U.S. patent application number 14/095903 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-03 for online transaction method and system using a payment platform and a logistics company.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alibaba Group Holding Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is Alibaba Group Holding Limited. Invention is credited to Jun Li DU, Xiaoming Hu, Xingjun Ni, Xiaoning Qi, Feng Yu, Liang Zhang, Shi Yu ZHU.
Application Number | 20140095381 14/095903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41707459 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140095381 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hu; Xiaoming ; et
al. |
April 3, 2014 |
ONLINE TRANSACTION METHOD AND SYSTEM USING A PAYMENT PLATFORM AND A
LOGISTICS COMPANY
Abstract
The disclosed online transaction method and system uses payment
platform acting as an intermediary agent between the merchant and
the shipping company to handle the payment. While the payment
platform receives payment from the shipping company, the merchant
receives payment from the payment platform. The method and system
do not require buyers to use the payment method provided by an
intermediary transaction platform to make a payment. Instead, the
buyer may pay directly to the shipping company. Unlike conventional
transaction method based on COD, however, the disclosed online
transaction method and system centrally manage a logistics platform
or multiple logistics operations run by logistics companies. The
merchant does not receive the payment from the logistics company,
but rather receive the payment from a centralized payment platform
to ensure secure and fast payment.
Inventors: |
Hu; Xiaoming; (Hangzhou,
CN) ; ZHU; Shi Yu; (Hangzhou, CN) ; Zhang;
Liang; (Hangzhou, CN) ; Yu; Feng; (Hangzhou,
CN) ; Qi; Xiaoning; (Hangzhou, CN) ; Ni;
Xingjun; (Hangzhou, CN) ; DU; Jun Li;
(Hangzhou, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alibaba Group Holding Limited |
Grand Cayman |
|
KY |
|
|
Assignee: |
Alibaba Group Holding
Limited
Grand Cayman
KY
|
Family ID: |
41707459 |
Appl. No.: |
14/095903 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12670057 |
May 5, 2010 |
8626596 |
|
|
PCT/US09/54466 |
Aug 20, 2009 |
|
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14095903 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/08 20130101;
G06Q 20/12 20130101; G06Q 20/0855 20130101; G06Q 20/02 20130101;
G06Q 30/0619 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/39 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/12 20060101
G06Q020/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 20, 2008 |
CN |
200810210077.6 |
Claims
1. An online transaction method for conducting a merchandise
transaction between a merchant and a user, the method comprising:
(a) allowing the user to purchase a product of the merchant through
an intermediary transaction platform, and receiving from the user a
transaction request including at least a mode of payment selected
by the user; (b) sending a request for pickup service to a
logistics company; (c) receiving a first transaction status
indicating that the merchant has shipped the product; (d) receiving
a second transaction status indicating that the user has confirmed
receiving the product; (e) conducting a first fund settlement
between a payment platform and the logistics company, the first
fund settlement including receiving funds from the logistics
company into the payment platform; and (f) conducting a second fund
settlement between the payment platform and the merchant, the
second fund settlement including transferring funds from the
payment platform to the merchant.
2. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
payment platform is a separate platform from the intermediary
transaction platform.
3. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
payment platform and the intermediary transaction platform are
integrated into a single intermediary platform.
4. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first fund settlement between the payment platform and the
logistics company is conducted through a logistics platform on
behalf of the logistics company.
5. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first fund settlement between the payment platform and the
logistics company and the second fund settlement between the
payment platform and the merchant are conducted collectively for
multiple transactions on a periodic basis.
6. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
first fund settlement comprises paying a service fee to the
logistics company.
7. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein the
second fund settlement comprises charging a service fee on the
merchant.
8. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, further
comprising: allowing the merchant to select the logistics company
from a plurality of logistics companies contracted with the
intermediary transaction platform.
9. The online transaction method as recited in claim 8, wherein the
logistics company is selected by the merchant as a default
logistics company for all transactions involving the same
merchant.
10. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, wherein
the logistics company is designated by the intermediary transaction
platform.
11. The online transaction method as recited in claim 1, further
comprising: tracking occasions wherein a result of pickup service
indicating "unsuccessful pick-up of goods" is received from the
logistics platform; applying a punitive measure on the merchant
according to a pre-determined rule if an accumulative number of the
said occasions is greater than a threshold.
