U.S. patent application number 17/453898 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-28 for contractor point of sale system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Groupon, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ulf Schwekendiek.
Application Number | 20220129869 17/453898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006068796 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220129869 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwekendiek; Ulf |
April 28, 2022 |
CONTRACTOR POINT OF SALE SYSTEM
Abstract
Systems and related methods facilitating interactions between a
merchant device, a central system and a consumer device are
discussed herein. A system that may be implemented to provide a
master merchant having a merchant device with a POS system
configured to generate a bill for products, experiences, or
services provided, a way to link or associate one or more accounts,
such as contractor accounts to their master merchant account or
merchant device, and transfer a portion of the payment to the
linked accounts. In addition, some embodiments of the system may
provide for receiving selection of, for each product, service or
experience provided, a contractor account from a list of one or
more approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant
account. Further embodiments may provide for receiving a payment or
payment information for a charge amount, the charge amount
comprised of costs associated with the products, services and
experiences, as well as adjustments for redeemed instruments,
taxes, tip or the like.
Inventors: |
Schwekendiek; Ulf; (San
Francisco, CA) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Groupon, Inc. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006068796 |
Appl. No.: |
17/453898 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14495199 |
Sep 24, 2014 |
11222318 |
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17453898 |
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61883414 |
Sep 27, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/102 20130101;
G06Q 20/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/10 20060101
G06Q020/10; G06Q 20/20 20060101 G06Q020/20 |
Claims
1. A point-of-sale (POS) device for enabling transaction processing
by a master merchant account that enables funds to pass to and from
one or more linked approved contractor accounts, the POS device
comprising: a processor including one or more processing devices
configured to perform independently or in tandem to execute
hard-coded functions or execute software instructions; a user
interface; a communications module; and a memory comprising one or
more volatile or non-volatile electronic storage devices storing
computer-readable instructions configured to enable transaction
processing by a master merchant account thereby enabling funds to
pass to and from one or more linked approved contractor accounts,
the computer-readable instructions being configured, when executed,
to cause the processor to: generate a bill, the bill comprising at
least a charge amount and at least one indication for each of (1)
one or more products provided, (2) one or more experiences
provided; and (3) one or more services provided, wherein each of
the one or more products provided, one or more experiences provided
and one or more services provided is associated with a cost;
receive, via the user interface, selection of, for one or more of
the at least one indication of the one or more products provided,
the one or more experiences provided, or the one or more services
provided, an approved contractor account from a list of one or more
approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account;
receive, via the user interface or the communications module, a
payment or payment information for the charge amount; and cause
transfer, via the communication module, of a portion of the charge
amount to the approved contractor account.
2. The POS device of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: display, on the POS device, via the user interface,
at least one of the one or more contractor accounts as part of a
list of one or more approved contractor accounts linked to the
master merchant account; calculate a charge amount by adding at
least the cost associated with each of the one or more products
provided, the one or more experiences provided, and the one or more
services provided, wherein the cost includes at least a first cost,
the first cost associated with a portion of a cost of a first
product, experience, or service that is associated with a first
contractor account of the one or more contractor accounts and
further comprises at least a second cost, the second costs
associated with at least one of (1) a second portion of the cost of
the first product, experience, or service, the second portion
associated with a second contractor account of the one or more
contractor accounts or (2) a portion of a second product,
experience, or service that is associated with a second contractor
account of the one or more contractor accounts; and calculate the
charge amount by subtracting an amount associated with one or more
redeemed instruments.
3. (canceled)
4. The POS device of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: receive, from user input, via the user interface, a
request to add a new contractor account to a master merchant
account; transmit, to a server, via the communications module,
contractor authentication information associated with the new
contractor account; and display, on the POS device, via the user
interface, the new contractor account as part of a list of one or
more approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant
account.
5. The POS device of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: calculate the charge amount by adding the cost
associated with each of the one or more products provided, the one
or more experiences provided, and the one or more services
provided.
6. The POS device of claim 5, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: calculate the charge amount by subtracting an amount
associated with one or more redeemed instruments.
7. The POS device of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: receive, via the user interface or the communications
module, payment for the charge amount and a tip amount.
8. The POS device of claim 1, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: calculate the portion of the charge amount based on
the cost associated the one or more products provided, the one or
more experiences provided and the one or more services
provided.
9. The POS device of claim 8, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: calculate the portion of the charge amount by
subtracting a commission amount.
10. The POS device of claim 8, wherein the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to: calculate the portion of the charge amount by
subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed instrument.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. A method for enabling transaction processing by a master
merchant account that enables funds to pass to and from one or more
linked approved contractor accounts, the method comprising:
generating, via a processor, at a POS device, a bill, the bill
comprising at least a charge amount and at least one indication for
each of (1) one or more products provided, (2) one or more
experiences provided; and (3) one or more services provided,
wherein each of the one or more products provided, one or more
experiences provided and one or more services provided is
associated with a cost; receiving, via a user interface, selection
of, for one or more of the at least one indication of the one or
more products provided, the one or more experiences provided, or
the one or more services provided, an approved contractor account
from a list of one or more approved contractor accounts linked to
the master merchant account; receiving, via the user interface or a
communications module, a payment or payment information for the
charge amount; and causing transfer, via the communications
interface, of a portion of the charge amount to the approved
contractor account.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: displaying, on the
POS device, via the user interface, at least one of the one or more
contractor accounts as part of a list of one or more approved
contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account;
calculating a charge amount by adding at least the cost associated
with each of the one or more products provided, the one or more
experiences provided, and the one or more services provided,
wherein the cost includes at least a first cost, the first cost
associated with a portion of a cost of a first product, experience,
or service that is associated with a first contractor account of
the one or more contractor accounts and further comprises at least
a second cost, the second costs associated with at least one of (1)
a second portion of the cost of the first product, experience, or
service, the second portion associated with a second contractor
account of the one or more contractor accounts or (2) a portion of
a second product, experience, or service that is associated with a
second contractor account of the one or more contractor accounts;
calculating the charge amount by subtracting an amount associated
with one or more redeemed instruments;
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving, from
user input, a request to add a new contractor account to a master
merchant account; transmitting, to a server, contractor
authentication information associated with the new contractor
account; displaying, on the POS device, the new contractor account
as part of a list of one or more approved contractor accounts
linked to the master merchant account.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: calculating the
charge amount by adding the cost associated with each of the one or
more products provided, the one or more experiences provided, and
the one or more services provided.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: calculating the
charge amount by subtracting an amount associated with one or more
redeemed instruments.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving payment
for the charge amount and a tip amount.
21. The method of claim 14, further comprising: calculating the
portion of the charge amount based on the cost associated the one
or more products provided, the one or more experiences provided and
the one or more services provided.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: calculating the
portion of the charge amount by subtracting a commission
amount.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: calculating the
portion of the charge amount by subtracting an amount associated
with a redeemed instrument.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. A computer program product comprising at least one
computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable program
code instructions stored therein, the computer-executable program
code instructions comprising program code instructions for:
generating a bill, at a POS device, the bill comprising at least a
charge amount and at least one indication for each of (1) one or
more products provided, (2) one or more experiences provided; and
(3) one or more services provided, wherein each of the one or more
products provided, one or more experiences provided and one or more
services provided is associated with a cost; receiving, via a user
interface, selection of, for one or more of the at least one
indication of the one or more products provided, the one or more
experiences provided, or the one or more services provided, an
approved contractor account from a list of one or more approved
contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account;
receiving, via the user interface or the communications module, a
payment or payment information for the charge amount; and causing
transfer, via the communications module, of a portion of the charge
amount to the approved contractor account.
28. The computer program product according to claim 27, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: displaying, on the POS device, via
the user interface, at least one of the one or more contractor
accounts as part of a list of one or more approved contractor
accounts linked to the master merchant account; calculating a
charge amount by adding at least the cost associated with each of
the one or more products provided, the one or more experiences
provided, and the one or more services provided, wherein the cost
includes at least a first cost, the first cost associated with a
portion of a cost of a first product, experience, or service that
is associated with a first contractor account of the one or more
contractor accounts and further comprises at least a second cost,
the second costs associated with at least one of (1) a second
portion of the cost of the first product, experience, or service,
the second portion associated with a second contractor account of
the one or more contractor accounts or (2) a portion of a second
product, experience, or service that is associated with a second
contractor account of the one or more contractor accounts;
calculating the charge amount by subtracting an amount associated
with one or more redeemed instruments;
29. (canceled)
30. The computer program product according to claim 27, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: receiving, from user input, via the
user interface, a request to add a new contractor account to a
master merchant account; transmitting, to a server, the
communications module, contractor authentication information
associated with the new contractor account; displaying, on the POS
device, via the user interface, the new contractor account as part
of a list of one or more approved contractor accounts linked to the
master merchant account.
