U.S. patent application number 13/110837 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-01 for buyer driven market system and method.
Invention is credited to Adam Selsby.
Application Number | 20120054109 13/110837 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44543736 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120054109 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Selsby; Adam |
March 1, 2012 |
Buyer Driven Market System and Method
Abstract
An electronic negotiation system is set forth. The system
includes a first processor adapted to generate and send at least
one unsolicited electronic offer from a registered buyer electronic
device via a subscriber network device to at least one of a
registered seller electronic device and a seller electronic device.
The subscriber network device is adapted for operative
communication with the first processor and at least one of the
registered seller electronic device and the seller electronic
device adapted to receive the unsolicited electronic offer. The
first processor selectively incorporates screenshot information
from a seller URL, which includes any data from the seller URL, in
which the unsolicited electronic offer is selectively incorporated
and sent to the seller electronic device, or the at least one
unsolicited electronic offer is sent to the registered seller
electronic device having registered user data stored in the data
storage device.
Inventors: |
Selsby; Adam; (Chicago,
IL) |
Family ID: |
44543736 |
Appl. No.: |
13/110837 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12869716 |
Aug 26, 2010 |
|
|
|
13110837 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/80 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0641 20130101;
G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q 30/0611 20130101; G06Q 50/188 20130101;
G06Q 30/0613 20130101; G06Q 30/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/80 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/00 20060101
G06Q020/00 |
Claims
1. An electronic negotiation system comprising: a first processor
adapted to generate and send at least one unsolicited electronic
offer from a registered buyer electronic device via a subscriber
network device to at least one of a registered seller electronic
device and a seller electronic device, the subscriber network
device adapted for operative communication with the first processor
and at least one of the registered seller electronic device and the
seller electronic device adapted to receive the unsolicited
electronic offer; and the subscriber network device including a
data storage device for storing registered user data for each
registered seller electronic device; wherein the first processor
selectively incorporates screenshot information from a seller URL
in which the unsolicited electronic offer is selectively
incorporated and sent to the seller electronic device, or the at
least one unsolicited electronic offer is sent to the registered
seller electronic device having registered user data stored in the
data storage device; and wherein seller data is selectively added
to the registered user data stored in the data storage device, and
wherein an electronic negotiation is executed directly, using the
first processor and the registered seller electronic device via the
subscriber network device.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unsolicited
electronic offer includes a contingent offer list having one or
more items for which an offer is being made and one or more seller
addresses, wherein each seller address can be hidden from any other
seller URL's, and wherein the first seller to complete a
negotiation cycle with the buyer completes the transaction and or
all other offers are terminated.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the subscriber network
device is operatively coupled to an electronic payment gateway.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the subscriber network
device stores line item data from the electronic payment gateway to
establish an integrated site.
5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the subscriber network
device deletes registered user data from the data storage device
for nonguaranteed sellers and for non-renewed sellers.
6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor is
provided in the subscriber network device, and wherein the
unsolicited electronic offer is generated based on at least on of
voice and data input from a registered buyer having registered user
data stored in the data storage device.
7. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application is
downloaded into the first processor from the subscriber network
device to facilitate communication between the first processor and
the subscriber network device.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the registered seller
electronic device is at least one of verified and guaranteed by a
trustworthy seller subscriber network device.
9. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an agreed upon price
contained in an electronic final offer includes all terms, stated
conditions, fees, taxes, and shipping charges, and wherein the
final offer is generated during the electronic negotiation executed
directly, between the first processor and the registered seller
electronic device via the subscriber network device.
10. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the screenshot
information is an image file generated at the seller URL.
11. A method for generating and storing a fair market value (FMV)
for a good through a buyer subscription program in a subscriber
network device using the electronic negotiation system of claim 1,
comprising the steps of: a) gathering information from an
electronic payment gateway, the electronic payment gateway
operatively connected to a subscriber network device; b) indexing
and storing the information in a sales data storage device of the
subscriber network device; c) generating a fair market value for
each item in the line item sales information using an application
in operative communication with the subscriber network device; and
d) storing the fair market value for the line item in the sales
data storage device.