12. An online transaction system for conducting a merchandise
transaction between a merchant and a user, the online transaction
system comprising an intermediary transaction platform and a
payment platform, the intermediary transaction platform and the
payment platform being programmed to perform the following: (a)
allowing the user to purchase a product of the merchant through the
intermediary transaction platform, and receiving from the user a
transaction request including at least a mode of payment selected
by the user; (b) sending a request for pickup service to a
logistics company; (c) receiving a first transaction status
indicating that the merchant has shipped the product; (d) receiving
a second transaction status indicating that the user has confirmed
receiving the product; (e) conducting a first fund settlement
between the payment platform and the logistics company, the first
fund settlement including receiving funds from the logistics
company into the payment platform; and (f) conducting a second fund
settlement between the payment platform and the merchant, the
second fund settlement including transferring funds from the
payment platform to the merchant.
13. The online transaction system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the intermediary transaction platform is accessible by the user,
the merchant, and the logistics company through the Internet.
14. The online transaction system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the payment platform is accessible by the merchant and the
logistics company through a designated line or the Internet.
15. The online transaction system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the intermediary transaction platform and the payment platform are
connected through any one or more of a designated line, a local
area network, and the Internet.
16. The online transaction system as recited in claim 12, wherein
the intermediary transaction platform and the payment platform are
integrated into a single intermediary platform.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a national stage application of
international patent application PCT/US09/54466, filed Aug. 20,
2009, entitled "ONLINE TRANSACTION METHOD AND SYSTEM USING A
PAYMENT PLATFORM AND A LOGISTICS COMPANY", which claims priority
from Chinese patent application, Application No. 200810210077.6,
filed Aug. 20, 2008, entitled "ONLINE TRANSACTION METHOD AND
SYSTEM", which applications are hereby incorporated in their
entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of networking,
and particularly relates to methods and systems for conducting
online transactions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Along with the development of the Internet and maturity of
encryption technologies such as digital signature, electronic
commerce has been expanding globally at a tremendous pace. Many
successful companies have grown up using electronic commerce as the
primary method of business operation. The new business methods
developed in context of e-commerce have completely revolutionized
the existing business mode.
[0004] FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a generic
example of an existing online transaction system 100. The system
100 includes merchant 11, intermediary transaction platform 12,
payment platform 13, and user 14. User 14 purchases a product of
merchant 11, and makes an online payment using payment platform 13.
Merchant 11 ships the product to user 14. Merchant 11 and payment
platform 13 conduct account reconciliation and account remittance
on a regular basis. Functions that are achieved by payment platform
13 may be integrated into intermediary transaction platform 12.
[0005] AliPay is an example of payment platform 13. User 14 may
open an account with AliPay, and deposit a certain amount of fund
into the account through direct deposit or recharging method. If
user 14 purchases a product of merchant 11, a deduction from the
account is processed through AliPay. This method only requires
merchant 11 to complete account reconciliation and account
remittance with AliPay on a regular basis.
[0006] Intermediary transaction platform 12 may have a server
center 121 and a database 122. The server center 121 is used for
processing transaction requests, while the database 122 is used for
recording each transaction in real time.
[0007] As illustrated from the above online transaction, because
merchant 11 and user 14 conduct trading through intermediary
transaction platform 12, the security of the transaction is
improved. From user 14's perspective, making a payment through
intermediary transaction platform 12 removes concerns of the
authenticity of the online virtual merchant 11 and the uncertainty
about quality of a product to be purchased. From merchant 11's
perspective, the sales volume is improved because intermediary
transaction platform 12 establishes the confidence of buyers (user
14). This type of business mode achieves a win-win mode among
merchant 11, user 14 and intermediary transaction platform 12, and
has seen rapid development.
[0008] This type of business mode has deficiencies. First, the
current business model does not satisfy the shopping needs of
buyers who are not able to use the payment method provided by a
payment platform, and also fails to satisfy users who feel insecure
to commit a large amount of money to make an online purchase.
