U.S. patent application number 14/445519 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for systems and methods for providing user-controlled automobile financing.
This patent application is currently assigned to Capital One Financial Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Steven G. Chiagouris, Kenneth S. Childs, Nicholas Dolle, Patrick A. Eberle, KATHERINE D. FORRESTER, JoAnna R. Hartzmark, Kurt Johnson, Xiaoxiang Zhang. Invention is credited to Steven G. Chiagouris, Kenneth S. Childs, Nicholas Dolle, Patrick A. Eberle, KATHERINE D. FORRESTER, JoAnna R. Hartzmark, Kurt Johnson, Xiaoxiang Zhang.
Application Number | 20150039490 14/445519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52428563 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150039490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FORRESTER; KATHERINE D. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING USER-CONTROLLED AUTOMOBILE
FINANCING
Abstract
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing approved
financing in advance of a purchase to a buyer of an item, such as
an automobile, and allowing the prospective buyer to maintain
control over the financing throughout the sales process. According
to disclosed embodiments, a financial service system configures a
financing website for the buyer, and receives personal information
as well as information relating to the desired item. The financial
service system approves loan parameters for the buyer, and provides
the user with a link to access the financing website on a mobile
device while at a dealership. Financing parameters can thus be
edited throughout the process until the final sales agreement,
providing the buyer with confidence and flexibility in the buying
process.
Inventors: |
FORRESTER; KATHERINE D.;
(Dallas, TX) ; Eberle; Patrick A.; (Frisco,
TX) ; Dolle; Nicholas; (McKinney, TX) ;
Chiagouris; Steven G.; (Plano, TX) ; Hartzmark;
JoAnna R.; (Chicago, IL) ; Zhang; Xiaoxiang;
(McKinney, TX) ; Johnson; Kurt; (Dallas, TX)
; Childs; Kenneth S.; (Mechanicsville, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FORRESTER; KATHERINE D.
Eberle; Patrick A.
Dolle; Nicholas
Chiagouris; Steven G.
Hartzmark; JoAnna R.
Zhang; Xiaoxiang
Johnson; Kurt
Childs; Kenneth S. |
Dallas
Frisco
McKinney
Plano
Chicago
McKinney
Dallas
Mechanicsville |
TX
TX
TX
TX
IL
TX
TX
VA |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Capital One Financial
Corporation
McLean
VA
|
Family ID: |
52428563 |
Appl. No.: |
14/445519 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61860000 |
Jul 30, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/38 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 40/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/38 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/02 20120101
G06Q040/02 |
Claims
1. A system for providing financing for a sale of an item in the
form of a loan, the system comprising: a memory storing
instructions; and a processor configured to execute the
instructions to: receive an indication that a buyer seeks to secure
approved loan financing to purchase an item in advance of the
purchase; receive personal information associated with the buyer;
perform a risk assessment of the prospective buyer based on the
received personal information; provide qualification information to
the prospective buyer, wherein the qualification information
comprises at least an approved loan amount and a range of possible
interest rates for the financed loan; receive information relating
to a specific item that the buyer seeks to purchase using the
approved loan amount; provide additional financing information
associated with the specific item; match the buyer with a dealer
for the specific item; and provide the buyer with remote access to
the financing information, wherein the buyer retains the ability to
alter terms of the financing during a negotiation with the
dealer.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to execute the instructions to initiate payment for the
item.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to execute the instructions to add at least one of a
warranty, a maintenance contract, an additional option, or gap
insurance coverage to the financed loan.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the received personal information
comprises at least one of identification, proof of income, contact
information, or references.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the provided qualification
information further comprises an approval code as a reference
number for the transaction.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the received information relating
to a specific item the buyer seeks to purchase comprises at least
one of a vehicle identification number (VIN), make of the item, the
model of the item, the age of the item, features of the item, or
whether the item is new or used.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the provided additional financing
information comprises at least one of an estimated monthly payment
amount or a particular interest rate for the financed loan.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein matching the buyer with a dealer
further comprises at least one of providing a map of possible
dealers, providing user ratings and reviews associated with
possible dealers, or providing incentive offers associated with
possible dealers.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further
configured to execute the instructions to create an appointment for
the buyer with the matched dealer.
10. A method for providing financing for a sale of an item in the
form of a loan, the method comprising: receiving an indication that
a buyer seeks to secure approved loan financing to purchase an item
in advance of the purchase; receiving personal information
associated with the buyer; performing, via one or more processors,
a risk assessment of the prospective buyer based on the received
personal information; providing qualification information to the
prospective buyer, wherein the qualification information comprises
at least an approved loan amount and a range of possible interest
rates for the financed loan; receiving information relating to a
specific item that the buyer seeks to purchase using the approved
loan amount; providing additional financing information associated
with the specific item; matching, via the one or more processors,
the buyer with a dealer for the specific item; and providing the
buyer with remote access to the financing information, wherein the
buyer retains the ability to alter terms of the financing during a
negotiation with the dealer.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising initiating payment
for the item.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising facilitating
addition of at least one of a warranty, a maintenance contract, an
additional option, or gap insurance coverage to the financed
loan.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the provided qualification
information further comprises an approval code as a reference
number for the transaction.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the received information
relating to a specific item the buyer seeks to purchase comprises
at least one of a vehicle identification number (VIN), make of the
item, the model of the item, the age of the item, features of the
item, or whether the item is new or used.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the provided additional
financing information comprises at least one of an estimated
monthly payment amount or a particular interest rate for the
financed loan.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein matching the buyer with a
dealer further comprises at least one of providing a map of
possible dealers, providing user ratings and reviews associated
with possible dealers, or providing incentive offers associated
with possible dealers.
17. The method of claim 10, further comprising creating an
appointment for the buyer with the matched dealer.
18. A system for selling an item with approved financing, the
system comprising: a memory storing instructions; and a processor
configured to execute the instructions to: receive an indication
that a buyer seeks to purchase a specific item using approved
financing from a financial service provider; perform a risk
assessment of the prospective buyer; determine whether the specific
item is available for purchase; access information relating to the
buyers approved financing; and execute a sales agreement for
purchase of the item based on the accessed information.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor is further
configured to execute the instructions to initiate payment for the
item.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor is further
configured to execute the instructions to facilitate addition of at
least one of a warranty, a maintenance contract, an additional
option, or gap insurance coverage to the sales agreement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/860,000, filed Jul. 30,
2013, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to financing
sales of items and, in particular, providing buyers of automobiles
the ability to secure advanced approval of financing for their
purchase while retaining control of their financing throughout the
process.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Advances in the financial and information technology
industries have transformed the way items, such as automobiles, are
bought and sold. Automobiles, for example, were once almost
exclusively purchased after a prospective buyer ventured onto the
lot of the local car dealership. The dealer generally controlled
the entire sales process, and there was little transparency in the
process for the buyer. Buyers typically had no choice but to defer
to whatever financing options and terms the dealer offered.
