Merchandise return system with value added returns processing (data communications)
First Claim
1. A method, performed by a returns provider, of handling customer returns of items on behalf of multiple merchants, comprising the steps of:
- storing a set of merchant returns rules in a processing system, such that a set of returns rules is associated with each merchant, receiving packages containing returned items at a returns center;
wherein affixed to each package is a printed label, the label having machine readable data representing at least the identification of a merchant associated with the returned item;
scanning the machine readable data on each package;
correlating at least a portion of the machine readable data with a set of returns rules; and
notifying the merchant of a returned package, based on the results of the correlating step.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method that facilitates customer returns of merchandise. The method makes use of a distributed system of returns centers. Customer returns are made using special machine readable return labels. The labels are addressed so that they are initially shipped to a returns center closest to the customer, thereby enabling “reverse zone skipping”. The labels also identify the package, such as by invoice number. Once a package is received at the returns center, the label is scanned into a processing system that also stores various returns “rules”, including rules for notifying the merchant and/or the returnee and for other data communications.
89 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method, performed by a returns provider, of handling customer returns of items on behalf of multiple merchants, comprising the steps of:
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storing a set of merchant returns rules in a processing system, such that a set of returns rules is associated with each merchant, receiving packages containing returned items at a returns center;
wherein affixed to each package is a printed label, the label having machine readable data representing at least the identification of a merchant associated with the returned item;
scanning the machine readable data on each package;
correlating at least a portion of the machine readable data with a set of returns rules; and
notifying the merchant of a returned package, based on the results of the correlating step. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method, performed by a returns provider, of handling customer returns of items on behalf of multiple merchants, comprising the steps of:
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storing a set of merchant returns rules in a processing system, such that a set of returns rules is associated with each merchant, receiving packages containing returned items at a returns center;
wherein affixed to each package is a printed label, the label having machine readable data representing at least the identification of a merchant associated with the returned item;
scanning the machine readable data on each package;
correlating at least a portion of the machine readable data with a set of returns rules; and
notifying the returnee of a returned package, based on the results of the correlating step.
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22. A system for handling customer returns of items on behalf of multiple merchants, the returns being made by customers in packages having machine readable labels, comprising:
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a number of return centers, having at least a scanning station for scanning the machine readable label;
a sorting station for sorting the packages; and
an examination station for determining the final disposition of the item; and
a processing system for storing return rules from each merchant, for receiving the machine readable data from the scanning station, for linking the package identification with the rules of a particular merchant, and for transmitting return rules for display at one or more of the return center stations;
wherein the return rules specify at least a procedure for return notifications. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method, performed by a returns provider, of handling customer returns of items on behalf of multiple merchants, comprising the steps of:
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storing a set of item merchant returns rules in a processing system, such that a set of returns rules is associated with each merchant, receiving packages containing returned items at a returns center;
wherein affixed to each package is a printed label, the label having machine readable data representing at least the identification of a merchant associated with the returned item;
scanning the machine readable data on each package;
correlating at least a portion of the machine readable data with a set of returns rules; and
handling the package return in response to the correlating step. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification