U.S. patent application number 17/133299 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-13 for systems, methods, and devices for dynamic used vehicle marketing, dealer matching, and extended sale period transactions platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is WIPPY, INC.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey Henry Baer, Scott David Clark, Bradley James Wollmer.
Application Number | 20220012785 17/133299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005857016 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220012785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wollmer; Bradley James ; et
al. |
January 13, 2022 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DYNAMIC USED VEHICLE MARKETING,
DEALER MATCHING, AND EXTENDED SALE PERIOD TRANSACTIONS PLATFORM
Abstract
The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for
marketing and selling used vehicles during an extended sale period
and dynamically matching used vehicle dealers to used vehicle
transactions. A used vehicle marketing and sales platform allows
vehicles to be marketed and sold through a dynamic user interface
before its date of availability and/or before auction using a
dynamic price listing generation system. The used vehicle marketing
and sales platform also matches used vehicle dealers to complete
transactions through a dealer matching system in order to provide a
physical location for delivery of a used vehicle and to provide
fulfillment of the transaction.
Inventors: |
Wollmer; Bradley James;
(Chicago, IL) ; Clark; Scott David; (Chicago,
IL) ; Baer; Jeffrey Henry; (Westport, CT) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WIPPY, INC. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005857016 |
Appl. No.: |
17/133299 |
Filed: |
December 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16196482 |
Nov 20, 2018 |
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17133299 |
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16137104 |
Sep 20, 2018 |
10438256 |
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16196482 |
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15979094 |
May 14, 2018 |
10127591 |
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16137104 |
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62506071 |
May 15, 2017 |
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62561041 |
Sep 20, 2017 |
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62561074 |
Sep 20, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/08 20130101;
G06Q 30/0603 20130101; G06Q 30/0609 20130101; G06F 16/9535
20190101; G06Q 40/025 20130101; G06Q 30/0619 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/06 20060101
G06Q030/06; G06Q 30/08 20060101 G06Q030/08; G06Q 40/02 20060101
G06Q040/02; G06F 16/9535 20060101 G06F016/9535 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A system for facilitating a sale of a used vehicle to a
prospective purchaser, the system comprising: a dynamic user
interface configured to display updated market and transaction
information; one or more computer readable storage devices
configured to store a plurality of computer executable
instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in
communication with the one or more computer readable storage
devices and configured to execute the plurality of computer
executable instructions in order to cause the system to: receive,
from the prospective purchaser, search parameters for a target
vehicle; access, by performing a search engine query across one or
more third-party consignor vehicle inventory databases based on the
received search parameters, a plurality of used vehicle data
entries; identify, using the search parameters inputted by the
prospective purchaser, among the plurality of used vehicle data
entries one or more equivalent used vehicles corresponding to the
target vehicle; determine dynamically a listing price for each of
the one or more equivalent used vehicles; assign, using one or more
used vehicle ranking techniques, a relative ranking of each of the
one or more equivalent used vehicles; generate, based on the
relative ranking, a first subset of the one or more equivalent used
vehicles; display, to the prospective purchaser through the dynamic
user interface, the first subset of the one or more equivalent used
vehicles; receive, from the prospective purchaser through a
feedback mechanism, a purchaser assessment of one or more of the
equivalent used vehicles from the first subset; generate, based on
the relative ranking and the purchaser assessment of each of the
equivalent used vehicles from the first subset, a second subset of
the one or more equivalent used vehicles; display, to the
prospective purchaser through the dynamic user interface, the
second subset of the one or more equivalent used vehicles; receive,
from the prospective purchaser, a manifestation of intent to
purchase a designated used vehicle from the second subset; prompt
the prospective purchaser, through the dynamic user interface, to
select transaction terms from a plurality of available purchase
selections generated by third-party services; identify, based on
the determined listing price and the selected transaction terms,
one or more compatible dealers, wherein identifying one or more
compatible dealers comprises generating a dealer match score for
each of a plurality of dealers, wherein the dealer match score
comprises a measure of dealer compatibility with the selected
transaction, wherein the dealer match score is calculated by
processing the determined listing price and the selected
transaction terms and performing a comparative analysis between the
determined listing price and the selected transaction terms and a
desired transaction criteria for each of the plurality of dealers;
prompt the user to select a dealer from the one or more compatible
dealers; and schedule delivery of the designated used vehicle to
the selected dealer.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein displaying the first subset or
the second subset through the dynamic user interface comprises:
presenting each of the one or more similar used vehicles alongside
the corresponding determined listing price; obtaining, from one or
more used vehicle marketplace databases, one or more alternative
used car listings for each of the one or more similar used vehicles
from the first subset or the second subset; presenting, adjacent to
the one or more similar used vehicles and the corresponding
determined listing price, the one or more alternative used car
listings.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the used vehicle is a car.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the used vehicle is one of the
following: car, boat, truck, aircraft, motorcycle, bicycle, bus,
camper, personal water craft, limousine, locomotive, moped,
scooter, rickshaw, sleigh, tank, tractor, and van.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the search parameters comprise
one or more of: vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color,
interior color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, vehicle condition, and
user rating.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the vehicle ranking techniques
comprise at least: obtaining, from the plurality of used vehicle
data entries, a consignor price for each of the one or more similar
used vehicles; obtaining, from a plurality of used car pricing
databases, an estimated market price for each of the one or more
similar used vehicles; generating, based on a comparison of the
consignor price with the estimated market price, a value rating for
each of the one or more similar used vehicles.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the vehicle ranking techniques
further comprise: calculating an estimated transport cost for each
of the one or more similar used vehicles based on a comparison of a
current location of each of the one or more similar used vehicles
and a user location; and adding the estimated transport cost to the
consignor price.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein the feedback mechanism comprises
a binary decision tool, the binary decision tool displayed to the
prospective purchaser for activation.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the purchaser assessment
comprises a positive signal or a negative signal, triggered by
activation of the binary decision tool.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of available
purchase selections comprise supplementary features that can be
added to the designated used vehicle.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the supplementary features
comprise one or more of the following: financing, extended service
plans, extended warranties, tires, safety features, headlights,
windshield wipers, headlight washers, headlight wipers, heated
seats, heated side mirrors, heated steering wheel, remote start,
windshield wiper deicers, winter tires, power seats,
forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, backup
cameras, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, Apple
CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, 360-degree
surround-view camera systems, heads-up displays, USB ports, voice
control systems, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic
high beams, spare tires, keyless entry, gesture/character
recognition, DVD players, built-in navigation, Wi-Fi system,
lane-keeping assistance system, hydrophobic windows, built-in
vacuums, zero-gravity seats, massage seats, traffic light
information systems, push button shifting, sunroof, night vision
and radar detection systems, automatic parking systems, crash
detection sensors, autopilot features, autonomous vehicle systems,
adjustable seats, HVAC, cruise control, four-wheel drive, tow
hitches, automatic transmission, leather seats, and other computer
applications or car improvements.
13. The system of claim 2, wherein connecting the designated used
vehicle transaction with one or more dealers comprises dynamically
determining whether the selected transaction terms are compatible
with dealer-selected transaction parameters.
14. The system of claim 2, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to dynamically display a first exchange listing
for a first used vehicle, the first exchange listing being
displayed in one of a plurality of locations in a first purchase
selection region.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to dynamically display one or more first
alternative listings for the first used vehicle, the one or more
first alternative listings being displayed in another one of the
plurality of locations in the first purchase selection region.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to display a feedback mechanism configured to
allow a user to indicate positive or negative feedback on the
quality of the first exchange listing.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to, in response to an indication of negative
feedback, remove from the display the first exchange listing and
the one or more first alternative listings and dynamically display
a second exchange listing for a second vehicle and one or more
second alternative listings for the second vehicle, the second
exchange listing being displayed in one of a plurality of locations
in a second purchase selection region and the one or more second
alternative listings being displayed in another one of the
plurality of locations in the second purchase selection region.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to, in response to an indication of positive
feedback, generate one or more additional exchange listings and
alternative listings with similar listing characteristics to the
first exchange listing.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the one or more first
alternative listings and one or more second alternative listings
are obtained from one or more third-party used vehicle marketplace
databases.
20. The system of claim 14, wherein the dynamic user interface is
further configured to dynamically display a consumer expertise
signal configured to illustrate a user's level of knowledge based
on the number of user activations of the feedback mechanism.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the consumer expertise signal
is updated upon each activation of the feedback mechanism.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/196,482, filed Nov. 20, 2018, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/137,104, filed
Sep. 20, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,438,256 on Oct. 8,
2019, titled "SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DYNAMIC USED
VEHICLE MARKETING, DEALER MATCHING, AND EXTENDED SALE PERIOD
TRANSACTIONS PLATFORM," which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/979,094, filed May 14, 2018 and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 10,127,591 on Nov. 13, 2018, titled "SYSTEMS,
METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR DYNAMIC USED VEHICLE MARKETING, DEALER
MATCHING, AND EXTENDED SALE PERIOD TRANSACTIONS PLATFORM," which
claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(c) to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/506,071, filed May 15, 2017, titled
"SYSTEM FOR MARKETING USED VEHICLES," U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/561,041, filed Sep. 20, 2017, titled "SYSTEM FOR
POTENTIAL BUYERS OF USED VEHICLES TO AUTOMATICALLY SEARCH THE
WHOLESALE MARKET INVENTORY OF PARTICIPATING COUNTER PARTIES AND
AUTOMATICALLY CREATE A VIRTUAL GARAGE FOR THEIR REVIEW TO
PURCHASE," and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/561,074 filed Sep. 20, 2017, titled "SYSTEM TO MATCH A RETAIL
USED VEHICLE BUYER TO AVAILABLE WHOLESALE INVENTORY THAT IS THEN
ASSIGNED TO A PARTICIPATING DEALER FOR FULFILLMENT COMPLETION," the
entirety of each of the foregoing applications is hereby
incorporated herein by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to used
vehicle marketing and transactions, and more particularly to
systems, devices, and methods for marketing and selling used
vehicles during an extended sale period and dynamically matching
used vehicle dealers to used vehicle transactions.
Description
[0003] The current used vehicle marketing and sales systems involve
disparate and unified actors and data sources such that the systems
require superfluous computer system resources, costs, and time to
implement. Thus, a more efficient system for marketing and selling
used vehicles is necessary.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments described herein relate to systems,
methods, and devices for marketing and selling used vehicles during
an extended sale period and dynamically matching used vehicle
dealers to used vehicle transactions.
[0005] For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages,
and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to
be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
[0006] In some embodiment, an algorithmic-based system for
electronic transmission of a dynamically generated notification
configured to connect a used vehicle transaction with dealers
during a vehicle extended sale period, the algorithmic-based system
comprises one or more dealer databases configured to store a
plurality of dealer profiles, the plurality of dealer profiles
comprising desired transaction criteria for each of a plurality of
dealers; a dynamic dealer match engine configured to generate
dealer match scores to localize, from one or more dealer databases,
one or more dealers for participation in a used vehicle
transaction; one or more computer readable storage devices
configured to store a plurality of computer executable
instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in
communication with the one or more computer readable storage
devices and configured to execute the plurality of computer
executable instructions in order to cause the algorithmic-based
system to: generate a dealer match score for each of the plurality
of dealers, wherein the dealer match score comprises a measure of
dealer compatibility with a transaction, wherein the dealer match
score is calculated by processing a plurality of transaction
elements and performing a comparative analysis between the
plurality of transaction elements and the desired transaction
criteria for each of the plurality of dealers, wherein the
comparative analysis comprises one or more of: accessing the
transaction criteria from the one or more dealer databases;
analyzing, based on a used vehicle transaction price, whether the
used vehicle transaction will produce a dealer qualifying margin,
wherein the dealer qualifying margin comprises a minimum sales
margin amount that a dealer will require to participate in the used
vehicle transaction; accessing, from one or more historical
financing databases, historical purchase financing data to
determine the probability that the used vehicle transaction will
require financing by the one or more dealers; dynamically
determining the acceptable level of financing required by the one
or more dealers; processing a subsidiary used vehicle trade-in
transaction, the processing comprising dynamically determining
whether the subsidiary used vehicle trade-in transaction will alter
the used vehicle transaction price; assessing, from the plurality
of transaction elements, the probability that an extended service
plan will be included in the transaction; determining if the
probability that an extended service plan will be included in the
used vehicle transaction meets a minimum service plan probability
threshold required by the one or more dealers; evaluating whether a
subject vehicle of the used vehicle transaction constitutes an
acceptable type prerequisite for the one or more dealers; filter
the plurality of dealers based on the generated dealer match score
for each of the plurality of dealers to identify a first set of
dealers having a generated dealer match score above a predetermined
threshold level; transmit electronically a dynamically generated
computer notification to the first set of dealers, the dynamically
generated computer notification configured to activate a remote
subscriber computer and to enable connection via a URL over a
computer network connection to a data source comprising data about
the used vehicle transaction; and receive, over the computer
network connection, an electronic confirmation from a first dealer
in the first set of dealers, wherein the electronic confirmation
activates access to data for completing the used vehicle
transaction, wherein the data is accessible only by the first
dealer to activate the electronic confirmation through the computer
network connection.