[0004] The digital revolution has lifted the veil on many aspects
of the automobile purchase process. Buyers now possess power and
leverage that they previously lacked, including increased ability
to shop around and have dealers compete for their business. Buyers
may even have the ability to secure approved financing from a
financial service provider before even setting foot on the dealer's
lot. In many cases however, even financing approved in advance
lacks flexibility. If a buyer's personal circumstances change after
the approval process, or even if they simply change their mind and
select a different car than the one for which they received
approval, power once again shifts to the dealer, who can alter the
previously approved financing to make more profit at the buyer's
expense.
[0005] Accordingly, a need exists in the current marketplace to
provide buyers of items, particularly automobiles, the ability to
be approved in advance for financing yet retain the ability to
modify terms of the financing up through completion of the
sale.
SUMMARY
[0006] Systems and methods described herein enable a computer
system to provide buyers of items, such as automobiles, the ability
to secure advanced approval for financing for their purchase while
retaining control of their financing throughout the process. In one
embodiment, a computing system may receive an indication that a
buyer seeks to secure approved loan financing to purchase an item
in advance of the purchase. Additionally, the computing system may
receive personal information associated with the buyer. The
computing system may perform a risk assessment of the prospective
buyer based on the received personal information. Further, the
computing system may provide qualification information to the
prospective buyer, wherein the qualification information comprises
at least an approved loan amount and a range of possible interest
rates for the financed loan. The computing system may also receive
information relating to a specific item that the buyer seeks to
purchase using the approved loan amount, and may provide additional
financing information associated with the specific item.
Additionally, the computing system may match the buyer with a
dealer for the specific item, and provide the buyer with remote
access to the financing information, wherein the buyer retains the
ability to alter terms of the financing during a negotiation with
the dealer.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method for providing financing for
a sale of an item in the form of a loan is disclosed. The method
includes receiving an indication that a buyer seeks to secure
approved loan financing to purchase an item in advance of the
purchase. Additionally, the method comprises receiving personal
information associated with the buyer. The method also includes
performing, via one or more processors, a risk assessment of the
prospective buyer based on the received personal information.
Further, the method comprises providing qualification information
to the prospective buyer, wherein the qualification information
comprises at least an approved loan amount and a range of possible
interest rates for the financed loan. The method also comprises
receiving information relating to a specific item that the buyer
seeks to purchase using the approved loan amount, and providing
additional financing information associated with the specific item.
Additionally, the method includes matching, via the one or more
processors, the buyer with a dealer for the specific item, and
providing the buyer with remote access to the financing
information, wherein the buyer retains the ability to alter terms
of the financing during a negotiation with the dealer.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a computing system may receive an
indication that a buyer seeks to purchase a specific item using
approved financing from a financial service provider. Additionally,
the computing system may perform a risk assessment of the
prospective buyer. The computing system may further determine
whether the specific item is available for purchase. Also, the
computing system may access information relating to the buyer's
approved financing, and may execute a sales agreement for purchase
of the item based on the accessed information.
[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed
embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which
follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may
be learned by practice of the embodiments. The objects and
advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized and
attained by the elements and combinations set forth in the
claims.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed
embodiments, as claimed. For example, the methods relating to the
disclosed embodiments may be implemented in system environments
outside of the exemplary system environments disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
embodiments and aspects of the disclosed embodiments and, together
with the description, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system consistent with
disclosed embodiments;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an exemplary buyer qualification
process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary specific item approval
process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary dealer latching
process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary dealer sales agreement
process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary remote dealer
financing process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an exemplary financing and payment
process consistent with disclosed embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exemplary user interface for submitting buyer
information that may be provided by the disclosed embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exemplary user interface for submitting
specific item information that may be provided by the disclosed
embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exemplary user interface for receiving
approval for a specific item that may be provided by the disclosed
embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an exemplary user interface for providing dealer
information that may be provided by the disclosed embodiments;
and
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exemplary user interface for providing a
summary of the financing process that may be provided by the
disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to disclosed
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0025] Generally, disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and
methods for providing buyers of an item requiring financing the
ability to secure flexible advanced approval of financing for their
purchase while retaining control of their financing throughout the
process. For ease of discussion, embodiments may be described in
connection with the sale of automobiles. It is to be understood,
however, that disclosed embodiments are not limited to the sale of
automobiles and may, in fact, be applied to the sale, auctioning,
etc. of any item, product, or service. Further, steps or processes
disclosed herein are not limited to being performed in the order
described, but may be performed in any order, and some steps may be
omitted, consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
[0026] The features and other aspects and principles of the
disclosed embodiments may be implemented in various environments.
Such environments and related applications may be specifically
constructed for performing the various processes and operations of
the disclosed embodiments or they may include a general purpose
computer or computing platform selectively activated or
reconfigured by program code to provide the necessary
functionality. The processes disclosed herein may be implemented by
a suitable combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. For
example, the disclosed embodiments may implement general purpose
machines that may be configured to execute software programs that
perform processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments.
Alternatively, the disclosed embodiments may implement a
specialized apparatus or system configured to execute software
programs that perform processes consistent with the disclosed
embodiments. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may
be implemented by general purpose machines as computer processing
instructions, all or a portion of the functionality of the
disclosed embodiments may be implemented instead in dedicated
electronics hardware.
[0027] The disclosed embodiments also relate to tangible and
non-transitory computer readable media that include program
instructions or program code that, when executed by one or more
processors, perform one or more computer-implemented operations.
The program instructions or program code may include specially
designed and constructed instructions or code, and/or instructions
and code well-known and available to those having ordinary skill in
the computer software arts. For example, the disclosed embodiments
may execute high level and/or low level software instructions, such
as machine code (e.g., such as that produced by a compiler) and/or
high level code that can be executed by a processor using an
interpreter.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 100 consistent with
disclosed embodiments. In one aspect, system environment 100 may
include a financial service system 110, buyer system 120, dealer
system 130, and network 140.
[0029] Financial service system 110 may be a system associated with
one or more entities that configure, offer, provide, and/or manage
financial service accounts, such as credit card accounts, debit
card accounts, checking or savings accounts, and loan accounts. As
used throughout this disclosure, a "loan" or "loan account" may
include any form of financing provided to a prospective buyer of an
item, including retail installment contracts, direct financing,
personal loans, or any other means of providing financing known in
the art. Consistent with the disclosure, financial service system
110 may provide a loan account for financing a purchase to one or
more consumers operating buyer system 120. In some embodiments,
financial service system 110 may receive and process payments from
consumers (via, e.g., buyer system 120) relating to provided
financial service accounts. Financial service system 110 may also
process other funds and payments related to a sale, such as
transmitting funds comprising the sales price of the item or
service to dealer system 130. Financial service system 110 may be
configured to assess the creditworthiness and risk presented by a
prospective car buyer in real-time or substantially real-time, and
to offer different financing packages depending on those
assessments.
