merely makes the requests available
to the vendors.
[0146] Aspects of these embodiments for contacting vendors and
bidding are described in greater detail below.
[0147] Serial Approach
[0148] In a serial embodiment, system 100 sends a firm offer for
purchase, or a solicitation for an offer (such as provided within
the Uniform Commercial Code) to each vendor and waits for the
vendor to reply. Once a vendor has accepted the -firm offer for
purchase or the vendor responds to the solicitation with an offer
and system 100 accepts the vendor offer, the gift is accepted and
system 100 asks the vendor to deliver the gift. The steps in this
embodiment are summarized in FIG. 6. At step 602, system 100
selects all gifts that need to be purchased, and arranges the gifts
in a list.
[0149] At step 604, system 100 categorizes and aggregates identical
gifts on the list. For example, if three different registries need
three identical items, system 100 aggregates the individual
registry items into a single order for three of the same item, with
three different delivery zip codes. Step 604 includes other steps,
which are illustrated more fully in FIG. 7.
[0150] At step 606, system 100 selects a vendor for each gift from
the list. Step 606 includes other steps, which are illustrated more
fully in FIG. 8.
[0151] At step 608, system 100 creates orders from the list to send
to each vendor. Step 608 includes other steps, which are
illustrated more fully in FIG. 9.
[0152] At step 610, system 100 processes each vendor order as it is
received. Step 610 includes other steps, which are illustrated more
fully in FIG. 10.
[0153] At step 612, system 100 updates the order status.
[0154] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment for categorizing and
aggregating gifts from the list. At step 702, system 100 begins a
loop through each gift in the list.
[0155] At step 704, system 100 selects the next gift from the
list.
[0156] At step 706, system 100 categorizes the gift based on the
description and name.
[0157] At step 708, system 100 determines whether the gift was
categorized, and if not, at step 710, system 100 arranges for a
manual categorization of the gift.
[0158] At step 712, system 100 determines whether additional gifts
remain to categorize on the list, and if so, loops to step 704. If
not, categorization ends at step 714.
[0159] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment for selecting a vendor for
gifts on the list. At step 802, system 100 begins to select
vendors.
[0160] At step 804, system 100 selects the next gift from the
list.
[0161] At step 806, system 100 finds an established vendor based on
the gift categorization and indications of which vendor can provide
the gift.
[0162] At step 808, system 100 determines whether a established
vendor was identified from the list. If so, then at step 810,
system 100 selects the best established vendor and assigns a gift
with a bid to that vendor. Step 810 includes additional steps,
which are illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0163] If an established vendor was not identified at step 808,
then at step 814, system 100 determines whether an ad-hoc vendor if
available. If so, then at step 816, system 100 designates the
ad-hoc vendor as a new vendor and adds them to the list of
established vendors. At step 818, system 100 selects the best
ad-hoc vendor and assigns a gift with a bid to that vendor.
[0164] If system 100 could not locate an ad-hoc vendor at step 814,
then at step 820, system 100 notifies the recipient that the gift
was unavailable and therefore contingent substitution has taken
place. If the contingent substitution is for cash, then the account
of the gift recipient is credited, and the process ends. If the
contingent substitution is for another gift, then the substitution
is made and we go back to the start. If there was no contingent
substitution, the gift giver's account is credited. Step 820
includes additional steps, which are illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0165] At step 812, system 100 determines whether additional gifts
remain that require vendors, and if so, loops to step 804.
[0166] At step 822, system 100 completes the vendor selection.
[0167] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment for creating and sending
orders from the list to vendors. At step 902, system 100 begins to
generate orders from the list.
[0168] At step 904, system 100 selects the next unprocessed
order.
[0169] At step 906, system 100 sends the order to the vendor. The
order includes bid, quantity, zip codes for each gift. The order is
sent by the method most appropriate for the vendor, and may include
e-mail, mail, fax, telephone, or a direct connection.
[0170] At step 908, system 100 determines whether additional orders
remain to be sent, and if so, loops to step 904.
[0171] At step 910, system completes sending orders from the
list.
[0172] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment for processing vendor
orders as they are received. At step 1002, system 100 begins to
process vendor orders.
[0173] At step 1004, system 100 selects the next unprocessed gift
from the list.
[0174] At step 1006, system 100 determines the bid status of the
gift. If the status is indicated as rejected, then at step 1026,
system 100 updates the gift status to rejected and checks for more
gifts at step 1028.
