WO2013138652A2

WO2013138652A2 - Methods and systems for facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers

Info

Publication number: WO2013138652A2
Application number: PCT/US2013/031655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kate BEASLEY
Original assignee: Beasley Kate
Priority date: 2012-03-15
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2013-09-19
Also published as: WO2013138652A3

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers comprises receiving merchandise availability information from a seller and storing the merchandise availability information in a first database, and receiving preference information from a buyer and storing the preference information in a second database. The preference information can relate to a merchandise and/or merchant preference of the buyer. The preference information can be compared against the merchandise availability information to reveal a merchandise of the seller that matches the preference information of the buyer. An offer or advertisement can then be generated for transmission to the buyer. The offer or advertisement can include a discount that is directed to the merchandise. The offer or advertisement can be generated upon request from the seller. The offer or advertisement can be transmitted to the buyer.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN

BUYERS AND SELLERS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/611,142, filed March 15, 2012, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] There are systems and methods currently available to enable a buyer to find an item from a seller and purchase the item. For example, a buyer can visit an on-line marketplace (e.g., Amazon®, Ebay®) and search for an item, and subsequently purchase an item revealed in the search. Such systems and methods present a buyer to numerous items, and enable a buyer to select a desirable item for purchase.

[0003] Some sellers (e.g., Nordstrom®, Gap®, Best Buy®) also have on-line systems that enable buyers to select and purchase items. In some situations, a buyer can visit a web site of a seller and view items for sale, and select an item for purchase. The seller may have a transaction system that can facilitate the exchange of funds for the item selected by the buyer for purchase.

SUMMARY

[0004] While there are systems and methods presently available for enabling buyers to purchase, recognized herein are various limitations associated with such methods. A traditional on-line seller (e.g., marketplace or merchant) system may not present a buyer with an item that may be preferable to the buyer over other items. For example, if a first buyer prefers a first type of tablet personal computer (e.g., Apple® iPad) over a second type of tablet personal computer (e.g., Samsung® Galaxy Tab), an on-line seller may present both the first and second types of tablet personal computers to the buyer as opposed to the first type. Such sellers, therefore, may not present buyers with items that buyers are most likely to purchase. This creates inefficiencies for both buyers and sellers. Buyers may have to review numerous items before finding an item of interest, and sellers may not be able to present a product to a buyer that is most likely to purchase the product. Recognized herein is the need for more efficient systems and methods for directing items for purchase from sellers to buyers.

[0005] The present disclosure provides systems that can eliminate irrelevant offers and coupons. Systems disclose herein can allow merchants, manufacturers and other

advertisement (e.g., marketing, advertising) and offer issuers to create and deliver campaigns to targeted customers based on customer personal preferences and profiles. By allowing buyers to fill out their preferences (e.g., specific preferences, non-specific preferences), campaigns and offers can be matched to buyers through hyper-targeting to personal computing, mobile or electronic devices of the consumer. An electronic device can be a connected electronic device, such as a television, Xbox®, PlayStation®.

[0006] In addition, systems of the present disclosure can provide sellers with real time data as it relates to their buyers. Real time notification of entry as well as consumers likes of a specific brand, size, style, and all other preferences and likes can be indicated in the personal preferences profile (with preference information) and delivered to sellers using system disclosed herein.

[0007] The present disclosure provides methods that can be carried out on one or more electronic devices, such as desktop personal computers, laptop computers, mobile computers, mobile telephones, each of which can include an electronic display and input device, such as mouse or touch screen. The electronic device can include a server to store, send and receive consumer and merchant data in a database. The server can provide cloud-based data storage. This electronic device also preferably includes an application to present graphical user interfaces to consumers and merchant users including but not limited to a consumer profile interface, a consumer dashboard interface, a merchant dashboard interface, an advertisement/offer communication creation interface, an advertisement/offer communication delivery interface, an advertisement/offer communication redemption interface, an advertisement/offer communication interface and a consumer follow-up communication interface.

[0008] The present disclosure provides applications that are programmed or otherwise configured to handle consumer profile and preference data as well creating the issuance of a merchant dashboard. An application of the present disclosure if programmed or otherwise configured to create a campaign and offers based on business needs within the issuing merchant dashboard and producing a corresponding offer. The offer can be deliverable by the application to the corresponding buyer (or consumer) profile(s), which can enable the buyer to redeem the offer for use with a seller. The application allows consumers to check in at point of entry utilizing any mobile communication technology and is then capable of delivering profile data and announcement of arrival to the seller.

