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Method and apparatus for efficient handling of product return transactions

  • US 6,269,344 B1
  • Filed: 01/31/2000
  • Issued: 07/31/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of reducing unauthorized returns of purchased products from a first location to a second location, comprising:

  • (a) maintaining a product information database remote from the first location for each purchased product, wherein the product information database includes return criteria for purchased products;

    (b) transmitting unique product identification information from the first location to a host system having access to said product information database, wherein the unique product identification information uniquely identifies a product for which a return is sought;

    (c) using the host system to access the product information database to determine a return criteria for the product based on the unique product identification information;

    (d) determining whether the product qualifies for return based on the return criteria;

    (e) transmitting to the first location a return qualification message if the product qualifies for return; and

    (f) accepting the product for return at the second location if the return qualification message has been transmitted to the first location.

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