31. The computer program product according to claim 27, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: calculating the charge amount by
adding the cost associated with each of the one or more products
provided, the one or more experiences provided, and the one or more
services provided.
32. The computer program product according to claim 31, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: calculating the charge amount by
subtracting an amount associated with one or more redeemed
instruments.
33. The computer program product according to claim 27, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: receiving, via the user interface or
the communications module, payment for the charge amount and a tip
amount.
34. The computer program product according to claim 27, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: calculating the portion of the
charge amount based on the cost associated the one or more products
provided, the one or more experiences provided and the one or more
services provided.
35. The computer program product according to claim 34, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: calculating the portion of the
charge amount by subtracting a commission amount.
36. The computer program product according to claim 34, wherein the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for: calculating the portion of the
charge amount by subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed
instrument.
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/495,199, titled "CONTRACTOR POINT OF SALE
SYSTEM," filed Sep. 24, 2014, which claims priority to and the
benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/883,414, titled "CONTRACTOR POINT OF SALE SYSTEM" filed on
Sep. 27, 2013, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0002] This application incorporates by reference each of the
following in their entirety: U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/715,229, entitled "Peer-to-Peer Payment Processing," filed
Oct. 17, 2012 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/764,753,
entitled "Consumer Device Payment Token Management," filed Feb. 11,
2013.
FIELD
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate, generally, to providing
a point-of-sale system that enables a master merchant account to
comprise one or more linked merchant accounts.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Conventional point of sale ("POS") systems are historically
tied to a single entity or bank account, thereby allowing for a
single routing of a payment from a consumer to a particular
merchant account during each transaction. However, there may be a
variety of reasons that a merchant may want to link a POS system to
a number of disparate merchant or contractor accounts. In this
regard, areas for improving current systems have been identified.
Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, solutions to
improve such systems have been realized and are described in
connection with embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0005] In general, embodiments of the present invention provided
herein include systems, methods and computer readable media for
providing a POS system that enables transaction processing by a
master merchant account that enables funds to pass to and from one
or more linked contractor accounts.
[0006] In some embodiments, a merchant device for enabling
transaction processing by a master merchant account that enables
funds to pass to and from one or more linked approved contractor
accounts may be provided comprising a processor including one or
more processing devices configured to perform independently or in
tandem to execute hard-coded functions or execute software
instructions, a user interface, a communications module, and a
memory comprising one or more volatile or non-volatile electronic
storage devices storing computer-readable instructions configured
to enable transaction processing by a master merchant account
thereby enabling funds to pass to and from one or more linked
approved contractor accounts, the computer-readable instructions
being configured, when executed, to cause the processor to generate
a bill, the bill comprising at least a charge amount and at least
one indication for each of (1) one or more products provided, (2)
one or more experiences provided, and (3) one or more services
provided, wherein each of the one or more products provided, one or
more experiences provided and one or more services provided is
associated with a cost, receive selection of, for one or more of
the at least one indication of the one or more products provided,
the one or more experiences provided, or the one or more services
provided, an approved contractor account from a list of one or more
approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account,
receive a payment or payment information for the charge amount, and
cause transfer of a portion of the charge amount to the approved
contractor account.
[0007] In some embodiments, the memory may further store
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to display, on the merchant device, via the user
interface, at least one of the one or more contractor accounts as
part of a list of one or more approved contractor accounts linked
to the master merchant account, calculate a charge amount by adding
at least the cost associated with each of the one or more products
provided, the one or more experiences provided, and the one or more
services provided, wherein the cost includes at least a first cost,
the first cost associated with a portion of a cost of a first
product, experience, or service that is associated with a first
contractor account of the one or more contractor accounts and
further comprises at least a second cost, the second costs
associated with at least one of (1) a second portion of the cost of
the first product, experience, or service, the second portion
associated with a second contractor account of the one or more
contractor accounts or (2) a portion of a second product,
experience, or service that is associated with a second contractor
account of the one or more contractor accounts, calculate the
charge amount by subtracting an amount associated with one or more
redeemed instruments, receive, via the user interface or the
communications module, a tip amount, cause transfer, via the
communication module, of at least a portion of the charge amount
and a portion of the tip amount, to the first contractor account,
the portion of the charge amount and the portion of the tip amount
transferred to the first contractor account calculated by factoring
the first cost, subtracting a commission amount, and subtracting an
amount associated with a redeemed instrument, and cause transfer,
via the communication module, of at least a portion of the charge
amount and a portion of the tip amount, to the second contractor
account, the portion of the charge amount and the portion of the
tip amount transferred to the second contractor account calculated
by (1) factoring the second cost, (2) subtracting a commission
amount, and (3) subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed
instrument.
[0008] In some embodiments the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to receive, from user input, a request to add a new
contractor account to a master merchant account, transmit, to a
server, contractor authentication information associated with the
new contractor account, display, on the merchant device, the new
contractor account as part of a list of one or more approved
contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account. In some
embodiments the memory further stores computer-readable
instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to calculate
the charge amount by adding the cost associated with each of the
one or more products provided, the one or more experiences
provided, and the one or more services provided. In some
embodiments, the memory further stores computer-readable
instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to calculate
the charge amount by subtracting an amount associated with one or
more redeemed instruments.
[0009] In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to receive payment for the charge amount and a tip
amount. In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to calculate the portion of the charge amount based on
the cost associated the one or more products provided, the one or
more experiences provided and the one or more services provided. In
some embodiments, the memory further stores computer-readable
instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to calculate
the portion of the charge amount by subtracting a commission
amount. In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processor to calculate the portion of the charge amount by
subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed instrument.
[0010] In some embodiments, a central system may be provided
comprising a networked device comprising communications circuitry
configured to facilitate communications with a consumer device and
a merchant device, and processing circuitry including one or more
processing devices configured to perform independently or in tandem
to execute hard-coded functions or execute software instructions;
and a memory comprising one or more volatile or non-volatile
electronic storage devices storing computer-readable instructions
configured to enable transaction processing by a master merchant
account thereby enabling funds to pass to and from one or more
linked approved contractor accounts, the computer-readable
instructions being configured, when executed, to cause the
processing circuitry to receive a payment in response to a bill,
the bill comprising at least a charge amount and at least one
indication for each of (1) one or more products provided, (2) one
or more experiences provided, and (3) one or more services
provided, receive an indication of a selection of an approved
contractor account from a list of one or more approved contractor
accounts linked to the master merchant account for one or more of
the at least one indications and an indication of an associated
portion of the payment, and route a portion of the payment
associated with product, service or experience indicated to the
approved contractor account.
[0011] In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processing circuitry to reduce the associated portion of the
payment routed to the approved contractor account by a commission
amount. In some embodiments, the memory further stores
computer-readable instructions that, when executed, cause the
processing circuitry to reduce the associated portion of the
payment routed to the approved contractor account by an amount
associated with a redeemed instrument.
[0012] In some embodiments, a method enabling transaction
processing by a master merchant account that enables funds to pass
to and from one or more linked approved contractor accounts may be
provided, the method comprising generating a bill, the bill
comprising at least a charge amount and at least one indication for
each of (1) one or more products provided, (2) one or more
experiences provided, and (3) one or more services provided,
wherein each of the one or more products provided, one or more
experiences provided and one or more services provided is
associated with a cost, receiving selection of, for one or more of
the at least one indication of the one or more products provided,
the one or more experiences provided, or the one or more services
provided, an approved contractor account from a list of one or more
approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account,
receiving a payment or payment information for the charge amount,
and causing transfer of a portion of the charge amount to the
approved contractor account.
[0013] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
receiving, from user input, a request to add a new contractor
account to a master merchant account, transmitting, to a server,
contractor authentication information associated with the new
contractor account, displaying, on the merchant device, the new
contractor account as part of a list of one or more approved
contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise calculating the charge
amount by adding the cost associated with each of the one or more
products provided, the one or more experiences provided, and the
one or more services provided. In some embodiments, the method may
further comprise calculating the charge amount by subtracting an
amount associated with one or more redeemed instruments. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise receiving payment for
the charge amount and a tip amount. In some embodiments, the method
may further comprise calculating the portion of the charge amount
based on the cost associated the one or more products provided, the
one or more experiences provided and the one or more services
provided. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
calculating the portion of the charge amount by subtracting a
commission amount. In some embodiments, the method may further
comprise calculating the portion of the charge amount by
subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed instrument.
