Automated reply generation direct marketing system

DC CAFC

US 6,999,938 B1
Filed: 07/16/1999
Issued: 02/14/2006
Est. Priority Date: 06/10/1996
Status: Expired due to Fees

- Alert
- Pin

Associated Cases

122

Associated Defendants

First Claim

Patent Images

1. A method for automatically preparing customized replies to responses from one or more consumer entities, the method comprising:

receiving one or more responses from one or more consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to mass marketing communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;

automatically generating one or more replies, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity, each of said replies specific to one of said responses or a subsequent response; and

delivering said replies to corresponding consumer entities.

View all claims

4 Assignments

Timeline View

Assignment View

Litigations

2 Petitions

Reexamination

Accused Products

Abstract

A system for automatically preparing customized replies in response to communications from a plurality of clients. To facilitate automation and tracking, each original communication to the client (or each original response from the client) is tagged with a unique label, and replies to client responses are each correspondingly labeled. The system provides individualized replies to each of a variety of response options that a client might exercise in response to a received communication, whether an original communication or a reply to a previous response. The system is applicable to mass marketing communications, and is particularly well suited to the generation of personalized replies to each and every one of a multitude (tens of thousands and up to millions) of communications from clients. The system is also capable of continuing to generate replies to follow-up responses from clients and to thereby maintain an ongoing “conversation” until the client makes a purchase decision, or no longer responds. Communications may be delivered through a variety of means, such as the internet, the mails, by facsimile, on a host communication, etc.

238 Citations

312 Claims

1. A method for automatically preparing customized replies to responses from one or more consumer entities, the method comprising:
- receiving one or more responses from one or more consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to mass marketing communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity, each of said replies specific to one of said responses or a subsequent response; and
  
  delivering said replies to corresponding consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
- - 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 3. The method of claim 1, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivering of the replies comprises delivery by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivering step comprises:
    - selecting one or more delivery mediums to deliver a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each delivery medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more delivery mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 17. The method of claim 15, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      (a) information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      (b) information purchased from a third party;
      
      (c) information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      (d) follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 18. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 20. The method of claim 18, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - (a) a purchase option;
      
      (b) a request for additional information option; and
      
      (c) a request for one or more additional quotations option, said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically preparing and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 22. The method of claim 21, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 23. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivering step comprises:
    - delivering a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 24. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of (a)–
    - (d);
      
      (a) receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      (b) receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      (c) receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      (d) receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 26. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of (a)–
    - (d);
      
      (a) receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      (b) receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      (c) receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      (d) receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 27. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 28. The method of claim 1, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 29. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of (a)–
    - (d);
      
      (a) processing at least some responses individually;
      
      (b) processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      (c) processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      (d) processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 30. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivering step comprises at least one of (a)–
    - (d);
      
      (a) delivering at least some of said replies individually;
      
      (b) delivering at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      (c) delivering at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      (d) delivering at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 31. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of (a)–
    - (b);
      
      (a) preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      (b) preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 32. The method of claim 1, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 33. The method of claim 1, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of (a)–
    - (h);
      
      (a) combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      (b) direct mail;
      
      (c) platform sales track format;
      
      (d) salespersons;
      
      (e) an Internet website;
      
      (f) email;
      
      (g) voice response technology; and
      
      (h) a print medium.
  - 34. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 35. The method of claim 1, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 36. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 37. The method of claim 1, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 38. The method of claim 1, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 39. The method of claim 1, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.
  - 40. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of (a)–
    - (d);
      
      (a) preparing at least some replies individually;
      
      (b) preparing at least some replies en mass;
      
      (c) preparing at least some replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      (d) preparing at least some replies in real-time.

41. A method for automatically (i) preparing customized communications for a plurality of consumer entities, and (ii) replying to responses from consumer entities with customized replies, the method comprising;
- automatically selecting variable information related to an offering for one or more financial products or services, or related to a consumer entity, and automatically inserting the variable information into a mass marketing communication, said communication comprising an offering for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  appending each communication to a separate host communication to form a plurality of combined communications;
  
  delivering each combined communication to a respective one of the plurality of consumer entities;
  
  receiving one or more responses from at least some consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to combined communications;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of the responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  delivering the replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
- - 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the communications each comprises information about a financial product or a financial service.
  - 43. The method of claim 41, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the unique label is machine readable.
  - 45. The method of claim 41, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 46. The method of claim 41, further comprising inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system comprising a programmed computer.
  - 47. The method of claim 46, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 48. The method of claim 41, wherein the delivering of the replies comprises delivery by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 49. The method of claim 41, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from clients to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses into an automatic reply generation system, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies using the automatic reply generation system, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.

