Reverse logistics processing

• US 20020010634A1
• Filed: 12/08/2000
• Published: 01/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Clickreturns.Com Co.
• Original Assignee: Clickreturns.Com Co.
• Inventors: Morin, Joseph, Roman, Anthony
• Application Number:
  US09/733,236
• Publication Number:
  US 20020010634A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0837 Return transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

Provided is a technique for use in connection with the return of an item having been previously purchased by a consumer from a seller. Initially, a request to return the purchased item is received. In response, a replacement product is selected by matching a predefined database of selling options and the replacement product is offered to the consumer. The request is then processed, and if the consumer has elected to obtain the replacement product, a credit is issued against the cost of the replacement product.

Claims

1. A method of processing a product by a customer to a retailer through an agent, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) the customer communicating to the retailer'"'"'s e-commerce site a desire to return the product;

(b) the agent'"'"'s site obtaining information about the desired product return from the customer;

(c) the agent'"'"'s site analyzing the information for fraud and abuse;

(d) the agent'"'"'s site causing the customer'"'"'s return request to be refused if fraudulent or abusive;

(e) offering the customer a replacement for the product;

(f) the agent'"'"'s site providing instructions to the customer for shipping the product back to the agent;

(g) the agent receiving the returned product;

(h) the agent inspecting the returned product for shipping damage;

(i) the agent inspecting the product for functionality, damage and completeness;

(j) the agent verifying the returned product against the retailer'"'"'s acceptance policy;

(k) the agent notifying the retailer of the return;

(l) the agent disposing of the returned product.

2. The method of processing a product by a customer to a retailer through an agent of claim 1 further comprising the agent'"'"'s site suggesting up-selling options to the customer.

3. The method of processing a product by a customer to a retailer through an agent of claim 1 wherein the replacement comprises a pre-approved exchange.

4. The method of processing a product by a customer to a retailer through an agent of claim 1 wherein the replacement comprises a credit with the retailer.