[0014] In some embodiments, a method may be provided, the method
configured to facilitate communications with a consumer device and
a merchant device, comprising receiving a payment in response to a
bill, the bill comprising at least a charge amount and at least one
indication for each of (1) one or more products provided, (2) one
or more experiences provided, and (3) one or more services
provided, receiving an indication of a selection of an approved
contractor account from a list of one or more approved contractor
accounts linked to the master merchant account for one or more of
the at least one indications and an indication of an associated
portion of the payment, and routing a portion of the payment
associated with product, service or experience indicated to the
approved contractor account.
[0015] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise
reducing the associated portion of the payment routed to the
approved contractor account by a commission amount. In some
embodiments, the method may further comprise reducing the
associated portion of the payment routed to the approved contractor
account by an amount associated with a redeemed instrument.
[0016] In some embodiments, a computer program product may be
provided comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium
having computer-executable program code instructions stored
therein, the computer-executable program code instructions
comprising program code instructions for generating a bill, the
bill comprising at least a charge amount and at least one
indication for each of (1) one or more products provided, (2) one
or more experiences provided, and (3) one or more services
provided, wherein each of the one or more products provided, one or
more experiences provided and one or more services provided is
associated with a cost, receiving selection of, for one or more of
the at least one indication of the one or more products provided,
the one or more experiences provided, or the one or more services
provided, an approved contractor account from a list of one or more
approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account,
receiving a payment or payment information for the charge amount,
and causing transfer of a portion of the charge amount to the
approved contractor account.
[0017] In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code
instructions further comprise program code instructions for
receiving, from user input, a request to add a new contractor
account to a master merchant account, transmitting, to a server,
contractor authentication information associated with the new
contractor account, displaying, on the merchant device, the new
contractor account as part of a list of one or more approved
contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account. In some
embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructions
further comprise program code instructions for calculating the
charge amount by adding the cost associated with each of the one or
more products provided, the one or more experiences provided, and
the one or more services provided.
[0018] In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code
instructions further comprise program code instructions for
calculating the charge amount by subtracting an amount associated
with one or more redeemed instruments. In some embodiments, the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for receiving payment for the charge
amount and a tip amount. In some embodiments, the
computer-executable program code instructions further comprise
program code instructions for calculating the portion of the charge
amount based on the cost associated the one or more products
provided, the one or more experiences provided and the one or more
services provided.
[0019] In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code
instructions further comprise program code instructions for
calculating the portion of the charge amount by subtracting a
commission amount. In some embodiments, the computer-executable
program code instructions further comprise program code
instructions for calculating the portion of the charge amount by
subtracting an amount associated with a redeemed instrument.
[0020] In some embodiments, a computer program product may be
provided comprising at least one computer-readable storage medium
having computer-executable program code instructions stored
therein, the computer-executable program code instructions
comprising program code instructions for, comprising a networked
device comprising communications circuitry configured to facilitate
communications with a consumer device and a merchant device, and
processing circuitry configured to receive a payment in response to
a bill, the bill comprising at least a charge amount and at least
one indication for each of (1) one or more products provided, (2)
one or more experiences provided, and (3) one or more services
provided, receive an indication of a selection of an approved
contractor account from a list of one or more approved contractor
accounts linked to the master merchant account for one or more of
the at least one indications and an indication of an associated
portion of the payment, and route a portion of the payment
associated with product, service or experience indicated to the
approved contractor account.
[0021] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry is further
configured to reduce the associated portion of the payment routed
to the approved contractor account by a commission amount. In some
embodiments, the processing circuitry is further configured to
reduce the associated portion of the payment routed to the approved
contractor account by an amount associated with a redeemed
instrument.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Having thus described some embodiments in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an example schematic block diagram of
circuitry, configured in accordance with some embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 2a shows a flow chart of an example method, performed
in accordance with some embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 2b shows a flow chart of an example method, performed
in accordance with some embodiments;
[0026] FIGS. 3a-3d show example graphical user interface displays
that may be presented by various components of systems, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0027] FIG. 4 a flow chart of an example method, performed in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0028] FIGS. 5a-5f show example graphical user interface displays
that may be presented by various components of systems, in
accordance with some embodiments;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an example data flow, performed
in accordance with some embodiments;
[0030] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a flow chart of an example data flow,
performed in accordance with some embodiments;
[0031] FIG. 8 shows an example system for facilitating interactions
between consumers, contractors, and the merchant, configured in
accordance with some embodiments; and
[0032] FIG. 9 shows an example schematic block diagram of
circuitry, configured in accordance with some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all
embodiments contemplated herein are shown. Indeed, various
embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
Glossary
[0034] As used herein, the terms "data," "content," "information"
and similar terms may be used interchangeably to refer to data
capable of being captured, transmitted, received, displayed and/or
stored in accordance with various example embodiments. Thus, use of
any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit and scope of
the disclosure. Further, where a computing device is described
herein to receive data from another computing device, it will be
appreciated that the data may be received directly from the another
computing device or may be received indirectly via one or more
intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one or more
servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations,
and/or the like. Similarly, where a computing device is described
herein to send data to another computing device, it will be
appreciated that the data may be sent directly to the another
computing device or may be sent indirectly via one or more
intermediary computing devices, such as, for example, one or more
servers, relays, routers, network access points, base stations,
and/or the like.
[0035] The term "central system" as used herein refers to any
marketing system, payment processing system, coupon provider
system, and/or any other type of promotional system controlled by a
merchant, third party and/or any other type of user (e.g., such as
hardware provider, software application developer, online retailer,
brick-and-mortar retailer, etc.). The central system may be
accessible via one or more computing devices and may be operable to
provide example promotion and/or marketing services on behalf of
one or more providers that are offering one or more instruments
that are redeemable for goods, services, experiences and/or the
like. The central system may be further configured to illustrate or
otherwise inform one or more consumers of the availability of one
or more instruments in the form of one or more impressions. In some
examples, the central system may also take the form of a redemption
authority or payment processor, it may provide rewards indications
and/or it may function as an entity within a financial network. As
such, the central system is, in some example embodiments,
configured to present one or more offers, accept payments for
offers from both merchants and consumers, upon acceptance of an
offer, issue instruments, indicate whether a instrument is valid
for the purpose of redemption, generate rewards, provide a point of
sale device or otherwise participate in the exchange of goods,
services or experiences for currency and/or the like. In some
embodiments discussed herein, the central system is referred to as
a networked device.
[0036] A "promotion and marketing service" may provide promotion
and/or marketing services on behalf of one or more providers (e.g.,
one or more merchants, retailers, etc.) that are offering one or
more instruments that are redeemable for goods, services,
experiences and/or the like. The promotion and marketing service is
further configured to illustrate or otherwise inform one or more
consumers of the availability of one or more instruments in the
form of one or more impressions. In some examples, the promotion
and marketing service may also take the form of a redemption
authority, a payment processor, a rewards provider, an entity in a
financial network, a promoter, an agent and/or the like. As such,
the service is, in some example embodiments, configured to present
one or more promotions via one or more impressions, accept payments
for promotions from consumers, issue instruments upon acceptance of
an offer, participate in redemption, generate rewards, provide a
point of sale device or service, issue payments to providers and/or
or otherwise participate in the exchange of goods, services or
experiences for currency, value and/or the like.
[0037] A "promotion" may be a deal purchased by a consumer from a
promotional system, and may be considered an agreement for a
particular provider to provide a service or good (e.g., a
discounted service or good) to the consumer. A promotion may
include, but is not limited to, any type of offered, presented or
otherwise indicated reward, discount, coupon, credit, deal,
incentive, discount, media or the like that is indicative of a
promotional value or the like that upon purchase or acceptance
results in the issuance of an instrument that may be used toward at
least a portion of the purchase of particular goods, services
and/or experiences defined by the promotion. An example promotion
may be a deal offer whereby a running shoes company or intermediary
(e.g., promotion provider) offers $50 of value toward the purchase
of running shoes in exchange for $25. In some examples, the
promotion defines an accepted value (e.g., a cost to purchase the
promotion), a promotional value (e.g., the value of the resultant
instrument beyond the accepted value), a residual value (e.g., the
value upon return or upon expiry of one or more redemption
parameters), one or more redemptions parameters and/or the like.
For example, and using the running shoes company promotion as an
example, the accepted value is $25 and the promotional value is
$50. In this example, the residual value may be equal to the
accepted value.