[0007] In some embodiment, a system for facilitating a sale of a
used vehicle to a prospective purchaser before the vehicle becomes
available, the system comprises one or more price databases
configured to store historical and/or current market pricing data
corresponding to a plurality of completed and/or current used
vehicle listings; one or more vehicle profile databases configured
to store a plurality of vehicle profiles corresponding to a
plurality of vehicles that will become available upon arrival of an
availability date, wherein the availability date is temporally
remote from a present date; one or more purchaser profile databases
configured to store a plurality of purchaser profile data, the
purchaser profile data comprising one or more of financial, desired
vehicle identification, and contact information corresponding to a
plurality of prospective purchasers; a vehicle listing price engine
configured to dynamically determine a plurality of unique listing
prices, each unique listing price of the plurality of listing
prices corresponding to each of the plurality of prospective
purchasers for each of the plurality of vehicles; a dynamic user
interface configured to display updated market and pricing
information; one or more computer readable storage devices
configured to store a plurality of computer executable
instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in
communication with the one or more computer readable storage
devices and configured to execute the plurality of computer
executable instructions in order to cause the system to: determine
a minimum listing price for a target used vehicle based on a
consignor sale price, wherein the consignor sale price is obtained
from one or more consignor used vehicle databases; determine
dynamically a market price for the target used vehicle, wherein
determining the market price comprises analyzing the completed
transaction data for one or more of the plurality of completed used
vehicle transactions for vehicles having analogous characteristics
to the target used vehicle; calculate dynamically, by the vehicle
listing price engine, a unique listing price for a prospective
purchaser, wherein the calculation comprises: analyzing purchaser
profile data to determine lower and upper threshold pricing levels
for the prospective purchaser; comparing the present date with the
availability date; based on the comparison of the present date with
the availability date, setting the unique listing price above the
minimum listing price and below the market price; and wherein the
difference between the unique listing price and the minimum listing
price is lower when the present date is relatively temporally
remote from the availability date, and the difference between the
unique listing price and the minimum listing price is raised
incrementally as the current date approaches the availability date;
and transmit electronically, a dynamically generated computer
notification, the dynamically generated computer notification
displayed through the dynamic user interface, to the prospective
purchaser, wherein the dynamically generated computer notification
is configured to activate a remote subscriber computer and to
enable connection via a URL over a computer network connection to a
data source comprising data about the unique listing price; and
receive, over the computer network connection, an electronic
confirmation from the prospective purchaser, wherein the electronic
confirmation activates access to data for purchasing the target
used vehicle, wherein the data is accessible only by the
prospective purchaser.
[0008] In some embodiment, a system for facilitating a sale of a
used vehicle to a prospective purchaser, the system comprises a
dynamic user interface configured to display updated market and
transaction information; one or more computer readable storage
devices configured to store a plurality of computer executable
instructions; and one or more hardware computer processors in
communication with the one or more computer readable storage
devices and configured to execute the plurality of computer
executable instructions in order to cause the system to: receive,
from the prospective purchaser, search parameters for a target
vehicle; access, by performing a search engine query across one or
more consignor vehicle inventory databases based on the received
search parameters, a plurality of used vehicle data entries;
identify, using the search parameters inputted by the prospective
purchaser, among the plurality of used vehicle data entries one or
more similar used vehicles corresponding to the target vehicle;
determine dynamically a listing price for each of the one or more
similar used vehicles; assign, using one or more used vehicle
ranking techniques, a relative ranking of each of the one or more
similar used vehicles; generate, based on the relative ranking, a
first subset of the one or more similar used vehicles; display, to
the prospective purchaser through the dynamic user interface, the
first subset of the one or more similar used vehicles; receive,
from the prospective purchaser through a feedback mechanism, a
purchaser assessment of one or more of the similar used vehicles
from the first subset; generate, based on the relative ranking and
the purchaser assessment of each of the similar used vehicles from
the first subset, a second subset of the one or more similar used
vehicles; display, to the prospective purchaser through the dynamic
user interface, the second subset of the one or more similar used
vehicles; receive, from the prospective purchaser, a manifestation
of intent to purchase a designated used vehicle from the second
subset; prompt the prospective purchaser, through the dynamic user
interface, to select transaction terms from a plurality of
available purchase selections generated by the system and/or
third-party services; identify, based on the determined listing
price and the selected transaction terms, one or more compatible
dealers; prompt the user to select a dealer from the one or more
compatible dealers; and schedule delivery of the designated used
vehicle to the selected dealer.
[0009] In some embodiment, the displaying of the first subset or
the second subset through the dynamic user interface comprises:
presenting each of the one or more similar used vehicles alongside
the corresponding determined listing price; obtaining, from one or
more used vehicle marketplace databases, one or more alternative
used car listings for each of the one or more similar used vehicles
from the first subset or the second subset; presenting, adjacent to
the one or more similar used vehicles and the corresponding
determined listing price, the one or more alternative used car
listings.
[0010] In some embodiment, the used vehicle is a car.
[0011] In some embodiment, the used vehicle is one of the
following: car, boat, truck, aircraft, motorcycle, bicycle, bus,
camper, personal water craft, limousine, locomotive, moped,
scooter, rickshaw, sleigh, tank, tractor, and van.
[0012] In some embodiment, the search parameters comprise one or
more of: vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color, interior
color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, condition, and user
rating.
[0013] In some embodiment, the vehicle ranking techniques comprise
at least: obtaining, from the plurality of used vehicle data
entries, a consignor price for each of the one or more similar used
vehicles; obtaining, from a plurality of used car pricing
databases, an estimated market price for each of the one or more
similar used vehicles; generating, based on a comparison of the
consignor price with the estimated market price, a value rating for
each of the one or more similar used vehicles.
[0014] In some embodiment, the vehicle ranking techniques further
comprise: calculating an estimated transport cost for each of the
one or more similar used vehicles based on a comparison of a
current location of each of the one or more similar used vehicles
and a user location; and adding the estimated transport cost to the
consignor price.
[0015] In some embodiment, the feedback mechanism comprises a
binary decision tool, the binary decision tool displayed to the
prospective purchaser for activation.
[0016] In some embodiment, the purchaser assessment comprises a
positive signal or a negative signal, triggered by activation of
the binary decision tool.
[0017] In some embodiment, the plurality of available purchase
selections comprise supplementary features that can be added to the
designated used vehicle.
[0018] In some embodiment, the supplementary features comprise one
or more of the following: extended service plans, extended
warranties, tires, safety features, headlights, windshield wipers,
headlight washers, headlight wipers, heated seats, heated side
mirrors, heated steering wheel, remote start, windshield wiper
deicers, winter tires, power seats, forward-collision warning,
automatic emergency braking, backup cameras, rear cross-traffic
alerts, blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto,
Bluetooth connectivity, 360-degree surround-view camera systems,
heads-up displays, USB ports, voice control systems, dual-zone
automatic climate control, automatic high beams, spare tires,
keyless entry, gesture/character recognition, DVD players, built-in
navigation, Wi-Fi system, lane-keeping assistance system,
hydrophobic windows, built-in vacuums, zero-gravity seats, massage
seats, traffic light information systems, push button shifting,
sunroof, night vision and radar detection systems, automatic
parking systems, crash detection sensors, autopilot features,
autonomous vehicle systems, adjustable seats, HVAC, cruise control,
four-wheel drive, tow hitches, automatic transmission, leather
seats, and other computer applications or car improvements.
[0019] In some embodiment, the connecting the designated used
vehicle transaction with one or more dealers comprises dynamically
determining whether the selected transaction terms are compatible
with dealer-selected transaction parameters.
[0020] In some embodiment, a method for displaying market
information relating to and facilitating the sale of used vehicles,
each of the used vehicles having an exchange listing and one or
more alternative listings, the method comprises dynamically
displaying a first exchange listing for a first used vehicle, the
first exchange listing being displayed in one of a plurality of
locations in a first purchase selection region; dynamically
displaying one or more first alternative listings for the first
used vehicle, the one or more first alternative listings being
displayed in another one of the plurality of locations in the first
purchase selection region; displaying a feedback mechanism
configured to allow a user to indicate positive or negative
feedback on the quality of the first exchange listing; in response
to an indication of negative feedback, removing from the display
the first exchange listing and the one or more first alternative
listings and dynamically displaying a second exchange listing for a
second vehicle and one or more second alternative listings for the
second vehicle, the second exchange listing being displayed in one
of a plurality of locations in a second purchase selection region
and the one or more second alternative listings being displayed in
another one of the plurality of locations in the second purchase
selection region; and in response to an indication of positive
feedback, generating one or more additional exchange listings and
alternative listings with similar listing characteristics to the
first exchange listing; wherein the one or more first alternative
listings and one or more second alternative listings are obtained
from one or more third-party used vehicle marketplace
databases.
[0021] In some embodiment, the system comprises dynamically
displaying a consumer expertise signal configured to illustrate a
user's level of knowledge based on the number of user activations
of the feedback mechanism, wherein the consumer expertise signal is
updated upon each activation of the feedback mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of
the inventions are described in detail below with reference to the
drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate
and not to limit the inventions. The drawings comprise the
following figures in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating example embodiments of
used vehicle sales models;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example
embodiment of a timeline for a used vehicle auction
transaction;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a dealer matching system for marketing and selling consignor
vehicles to buyers and matching dealers to individual sales;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a used vehicle marketing and selling process of the dynamically
updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed
herein;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle marketing and selling process of the
dynamically updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform
disclosed herein;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating example embodiments of
the ownership flow used in the systems, methods, and devices
disclosed herein;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a dealer matching system of the dynamically updated used vehicle
marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a dealer matching system of the dynamically updated
used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a dealer matching system of the dynamically updated
used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a dealer matching system of the dynamically updated
used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for a used vehicle search of the dynamically updated used
vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for a used vehicle search history of the dynamically
updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed
herein;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a used vehicle ranking system for use in the systems, methods, and
devices disclosed herein;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle ranking system of the systems,
methods, and devices disclosed herein;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle marketing and selling process of the
dynamically updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform
disclosed herein;
[0038] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a feedback system of the dynamically updated used vehicle marketing
and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0039] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a dynamic vehicle listing price system of the dynamically updated
used vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0040] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating example embodiments of
consumer expertise indicators for the dynamically updated used
vehicle marketing and sales platform disclosed herein;
[0041] FIG. 19 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for transaction terms and dealer selection of the
dynamically updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform
disclosed herein;
[0042] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example
embodiment of a computer system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the used vehicle marketing
and selling systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein;
[0043] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example
embodiment of a computer system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the dealer matching
systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein; and
[0044] FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an example
embodiment of a computer system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the dynamic vehicle listing
price determination systems, methods, and devices disclosed
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] The systems, methods, and devices described herein involve a
used vehicle marketing and sales platform that may comprise a
dynamically generated user interface that enables graphical display
of used vehicle pricing data as a function of time in a period
leading up to the termination of a "Pre-Gray" period and into a
"Gray" Period. The platform may be enabled to interface with a
plurality of disparate databases which store data having a
plurality of incongruent data structures. The platform may be
configured to interface with these data structures and conduct a
normalization process to transform the data into a single, unified
data structure. The normalized data can be presented to users
through the dynamically generated user interface, which may be
configured to automatically update its display based on newly
acquired data and/or user interaction with the platform.
[0046] The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may also
comprise systems for calculating and generating a transaction more
efficiently through generation of interfaces for display of
normalized data. These various interfaces may be distinctive to
each user of a plurality of users, the distinctiveness generated
based on, for example, user information or search data gathered by
the platform. The various interfaces may form an aggregate dynamic
user interface for sharing dynamic pricing data during a "Pre-Gray"
period and a "Gray" period.
[0047] The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may also
comprise systems for generating dynamic coordination of
transactions with used vehicle dealership systems. The platform may
be configured to access and evaluate a plurality of dealership
databases to dynamically match completed transactions with
compatible dealerships.
[0048] The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may also be
configured to transmit electronically dynamically generated
computer notifications, wherein the dynamically generated computer
notifications can be displayed through the dynamic user interface
to a user or other party, wherein the dynamically generated
computer notification may be configured to activate a remote
subscriber computer and to enable connection via a URL over a
computer network connection to a data source comprising data
directed to, for example, a unique listing price, a vehicle
transaction, a corresponding used vehicle dealership, or other
relevant data. The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may be
further configured receive, over the computer network connection,
an electronic confirmation from the user or other party, wherein
the electronic confirmation activates access to data that
facilitates a used vehicle transaction, wherein the data is
accessible only by the user or other party that sends the
confirmation.
[0049] The systems, methods, and devices described herein may
improve computer system functionality in used vehicle marketing and
sales systems by reducing wasted user system resources through
elimination of the need to independently access a plurality of
distinct third-party databases. The platform can be configured to
access and interface with disparate data sources having incongruent
communications and network protocols. The platform can be
configured to obtain and normalize data to be displayed in a
standard format to users, the data displayed through a dynamically
generated user interface that is unique to each user. The systems,
methods, and devices disclosed herein reduce processing power and
network resources by providing a central platform for used vehicle
transactions.
[0050] Used vehicles purchased via dealership can be sold using one
of the used vehicle sales models 100 shown in FIG. 1.