[0175] If at step 1006, system 100 determines that the bid status
is counter offer, then at step 1016, system 100 determines whether
the vendor price is greater than the purchase price. If so, then at
step 1025, system 100 determines whether the counter offer terms
are acceptable to the recipient. If the terms are not acceptable,
then at step 1026, system 100 updates the gift status as rejected
by this vendor.
[0176] If at step 1016, system 100 determines that the vendor price
is not higher than the purchased price, then at step 1018, system
100 determines whether the vendor can deliver on time. If not, then
at step 1025, system 100 determines whether the counter offer terms
are acceptable to the recipient. If the terms are not acceptable,
then at step 1026, system 100 updates the gift status as rejected
by this vendor.
[0177] If at step 1018, system 100 determines that the vendor can
deliver on time, then at step 1020, system 100 determines whether
vendor 100 is counter offering with a different model. If so, then
at step 1025, system 100 determines whether the counter offer terms
are acceptable to the recipient. If the terms are not acceptable,
then at step 1026, system 100 updates the gift status as rejected
by this vendor.
[0178] If at step 1020, system 100 determines that the model is the
same, then at step 1027, system 100 determines whether the other
counter offer terms are significant. If the counter offer terms are
significant, then at step 1025, system 100 determines whether the
counter offer terms are acceptable to the recipient. If the terms
are not acceptable, then at step 1026, system 100 updates the gift
status as rejected by this vendor.
[0179] If at step 1027, the other counter offer terms are not
significant, then at step 1008, system 100 updates the gift status
to purchased and informs the recipient of shipment at step 1010.
Step 1010 includes additional steps, which are illustrated in FIG.
13.
[0180] If at step 1006, system 100 determines that the bid status
is modified acceptance, then at step 1012, system 100 determines
whether the vendor quantity is less than the purchased quantity. If
so, then at step 1013, system 100 modifies the remaining
quantity.
[0181] If at step 1012, system 100 determines that the vendor
quantity is not less than the purchased quantity, then at step
1014, system 100 determines whether the vendor price is less than
the bid price. If so, then at step 1015, the difference is given to
the recipient.
[0182] If the vendor prices is not less than the bid price, then at
step 1008, system 100 updates the gift status to purchased from
this vendor, and at step 1010, notifies the recipient that the gift
is being delivered.
[0183] If at step 1006, system 100 determines that the bid status
is accepted, then at step 1008, system 100 updates the gift status
to purchased from this vendor, and at step 1010, system 100
notifies the gift recipient that the gift is being delivered.
[0184] If at step 1006, system 100 determines that the bid status
is unchanged, then at step 1030, system 100 determines whether a
pre-set time limit has expired. If so, then at step 1032, system
100 arranges for manual intervention, and checks for more gifts at
step 1028.
[0185] If at step 1030, system 100 determines that the pre-set time
limit is not expired, then at step 1028, system 100 checks for more
gifts.
[0186] If at step 1028, system 100 determines there are additional
gifts, then it arranges to loop to step 1004. If not, system 100
ends this set of processing steps at step 1034.
[0187] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment for selecting the best
vendor. Though the steps illustrated here are particularly
appropriate for a serial bidding embodiment, they can also be used
for a parallel offer embodiment when multiple vendors respond
within the deadline and a selection among responding vendors is
required.
[0188] At step 1100, system 100 begins the steps to selection the
best vendor.
[0189] At step 1102, system 100 selects the next vendor for
consideration:
[0190] At step 1104, system 100 determines whether a bid has
already been sent to this vendor. If so, and only if all bids were
unsuccessful on the first pass, then at step 1106, system 100
determines whether the bid has been sent Z times to the vendor. If
it has, system 100 loops to step 1102. If not, then at step 1108,
system 100 updates the number of times the bid has been sent to the
vendor.
[0191] If at step 1104, system 100 determined that a bid has not
already been sent to this vendor, then at step 1110, system 100
computes the best supplier ratio for the vendor, and at step 1112,
stores the ratio and average discount.
[0192] The process of computing the best supplier ratio at step
1110 includes a number of factors and is a function of bid hit
ratio (number of accepted bids/number of bids sent), modified hit
ratio (number of accepted bids for category/number of bids for
category), commission or discount, tenure (how long the vendor
relationship has existed), speed of delivery, delivery ratio
(number of on-time deliveries/number of accepted offers), average
shipping costs, complaint ratio (number of complaints/number of
accepted offers), payment terms, and subjective factors such as
whether to encourage a particular vendor.