[0038] An "instrument" associated with a promotion may include, but
is not limited to, any type of gift card, tender, electronic
certificate, medium of exchange, voucher, or the like that embodies
the terms of the promotion from which the instrument resulted and
may be used toward at least a portion of the purchase, acquisition,
procurement, consumption or the like of goods, services and/or
experiences. In some examples, the instrument may take the form of
tender that has a given value that is exchangeable for goods,
services and/or experiences and/or a reduction in a purchase price
of a particular good, service or experience. In some examples, the
instrument may have multiple values, such as an accepted value, a
promotional value and/or a residual value. For example, using the
aforementioned running shoes company as the example provider, an
electronic indication in a mobile application that shows $50 of
value to spend at the running shoes company. In some examples, the
accepted value of the instrument is defined by the value exchanged
for the instrument. In some examples, the promotional value is
defined by the promotion from which the instrument resulted and is
the value of the instrument beyond the accepted value. In some
examples, the residual value is the value after redemption, the
value after the expiry or other violation of a redemption
parameter, the return or exchange value of the instrument and/or
the like.
[0039] A "provider" may be considered a merchant, retailer, or
other provider of goods or services that offers a promotion, as
agreed upon with the promotion and marketing service affiliated
with the promotional system. A provider may include, but is not
limited to, a merchant, business owner, consigner, shopkeeper,
tradesperson, vender, operator, entrepreneur, agent, dealer,
retailer, organization or the like that is in the business of a
providing a good, service or experience to a consumer, facilitating
the provision of a good, service or experience to a consumer and/or
otherwise operating in the stream of commerce. For example, a
provider may the form of a running shoes company that sells attire
that is generally used by a person who runs or participates in
athletic activities.
[0040] An "impression" may be considered a communication
advertising an offer to purchase a promotion from a promotional
system. An impression may include a communication, a display, or
other perceived indication, such as a flyer, print media, e-mail,
text message, application alert, mobile applications, other type of
electronic interface or distribution channel and/or the like, of
one or more promotions. For example, and using the aforementioned
running company as the example provider, an e-mail communication
sent to consumers that indicates the availability of a $25 for $50
toward running shoes promotion.
[0041] Impressions are therefore provided to "consumers,"
including, but not limited to, a client, customer, purchaser,
shopper, user of the promotional system or the like who may be in
the position to or does exchange value for one or more instruments
under the terms defined by the one or promotions. For example, and
using the aforementioned running shoes company as the example
provider, an individual who is interested in purchasing running
shoes.
[0042] Analyzing "explicit data," such as user-provided data in
user profiles, preferences, and/or promotion purchase history, for
example, may allow the promotional system to better target
promotion types or impressions to consumers. A consumer may be more
likely to purchase a promotion if the impression advertising the
promotion is of interest to the consumer than if the associated
promotion was selected at random.
[0043] Additionally or alternatively, accessing "implicit data,"
data that may be user-provided for a purpose other than for use on
the promotional system and/or detected by the promotional system,
may allow a promotional system to gather information on consumer
behaviors, preferences and preferred locations. Example implicit
data may include data indicative of a consumer's browsing history,
detected location, or the consumer's social network profile
information, for example.
[0044] More specifically, embodiments provided herein may include a
system that may be implemented to provide a "master merchant"
(e.g., those that have "brick-and-mortar" retail space and/or an
online or web presence), a way to link or associate one or more
accounts, such as "contractor accounts" to a "master merchant
account." The "master merchant" may be a provider of products,
services, and/or experiences at, for example, a brick-and-mortar or
online retail space. The "master merchant" may have employees who
may operate a "merchant device" with a POS system configured to
send payment to a "master merchant account" and "contractors" who
provide services and/or experiences to consumers. An employee is
someone who works for a master merchant whereas a "contractor" may
be a person who contracts to perform services and/or provide
experiences on behalf of the "master merchant." In some
embodiments, a contractor may be an independent contractor, a
consignor, or the like. A "contractor" may be paid for the
individual services performed and/or experiences provided. In
addition, some embodiments of the system may provide for providing
the merchant device, a contractor or a contractor account
indication as part of a list of one or more approved contractor
accounts linked to the master merchant account. Further embodiments
may provide for selecting and/or assigning, for each of one or more
provided products, services, or experiences, a contractor account
from a list of one or more approved contractor accounts linked to
the master merchant account. The selection or assignment of the
contractor may then allow a portion of a payment to be sent to the
contractor account. Further embodiments may provide for generating
a "bill", the bill may comprise at least a "charge amount" (e.g., a
total payment owed) and at least one indication of each of (1) one
or more products provided, (2) one or more experiences provided;
and (3) one or more services provided. The charge amount may be a
total payment owed and may be calculated by adding the cost
associated with each of the one or more products provided, the one
or more experiences provided, and the one or more services
provided; adding a tip amount; subtracting an amount associated
with one or more redeemed instruments.
[0045] A "merchant device" may refer to a device that belongs to
the master merchant used by the employee or a device that
personally belongs to the employee. A merchant device may refer to
a mobile device or a stationary device. Example mobile devices may
include a cellular telephone (including smartphones and/or other
types of mobile telephones), laptop, wireless POS device, tablet,
wireless computing device, or the like. Example stationary devices
may include a desktop computer, work station, wired POS device,
server, or the like.
[0046] The "master merchant account" or the "contractor account"
may be a financial account, such as a checking account, debit
account, direct deposit account, third party payment account,
savings account, bank account, internet payment account, or the
like. Accordingly, the "master merchant account" and the
"contractor account" may be configured for receiving a payment that
increases the balance, and/or providing a payment (e.g., "refund")
that decreases the balance.
[0047] Some embodiments described herein may include one or more
methods for performing the functionality described herein and/or
non-transitory computer readable media storing instructions for
performing the one or more methods that are executable by a
processor. Other embodiments may include machines, such as an
apparatus and/or system, configured to implement the methods and/or
other functionality discussed herein. For example, the machine may
include one or more processors and/or other machine components
configured to implement the functionality discussed herein based on
instructions and/or other data stored in memory, circuitry, and/or
non-transitory computer readable media.
[0048] These characteristics as well as additional features,
functions, and details of various corresponding and additional
embodiments are described below.
Overview
[0049] The methods, apparatus and computer program products
described herein are operable for the providing of a point-of-sale
system that enables a master merchant account to comprise linked
contractor accounts, thus allowing a merchant device associated
with a master merchant account to conduct transactions on behalf of
a contractor associated with at least one of the linked contractor
accounts. As such, payments or portions of payments paid for
products, services or experiences provided by a contractor may be
made to the linked contractor account.
[0050] In some embodiments, a master merchant account may link a
POS system to a number of disparate merchant or contractor
accounts. For example, a maser merchant account may provide for
transferring payment to different accounts based on a product,
service or experience provided (e.g., food and beverage to account
A and professional services in account B). In some embodiments, a
merchant (or "master merchant") may hire one or more contractors to
provide services (e.g., hairstylists, beauticians, etc.) or may
sell products, services, or experiences on behalf of one or more
other merchants (e.g., consignments, etc.) and, thus, may want to
have the payments received transferred directly to the contractor
or other merchant. In some embodiments, the master merchant may
take a commission, seat fee or the like out of each transaction. In
some embodiments, payments may be adjusted based on taxes, tips,
purchase of promotions, redemption of instruments, or the like.
[0051] An advantage that may be realized by some embodiments
discussed herein allows for payments for one or more products,
services, and/or experiences to be accepted from a consumer, the
payments for each individual product, services or experience then
being made to or processed by a contractor account directly.
Another advantage that may be realized herein allows for a system
where payments for products, services, or experiences provided by
one or more employees or contractors may be accepted at a merchant
device without each of the or more employees or contractors having
to login every time. Another advantage that may be realized by some
embodiments discussed herein is that the merchant device can be
configured to facilitate a network-based payment to a contractor
account. As such, to a consumer making a payment for one or more
products, services, or experiences, the system provides for a
single transaction. The one or more transactions required to
complete the transaction may be handled away from the consumer.
[0052] Other advantages that may be realized by some embodiments
discussed herein include allowing a master merchant to facilitate
payments to one or more contractors, allowing commissions to be
kept, tips to be paid, taxes withheld, etc., providing promotional
offerings (e.g., impressions, vouchers, sales, discounts, rewards,
or the like) to the consumer, and/or facilitating consumer service
and point-of-sale functionality.
Example System Architecture
[0053] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary system 100
for providing of a point-of-sale system that enables a master
merchant account to comprise linked contractor accounts, allowing
payments for products, services or experiences to be made directly
to a contractor account on a merchant device. The system 100 may be
configured to include a merchant device 105, a central system 110
including a master merchant account 115 and contractor accounts
120a and 120n. The merchant device 110, as described above may be a
personal computer, tablet, mobile device or the like. The master
merchant account may be configured to include master merchant
account data 120, a list of linked contractors 125, and one links
to each of a first contractor account and a Nth contractor account
130a-130n. The contractor accounts 120a-120n may be configured to
include contractor account data 135a-135n. Master merchant account
data and contractor account data may include identifying data,
financial data, transaction data, and/or the like.
[0054] In some configurations, the merchant device 105 may operate
a POS application and conduct transactions on behalf of the master
merchant account. In some configurations, the central system 110
may be configured to send the merchant device 105 master merchant
account data. The merchant device may be configured to generate
itemized bills and receive payment information from consumers. In
some configurations, payment information may be received from a
credit card swiper hardwired or wirelessly connected to the
merchant device. In some configurations, a virtual wallet may be
employed by a consumer for providing payment information. In some
embodiments, a consumer may pay with cash and the merchant device
105 may be configured to receive input indicating such.
[0055] In some configurations, the central system 110 may be
configured to send the merchant device 105 a list of linked
contractors. The merchant device 105 may then be configured to
display the list of linked contractors to a user of the merchant
device for selection during a payment allocation process. In some
configurations, the payment is sent to the master merchant account
115 where, based on adjustments related to commissions, taxes, etc.
an adjusted payment portion may be sent to a contractor account. In
some configurations, the central server 115 may be configured to
provide the merchant device 105 with data allowing payment portions
to be sent directly to the contractor accounts.
Set-Up Process Overview
[0056] In some embodiments, in order to allow the master merchant
or employee operating a merchant device having the master merchant
account to conduct a transaction on behalf of the contractor, the
contractor account may first be linked to the master merchant
account. In other words, a contractor must first provide
authorization, for example, via a contractor account, allowing for
the master merchant account to link to the contractor account and
conduct transactions on behalf of the contractor. Accordingly,
before a merchant device or a master merchant account comprising
links to one or more contractor accounts may be provided, an
authorization and authentication process may, first, be performed.
In other words, the merchant device and/or the master merchant
account may first perform an authorization process to add a
contractor account to a list of available contractor accounts. In
some examples, an employee utilizing a merchant device may initiate
a process for adding a contractor account, but before the
contractor account is linked, contractor login information or, in
some embodiments, a pin may be entered by the contractor. FIGS. 2a
and 2b show flow charts of an example methods for providing
authorization for linking a contractor account to the master
merchant account, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0057] Method 200 will be described with reference to example
displays 305-320 shown in FIGS. 3a-3d, respectively. FIGS. 3a-3d
show example displays 305, 310, 315, and 320 that may be presented
by one or more display screens of one or more machines, such as
those used by master merchants or their employees, which as
described above, are referred to herein as "merchant devices."
While the example displays 305, 310, 315, and 320 are configured to
be shown on a tablet computer (or other device having similar
dimensions), similar interfaces may be utilized with other types of
merchant devices discussed herein and modified accordingly (e.g.,
for screen size, input device compatibly, ease of use, etc.).
[0058] In some embodiments, any physical device may be configured
to perform the functionalities described herein with respect to
both merchant devices and consumer devices. For example, a device
may be configured to make a payment (e.g., like a consumer device)
and also receive a payment (e.g., like a merchant device), among
other things described herein.
[0059] In some embodiments, the techniques described herein may be
implemented via one or more applications that execute locally and
causes a merchant/consumer device to be configured to function as a
specialized machine. Additionally or alternatively, cloud-based,
multi-tenant, thin-client, and/or other types of networked service
techniques may be used. For example, one or more functionalities
described herein as being performed by a merchant device or
consumer device may execute on a remote device, such as a server
and/or other networked machine. User input information may be
generated by and sent from the merchant/consumer device to the
remote device, while visual and/or audio information is sent from
the remote device to the merchant/consumer device.
[0060] Turning back to FIG. 2, as shown in block 202a of FIG. 2a,
an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be configured for
displaying and/or providing an option to add a contractor,
contractor account, or the like and receiving an indication of a
request to add a new contractor, contractor account or the like.
For example, display 305 of FIG. 3a shows a display screen that may
be displayed by a merchant device. Display 305, like some or all of
the other displays discussed herein, may be accessed by virtually
any method, such as an application executing locally. Alternatively
and/or additionally, login display 300 may be accessed from one or
more servers (e.g., central server 804 shown in FIG. 8) via a web
browser, such as by entering an address (e.g., a uniform resource
locator ("URL") address) into the web browser's location bar.
Display 305 may be configured to allow for, for example, an
employee to initiate a process for adding a contractor to the
master merchant account. Display 305 may be configured to receive
an input indication of a request to add a new contractor. In some
embodiments, display 305 may provide for an option allowing a
contractor to login directly, by for example, providing the
merchant device with a username and password. This option may be
best suited when the contractor is available to access the merchant
device.
[0061] After receiving an indication of a request to add a new
contractor, contractor account or the like, as shown in block 202a
of FIG. 2a, an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be
configured for displaying and/or providing a login screen. As such,
as shown in FIG. 3b, a login display 310 may be configured to
provide a place to input a username (e.g., email address) and
password. Display 310 may also be configured to provide a sign in
selection and/or a register selection. As shown in block 206a of
FIG. 2, an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be
configured for receiving login data. Login data may include a
username and password, a personal identification number or the
like.
[0062] In some embodiments, a user of the merchant device may have
an account already and wish to login, and in some embodiments, a
user of the merchant device may wish to register an account. As
such, the apparatus may be further configured to receive an input
of a login request or a register request.
[0063] Once the input is received, the apparatus may transmit the
login information (e.g., username and password) to a central server
for authentication. Accordingly, as shown in block 208a of FIG. 2a,
an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be configured for
transmitting the login information to the central server. As one of
ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, an authentication
process may be performed, the process of which is outside the scope
of the present application. Once the authentication process is
performed, as shown in block 210a of FIG. 2, an apparatus, such as
merchant device 105, may be configured for receiving confirmation.
In some embodiments, if the login data is determined to be invalid,
confirmation is not received and the method may return to 202a
allowing for the contractor to make another attempt at providing
login data. In some embodiments, the contractor account may be
locked out after a certain number of unsuccessful login
attempts.
[0064] When the login data is confirmed to be correct, as shown in
FIG. 3c, display 315 may be configured to display a contractor
account screen. As shown in FIG. 3c, display 315 shows a list of
merchants available for selection. In some embodiments, an
identifier of the merchant device or a particular master merchant
account may be transmitted concurrently with, before or after, the
login information and as such, the master merchant associated with
the merchant device and/or merchant device may be pre-selected, at
the top of the displayed list, or the like. In some embodiments, no
list is provided and a confirmation request is provided asking the
contractor if a displayed merchant is the master merchant that the
contractor wants to link to.
[0065] In some embodiments, the contractor account screen may
provide links to one or more other screens of the contractor
account. For example, the apparatus, such as merchant device 105, a
display screen, or the like, may be configured for particular
levels of security for any addition or subtraction of a contractor
to a master merchant account; any sales transaction and/or any
return or refund transaction. In some embodiments, the contractors
may use a personal identification number (PIN) to validate each
transaction, whereas in other examples other methods of validation
may be used. For example, contractors may validate commissions at
the end of each day, may remotely approve settings, contractors may
define auto-approval parameters and/or the like. In some examples,
the central system may be configured to provide interfaces for
creating, updating, or otherwise modifying the types of actions
that various master merchants or master merchant accounts may be
allowed to perform on the contractors behalf. For example, the
contractor may specify that the master merchant is allowed to
provide payments, deduct master merchant portions of payments, etc.
without approval but require approval for refunds.
[0066] Accordingly, as shown in block 212a of FIG. 2, an apparatus,
such as merchant device 105, may be configured for receiving user
input indicating a master merchant selection and/or transmitting a
master merchant selection. The central server may then provide the
master merchant account with authorization and/or information
allowing the linking of the contractor account to the master
merchant account. As such, as shown in block 214a of FIG. 2a, an
apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be configured for
adding the contractor associated with the contractor account to the
contractor list. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3d, display 320 may
be configured to display a contractor list comprising each approved
contractor, including for example, the newly linked contractor.
