Method of offering home inspection services through retailers

• US 8,046,263 B1
• Filed: 09/07/2006
• Issued: 10/25/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Inside - Out Homecare, LLC
• Original Assignee: Inside - Out Homecare, LLC
• Inventors: Linn, Andrew S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Airapetian; Mila
• Application Number:
  US11/470,912
• Time in Patent Office: 1,874 Days
• Field of Search: 705/26, 705/27, 705/26.1
• US Class Current: 705/26.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/08 Auctions

Abstract

Methods of offering inspection services through retailers are described. Customers may obtain access to qualified home inspectors in a sub-contractor referral service area of a retailer through the use of a kiosk, service desk or similar point-of-purchase display. The retailer may partner with the inspector or inspection company for a fee. The retailer may offer Inspection Services Gift Cards for sale to customers. The retailer may also receive additional business from the inspection company'"'"'s customers who may return to the retailer to purchase replacement items for those found deficient from the inspection.

Claims

1. A method for offering inspection services to a customer of a home improvement retailer, comprising:

providing a first database of home inspectors;

providing a computer as a part of a kiosk at said home improvement retailer, adapted to access said first database;

acquiring customer information relating to personal information into a second database;

acquiring property information including needed services relating to a property to be inspected into said second database;

said computer matching said services needed with said list of home inspectors to output identification of at least one home inspector who provides said services needed;

said computer compiling costs of matched services for said customer; and

said computer transmitting a quote of the matched services and identification of at least one matched home inspector to said customer at the kiosk.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

said computer being electronically connected to the Internet; and

providing a web page wherein said customer and property information is entered.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said kiosk is adapted to schedule said inspection of said property.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

obtaining payment information of said customer through said kiosk;

connecting and transmitting payment information with a payment provider;

generating a payment receipt for said customer; and

providing the results of said inspection to said customer.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising:

providing a Retailer Gift Card to said customer through said kiosk which is adapted to transmit said card to said customer.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing said identified at least on home inspector with a list of services required.

6. A method for offering inspection services to a customer of a home improvement retailer, comprising:

providing a first database of home inspectors;

providing a computer at a kiosk at said home improvement retailer, said computer being electronically connected to the Internet;

providing a web page;

acquiring customer information into a second database;

acquiring property information including needed services relating to a property to be inspected into said second database;

said computer matching said services needed with said list of home inspectors to output identification of at least one home inspector who provides said services needed;

said computer compiling costs of matched services for customer;

said computer transmitting a quote of the matched services to the customer;

said kiosk is adapted to schedule said inspection of said property;

obtaining payment information from said customer;

connecting and transmitting payment information with a payment provider; and

generating a payment receipt for customer.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising:

providing the home inspector with a list of services required.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising:

providing a Retailer Gift Card to said customer through said kiosk which is adapted to transmit said card to said customer.