[0030] Financial service system 110 may include one or more
components that perform processes consistent with the disclosed
embodiments. For example, financial service system 110 may include
one or more computers (e.g., servers, database systems, etc.)
configured to execute software instructions programmed to perform
aspects of the disclosed embodiments, such as generating financial
service accounts, maintaining accounts, processing information
relating to accounts, etc. Consistent with disclosed embodiments,
financial service system 110 may include other components and
infrastructure that enable it to perform operations, processes, and
services consistent with financial service account providers, such
as banking operations, credit card operations, loan operations,
etc. Consistent with disclosed embodiments, financial service
system 110 may be configured to provide, manage, monitor, and
assess a financing program for a sales transaction between a buyer
and a car dealer.
[0031] Buyer system 120 may represent a system associated with an
entity seeking to buy an item from another party. Although the
following description of disclosed embodiments may refer to an
"individual," it is to be understood that the same description
applies to multiple buyers acting in concert or to a buyer entity
in the manner described above. Buyer system 120 may include one or
more components that perform processes consistent with the
disclosed embodiments. For example, buyer system 120 may include
one or more computers (e.g., servers, database systems, etc.) that
are configured to execute software instructions programmed to
perform aspects of the disclosed embodiments. One of ordinary skill
in the art would recognize that buyer system 120 may include
components and infrastructure that enable it to perform operations,
processes, and services such as processing sales transactions of
purchases made over the Internet or at POS locations, and
communicating with financial service system 110 or other components
relating to the transactions. Buyer system 120 may be configured to
purchase an item, transmit and receive information associated with
the purchase transaction, and process and monitor a loan account
associated with financing the purchase transaction.
[0032] Dealer system 130 may represent a system associated with an
entity seeking to sell an item to another party. Although the
following description of certain embodiments may refer to an
"individual," one skilled in the art would appreciate that the same
description applies to multiple dealers acting in concert or to a
dealer entity in the manner described above. In the example of
automobiles, in some embodiments, multiple dealerships of different
brands of automobile may be grouped together in dealer system 130.
The multiple dealerships may be owned by the same entity or
different entities. In other embodiments, multiple dealerships of
the same brand of automobile may be grouped together in dealer
system 130. Dealer system 130 may include components and
infrastructure that enable it to perform operations, processes, and
services consistent with merchants, such as providing websites that
offer for sale goods and/or services, processing sales transactions
of purchases made over the Internet or at POS locations, and
communicating with financial service system 110 or other components
relating to the transactions. Consistent with disclosed
embodiments, dealer system 130 may be configured to provide
financing to the buyer of an item and process the sales
transaction.
[0033] Inventory database 135 may represent one or more storage
devices and/or systems that maintain data used by dealer system
130. Inventory database 135 may include one or more processing
components (e.g., storage controller, processor, etc.) that perform
various data transfer and storage operations consistent with
features consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In some
aspects, inventory database 135 may be associated with an
independent entity that provides database services for one or more
components of system environment 100, consistent with the disclosed
embodiments, or for one or more similar dealer systems 130 in other
system environments outside of system environment 100. Inventory
database 135 may be an internal component to dealer system 130, as
depicted in FIG. 1, or it may be an external device accessible by
dealer system 130.
[0034] In one embodiment, inventory database 135 may store items
listed for sale by entities such as dealer system 130. These
listings may contain information about the items for sale, the
dealer systems 130 themselves, and financing information provided
by dealer system 130 and/or financial service system 110. These and
other components of system environment 100, including buyer system
120, may be configured to interface with inventory database 135 via
network 140 or other communication mechanisms.
[0035] Consistent with disclosed embodiments, components of system
100, including financial service system 110, buyer system 120, and
dealer system 130, may include one or more processors (such as
processors 111, 121, or 131) as shown in exemplary form in FIG. 1.
The processors may be one or more known processing devices, such as
a microprocessor from the Pentium.TM. family manufactured by
Intel.TM. or the Turion.TM. family manufactured by AMD.TM.. The
processor may include a single core or multiple core processor
system that provides the ability to perform parallel processes
simultaneously. For example, the processors may be single core
processors configured with virtual processing technologies known to
those skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, the processors
may use logical processors to simultaneously execute and control
multiple processes. The processors may implement virtual machine
technologies, or other similar known technologies to provide the
ability to execute, control, run, manipulate, store, etc. multiple
software processes, applications, programs, etc. In some
embodiments, the processors may include a multiple-core processor
arrangements (e.g., dual or quad core) configured to provide
parallel processing functionalities to enable computer components
of financial service system 110, buyer system 120, and/or dealer
system 130 to execute multiple processes simultaneously. Other
types of processor arrangements could be implemented that provide
for the capabilities disclosed herein. Moreover, the processors may
represent one or more servers or other computing devices that are
associated with financial service system 110, buyer system 120,
and/or dealer system 130. For instance, the processors may
represent a distributed network of processors configured to operate
together over a local or wide area network. Alternatively, the
processors may be a processing device configured to execute
software instructions that receive and send information,
instructions, etc. to/from other processing devices associated with
financial service provider 110 or other components of system
environment 100. In certain aspects, processors 111, 121, and 131
may be configured to execute software instructions stored in memory
to perform one or more processes consistent with disclosed
embodiments.
[0036] Consistent with disclosed embodiments, components of system
100, including financial service system 110, buyer system 120, and
dealer system 130, may also include one or more memory devices
(such as memories 112, 122, and 132) as shown in exemplary form in
FIG. 1. The memory devices may store software instructions that are
executed by processors 111, 121, and 131, such as one or more
applications, network communication processes, operating system
software, software instructions relating to the disclosed
embodiments, and any other type of application or software known to
be executable by processing devices. The memory devices may be a
volatile or non-volatile, magnetic, semiconductor, tape, optical,
removable, nonremovable, or other type of storage device or
tangible computer-readable medium. The memory devices may be two or
more memory devices distributed over a local or wide area network,
or may be a single memory device. In certain embodiments, the
memory devices may include database systems, such as database
storage devices, one or more database processing devices configured
to receive instructions to access, process, and send information
stored in the storage devices.
[0037] In some embodiments, financial service system 110, buyer
system 120, and dealer system 130 may also include one or more
additional components (not shown) that provide communications with
other components of system environment 100, such as through network
140, or any other suitable communications infrastructure.
[0038] Network 140 may be any type of network that facilitates
communications and data transfer between components of system
environment 100, such as, for example, financial service system
110, buyer system 120, and dealer system 130. Network 140 may be a
Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the
Internet, and may be a single network or a combination of networks.