[0051] In both the Legacy and Online Dealership models, used
vehicles are sourced from vehicle suppliers, for example,
consignors 102, 112, who are generally large firms that purchase
vehicles new, use them in their course of business (such as
leasing, vehicle rental or management fleet vehicles, or the like),
and then such vehicle suppliers typically sell the car used when
the vehicle is no longer needed. In some embodiments, these
vehicles can be sent to a used vehicle auction or wholesale channel
104, 114 where the vehicles can be sold to the highest bidder. In
some embodiments, these vehicles may also be sold to dealers or
other parties directly or through some other transaction either by
online or offline systems, but the majority of vehicles proceed
through the Legacy model. In the Legacy model, the highest bidder
may be a physical dealership 106 that takes the vehicle to the
dealership for sale to a retail buyer 108. In the Online Dealership
model, the highest bidder may be an Online Dealership 116, which
can store the vehicle in a physical lot until an online buyer 118
purchases the car through the online dealership's website.
[0052] Both the Legacy and Online Dealership models have severe
limitations. Between the vehicle source (for example, consignor)
and the buyer, there can exist a number of inefficiencies, time
delays, and/or costs that can ultimately get passed on to the
buyer. For example, one or more vehicle inspections, one or more
transportations to auction, one or more transportations to vehicle
dealers, one or more storage facilities, one or more photography
sessions, one or more auction fees, one or more re-conditioning
events, one or more advertisements, one or more commissions, and
one or more property costs, all of which increase the final retail
cost of a vehicle sold through methods illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0053] Furthermore, the Legacy and Online Dealership used vehicle
sales models can be unnecessarily time-consuming. In some
embodiments, a typical transaction timeline 200 is illustrated in
FIG. 2. The timeline 200 begins in the "Pre-Gray" or
pre-availability period 202. The pre-availability period represents
a period of consignor ownership before the vehicle is available to
be sold, generally through auction. Often, a consignor will know
the exact date on which each of its vehicles will become available.
In some embodiments, however, a consignor may be uncertain about
when or if a certain vehicle will become available. For instance,
if a certain vehicle is being leased and the lessee has an option
to extend the lease or purchase the vehicle, the consignor may not
know if and when the vehicle will be available until the option
expires. The exact date of vehicle availability can also be delayed
for other reasons such as but not limited to lessee's failure or
delay to return the vehicle, failure or delay of the dealership in
entering the vehicle into the system, and the like. Putting aside
such delays, consignors, even if they are certain of an
availability date 208, do not have a mechanism for marketing,
selling, and/or removing vehicles from their balance sheets during
the Pre-Gray or pre-availability period 202. Instead, vehicles may
only undergo a pre-inspection process 206 during the Pre-Gray or
pre-availability period 202 in preparation for a later sale at
auction.
[0054] In some embodiments, after the pre-availability period 202,
there exists a "Gray" period 204, in which a vehicle may undergo a
series of processes, comprising an option period 210, a pre-auction
period 212, an auction process 214, and a payment period 216. Each
of these processes, and possibly additional processes, increases
the time during which the vehicle is not available to retail
buyers. For example, in the timeline 200 of FIG. 2, the total
unavailability time is around 40-50 days after the availability
date 208. In some embodiments, the unavailability time is can be
about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or
more days. This unavailability time represents time in which the
vehicle is unused and remains a financial burden for the consignor
and/or other suppliers because for example consignors can be paying
interest payments on the assets, or capital is tied up in such
assets and cannot be deployed for other purchases, or the like.
Even after the Gray period, the vehicle still must be transported
to a physical dealership or physical lot, where it will consume
valuable lot space and dealership resources, all of which can cost
the consignor and/or the dealer additional costs. Another undefined
period of time will pass until the used vehicle is finally sold to
a buyer.
[0055] Finally, the current models typically require substantial
up-front and ongoing dealership capital investment in order to
acquire inventory from auction and hold and market that inventory
until final sale to buyers.
[0056] Consequently, the used vehicle sales mechanisms of FIG. 1
are deficient. More time, cost, and capital efficient systems,
methods, and devices for marketing and selling used vehicles
before, during, and after the Gray period is necessary. The
systems, methods, and devices described herein can provide a
dynamically updated used vehicle marketing and sales platform that
extends the used vehicle sale period to a date before the date of
availability until the date the vehicle is sold at auction, and in
some embodiments, after the auction date. In doing so, the used
vehicle marketing and sales platform may reduce the various costs
associated with the used vehicle sales models of FIG. 1, thereby
increasing profits for consignors and/or dealers, and/or
accumulating savings for buyers. Furthermore, in some embodiments,
the used vehicle marketing and sales platform directly connects
buyers with consignor inventory, eliminating intervening parties
and/or processes to reduce the amount of time that vehicles are
delayed from reaching consumers.
[0057] In some embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform is configured to generate a chained consignment agreement,
wherein a consignor provides vehicle inventory data to the platform
and the platform markets and sells the vehicles to buyers through a
dynamic user interface during an extended sale period including the
Pre-Gray period, the Gray period, and/or a post-Gray period. In
some embodiments, the platform is further configured to match a
vehicle sale or transaction with a used vehicle dealer. In some
embodiments, the dealer can serve as a fulfillment agent for the
vehicle transaction.
[0058] Various embodiments of systems, methods, and devices for
marketing and selling used vehicles during an extended sale period
and dynamically matching used vehicle dealers to used vehicle
transactions are disclosed herein. In contrast to the methods for
marketing and selling used vehicles shown in FIG. 1, used vehicle
marketing and sales platform described herein facilitates used
vehicle transactions during the Pre-Gray period and/or Gray period.
The Pre-Gray period is the period before the date a vehicle becomes
available from a consignor or other supplier, for example, before
the vehicle lease ends or before a rental car agency retires the
vehicle. The Gray period is the period starting at the date of
availability and ending when the vehicle is sold through auction.
In other words, the systems, methods, and devices described herein
enable the marketing and selling of used vehicles directly to
buyers before the date of availability and/or between the date of
availability and sale at auction. The methods of marketing and
selling used vehicles in FIG. 1 generally only provide retail
buyers access to vehicles at physical or online dealerships after
they have been sold through auction.
[0059] The systems, methods, and devices described herein have
various advantages over the methods of FIG. 1, including, for
example, reduced sale time, reduced costs for consignors, vehicle
dealers, and buyers, reduced capital requirements, increased buyer
access to vehicle inventory before auction, increased buyer
convenience, and/or streamlining of the transaction process. The
used vehicle marketing and sales platform can expose buyers to
consignor inventory before the vehicles become available and/or
before they have been sold to a physical or online dealership
through auction. In addition to generating buyer demand for
consignor inventory through a dynamic user interface, the systems,
methods, and devices described herein restructure the entire used
vehicle transaction process, from vehicle selection to final
delivery.
[0060] In some embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform allows vehicles to be marketed and sold through a dynamic
user interface before its date of availability and/or before
auction using a dynamic price listing generation system. The
dynamic price listing generation system can generate unique listing
prices of used vehicles for individual buyers based on, for
example, data concerning the individual buyers, comparison of the
present date with a future availability date and/or auction date,
buyer location data, vehicle location data, unique attributes
specific to the vehicle (for example, mileage, condition, prior
accidents, prior number of owners), vehicle demand data, similar
vehicle availability in the market, consignor data (for example,
consignor motivation to remove assets from inventory and/or balance
sheet, number of future vehicles to become available, consignor
incentives, consignor costs, consignor desired vehicle sale price,
and the like) historical pricing data, historical sales data,
historical dealer data, historical auction data, and/or market
pricing data. In some embodiments, in order to incentivize buyers
to purchase vehicles, the system can generate and display initial
listing prices alongside future incremental increases in the unique
listing price as the present date approaches the availability or
auction date. In some embodiments, the platform can be configured
to display savings in, for example, amount or percentage, to an end
buyer over a dynamically determined market price for the vehicle.
In some embodiments, the system may be configured to display
alternative listings of similar vehicles from, for example, third
party websites. In some embodiments, the alternative listings may
include a price for the similar vehicles that is higher than the
vehicle listed on the platform. In some embodiments, the platform
can be configured to display savings on a vehicle in, for example,
amount or percentage, to an end buyer over an alternative listing
for a similar vehicle.
[0061] In some embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform comprises a deal creation system that can be configured to
control the pricing and/or terms generated and displayed to buyers
and/or facilitates the consummation of a used vehicle transaction.
In some embodiments, the deal creation system supports dynamic
generation of unique listing prices for used vehicles. In some
embodiments, the deal creation system also enables calculation and
display, through a dynamic user interface, of dynamic incremental
price increases for used vehicles. In some embodiments, the deal
creation system can also generate distinct transaction terms and/or
source distinct transaction terms from third-party providers.
[0062] In some embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform comprises a dealer matching system that can be configured
to match used vehicle dealers to a complete transaction in order to
provide a physical location for delivery of the used vehicle and/or
in order to serve as a fulfillment agent for the transaction. In
some embodiments, the dealer matching system can dynamically
generate a dealer match score that provides a measure of dealer
compatibility with a transaction based on the complete transaction
terms and/or dealer-specified requirements. In some embodiments, a
real-time dynamic calculation analysis between the complete
transaction terms and dealer-specified requirements is performed to
determine the availability of used vehicle dealers to effectuate
the deal. In some embodiments, the dealer matching system can
provide buyers, through a dynamic user interface, the option to
select a dealer from a list of matched used vehicle dealers that
can complete the transaction. In some embodiments, dealers may
compete and/or participate in a bidding system within the platform
in order to be matched to the transaction by the dealer matching
system or selected by the buyer. In some embodiments, dealers may
lower their bid by, for example, decreasing a threshold required
margin and/or transaction fee and/or commission and/or other fees
or costs to be gained from a vehicle transaction. In some
embodiments, the dealer matching system can dynamically and/or in
real-time and/or automatically select a dealer having the highest
dealer match score or otherwise having a high compatibility with
the transaction to execute the deal. In some embodiments, the level
of compatibility may be measured by several factors including, for
example, vehicle price, sales margin, dealer costs, dealer
commissions, historical ratings of dealer based on prior
transactions and/or other user ratings, dealer fees, dealer
location, dealer availability, customer location, quality of the
dealer, historical timing of the transaction, trade-in existence,
trade-in value, vehicle type, extended service plan existence,
extended service plan terms, warranty existence, warranty terms,
financing terms, upsell or supplementary items or features,
add-ons, taxes, and other terms.
[0063] In some embodiments, the platform is connected to various
third-party data and service providers that deliver, for example,
auction data, user information, vehicle information, accident
reports, ownership reports, vehicle photography, inspection,
market, trade-in, financing, location, and historical transaction
data and supply transaction terms such as financing terms, extended
service plans, extended warranties, and add-on features,
merchandise, and goods. In some embodiments, the platform connects
to third-party data and service providers through one or more
application programming interfaces (APIs). In some embodiments, the
platform is configured to perform pre-processing and
standardization of the acquired data from third-party databases. In
some embodiments, the platform is configured to implement and/or
utilize HTTP cookies or other digital fingerprint capabilities in
order to collect geolocation data and other user data.
[0064] In some embodiments, the system offers add-on vehicle
features, merchandise, and/or goods that can be added to the
transaction. In some embodiments, the system is configured to
recommend certain add-on features, merchandise, services, products,
and/or goods based on, for example, historical purchasing
information, third-party data acquired by the system, paid
advertisements, and/or user preferences.
[0065] In some embodiments, the owner of the used vehicle marketing
and sales platform may acquire possession and/or ownership of a
used vehicle during the course of a transaction and/or during the
various periods described herein. In other embodiments, the owner
of the used vehicle marketing and sales platform may never take
physical possession and/or ownership of a vehicle during the
various periods described herein and/or during the transaction,
wherein the vehicle is marketed or sold through the dynamic user
interface. In some embodiments, a vehicle dealer may not take
possession and/or ownership of a vehicle that is marketed or sold
through the dynamic user interface until the transaction terms are
selected and a dealer is matched to the transaction. An advantage
of this configuration is that neither the owner of the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform nor the dealership requires
significant ongoing capital investments to participate in a used
vehicle transaction and/or share in its profits. Another advantage
is that vehicles do not need to be removed from the auction process
to be marketed on the platform; in other words, a vehicle can
simultaneously move through the auction process while also
proceeding through the process set forth by the systems disclosed
herein. In some embodiments, the vehicle may continue to proceed
through the various steps of the auction process until it is sold
through the platform and removed from the process or it is sold
through auction and removed from the platform. In some embodiments,
the used vehicle marketing and sales platform can be used as a
concurrent listing site to an auction listing, and the owner of the
platform may take no exclusive possession or ownership of consignor
vehicles. In some embodiments, a vehicle can be put through the
processes set forth by the systems herein prior to the vehicle
entering the auction process and/or other processes for selling a
vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and
sales platform may shorten the Gray period in which a vehicle is
unused and/or unsold at very little risk or cost to a consignor. In
some embodiments, the system may market and/or sell vehicles before
their availability date, such that the Gray period is substantially
eliminated, and the vehicle is transferred to the buyer before or
immediately upon its date of availability.