52. A method for automatically preparing customized communications for a plurality of consumer entities, and replying to responses from consumer entities with customized replies, the method comprising:
- automatically preparing a mass marketing customized communication for each consumer entity, said communication comprising information relating to an offering for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  delivering each communication to a respective one of the plurality of consumer entities;
  
  receiving one or more responses from at least some consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to communications;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies for at least some of the responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  delivering said replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100)
- - 53. The method of claim 52, wherein each response comprises a label.
  - 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the label is machine readable.
  - 55. The method of claim 52, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 56. The method of claim 52, further comprising inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system comprising a programmed computer.
  - 57. The method of claim 56, wherein the generating of a reply comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 58. The method of claim 52, wherein the delivering of the replies comprises delivery by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 59. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from clients to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 60. The method of claim 59, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses into an automatic reply generation system, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 61. The method of claim 60, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies using the automatic reply generation system, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 62. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - determining variable information related to an offering for one or more financial products or services, or related to a given consumer entity; and
      
      inserting said variable information into a customized communication for said given consumer entity.
  - 63. The method of claim 52, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 64. The method of claim 52, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 65. The method of claim 64, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 66. The method of claim 52, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 67. The method of claim 52, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 68. The method of claim 67, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 69. The method of claim 52, wherein the delivering of the replies comprises delivery by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 70. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 71. The method of claim 70, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 72. The method of claim 70, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 73. The method of claim 52, wherein the second delivering step comprises:
    - selecting one or more delivery mediums to deliver a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 74. The method of claim 73, wherein each delivery medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 75. The method of claim 73, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more delivery mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 76. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 77. The method of claim 76, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 78. The method of claim 76, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      information purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 79. The method of claim 52, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 80. The method of claim 79, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 81. The method of claim 79, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 82. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 83. The method of claim 82, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 84. The method of claim 52, wherein said second delivering step comprises:
    - delivering a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 85. The method of claim 52, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 86. The method of claim 52, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 87. The method of claim 52, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 88. The method of claim 52, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 89. The method of claim 52, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 90. The method of claim 52, further comprising at least one of:
    - processing at least some responses individually;
      
      processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 91. The method of claim 52, wherein said second delivering step comprises at least one of:
    - delivering at least some of said replies individually;
      
      delivering at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      delivering at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      delivering at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 92. The method of claim 52, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of:
    - preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 93. The method of claim 52, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 94. The method of claim 52, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 95. The method of claim 52, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 96. The method of claim 52, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 97. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 98. The method of claim 52, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 99. The method of claim 52, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 100. The method of claim 52, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.

101. A system for automatically preparing a reply to a response, comprising:
- means for automatically analyzing information pertinent to consumer entities who responded to marketing communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services, said marketing communications being part of a marketing campaign, where responses from said consumer entities comprise nonpurchase requests;
  
  means for automatically generating one or more replies for at least some of said consumer entities based on said analysis, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity, each of said replies specific to one of said responses or a subsequent response; and
  
  means for communicating the replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140)
- - 102. The system of claim 101, further comprising labeling the replies to correspond to the responses.
  - 103. The system of claim 101, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 104. The system of claim 101, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 105. The system of claim 104, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 106. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 107. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 108. The system of claim 107, further comprising:
    - means for analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 109. The system of claim 101, wherein said communicating means comprises means for delivering replies by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 110. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 111. The system of claim 110, further comprising:
    - means for inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 112. The system of claim 110, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 113. The system of claim 101, wherein the communicating means comprises:
    - means for selecting one or more delivery mediums to deliver a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 114. The system of claim 113, wherein each delivery medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 115. The system of claim 113, wherein the selecting means comprises:
    - means for selecting said one or more delivery mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 116. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 117. The system of claim 116, wherein said continuing means operates for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 118. The system of claim 116, wherein said continuing means comprises:
    - means for preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      information purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 119. The system of claim 101, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 120. The system of claim 119, further comprising:
    - means for receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      means for automatically processing said response.
  - 121. The system of claim 119, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 122. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 123. The system of claim 122, wherein said generating and delivering means operates based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 124. The system of claim 101, wherein said communicating means comprises:
    - means for delivering a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 125. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 126. The system of claim 101, further comprising at least one of:
    - means for receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      means for receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      means for receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      means for receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 127. The system of claim 101, further comprising at least one of:
    - means for receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      means for receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      means for receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      means for receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 128. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 129. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 130. The system of claim 101, further comprising at least one of:
    - means for processing at least some responses individually;
      
      means for processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      means for processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      means for processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 131. The system of claim 101, wherein said communicating means comprises at least one of:
    - means for delivering at least some of said replies individually;
      
      means for delivering at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      means for delivering at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      means for delivering at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 132. The system of claim 101, wherein the generating means comprises at least one of:
    - means for preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      means for preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 133. The system of claim 101, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 134. The system of claim 101, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 135. The system of claim 101, wherein the generating means comprises:
    - means for automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      means for preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 136. The system of claim 101, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 137. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating means comprises;
      
      means for preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 138. The system of claim 101, further comprising:
    - means for preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 139. The system of claim 101, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 140. The system of claim 101, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.

141. A method for automatically preparing customized replies to responses to communications to one or more consumer entities, comprising:
- receiving one or more responses to marketing communications from one or more consumer entities, said communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services and being part of a marketing campaign, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of said responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity;
  
  communicating said replies to consumer entities who sent the corresponding responses;
  
  receiving one or more follow up responses based on the replies from a plurality of consumer entities; and
  
  automatically generating and communicating one or more follow up replies to at least some of said follow up responses, said follow up replies being customized for consumer entities who sent said follow up responses, until for a given consumer entity follow up replies generate no further follow up responses, or it is determined that no follow up reply is needed.
- View Dependent Claims (142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183)
- - 142. The method of claim 141, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.
  - 143. The method of claim 142, wherein the label is machine readable.
  - 144. The method of claim 141, wherein each communication is based on at least one of variable information about a consumer entity to whom each is respectively addressed and variable information about a product or service offering.
  - 145. The method of claim 141, wherein each communication contains at least one of variable information about the consumer entity to whom it is addressed, and variable information about a product or service offering.
  - 146. The method of claim 141, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 147. The method of claim 141, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 148. The method of claim 147, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 149. The method of claim 141, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 150. The method of claim 141, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 151. The method of claim 150, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 152. The method of claim 141, wherein the communication of the replies comprises communicating by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 153. The method of claim 141, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 154. The method of claim 153, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 155. The method of claim 153, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 156. The method of claim 141, wherein the communicating step comprises:
    - selecting one or more mediums to communicate a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 157. The method of claim 156, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more communication mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 158. The method of claim 156, wherein each medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 159. The method of claim 141, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 160. The method of claim 159, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 161. The method of claim 159, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entityinformation purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 162. The method of claim 141, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 163. The method of claim 162, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 164. The method of claim 162, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 165. The method of claim 141, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 166. The method of claim 165, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 167. The method of claim 166, wherein said communicating step comprises:
    - communicating a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 168. The method of claim 166, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 169. The method of claim 166, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 170. The method of claim 166, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 171. The method of claim 141, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 172. The method of claim 141, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 173. The method of claim 141, further comprising at least one of:
    - processing at least some responses individually;
      
      processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 174. The method of claim 141, wherein said communicating step comprises at least one of:
    - communicating at least some of said replies individually;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 175. The method of claim 141, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of:
    - preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 176. The method of claim 141, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 177. The method of claim 141, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 178. The method of claim 141, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 179. The method of claim 141, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 180. The method of claim 141, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 181. The method of claim 141, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 182. The method of claim 141, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 183. The method of claim 141, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.