Further, network 140 may reflect a single type of network or a
combination of different types of networks, such as the Internet
and public exchange networks for wireline and/or wireless
communications. Network 140 may utilize cloud computing
technologies that are familiar in the marketplace. Moreover, any
part of network 140 may be implemented through traditional
infrastructures or channels of trade, to permit operations
associated with financial accounts that are performed manually or
in-person by the various entities illustrated in FIG. 1. Network
140 is not limited to the above examples and system 100 may
implement any type of network that allows the entities (and others
not shown) included in FIG. 1 to exchange data and information.
[0039] Although FIG. 1 describes a certain number of entities and
processing/computing components within system environment 100, any
number or combination of components may be implemented without
departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. For example,
different dealer systems 130 may interact with one or more buyer
systems 120 through network 140 or standard channels of trade, such
as face-to-face purchase transactions. In another example,
different financial service systems 110 may interact with one or
more buyer systems 120 and dealer systems 130 through network 140
or standard channels of trade. Additionally, financial service
system 110, buyer system 120, and dealer system 130 are not
mutually exclusive. For example, in one disclosed embodiment,
financial service system 110 and dealer system 130 may be the same
entity or affiliated with the same entity. The entities as
described are not limited to their discrete descriptions above.
Further, where different components of system environment 100 are
combined (e.g., financial service system 110 and dealer system 130,
etc.), the computing and processing devices and software executed
by these components may be integrated into a local or distributed
system.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary buyer qualification process
200 consistent with disclosed embodiments. As an example, FIG. 2 is
disclosed in connection with financial service system 110, but it
is understood that other components may perform processes to
qualify a prospective buyer, such as dealer system 130. Financial
service system 110 may configure a financing website (Step 210),
which may be a website accessible to the public. In some
embodiments, the financing website may be deployed as part of a
stand-alone kiosk or other such unit within a brick and mortar
banking location. The brick and mortar location may be associated
with financial service system 110. In alternative embodiments, the
stand-alone kiosk may be situated within a location associated with
dealer system 130, or at a location affiliated with other
merchants, such as an automobile trade show or a retail shopping
mall. Financial service system 110 may make dealer systems 130 and
prospective buyer systems 120 aware of the financing website via
advertising, telephonic, postal, or electronic communication means,
or by any other suitable a weans of communication.
[0041] Financial service system 110 may receive information about
the user or users associated with buyer system 120 who seek to make
a purchase via the financing website (Step 220). The information
received may include, for example, name, address, social security
or other government ID number, credit history, employment
information, financial history, and financial service account
information. In some embodiments, the information received may
include digital or physical copies of government-issued
identification, such as a driver's license, social security card,
passport, etc. In some embodiments, the received information may
include proof of income, and may be received in the form of a
digital or physical copy of a pay stub, paycheck, human resources
document, tax return, etc. In some embodiments, financial service
system 110 may require and receive personal or business references
from buyer system 120. Financial service system 110, however, may
prompt for more or less information, based on characteristics of
the user associated with buyer system 120, geographical location,
legal restrictions, or any other concern or consideration relating
to the business of financial service system 110.
[0042] Financial service system 110 may generate or receive a risk
assessment, or other similar creditworthiness analysis, associated
with the user or users of buyer system 120 using the information
received from buyer system 120 (Step 230). Financial service system
110 may utilize additional internal information associated with
buyer system 120 stored in memory 121 to perform the risk
assessment. In some embodiments, financial service system 110 may
access additional information associated with buyer system 120 on
external servers via network 140, such as those associated with
well-known credit bureaus. In some embodiments, the risk assessment
may include a further evaluation of fraud risk presented by the
prospective buyer, using predetermined criteria such as past
criminal history, past financial history, etc. Financial service
system 110 may additionally be configured to perform a verification
step in which financial service system 110 may prompt buyer system
120 to verify the information received in Step 220. Financial
service system 110 may require buyer system 120 to submit
additional information, or to stipulate to the veracity of any and
all information previously received.
[0043] Financial service system 110 may use the information
received from buyer system 120, the results of the risk assessment
of Step 230, and other predefined criteria to determine whether or
not to accept the prospective buyer into the approved financing
program (Step 240). Financial service system 110 may determine not
to accept the prospective buyer into the program (Step 240; NO)
based on the received information, and if so, buyer system 120 may
proceed to negotiate and finance a transaction with dealer system
130 through alternative means.
[0044] Financial service system 110 may determine to accept the
prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 into the
financing program (Step 240; YES). Financial service system 110 may
notify buyer system 120 of the acceptance through telephonic,
postal, or electronic communication means, or by any suitable
well-known means of communication. In some embodiments, the
acceptance and approval may occur instantly; in alternative
embodiments, the acceptance, approval, and subsequent notification
may occur at a later time. In some embodiments, financial service
system 110 may determine that additional information is required in
order to make the determination of whether or not to accept buyer
system 120 into the approved financing program. In these
embodiments, financial service system 110 may request the
additional information from buyer system 120 through telephonic,
postal, or electronic communication means.
[0045] If the prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 is
accepted, financial service system 110 may provide resources and
information associated with initial qualification to buyer system
120 to assist with the purchase of the item (Step 250). The
resources and information may include, as non-limiting examples, a
maximum financing amount for which the prospective buyer is
approved, a value or range of values of potential interest rates
for a financed loan (which may be expressed in terms of annual
percentage rate (APR %)), and an indicia which the prospective
buyer may provide to a dealer system 130 to indicate approval. The
indicia may be presented as an approval code, and may serve as a
reference number for the approved financing within, for example,
memories 112, 122, and 132 of the various components of system
environment 100. In some embodiments, the maximum financing amount
for which the buyer is approved may vary from the actual amount
eventually lent to the buyer based on the particular vehicle chosen
by the prospective buyer. For example, if financial service system
110 indicates to buyer system 120 that the approval amount is
$30,000, and buyer system 120 ends up purchasing a car valued at
$15,000, the amount lent may be significantly less than the full
approved amount. But if the buyer purchases a car for $30,000, the
full approved amount may be lent to buyer system 120.
[0046] The prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 may
choose to continue the purchase transaction on-site at dealer
system 130 with the initial qualification information, or may opt
to obtain more specific approval and more detailed information
about the item to be purchased. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary
specific item approval process 300 consistent with disclosed
embodiments. As an example, FIG. 3 is disclosed in connection with
financial service system 110, but it is understood that other
components may perform processes to assist a prospective buyer in
seeking information and approval for a specific automobile make and
model, such as dealer system 130. Using the financing website
configured in process 200, financial service system 110 may prompt
buyer system 120 for specific identification information relating
to the desired automobile (Step 310). The specific information may
be related to a particular make of automobile, a particular model,
or a particular set of features and options for the car. The
information may be related to the age of the car, such as its model
year, or its mileage. The information may be related to price, such
as maximum price of the car, a range of prices, or to a promotion
or incentive offer provided by dealer system 130. In some
embodiments the identifying information may relate to geographic
location. In some embodiments, the information may pertain to
whether the car is new or used. The information may comprise a
combination of any or all of these examples, which are
non-limiting. After prompting buyer system 120 for the relevant
information, financial service system 110 may receive the
information (Step 320). The information may be received through the
previously configured financing website, but may also be received
by other means, such as by telephonic means, electronic mail, or
postal mail.
[0047] Using the received information, financial service system 110
may determine more specific qualifying information relating to the
buyer's desired item (Step 330). The information determined may
include, as non-limiting examples, information relating to an
automobile of a specific make, model, year, and trim package. With
respect to that particular car, financial service system 110 may
determine the portion of the purchase price of the car eligible for
financing (up to and including the full purchase price, plus
additional costs such as tax, title, license fees, gap insurance,
warranties, etc.). Additionally, financial service system 110 may
determine a particular monthly payment amount and APR % associated
with a financing loan for that particular car. Financial service
system 110, however, may determine more or less specific qualifying
information relating to the buyer's desired item.
[0048] Financial service system 110 may communicate the determined
information to buyer system 120 (Step 340). The communication may
occur instantaneously upon completion of the determination, or may
occur at a later time. The communication may again occur through
the previously configured financing website associated with
financial service system 110, including through a mobile
application configured for a mobile device associated with the
financing website, or it may occur by telephone, electronic mail,
SMS message, or postal mail.
[0049] Process 300 may be repeated multiple times by the
prospective buyer to gain specific approval information relating to
a number of different specific cars. The information may be stored
in memory 112 and/or memory 122, and be remotely accessible by any
component system of system environment 100. Financial service
system 110 may configure an account or online presence associated
with buyer system 120, under which approval information can be
stored for a set or indefinite amount of time. The prospective
buyer may choose to continue the purchase transaction on-site at
dealer system 130 with the initial qualification information and
the specific item qualification information, or may opt to gain
further information about potential dealer systems 130. If this
further information is desired, financial service system 110 may
perform a dealer matching process (Step 350), which will now be
described in association with FIG. 4.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary dealer matching process 400,
consistent with disclosed embodiments. Dealer matching process 400,
as well as any or all of the individual steps therein, may be
performed by any one or more of financial service system 110, buyer
system 120, or dealer system 130. For exemplary purposes, FIG. 4 is
disclosed as being performed by financial service system 110.
[0051] Financial service system 110 may receive or access initial
qualifying information associated with buyer system 120 determined
using process 200, and/or specific item qualification information
determined in process 300 (Step 410). The information may be
retrieved from internal memory 112, or accessed via network 140
from an account configured for buyer system 120 on the previously
configured financing website.
[0052] Financial service system 110 may determine a set of dealer
systems 130 that desire to participate in the approved financing
program (Step 420). In some embodiments, a given dealer system 130
may contact financial service system 110 indicating willingness to
participate in the program. In other embodiments, financial service
system 110 may contact one or more dealer systems 130 to inquire
about participation in the program or participation in a particular
approved financing deal for a particular prospective buyer. In some
embodiments, financial service system 110 may generate a set of
eligibility criteria that dealer systems 130 must meet in order to
participate in the approved financing program. The eligibility
criteria may include, but not be limited to, size of the dealership
associated with the system 130, gross sales figures, sales figures
for a particular subset of cars (i.e., number of pickup trucks
sold, number of a certain make and model sold, etc.), location,
available inventory, etc. In some embodiments, financial service
system 110 may additionally generate a set of rules and/or
standards for participating dealer systems 130. Financial service
system 110 may require assent to the rules and standards by each
dealer system 130 in order to participate in the approved financing
program, and may execute an agreement memorializing that assent. In
these embodiments, financial service system 110 may be configured
to monitor the compliance of each dealer system 130 with the
assented eligibility criteria, rules, and/or standards, and may
remove a dealer system 130 from the approved financing program if
they are not in compliance. For participating dealer systems 130,
financial service system 110 may compile basic contact information,
including, but not limited to, an online web address, telephone
number, contact person, available inventory, appointment calendars,
etc., and store that information in memory 112.
[0053] Financial service system 110 may also determine a smaller
subset of the participating dealers that have the prospective
buyer's desired car in their inventory (Step 430). In some
embodiments, financial service system 110 may transmit the desired
car information to each participating dealer system 130, and then
receive back responses from dealer systems 130 as to whether the
dealer has the car in current inventory or could get one in a
predetermined amount of time. In some embodiments, financial
service system 110 may additionally transmit information associated
with buyer system 120, such as the amount the buyer is approved
for, proposed APR % on the loan, etc. The information associated
with buyer system 120 may include the approval indicia or code
provided to buyer system 120 during buyer qualification process
200.
[0054] In some embodiments, participating dealer systems 130 may
periodically transmit information associated with their inventory
to financial service system 110. The information may be sent in
list form, in database form, or in any other form compatible with
financial service system 110. Dealer systems 130 may transmit
updated inventory lists to financial service system 110 at various
predetermined points in time, such as hourly, daily, weekly, or
monthly. In these embodiments, financial service system 110 may be
configured to aggregate the various inventory lists received from
the participating dealer systems 130, and may provide the
aggregated list to buyer system 120 for purposes of finding a
participating dealership associated with one or more of the dealer
systems 130.
[0055] In alternative embodiments, inventory database 135
associated with dealer system 130 may be configured to be available
over network 140. Inventory database 135 may be publicly
accessible, or may be private to a subset of entities such as
financial service system 110. In these embodiments, financial
service system 110 may execute software processes to automatically
search each inventory database 135 for the specific desired car.
Alternatively, financial service system 110 may manually search the
database 135 of each participating dealer system 130. In
alternative embodiments, the financing website configured by
financial service system 110 for buyer system 120 may contain a
direct link to various inventory databases 135, and the databases
may be searchable directly by financial service system 110, buyer
system 120, or various dealer systems 130. In some aspects, having
direct links to inventory databases through the financing website
may increase business options for financial service system 110 and
provide more attractive financing terms for buyer system 120, as
each will possess more information about the financing process and
the inventory available. Further, having direct links to the
databases may facilitate competition among dealer systems 130, as
they try to undersell each other to secure buyer system 120's
business.
[0056] Financial service system 110 may communicate to buyer system
120 matching dealer systems 130 that possess buyer system 120's
desired car in their inventory (Step 440). The matching dealer
systems 130 may be provided to buyer system 120 in list form. In
some embodiments, the list of matching dealer systems 130 may be
provided to buyer system 120 substantially instantly, or may be
provided at a time in the future. The list of matching dealer
systems 130 may include some or all of the additional information
determined by financial service system 110 relating to the dealers,
such as contact information, location, etc.
[0057] To further inform and equip buyer system 120, financial
service system may provide additional visual representations of
information associated with the matching dealer systems 130 (Step
450). For example, financial service system 110 may generate a map
for buyer system 120 displaying the locations of matching dealer
systems 130, and may display the map to buyer system 120 in an
electronic message or on the previously configured financing
website. The visual information may additionally include other
relevant items, such as user ratings or reviews of the candidate
dealer systems 130, photographs of the specific desired car,
photographs of a contact person associated with dealer system 130,
or functionalities that give buyer system 120 additional options.
For example, financial service system 110 may display a button that
permits buyer system 120 to schedule an appointment or a test drive
with dealer system 130. Once made, the appointment request could be
sent to dealer system 130 for verification, or buyer system 120 may
be able to directly make the appointment within the computer
systems of dealer system 130.
[0058] Once provided with the various information generated in
processes 200, 300, and 400, the prospective buyer associated with
buyer system 120 may make an appointment with a particular dealer
system 130 (via, in some embodiments, buyer system 120) and visit
the brick-and-mortar dealership associated with dealer system 130
in person. In some embodiments, at the conclusion of any or all of
processes 200, 300, or 400, financial service system 110 may
provide buyer system 120 with a link to the previously configured
financing website. In these embodiments, the prospective buyer
associated with buyer system 120 will thus have the option to
continue to edit and alter the terms of the financing until
completion of the process. For example, if the prospective buyer
decides that a different car in dealer system 130's inventory is
desired, they can access the financing website on a mobile device
(such as a buyer system 120, which may comprise one or more of a
smartphone, tablet, or mobile computer system) and edit the desired
car, add options and trim packages, add a warranty, etc. Financial
service system 110 may then update the approved amounts and other
terms of the loan based on the new information. The flexibility in
this manner permits prospective buyers to maintain full control
over their financing rather than surrendering control as soon as
they step onto a dealership lot.
[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary dealer sales agreement
process that may take place, consistent with disclosed embodiments.
Sales agreement process 500, as well as any or all of the
individual steps therein, may be performed by one or more of
financial service system 110 or dealer system 130. For exemplary
purposes, FIG. 5 is disclosed as being performed by dealer system
130.
[0060] Via network 140, dealer system 130 may receive an indication
that the prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 wants
to make an appointment to discuss a specific car listed within
inventory database 135, as discussed above. Dealer system 130 may
receive the indication via an electronic message sent via the
financing website configured by financial service system 110.
Dealer system 130 may receive an indication that the prospective
buyer wishes to use an approval code associated with an approved
loan financed by financial service system 110 (Step 510). The
indication may contain other associated information, such as
personal information associated with buyer system 120 pertaining to
creditworthiness, and/or information associated with the car that
the prospective buyer wishes to purchase. In some embodiments, the
indication may also be received substantially simultaneously by
financial service system 110 and other dealer systems 130. In these
embodiments, financial service system 110 and the other dealer
systems 130 may transmit one or more notifications to buyer system
120 related to the indication. For example, a dealer system 130
other than the one targeted initially by buyer system 120 may
transmit a notification to the prospective buyer that they can
receive the same car at a lower price at their dealership, or a car
with more options at the same price as compared to the dealership
the buyer originally targeted. Financial service system 110 may
also send such notifications, and may additionally in some
embodiments send buyer system 120 notifications such as updates on
inventory across several dealer systems 130.
[0061] Dealer system 130 may confirm the information associated
with buyer system 120 (Step 520). For example, dealer system 130
may contact the prospective buyer to confirm personal information,
verify income, confirm the time of appointment, etc. Dealer system
130 may confirm that the desired car is indeed located within
inventory database 135 and is physically situated on the
dealership's lot. Additionally, dealer system 130 may confirm that
the desired options, trim packages, etc. are present in the
specified car. The specific car may be referenced by its Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), a CarFax.RTM. reference number, or a
reference number associated with the car within inventory database
135. In some embodiments, dealer system 130 may associate the
specified car with the approval indicia or code associated with
buyer system 120, to effectively "reserve" the car for buyer system
120 pending the buyer's appointment.
[0062] Dealer system 130 may perform a second credit check on the
prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 to confirm
credit details, particularly if time has passed since the buyer
received advance approval (Step 530). The credit check may be
substantially similar to the initial credit check performed by
financial service system 110 discussed above in conjunction with
buyer qualification process 200. In some embodiments, dealer system
130 may access additional information associated with buyer system
120 on external servers via network 140, such as those associated
with well-known credit bureaus, or those associated with financial
service system 110, or memory 112.
[0063] Upon confirmation of the prospective buyer's eligibility,
dealer system 130 may access the approved financing information
associated with buyer system 120 (Step 540). Financial system 110
may provide dealer system 130 with a direct link to the previously
configured financing website. In other embodiments, one or more of
financial system 110 and buyer system 120 may provide the approved
financing information (such as the approval amount and prospective
APR % for the financed loan) to dealer system 130 directly via a
telephonic message, SMS text message, electronic mail message, or
by postal mail. Dealer system 130 may access the approved financing
information while meeting with the prospective buyer, or at a point
in time prior to the meeting. Dealer system 130 may download the
accessed information to an internal computing device, such as
memory 132, or may print out the information in hard copy.
[0064] Using the accessed approved financing information and
information relating to buyer system 120 and the specific desired
car, dealer system 130 may execute a financing and sales agreement
for purchase of the automobile (Step 550). The sales agreement may
be a standard contract based on the applicable laws of the
jurisdiction or jurisdictions detailing the rights and obligations
of financial service system 110, buyer system 120, and dealer
system 130. The sales agreement may document the steps of the
purchase transaction, including logistics and timing for transfer
of the item, transfer of funds, and registration of collateral for
a loan account associated with the purchase transaction. Buyer
system 120 and/or dealer system 130 may provide an indication of
agreement to the provided sales agreement. In other embodiments,
the buyer system 120 and/or dealer system 130 may indicate
modifications to the provided sales agreement, particularly if late
edits are made to the approved financing by buyer system 120 using
the mobile link to the financing website discussed previously. Upon
execution of the sales agreement, buyer system 120, dealer system
130, and financial service system 110 may approve the agreement and
store finalized forms in their respective memory devices. Dealer
system 130 may then transfer physical possession of the car to
buyer system 120, and may further transmit documents and
information relating to title and collateral to financial service
system 110. In some embodiments, financial service system 10 may
then contact buyer system 120 to configure a payment account for
setting up monthly payments on the loan.
[0065] In some embodiments, the features and functionalities
associated with the financing websites configured for various buyer
systems 120 by financial service system 110 may be integrated with
a website, mobile application, or other such online presence
associated with dealer system 130. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary
remote dealer financing process consistent with certain disclosed
embodiments. Process 600, as well as any or all of the individual
steps therein, may be performed by any one or more of financial
service system 110 or dealer system 130. For exemplary purposes,
FIG. 6 is disclosed as being performed by dealer system 130.
[0066] Dealer system 130 may configure an associated website,
mobile application, or other such online presence to include
features and functionalities of a financing website (Step 610).
Dealer system 130 may receive assistance from financial service
system 110 in configuring the website. In other embodiments,
financial service system 110 may provide dealer system 130 with
information and resources to permit one or more dealer systems 130
to configure their own websites. The information and resources may
include marketing materials, website or internet portal templates,
a dedicated web link to financing options, tailored emails, or
tailored model listings designed for sites such as eBay.RTM.,
Craigslist.RTM., cars.com.RTM., or Edmunds.RTM., etc. The resources
provided to dealer system 130 may further include a widget, frame,
or other software-based interface. The resources provided to dealer
system 130 may be configure to work with a mobile application on a
mobile device. It is understood that the aforementioned resources
are not limiting.
[0067] Dealer system 130 may receive an indication that a
prospective buyer associated with buyer system 120 desires to
explore approved financing in advance of a purchase using dealer
system 130's financing website. Upon receiving the indication,
dealer system 300 may perform a buyer qualification process (Step
620). The buyer qualification process may be substantially similar
to buyer qualification process 200 described previously in
association with FIG. 2. In brief, dealer system 130 may prompt
buyer system 120 for information associated with the prospective
buyer, such as identification, proof of employment and/or income,
or references. Dealer system 130 may perform a risk assessment of
the prospective buyer, such as a credit check. In these
embodiments, dealer system 130 may perform only a single credit
check, or may perform one credit check during the buyer
qualification process and a second check while completing the sales
agreement. Dealer system 130 may determine whether to approve the
prospective buyer, and if approved, may provide initial
qualification information to buyer system 120, such as the approved
maximum purchase amount and a range of possible APR % for the loan.
Dealer system 130 may provide buyer system 120 with an approval
indicia or code similar to that described previously in association
with process 200.
[0068] After approving buyer system 120, dealer system 130 may
receive information relating to a specific car desired by the
prospective buyer (Step 630) and may determine specific car
qualification information (Step 640) in a manner similar to that
described previously in association with specific item approval
process 300 and FIG. 3. In short, the information determined may
include, as non-limiting examples, information relating to an
automobile of a specific make, model, year, and trim package. With
respect to that particular car, dealer system 130, potentially in
consultation with financial service system 110, may determine the
portion of the purchase price of the car eligible for financing (up
to and including the full purchase price plus additional costs such
as tax, title, license fees, gap insurance, warranties, etc.).
Additionally, dealer system 110 may determine a particular monthly
payment amount and APR % associated with a financing loan for that
particular car. In some embodiments, the loan may be backed by
financial service system 110. In other embodiments, dealer system
130 may back the loan itself. Dealer system 130 may search
inventory database 135 for the user's desired car. In some
embodiments, dealer system 130 may contact other dealer systems
130, or search their inventory databases 135 to attempt to find a
car matching that desired by buyer system 120.
[0069] Dealer system 130 may communicate the results of the
specific car determination to buyer system 120 (Step 650). In some
embodiments, dealer system 130 may not possess or have access to
the car desired by buyer system 120. In some embodiments, dealer
system 130 may simply terminate the process, and recommend other
dealer systems 130 to buyer system 120 for further consideration.
In other embodiments, dealer system 130 may recommend other cars
within its own inventory database 135 that may be attractive to
buyer system 120 (e.g. similar price, similar options, similar
mileage, different color, etc.). In these embodiments, dealer
system 130 may repeat Step 640 as discussed above to determine
approved financing costs and interest. The communication exchange
may occur instantaneously upon completion of the determination, or
may occur at a later time. The communication may again occur
through the previously configured financing website associated with
dealer system 130, or it may occur by telephone, electronic mail,
SMS message, or postal mail. Once results are communicated, buyer
system 120 and dealer system 130 may coordinate future steps in the
purchase transaction, such as a test drive and/or an appointment to
execute a sales agreement, as discussed above.
[0070] In some embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may further
comprise the capability to not only provide buyer system 120 with
approval for a loan in advance of a purchase, but also coordinate
payment for the purchase. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary financing
and payment process 700 consistent with certain disclosed
embodiments. Process 700, as well as any or all of the individual
steps therein, may be performed by any one or more of financial
service system 110 or dealer system 130. For exemplary purposes,
FIG. 7 is disclosed as being performed by financial service system
110.
[0071] Similar to the processes described previously, financial
service system 110 may configure a financing website for purposes
of providing approved financing in advance of a purchase to a buyer
system 120 (Step 710). Financial service system 110 may further
perform a buyer qualification process, such as process 200
described above (Step 720). Additionally, financial service system
110 may perform a specific item approval process to provide buyer
system 120 with financing information about a specific desired
automobile, such as process 300 described above (Step 730). The
item approval process may include a dealer matching process, such
as process 400 described above. As disclosed, financial service
system 110 may provide information relating to one or more dealer
systems 130 to buyer system 120, and buyer system 120 may select a
particular dealership to visit. Buyer system 120 may provide an
approval code to the selected dealer system 130, or financial
service system 110 may forward the code to system 130 along with a
link to the approved financing information.
[0072] In some embodiments, financial service system 110 may
determine whether to add so-called "backend" features to the loan
(Step 750). These features may be additional products or services
offered by dealer system 130, and may include warranties,
maintenance contracts, additional options or features, gap auto
insurance coverage, or any other value-added benefit for dealer
system 130. In some embodiments, financial service system 110 may
partner with dealer system 130 to offer the backend features to the
user via the financing website. In some embodiments, financial
service system 110 may build room into the loan approved for buyer
system 120 to accommodate certain backend features, and may provide
a guarantee of a certain amount of purchased features to dealer
system 130. Using the mobile link to the financing website provided
by financial service system 110, buyer system 120 may decide to add
one or more backend features to their loan (Step 740: YES), and may
utilize the mobile link to update the financing information and
recalculate specific parameters of the financing (Step 750). In
some embodiments, buyer system 120 may decline to add additional
backend features, and the loan may remain with the same parameters
as were set during the advanced approval process (Step 740: NO) and
proceed to Step 760.
[0073] Financial service system 110 may configure payment for the
purchase made by buyer system 120 (Step 760). In the processes
described previously, such as dealer sales agreement 500, the loan
may be processed and paid using conventional offline methods known
in the art. In Step 760, financial service system 110 may utilize
the configured features of the digital financing website to also
configure easy, direct payments--providing security and convenience
to both buyer system 120 and dealer system 130. In these
embodiments, financial service system 110 may receive a
notification via the financing website that buyer system 120 and
dealer system 130 agree to use the direct pay option. Financial
service system 110 may configure a payment to dealer system 130 in
the amount of the approved financing, and may concurrently
configure a payment account for buyer system 120. In some
embodiments, financial service system 110 may configure a new
account for buyer system 120, or if buyer system 120 already has a
financial service account with system 110, the car payment may be
linked to that existing account. In some embodiments, financial
service system 110 may additionally configure an automatic debit to
withdraw the loan payment at the end of each payment period from
one or more financial service accounts configured for buyer system
120.
