Package and method for merchandise return via mail
First Claim
1. A package for mailing items from a merchant to a customer, the package comprising:
- at least one surface, the surface having a bar code thereon;
wherein the bar code identifies the customer.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A package for returning merchandise through the mail is provided. The package preferably includes the merchant'"'"'s address pre-printed on an outside-facing panel of the package to reduce the likelihood of the package getting lost in the mail. The package may also include return postage. The package includes a bar code that identifies the customer and contains his or her order history. A method of using the bar code to track the customer'"'"'s order and return history is also provided. A method of using the bar code to provide targeted advertising to the customer is also provided. When a customer places a new order, his or her bar code is scanned, and the information contained therein used to predict what type of advertisements the customer will be interested in. Those types of advertisements are then provided to the customer.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A package for mailing items from a merchant to a customer, the package comprising:
-
at least one surface, the surface having a bar code thereon;
whereinthe bar code identifies the customer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method of tracking an order and return history of a customer, the method comprising the steps of:
-
providing a package including a bar code that identifies the customer;
receiving the package from the customer, the package containing returned items;
scanning the bar code to identify the customer;
inputting the returned items into an inventory database; and
updating the customer'"'"'s order and return history. - View Dependent Claims (6)
-
-
7. A method of targeted advertising, the method comprising the steps of:
-
accumulating information about orders placed by a customer;
analyzing the information;
predicting, based on the information, what type of items the customer is likely to purchase in the future; and
providing the customer with advertising directed toward those items. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
Specification