184. A method for marketing of financial products and services, comprising:
- selecting from among a plurality of consumer entities those consumer entities suitable for receiving a particular type of financial product or service offering;
  
  automatically preparing marketing communications comprising offerings for said particular type of financial product or service or variant thereof to said selected consumer entities, said communications being part of a marketing campaign;
  
  communicating said communications to said selected consumer entities;
  
  receiving responses to said communications from at least some of said selected consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  automatically generating replies to at least some of the responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said particular type of financial product or service or variant thereof, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  communicating said replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 237)
- - 185. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses to prepared replies from respective consumer entities;
      
      automatically preparing follow up replies to follow up responses using a programmed computer; and
      
      communicating the follow up replies to respective consumer entities.
  - 186. The method of claim 185, further comprising:
    - continuing a cycle of receiving follow up response, preparing follow up replies and communicating follow up replies, until no further follow up reply is required, or no follow up response is received.
  - 187. The method of claim 186, wherein each communication, and reply to a particular client, and response from the particular consumer entity comprises a machine-readable label.
  - 188. The method of claim 184, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 189. The method of claim 184, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 190. The method of claim 189, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 191. The method of claim 184, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 192. The method of claim 184, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 193. The method of claim 192, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 194. The method of claim 184, wherein the communication of the replies comprises communication by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 195. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 196. The method of claim 195, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 197. The method of claim 195, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 198. The method of claim 184, wherein the communicating step comprises:
    - selecting one or more delivery mediums to communicate a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 199. The method of claim 198, wherein each communication medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 200. The method of claim 198, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 201. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 202. The method of claim 201, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 203. The method of claim 201, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      information purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 204. The method of claim 184, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 205. The method of claim 204, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 206. The method of claim 204, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 207. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 208. The method of claim 207, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 209. The method of claim 184, wherein said communicating step comprises:
    - communicating a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 210. The method of claim 184, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 211. The method of claim 184, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 212. The method of claim 184, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 213. The method of claim 184, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 214. The method of claim 184, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 215. The method of claim 184, further comprising at least one of:
    - processing at least some responses individually;
      
      processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 216. The method of claim 184, wherein said communicating step comprises at least one of:
    - communicating at least some of said replies individually;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 217. The method of claim 184, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of:
    - preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 218. The method of claim 184, wherein at least some of said replies are communicated via the Internet.
  - 219. The method of claim 184, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 220. The method of claim 184, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 221. The method of claim 184, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 222. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 223. The method of claim 184, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 224. The method of claim 184, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 225. The method of claim 184, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.
  - 237. The method of claim 201, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.

226. A method for automatically preparing customized replies, comprising:
- receiving responses to mass marketing communications from a plurality of consumer entities, said communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services, wherein at least some of said communications are accessible via the Internet, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  automatically generating replies to at least some of said responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  communicating said replies to consumer entities who sent the associated responses.
- View Dependent Claims (227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265)
- - 227. The method of claim 226, wherein each reply is incorporated into a host communication.
  - 228. The method of claim 226, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 229. The method of claim 226, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 230. The method of claim 229, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 231. The method of claim 226, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 232. The method of claim 226, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 233. The method of claim 232, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 234. The method of claim 226, wherein the communication of the replies comprises communication by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 235. The method of claim 226, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 236. The method of claim 235, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 238. The method of claim 226, wherein the communicating step comprises:
    - selecting one or more mediums to communicate a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 239. The method of claim 238, wherein each medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 240. The method of claim 238, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 241. The method of claim 226, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 242. The method of claim 241, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 243. The method of claim 241, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      information purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 244. The method of claim 226, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 245. The method of claim 244, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 246. The method of claim 244, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 247. The method of claim 226, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 248. The method of claim 247, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 249. The method of claim 226, wherein said communicating step comprises:
    - communicating a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 250. The method of claim 226, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 251. The method of claim 226, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 252. The method of claim 226, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 253. The method of claim 226, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 254. The method of claim 226, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 255. The method of claim 226, further comprising at least one of:
    - processing at least some responses individually;
      
      processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 256. The method of claim 226, wherein said communicating step comprises at least one of:
    - communicating at least some of said replies individually;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      communicating at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 257. The method of claim 226, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of:
    - preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 258. The method of claim 226, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 259. The method of claim 226, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 260. The method of claim 226, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 261. The method of claim 226, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 262. The method of claim 226, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 263. The method of claim 226, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 264. The method of claim 226, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 265. The method of claim 226, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.

266. A system for automatically preparing customized replies, the system comprising:
- means for receiving one or more responses to mass marketing communications from one or more consumer entities, said communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services, wherein at least some of said communications are accessible via the Internet, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  means for automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of said responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  means for communicating said replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (267)
- - 267. The system of claim 266, wherein each reply is incorporated into a host vehicle to form a combined communication.

268. A method for automatically preparing customized communications for consumer entities, and replying to responses from consumer entities with customized replies, the method comprising;
- automatically preparing a plurality of customized mass marketing communications as part of a mass marketing campaign, each communication comprising information relating to an offering for one or more financial products or services;
  
  appending each communication to a host communication to form a plurality of combined communications;
  
  delivering each combined communication to a consumer entity;
  
  receiving one or more responses from at least some consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to combined communications;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of the responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  delivering the replies to associated consumer entities.
- View Dependent Claims (269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307)
- - 269. The method of claim 268, wherein each communication comprises information about a financial product or financial service.
  - 270. The method of claim 268, wherein each response comprises a unique label.
  - 271. The method of claim 270, wherein the unique label of each response comprises a machine readable label.
  - 272. The method of claim 268, wherein the receiving of responses comprises receiving responses by at least one of mail, telephone, facsimile, hand, the internet, electronically, and non-electronically.
  - 273. The method of claim 268, further comprising the step of inputting response option information into an automated reply generation system.
  - 274. The method of claim 273, wherein the generating of replies comprises analyzing the response option information and selecting or formulating a reply appropriate to said response option information.
  - 275. The method of claim 268, wherein the delivering of the replies comprises delivery by at least one of mail, internet, facsimile transmittal, hand, electrically, non-electronically, and telephonically.
  - 276. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - receiving follow up responses each with client identifications from consumer entities to whom a prepared reply was delivered.
  - 277. The method of claim 276, further comprising:
    - inputting the follow up responses, and preparing follow up replies automatically to the follow up responses, each follow up reply comprising an identifying label corresponding with the response to which it replies.
  - 278. The method of claim 276, further comprising:
    - continuing a sequence of receiving follow up responses, automatically preparing replies, and delivering of follow up replies until at least one of (1) no further follow up replies are required, and (2) until no further response is received responsive to a follow up reply.
  - 279. The method of claim 268, wherein the second delivering step comprises:
    - selecting one or more delivery mediums to deliver a given reply to a corresponding consumer entity.
  - 280. The method of claim 279, wherein each delivery medium is at least one of:
    - electronic; and
      
      non-electronic.
  - 281. The method of claim 279, wherein the selecting step comprises:
    - selecting said one or more delivery mediums based on at least one of information related to said corresponding consumer entity and consumer entity preferences.
  - 282. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - continuing, for a particular consumer entity, a sequence of receiving one or more follow up responses, followed by preparing and delivering one or more follow up replies corresponding to said one or more follow up responses.
  - 283. The method of claim 282, wherein said continuing step is performed for said particular consumer entity until no further follow up responses are received from said particular consumer entity, or until it is determined that no further follow up replies are required for said particular consumer entity.
  - 284. The method of claim 282, wherein said continuing step comprises:
    - preparing each follow up reply based on at least one of;
      
      information obtained in the past from a consumer entity;
      
      information purchased from a third party;
      
      information obtained via an existing consumer entity relationship; and
      
      follow up responses and follow up replies related to said particular consumer entity.
  - 285. The method of claim 268, wherein each of said communications and replies includes one or more response options.
  - 286. The method of claim 285, further comprising:
    - receiving a response containing information or a request not corresponding to any of said response options; and
      
      automatically processing said response.
  - 287. The method of claim 285, wherein said one or more response options include at least one of:
    - a purchase option;
      