Second, often a dispute arises because of inconsistency between
what is actually purchased and what a user has seen in an image
online when purchasing a product. Third, in online shopping, some
merchants still sell products using direct home delivery and
payment collection at the door through a logistics company. If a
logistics company is entrusted to collect payments, merchant may
face cash flow pressure if the logistics company is slow to return
the payments. Fourth, if a logistics company is entrusted to
collect payments, various transaction issues may arise because
different merchants may entrust different logistics companies, and
no uniform standard exists among logistics companies. This is
especially true if payment by a logistics company is delayed.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] The disclosed online transaction method and system uses
payment platform acting as an intermediary agent between the
merchant and the shipping company to handle the payment. While the
payment platform receives payment from the shipping company, the
merchant receives payment from the payment platform. The method and
system do not require buyers to use the payment method provided by
an intermediary transaction platform to make a payment. Instead,
the buyer may pay directly to the shipping company. Unlike
conventional transaction method based on COD, however, the
disclosed online transaction method and system centrally manage a
logistics platform or multiple logistics operations run by
logistics companies. The merchant does not receive the payment from
the logistics company, but rather receive the payment from a
centralized payment platform to ensure secure and fast payment.
[0010] The payment platform and the intermediary transaction
platform may either be two separate platforms or integrated into a
single intermediary platform.
[0011] The fund settlement between the payment platform and the
logistics company may be conducted through a logistics platform on
behalf of the logistics company. The logistics platform may either
be a centralized logistics platform shared by multiple logistics
companies, or separate logistics operations run by different
logistics companies. In one embodiment, the method allows the
merchant to select the logistics company from a plurality of
logistics companies contracted with the intermediary transaction
platform. The logistics company may be selected by the merchant as
a default logistics company for all transactions involving the
merchant. Alternatively, the logistics company may be designated by
the intermediary transaction platform.
[0012] The fund settlement between the payment platform and the
logistics company may include paying a service fee to the logistics
company. The fund settlement between the payment platform and the
merchant may include charging a service fee on the merchant. Both
these fund settlements may be either separately conducted for each
transaction or collectively conducted for multiple transactions on
a periodic basis.
[0013] The online transaction system for conducting a merchandise
transaction between a merchant and a user includes an intermediary
transaction platform and a payment platform. The intermediary
transaction platform and the payment platform are programmed to
perform the acts of the method disclosed herein. The intermediary
transaction platform is accessible by the user, the merchant, and
the logistics company through the Internet. The payment platform is
accessible by the merchant and the logistics company through a
designated line or the Internet. The intermediary transaction
platform and the payment platform may be connected through any one
or more of a designated line, a local area network, and the
Internet. In one embodiment, the intermediary transaction platform
and the payment platform are integrated into a single intermediary
platform.
[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the disclosed method
and system have several potential benefits. First, using a payment
platform acting between the merchant and the logistics company,
payment delay that may be caused by the logistics company is
avoided, and the security of a transaction is improved. With the
existing COD method, the merchant suffers financial pressure due to
slow return of payments by the logistics company which is entrusted
to collect the payments on behalf of the merchant. With the
disclosed method, the payment return by be logistics companies are
centrally handled by the payment platform. This shifts the burden
of payment collection from the logistics companies to the payment
platform to be handled more efficiently. At the same time, the
logistics company may receive service fees from the payment
platform in a more uniform and reliable manner. Second, the buyer
and the merchant can inquire conditions of the present transaction
through a network in real time worth the benefit of convenience,
swiftness and information transparency.
[0015] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of
the claimed subject matter.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a
reference number identifies the figure in which the reference
number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in
different figures indicates similar or identical items.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of an existing
generic online transaction system.
[0018] FIG. 2 shows a structural diagram of a first exemplary
online transaction system in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a first exemplary online
transaction method in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a structural diagram of a second exemplary
online transaction system in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a second exemplary online
transaction method in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The online transaction method and system are described in
details using the companying figures.
[0023] In the presence disclosure, a "module" or a "unit" in
general refers to a functionality designed to perform a particular
task or function. A module or a unit can be a piece of hardware,
software, a plan or scheme, or a combination thereof, for
effectuating a purpose associated with the particular task or
function. In addition, delineation of separate units does not
necessarily suggest that physically separate devices are used.
Instead, the delineation may be only functional, not structural,
and the functions of several units may be performed by a single
combined device or component. When used in a computer-based system,
regular computer components such as a processor, a storage and
memory may be programmed to function as one or more units or
devices to perform the various respective functions.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary structural diagram of an online
transaction system 200 in accordance with the present disclosure.