[0066] In some embodiments, buyers may have no physical or haptic
interaction with a vehicle before final purchase confirmation at a
selected dealership. In other words, a buyer may have no
opportunity to test-drive or inspect a vehicle in-person before
purchase. In some embodiments, used vehicles will be discounted by
the system in order to compensate a buyer for having no physical or
haptic contact with the vehicle before purchase. In other
embodiments, a buyer may physically inspect and test-drive the
vehicle before purchase.
[0067] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating example embodiments of
the ownership flow in the systems, methods, and devices for
marketing and selling used vehicles during an extended sale period
and dynamically matching used vehicle dealers to used vehicle
transactions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, such as in
ownership timeline 1, possession and/or ownership of a used vehicle
remains with a consignor while the vehicle is subject to a
marketing process 602 within the systems, methods, and devices
disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the consignor maintains
ownership even when the vehicle undergoes shipping 604 to a
selected dealership 606. In other embodiments, such as in ownership
timeline 2, ownership transfers to a dealer upon delivery to the
dealership lot 606. In other embodiments, there may be other owners
during transfer of the vehicle and/or during the fulfillment
pendency. For example, during this period, a used vehicle may be
owned by, for example, the owner of the used vehicle marketing and
sales platform, a dealership, the buyer, or a third party. In some
embodiments, once the used vehicle transaction has been completed,
a buyer takes possession and ownership or the vehicle for a
pre-determined return period 608 in which the buyer has the option
to return the vehicle through a return process 612. In some
embodiments, the dealer and/or the owner of the used vehicles
marketing and sales platform may receive a deposit from the buyer
prior to the return period 608. In some embodiments, a return
during the return period 608 may nullify the transaction at no or
very little cost to the buyer and transfer ownership and possession
back to the consignor, dealer, or other prior ownership party. In
some embodiments, the return period is a return guarantee period
during which the vehicle can be returned, and the transaction can
be cancelled. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and
devices disclosed herein may dynamically determine the length of
the return period based on various factors including, for example,
vehicle value, condition, transaction terms, dealer terms, vehicle
make, vehicle model, and other factors. In some embodiments, the
return period may end upon a pre-determined level of usage of the
vehicle, measured in, for example, allowed mileage during the
return period.
[0068] In some embodiments, after the return period 608, there is a
post-return period, during which the buyer may enter the return
process 612 at additional cost to the buyer. In some embodiments,
the cost of the return process 612 may be adjusted in the event
that a defect is found in the vehicle. Thus, in some embodiments,
possession and ownership of the vehicle never transfers to the
owner of the systems, methods, and devices described herein.
[0069] In some embodiments, a returned vehicle is placed back into
the auction process, returned to the consignor, and/or relisted on
the platform upon return. In other embodiments, the dealer or
another contracting actor may take possession and/or ownership of a
returned vehicle.
[0070] In some embodiments, the platform is further configured to
access used vehicle availability data from one or more auction
databases. In some embodiments, the used vehicle availability data
can comprise information regarding vehicles currently in the
auction process. In other words, the system can obtain vehicle data
not only from consignor inventory databases but also auction
databases. In addition, the used vehicle availability data from
auction databases can comprise auction location and timing
information, such that the system can determine when and where the
vehicles will be sold. Using this data, along with historical
transaction data, the system can determine whether or not to
display a given vehicle to users for purchase. For example, if a
given vehicle is currently in an exceedingly remote location from a
user and/or is scheduled to be sold at auction within a short
period of time, the system may determine, based on historical
search and transaction data of similar vehicles, a probability that
the vehicle will be sold before auction. In some embodiments, if
the system determines that the probability of sale is below a
threshold level, the vehicle may not be listed on the platform. In
some embodiments, the probability of sale of a certain vehicle may
influence the vehicle ranking system described herein. In some
embodiments, the system may be configured to identify various
vehicle features and compare those features to the corresponding
features of other vehicles to determine similarity. Those features
include, for example vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color,
interior color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, condition, and user
rating.
[0071] In some embodiments, the system may be configured to utilize
the used vehicle availability data from the one or more auction
databases in generating unique price listings. For example, the
system may set a lower listing price at a temporally distant date
from an auction date for a vehicle in order to incentivize early
purchase. The system may be configured to transmit an electronic
notification, through the dynamic user interface, to alert a user
that the listing price of the vehicle may rise and/or that the
vehicle may be delisted from the platform as the auction date
approaches.
[0072] The systems, methods, and devices described herein reduce
the time and cost associated with marketing and selling a used
vehicle sourced from a consignor. In some embodiments, the systems,
methods, and devices herein allow a consignor to avoid the
conventional auction process entirely, saving time and costs. In
some embodiments, consignor inventory can be marketed and sold
directly through the systems, methods, and devices herein at no
additional cost to the consignor. However, in some embodiments, a
vehicle can be marketed and sold through the used vehicle marketing
and sales platform, while still proceeding through the used vehicle
auction process. If the vehicle is sold through the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform, it can be removed from the auction
process. Otherwise, it can continue to advance through the various
processes described above with relation to FIG. 2, until it is sold
through auction. In some embodiments, a vehicle is removed from the
used vehicle marketing and sales platform before or at the time it
is sold at auction.
[0073] The systems, methods, and devices herein relate to the
marketing and sale of all used vehicles, and in particular, cars.
Other vehicles that may be marketed and sold through the systems,
methods, and devices herein include, for example, boats, trucks,
aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, buses, campers, personal water
crafts, limousines, locomotives, mopeds, scooters, rickshaws,
sleighs, tanks, tractors, and vans.
[0074] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a process for matching consignor vehicles with buyers and dealers.
In some embodiments, the used car marketing and sales platform can
obtain vehicle data from a consignor 304. In some embodiments, this
vehicle data may comprise one or more of vehicle make, vehicle
model, exterior color, interior color, price, body type, mileage,
location, age, date of availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle
type, trim level, transmission type, engine type, fuel type,
condition, and user rating.
[0075] In some embodiments, some or all of the vehicle data will be
provided to buyers 302 via a dynamic user interface that updates
based on various system elements described herein, including, for
example, user feedback mechanisms, changing consignor inventories,
standard periodic updates, vehicle ranking systems, user
customization, user filtering and updated search parameters. In
some embodiments, the buyer(s) 302 can select a vehicle for
purchase through the dynamic user interface to commence a used
vehicle purchase transaction. In some embodiments, through the
dynamic user interface, the buyer(s) 302 will be offered and can
select various transaction terms generated by the system or by
third-party providers.
[0076] In some embodiments, the buyer(s) 302 will complete
selection or acceptance of the transaction terms to consummate the
transaction and create a deal 306. In some embodiments, the deal
306 will comprise various transaction terms, including, for
example, price, trade-in existence, trade-in value, vehicle type,
extended service plans, warranties, financing terms, upsell or
supplementary items or features, taxes, and other terms. In some
embodiments, the upsell or supplementary items or features may
comprise, for example, extended service plans, extended warranties,
tires, safety features, headlights, windshield wipers, headlight
washers, headlight wipers, heated seats, heated side mirrors,
heated steering wheel, remote start, windshield wiper deicers,
winter tires, power seats, forward-collision warning, automatic
emergency braking, backup cameras, rear cross-traffic alerts,
blind-spot monitoring, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth
connectivity, 360-degree surround-view camera systems, heads-up
displays, USB ports, voice control systems, dual-zone automatic
climate control, automatic high beams, spare tires, keyless entry,
gesture/character recognition, DVD players, built-in navigation,
Wi-Fi system, lane-keeping assistance system, hydrophobic windows,
built-in vacuums, zero-gravity seats, massage seats, traffic light
information systems, push button shifting, sunroof, night vision
and radar detection systems, automatic parking systems, crash
detection sensors, autopilot features, autonomous vehicle systems,
adjustable seats, HVAC, cruise control, four-wheel drive, tow
hitches, automatic transmission, leather seats, and other computer
applications or car improvements.
[0077] In some embodiments, based on the various transaction terms
of the deal 306, the platform can determine a set of suitable used
vehicle dealers 308 that can be matched with the deal. In some
embodiments, matching used vehicle dealers 308 with a deal 306 may
comprise comparing the transaction terms with dealer-specific
requirements in a dealer match engine as described herein. In some
embodiments, the suitable used vehicle dealers 308 are presented to
the buyer for selection of a preferred dealer to complete the
transaction. In other embodiments, the system may assign a dealer
to complete the transaction.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a used vehicle marketing and selling process. In some embodiments,
a buyer can conduct a used vehicle search 402. In some embodiments,
the system will receive, from the prospective buyer or purchaser,
search parameters for a target vehicle. These search parameters may
include, for example, vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color,
interior color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, condition, user rating,
and/or other features. Using the search parameters, the system may
perform a search engine query across one or more vehicle inventory
databases to obtain one or more used vehicle data entries. In some
embodiments, the system can then identify, using the search
parameters inputted by the prospective purchaser, among the one or
more used vehicle data entries, one or more similar used vehicles
corresponding to the target vehicle.
[0079] The one or more similar used vehicles can constitute search
results 404, which can, in some embodiments be displayed, through a
dynamic user interface, to the prospective purchaser or buyer. In
various embodiments, the system can update, refine, and/or improve
these results periodically in response updated inventory queries,
updated search parameters, and/or user feedback. In some
embodiments, the results are updated based on data acquired through
periodic access to a consignor inventory database. In some
embodiments, the updated results are transmitted via a transmission
means including, for example, electronic mail, text message,
instant message, dynamically generated website, or other electronic
means of communication.
[0080] In some embodiments, the system can implement additional
results features, such as vehicle recommendations or suggestions.
For example, the used vehicle marketing and sales platform can
identify and display vehicles to the prospective buyer or purchaser
for consideration that do not match a user's specifications or
search parameters. For example, the user may specify a desired
vehicle brand that the system can search for, but in addition to
vehicles matching that brand, the system may also display one or
more vehicles of a similar or even dissimilar alternative brand for
consideration. Another example may be if the user enters a
specified vehicle model, the system can identify and display
vehicles of that model, but also recommend vehicles of a different
make and model. In some embodiments, recommendations may be based
on historical purchase data, a calculated value rating,
similarities to the target vehicle, and/or other considerations. In
some embodiments, the recommendations may be paid
advertisements.
[0081] If the prospective buyer selects a vehicle for purchase, the
system can generate various transaction terms to create a deal 406
through a deal creation system that controls the pricing and terms
generated and displayed to buyers and facilitates the completion of
the used vehicle transaction. In some embodiments, the buyer or
purchaser can be prompted to select from various purchase
selections comprising different transactions terms. In some
embodiments, the transaction terms can be generated by third-party
providers to which the used vehicle marketing and sales platform
has an established connection. In some embodiments, the used
vehicle marketing and sales platform can dynamically generate the
transaction terms. In some embodiments, the system can display both
third-party and system generated transaction terms for selection.
In some embodiments, one or more transaction terms are
automatically assigned to a used vehicle transaction without user
selection.
[0082] In some embodiments, once the purchase selections have been
made and the deal 406 is accepted by the purchaser, the used
vehicle marketing and sales platform can utilize a dealer matching
system that matches used vehicle dealers to a complete transaction
in order to provide a physical location for delivery of the used
vehicle and/or a counterparty for the transaction. In some
embodiments, the dealer matching system will match dealers based on
their compatibility with the transaction, as described in more
detail below. In some embodiments, the level of compatibility may
be measured by several factors including, for example, vehicle
price, sales margin, vehicle location, buyer location, trade-in
existence, trade-in value, vehicle type, extended service plan
existence, extended service plan terms, warranty existence,
warranty terms, financing terms, upsell or supplementary items or
features, taxes, and other terms. In some embodiments, the user can
be prompted to make a dealership selection 408 from a list of
compatible dealers. In some embodiments, the platform may be
configured to provide vehicle title and registration services to
the buyer. The specific implementation and nature of these services
may vary based on the physical location of the buyer and dealer
selected. In some embodiments, these services may be offered before
dealer selection.
[0083] In some embodiments, once dealership selection 408 has been
completed, the vehicle can be sent to the selected used vehicle
dealer for pickup and execution 410. In some embodiments, the
systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein may facilitate
delivery of the vehicle to the buyer's home or another place where
the dealer can complete fulfillment. In some embodiments, the owner
of the used vehicle marketing and sales platform may also act as
the dealer. In some embodiments, the owner of the platform may
deliver a used vehicle through its own supply chain. This may
occur, for example, if no other dealers are available or the
platform is unable to identify a matching dealer. In some
embodiments, execution 410 of the transaction can be completed
entirely through the dynamic user interface of the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. In other embodiments, execution 410
of the transaction documents can be completed in-person, at the
selected dealership.
[0084] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle marketing and selling process. In the
example embodiment of FIG. 5, dealership selection 506 can occur
before purchase selections have been made by the user/buyer or
transaction terms have been assigned by the system to the
transaction. In some embodiments, dealership selection 506 that
occurs before completion of the deal 508 can be facilitated by the
dealer matching system described herein. In other embodiments,
dealer selection 408 or 506 can be completed by user selection of
several dealer options selectively presented based on current user
location, vehicle type and/or current vehicle location.
