Local returns of remotely purchased merchandise with return code validation
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of using a public communications network to manage the return of an item purchased by a consumer from a remote direct merchandiser, comprising the steps of:
- receiving a first communication at a returns manager system, the first communication comprising return request data from a local returns site;
providing a second communication from the returns manager system to the local returns site, the second communication comprising return validation data having at least a return validation code;
validating the return by matching the return validation code with a pre-authorization code provided by the consumer to the local returns site, the pre-authorization code obtained by the consumer and indicating prior approval of the return by a remote direct merchandiser from whom the item was purchased; and
crediting an account of the consumer for a return value of the returned item after validating the return;
wherein the first and second communications are communicated using a public communications network.
10 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of using a public communications network, such as the Internet, to manage returns of items purchased by a consumer from a remote direct merchandiser. The customer is permitted to return an item to a local returns site or by having a local shipper pick up the item. Either of these local entities is in communications with a returns manager, who provides return information, credits the consumer'"'"'s account, and handles subsequent disposition of the item.
101 Citations
31 Claims
-
1. A method of using a public communications network to manage the return of an item purchased by a consumer from a remote direct merchandiser, comprising the steps of:
-
receiving a first communication at a returns manager system, the first communication comprising return request data from a local returns site; providing a second communication from the returns manager system to the local returns site, the second communication comprising return validation data having at least a return validation code; validating the return by matching the return validation code with a pre-authorization code provided by the consumer to the local returns site, the pre-authorization code obtained by the consumer and indicating prior approval of the return by a remote direct merchandiser from whom the item was purchased; and crediting an account of the consumer for a return value of the returned item after validating the return; wherein the first and second communications are communicated using a public communications network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of using a public communications network to manage the return of an item purchased by a consumer from a remote direct merchandiser, comprising the steps of:
-
receiving a first communication at a returns manager system, the first communication comprising return request data from a local shipper; providing a second communication from the returns manager system to the local shipper, the second communication comprising return validation data having at least a return validation code; validating the return by matching the return validation code with a pre-authorization code provided by the consumer to the local returns site, the pre-authorization code obtained by the consumer and indicating prior approval of the return by a remote direct merchandiser from whom the item was purchased; and crediting an account of the consumer for a return value of the returned item after validating the return; wherein the first and second communications are communicated using a public communications network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
-
21. A system for managing a return of merchandise, comprising:
-
a retailer comprising a remote direct merchandiser from which one or more items may be purchased by a consumer; a returns manager system communicatively coupled to the retailer over a public communications network, the returns manager system operable to; receive a first communication identifying at least an item of merchandise to be returned by the consumer in the future; identify the retailer as the remote direct merchandiser from which the at least one returned item was purchased by the consumer; and send a second communication to the retailer identifying the item of merchandise to be returned by the consumer to provide the retailer with advance notification of the return. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31)
-
Specification