12. A method as claimed in claim 11, further comprising the step of
retrieving the fair market value for the line item by a registered
buyer or seller device.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of
generating a counter offer to an unsolicited electronic offer based
on the fair market value.
14. A system comprising: a first processor adapted to generate and
send an unsolicited electronic offer based on a shopping list
generated by a registered buyer electronic device via a subscriber
network device to a registered seller electronic device, the
subscriber network device adapted for operative communication with
the first processor and the registered seller electronic device
adapted to receive the unsolicited electronic offer; and the
subscriber network device including a data storage device for
storing registered user data for each registered seller electronic
device; wherein the first processor selectively formulates a
screenshot from a seller URL in which the unsolicited electronic
offer is selectively incorporated and sent to an unregistered
seller electronic device, or the unsolicited electronic offer is
sent to the registered seller electronic device having registered
user data stored in the data storage device; and wherein seller
data is selectively added to the registered user data stored in the
data storage device, and wherein an electronic negotiation is
executed directly, using the first processor and the registered
seller electronic device via the subscriber network device.
15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the items in the
shopping list are selected from the group consisting of shopping
items and services.
16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the subscriber network
device is operatively connected to a price and offering search
engine such as Nextag or Google Shopping.
17. A system as claimed in claim 16, wherein a subscriber browser
extension is downloaded to the first processor.
18. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each registered seller
electronic device is guaranteed by a third party.
19. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein each registered seller
electronic device is designated as guaranteed in the data storage
device.
20. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the registered seller
electronic device returns a final electronic offer with at least
one alternative item to at least one of the items on the shopping
list.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/869,716, entitled "BUYER DRIVEN MARKET
SYSTEM AND METHOD", incorporated herein by reference under 37
C.F.R. .sctn.1.78.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Early growth and expansion of the United States was greatly
affected by the availability of goods. Goods could be found at
stores and trading posts located in towns or along trails. Goods
could be obtained by buying or trading valuables, such as gold,
eggs, or livestock for a bit of flour and some cloth, a fur, tools,
or any other available necessity.
[0003] As communication avenues have broadened due to advancements
in technology, modern methods of selling goods can now include
virtual stores setting up shop via an online store accessible
through an internet connection. Many sellers, or vendors, are
exploring effective ways to sell goods via the internet.
[0004] Such advances can permit, for example, internet selling
where pre-selected buyers can ask for a quote from vendors by
generating a request for quote and receiving vendor quotes in
response to the request for quote.
[0005] One such system is discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
7,043,457 B1 to Hansen, which discusses a method and system for
managing and evaluating commodities purchasing over a network of
distributed computing devices. In one embodiment, the method allows
a plurality of buyers to generate one request for quote and, in
response to the request for quote, receive a quote from a plurality
of vendors. The system provides a price normalization routine that
allows buyers to evaluate and compare a normalized price for
commodity products having different evaluation parameters. In an
arrangement comprising a plurality of computers connected to a
network said plurality of computers including at least one server,
at least one buyer client computer and a plurality of seller client
computers, the method for providing commodities exchange services
first provides a web-based browsable display describing at least
one commodities exchange service. The system then receives at least
one request for quote from the buyer. The system then receives at
least one quote from different sellers, wherein each quote may have
a different price and quantity listed. The system then compares to
one or more selected metrics, and normalizes the prices received
from the different quotes, thus allowing the buyer to readily
compare the prices of a number of commodity items having inherently
different values. In one embodiment, the system also provides a
method for multi-value cross compilation of sales transactions,
iterative quote information, and metric data for purposes of
evaluation and strategy analysis.
[0006] Still other systems can provide a system where registered
sellers can receive an offer for an item from a registered buyer
according to specified rules.
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,207 to Walker discusses a
method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven
commerce. Prospective buyers of goods and services communicate a
binding purchase offer globally to potential registered sellers,
each seller having an assigned ID for maintaining anonymity for all
transactions, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer
purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a
contract based on the buyer's anonymous purchase offer. In a
preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a controller which
receives binding purchase offers from prospective registered
buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to
potential registered sellers. Potential registered sellers then
have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the
corresponding registered buyer to a contract.
