Internet based warranty and repair service
First Claim
1. A method to provide customer warranty support and repair services via a computer network, comprising:
- at least a first database accessible via said computer network by a plurality of customers, said at least one database including a personalized portion for each one of said plurality of customers that requests warranty support, said personalized portion including customer data necessary for a manufacturer to provide warranty support of products sold by said manufacturer or manufacturer authorized seller;
at least a second database accessible to a plurality of said manufacturers via said computer network, including a personalized portion for each one of said plurality of manufacturers containing warranty information regarding products sold by said manufacturer or said manufacturer authorized seller; and
a warranty administrator interfacing with and supporting both said plurality of customers and said plurality of manufacturers.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Warranty support for purchased products is provided by an electronic warranty administrator that maintains a plurality of databases. A first database identifies customers, either individuals or corporate entities having warrantied products. A second database identifies the manufacturers of those products. The warranty administrator coordinates between the customer, the manufacturer and a service provider to provide warranty repairs. Unlike conventional extended warranties offered by third parties, the manufacturer remains in the repair process and thereby gains valuable information about the long term satisfaction of the customers. The warranty administrator also provides the manufacturer with a means to contact the customer about other products, product recalls and affinity programs thereby promoting brand loyalty.
232 Citations
34 Claims
-
1. A method to provide customer warranty support and repair services via a computer network, comprising:
-
at least a first database accessible via said computer network by a plurality of customers, said at least one database including a personalized portion for each one of said plurality of customers that requests warranty support, said personalized portion including customer data necessary for a manufacturer to provide warranty support of products sold by said manufacturer or manufacturer authorized seller;
at least a second database accessible to a plurality of said manufacturers via said computer network, including a personalized portion for each one of said plurality of manufacturers containing warranty information regarding products sold by said manufacturer or said manufacturer authorized seller; and
a warranty administrator interfacing with and supporting both said plurality of customers and said plurality of manufacturers. - 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, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
-
-
29. A method for repairing a defective product comprising the steps of:
-
a customer accessing a warranty administrator and notifying said warranty administrator of said defective product via an integrated network of computers;
said warranty administrator electronically confirming that repair of said defective product is covered by a valid warranty;
said warranty administrator determining if in-home repair, in-service center repair, or return of said defective product is most appropriate;
said warranty administrator electronically notifying at least one of said manufacturer, said service center, a part distribution center, and a shipper of required activities;
said warranty administrator ensuring that said product is properly repaired; and
said warranty administrator balancing payments between all involved entities.
-
Specification