[0067] FIG. 2b shows an alternative authorization process. For
example, in some embodiments, such as, for example, when a
contractor is not able to access the merchant device and as such,
cannot enter a password, or when, for example, a contractor has
pre-established or identified the master merchant, display 305 may
be configured to provide an option for entering a pin. As such, as
shown in block 202b of FIG. 2b, an apparatus, such as merchant
device 105, may be configured for transmitting a request to add a
new contractor or contractor account via a personal identification
number (PIN) method along with identifying contractor and/or
contractor account information. For example, merchant device 104
may allow for a PIN option to be selected and for the input of a
contractor username or the like. Central server or the like may
then, upon receiving the request, provide a PIN, such as for
example a one-time-use PIN, to a contractor mobile device or the
like. The contract then may share the PIN with the employee
operating the merchant device. As such, as shown in block 204b of
FIG. 2b, an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be
configured for requesting the PIN. As shown in block 206b of FIG.
2b, an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be configured
for receiving input of the PIN and as shown in 208b, transmitting
the PIN to the central server. Steps 210b-214b track with
210a-214a. In some embodiments, other methods may be provided for
identifying a contractor, such as providing a biometric identifier
(e.g., a fingerprint, voice message, retina scan, etc.) or the
like.
Payment Allocation Process
[0068] In some embodiments, once the master merchant or employee
operating a merchant device having the master merchant account is
allowed to conduct a transaction on the contractor's behalf,
payments may be allocated, sent to, and/or processed by a
contractor account. In some embodiments, however, customers may buy
multiple products, may be provided with multiple services or
experiences or purchase a combination of products, services, and/or
experiences. In those instances, portions of a payments related to
one or more products, services or experiences provided by a
particular contractor may be attributed to that particular
contractor, and, in some embodiments, processed by the contractor
account.
[0069] More specifically, in some embodiments, once a contractor
has been added to a list of contractors for display on merchant
device, the master merchant, or employee thereof, may select the
contractor from the list, from a dropdown menu or the like. The
master merchant may then attach or attribute one or more goods,
services, or experiences to that contractor. The selection process
may be repeated for each of one or more products, services, or
experiences. Once the selection and attribution is complete, the
master merchant may then take a payment from a customer. In some
embodiments, at least a portion of the payment may be routed to the
contractor. In some embodiments, a master merchant may apportion
itself part of a product, service, or experience and/or a
commission on each transaction.
[0070] In some embodiments, the master merchant may add products,
services or experiences from multiple contractors or, in some
embodiments, from the master merchant. In such an embodiment, each
of the products, services or experiences may be attributed to the
particular contractor or the master merchant. Once the payment is
taken from the customer, the payment may then be advantageously
allocated or otherwise routed to the correct contractors. For
example, Contractor A may provide a haircut for $35, while the
master merchant may offer a $3 latte. On checkout, the consumer is
provided with a single bill, with a single charge, and provides a
single payment (e.g., single credit card swipe or the like). Upon
providing payment, the haircut may then be allocated to the
contractor and the latte to the master merchant.
[0071] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of an example method for
allocating portions of a payment to different accounts, in
accordance with some embodiments. And FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of
an example method for selecting a particular master merchant to
which to allocate a portion of a payment to, in accordance with
some embodiments. As such, the master merchant may accept payments,
and in some examples may offer returns, on behalf of the contractor
while presenting to an end customer a seamless customer service
experience. Once accepted, portions of the payment may then be
allocated on a product, service or experience basis to a contractor
who provided the product, service or experience.
[0072] Method 400 will be described with reference to example
displays 505-530 shown in FIGS. 5a-5f, respectively. FIGS. 5a-5f
show example displays 505-530 that may be presented by one or more
display screens of one or more machines, such as those used by
master merchants or their employees, which are referred to herein
as "merchant devices." While the example displays 505-530 are
configured to be shown on a tablet computer (or other device having
similar dimensions), similar interfaces may be utilized with other
types of merchant devices discussed herein and modified accordingly
(e.g., for screen size, input device compatibly, ease of use,
etc.).
[0073] Turning back to FIG. 4, as shown in block 402 of FIG. 4, an
apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be configured for
generating a bill. In some embodiments, the bill may comprise at
least a total payment owed and at least one indication of each of
(1) one or more products provided, (2) one or more experiences
provided; and (3) one or more services provided. As shown in block
404 of FIG. 4, an apparatus, such as merchant device 105, may be
configured for providing a customer with the bill. For example,
display 505 of FIG. 5a shows a display screen that may be
configured to display a bill. As shown on display screen 505, a
plurality of products, services, and experiences are listed. Here,
for example, the employee is provided with indications for adding a
plurality of products, services or experiences to the bill, such as
massage, peel, mud, ice wash, oils, mocha, espres (shortened from
`espresso`), America (shortened from `american coffee`), and capp
(shortened from `cappuccino`). The display 505 may additionally
provide an itemized list of products, services, or experiences,
ordered by or provided to a customer such as for example here, a
massage, peel, mud, ice wash and cappuccino. In some embodiments,
tax and/or tip may be provided with the payment amount or total
bill, as indicated here by `charge $3.50`.
[0074] In some embodiments, the display may provide indications for
discounts. Display 505, for example, provides a $1.00 first visit
offer, a $2.00 second visit offer, a 10% loyalty offer, a 15%
employee offer, and a 50% birthday offer. Other offers may also be
accepted and/or applied. In some example embodiments, the apparatus
may also be configured to process instruments issued by a promotion
and marketing service. As is described above with respect to
payment, instruments may be applied to a particular contractor's
services or may be spread across each product, service, and
experience in a transaction. Additionally, the apparatus may be
configured to verify fine print or redemption parameters of an
instrument and may apply the instrument based on the issuer, an
agreement by the contractor or the like. In some examples, a
contractor may have to validate the application of an instrument
against his/her products, services, and/or experiences.
[0075] As shown in block 406 of FIG. 4, an apparatus, such as
merchant device 105, may be configured for receiving a payment or
payment information in response to the bill for at least a portion
of the total payment. In some embodiments, payment information may
be received from a credit card swiper hardwired or wirelessly
connected to the merchant device. In some embodiments, a virtual
wallet may be employed by the customer for providing payment
information. In some embodiments, a customer may pay with cash and
the apparatus may be configured to receive input indicating such.
As such, FIG. 5b shows display 510, which is configured to display
the master merchant name (e.g., "Ulf's Cupcakes"), and payment
options, including cash (e.g., "fast cash" amounts $4, $5, $10, and
$20) and "other tender" including "cash amount" and "card number."
Payment may include a portion of the total payment owed. For
example, a cash or credit amount may be less in embodiments, where
some discount indication is provided. In some embodiments,
additional payment may be received, as in an instance where for
example, a tip is provided.
[0076] As shown in block 408 of FIG. 4, an apparatus, such as
merchant device 105, may be configured for selecting, for one or
more of the at least one indication of one or more products
provided, one or more experiences provided, or one or more services
provided, an approved contractor account from a list of one or more
approved contractor accounts linked to the master merchant account.
As shown in FIG. 5c, display 515 shows a list of approved
contractors. Here for example, the master merchant "Ulf's Cupcakes"
is followed by the contractor added in FIGS. 3a-3d, "test
merchant." The process for selecting, for one or more of the at
least one indication, an approved contractor account from a list of
one or more approved contractor accounts may be include providing a
list of approved contractor accounts at the time of adding an item
to the bill. In some embodiments, the process for selecting may
include providing a list of approved contractor accounts after each
of one or more products, services, or experiences are added to the
bill. In some embodiments, a default contractor account may be
associated with one or more products, services, or experiences. As
such, when the product, service or experience is added to the bill,
no selection is necessary. In some embodiments, a selection process
may allow the default contract account to be replaced with a
non-default contractor account, when for example, a different
contractor provides the product, service or experience.
[0077] As shown in block 410 of FIG. 4, an apparatus, such as
merchant device 105, may be configured for sending payment and/or
payment information, including allocation information to central
server for deposit into the appropriate account. In some
embodiments, the master merchant account may transfer a portion of
the payment to the approved contractor account which was selected
in block 408. In some embodiments, the consumer payment is
processed by the selected contractor account. In this embodiment,
the master merchant does not need to process, receive, or
distribute the payment. A shown in FIG. 5d, display 520 may be back
to a blank bill screen after the customer has provided payment
information and may be ready for a next customer.
Central Server Linking and Allocating Process
[0078] In some embodiments, via communication with the central
system, a contractor may be allowed to associate with POS systems
at different merchant shops utilizing their contractor account
provided by the central system. Furthermore, the central system may
be configured to store account data, such as financial data
associated payment destinations (e.g., financial accounts) for
contractor accounts and/or master merchant accounts. FIGS. 5e and
5f are example embodiments of displays showing account management
using the merchant device, in accordance with some embodiments.
[0079] For example, FIG. 5e shows display 525, which is configured
to provide a "reports" section where a plurality of account
management details may be selected. Here, for example, the
"reports" section of display 525 shows a "sales" selection, a
"product mix" selection, and a "Groupon Deals" section. A user,
such as a contractor or an employee of the master merchant, may
select one of the account management settings. Here, for example,
"sales" is selected. FIG. 5f shows display 530 configured for
providing the user with a list of approved contractor accounts and
the master merchant account. Once a selection is made, sales data
associated with the selected account may be requested and/or
received from the central server and displayed on display 530.
Here, for example, data may be displayed based on a particular
date. As such, display 530 provides a method for selecting a date
(e.g., Sep. 6, 2013). As shown, a selection portion of the screen
may be provided for allowing the user to select a day in September
and arrows may be provided for scrolling to a different month. As
one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, a number of
methods exist for selecting a date and/or time range, each of which
may be incorporated into display 530 or the like.
[0080] Furthermore, once a date and/or other time period is
selected, display 530 may be configured to access, request, and/or
receive account data related to the date or time period. Here, for
example, display 530 shows data related to "card sales", "cash
sales", "tips" and "tax". Display 530 may also be configured to
provide an additional breakdown of the time period selected. Here,
for example, an hourly breakdown is provided.
Permitting a Master Merchant Account to Transact on Behalf of a
Contractor
[0081] In some embodiments, in order to grant permission, in the
form of provided linking data, to a master merchant account to
perform transactions on behalf of a contractor, a series of data
flow operation may be performed which allow the contractor at, for
example, the master merchant location and using the merchant device
to access their contractor account, select the master merchant, and
adjust one or more account settings, thus allowing the contractor
account to transmit the linking data to the master merchant
account. FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of an example data flow
represented by method 600, which can result in providing a master
merchant account with permission to conduct transactions on behalf
of a contractor, performed in accordance with some embodiments.
[0082] At 602, connection between the merchant device and the
master merchant account is established. At 604, as discussed
earlier, the merchant device may transmit a request to add a
contractor. A login display is provided to the merchant device.
Login data may then be input into the merchant device and send to
the contractor account, as shown in 608. At 610, login data may be
verified and a secure connection between the contractor account and
the merchant device may be established.
[0083] If the contractor does not provide login data, the central
system or master merchant account may be configured to allow the
contractor to create a new account. Alternatively, an option to
register a new account may be provided and selected at a login
display. Responsive to the selection, the central system may be
configured to provide interfaces to the merchant device for
creating the new contractor account, after creating the new
contractor account, the merchant device may be configured to access
the account.
[0084] At 612, master merchant accounts with which the contractor
account may be link, may be identified and at 614, a list of the
one or more master merchant accounts may be transmitted to the
merchant device. The merchant device may then, upon displaying the
list, may be configured to receive a selection of a master merchant
account for which to establish a link to. At 616, the selection may
be transmitted to the contractor account. The contractor account
then may send link information or the like to the master merchant
account selected in 616, as shown in 618.
Sending Payment to Contractor Account
[0085] In some embodiments, a series of steps may be performed in
order to provide payment to a contractor account in response to
products, services, or experiences provided. FIGS. 7A and 7B show a
process for allocating an adjusted payment portion to contractor
accounts.
[0086] FIG. 7A shows a process where a master merchant account may
receive payment information and process the transaction. The
adjusted payment portions may then be sent to contractor accounts.
At 702, connection between the merchant device and the master
merchant account is established. At 704, the master merchant
account may generate a list of approved contractors based on
received link information. In conjunction with providing a customer
with one or more products, services, or experiences, the merchant
device may generate a bill, at 708. Each of the one or more
products, services, or experiences may be associated with a
particular contractor. As such, at 710, a list may be provided to
the user including one or more approved contractors. The list may
also include the master merchant. Once payment is received, payment
information may be sent to the master merchant account at 712. At
714, contractor selection information is sent to the master
merchant account. At 716, the master merchant account then may
associate a payment portion to a contractor account associated with
the selected contractor for each of one or more products, services,
or experiences. At 718, a payment portion may be adjusted based on
tips, offers, redeemed instruments, commission or the like. Once a
payment portion is calculated, as shown at 720, an adjusted payment
portion may be sent to the contractor account.
[0087] FIG. 7B shows a process where payments are received and/or
processed by a contractor account directly. Here, a master merchant
account does not necessarily insert itself into the payment
processing, but simply acts as a conduit for accepting the payment
information. Alternatively or additionally, the master merchant
account may be used to select the contractor account and all
payment processing is solely handled by the contractor account. At
752, connection between the merchant device and the master merchant
account is established. At 754, the master merchant account may
generate a list of approved contractors based on received link
information. In conjunction with providing a customer with one or
more products, services, or experiences, the master merchant device
may generate a bill, at 758. Each of the one or more products,
services, or experiences may be associated with a particular
contractor. As such, at 760, a list may be provided to the user
including one or more approved contractors. The list may also
include the master merchant. At 762, contractor selection
information is sent to the master merchant account. Once selection
information is received, payment information may be sent directly
to the selected contractor account at 764. The contractor account
may process the payment from the customer at 766.
Exemplary System Architecture
[0088] FIG. 8 shows system 800 including an example network
architecture, which may include one or more devices and sub-systems
that are configured to implement some embodiments discussed herein.
For example, system 800 may include central system 802, which can
include, for example, central server 804 and central database 806,
among other things (not shown). Central server 804 may be any
suitable network server, a plurality of networked servers, and/or
other type of processing device. Central database 806 may be any
suitable network database configured to store information that may
be used to facilitate the techniques as discussed herein. In this
regard, system 802 may include, for example, at least one backend
data server, network database, cloud computing device, among other
things.
[0089] Central system 802 may be coupled to one or more merchant
devices (e.g., merchant device 810) via network 808. In this
regard, network 808 may include any wired or wireless communication
network including, for example, a wired or wireless local area
network (LAN), personal area network (PAN), metropolitan area
network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), mobile broadband network,
or the like, as well as any hardware, software and/or firmware
required to implement it (such as, e.g., network routers, etc.).
For example, network 808 may include a cellular telephone, an
802.11, 802.16, 802.20, and/or WiMax network. Further, the network
808 may include a public network, such as the Internet, a private
network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may
utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later
developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking
protocols.
[0090] As discussed above, merchant device 810 may be associated
with a master merchant, such as a retail store, restaurant, etc. or
one or more employees of the master merchant. In some embodiments,
merchant device 810 may be a POS device that is configured to
receive payments at the master merchant's shop. As such, merchant
device 810 may include a personal computer and/or other networked
device, such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, mobile device,
etc., that may be used for any suitable purpose in addition to
providing POS functionality at the restaurant.
[0091] System 800 may further include one or more consumer devices
(e.g., consumer device 812). Consumer device 812 may connect with
merchant device 810 via network 808. In some embodiments, central
system 800 may further include one or more third party systems
(e.g., third party system 814), among other things. In some
embodiments, different third party systems may be associated with
different types of payment sources or payment destinations. Thus
for each payment source or destination, data may be sent to an
appropriate third party system (e.g., a credit card transaction
server, a bank account, etc.) to validate and/or process payments.
Furthermore, as discussed above, employee payment accounts and/or
consumer payment accounts may be associated with one or more third
party accounts that are provided by third party system 814.
[0092] In some embodiments, central system 802 may be a
multi-tenant database system configured to provide services to a
plurality of consumers and master merchants. Additionally and/or
alternatively, central system 802 may be configured to include, or
work in connection with, online ordering systems (e.g., shop online
and pickup), promotional systems (e.g., instruments, promotions,
instruments, offerings, purchases, and redemptions, where the value
of a redeemed instrument may be deducted from the payment),
merchant systems (e.g., kitchen systems for restaurants), and/or
appointment systems (e.g., scheduling a reservation at a
restaurant). As such, the techniques disclosed herein may be
applicable to any environment that involves consumer and employee
interactions.
[0093] FIG. 9 shows a schematic block diagram of circuitry 900,
some or all of which may be included in, for example, central
system 904, consumer device 912, and/or merchant device 910. In
accordance with some example embodiments, circuitry 900 may include
various means, such as one or more processors 902, memories 904,
communications modules 9706, and/or input/output modules 908.
[0094] In some embodiments, such as when circuitry 900 is included
in merchant device 910 and/or central system 902,
payment/redemption module 910 may also or instead be included. As
referred to herein, "module" includes hardware, software and/or
firmware configured to perform one or more particular functions. In
this regard, the means of circuitry 900 as described herein may be
embodied as, for example, circuitry, hardware elements (e.g., a
suitably programmed processor, combinational logic circuit, and/or
the like), a computer program product comprising computer-readable
program instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable
medium (e.g., memory 904) that is executable by a suitably
configured processing device (e.g., processor 902), or some
combination thereof.
[0095] Processor 902 may, for example, be embodied as various means
including one or more microprocessors with accompanying digital
signal processor(s), one or more processor(s) without an
accompanying digital signal processor, one or more coprocessors,
one or more multi-core processors, one or more controllers,
processing circuitry, one or more computers, various other
processing elements including integrated circuits such as, for
example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) or FPGA
(field programmable gate array), or some combination thereof.
Accordingly, although illustrated in FIG. 9 as a single processor,
in some embodiments, processor 902 comprises a plurality of
processors. The plurality of processors may be embodied on a single
computing device or may be distributed across a plurality of
computing devices collectively configured to function as circuitry
900. The plurality of processors may be in operative communication
with each other and may be collectively configured to perform one
or more functionalities of circuitry 900 as described herein. In an
example embodiment, processor 902 is configured to execute
instructions stored in memory 904 or otherwise accessible to
processor 902. These instructions, when executed by processor 902,
may cause circuitry 900 to perform one or more of the
functionalities of circuitry 900 as described herein.
[0096] Whether configured by hardware, firmware/software methods,
or by a combination thereof, processor 902 may comprise an entity
capable of performing operations according to embodiments of the
present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, for example,
when processor 902 is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like,
processor 902 may comprise specifically configured hardware for
conducting one or more operations described herein. As another
example, when processor 902 is embodied as an executor of
instructions, such as may be stored in memory 904, the instructions
may specifically configure processor 902 to perform one or more
algorithms and operations described herein.
[0097] Memory 904 may comprise, for example, volatile memory,
non-volatile memory, or some combination thereof. Although
illustrated in FIG. 9 as a single memory, memory 904 may comprise a
plurality of memory components. The plurality of memory components
may be embodied on a single computing device or distributed across
a plurality of computing devices. In various embodiments, memory
904 may comprise, for example, a hard disk, random access memory,
cache memory, flash memory, a compact disc read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), an
optical disc, circuitry configured to store information, or some
combination thereof. Memory 904 may be configured to store
information, data, applications, instructions, or the like for
enabling circuitry 900 to carry out various functions in accordance
with example embodiments discussed herein. For example, in at least
some embodiments, memory 904 is configured to buffer input data for
processing by processor 902. Additionally or alternatively, in at
least some embodiments, memory 904 may be configured to store
program instructions for execution by processor 902. Memory 904 may
store information in the form of static and/or dynamic information.
This stored information may be stored and/or used by circuitry 900
during the course of performing its functionalities.
[0098] Communications module 906 may be embodied as any device or
means embodied in circuitry, hardware, a computer program product
comprising computer readable program instructions stored on a
computer readable medium (e.g., memory 904) and executed by a
processing device (e.g., processor 902), or a combination thereof
that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to another
device, such as, for example, a second circuitry 900 and/or the
like. In some embodiments, communications module 906 (like other
components discussed herein) can be at least partially embodied as
or otherwise controlled by processor 902. In this regard,
communications module 906 may be in communication with processor
902, such as via a bus. Communications module 906 may include, for
example, an antenna, a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver,
network interface card and/or supporting hardware and/or
firmware/software for enabling communications with another
computing device. Communications module 906 may be configured to
receive and/or transmit any data that may be stored by memory 904
using any protocol that may be used for communications between
computing devices. Communications module 906 may additionally or
alternatively be in communication with the memory 904, input/output
module 908 and/or any other component of circuitry 900, such as via
a bus.
[0099] Input/output module 908 may be in communication with
processor 902 to receive an indication of a user input and/or to
provide an audible, visual, mechanical, or other output to a user.
Some example visual outputs that may be provided to a user by
circuitry 900 are discussed in connection with the displays
described above. As such, input/output module 908 may include
support, for example, for a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a
display, an image capturing device, a touch screen display, a
microphone, a speaker, a RFID reader, barcode reader, biometric
scanner, and/or other input/output mechanisms. In embodiments
wherein circuitry 900 is embodied as a server or database, aspects
of input/output module 908 may be reduced as compared to
embodiments where circuitry 900 is implemented as an end-user
machine (e.g., consumer device and/or merchant device) or other
type of device designed for complex user interactions. In some
embodiments (like other components discussed herein), input/output
module 908 may even be eliminated from circuitry 900.
Alternatively, such as in embodiments wherein circuitry 900 is
embodied as a server or database, at least some aspects of
input/output module 908 may be embodied on an apparatus used by a
user that is in communication with circuitry 900, such as for
example, merchant device 910 and/or consumer device 912.
Input/output module 908 may be in communication with memory 904,
communications module 906, and/or any other component(s), such as
via a bus. Although more than one input/output module and/or other
component can be included in circuitry 900, only one is shown in
FIG. 9 to avoid overcomplicating the drawing (like the other
components discussed herein).
[0100] Payment/redemption module 910 may also or instead be
included and configured to perform the functionality discussed
herein related to facilitating payment transactions discussed
above. In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality
facilitating payment transactions may be performed by processor
902. In this regard, the example processes and algorithms discussed
herein can be performed by at least one processor 902 and/or
payment/redemption module 910. For example, non-transitory computer
readable storage media can be configured to store firmware, one or
more application programs, and/or other software, which include
instructions and other computer-readable program code portions that
can be executed to control processors of the components of system
900 to implement various operations, including the examples shown
above. As such, a series of computer-readable program code portions
may be embodied in one or more computer program products and can be
used, with a computing device, server, and/or other programmable
apparatus, to produce the machine-implemented processes discussed
herein.
[0101] Any such computer program instructions and/or other type of
code may be loaded onto a computer, processor or other programmable
apparatus's circuitry to produce a machine, such that the computer,
processor other programmable circuitry that executes the code may
be the means for implementing various functions, including those
described herein.
[0102] It is also noted that all or some of the information
presented by the example displays discussed herein can be based on
data that is received, generated and/or maintained by one or more
components of system 2600. In some embodiments, one or more
external systems (such as a remote cloud computing and/or data
storage system) may also be leveraged to provide at least some of
the functionality discussed herein.
[0103] As described above and as will be appreciated based on this
disclosure, embodiments of the present invention may be configured
as methods, mobile devices, backend network devices, and the like.
Accordingly, embodiments may comprise various means including
entirely of hardware or any combination of software and hardware.
Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of a computer program
product on at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage
medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g.,
computer software) embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable
computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including
non-transitory hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, optical storage
devices, or magnetic storage devices.
[0104] Embodiments of the present invention have been described
above with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations
of methods, apparatuses, systems and computer program products.
Each block of the circuit diagrams and process flowcharts, and
combinations of blocks in the circuit diagrams and process
flowcharts, respectively, can be implemented by various means
including computer program instructions. These computer program
instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special
purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus,
such as processor 902 and/or payment/redemption module 910
discussed above with reference to FIG. 9, to produce a machine,
such that the computer program product includes the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified
in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0105] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory 904) that can direct
a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of
manufacture including computer-readable instructions for
implementing the function discussed herein. The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions
discussed herein.
[0106] Accordingly, the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations
support combinations of means for performing the specified
functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified
functions and program instruction means for performing the
specified functions. It will also be understood that each
block/step of the circuit diagrams and process flowcharts, and
combinations of blocks/steps in the circuit diagrams and process
flowcharts, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based
computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or
combinations of special purpose hardware and computer
instructions.
[0107] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which these embodiments of the invention pertain having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. For example, although the examples discussed
herein do not require the consumer to present a form of payment
(such as a credit card) to the merchant, some embodiments of the
merchant device can be configured to work with one or more
peripheral devices that can receive payment information directly
from a consumer (such as a credit card reader, radio frequency
identification reader, etc.) in addition to or instead of from the
central system. Therefore, it is to be understood that the
embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific
embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments
are intended to be included within the scope of the appended
claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used
in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation.
* * * * *