Method and apparatus for screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer across a global computer network
First Claim
1. A method of screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer over a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a user interface for a potential customer to access an automated seller facility, the access taking place over a computer network, the user interface allowing the customer to enter customer data for qualification checking by a seller;
receiving the customer data from the customer in the automated seller facility via the user interface and over the computer network;
performing an initial screening of the potential customer to determine whether the potential customer is qualified to purchase products/services from the seller; and
issuing an account number if the potential customer passes the initial screening, thereby allowing the potential customer further access to the automated seller facility to make an offer to purchase products/services from the automated seller facility while the automated seller facility performs a complete screening.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer prior to permitting the potential customer to purchase products or services from an automated seller facility over a computer network, such as the Internet, is disclosed. The potential customer enters customer data into a user interface to be received by the seller in the automated seller facility so that the seller can check the potential customer'"'"'s qualifications. The invention includes performing an initial screening to determine whether the potential customer is qualified to purchase the products or services from the seller. If the potential customer passes the initial screening, an account number is issued to the potential customer. The account number allows the potential customer further access to the automated seller facility so that the potential customer may make an offer to purchase products or services while the automated seller facility performs a complete screening.
38 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer over a computer network, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a user interface for a potential customer to access an automated seller facility, the access taking place over a computer network, the user interface allowing the customer to enter customer data for qualification checking by a seller; receiving the customer data from the customer in the automated seller facility via the user interface and over the computer network; performing an initial screening of the potential customer to determine whether the potential customer is qualified to purchase products/services from the seller; and issuing an account number if the potential customer passes the initial screening, thereby allowing the potential customer further access to the automated seller facility to make an offer to purchase products/services from the automated seller facility while the automated seller facility performs a complete screening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program which, when executed by one or more computers, causes the one or more computers to:
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acquire customer information at an automated seller facility from a potential customer through a user interface; perform an initial screening of the potential customer; issue an account number if the potential customer passes the initial screening, the account number allowing the potential customer to further access the automated seller facility; and conduct a complete screening while simultaneously allowing the potential customer to place a product/service order. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A network-based system for screening a potential customer and assigning an account number to the potential customer comprising:
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an automated seller facility having a supplier network of computers including; a first tier computer system programmed to; receive customer data from a customer accessible computer; confirm that the customer data is complete; initially screen the potential customer to allow further access; issue an account number if the potential customer is determined qualified, wherein the potential customer is allowed further access to the automated seller facility; and a second tier computer system programmed to receive the customer data from the first tier computer system and perform a complete screen of the potential customer while the potential customer is allowed further access to the automated seller facility to place an offer to purchase products/services from the automated seller facility. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification