Local returns of remotely purchased merchandise with return code validation
AssigneeNewgistics, Inc.
InventorFrederick L. Ross
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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 consumers account, and handles subsequent disposition of the item.
Claims20
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 return request data from a local returns site;
- providing return validation data to the local returns site, the return validation data having at least a return validation code;
- attempting a match between the return validation code and a code provided by the consumer;
- and
- if a match exits, crediting an account of the consumer for a return value of the returned item;
- wherein each of the above steps is performed using a public communications network.
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 return request data from a local shipper;
- providing return validation data to the local shipper, the return validation data having at least a return validation code;
- attempting a match between the return validation code and a code provided by the consumer;
- and
- if a match exits, crediting an account of the consumer for a return value of the returned item;
- wherein each of the above steps is performed using a public communications network.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.