The system 200 together with its application environment includes
user 24 (e.g., a buyer), merchant 21, intermediary transaction
platform 22, payment platform 23, and logistics platform 25 of a
contracted logistics company. User 24, merchant 21, and logistics
platform 25 connect with intermediary transaction platform 22
through the Internet. Merchant 21 and logistics platform 25 of the
logistics company connect with payment platform 23 through the
Internet. Alternatively, merchant 21 and logistics platform 25 may
connect with payment platform 23 through designated lines.
Intermediary transaction platform 22 and payment platform 23 are
connected to each other through a designated line, or a local area
network, or the Internet.
[0025] The core of the online transaction system for conducting a
merchandise transaction includes intermediary transaction platform
22 and payment platform 23, which are programmed to perform the
acts of the method disclosed herein.
[0026] In the present disclosure, intermediary transaction platform
22 is primarily established for conducting a transaction between
merchant 21 and user 24. Intermediary transaction platform 22
stores contract information of each merchant, registration
information of user 24, and contract information of each logistics
company. Intermediary transaction platform 22 is used for
processing and storing transaction data of each transaction.
Payment platform 23 is primarily used for completing financial
tasks of accounting and account settlement with merchant 21 and the
logistics company.
[0027] Logical differentiation between intermediary transaction
platform 22 and payment platform 23 is described in detail
below.
[0028] Intermediary transaction platform 22 includes a first server
221 and a first database 222. Intermediary transaction platform 22
further includes a network interfacing device connecting with the
Internet, and a network security device used for improving its
security (a firewall, for example). These devices are general and
common devices for an online transaction platform, and therefore
are not described here.
[0029] The first server 221 is programmed to perform various
functions. These functions are described below in terms of
functional modules or units.
[0030] A user processing sub-unit 223 is used for receiving and
processing various requests submitted by user 24. The requests may
include registration, transaction request. The user processing
sub-unit 222 is also used for establishing and saving interactive
actions of user 24. It is appreciated that user 24 is a generic
representation of any user. In practice, multiple users may be
accessing the first server 221.
[0031] Upon registration on intermediary transaction platform 22,
user 24 is allowed to conduct online transaction. While registering
with a username and a password, user 24 may further specify a
payment method upon delivery. With such registration information,
intermediary transaction platform 22 knows the customary payment
method used by user 24.
[0032] A merchant processing sub-unit 224 is used for receiving and
processing various interactive actions with merchant 21. For
example, the merchant processing sub-unit 224 is used for receiving
and processing a registration request from merchant 21. If
registration of merchant 21 satisfies registration requirements
required by the present platform, registration is granted, and
information of merchant 21 is saved. In each merchandise
transaction, a transaction result is returned to merchant 21
through the merchant processing sub-unit 224. In one embodiment,
merchant 21 may also log into intermediary transaction platform 22
through the merchant processing sub-unit 224 to inquire current
transaction status of each transaction.
[0033] A logistics platform processing sub-unit 225 is used for
receiving and storing contract information of the logistics
company, and for receiving and processing various transaction
information sent from logistics platform 25 in each transaction.
For example, the logistics platform processing sub-unit 225 may
send a result of pickup service and a user confirmation to payment
platform 23 upon receiving such information.
[0034] A transaction processing unit 226 is used for processing
each transaction, and saving a processing result to the first
database 222.
[0035] The first database 222 may be divided into several regions
for various storage functions. For example, a user storage region
227 is used for storing user information. A merchant storage region
228 is used for storing merchant information. A logistics platform
storage region 229 is used for storing logistics company
information. A transaction data storage region 230 is used for
storing conditions of each transaction.
[0036] Payment platform 23 is used for conducting fund settlement
with each merchant and each logistics company. In one embodiment,
payment platform 23 handles fund settlement with merchant and fund
settlement with logistics company separately. Payment platform 23
may conduct a first payment settlement with a logistics company
(through logistics platform 25), and a second payment settlement
with merchant 21. The first payment settlement may include
receiving funds from the logistics company into payment platform
23. The second payment settlement may include transferring funds
from payment platform 23 to merchant 21.
[0037] Based on different connection methods between payment
platform 23 and intermediary transaction platform 22, slightly
different hardware combinations may be installed in payment
platform 23. For example, a network security device (e.g., a
firewall) may be installed in payment platform 23 if payment
platform 23 and intermediary transaction platform 22 are connected
through the Internet. If payment platform 23 and intermediary
transaction platform 22 are connected through a designated line, a
network security device may not be needed.
[0038] Payment platform 23 further includes a second server 231 and
a second database 232. The second server 231 includes various
functional units. For example, an interaction processing unit 233
is used for processing interactions with intermediary transaction
platform 22. An accounting processing unit 234 is used for
performing accounting operations with each logistics platform 25 on
a regular basis or in real time according to a predetermined
setting. If logistics platform 25 is set to complete accounting
work in regular periods, all charges which include costs of
products, shipping costs, and service charges within a present
period are sent to payment platform 23 from the logistics company
in advance. Payment platform 23 then distributes shared charges
logistics companies based on an income-sharing scheme.
[0039] An account settlement processing unit 235 is used for
completing account settlement operations with each merchant on a
regular basis or in real time according to a predetermined setting.
Each merchant may select a method for account settlement based on
its characteristics and transactional characteristics of the
product. For example, upon completion of each transaction, merchant
21 may select that payment platform 23 to send a payment including
cost of the product and shipping charge in the present successful
transaction to an account designated by merchant 21.
[0040] The second database 232 may include various units for
different storage purposes. A merchant account storage unit 236 is
used for storing rules of account settlement with merchant 21, and
for storing conditions of account settlement of each transaction
with merchant 21. A logistics platform storage unit 237 is used for
storing rules of account settlement with logistics companies, and
for storing conditions of account settlement of each transaction
with the respective logistics company.
[0041] The user processing sub-unit 223, the merchant processing
sub-unit 224, the logistics platform processing sub-unit 225, and
the transaction processing unit 226 are logical units, and may be
integrated in a processor of the first server 221. Likewise, they
accounting processing unit 234 and the account settlement
processing unit 235 are logical units, and may be integrated in a
processor of the second server 231.
[0042] The fund settlement between payment platform 22 and the
logistics company may be conducted through logistics platform 25 on
behalf of the logistics company. Logistics platform 25 may either
be a centralized logistics platform shared by multiple logistics
companies, or separate logistics operations run by different
logistics companies.
[0043] The fund settlement between payment platform 23 and the
logistics company may include paying a service fee to the logistics
company. The fund settlement between payment platform 23 and
merchant 21 may include charging a service fee on merchant 21. Both
these fund settlements may be either separately conducted for each
transaction or collectively conducted for multiple transactions on
a periodic basis.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method 300 of online transaction
using the system of the present disclosure. The method 300 is used
for conducting a merchandise transaction between merchant 31 and
user 34 through logistics platform 35 of a logistics company. The
method includes the procedures described as follows. In this
description, the order in which a process is described is not
intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the
described process blocks may be combined in any order to implement
the method, or an alternate method.
[0045] S310: User 34 purchases a product of merchant 31 through
intermediary transaction platform 32, and submits to intermediary
transaction platform 32 a transaction request including a payment
mode such as cash-on-delivery selected by user 34.
[0046] Merchant 31 posts products to be sold (e.g., auctioned) with
prices onto intermediary transaction platform 32. Upon logging onto
intermediary transaction platform 32, registered user 34 can see a
total cost (which includes product price, shipping charge and
service charge) and a payment method required for purchasing a
product. User 34 submits a transaction request to intermediary
transaction platform 32 upon deciding to purchase the product. The
transaction request includes product information, required payment
amount and payment mode. If user 34 selects a payment method of
cash-on-delivery (COD), the transaction request may further include
a user address for delivery.
[0047] S320: Intermediary transaction platform 32 sends transaction
information which includes the mode of payment to payment platform
33. Upon receiving the transaction request from the user 34,
intermediary transaction platform 32 creates a record of the
transaction, and sends the transaction information (especially the
payment method) to payment platform 33 to facilitate the creation
of the transaction by payment platform 33.
[0048] S330: Intermediary transaction platform 32 sends a request
for pickup service to logistics platform 35 of a contracted
logistics company which is either selected by merchant 31 or
designated by intermediary transaction platform 32.
