Direct distribution system for consumer goods and services

• US 20050137935A1
• Filed: 11/24/2004
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hohyung Lee
• Original Assignee: Hohyung Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Hohyung
• Granted Patent: US 8,793,194 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/15
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0835 Relationships between shipper or supplier and carriers
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08355 Routing methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/12 Hotels or restaurants

Abstract

A system and method for enabling direct transactions between a customer and a provider of goods and/or services. A plurality of suppliers or service providers provide data regarding offerings and services, and a database of selected information is collected and integrated for review and comparison by potential customers. An efficient distribution system delivers products and services to local service and pick-up centers where the customer retrieves them, or delivers the products and services directly to the customer, depending on customer preference. The cost of delivery is dependent on the customer preference and is based on proximity of delivery to customer.

Claims

1. A system for delivery of goods in a defined area, said system comprising:

at least one distribution and transportation center shared by a plurality of providers;

at least one warehouse and service center shared by the plurality of providers; and

at least one local business service and pick-up center.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one local delivery center, wherein a customer is presented an option of delivery via one of the at least one local business service and pick-up centers or via one of the at least one local delivery centers.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer network for tracking orders.

4. A system for delivery of goods in a defined area, said system comprising:

at least one distribution and transportation center shared by a plurality of providers;

at least one warehouse and service center shared by the plurality of providers; and

at least one local delivery center.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising at least one local business service and pick-up center, wherein a customer is presented an option of delivery via one of the at least one local delivery centers or via one of the at least one local business service and pick-up centers.

6. The system of claim 4, further comprising a computer network for tracking orders.

7. A system for delivery of offerings by at least one provider, said system comprising:

at least one local delivery center for delivering purchased items within a defined area; and

at least one local business service and pick-up center for receiving items for customer pickup within the defined area;

wherein a customer within the defined area has an option of delivery via one of the at least one local delivery centers or pickup at one of the at least one local business service and pick-up centers.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a computer network for tracking orders within the defined area.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one distribution and transportation center shared by a plurality of providers.

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one warehouse and service center shared by a plurality of providers.