METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INCENTIVIZING ONLINE RETAIL PURCHASERS TO ELICIT ADDITIONAL ONLINE SALES

• US 20130024260A1
• Filed: 07/16/2012
• Published: 01/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Overstock.com Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Overstock.com Incorporated
• Inventors: Peterson, Samuel J., Berger, Ryan C.
• Granted Patent: US 10,504,130 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.23
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0208 Trade or exchange of goods or services in exchange for incentives or rewards

Abstract

Various methods and systems are provided for conducting transactions, such as electronic transactions over the internet. In one embodiment, an offer for a specified product or service is made by an online provider or retailer. The offer may be made in connection with certain preliminary or qualifying conditions being met. A customer may accept the offer by purchasing the good or service identified and then be provided with an incentive to publicize their purchase in an effort to get others to consider purchasing the item and also, possibly, participate in the incentive program. Certain parameters are monitored after an individual has purchased the product, and, eventually, a determination is made as to what type of reward the purchaser(s) will receive, if any. Any reward earned in accordance with the incentive program is then provided to the purchaser(s).

Claims

1. A method of conducting an e-commerce transaction, the method comprising:

offering an item for purchase;

associating an incentive program with the item for purchase including providing a reward to an initial purchaser of the item for purchase if certain additional transaction parameters are met within a specified time period.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising encouraging the initial purchaser of the item to publicize their purchase and attract additional potential purchasers.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising providing a reward to subsequent purchasers of the item for purchase.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the reward for the subsequent purchasers is the same as the reward for the initial purchaser.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the reward for the subsequent purchasers is different from the reward for the initial purchaser.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the reward for the initial purchaser is greater in value than the reward for subsequent purchasers.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein providing a reward to an initial purchaser includes providing a reward having a value that is associated with a total number of additional purchasers purchasing the item within the specified time period.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein providing a reward to an initial purchaser includes providing a reward that is tied to the number of subsequent purchasers that associate a subsequent purchase with the initial purchaser'"'"'s purchase.

9. The method according to claim 2, further comprising enabling the initial purchaser to advertise their purchase by electronic mail.

10. The method according to claim 2, further comprising enabling the initial purchaser to advertise their purchase through a social media website.

11. The method according to claim 2, further comprising encouraging any subsequent purchasers that purchase the item within the specified time period to advertise their purchase and attract further additional potential purchasers.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing a reward includes providing a discount on a purchase price of the item for purchase.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing a reward includes giving store-credit to the initial purchaser.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein providing the reward includes providing a discount on further items purchased concurrently with the purchase of the item offered in conjunction with the incentive program.

15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining a value of the reward after the end of the specified time period.

16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising requiring the initial purchaser to be a member of a loyalty club to be eligible for the incentive program.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising requiring any subsequent purchasers to be members of the loyalty club to be eligible for the incentive program.

18. The method according to claim 1, further comprising providing feedback to at least the initial purchaser regarding the fulfillment of the additional transactional requirements during the commencement of the specified time period.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein providing feedback includes providing information regarding an amount of time left in the specified time period.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein providing feedback includes providing information regarding the current number of times the item offered for sale has been purchased within the specified time period.