[0085] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example embodiment of
a dealer matching system of the of the used vehicle marketing and
sales platform. In some embodiments, the dealer matching system 700
can comprise an algorithmic-based system for electronic
transmission of a dynamically generated notification configured to
connect a used vehicle transaction with dealers during a vehicle
extended sale period. In some embodiments, the vehicle extended
sale period comprises the Pre-Gray period and/or the Gray period
described above. In some embodiments, the dealer matching system
700 functions to match a comprehensive used vehicle transaction
awaiting execution to one or more compatible dealers. Dealer
matching can occur at various points in the transaction process. In
some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, dealer matching
occurs upon system confirmation of a user's intent to purchase a
vehicle at a specified transaction price with selected transaction
terms at 706. In other embodiments, dealer matching may be
performed at the time of the used vehicle search, at the time of
vehicle selection but before transaction terms are specified, or at
other times in the process.
[0086] In some embodiments, the dealer matching system comprises a
dealer match engine 702 configured to generate dealer match scores
to localize, from one or more dealer databases 710, one or more
dealers for participation in a used vehicle transaction. In some
embodiments, the dealer match score comprises a measure of dealer
compatibility with a transaction, wherein the dealer match score is
calculated by processing a plurality of transaction elements or
terms and performing a comparative analysis between the plurality
of transaction elements or terms and the desired transaction
criteria for each of the plurality of dealers. In some embodiments,
the dealer match engine 702 may not generate dealer match scores,
instead localizing one or more dealers for participation through
other algorithmic methods. In some embodiments, the dealer match
engine 702 may localize one or more dealers for participation
simply by locating the closest available dealers to the platform
user.
[0087] In some embodiments, at 708, the dealer match engine 702 can
be configured to access, from one or more dealer databases 710, a
plurality of dealer profiles, the plurality of dealer profiles
comprising desired transaction criteria for each of a plurality of
dealers. Dealer transaction criteria generally correspond to the
transaction terms, such as the need for and extent of dealer
financing, existence and value of a trade-in vehicle, selection of
extended warranties and/or services plans, sales margin of the
transaction, vehicle inspection rating or other terms. Dealer
transaction criteria may also comprise acceptable vehicle type,
make, model, age, mileage, color, or other features described
herein. For example, in some embodiments, a certain dealer may only
execute transactions involving BMW cars. In another example, a
certain dealer may only execute transactions meeting a sales margin
of a certain threshold level and involving a trade-in vehicle.
[0088] In some embodiments, at 712, the dealer match engine 702 can
be configured to calculate a sales margin based in-part on the
difference between the specified transaction price of the vehicle
and the consignor sales price, obtained from a consignor database
752. In some embodiments, the transaction price is the unique
listing price generated by the vehicle listing price engine
described below. In addition to the transaction price, other
factors may be included in the calculation of sales margin,
including, for example, transport costs, inspection costs, add-ons
or upsell items, subsidiary trade-in transactions, extended service
plans and warranties, overhead expenses, taxes, or any other
applicable profits or expenses.
[0089] In some embodiments, at 714, the dealer match engine 702 may
be configured to compare the calculated sales margin to dealer
qualifying margin criteria. In some embodiments, the dealer
qualifying margin criteria comprises a minimum threshold margin
amount that a given dealer requires to participate in a given used
vehicle transaction.
[0090] In some embodiments, at 716, the dealer match engine 702 may
be configured to access one or more historical financing databases
718 to obtain historical purchase financing data to dynamically
determine the probability that the used vehicle transaction will
require financing by the one or more dealers or one or more third
parties at 720. In some embodiments, at 722, the dealer match
engine can be configured to dynamically determine the level of
financing required by each dealer based on, for instance, a minimum
specified threshold financing level, the transaction price and
sales margin, transportation costs, add-ons, subsidiary trade-in
transactions, extended service plans and warranties, overhead
expenses, taxes, or any other applicable profits or expenses of the
transaction. Alternatively, the dealer match engine 702 may be
configured to prompt the user or buyer to indicate whether and what
level of financing is desired or required. In some embodiments, the
dealer match engine may be configured to pre-qualify the user or
buyer for financing through one or more dealers and/or third
parties. In some embodiments, the dealer match engine may be
configured to dynamically determine qualifying lenders based on a
buyer profile, obtained from a buyer profile database. The dynamic
lender determination may be based on a variety of parameters such
as, for example, buyer location, transaction price, level of
financing required, vehicle information, and/or other factors.
[0091] In some embodiments, at 724, the dealer match engine 702 can
be configured to process a subsidiary used vehicle trade-in
transaction, the processing comprising dynamically determining the
value of the trade-in transaction and identifying whether and how
much the subsidiary used vehicle trade-in transaction will alter
the used vehicle transaction price and thus, the calculated sales
margin at 726. The dynamic determination may be completed by
calculated trade-in transaction value using vehicle information
provided by the user, historical trade-in pricing data, market
value data, which can be obtained from system or third-party
databases (not shown). In some embodiments, the trade-in
transaction value may depend on various other factors including,
for example, user location and current and projected dealer
inventory.
[0092] In some embodiments, at 728, the dealer match engine 702 can
be configured dynamically determine the probability that an
extended service plan or warranty will be included in the used
vehicle transaction. The probability can be determined from a
various transaction or historical data including, for example,
transaction price, vehicle model and make, vehicle age, vehicle
color, user information, and others. Alternatively, the dealer
match engine 702 may be configured to prompt the user or buyer to
indicate whether and what type of extended service plan or warranty
will be included in the transaction. At 730, the dealer match
engine 702 can be configured to compare the probability of
inclusion of an extended service plan inclusion with specified
dealer minimum service plan probability thresholds. Alternatively,
if the buyer has indicated inclusion and type of a service plan or
warranty, the dealer match engine 702 can be configured to compare
the existence and type of service plan and/or warranty with the
specified dealer minimum service plan requirements.
[0093] In some embodiments, at 732 and 734, the dealer match engine
702 can be configured to identify the vehicle type of the vehicle
being bought and compare that type with dealer acceptable type
prerequisites. In other words, the dealer match engine can
determine whether the vehicle type matches a vehicle type for which
a dealer has specified that it can execute transactions.
[0094] In some embodiments, transactions terms such as extended
service contracts, warranties, trade-in value, are added, at a
pre-matching stage, to the transaction price, such that the sales
margin is altered and the dealer matching system is not required to
perform some of the calculations described herein. In some
embodiments, one or more transaction terms may be negotiated
between the dealer and buyer at or before the time of transaction
execution. In some embodiments, based on the determinations and
calculations made at 708-734, the dealer match engine can be
configured to calculate a dealer match score for each dealer at
736. In some embodiments, when threshold transaction criteria
values are not met, some dealers may be removed entirely from a
list of potential dealers to complete the transaction. In some
embodiments, no dealer match score is calculated, and all unremoved
dealers are matched.
[0095] In some embodiments, at 738, the plurality of dealers can be
filtered based on the generated dealer match score for each of the
plurality of dealers to identify a first set of dealers having a
generated dealer match score above a predetermined threshold
level.
[0096] In some embodiments, at 740, the platform can transmit
electronically a dynamically generated computer notification to the
first set of dealers, the dynamically generated computer
notification configured to activate a remote subscriber computer
and to enable connection via a URL over a computer network
connection to a data source comprising data about the used vehicle
transaction.
[0097] In some embodiments, the dealer match engine and the
electronic transmission can be automated, such that the plurality
of dealers provide a series of inputs corresponding to transaction
criteria, a given transaction's term will be compared against these
inputs to determine if they are acceptable for each dealer, and if
the terms are acceptable, the platform can automatically transmit
the dynamically generated computer notification to each dealer
which deemed the terms acceptable. In some embodiments, the buyer
is prompted to select their preferred dealer from the list of
matched dealers to send the electronic transmission. In some
embodiments, the platform can be configured to allow the first set
of dealers to bid on the transaction, such that the lowest bidder,
based on, for example, sales margin or price to execute the
transaction, of the first set of dealers can be selected to execute
the transaction. In some embodiments, an electronic notification
can be sent to dealers notifying them of the used vehicle
transaction and soliciting fulfillment bids to serve as the dealer
for the transaction. In some embodiments, the fulfillment bids may
comprise a minimum price that the dealer will charge for receiving
delivery of the vehicle and executing the transaction.
[0098] In some embodiments, at 742, the platform can receive, over
the computer network connection, an electronic confirmation from a
first dealer in the first set of dealers, wherein the electronic
confirmation activates access to data at 744, from a transaction
database 742, for completing the used vehicle transaction, wherein
the data is accessible only by the first dealer to activate the
electronic confirmation through the computer network
connection.
[0099] In some embodiments, the platform is configured to
electronically transmit completed transaction information one or
more consignors that will notify the consignors regarding the
status of pending or completed sales of one or more consignor
vehicles.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a dealer matching system of the of the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. The example embodiment of FIG. 8
includes some or all of the features of the example embodiment of
FIG. 7. However, in the example embodiment of FIG. 8, instead of
dynamically determining a probability that financing will be
required, the dealer match engine can prompt the
consumer/buyer/user to indicate if financing is required and what
level of financing is required in the transaction at 816. Similar
modifications can be made to the dealer match engine, such that it
can be configured to prompt the user to select transaction terms
instead of determining various probabilities, such as, for example,
the probability that the user will include an extended service plan
or warranty in the transaction at 828. In those embodiments, the
indicated transaction term (e.g. financing level or selected
extended service plan) can then be compared with a minimum
threshold transaction criteria (e.g. minimum financing level or
minimum required service plan) rather than a minimum threshold
transaction probability criteria.
[0101] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating another example
embodiment of a dealer matching system of the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. The example embodiment of FIG. 9
includes some or all of the features of the example embodiments of
FIGS. 7 and 8 described above. However, in the example embodiment
of FIG. 9, instead of electronically transmitting a dynamically
generated computer notification to the first set of dealers at 740,
840, a notification is instead sent to the buyer or consumer at
940. In some embodiments, this notification differs from the
notification of the example embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8, in that
it may allow a buyer to select a preferred dealer from a list of
matched dealers to execute the transaction. In some embodiments, at
942, the platform is configured to receive, over the computer
network connection, an electronic dealer selection from the buyer.
In some embodiments, the electronic dealer selection activates
access to data at 944, from a transaction database 946, for
completing the used vehicle transaction, wherein the data is
accessible only by the buyer selected dealer.
[0102] In other embodiments, the dealer matching system can be
configured to select a dealer solely based on a preconfigured
selection criteria, as shown in the example embodiment of the
flowchart in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, the dealer matching
system of the of the used vehicle marketing and sales platform can
be configured to select a dealer solely based on the dealer's
physical proximity to a user. In other embodiments, the dealer
matching system can be configured to select a dealer solely based
on a user's preconfigured preference.
[0103] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for conducting a used vehicle search on the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. The user interface 1100 may comprise
various search parameters or filters 1102, including, for example,
make 1104, model 1106, body type 1108, user budget 1110, vehicle
year range 1112, maximum mileage 1114, color 1116, and/or zip code
1118. Other filters 1102 may include, for example, exterior color,
interior color, price, location, age, date of availability, vehicle
history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level, transmission type, engine
type, fuel type, condition, and/or average user rating. In some
embodiments, a used vehicle search can be conducted using between
about 1 and 100 filters. In some embodiments, a used vehicle search
can be conducted using between about 1 and 5 filters. In some
embodiments, a used vehicle search can be conducted using about 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,
65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and/or 100 filters, or any value in
between the aforementioned values.
[0104] FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for a used vehicle search history on the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. In some embodiments, the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform may allow a user to view previous
search results through a "view" or similar function 1202. In some
embodiments, the used vehicle marketing and sales platform may
allow a user to rerun or update a search query using an "update" or
similar function 1204. In some embodiments, the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform may allow a user to delete previous
searches from the user interface using a "delete" or similar
feature 1206.
[0105] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a used vehicle ranking system for use in the systems, methods, and
devices for marketing and selling used vehicles during an extended
sale period and dynamically matching used vehicle dealers to used
vehicle transactions disclosed herein.
[0106] In some embodiments, at 1302, the used vehicle marketing and
sales platform described herein can be configured to receive a user
search comprising search parameters as discussed above.
[0107] Using the user search parameters, the platform may obtain a
plurality of consignor vehicle data entries at 1304, for one or
more vehicle inventory databases 1306. In some embodiments, the
used vehicle data entries contain information regarding consignor
vehicles, including, for example, availability date, vehicle
location, consignor price, vehicle type, vehicle features, and
other data.
[0108] In some embodiments, at 1308, the used vehicle ranking
system may identify, based on a comparison of the user search
parameters and the information in the used vehicle data entries, a
target vehicle. In some embodiments, after identifying the target
vehicle, the used vehicle ranking system may obtain the consignor
price at 1310 from the target vehicle's corresponding used vehicle
data entry.
[0109] In some embodiments, at 1312, the vehicle ranking system may
obtain, from one or more used vehicle pricing databases 1314,
market pricing data for a plurality of currently available or
previously sold vehicles. The vehicle ranking system can be
configured to identify within the market pricing data, based on
common characteristics or features, one or more equivalent vehicles
to the target vehicle and the price of those equivalent vehicles at
1316. At 1318, the vehicle ranking system can calculate an average
market price of the equivalent vehicles using averaging
algorithms.
[0110] In some embodiments, at 1320, the vehicle ranking system can
compare the consignor price of the target vehicle to the average
market price of equivalent vehicles.