[0193] At step 1114, system 100 determines whether there are
additional vendors for consideration, and if so, loops to step
1102.
[0194] If at step 1114 no additional vendors need consideration,
then at step 1116, system 100 selects the vendor with the best or
highest supplier ratio.
[0195] At step 1118, system 100 computes the bid. The bid is a
function of market price of a gift, recipient's price of the gift,
bid hit ratio, category margin/discount by vendor and number of
times the bid has been sent to the supplier.
[0196] At step 1120, system 100 determines whether the bid should
be manually adjusted. If so, then at step 1122, the bid is manually
entered.
[0197] At step 1124, system 100 completes the steps to select the
best vendor.
[0198] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment for notifying the
recipient that the gift will be in cash form. At step 1200, system
100 begins by computing the quantity remaining.
[0199] At step 1202, system 100 determines whether the quantity
remaining is less than the quantity requested by the recipient. If
it is not, then at step 1204, system 100 notifies the recipient
that the gift will be in a cash form.
[0200] At step 1206, system 100 computes the cash component, and at
step 1208, notifies the recipient that part of the gift will be
delivered, and part will be in a cash form.
[0201] At step 1210, system 100 completes the step for the cash
form of gift.
[0202] FIG. 13 illustrates and embodiment for notifying the
recipient that the gift is being delivered. At step 1300, system
100 begins the steps to notify the recipient that the gift is being
delivered. The notification is typically by e-mail, but any form
that is designated by the recipient is appropriate, such as mail,
fax or telephone call.
[0203] At step 1302, system 100 determines whether the gift has
been delivered. This is based on a delivery notification from the
vendor or shipping agent. If not, at step 1304, system 100 waits
for a delivery notification, and loops to step 1302.
[0204] If the gift has been delivered, as provided by the delivery
notification from the vendor or shipping, then at step 1306, system
100 updates the status as delivered.
[0205] At step 1308, system 100 sends the actual notification to
the recipient, and completes the notification process at step
1310.
[0206] This completes a description of an embodiment for serial
allocation of gift bids to a plurality of vendors.
[0207] Parallel Approach
[0208] In a parallel embodiment, system 100 sends a request for a
firm offer to multiple vendors in parallel and then determines
which of the responding offers to select. Once a gift has been
accepted, system 100 asks the vendor to deliver the gift. The steps
in this embodiment are summarized in FIG. 14. At step 1402, system
100 selects all gifts that need to be purchased, and arranges the
gifts in a list.
[0209] At step 1404, system 100 categorizes and aggregates
identical gifts on the list. For example, if three different
registries need three identical items, system 100 aggregates the
individual registry items into a single order for three of the same
item, with three different delivery zip codes. Step 1404 includes
other steps, which are illustrated more fully in FIG. 7.
[0210] At step 1406, system 100 selects one or more vendors to be
contacted for each gift or aggregated gifts from the list. This is
somewhat like a shotgun, where multiple request for offers are sent
to many vendors at the same time. Step 1406 includes other steps,
which are illustrated more fully in FIG. 15.
[0211] At step 1408, system 100 creates requests for offers from
the list to send to each vendor. Step 1408 includes other steps,
which are illustrated more fully in FIG. 16.
[0212] At step 1410, system 100 processes each vendor offer as it
is received. Step 1410 includes other steps, which are illustrated
more fully in FIG. 17.
[0213] At step 1412, system 100 updates the request for offer
status.
[0214] As described above, FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment for
categorizing and aggregating gifts from the list. At step 702,
system 100 begins a loop through each gift in the list.
[0215] At step 704, system 100 selects the next gift from the
list.
[0216] At step 706, system 100 categorizes the gift based on the
description and name.
[0217] At step 708, system 100 determines whether the gift was
categorized, and if not, at step 710, system 100 arranges for a
manual categorization of the gift.
[0218] At step 712, system 100 determines whether additional gifts
remain to categorize on the list, and if so, loops to step 704. If
not, categorization ends at step 714.
[0219] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment for selecting vendors for
gifts on the list. At step 1502, system 100 begins to select
vendors.
[0220] At step 1504, system 100 selects the next gift from the
list.
[0221] At step 1506, system 100 finds established vendors based on
the gift categorization and indications of which vendor can provide
the gift.
