Automated iterative offering method for communications networks

• US 20040215524A1
• Filed: 04/23/2003
• Published: 10/28/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Parkyn, Nicholas David
• Application Number:
  US10/421,289
• Publication Number:
  US 20040215524A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0633 Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/188 Electronic negotiation

Abstract

A vendor system, accessible via a cellular phone network, WiFi or wired network responds to purchase inquiries with iterative pricing. If an initial offer is declined, the vendor system can initiate a series of interactions with a customer to help determine a follow-up price for the same or a related product (or product bundle). The customer interface is provided by a self-service front end, while price determinations are made by a virtual customer service representative using a rule-based expert system. Once an offer is accepted, an order is placed.

Claims

1. A computer-based automated business method comprising:

a) responding to a data service request by a customer over a network by making an initial offer over said network to said customer, said initial offer specifying a first set of products and price;

b) if the offer set forth in a) is accepted, effecting an order for said first set of products; and

c) if the offer set forth in a) is declined, making a second offer over said network to said customer for a second set of products.

2. A computer-based automated business method as recited in claim 1 wherein step c further involves, after said offer is declined and before making said second offer, querying said customer for information to be used in determining said second offer.

3. A computer-based automated business method as recited in claim 2 wherein step c further involves requesting a price to match from said customer.

4. A computer-based automated business method as recited in claim 3 wherein step c further involves, after receiving said price to match, contacting a competitor for confirmation of said price to match.

5. A computer-based automated business method as recited in claim 1 wherein step c further involves determining said second offer from information obtained about said customer prior to said request.

6. A computer-based automated business method as recited in claim 1 wherein step c further involves determining said second offer based in part on an interval between a time said request is made and a time a service associated with said second set of products is to begin.

7. A computer-readable medium including a computer program for implementing a computer-based method comprising:

a) responding to a data service request by a customer over a network by making an initial offer over said network to said customer, said initial offer specifying a first set of products and price;

b) if the offer set forth in a) is accepted, effecting an order for said first set of products;

c) if the offer set forth in a) is declined, making a second offer over said network to said customer for a second set of products.

8. A computer-readable medium as recited in claim 7 wherein step c further involves, after said offer is declined and before making said second offer, querying said customer for information to be used in determining said second offer.

9. A computer-readable medium as recited in claim 8 wherein step c further involves requesting a price to match from said customer.

10. A computer-readable medium as recited in claim 9 wherein step c further involves, after receiving said price to match, contacting a competitor for confirmation of said price to match.

11. A computer-readable medium as recited in claim 7 wherein step c further involves determining said second offer from information obtained about said customer prior to said request.

12. A computer-readable medium as recited in claim 7 wherein step c further involves determining said second offer based in part on an interval between a time said request is made and a time a service associated with said second set of products is to begin.