[0049] In one embodiment, step S330 may include the following
procedure. Intermediary transaction platform 32 sends information
of the transaction request to merchant 31. This allows merchant 31
to timely learn about the conditions of the present transaction,
and helps merchant 31 quickly prepare the product for shipping.
Merchant 31 submits to intermediary transaction platform 32
information of a contracted logistics company designated by
merchant 31. Thereafter, intermediary transaction platform 32 sends
to the logistics company a request for pickup service. The request
may include the information of the product to be picked up, the
total cost for purchasing the product, and the address of user 34.
Logistics platform 35 may optionally log onto intermediary
transaction platform 32 to find the address of merchant 31.
[0050] Alternatively, the step S330 may include the following
procedures. Intermediary transaction platform 32 directly sends the
request for pickup service to logistics platform 35 corresponding
to a contracted logistics company which has been designated by
merchant 31 in advance.
[0051] Logistics companies sign a contract in advance with
intermediary transaction platform 32 to become contracted logistics
companies. In each transaction, merchant 31 may select one
contracted logistics company from the available contracted
logistics companies to complete the present transaction.
[0052] Alternatively, merchant 31 may select in advance one
contracted logistics company from these contracted logistics
companies to be merchant 31's designated logistics company, and
complete all transactions using the designated logistics
company.
[0053] S340: Upon receiving a result of pickup service indicating
that "goods has been successfully picked up" from logistics
platform 35, intermediary transaction platform 32 sends to payment
platform 33 a transaction status indicating that merchant 31 has
shipped the product.
[0054] The outcome of a logistics company's attempt to pick up
goods is usually either a "successful pick-up of goods" or an
"unsuccessful pick-up of goods". If the outcome is a "successful
pick-up of goods", the logistics company sends the result of pickup
service to payment platform 33 through its logistics platform 35.
Intermediary transaction platform 32 stores the result of pickup
service to allow inquiring from merchant 31 and user 34, and sends
a transaction status indicating "successful pick-up of goods" to
payment platform 33.
[0055] If the outcome is "unsuccessful pick-up of goods", the
logistics company also sends the result of pickup service to
intermediary transaction platform 32 through its logistics
platform. A cause for the "unsuccessful pick-up of goods" may be
included in the result of pickup service. For example, merchant 31
may have failed to complete the transaction because it has not
prepared the product.
[0056] Intermediary transaction platform 32 may track occasions
wherein a result of pickup service indicating "unsuccessful pick-up
of goods" is received from logistics platform, and apply a punitive
measure on a merchant according to a pre-determined rule if an
accumulative number of such failure occasions of the particular
merchant is greater than a threshold. For example, upon receiving
the result of pickup service indicating "unsuccessful pick-up of
goods" from logistics platform 35, intermediary transaction
platform 32 sends the result of pickup service to the payment
platform 33, and determines whether the total number of
"unsuccessful pick-up of goods" this particular merchant has
accumulated is greater than a threshold. If yes, merchant 31 may be
dealt with according to a pre-determined rule. For instance,
intermediary transaction platform 32 may exclude merchant 31 from
trading on intermediary transaction platform 32.
[0057] S350: Upon receiving a user confirmation indicating "user
has confirmed the receipt of goods" from logistics platform 35,
intermediary transaction platform 32 sends to payment platform 33 a
transaction status indicating that the buyer (i.e., user 34) has
confirmed receiving the product.
[0058] For example, after the logistics company delivers a product
to user 34, the user 34 may usually make a payment upon
verification of the receiving unit. The logistics company then
sends information of a user confirmation to intermediary
transaction platform 32 through its logistics platform 35.
Intermediary transaction platform 32 in turn sends a corresponding
transaction status to payment platform 33. However, sometimes the
user may refuse to pay for the product. In this case, the logistics
company needs to send information indicating the user rejection to
intermediary transaction platform 32 through its logistics platform
35. Intermediary transaction platform 32 then not only sends a
corresponding transaction status to payment platform 33, but also
needs to perform the several additional operations. For example,
intermediary transaction platform 32 may send to logistics platform
35 a processing instruction indicating a return of the product to
merchant 31. Logistics platform 35 sends to intermediary
transaction platform 32 a processing result indicating that the
product has been returned to merchant 31. Intermediary transaction
platform 32 then sends the processing result to payment platform
33.
[0059] S360: Payment platform 33 and merchant 31 settle a
transaction payment in real time or on a regular basis.
[0060] In one exemplary embodiment, if merchant 31 wants to receive
the payment faster, payment platform 33 may transfer the cost of
the product and the shipping charge to merchant 31 quickly upon
receiving "user confirmation of receipt of goods" in each
transaction. However, payment platform 33 and merchant 31 may agree
to settle payments on a periodic basis. Payment platform 33 may
transfer all payments of successful transactions within the present
period to merchant 31 in each settlement.
[0061] S370: Payment platform 33 and logistics platform 35 complete
accounting and profit sharing (or revenue distribution) operations
in real time or on a regular basis.
[0062] In a typical arrangement, the logistics company transfers
each payment received from user 34 to payment platform 33. The
payment by user 34 covers all charges of products, shipping
charges, and service fees. Payment platform 33 subsequently pays a
service fee to the logistics company as part of the profit sharing
(or revenue distribution). If intermediary transaction platform 32
and payment platform 33 belong to different companies, service
charges are shared among three parties. How payment platform 33 and
logistics platform 35 conduct account settlement may depend on a
rule of account settlement agreed upon by both parties in
advance.
[0063] It is noted that logistics platform 35 may either be a
centralized platform or simply individual logistics operations run
by merchant companies. In either case, the centralized logistics
platform 35 or separate logistics platforms (operations) 35 are
centrally managed by payment platform 33. As illustrated from the
above transaction process, logistics companies sign contracts with
payment platform 33 in advance, and payment platform 33 conducts
centralized management of the logistics companies. From a
merchant's perspective, the problem of delayed payments can be
solved. From a user's (buyer's) perspective, the transaction has a
more secure safeguard.
[0064] As will be shown below, in one embodiment, the payment
platform may be set up in the intermediary transaction
platform.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a second
exemplary online transaction system 400 in accordance with the
present disclosure. The system 400 includes user 44, merchant 41,
intermediary platform 40, and logistics platform 45 of a contracted
logistics company. User 44, merchant 41, and logistics platform 45
of the logistics company connect with intermediary platform 40
through the Internet.
[0066] Intermediary platform 40 is a platform primarily established
for conducting a transaction between merchant 41 and user 44.
Intermediary platform 40 stores contract information of each
merchant 41, registration information of user 44, and contract
information of each logistics company. Intermediary platform 40 is
used for processing and storing transaction conditions of each
transaction.
[0067] Intermediary platform 40 is a combination of intermediary
transaction platform 32 and payment platform 33, which are
integrated into a single platform in this embodiment. Functions of
intermediary transaction platform 32 and payment platform 33 are
integrally performed by intermediary platform 40.
[0068] Intermediary platform 40 includes a first server 401 and a
first database 402. Intermediary platform 40 further includes a
network interfacing device connecting with the Internet, and a
network security device used for improving its security (a
firewall, for example). These devices are general and common
devices for an online transaction platform, and therefore are not
described.
[0069] The first server 401 includes several units to perform
various functions. A user processing sub-unit 403 is used for
receiving and processing various requests submitted by user 44.
Such requests may include registration and transaction request of
user 44. The user processing sub-unit 402 is also used for
establishing and saving interactive actions of user 44. A merchant
processing sub-unit 404 is used for receiving and processing
various interactive actions with merchant 41. A logistics platform
processing sub-unit 405 is used for receiving and saving contract
information of the logistics company, and for receiving and
processing various transaction information sent from logistics
platform 45 in each transaction process. A transaction processing
unit 406 is used for processing each transaction and saving a
processing result to the first database 402. An accounting
processing unit 434 is used for completing accounting operations
with each logistics platform 45 on a regular basis or in real time
according to a predetermined setting. An account settlement
processing unit 435 is used for completing account settlement
operations with each merchant 41 on a regular basis or in real time
according to a predetermined setting.
[0070] Each merchant may select, based on characteristics thereof
and transaction characteristics of product, a method for account
settlement. For example, merchant 41 may elect that intermediary
platform 40 send a payment including the cost of product and
shipping charges an account designated by merchant 41 upon
completion of each transaction in order to speed up the payment
cycle.
