Method and apparatus for enabling purchasers of products to obtain return information and to initiate product returns via an on-line network connection
First Claim
1. A system for initiating and authorizing a product return over a global computer network, comprising:
- an input channel configured to receive identity information to identify the product being returned, the identity information including at least one product identifier that is unique to the product being returned;
a central database configured to store a plurality of product identifiers and associated return information;
at least one computer terminal operably connected to the input channel and the central database, the at least one computer terminal being configured to;
search the central database for return information based on the at least one product identifier;
determine whether the product being returned qualifies for return based on the associated return information; and
if the product being returned qualifies for return, provide a return authorization number and return instructions.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic registration system facilitates authorized product returns and reduces the incidence of improper returns. A retailer sales associate is prompted to enter individual product identification information such as an individual serial number. This individual product identification information is then stored in a data base along with the date on which the product was sold and an appropriate UPC code, SKU number or manufacturer code. A check digit algorithm may be used to verify the serial number prior to storage. A sales receipt may be imprinted with at least the date of the transaction and the serial number. When a product is returned, the retailer may cross-reference the serial number on the product with that on the receipt to verify the sales receipt. Otherwise, the database may be searched for pertinent sales information. A customer may also access a return authorization engine via the Internet to obtain return approval, an authorization number, return instructions, etc. to reduce retailer hassle.
230 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A system for initiating and authorizing a product return over a global computer network, comprising:
-
an input channel configured to receive identity information to identify the product being returned, the identity information including at least one product identifier that is unique to the product being returned; a central database configured to store a plurality of product identifiers and associated return information; at least one computer terminal operably connected to the input channel and the central database, the at least one computer terminal being configured to; search the central database for return information based on the at least one product identifier; determine whether the product being returned qualifies for return based on the associated return information; and if the product being returned qualifies for return, provide a return authorization number and return instructions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A non-transitory computer storage medium storing instructions for initiating and authorizing a product return over a global computer network that, when executed by at least one processor of at least one computer, perform a method comprising:
-
(a) enabling input of identity information to identify the product being returned, the identity information including at least one product identifier that is unique to the product being returned; (b) accessing a central database that stores a plurality of product identifiers and associated return information, and searching the central database for return information based on the at least one product identifier; (c) determining whether the product being returned qualifies for return based on the associated return information; and (d) if the product being returned qualifies for return in step (c), providing a return authorization number and return instructions. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification