Virtual showroom system and method

• US 7,149,710 B1
• Filed: 07/30/2001
• Issued: 12/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Andra Group, LP
• Original Assignee: Tomima L Edmark
• Inventors: Edmark, Tomima L.
• Primary Examiner(s): FADOK, MARK A
• Application Number:
  US09/918,075
• Time in Patent Office: 1,961 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26, 705/27
• US Class Current: 705/26.8
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0621 Item configuration or customization
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0633 Lists, e.g. purchase orders, compilation or processing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0643 Graphical representation of items or shoppers

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for conducting a transaction which includes presenting a plurality of gift sets to a purchaser, wherein each gift set comprises a plurality of articles. A selection may be received from the purchaser, the selection comprising at least one of the plurality of gift sets. The method may also include receiving identification information regarding a recipient of the gift set. A notification including a unique identifier may be issued to the recipient. In accordance with a particular embodiment, if the recipient accepts the gift set, delivery of the selection to the recipient may be scheduled.

Claims

1. A method for conducting a transaction, comprising:

presenting a plurality of gift sets to a purchaser, each gift set comprising a plurality of articles that are complementary to each other;

wherein each of the plurality of articles in the gift set may be customized according to a plurality of specific criteria;

receiving a selection from the purchaser, the selection comprising at least one of the plurality of gift sets;

receiving identification information regarding a recipient of the gift set;

electronically communicating a notification to the recipient, the notification including a unique identifier; and

scheduling delivery of the selection to the recipient, if the recipient accepts the gift set.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising allowing the recipient to select an alternative item if the recipient rejects the selection.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising charging the recipient for at least a portion of a price difference between the alternative item and the selection.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising charging the purchaser for at least a portion of a price difference between the alternative item and the selection.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein each gift set may be customized according to a plurality of specific criteria, and further comprising receiving at least one of the specific criteria regarding the selection, from the purchaser.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at least one of the specific criteria regarding the selection, from the recipient.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the articles comprise articles of clothing.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving at least a second specific criteria regarding the selection, from the purchaser.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one specific criteria is selected from the group consisting of price, style, color and manufacturer.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the unique identifier comprises an alphanumeric identifier sufficient to confirm the identity of the recipient.

11. The method of claim 6, further comprising receiving personal information from the recipient.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the personal information includes shipping information.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the shipping information is selected from the group consisting of name, address and delivery method.

14. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of articles of each particular gift set comprise articles that are complementary to each other.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing the notification to the recipient via electronic mail.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the notification includes a hyperlink to a virtual showroom and wherein the recipient may accept or reject the gift set by communicating with the virtual showroom.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing a confirmation message to the recipient confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing a confirmation message to the purchaser confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the articles comprise articles of clothing.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the articles of clothing are selected from the group consisting of bras, pantywear, slips, shapewear and maternity clothing.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the specific criteria are selected from the group consistiong of size, shape, color and style.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification information is selected from the group consisting of account number, telephone number, electronic mail address and physical address.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the purchaser specifies a plurality of the specific criteria and the recipient specifies at least one specific criteria not previously specified by the purchaser.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of articles of each particular gift set comprise articles that are complementary to each other.

25. A computer readable medium encoded with logic operable to:

present a plurality of gift sets to a purchaser, each gift set comprising a plurality of articles that are complementary to each other;

wherein each of the plurality of articles in the gift set may be customized according to a plurality of specific criteria;

wherein each of the plurality of articles in the gift set may be customized according to a plurality of specific criteria;

receive a selection from the purchaser, the selection comprising at least one of the plurality of gift sets;

receive identification information regarding a recipient of the gift set;

issue a notification to the recipient, the notification including a unique identifier; and

schedule delivery of the selection to the recipient, if the recipient accepts the gift set.

26. The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein the logic is further operable to allow the recipient to select an alternative item if the recipient rejects the selection.

27. The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein the logic is further operable to issue the notification to the recipient via electronic mail.

28. The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein the logic is further operable to issue a confirmation message to the purchaser confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.

29. The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein the logic is further operable to issue a confirmation message to the recipient confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.

30. A system, comprising:

means for presenting a plurality of gift sets to a purchaser, each gift set comprising a plurality of articles that are complementary to each other;

wherein each of the plurality of articles in the gift set may be customized according to a plurality of specific criteria;

means for receiving a selection from the purchaser, the selection comprising at least one of the plurality of gift sets;

means for receiving identification information regarding a recipient of the gift set;

means for issuing a notification to the recipient, the notification including a unique identifier; and

means for scheduling delivery of the selection to the recipient, if the recipient accepts the gift set.

31. The system of claim 30, further comprising means for allowing the recipient to select an alternative item if the recipient rejects the selection.

32. The system of claim 30, further comprising means for issuing the notification to the recipient via electronic mail.

33. The system of claim 30, further comprising means for issuing a confirmation message to the recipient confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.

34. The system of claim 30, further comprising means for issuing a confirmation message to the purchaser confirming the selection and specific criteria regarding the selection.