[0222] At step 1508, system 100 determines whether established
vendors were identified from the list. If so, then at step 1510,
system 100 assigns each vendor to a gift and asks the vendor for an
offer price for the gift.
[0223] If an established vendor was not identified at step 1508,
then at step 1514, system 100 determines whether one or more ad-hoc
vendors are available. If so, then at step 1516, system 100
designates each ad-hoc vendor as a new vendor and adds them to the
list of established vendors. At step 1518, system 100 sends the
gift details to each new vendor and asks them for an offer price
for the gift.
[0224] If system 100 could not locate an ad-hoc vendor at step
1514, then at step 1520, system 100 notifies the recipient that
contingent substitution will occur. Step 1520 includes additional
steps, which are illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0225] At step 1512, system 100 determines whether additional gifts
remain that require vendors, and if so, loops to step 1504.
[0226] At step 1522, system 100 completes the vendor selection.
[0227] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment for creating and sending
orders from the list to the vendors. At step 1602, system 100
begins to generate orders from the list.
[0228] At step 1604, system 100 selects the next unprocessed
order.
[0229] At step 1606, system 100 sends the order to the vendor. The
order includes deadline, quantity, zip codes for each gift. The
order is sent by the method most appropriate for the vendor, and
may include e-mail, mail, fax, telephone, or a direct
connection.
[0230] At step 1608, system 100 determines whether additional
orders remain to be sent, and if so, loops to step 1604.
[0231] At step 1610, system completes sending orders from the
list.
[0232] FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment for processing vendor
orders at the expiration of the deadline. At step 1702, system 100
begins to process vendor orders.
[0233] At step 1704, system 100 selects the next unprocessed gift
from the list.
[0234] At step 1706, system 100 determines the offer status of the
gift. If the status is indicated as no reply/no offer received,
then at step 1708, system 100 discards the offer and at step 1710,
updates the vendor status as rejected for that offer.
[0235] If at step 1706, system 100 determines that the offer status
is offer received, then at step 1712, system 100 correlates the
offer with the status on the list.
[0236] At step 1714, system 100 determines whether there are any
more gifts. If so, then system 100 loops to step 1704.
[0237] At step 1716, system 100 determines whether there are any
offers which are acceptable. If not, then at step 1718, system 100
notifies the recipient that the gift will be in cash form.
[0238] At step 1718, system 100 selects the best of the acceptable
offers. This selection considers the offer price, delivery,
commission or discount, tenure (how long the vendor relationship
has existed), speed of delivery, delivery ratio (number of on-time
deliveries/number of accepted offers); average shipping costs,
complaint ratio (number of complaints/number of accepted offers),
payment terms, highest quantity, and subjective factors such as
whether to encourage a particular vendor.
[0239] At step 1720, system 100 updates the gift status to
purchased and informs the recipient of shipment at step 1722. Step
1722 includes additional steps, which are illustrated in FIG.
13.
[0240] As described above, FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment for
notifying the recipient that the gift will be in cash form. At step
1200, system 100 begins by computing the quantity remaining.
[0241] At step 1202, system 100 determines whether the quantity
remaining is less than the quantity requested by the recipient. If
it is not, then at step 1204, system 100 notifies the recipient
that the gift will be in a cash form.
[0242] At step 1206, system 100 computes the cash component, and at
step 1208, notifies the recipient that part of the gift will be
delivered, and part will be in a cash form.
[0243] At step 1210, system 100 completes the step for the cash
form of gift.
[0244] As described above, FIG. 13 illustrates and embodiment for
notifying the recipient that the gift is being delivered. At step
1300, system 100 begins the steps to notify the recipient that the
gift is being delivered. The notification is typically by e-mail,
but any form that is designated by the recipient is appropriate,
such as mail, fax or telephone call.
[0245] At step 1302, system 100 determines whether the gift has
been delivered. This is based on a delivery notification from the
vendor or shipping agent. If not, at step 1304, system 100 waits
for a delivery notification, and loops to step 1302.
[0246] If the gift has been delivered, as provided by the delivery
notification from the vendor or shipping, then at step 1306, system
100 updates the status as delivered.
[0247] At step 1308, system 100 sends the actual notification to
the recipient, and completes the notification process at step
1310.
[0248] Auction Approach
[0249] In an auction embodiment, system 100 posts an order in an
accessible interactive on-line location, such as at a web page,
that is accessible by multiple vendors and then conducts an auction
for the desired gift with associated delivery conditions. The
system may actively inform potential vendors of the order, or
passively post the order and await vendors. In the auction
embodiment, instead of attempting to develop the highest price for
the gift, the auction attempts to develop the lowest price for the
gift within the acceptable delivery terms. In one embodiment, the
auction is blind, with individual vendor identity hidden from
others, while in another embodiment, the auction is open with
vendors able to determine who the other participants are. The
auction is timed, with the vendor offering the best price and
delivery terms at the end of the auction being automatically
selected. Once the auction for the gift is closed, system 100
arranges for the vendor to deliver the gift.
[0250] Published Firm Offer
[0251] In one embodiment, an alternative approach is
first-come-first serve. Each available offer is posted as a firm
offer along with the maximum price and the zip code of the gift
recipient. The first vendor to indicate acceptance of the posted
offer binds the system and therefore gets the deal. The firm offer
is subsequently removed from the web site. This embodiment includes
various steps (not illustrated) to ensure that only one vendor can
accept any single firm offer.
[0252] Coupon Supplement
[0253] As indicated above, one of the reasons that traditional gift
registry services may not provide a cash option is that the profit
source or motive is unclear. With the increasing understanding that
information is a commodity with value, the opportunities for profit
using information gained through a transaction are better
understood. For example, when the recipient registers with system
100, there is certain information that can be learned directly, or
readily inferred from the circumstances of the registration. The
recipient's address and telephone number provide information to
identify them. The recipient also provides information regarding
the gift event (wedding, birthday, graduation etc.) The recipient
similarly identifies certain near-term wants or desires. All of
this is valuable marketing information that is directly linked to a
particular consumer. The information is part of the recipient
profile, which can be used to predict future purchases and spending
habits. The information is also helpful in identifying individuals
who have recently undergone transition in their life-style with an
associated change in their habits.
[0254] The instant invention uses this information as a profit
source to help offset the cost of operation that would normally be
covered by profit from the sale of goods/services. For example, if
a recipient has identified a television as a gift idea, and has
provided a corresponding gift amount for the television that is
less than the retail cost from established vendors, normally they
would not get the television. If the recipient has selected
contingent substitution into cash, system 100 will determine that
the recipient desires to receive cash if the gift is not available
at the gift amount. The fact that the recipient desires to purchase
the television, and now has just received cash with which to make
his purchase is valuable information. Instead of merely providing
the cash to the recipient, system 100 uses this information to
locate related coupons to include with the cash.
[0255] For example, a discount coupon for a particular television
brand is available, allowing the recipient to purchase that brand
television for only slightly more than the gift amount. When system
100 provides that coupon with the cash, the recipient is strongly
influenced to purchase that brand television rather than another
brand. The discount television coupon was targeted to an individual
who has expressed a near-term interest in purchasing a television,
who has also identified their purchase price range, and who has the
means with which to make the purchase. The individual is as they
say, "ready, willing and able." This is extremely valuable
information. The potential return on the marketing investment is
much greater for this coupon, as compared to other distribution
sources. Accordingly, the television manufacturer is willing to pay
a premium to have system 100 include their coupon with a cash
option.
[0256] Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein
in detail, it should be noted and will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made within the
scope of this invention without departing from the principle of
this invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.
[0257] One variation of the invention includes user access of the
system from within an establishment, such as using a computer at
the establishment, or a computer at a shopping mall.
[0258] In one variation, the gift is anonymous, with system 100
concealing the gift giver's identity from the recipient.
[0259] In one variation, the gift recipient registers a cash gift
as the gift idea with the desired cash amount as the gift idea. The
gift giver then makes a gift of cash by selecting that cash gift as
the purchase request with associated purchase amount. Accordingly,
in FIG. 5, the decision flow may assume that the gift is a cash
option (step 500), and the cash gift is then directly credited to
the recipients account at step 528. Alternatively, the decision
flow may follow the other decision steps in FIG. 5 but the shipping
at step 522 occurs through credit of the recipient account rather
than a physical package.
[0260] In one variation, it is also possible that a traditional
establishment handles all of the recipient interface to system 100.
In this variation, system 100 is transparent to the recipient and
the additional enhancements provided by the invention (gift
substitution option, cash option, coupons, tokens, etc.) appear to
be enhancements of a normal in-store gift registry.
[0261] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms and
expressions have been used herein as terms of description and not
terms of limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or
expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and
described or portions thereof and this invention should be defined
in accordance with the claims that follow.
* * * * *