[0074] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary user interface that may be
provided by the disclosed embodiments to facilitate submission of
buyer information. For example, as described above in association
with Step 220 of buyer qualification process 200, financial service
system 110 may configure a financing website to receive prospective
buyer information from buyer system 120. Aspects of the disclosed
embodiments include software processes that, when executed by
processors 111 and 121 generate and provide the content, questions,
solicitations, etc. included in the user interface provided to
buyer system 120 to upload, receive, and process the information.
Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may allow the customer to
upload the requested documents, such as government-issued
identification, proof of income via pay stubs or bank statements,
etc. in any suitable electronic format, including, for example,
JPEGs, GIFs, PDFs, spreadsheets, or text files. The user interface
of FIG. 8 is exemplary and not limiting to the aspects of the
disclosed embodiments. Other formats, types of content, queries,
mechanisms for uploading, etc. can be implemented to allow
financial service system 110 to receive and process buyer
information from buyer system 120.
[0075] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary user interface that may be
provided by the disclosed embodiments to facilitate submission of
specific item information. For example, as described above in
association with specific item approval process 300, financial
service system 110 may configure a financing website to receive
information from buyer system 120 relating to the specific item
desired to be purchased, such as specific automobile or type of
automobile. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include software
processes that, when executed by processors 111 and 121, generate
and provide the content, questions, solicitations, etc. included in
the user interface provided to buyer system 120 to receive, and
process the information. Queries presented to the customer may
include, but are not limited to, whether the vehicle is new or
used, the year, make, and model of the vehicle, and optional items
such as trim patterns, accessories, etc. Aspects of the disclosed
embodiments may allow buyer system 120 to select answers to the
various queries presented. In some embodiments, buyer system 120
may select desired answers from drop-down menus, as shown in FIG.
9. In other embodiments, the prospective buyer may be able to type
in answers to the queries using an interface (touchscreen,
keyboard, or other suitable input device) associated with buyer
system 120. The user interface of FIG. 9 is exemplary and not
limiting to the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Other
formats, types of content, queries, mechanisms for uploading, etc.
can be implemented to allow financial service system 110 to receive
and process specific desired item information from buyer system
120.
[0076] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary user interface that may be
provided by the disclosed embodiments to facilitate communication
of approval for a specific item. For example, as described above in
association with specific item approval process 300, financial
service system 110 may determine the extent to which an approved
buyer, such as the prospective buyer associated with buyer system
120, can apply their advance-approved loan to a specific
automobile. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include software
processes that, when executed by processors 111 and 121, generate
and provide the content, questions, solicitations, etc. included in
the user interface provided to buyer system 120 to generate,
present, receive, and process the information. In addition to
presenting information to buyer system 120, additional queries may
be presented to provide further customization and control of the
loan. Queries presented to the customer may include, but are not
limited to, the desired length of the loan, whether or not a
warranty will be purchased, whether additional features will be
added, etc. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may allow buyer
system 120 to select answers to the various queries presented. In
some embodiments, buyer system 120 may select desired answers from
drop-down menus, as shown in FIG. 10. In other embodiments, the
prospective buyer may be able to type in answers to the queries
using an interface (touchscreen, keyboard, or other suitable input
device) associated with buyer system 120. The user interface of
FIG. 10 is exemplary and not limiting to the aspects of the
disclosed embodiments. Other formats, types of content, queries,
mechanisms for uploading, etc, can be implemented to allow
financial service system 110 to transmit and receive information to
and from buyer system 120.
[0077] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary user interface that may be
provided by the disclosed embodiments to provide information about
participating dealers. For example, as described above in
association with dealer matching process 400, financial service
system 110 may determine participating dealer systems 130 that have
the specific desired item in their inventory. Financial service
system 110 may then communicate the matching dealer systems 130 to
buyer system 120. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include
software processes that, when executed by processors 111 and 121,
generate and provide the content included in the user interface
provided to buyer system 120. In addition to presenting textual
information in list form to buyer system 120, the user interface
may contain additional visual representations of dealer systems
130, such as a map. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include
software processes that, when executed by processors 111 and 121,
generate the information relating to map elements, and visually
display them to buyer system 120. The user interface of FIG. 11 is
exemplary and not limiting to the aspects of the disclosed
embodiments. Other formats, types of content, queries, mechanisms
for uploading, etc. can be implemented to allow financial service
system 110 to transmit information relating to dealer systems 130
to buyer system 120.
[0078] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary user interface that may be
provided by the disclosed embodiments to provide summary
information about the financing process. For example, as described
above in association with processes 300 and 400, financial service
system 110 may gather buyer information from buyer system 120,
receive and process further information about a specific car
desired, and match buyer system 120 with potential dealer systems
130. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include software
processes that, when executed by processors 111 and 121, generate
and provide the content included in the user interface provided to
buyer system 120. In addition to presenting textual information in
list form to buyer system 120, the user interface may contain
additional visual representations such as a map. Aspects of the
disclosed embodiments include software processes that, when
executed by processors 111 and 121, generate further potential
functionalities, such as setting an appointment with dealer system
130, coordinating a test drive, getting directions, and getting
copies of information relating to the approved financing.
Importantly, the user interface of FIG. 12 may also provide buyer
system 120 with a link to the summary information that can be
accessed and edited on mobile devices, such as smartphones,
tablets, or portable computer systems. In these embodiments, buyer
system 120 retains full control of the financing, and can make
changes to their loan terms while negotiating face-to-face with
dealer systems 130. The user interface of FIG. 12 is exemplary and
not limiting to the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Other
formats, types of content, queries, mechanisms for uploading, etc.
can be implemented to allow financial service system 110 to
transmit summary information to buyer system 120.
[0079] Other features and functionalities of the described
embodiments are possible. For example, the processes of FIGS. 2-7
are not limited to the sequences described above. Variations of
these sequences, such as the removal and/or the addition of other
process steps may be implemented without departing from the spirit
and scope of the disclosed embodiments.
[0080] Additionally, the disclosed embodiments may be applied to
different types of sales. Any financial service institution that
provides loan accounts to customers may employ systems, methods,
and articles of manufacture consistent with certain principles
related to the disclosed embodiments. In addition, any buyer or
seller of an item in a private transaction may also employ systems,
methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with certain
disclosed embodiments.
[0081] Furthermore, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments
are described as being associated with data stored in memory and
other tangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that these aspects can also be stored on
and executed from many types of tangible computer-readable media,
such as secondary storage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks,
or CD-ROM, or other forms of RAM or ROM. Accordingly, the disclosed
embodiments are not limited to the above described examples, but
are instead defined by the appended claims in light of their full
scope of equivalents.
* * * * *