[0008] However, limitations of trustworthiness, closed markets, and
goods limitations impair the known systems from achieving a highly
effective buyer driven commerce system.
SUMMARY
[0009] An electronic negotiation system is set forth. The system
includes a first processor adapted to generate and send at least
one unsolicited electronic offer from a registered buyer electronic
device via a subscriber network device to at least one of a
registered seller electronic device and a seller electronic device.
The subscriber network device is adapted for operative
communication with the first processor and at least one of the
registered seller electronic device and the seller electronic
device adapted to receive the unsolicited electronic offer.
[0010] The subscriber network device includes a data storage device
for storing registered user data for each registered seller
electronic device. The first processor selectively formulates
screenshot information, wherein screenshot information refers to
information that is visible on or associated with a seller URL,
from a seller URL, in which the unsolicited electronic offer is
selectively included and sent to the seller electronic device, or
the at least one unsolicited electronic offer is sent to the
registered seller electronic device having registered user data
stored in the data storage device. Seller data is selectively added
to the registered user data stored in the data storage device, and
wherein an electronic negotiation is executed directly, using the
first processor and the registered seller electronic device via the
subscriber network device.
[0011] The unsolicited electronic offer of the system can include a
contingent offer list having one or more items for which an offer
is being made and one or more seller addresses. In this case each
seller address can be hidden from any other seller URL's, and the
first seller to complete a negotiation cycle with the buyer
completes the transaction and or all other offers are
terminated.
[0012] In an embodiment, the subscriber network device is
operatively coupled to an electronic payment gateway.
[0013] In another embodiment, the subscriber network device stores
line item data from the electronic payment gateway to establish an
integrated site. Further, the subscriber network device can delete
registered user data from the data storage device for nonguaranteed
sellers and for non-renewed sellers.
[0014] In an embodiment, the processor is provided in the
subscriber network device, and the unsolicited electronic offer is
generated based on at least of voice and data input from a
registered buyer having registered user data stored in the data
storage device.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, an application is downloaded into
the first processor from the subscriber network device to
facilitate communication between the first processor and the
subscriber network device.
[0016] The registered seller electronic device can be at least one
of verified and guaranteed by a trustworthy seller subscriber
network device.
[0017] In the system, an agreed upon price can be contained in an
electronic final offer that includes all terms, stated conditions,
fees, taxes, and shipping charges, and wherein the final offer is
generated during the electronic negotiation executed directly,
between the first processor and the registered seller electronic
device via the subscriber network device.
[0018] Further, the screenshot information of the system can be an
image file generated at the seller URL.
[0019] In an embodiment, a method for generating and storing a fair
market value (FMV) for a good through a buyer subscription program
in a subscriber network device using the electronic negotiation
system is set forth. The method includes the steps of gathering
information from an electronic payment gateway, where the
electronic payment gateway is operatively connected to a subscriber
network device; indexing and storing the information in a sales
data storage device of the subscriber network device; generating a
fair market value for each item in the line item sales information
using an application in operative communication with the subscriber
network device; and storing the fair market value for the line item
in the sales data storage device.
[0020] The method can further include the step of retrieving the
fair market value for the line item by a registered buyer or seller
device.
[0021] The method can further include the step of generating a
counter offer to an unsolicited electronic offer based on the fair
market value.
[0022] A system constructed in accordance with the principles
herein is set forth. The system includes a first processor adapted
to generate and send an unsolicited electronic offer based on a
shopping list generated by a registered buyer electronic device via
a subscriber network device to a registered seller electronic
device. The subscriber network device is adapted for operative
communication with the first processor and the registered seller
electronic device is adapted to receive the unsolicited electronic
offer. The subscriber network device includes a data storage device
for storing registered user data for each registered seller
electronic device. The first processor selectively formulates a
screenshot from a seller URL in which the unsolicited electronic
offer is selectively incorporated and sent to an unregistered
seller electronic device, or the unsolicited electronic offer is
sent to the registered seller electronic device having registered
user data stored in the data storage device. The seller data is
selectively added to the registered user data stored in the data
storage device, and an electronic negotiation is executed directly,
using the first processor and the registered seller electronic
device via the subscriber network device.
[0023] In an embodiment of the system, the items in the shopping
list can be selected from the group consisting of shopping items
and services.
[0024] The subscriber network device can be operatively connected
to a price and offering search engine such as Nextag or Google
Shopping.
[0025] The system can include a subscriber browser extension that
is downloaded to the first processor.
[0026] Further, each registered seller electronic device of the
system can be guaranteed by a third party.
[0027] In an embodiment, each registered seller electronic device
is designated as guaranteed in the data storage device.
[0028] The registered seller electronic device can return a final
electronic offer with at least one alternative item to at least one
of the items on the shopping list.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates still another embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow chart describing an
embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles
herein.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates another an exemplary flow chart
describing an embodiment constructed in accordance with the
principles herein.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a sample screen of an exemplary
embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles
herein.
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a list of an exemplary embodiment
constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a list having
incorporated response keys constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of a list having
final offer price entries constructed in accordance with the
principles herein.
[0039] FIG. 11 (a)-(s) illustrates exemplary steps (a)-(w) of one
embodiment of a system constructed in accordance with the
principles herein, wherein an unsolicited electronic offer includes
incorporated information from a seller's webpage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] In an embodiment, a system 100 constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present disclosure is shown generally in
FIG. 1. The system includes a first processor 120. The first
processor 120 can include any suitable processor for generating and
sending data electronically, such as a computer, mobile phone, PDA,
gaming device, or any other suitable device, adapted to generate at
least one unsolicited electronic offer from a registered buyer via,
for example, a subscriber network program 140, wherein the
subscriber network program is operatively connected to a suitable
electronic device, such as a server, or operatively connected to
the first processor or other suitable device, to a seller device
160, such as a computer, mobile phone, PDA, gaming device or any
other suitable device for receiving the at least one unsolicited
electronic offer.
[0041] The term "unsolicited electronic offer", as referred to
herein, means an offer including items and terms created by the
buyer for one or more registered or non registered online sellers
for any items or services offered by the registered or
nonregistered sellers, wherein the unsolicited electronic offer is
sent using the subscriber network program discussed herein, and
contains screenshot information, or information from the seller's
webpage ranging from, for example, as little as a word, inventory
or SKU number, to an image, to as much as an image of a complete
webpage of the seller. The unsolicited electronic offer, formulated
in accordance with the principles herein, thus opens the available
goods to which a registered buyer can make an offer to all goods
sold and offered by any online seller. Conceptually, the
unsolicited electronic offer turns every online store from
performing like a brick and mortar store to, via the unsolicited
electronic offer, performing like a booth in a bazaar type online
market, where every online store on the planet would now
efficiently entertain and decide whether to register if not
previously registered in order to respond to offers on their
products, other than their listed retail price in their own, same
as before, storefront.
[0042] The subscriber network program can also be adapted to block
selected sellers who attempt to register to respond to an
unsolicited electronic offer, or to block transmission of an
unsolicited electronic offer to selected seller addresses.
[0043] In an embodiment, a network subscriber device, such as a
network server, is provided for updating and storing data for the
network subscriber program. Stored information can then be updated,
and stored programs operatively connected to the first processor
120 can be selectively updated by connecting to the network
server.
[0044] In another embodiment, the network subscriber program is
stored in a network subscriber server, and all interactions between
the first processor 120 and the seller device 160 take place
through the network server. In yet another embodiment, encrypted
algorithms are generated by at least one electronic device, such as
the first processor 120 or the seller device 160, or a network
subscriber server, for transmitting data between the first
processor 120 and the seller device 160. Contact information for
the first processor need not be conveyed within the unsolicited
electronic offer. Further, the network subscriber server can be any
suitable server, and can accommodate programs other than the
network subscriber program herein. Further, a transaction portion
of the subscriber program can take place, for example, utilizing
"cloud computing" on the buyer or seller local computing device or
mobile computing device, such as an iPhone.