[0111] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at 1322, the vehicle
ranking system can calculate an estimated transport cost based on a
comparison of the target vehicle location, obtained from the target
vehicle data entry from the one or more vehicle inventory databases
1306, and the user location, obtained from user input, GPS
functionality, or otherwise.
[0112] Using the price comparison and the estimated transport cost,
at 1326, the vehicle ranking system can compute a value rating for
the target vehicle.
[0113] At 1328, the system can repeat the aforementioned process
for a plurality of target vehicles. The number of target vehicles
for which the value rating is computed can be based on a
predetermined amount or dynamically determined based on the value
ratings computed by the system so far. For example, if the used
vehicle ranking system has already obtained an excess amount of
high value rating target vehicles, it may terminate the cycle. In
other embodiments, value ratings may be calculated for every
identified equivalent vehicle.
[0114] In some embodiments, at 1330, the vehicle ranking system may
rank the plurality of target vehicles for which a value rating has
been computed. A subset or the entire set of the ranked target
vehicles can then be displayed, at 1332, through a dynamic user
interface, to the user, the subset determined based on rank.
[0115] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle ranking process of the systems,
methods, and devices for marketing and selling used vehicles during
an extended sale period and dynamically matching used vehicle
dealers to used vehicle transactions disclosed herein.
[0116] The example embodiment of FIG. 14 includes some or all of
the features of the example embodiment of FIG. 13 described above.
However, the example embodiment of FIG. 14 may include one or more
transport cost databases 1424, which may connect directly into the
systems of one or more third-party logistics providers. In some
embodiments, the one or more transport cost databases 1424 can
provide transport cost estimates based on the location of the
target vehicle and the location of the user provided by the system.
The system, at 1422 can obtain the transport cost estimates.
[0117] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example
embodiment of a used vehicle marketing and selling process for
facilitating a sale of a used vehicle to a prospective
purchaser.
[0118] The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may, at 1504,
receive, from the prospective buyer or purchaser, search parameters
for a target vehicle. These search parameters may include, for
example, vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color, interior
color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, condition, user rating,
and/or other features. In response to receiving the search
parameters, the platform may conduct a vehicle search at 1506 by
performing a search engine query across one or more vehicle
inventory databases based on the received search parameters. In
performing the search, the platform may obtain a plurality of used
vehicle data entries at 1510.
[0119] In some embodiments, the platform may be configured to
identify, within the plurality of used vehicle data entries, one or
more similar used vehicles at 1512, based on a comparison of the
search parameters with various vehicle characteristics and features
described herein. In some embodiments, at 1514, the platform may
dynamically determine a listing price for each of the similar used
vehicles using, for example, the vehicle listing price system
described herein. In some embodiments, at 1516, the platform may
perform used vehicle rankings techniques on the similar used
vehicles to assign a ranking at 1518 using, for example, the
vehicle ranking system described herein. In some embodiments, at
1520, the used vehicle marketing and sales platform can generate a
subset of the ranked similar vehicles, wherein the subset can be
generated based on the relative ranking of the similar
vehicles.
[0120] In some embodiments, at 1522, the platform can be configured
to display the generated subset of used vehicles to a prospective
purchaser through the dynamic user interface along with one or more
feedback mechanisms corresponding to each displayed vehicle. In
some embodiments, at 1524, the platform can be configured to
receive feedback for one or more of the similar vehicles of the
subset through the one or more feedback mechanisms. At 1526, the
feedback received can comprise either positive or negative feedback
from a prospective purchaser. In some embodiments, at 1528, the
platform can be configured to adjust the ranking of the similar
vehicles not included in the subset based on the feedback received
from the user on the vehicles within the first subset. Based on the
adjusted rankings, a new subset can be generated at 1520 and the
process can be repeated until the system receives a signal of
intent to purchase a designated vehicle of the one of the similar
vehicles at 1530.
[0121] In some embodiments, at 1532, the platform can prompt a user
to select transaction terms from a plurality of available purchase
selections generated by the platform and/or third-party services.
In some embodiments, the transaction terms are those discussed
above in relation to the dealer matching system. In some
embodiments, at 1534, the platform can be configured to identify
available dealers using, for example, the dealer matching system
described herein.
[0122] In some embodiments, at 1536, the platform can be configured
to display, to the prospective purchaser, the list of identified
dealers using, for example, an electronically transmitted computer
notification as described herein. In some embodiments, at 1538, the
platform is configured to receive, over the computer network
connection, an electronic dealer selection from the buyer. In some
embodiments, at 1540, the platform can be configured to
electronically transmit purchase confirmation to the prospective
purchaser. In some embodiments, the electronic dealer selection
activates access to transaction terms data, at 1542, for completing
the used vehicle transaction, wherein the data is accessible only
by the buyer selected dealer. In some embodiments, at 1544, the
platform can be configured to schedule delivery of the designated
vehicle to the selected dealer through, for example, a third-party
logistics provider.
[0123] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a feedback loop of the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform.
[0124] At 1604, the feedback system 1600 can obtain a used vehicle
ranking from, for example, the used vehicle ranking system
described above. At 1606, the used vehicle marketing and sales
platform can generate a subset of the ranked vehicles, wherein the
subset can be generated based on the relative ranking of the ranked
vehicles.
[0125] In some embodiments, at 1608, the platform can be configured
to display the generated subset of used vehicles to a prospective
purchaser through the dynamic user interface along with one or more
feedback mechanisms corresponding to displayed vehicle. In some
embodiments, the feedback mechanisms comprise binary selection
tools. In some embodiments the binary selection tools comprise a
"thumbs up" indicating positive feedback and a "thumbs down"
indicating negative feedback. However, in other embodiments, the
binary selection tool could be displayed or implemented in various
other forms such as, for example, haptic swiping up/down or
left/right, green/red buttons, or otherwise.
[0126] In some embodiments, at 1610, the feedback system 1600 can
be configured to receive feedback for one or more of the vehicles
of the subset through the one or more feedback mechanisms. At 1612,
the feedback received can comprise either positive or negative
feedback from a prospective purchaser. In some embodiments, at
1612, the platform can be configured to adjust the ranking of the
vehicles not included in the subset based on the feedback received
from the user on the vehicles within the first subset. Based on the
adjusted rankings, a new subset can be generated at 1606 and the
process can be repeated until the system receives a manifestation
of intent to purchase one of the vehicles at 1616.
[0127] In some embodiments, the feedback system can be configured
to provide initial subset of vehicles having a broad range of
types, characteristics, and features. Based on user feedback, the
platform can be configured to provide subsequent vehicle subsets
with a narrower range of types, characteristics, and features.
[0128] In some embodiments, the platform is further configured to
aggregate feedback data from a plurality of users to identify
trends or patterns in user feedback. In some embodiments, these
trends or patterns can be utilized to guide the vehicle ranking
system described herein and influence which vehicles are displayed
to individual users. For example, if a specific make or model
vehicle receives a significantly above average percentage of
positive feedback activations, the system may adjust a ranking or
suggestion algorithm in response. In some embodiments, the platform
can be configured to recognize trends or patterns in user feedback
based on more nuanced features than vehicle make and model. For
example, the system can be configured to recognize trends positive
feedback for vehicles with certain features or characteristics such
as, for example, exterior color, interior color, price, body type,
mileage, location, age, date of availability, vehicle history,
vehicle type, trim level, transmission type, engine type, fuel
type, condition, and user rating, and other vehicle features. In
some embodiments, the platform can be configured to utilize
artificial intelligence and/or machine learning technologies to
further refine the vehicle ranking system and its adjustments to
feedback trends. In some embodiments, the platform can be
configured to display vehicles having no or few characteristics
matching a first set of search parameters inputted by prospective
purchasers and request feedback on those vehicles. If those
vehicles receive positive feedback, they may be displayed more
frequently to other prospective purchasers who input similar search
parameters as the first set of search parameters.
[0129] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of
a dynamic vehicle listing price system for the used vehicle
marketing and sales platform. The dynamic vehicle listing price
system may facilitate used vehicle transactions in the Pre-Gray
period and/or Gray period such that the platform can market and
sell used vehicles in an extended sale period relative to other
systems.
[0130] The used vehicle marketing and sales platform may, at 1704,
obtain target vehicle data from one or more vehicle profile
databases 1706 configured to store a plurality of vehicle profiles
corresponding to a plurality of vehicles. In some embodiments, the
target vehicle data can include an availability date at which the
target vehicle will no longer be in use by the consignor, and
current vehicle location. At 1708, the platform may obtain, from
one or more used vehicle inventory databases 1710, a consignor
price for the target vehicle. In some embodiments, the consignor
price represents the minimum value that a consignor would accept
for a target vehicle. Based on the consignor price, the platform
may determine a minimum listing price at 1712, wherein the minimum
listing price may represent the lowest possible price that the
vehicle can be sold at a profit. In some embodiments, the minimum
listing price may correspond to a minimum threshold sales
margin.
[0131] In some embodiments, at 1714, the platform can be configured
to obtain historical and/or current pricing data from one or more
price databases 1716 configured to store historical and/or current
market pricing data corresponding to a plurality of completed
and/or current used vehicle listings. In some embodiments, based on
the historical and/or current pricing data and the vehicle
location, the platform can be configured to dynamically determine
the current market price of the target vehicle.
[0132] In some embodiments, the platform comprises a vehicle
listing price engine 1732 configured to dynamically determine a
plurality of unique listing prices, each unique listing price of
the plurality of listing prices corresponding to each of the
plurality of prospective purchasers for each of the plurality of
vehicles.
[0133] The vehicle listing price engine 1732 may, at 1720, obtain,
from one or more purchaser profile databases 1722 configured to
store a plurality of purchaser profile data, the purchaser profile
data comprising one or more of financial, desired vehicle
identification, and contact information corresponding to a
plurality of prospective purchasers, purchaser profile data for
prospective purchasers. In some embodiments, based on the purchaser
profile data, the vehicle listing price engine 1732, at 1724, can
determine upper and/or lower threshold pricing levels for each
prospective purchaser.
[0134] In some embodiments, the vehicle listing price engine 1732,
at 1726, may compare the current date to the availability date of
the target vehicle. Based on the date comparison, the vehicle
listing price engine 1732 can dynamically calculate a unique
listing price at 1728. In some embodiments, the unique listing
price can be higher than the minimum listing price determined by
the platform. In some embodiments, the unique listing price can be
lower than the determined market price of the target vehicle, and
can be dynamically displayed alongside the determined market price
to the user. In other embodiments, the unique listing price may be
higher than the determined market price. For example, vehicles
having rare or premium features, vehicles whose historical price
trajectory has risen recently, vehicles who are in high demand, or
other vehicles may have a unique listing price higher than the
determined market price. In some embodiments, the unique listing
price can also depend on various other factors, such as, for
example, vehicle location, transport costs, vehicle type rarity,
uniqueness of vehicle features, and other considerations. In some
embodiments, the difference between the unique listing price and
the minimum listing price is smaller when the present date is
relatively temporally remote from the availability date, and the
difference between the unique listing price and the minimum listing
price is increased incrementally as the current date approaches the
availability date.
[0135] In some embodiments, the vehicle listing price engine 1732
can be further configured to dynamically determine purchaser-unique
incremental price increases for the target vehicle at 1730. The
incremental price increases may be based on various factors
including, for example, the difference between the current date and
the availability, the difference between the current date and the
auction date, vehicle make, vehicle model, exterior color, interior
color, price, body type, mileage, location, age, date of
availability, vehicle history, VIN, vehicle type, trim level,
transmission type, engine type, fuel type, condition, and user
rating. In some embodiments, the vehicle listing price engine 1732
can be configured to generate a single unique listing price that is
not incrementally increased over time.
[0136] In some embodiments, the vehicle pricing engine is utilized
during the Gray period to calculate a unique listing price and to
calculate incremental price increases as the auction date
approaches. In some embodiments, the vehicle pricing engine is
utilized during the Pre-Gray period to calculate a unique listing
price and to calculate incremental price increases as the
availability date approaches. In some embodiments, the platform can
be configured to arrange delivery of a vehicle at or after a future
availability date if the vehicle is purchased through the platform
before the availability date. In some embodiments, the platform can
be configured to determine whether and when to list a vehicle on
the platform based on a comparison of the current date with a
future availability or auction date.
[0137] In some embodiments, the platform is configured to transmit
electronically, a dynamically generated computer notification at
1734, the dynamically generated computer notification displayed
through the dynamic user interface, to the prospective purchaser,
wherein the dynamically generated computer notification is
configured to activate a remote subscriber computer and to enable
connection via a URL over a computer network connection to a data
source comprising data about the unique listing price.
[0138] In some embodiments, the platform is configured to receive,
at 1736, over the computer network connection, an electronic
confirmation from the prospective purchaser, wherein the electronic
confirmation activates access to data at 1738 for purchasing the
target used vehicle, wherein the data is accessible only by the
prospective purchaser. In some embodiments, after receiving
purchase confirmation from the prospective purchaser, the platform
can be configured to determine whether the vehicle is still
available for sale by, for example, accessing the one or more used
vehicle inventory databases 1710.