      a request for additional information option; and
      
      a request for one or more additional quotations option,said quotations comprising at least one of a pricing quotation, a product or service design quotation, and an additional product or service quotation.
  - 288. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - (a) automatically generating and delivering a follow up reply or communication to a consumer entity after a predetermined period.
  - 289. The method of claim 288, wherein step (a) is performed based on at least one of a prior communication, a prior response, a prior reply, prior conversation information, and information from a database.
  - 290. The method of claim 268, wherein said second delivering step comprises:
    - delivering a given reply using at least one of a human operator and voice recognition and response technology.
  - 291. The method of claim 268, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving a given response using at least one of electronic means and non-electronic means.
  - 292. The method of claim 268, wherein the receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses individually;
      
      receiving at least some responses en mass;
      
      receiving at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      receiving at least some responses in real-time.
  - 293. The method of claim 268, wherein said receiving step comprises at least one of:
    - receiving at least some responses via telephone;
      
      receiving at least some responses via fax;
      
      receiving at least some responses via a branch drop off; and
      
      receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with a salesperson.
  - 294. The method of claim 268, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via consumer interaction with an Internet web site.
  - 295. The method of claim 268, wherein said receiving step comprises:
    - receiving at least some responses via email.
  - 296. The method of claim 268, further comprising at least one of:
    - processing at least some responses individually;
      
      processing at least some responses en mass;
      
      processing at least some responses in batches at intervals; and
      
      processing at least some responses in real-time.
  - 297. The method of claim 268, wherein said second delivering step comprises at least one of:
    - delivering at least some of said replies individually;
      
      delivering at least some of said replies en mass;
      
      delivering at least some of said replies in batches at intervals; and
      
      delivering at least some of said replies in real-time.
  - 298. The method of claim 268, wherein the generating step comprises at least one of:
    - preparing at least some of said replies in real-time via real-time processing of associated responses; and
      
      preparing at least some of said replies in a non-real-time mode after accumulation of a plurality of responses.
  - 299. The method of claim 268, wherein at least some of said replies are delivered via the Internet.
  - 300. The method of claim 268, wherein communications are made available to consumer entities via at least one of:
    - combining at last some of said communications with hosts;
      
      direct mail;
      
      platform sales track format;
      
      salespersons;
      
      an Internet website;
      
      email;
      
      voice response technology; and
      
      a print medium.
  - 301. The method of claim 268, wherein the generating step comprises:
    - automatically analyzing said responses; and
      
      preparing said replies in accordance with said analysis.
  - 302. The method of claim 268, wherein each reply for a given consumer entity includes one or more response options, wherein said response options are based on at least one of previous responses, replies related to said given consumer entity, and information related to said given consumer entity from a database.
  - 303. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - preparing a financial product or financial service specific for a given consumer entity based on information related to said given consumer entity;
      
      wherein said generating step comprises;
      
      preparing a reply for said given consumer entity, said reply customized for said given consumer entity and comprising an offering for said specific financial product or financial service.
  - 304. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - preparing one or more replies each comprising information requested by a corresponding response.
  - 305. The method of claim 268, wherein each reply comprises consumer entity-customized content that comprises at least one of customized content related to said consumer entity, customized content related to a financial product or service being offered to said consumer entity, and customized content related to an offering of a financial product or service to said consumer entity.
  - 306. The method of claim 268, wherein each communication, response from each communication, and reply to each response is at least one of labeled and identified with consumer entity information to link each communication to its response, and each reply to its response.
  - 307. The method of claim 268, further comprising:
    - determining variable information related to an offering for one or more financial products or services, or related to a given consumer entity; and
      
      inserting said variable information into a customized communication for said given consumer entity.

308. A system for automatically preparing a reply to a response, comprising:
- automatically analyzing information pertinent to consumer entities who responded to mass marketing communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign, wherein responses from consumer entities comprise nonpurchase requests;
  
  automatically generating one or more replies for at least some of said consumer entities based on said analysis, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity, each of said replies specific to one of said responses or a subsequent response; and
  
  communicating the replies to associated consumer entities.

309. A system for automatically preparing customized communications for consumer entities, and replying to responses from consumer entities with customized replies, comprising;
- means for automatically preparing a plurality of customized mass marketing communications, each communication comprising information relating to an offering for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  means for appending each communication to a host communication to form a plurality of combined communications;
  
  means for delivering each combined communication to a consumer entity;
  
  means for receiving one or more responses from at least some consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to combined communications;
  
  means for automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of the responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  means for delivering the replies to associated consumer entities.