[0071] The first database 402 is divided into several regions for
different storage purposes. For example, a user storage region 407
is used for storing user information. A merchant storage region 408
is used for storing merchant information. A logistics platform
storage region 409 is used for storing logistics company
information. A transaction data storage region 430 is used for
storing conditions of each transaction. A merchant account storage
unit 436 is used for storing rules of account settlement with
merchant 41, and for storing conditions of account settlement of
each transaction with merchant 41. A logistics platform storage
unit 437 is used for storing rules of account settlement with
logistics companies, and for storing conditions of account
settlement of transaction with logistics companies.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a second exemplary online
transaction method 500 in accordance with the present disclosure.
The method 500 can be implemented using the system 400 of FIG. 4.
Like the method 300 of FIG. 3, the method in this embodiment is
used for conducting a merchandise transaction between a merchant
and a user through a logistics company. The method 500 is described
as follows.
[0073] S510: User 54 purchases a product of merchant 51 through
intermediary transaction platform 52, and submits to intermediary
transaction platform 52 a transaction request including a mode of
payment (e.g., COD) selected by the user.
[0074] S520: Intermediary transaction platform 52 sends a request
for pickup service to logistics platform 55 of a contracted
logistics company which is either selected by the merchant or
designated by intermediary transaction platform 52.
[0075] S530: Logistics platform 55 sends a result of pickup service
indicating "successful pick-up of goods" to intermediary
transaction platform 52.
[0076] S540: Logistics platform 55 sends a user confirmation
indicating "user has confirmed the receipt of goods" to
intermediary transaction platform 52.
[0077] S550: Intermediary transaction platform 52 conducts
operations of transaction settlement with merchant 51 and logistics
platform 55 in real time or on a regular basis. The settlement with
merchant 51 and the settlement with logistics platform 55 may be
conducted separately.
[0078] If a result of pickup service indicating "unsuccessful
pick-up of goods" is received from logistics platform 55,
intermediary transaction platform 52 determines whether the number
of "unsuccessful pick-up of goods" accumulated by this particular
merchant is greater than a threshold. If yes, the merchant is dealt
with according to a pre-determined rule.
[0079] If logistics platform 55 sends to intermediary transaction
platform 52 a user confirmation indicating "user rejection of
goods", intermediary transaction platform 52 sends to logistics
platform 55 a processing instruction indicating a return of the
product to merchant 51. Subsequently, logistics platform 55 sends
to intermediary transaction platform 52 a processing result
indicating that the product has been returned to merchant 51.
[0080] Step S550 may further include the following exemplary
procedure. Intermediary transaction platform 52 advances to the
merchant a payment including cost of the product and a shipping
charge in advance. Logistics platform 55 regularly clears the
account by transferring to intermediary transaction platform 52
payments including the cost of the product, the shipping charge,
and a service charge received. Intermediary transaction platform 52
regularly distributes to logistics platform 55 a service fee based
on a profit-sharing (or revenue distribution) agreement.
[0081] The disclosed online transaction method and system do not
require buyers to use the payment method provided by an
intermediary transaction platform to make a payment. Instead, the
buyer may pay directly to a logistics company such as a shipping
company. Unlike conventional transaction method based on COD,
however, the disclosed online transaction method and system
centrally manage the logistics platform or multiple logistics
operations run by logistics companies. The merchant does not
receive the payment from the logistics company, but rather receive
the payment from a centralized payment platform, which is either a
separate platform or a part of an intermediary transaction platform
supporting online transactions. The payment platform acts as an
intermediary agent to handle the payment. While the payment
platform receives payment from the logistics company, the merchant
receives payment from the payment platform.
[0082] The payment may be settled sequentially in that order for
each individual transaction, but may also be handled collectively
on a periodical basis to further increase the cash flow efficiency
for the merchants. The method and the system also benefit the buyer
because the buyer has an option to pay on delivery only and is not
required to either directly pay the merchant in advance or pay an
intermediary transaction platform in advance. This helps to avoid
disputes that arise because of inconsistency between what is
actually purchased and what a user has seen in an image online when
purchasing a product.
[0083] It is appreciated that the potential benefits and advantages
discussed herein are not to be construed as a limitation or
restriction to the scope of the appended claims.
[0084] Although the subject matter has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is
to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended
claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts
described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as
exemplary forms of implementing the claims.
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