[0139] In some embodiments, the platform can be further configured
to determine whether a vehicle is still available for sale such
that is eligible for listing through the platform. For example, the
platform may connect with a consignor system database, retrieve
vehicle data, including, for instance, the vehicle availability
date and the auction date, estimate the stage at which the vehicle
is in the wholesale/auction process, and determine the price of the
vehicle at that stage of the process. In some embodiments, the
platform can estimate whether it is still feasible to sell the
vehicle. For example, the platform may dynamically estimate, based
on auction information, if fees incurred thus far in the auction
process are excessive such that the vehicle is no longer marketable
to a buyer based on the purchaser information obtained from one or
more purchaser profile databases 1722. In some embodiments, a
vehicle may be locked into the auction process such that the
platform will no longer market the vehicle to buyers. In some
embodiments, the platform can be configured to dynamically
determine the time at which a vehicle will become locked into the
auction process, and to dynamically adjust the listing price in
order to incentivize purchase of the vehicle before the lockout
date. In some embodiments, the platform can be configured to
determine the probability that a vehicle will not sell at auction
and further estimate a reduction in price from a wholesaler. In
some embodiments, this probability and estimated reduction can be
utilized by the unique vehicle listing price engine in calculating
the listing price. In some embodiments, the platform can be
configured to estimate the probability that a consignor will reduce
the price of a vehicle and can use this estimate in generating a
unique listing price for the vehicle.
[0140] In some embodiments, the platform can be further configured
to access used vehicle availability data from one or more auction
databases. In some embodiments, the used vehicle availability data
can comprise information regarding vehicles currently in the
auction process. In other words, the system can obtain vehicle data
not only from consignor inventory databases but also auction
databases. In addition, the used vehicle availability data from
auction databases can comprise auction location and timing
information, such that the system can determine when and where the
vehicles will be sold. Using this data, along with historical
transaction data, the system can determine whether or not to
display a given vehicle to users for purchase.
[0141] In some embodiments, the platform can be configured to
connect auction inventory to the platform and/or to third-party
dealer systems, such that the used vehicles in the auction
inventory can be directly marketed and sold to consumers through
the used vehicle marketing and sales platform described herein or
the third-party dealer systems. The various systems described
herein, including, for example, the vehicle ranking system, the
dealer matching system, and the vehicle price listing system, are
equally applicable to used vehicles obtained through auction
inventory databases.
[0142] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating example embodiments of
consumer expertise indicators for the systems, methods, and devices
disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the consumer expertise
indicator functions by dynamically displaying a consumer expertise
signal configured to illustrate a user's level of knowledge with a
used vehicle market. In some embodiments, the system measures a
user's level of knowledge based on the number of user activations
of a feedback mechanism, wherein the consumer expertise signal is
updated upon each activation of the feedback mechanism.
[0143] For example, consumer expertise indicators 1802, 1804, and
1806 may be displayed at different times through the dynamic user
interface of the used vehicle marketing and sales platform. In some
embodiments, before or at the beginning of a user search, the
dynamic user interface may display unfilled consumer expertise
indicator or signal 1802. In some embodiments, consumer expertise
signal 1802 is an outline of a vehicle shape devoid of color or
filling, indicating a consumer or prospective purchasers lack of
familiarity or knowledge of the relevant vehicle market. In some
embodiments, as the consumer spends more time on the platform,
conducts additional searches, submits feedback through a feedback
mechanism, purchases vehicles, or otherwise interacts with the
system, the consumer purchase indicator 1802 may be updated to
display, for example, consumer expertise indicator 1804 and
eventually consumer expertise indicator 1806. In some embodiments,
the level color or filling represents the level of consumer
expertise. Thus, for example, consumer expertise indicator 1804 may
indicate that the consumer is about familiar with the used vehicle
market but is not yet an expert, while consumer expertise indicator
1806 may indicate a high level of knowledge, understanding, or
expertise of the market. In some embodiments, the level of
expertise represented by the consumer expertise indicators can be
based on a user's level of interaction with the systems, methods,
and devices herein.
[0144] FIG. 19 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a user
interface for transaction terms and dealer selection of the
systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein. A dynamic user
interface 1900 may display a list of matched dealers generated by
the dealer matching system described above. In some embodiments,
the generated list may be updated dynamically based on the physical
location of the user, which can be determined, for example, by the
GPS functionality of a mobile device and/or user input. In some
embodiments, the dynamic user interface can display a map overlay
that can display the user's current location and/or the location of
the dealers in the generated list. Additionally, in some
embodiments, the dynamic user interface 1900 can display the final
transaction terms and conditions and prompt the user final
acceptance.
[0145] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example
embodiment of a computer system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the used vehicle marketing
and selling systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the various systems, methods, and devices described
herein may also be implemented in decentralized systems such as,
for example, blockchain applications. For example, blockchain
technology may be used to maintain updated vehicle inventory, user
profile, vehicle profile, dealer profile, ownership, possession,
delivery, logistics, market pricing, historical pricing, title,
registration and/or financing databases or ledgers, dynamically
generate, execute, and record purchase, financing, warranty, and/or
service plan agreements, conduct dealer bidding, conduct vehicle
auctions, perform searches, conduct dealer matching, determine
pricing, and conduct any other functionalities described
herein.
[0146] In some embodiments, a used vehicle transaction system 2002
may be comprised of a dealer match module 2004, a feedback module
2006, a vehicle listing price module 2008, a vehicle ranking module
2010, a suggestion module 2011, a historical transaction database
2012, a dealer database 2014, a user database 2016, and/or a
vehicle database 2018. The used vehicle transaction system 2002 can
be connected to a network 2020. The network 2020 can be configured
to connect used vehicle transaction system 2002 to one or more
dealer systems 2022, one or more consumer devices 2024, one or more
consignor systems 2026, one or more third-party provider systems
2028, and/or one or more auction systems 2030.
[0147] The dealer match module 2004 may function by dynamically
generating a dealer match score that provides a measure of dealer
compatibility with a transaction based on the complete transaction
terms and dealer-specified requirements. The feedback module 2006
may be configured to allow a user to indicate positive or negative
feedback on the quality of the first exchange listing. The vehicle
listing price module 2008 may be configured to dynamically
determine a plurality of unique listing prices, each unique listing
price of the plurality of listing prices corresponding to each of a
plurality of prospective purchasers for each of a plurality of
vehicles. The vehicle ranking module 2010 may function by computing
a value rating for various vehicles and ranking the various
vehicles based on the value rating or other factors described
herein. The suggestion module 2011 may function by making vehicle
recommendations based on, for example, historical purchase data, a
calculated value rating, similarities to the target vehicle, and/or
other considerations. Each of the modules can be configured to
interact with each other and the databases discussed herein.
[0148] The historical transaction database 2012 can store
historical transaction data and/or current availability data
regarding a plurality of used vehicles. The dealer database 2014
can store dealer criteria and dealer information for use by the
platform, including, for example, the dealer matching systems
described herein. The user database 2016 may store user profile
information for use by the platform, including, for example, the
unique vehicle listing price systems described herein. The vehicle
database 2018 may store vehicle information, such as make, model,
age, mileage, and other vehicle features or characteristics
described herein. Each of the databases can be configured to
interact with each other and the modules discussed herein.
[0149] FIG. 21 is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a
computer hardware system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the used vehicle marketing
and selling systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein.
[0150] In some embodiments, the systems, processes, and methods
described herein are implemented using a computing system, such as
the one illustrated in FIG. 21. The example computer system 2102 is
in communication with one or more computing systems 2120 and/or one
or more data sources 2122 via one or more networks 2118. While FIG.
21 illustrates an embodiment of a computing system 2102, it is
recognized that the functionality provided for in the components
and modules of computer system 2102 may be combined into fewer
components and modules, or further separated into additional
components and modules.
[0151] The computer system 2102 can comprise a dealer match engine
module 2114 that carries out the functions, methods, acts, and/or
processes described herein. The dealer match engine module 2114 is
executed on the computer system 2102 by a central processing unit
2106 discussed further below.
[0152] In general, the word "module," as used herein, refers to
logic embodied in hardware or firmware or to a collection of
software instructions, having entry and exit points. Modules are
written in a program language, such as JAVA, C or C++, PYPHON or
the like. Software modules may be compiled or linked into an
executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be
written in an interpreted language such as BASIC, PERL, LUA, or
Python. Software modules may be called from other modules or from
themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or
interruptions. Modules implemented in hardware include connected
logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may include
programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or
processors.
[0153] Generally, the modules described herein refer to logical
modules that may be combined with other modules or divided into
sub-modules despite their physical organization or storage. The
modules are executed by one or more computing systems and may be
stored on or within any suitable computer readable medium or
implemented in-whole or in-part within special designed hardware or
firmware. Not all calculations, analysis, and/or optimization
require the use of computer systems, though any of the
above-described methods, calculations, processes, or analyses may
be facilitated through the use of computers. Further, in some
embodiments, process blocks described herein may be altered,
rearranged, combined, and/or omitted.
[0154] The computer system 2102 includes one or more processing
units (CPU) 2106, which may comprise a microprocessor. The computer
system 2102 further includes a physical memory 2110, such as random
access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of information, a read
only memory (ROM) for permanent storage of information, and a mass
storage device 2104, such as a backing store, hard drive, rotating
magnetic disks, solid state disks (SSD), flash memory, phase-change
memory (PCM), 3D XPoint memory, diskette, or optical media storage
device. Alternatively, the mass storage device may be implemented
in an array of servers. Typically, the components of the computer
system 2102 are connected to the computer using a standards-based
bus system. The bus system can be implemented using various
protocols, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Micro
Channel, SCSI, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA) and Extended
ISA (EISA) architectures.
[0155] The computer system 2102 includes one or more input/output
(I/O) devices and interfaces 2112, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch
pad, and printer. The I/O devices and interfaces 2112 can include
one or more display devices, such as a monitor, that allows the
visual presentation of data to a user. More particularly, a display
device provides for the presentation of GUIs as application
software data, and multi-media presentations, for example. The I/O
devices and interfaces 2112 can also provide a communications
interface to various external devices. The computer system 2102 may
comprise one or more multi-media devices 2108, such as speakers,
video cards, graphics accelerators, and microphones, for
example.
[0156] The computer system 2102 may run on a variety of computing
devices, such as a server, a Windows server, a Structure Query
Language server, a Unix Server, a personal computer, a laptop
computer, and so forth. In other embodiments, the computer system
2102 may run on a cluster computer system, a mainframe computer
system and/or other computing system suitable for controlling
and/or communicating with large databases, performing high volume
transaction processing, and generating reports from large
databases. The computing system 2102 is generally controlled and
coordinated by an operating system software, such as z/OS, Windows,
Linux, UNIX, BSD, SunOS, Solaris, MacOS, or other compatible
operating systems, including proprietary operating systems.
Operating systems control and schedule computer processes for
execution, perform memory management, provide file system,
networking, and I/O services, and provide a user interface, such as
a graphical user interface (GUI), among other things.
[0157] The computer system 2102 illustrated in FIG. 21 is coupled
to a network 2118, such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet via a
communication link 2116 (wired, wireless, or a combination
thereof). Network 2118 communicates with various computing devices
and/or other electronic devices. Network 2118 is communicating with
one or more computing systems 2120 and one or more data sources
2122. The dealer match engine module 2114 may access or may be
accessed by computing systems 2120 and/or data sources 2122 through
a web-enabled user access point. Connections may be a direct
physical connection, a virtual connection, and other connection
type. The web-enabled user access point may comprise a browser
module that uses text, graphics, audio, video, and other media to
present data and to allow interaction with data via the network
2118.
[0158] Access to the dealer match engine module 2114 of the
computer system 2102 by computing systems 2120 and/or by data
sources 2122 may be through a web-enabled user access point such as
the computing systems' 2120 or data source's 2122 personal
computer, cellular phone, smartphone, laptop, tablet computer,
e-reader device, audio player, or another device capable of
connecting to the network 2118. Such a device may have a browser
module that is implemented as a module that uses text, graphics,
audio, video, and other media to present data and to allow
interaction with data via the network 2118.
[0159] The output module may be implemented as a combination of an
all-points addressable display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other types
and/or combinations of displays. The output module may be
implemented to communicate with input devices 2112 and they also
include software with the appropriate interfaces which allow a user
to access data through the use of stylized screen elements, such as
menus, windows, dialogue boxes, tool bars, and controls (for
example, radio buttons, check boxes, sliding scales, and so forth).
Furthermore, the output module may communicate with a set of input
and output devices to receive signals from the user.
[0160] The input device(s) may comprise a keyboard, roller ball,
pen and stylus, mouse, trackball, voice recognition system, or
pre-designated switches or buttons. The output device(s) may
comprise a speaker, a display screen, a printer, or a voice
synthesizer. In addition, a touch screen may act as a hybrid
input/output device. In another embodiment, a user may interact
with the system more directly such as through a system terminal
connected to the score generator without communications over the
Internet, a WAN, or LAN, or similar network.
[0161] In some embodiments, the system 2102 may comprise a physical
or logical connection established between a remote microprocessor
and a mainframe host computer for the express purpose of uploading,
downloading, or viewing interactive data and databases on-line in
real time. The remote microprocessor may be operated by an entity
operating the computer system 2102, including the client server
systems or the main server system, an/or may be operated by one or
more of the data sources 2122 and/or one or more of the computing
systems 2120. In some embodiments, terminal emulation software may
be used on the microprocessor for participating in the
micro-mainframe link.