310. A system for automatically preparing customized communications for a plurality of consumer entities, and replying to responses from consumer entities with customized replies, comprising:
- means for automatically preparing a customized mass marketing communication for each consumer entity, said communication comprising information relating to an offering for one or more financial products or services being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  means for delivering each communication to a respective one of the plurality of consumer entities;
  
  means for receiving one or more responses from at least some consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests and being in response to mass marketing communications;
  
  means for automatically generating one or more replies for at least some of the responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  means for delivering said replies to associated consumer entities.

311. A system for automatically preparing customized replies to responses to communications to one or more consumer entities, comprising:
- means for receiving one or more responses to mass marketing communications from one or more consumer entities, said communications relating to offerings for one or more financial products or services being part of a mass marketing campaign, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  means for automatically generating one or more replies to at least some of said responses or subsequent responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said one or more financial products or services being offered as part of said mass marketing campaign, each reply customized for a consumer entity using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity;
  
  means for communicating said replies to consumer entities who sent the responses;
  
  means for receiving one or more follow up responses based on the replies from a plurality of consumer entities; and
  
  means for automatically generating and communicating one or more follow up replies to at least some of said follow up responses, said follow up replies being customized for consumer entities who sent said follow up responses, until for a given consumer entity follow up replies generate no further follow up responses, or it is determined that no follow up reply is needed.

312. A system for marketing of financial products and services, comprising:
- means for selecting from among a plurality of consumer entities those consumer entities suitable for receiving a particular type of financial product or service offering being offered as part of a mass marketing campaign;
  
  means for automatically preparing mass marketing communications comprising offerings for said particular type of financial product or service or variant thereof to said selected consumer entities;
  
  means for communicating said communications to said selected consumer entities;
  
  means for receiving responses to said communications from at least some of said selected consumer entities, said responses comprising nonpurchase requests;
  
  means for automatically generating replies to at least some of the responses, each of said replies being generated prior to receipt from a consumer entity of a purchase commitment of said particular type of financial product or service or variant thereof using other than one or more of name, address and account number of said consumer entity, and responsive to a nonpurchase request received from said consumer entity; and
  
  means for communicating said replies to associated consumer entities.

Specification

Resources

Litigation Campaign Assessment

Litigation Data

Current Assignee
RPX Corporation
Original Assignee
Phoenix Licensing, LLC
Inventors
Libman, Richard M.
Primary Examiner(s)
Smith, Jeffrey A.

Application Number

US09/354,802
Time in Patent Office

2,405 Days
Field of Search

705/36, 705/1, 705/2, 705/4, 705/14, 705/26, 705/27, 705/30, 705/35, 705/10, 705/500, 705/11, 705/36.R
US Class Current

705/7.29
CPC Class Codes

G06Q 10/10   Office automation; Time man...

G06Q 10/107   Computer-aided management o...

G06Q 30/016   After-sales

G06Q 30/02   Marketing; Price estimation...

G06Q 30/0201   Market modelling; Market an...

G06Q 30/0207   Discounts or incentives, e....

G06Q 30/0241   Advertisements

G06Q 30/0247   Calculate past, present or ...

G06Q 30/0251   Targeted advertisements

G06Q 30/0257   User requested

G06Q 30/0269   based on user profile or at...

G06Q 30/0276   Advertisement creation

G06Q 30/0277   Online advertisement

G06Q 30/0281   Customer communication at a...

G06Q 30/0601   Electronic shopping [e-shop...

G06Q 30/0631   Item recommendations

G06Q 40/00   Finance; Insurance; Tax str...

G06Q 40/02   Banking, e.g. interest calc...

G06Q 40/06   Asset management; Financial...

G06Q 40/08   Insurance

Automated reply generation direct marketing system

First Claim

4 Assignments

Litigations

2 Petitions

Reexamination

Accused Products

Abstract

238 Citations

312 Claims

Specification

Use Cases

Quick Links

Others

Automated reply generation direct marketing system

First Claim

4 Assignments

Subscription Required

Subscription Required

Litigations

2 Petitions

Subscription Required

Reexamination

Accused Products

Subscription Required

Abstract

238 Citations

312 Claims

Specification

Subscription Required

Use Cases

Quick Links

Others