[0045] In accordance with the principles herein, the buyer market
is expanded, while computation and processing costs are reduced in
comparison to known systems, where all users, buyers and sellers,
must pre-register in order to participate in the services of the
system. Not only do sellers not have to be pre-registered, but also
the system designed in accordance with the principles herein allows
for the viral growth of registered sellers, wherein buyers have no
need for knowing what sellers are registered and what sellers are
not registered, and wherein non-registered sellers are invited to
register based on the selection of the seller by registered
buyers.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a system shown generally at 200
can include at least one of a registered seller electronic device
280 and a seller electronic device 260. A subscriber network device
240 is adapted to provide operative communication between a first
processor, or buyer electronic device, 220 and the at least one of
a registered seller electronic device 280 and a seller electronic
device 260. The at least one of a registered seller electronic
device 280 and a seller electronic device 260 is adapted to receive
the unsolicited electronic offer from the first processor 220.
[0047] The system 200 can include an interactive database provided
in the Subscriber Network 240 for providing steps for registering a
buyer and/or seller electronic device with the Subscriber Network
240. The seller electronic device 260 can be registered, for
example, via the Subscriber Network 240 of the interactive
database. Once registered, the registered seller electronic device
280 can submit an electronic acceptance or counteroffer to the
registered buyer electronic device 220 via the Subscriber Network
240. Where the unsolicited electronic offer is sent, for example,
directly from the first processor 220 to the seller electronic
device 260, a copy of the unsolicited electronic offer can be
generated by the first processor 220 and sent to the subscriber
network 240.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, yet another system shown generally at
300 can be constructed in accordance with the principles herein.
The subscriber network device, or Selsbuyer Subscriber Network
(SSN), 310 can include, for example, a data storage device, shown
generally at 320 for storing registered user data, such as at least
one of buyer profile data 330, seller profile data 340, transaction
data 350, and guaranteed seller data 360 for each registered buyer
electronic device 370, or registered seller electronic device 380.
Any other suitable data, such as general terms of sale for a
seller, can also be stored in the seller profile data 340.
[0049] A seller electronic device 390 can register with the SSN 310
in any suitable manner, such as by inputting data to the seller
profile 340, or an indirect manor, such as, for example, by
conveying the data via phone, fax or any other available means such
that required registration data may be stored in the Seller profile
data 340. The guaranteed seller data storage 360 provides a
substantial improvement over known negotiation systems, where a
seller is not necessarily subject to the jurisdiction of the courts
in the buyer's home country. Providing a way of ensuring a level of
trustworthiness of the seller offers a unique built-in buyer
protection to deal with less well known sellers.
[0050] The guaranteed seller data storage 360 also overcomes
jurisdictional problems recently faced in US Federal District
Courts with internet companies subject to local jurisdiction, such
as E-Bay.TM.. The guaranteed seller data storage 360 can be
operatively connected to or provided in the SSN 310. Further, the
guaranteed seller data storage 360 can be operated by an
independent vendor, such as an insurance company, secretary of
state, chamber of commerce, local or national government, or other
suitable business or organization.
[0051] Any suitable means for determining the trustworthiness of
the seller can be employed. For example, the seller can be
registered with a local chamber of commerce, insured, or as a
client of a guarantor. The guarantor can include, for example, an
independent vendor. The guaranteed seller data storage 360 can
include seller data, a program for registering sellers, a seller
database for a subscribed buyer's reference, or any other suitable
data.
[0052] The buyer profile data 330 can include a number of
parameters, such as number of successful transactions, number of
previous transactions with a specific seller, number of offers made
on a desired item, or any other useful buyer data parameter.
[0053] The seller profile data 340 can include a number of
parameters, such as successful transactions through the SSN 310, or
any other suitable seller data parameter.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 4, an embodiment shown generally at
400 can include either a buyer electronic device 410 operatively
connected to a downloaded Selsbuyer application program operating
within the buyer electronic device 410, or the Selsbuyer
application program can be operated on a server or computer
operatively connected to the buyer electronic device 410, as
illustrated and discussed in detail below with respect to FIG. 5.
