System and method for returning merchandise
First Claim
1. A method for providing return of items via a network and via an item return location, the method comprising:
- receiving a selection to return an item;
receiving information relating to the item to be returned;
determining return information for the item from the received information relating to the item to be returned;
assigning coded information relating to the item to be returned, the coded information being associated with the determined return information;
transmitting the coded information via the network, the coded information to be provided with return of the item;
at the item return location, reading the provided coded information;
accessing the determined return information; and
evaluating the item for return based on the determined return information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for returning, including exchanging, items provided by remote providers, such as e-tailers, catalog sellers, and direct merchants. Returnees access the remoter provider servers or a returns server to initiate the return process. Data is received regarding the returnee and the item condition. A return ticket, including a coded identifier, is transmitted, based on the data received, along with locations of extension stores. The returnee returns the item to an extension store, which is connected via a network and the returns server to the remote provider servers. The coded identifier is read at the extension store, and communicated information regarding the item is used to determine return. Other features include a reverse auction for some returned items, direct shipment of returned items to other customers, and warehousing of returned items. Returnees and others are also able to purchase items with many payment forms via the extension stores.
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Citations
56 Claims
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1. A method for providing return of items via a network and via an item return location, the method comprising:
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receiving a selection to return an item;
receiving information relating to the item to be returned;
determining return information for the item from the received information relating to the item to be returned;
assigning coded information relating to the item to be returned, the coded information being associated with the determined return information;
transmitting the coded information via the network, the coded information to be provided with return of the item;
at the item return location, reading the provided coded information;
accessing the determined return information; and
evaluating the item for return based on the determined return information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A system for providing return of an item via a network, comprising:
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a server, the server being accessible by at least one terminal via the network for obtaining return of the item and for transmitting coded information to the at least one terminal;
a return location terminal coupled to the server via the network; and
a coded information reader coupled to the return location terminal;
wherein the server receives a selection to return an item from the at least one terminal;
wherein the server receives information relating to the item to be returned;
wherein the server determines return information for the item from the received information relating to the item to be returned;
wherein the server assigns coded information relating to the item to be returned, the coded information being associated with the determined return information;
wherein the server transmits the coded information to the at least one terminal via the network, the coded information to be provided with return of the item;
wherein the coded information reader reads the provided coded information; and
wherein the return location terminal accesses the determined return information. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54)
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55. A method for a returnee to return an item purchased from a first party via a second party, the method comprising:
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the first party receiving information relating to the item and producing return information;
the first party transmitting coded information to the returnee;
the second party receiving the coded information; and
the second party accessing the produced return information to determine whether to accept return of the item.
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56. A system for providing return of items via a network and via an item return location, the system comprising:
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means for receiving a selection to return an item;
means for receiving information relating to the item to be returned;
means for determining return information for the item from the received information relating to the item to be returned;
means for assigning coded information relating to the item to be returned, the coded information being associated with the determined return information;
means for transmitting the coded information via the network, the coded information to be provided with return of the item;
at the item return location, means for reading the provided coded information;
means for accessing the determined return information; and
means for evaluating the item for return based on the determined return information.
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Specification