[0162] In some embodiments, computing systems 2120 who are internal
to an entity operating the computer system 2102 may access the
dealer match engine module 2114 internally as an application or
process run by the CPU 2106.
[0163] In some embodiments, one or more features of the systems,
methods, and devices described herein can utilize a URL and/or
cookies, for example for storing and/or transmitting data or user
information. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) can include a web
address and/or a reference to a web resource that is stored on a
database and/or a server. The URL can specify the location of the
resource on a computer and/or a computer network. The URL can
include a mechanism to retrieve the network resource. The source of
the network resource can receive a URL, identify the location of
the web resource, and transmit the web resource back to the
requestor. A URL can be converted to an IP address, and a Domain
Name System (DNS) can look up the URL and its corresponding IP
address. URLs can be references to web pages, file transfers,
emails, database accesses, and other applications. The URLs can
include a sequence of characters that identify a path, domain name,
a file extension, a host name, a query, a fragment, scheme, a
protocol identifier, a port number, a username, a password, a flag,
an object, a resource name and/or the like. The systems disclosed
herein can generate, receive, transmit, apply, parse, serialize,
render, and/or perform an action on a URL.
[0164] A cookie, also referred to as an HTTP cookie, a web cookie,
an internet cookie, and a browser cookie, can include data sent
from a website and/or stored on a user's computer. This data can be
stored by a user's web browser while the user is browsing. The
cookies can include useful information for websites to remember
prior browsing information, such as a shopping cart on an online
store, clicking of buttons, login information, and/or records of
web pages or network resources visited in the past. Cookies can
also include information that the user enters, such as names,
addresses, passwords, credit card information, etc. Cookies can
also perform computer functions. For example, authentication
cookies can be used by applications (for example, a web browser) to
identify whether the user is already logged in (for example, to a
web site). The cookie data can be encrypted to provide security for
the consumer. Tracking cookies can be used to compile historical
browsing histories of individuals. Systems disclosed herein can
generate and use cookies to access data of an individual. Systems
can also generate and use JSON web tokens to store authenticity
information, HTTP authentication as authentication protocols, IP
addresses to track session or identity information, URLs, and the
like.
[0165] The computing system 2102 may include one or more internal
and/or external data sources (for example, data sources 2122). In
some embodiments, one or more of the data repositories and the data
sources described above may be implemented using a relational
database, such as DB2, Sybase, Oracle, CodeBase, and Microsoft.RTM.
SQL Server as well as other types of databases such as a flat-file
database, an entity relationship database, and object-oriented
database, and/or a record-based database.
[0166] The computer system 2102 may also access one or more
databases 2122. The databases 2122 may be stored in a database or
data repository. The computer system 2102 may access the one or
more databases 2122 through a network 2118 or may directly access
the database or data repository through I/O devices and interfaces
2112. The data repository storing the one or more databases 2122
may reside within the computer system 2102.
[0167] FIG. 22 is a block diagram depicting another embodiment of a
computer hardware system configured to run software for
implementing one or more embodiments of the used vehicle marketing
and selling systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein.
[0168] In some embodiments, the systems, processes, and methods
described herein are implemented using a computing system, such as
the one illustrated in FIG. 22. The example computer system 2202 is
in communication with one or more computing systems 2220 and/or one
or more data sources 2222 via one or more networks 2218. While FIG.
22 illustrates an embodiment of a computing system 2202, it is
recognized that the functionality provided for in the components
and modules of computer system 2202 may be combined into fewer
components and modules, or further separated into additional
components and modules.
[0169] The computer system 2202 can comprise a vehicle listing
price engine module 2214 that carries out the functions, methods,
acts, and/or processes described herein. The vehicle listing price
engine module 2214 is executed on the computer system 2202 by a
central processing unit 2206 discussed further below.
[0170] In general, the word "module," as used herein, refers to
logic embodied in hardware or firmware or to a collection of
software instructions, having entry and exit points. Modules are
written in a program language, such as JAVA, C or C++, PYPHON or
the like. Software modules may be compiled or linked into an
executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be
written in an interpreted language such as BASIC, PERL, LUA, or
Python. Software modules may be called from other modules or from
themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or
interruptions. Modules implemented in hardware include connected
logic units such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may include
programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or
processors.
[0171] Generally, the modules described herein refer to logical
modules that may be combined with other modules or divided into
sub-modules despite their physical organization or storage. The
modules are executed by one or more computing systems and may be
stored on or within any suitable computer readable medium or
implemented in-whole or in-part within special designed hardware or
firmware. Not all calculations, analysis, and/or optimization
require the use of computer systems, though any of the
above-described methods, calculations, processes, or analyses may
be facilitated through the use of computers. Further, in some
embodiments, process blocks described herein may be altered,
rearranged, combined, and/or omitted.
[0172] The computer system 2202 includes one or more processing
units (CPU) 2206, which may comprise a microprocessor. The computer
system 2202 further includes a physical memory 2210, such as random
access memory (RAM) for temporary storage of information, a read
only memory (ROM) for permanent storage of information, and a mass
storage device 2204, such as a backing store, hard drive, rotating
magnetic disks, solid state disks (SSD), flash memory, phase-change
memory (PCM), 3D XPoint memory, diskette, or optical media storage
device. Alternatively, the mass storage device may be implemented
in an array of servers. Typically, the components of the computer
system 2202 are connected to the computer using a standards-based
bus system. The bus system can be implemented using various
protocols, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Micro
Channel, SCSI, Industrial Standard Architecture (ISA) and Extended
ISA (EISA) architectures.
[0173] The computer system 2202 includes one or more input/output
(I/O) devices and interfaces 2212, such as a keyboard, mouse, touch
pad, and printer. The I/O devices and interfaces 2212 can include
one or more display devices, such as a monitor, that allows the
visual presentation of data to a user. More particularly, a display
device provides for the presentation of GUIs as application
software data, and multi-media presentations, for example. The I/O
devices and interfaces 2212 can also provide a communications
interface to various external devices. The computer system 2202 may
comprise one or more multi-media devices 2208, such as speakers,
video cards, graphics accelerators, and microphones, for
example.
[0174] The computer system 2202 may run on a variety of computing
devices, such as a server, a Windows server, a Structure Query
Language server, a Unix Server, a personal computer, a laptop
computer, and so forth. In other embodiments, the computer system
2202 may run on a cluster computer system, a mainframe computer
system and/or other computing system suitable for controlling
and/or communicating with large databases, performing high volume
transaction processing, and generating reports from large
databases. The computing system 2202 is generally controlled and
coordinated by an operating system software, such as z/OS, Windows,
Linux, UNIX, BSD, SunOS, Solaris, MacOS, or other compatible
operating systems, including proprietary operating systems.
Operating systems control and schedule computer processes for
execution, perform memory management, provide file system,
networking, and I/O services, and provide a user interface, such as
a graphical user interface (GUI), among other things.
[0175] The computer system 2202 illustrated in FIG. 22 is coupled
to a network 2218, such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet via a
communication link 2216 (wired, wireless, or a combination
thereof). Network 2218 communicates with various computing devices
and/or other electronic devices. Network 2218 is communicating with
one or more computing systems 2220 and one or more data sources
2222. The vehicle listing price engine module 2214 may access or
may be accessed by computing systems 2220 and/or data sources 2222
through a web-enabled user access point. Connections may be a
direct physical connection, a virtual connection, and other
connection type. The web-enabled user access point may comprise a
browser module that uses text, graphics, audio, video, and other
media to present data and to allow interaction with data via the
network 2218.
[0176] Access to the vehicle listing price engine module 2214 of
the computer system 2202 by computing systems 2220 and/or by data
sources 2222 may be through a web-enabled user access point such as
the computing systems' 2220 or data source's 2222 personal
computer, cellular phone, smartphone, laptop, tablet computer,
e-reader device, audio player, or another device capable of
connecting to the network 2218. Such a device may have a browser
module that is implemented as a module that uses text, graphics,
audio, video, and other media to present data and to allow
interaction with data via the network 2218.
[0177] The output module may be implemented as a combination of an
all-points addressable display such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or other types
and/or combinations of displays. The output module may be
implemented to communicate with input devices 2212 and they also
include software with the appropriate interfaces which allow a user
to access data through the use of stylized screen elements, such as
menus, windows, dialogue boxes, tool bars, and controls (for
example, radio buttons, check boxes, sliding scales, and so forth).
Furthermore, the output module may communicate with a set of input
and output devices to receive signals from the user.
[0178] The input device(s) may comprise a keyboard, roller ball,
pen and stylus, mouse, trackball, voice recognition system, or
pre-designated switches or buttons. The output device(s) may
comprise a speaker, a display screen, a printer, or a voice
synthesizer. In addition, a touch screen may act as a hybrid
input/output device. In another embodiment, a user may interact
with the system more directly such as through a system terminal
connected to the score generator without communications over the
Internet, a WAN, or LAN, or similar network.
[0179] In some embodiments, the system 2202 may comprise a physical
or logical connection established between a remote microprocessor
and a mainframe host computer for the express purpose of uploading,
downloading, or viewing interactive data and databases on-line in
real time. The remote microprocessor may be operated by an entity
operating the computer system 2202, including the client server
systems or the main server system, an/or may be operated by one or
more of the data sources 2222 and/or one or more of the computing
systems 2220. In some embodiments, terminal emulation software may
be used on the microprocessor for participating in the
micro-mainframe link.
[0180] In some embodiments, computing systems 2220 who are internal
to an entity operating the computer system 2202 may access the
vehicle listing price engine module 2214 internally as an
application or process run by the CPU 2206.
[0181] In some embodiments, one or more features of the systems,
methods, and devices described herein can utilize a URL and/or
cookies, for example for storing and/or transmitting data or user
information. A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) can include a web
address and/or a reference to a web resource that is stored on a
database and/or a server. The URL can specify the location of the
resource on a computer and/or a computer network. The URL can
include a mechanism to retrieve the network resource. The source of
the network resource can receive a URL, identify the location of
the web resource, and transmit the web resource back to the
requestor. A URL can be converted to an IP address, and a Domain
Name System (DNS) can look up the URL and its corresponding IP
address. URLs can be references to web pages, file transfers,
emails, database accesses, and other applications. The URLs can
include a sequence of characters that identify a path, domain name,
a file extension, a host name, a query, a fragment, scheme, a
protocol identifier, a port number, a username, a password, a flag,
an object, a resource name and/or the like. The systems disclosed
herein can generate, receive, transmit, apply, parse, serialize,
render, and/or perform an action on a URL.
[0182] A cookie, also referred to as an HTTP cookie, a web cookie,
an internet cookie, and a browser cookie, can include data sent
from a website and/or stored on a user's computer. This data can be
stored by a user's web browser while the user is browsing. The
cookies can include useful information for websites to remember
prior browsing information, such as a shopping cart on an online
store, clicking of buttons, login information, and/or records of
web pages or network resources visited in the past. Cookies can
also include information that the user enters, such as names,
addresses, passwords, credit card information, etc. Cookies can
also perform computer functions. For example, authentication
cookies can be used by applications (for example, a web browser) to
identify whether the user is already logged in (for example, to a
web site). The cookie data can be encrypted to provide security for
the consumer. Tracking cookies can be used to compile historical
browsing histories of individuals. Systems disclosed herein can
generate and use cookies to access data of an individual. Systems
can also generate and use JSON web tokens to store authenticity
information, HTTP authentication as authentication protocols, IP
addresses to track session or identity information, URLs, and the
like.
[0183] The computing system 2202 may include one or more internal
and/or external data sources (for example, data sources 2222). In
some embodiments, one or more of the data repositories and the data
sources described above may be implemented using a relational
database, such as DB2, Sybase, Oracle, CodeBase, and Microsoft.RTM.
SQL Server as well as other types of databases such as a flat-file
database, an entity relationship database, and object-oriented
database, and/or a record-based database.
[0184] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and
equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the
embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in
detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this
invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the
scope of the invention. It should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying
modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. Any methods
disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus,
it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed
should not be limited by the particular embodiments described
above.
[0185] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could,"
"might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or
otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other
embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or
steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to
imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required
for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments
necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input
or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are
included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The
headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and
are not meant to limit the scope of the inventions or claims.
[0186] Further, while the methods and devices described herein may
be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are
herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that
the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or
methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the invention is to cover
all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the
appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular
feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality,
attribute, element, or the like in connection with an
implementation or embodiment can be used in all other
implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods
disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The
methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a
practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party
instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication.
The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap,
sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up to," "at
least," "greater than," "less than," "between," and the like
includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as
"about" or "approximately" include the recited numbers and should
be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as
reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example .+-.5%,
.+-.10%, .+-.15%, etc.). For example, "about 3.5 mm" includes "3.5
mm." Phrases preceded by a term such as "substantially" include the
recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances
(e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For
example, "substantially constant" includes "constant." Unless
stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions
including temperature and pressure.
[0187] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a
list of items refers to any combination of those items, including
single members. As an example, "at least one of: A, B, or C" is
intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B,
and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise
understood with the context as used in general to convey that an
item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such
conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that
certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y,
and at least one of Z to each be present.
* * * * *