The Selsbuyer application program can include an item database 420
stored in communication with the Selsbuyer application program, for
storing shopping items or other data that is useful to a buyer in
operating the Selsbuyer application program. Alternatively, item
database 420 could be item data generated by a shopping search
engine, such as NexTag, where items and seller information could be
imported to the Selsbuyer application.
[0055] Additionally, the seller can operatively connect a seller
item database 460 to the Selsbuyer application program for storing
information such as invoice cost and inventory on hand, for items
for sale, on which an offer may be received. This will be
particularly helpful for the seller to process a completed
transaction and fulfill the order.
[0056] In this embodiment, a signal incorporating an unsolicited
electronic offer 440 can be transmitted directly from the buyer
electronic device 410 to a seller electronic device 430, and the
items for which the offer is being made can be selected from the
item database 420. Alternatively, the buyer can shop offline using
the item database 420, and submit an unsolicited electronic offer
via SSN 450.
[0057] A method shown generally at 500 in FIG. 5 can be provided.
In a first step 505, a buyer can register with a subscriber
network, such as a Selsbuyer Subscriber Network (SSN), such as, for
example, by navigating to www.selsbuyer.com and following the steps
to register.
[0058] Alternatively, a registered buyer can sign, or log in, by
navigating to, for example, www.selsbuyer.com, or by calling a
phone number and entering a password. The buyer can then either
shop online, as illustrated in step 510, or create a shopping list
through the SSN, shown at step 515. A buyer shopping online can
then add one or more items to a shopping cart, or similarly
functioning online shopping program, of a website, and select SSN
extension to create an unsolicited electronic offer, or Selsbuyer,
to the completed shopping cart at step 520, as described in further
detail below.
[0059] In an embodiment, the seller can opt to have their online
shopping program integrated with the Selsbuyer network, which would
not require a browser extension, such as a PDF of the sellers
online shopping program with selected items shown, to create the
unsolicited electronic offer, and the unsolicited electronic offer
can be submitted directly via a submit button or other similar
button on the integrated online shopping program webpage.
[0060] Alternatively, the buyer can create a shopping list through,
for example, a shopping list tab provided within or operatively
connected to the SSN at step 515. The buyer can then enter an
online address, or URL, of one or more sellers whom the buyer wants
to transmit the list of items and offered price, as shown at step
525.
[0061] Once the buyer has completed step 520 or step 525, the SSN
determines if, based on the seller URL, or other unique identifier
of the seller, the seller is registered with the SSN, as shown at
step 530. If the SSN determines that the seller is not registered,
the SSN captures the base URL of the seller's website, and can add,
for example, info@ to the base URL, or sales@ to the base of the
URL, or any other suitable identifier for contacting the seller, as
shown at step 535. The buyer can then confirm in step 540 that, for
example, info@sellerURL.xyz, where x, y, and z are variables,
appears to be a valid general email address for the seller at step
540. Next, the buyer enters the value of their unsolicited
electronic offer, or Selsbuyer, confirms, and submits to the SSN at
step 545. The SSN then transmits the Selsbuyer to the seller at
step 550. Once the seller receives the Selsbuyer, shown at step
555, he can choose to register with Selsbuyer, as shown at step 560
if he is not already registered. When he contacts the SSN, the SSN
determines if the seller is registered or not, as shown at step
565. The seller can also end the process by not registering with
the SSN, as shown at step 570.
[0062] If the seller is registered or registers, information can
then be entered regarding the seller response to the Selsbuyer, as
shown at step 575. For example, the seller can accept the complete
offer or a portion of the complete offer, accept payment, process
and fulfill the offer, as shown at step 580.
[0063] The SSN can then process a charge to, for example, the
seller, the buyer, or an advertiser, or any other suitable party
for facilitating the completed transaction, as shown at step
585.
