Prepurchasing installation services for electronic products

• US 20050228724A1
• Filed: 01/07/2005
• Published: 10/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mobiletoys Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Mobiletoys Incorporated
• Inventors: Frangiosa, Anthony
• Application Number:
  US11/032,304
• Publication Number:
  US 20050228724A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/342 Cards defining paid or billed services or quantities
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/025 by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards an InstallCard™ for representing the prepurchase of installation services for consumer electronic products, and the monetary value associated therewith. The present invention provides systems and methods for consumers to purchase InstallCards™ and to obtain installation services for electronic products. Additionally, the present invention provides systems and methods for retailers to sell InstallCards™ to have the purchaser obtain installation services related to electronic products. The use and management of the InstallCard™ is facilitated via a web-site.

Claims

1. A token having a store of value representing an agreed upon form of payment for a service to be provided by a service provider, the token comprising:

a physical item representing a service to be provided by at least one of a plurality of service providers, the physical item comprising;

a marking identifying the service; and

a store of value acceptable as a form of payment by at least one of the plurality of service providers for the service identified by the marking.

2. The token of claim 1, wherein upon purchase of the token, the store of value of the token comprises a value acceptable by the least one service provider for performing the service.

3. The token of claim 1, wherein the least one service provider accepts the token in exchange for invoking performance of the service.

4. The token of claim 1, wherein the token comprises an identifier to provide access to the plurality of service providers via a web site.

5. The token of claim 1, wherein the token comprises one of a card and a card holder.

6. The token of claim 1, wherein the token comprises a unique identifier assigned to the token, the identifier comprising one of a numeric, an alphanumeric and a barcode.

7. The token of claim 1, wherein the marking comprises one of a color, a text and a graphical representation identifying one of the service and an electronic device associated with the service.

8. The token of claim 1, wherein the service comprises one of an installation, a maintenance and a warranty service of an electronic device.

9. The token of claim 1, wherein the marking identifies one or more of the following electronic devices:

stereo, radio, CD changer, speakers, amplifier, equalizer, mobile video, radar detector, global positioning system, navigation system, security system, hands-free system and a remote starter.

10. A method for using a token representing a pre-paid service to obtain services, the method comprising the steps of:

providing for purchase a token representing a service to be performed by a service provider, the token having a store of value representing an agreed form of payment by the service provider;

purchasing the token for monetary value; and

upon purchasing the token, the store of value of the token comprises a value acceptable as payment by the service provider.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising activating the token, the activated token valid for purchasing the service.

12. The method of claim 10, comprising presenting the token to the service provider and the service provider recognizing the token as payment for the service;

13. The method of claim 10, comprising selecting a service provider via a web site accessible by using an identifier of the token.

14. The method of claim 10, comprising scheduling a service appointment with the service provider via a web site accessible by using an identifier of the token.

15. The method of claim 10, comprising validating, by the service provider, the token for payment for the service.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the token comprises a card with one of a marking identifying the service and a unique identifier assigned to the token.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the service comprises one of an installation, a maintenance and a warranty service of an electronic device.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the service is to be performed in connection with one or more of the following electronic devices:

stereo, radio, CD changer, speakers, amplifier, equalizer, mobile video, radar detector, global positioning system, navigation system, security system, hands-free system and a remote starter.