[0064] The seller can take a number of alternative steps, such as
making a counter offer 591, making a counter offer with alternative
items 592, rejecting the offer 593, which terminates the offer, or
ignoring the offer 594, in which case the offer will expire after a
predetermined time period. Any time period can be chosen as the
expiration time for an offer, and if so desired can be incorporated
into the Selsbuyer program as a set default or a selectable
parameter. If the seller chooses to make a counter offer, he must
first register if he is not already registered. The seller can then
make a counter offer or a counter offer with alternate items, then
an email is generated at step 595 containing the seller's final
offer and is sent to the buyer. The buyer then chooses at step 596
to accept or reject the seller's counter offer 595. If an offer,
made by the buyer or the seller, is ever rejected or terminates,
notice will be sent to the offeror 597. If the seller accepts the
buyers offer or if the buyer accepts the seller's counter offer
595, then the seller is paid at step 580, such as, for example, by
a secured website, or any other suitable payment method, and a fee
is charged for the completed transaction at 585. Otherwise, the
counter offer terminates.
[0065] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a third party,
such as an insurance company, governmental body, better business
bureau, or any other suitable third party, including an operator
for a Selsbuyer network, can guarantee the seller at step 620 if
the seller has selected guaranteed seller designation at step 600
in the registration process and then registers at 610 as a
guaranteed seller. This embodiment allows buyers to use Selsbuyer
to purchase goods from less known or unknown sellers with an option
to discriminate about the willingness of that type of seller to
submit to local jurisdiction or to offer some reasonable recourse
for a buyer in the event of a breach of terms or misrepresentation
of the product of the seller. Whether the seller chooses to
register as a guaranteed seller or not, the seller completes the
registration process at step 610.
[0066] In yet another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the
Selsbuyer program can include a seller admin screen, shown
generally at 700. This screen allows the seller to accept a
transaction at 710, reject a transaction at 720, or make a final
offer at 730. Further, the seller can have a link to report
information 740, such as buyer history, time period history,
counter offer matrix, final offer matrix, and/or report annoying
user, provided on the seller admin screen to assist his decision
regarding the transaction. Similarly, a buyer admin screen can be
provided, and can include features such as the exemplary features
shown on the seller admin screen 700, or any other suitable
features to help facilitate the transaction.
[0067] In still another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a list
including one or more items, shown generally at 800, can be created
in accordance with the principles herein in either an online or an
offline setting.
[0068] The list can include desired items selected from, for
example, shopping items, services, hotels, rental car, flight, and
the like. To facilitate an organized shopping experience, tabs,
such as tabs 810-850 can be provided to keep the subject matter of
the list sorted by selected general classes. The tabs 810-850 shown
in FIG. 8 are exemplary, and could be targeted to a specific
market. For example, the program could be tailored for an auto
parts purchaser, and the tabs could indicate various car
manufacturers.
[0069] A buyer can type in or import seller URL's to submit an
offer for one or more items indicated on the list. A buyer using an
offline Selsbuyer program can then connect the program to a
communication link, such as the internet, to transmit the shopping
list Selsbuyer, or can connect to a communication link, such as the
internet, to transmit the shopping list to a Selsbuyer network
server device, or SSN.
[0070] In an embodiment, if a buyer makes an offer to several
sellers, the transaction of at least one item will be completed
when the buyer or first accepting seller accepts the offer on the
one or more items.
[0071] As illustrated in another embodiment shown generally at 900
in FIG. 9, the Selsbuyer program can generate response keys and
embed them on a completed shopping list, such as the list
illustrated in FIG. 8, before transmitting to a seller.
[0072] Examples of suitable embedded response keys can include, but
are not limited to, for example, an accept key 910, a final offer
key 920, an alternative key, for offering alternate products, 930,
or any other suitable key, such as a partial acceptance key, or any
other suitable key. As an alternative, these keys and similar
response station as represented in FIG. 9 may be accessed by the
seller by logging into the seller admin screen and selecting at
least one offer.
[0073] FIG. 10 further illustrates how a completed seller counter
offer might appear, where the seller has both made a counter offer
to the buyer and altered the shopping list based on inventory or
any other reason. Here, the seller has entered counter offer.
[0074] Data 1000 for the price of, for example, a pair of Sneaky
Shorts.TM. and has crossed out the digital camera data from 1010,
which adjusts the price at total data 1020.
[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 11(a), a buyer can visit a seller's
website without registering or installing a system constructed in
accordance with the principles herein. If the buyer chooses to
install a system constructed in accordance with the principles
herein, then, for example, in one embodiment of a system
constructed in accordance with the principles herein, the browser
at the website shown in FIG. 11(a) will include a Counter Offer
button 1100, as illustrated in FIG. 11(b), or any other suitable
toolbar item or user interface to initiate the counter offer, such
as, for example, a box, icon, dialogue box, or any other suitable
visual button or pull down menu selection. Further, a button 1110
can be provided, or any other suitable box, button, user interface
or pull down menu, for generating an unsolicited electronic offer,
such as, for example, the unsolicited electronic offer 1120 via the
system herein. As illustrated in FIG. 11(c), the unsolicited
electronic offer 1120, can be sent to an unregistered seller by
capturing, for example, the base URL of the site, and generating a
message to at least one of general commonly used email addresses,
for example, sales@ the base URL or info@ the base URL, as
illustrated at 1130. Other methods of capturing seller contact
information from the seller's website, by the buyer, or other
trusted site for storing the information, can be utilized to
generate the message. In this manner, an unregistered seller can
receive a counter offer 1130 from a registered buyer. Similarly, a
registered seller counter offer can be generated for a registered
seller, such as offer 1140 including, for example, price, payment
type, and shipping method, or any other suitable offer parameters,
as shown in FIG. 11(d).
[0076] A screen can then be presented offering editing options to
confirm the information displayed in the counter offer 1140, as
illustrated in FIG. 11(e). The screen can include, for example, a
suitable display box 1150, or icon, voice activated, text input
confirmation, or any other suitable confirmation to confirm the
counter offer submission. As illustrated in FIG. 11(f), an email,
text message, or other suitable message, such as, for example,
email 1160 can then be generated to transmit the unsolicited
electronic offer 1140, and can set forth information, such as, for
example, a transaction ID, counter offer price, and links to
respond to the unsolicited electronic offer 1140. The unsolicited
electronic offer 1140 can include information, referred to herein
as screenshot information, from the seller's website, such as, for
example, an inventory number, item name, item graphic or picture,
or even an entire screenshot of the seller's webpage as
illustrated, for example, with a screenshot 1170(a) and (b), shown
in FIGS. 11(g) and 11(h), incorporated in, for example, the
unsolicited electronic offer 1140, as shown in FIG. 11(i) at
1170(c).
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 11(j), the network subscriber
program, or Selsby, can include, for example, any suitable login
screen 1180 and suitable registration links 1190. Once a registered
seller is logged in, or if an unregistered seller, in one
embodiment, a seller can register, by filling in a suitable form,
such as form 1192 in FIG. 11(k). Once registered, a suitable
administration screen can be provided for a registered seller, such
as, for example, a seller admin screen 1194 illustrated in FIG.
11(l). In an embodiment, a seller can then counter with a final
offer 1196, as shown in FIG. 11(m), and confirm and submit the
final offer using, for example, a submit final offer button 1198 as
illustrated in FIG. 11(n). The final offer 1196 can then be
generated and sent to the buyer as illustrated, for example, in
FIGS. 11(o), (p), and (q). A buyer can register, for example, as
illustrated in FIG. 11(r) prior to initiating a shopping and offer
session. In an embodiment, the buyer can also be provided with a
buyer admin screen 1199 as illustrated, for example, in FIG.
11(s).
[0078] The embodiments described and shown are for purposes of
illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any
limitations of the disclosure. Modifications will be obvious to
those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart
from the spirit of the disclosure are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is
based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of
other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several
purposes of the present disclosure. It is important, therefore,
that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent
constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and
scope of the present disclosure.
[0079] The concepts herein reside not in any one of these features
per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of
them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the
prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its
structures for the functions specified.
[0080] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the disclosure, including variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification, that would be deemed readily
apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be
encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0081] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *
References