[0009] In some examples, a method proceeds on a network of electronic devices according to the following operations: any seller (or merchant) as stated above can create a merchant profile to include any description, locations, contacts, and catalog of products and services they provide. Next, a buyer can generate a personal preferences profile by inputting any personal data (e.g., name, age, gender, etc.). The profile of the buyer can be a

comprehensive database of the likes, dislikes personal preferences and purchase history of the buyer. The buyer then selects favorite sellers from a listing of sellers of the system, which can be seller partners. Once the buyer has selected one or more sellers, the buyer can be presented with a catalog of offerings and selects one or more offers. In some cases the buyer is then presented with a catalog of goods and/or services (e.g., item, color, size, flavor, fabric, ingredients, etc.) from which the buyer may select favorite goods and/or services in order to build a profile of the buyer. The buyer can scan or tap a store-front signage at point of service to push the seller profile to the system platform server. The buyer can be invited to add the seller to the list of favorites of the buyer.

[0010] Once seller (or merchant) and a buyer (or consumer) profiles have been created, the system provides sellers with a dashboard which allows them to create or upload any advertisement, offer or additional communication. The seller then selects the categories or items (services or products) to which this advertisement, offer, communication applies. The system then parses the data and matches it to the buyers with matching selections. The advertisement, offer communication is then delivered to the hyper-category of buyers.

[0011] Buyers may view some or all of seller advertisements and/or offers by selecting to view some or all of the advertisements or offers. In an example, the buyer receives and may view hyper-targeted offers by item, brand, category, or choose to peruse (e.g., view) the entire offering of the seller using filters. The buyer may add any selected offers to their virtual pocket or virtual wallet to use immediately or at a future time. The buyer may delete any unneeded offers and communications or may leave them in their profile until it is expired at which time is automatically deleted.

[0012] The buyer may elect a product or service of the seller and proceed to purchase the product or service. Payment can be requested from the buyer in order to purchase the product or service. An offer or advertisement provided by the seller and selected by the buyer can be applied to the purchase. When the buyer uses an advertisement or offer, an electronic receipt of redemption is sent to the buyer profile for storing or for deleting. After a buyer has redeemed an offer or exited a business, the seller may send that consumer a communication of any type such as "Thank you", "Please come again," or "See you next time," or requests feedback from the buyer as it relates to service and product satisfaction of the buyer. In some cases, the seller can provide the buyer a new offer (e.g., personalized offer) for the next visit of the buyer, which can include a subsequent transaction between the buyer and seller. Such actions can be stored in the buyers profile information.

[0013] Systems and methods of the disclosure provide buyers the opportunity to receive coupons, advertisements and offers only on items or products or services that are specified in their preferences profile with preference information. This eliminates any irrelevant or unwanted offers. Additionally, the buyer may access all seller offers at will through direct entry into the seller profile.

[0014] Systems and methods of the present disclosure enable sellers to deliver offers or advertisements to appropriate buyers, and enables sellers the opportunity to view the personal preferences of a buyer when the buyer visits a seller (e.g., when the buyer enters a place of business of the seller) in order to provide personalized customer service.

[0015] Systems and methods of the present disclosure can be integrated into existing mobile or web wallet or payment systems, or other web-based search engines. Systems and methods provided herein can provide various advantages and benefits to seller and buyers, such as presenting a merchandise of a seller to a target audience that is most likely to purchase the merchandise, thereby reducing, if not eliminating, wasted time for both buyers and sellers.

[0016] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers, comprising receiving merchandise availability information from a seller and storing the merchandise availability information in a first database. The merchandise availability information relates to merchandise that is available for purchase from the seller. Next, preference information can be received from a buyer and stored in a second database. The preference information can relate to a

merchandise and/or merchant preference of the buyer. With the aid of a computer processor, the preference information can be compared against the merchandise availability information to reveal a merchandise of the seller that matches the preference information of the buyer. With the aid of a computer processor, an offer or advertisement can be generated to be sent to the buyer. The offer or advertisement can include a discount that is directed to the merchandise revealed in the search. The offer or advertisement can be generated upon request from the seller. Next, the offer or advertisement can be transmitted to the buyer.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers, comprising searching, with the aid of a computer processor, for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of a seller. Next, displayed on a user interface of the seller is the geolocation of an individual buyer among one or more buyers revealed in the search. Next, a request to direct an offer or advertisement to a buyer is received from the seller. The buyer is selected from the one or more buyers by the seller. The offer or advertisement includes a discount that is directed to a merchandise of the seller. The offer or advertisement is then transmitted to an electronic device of the buyer.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides machine-executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprising a memory location comprising machine-executable code implementing any of the methods above or elsewhere herein, and a computer processor in communication with the memory location. The computer processor can execute the machine executable code to implement any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0020] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0021] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] The novel features of the claimed invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings or figures (also "FIG." and "FIGs." herein) of which:

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers;

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers;

[0025] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a user interface, such as a graphical user interface, showing a seller and a plurality of buyers;

[0026] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system for facilitating methods of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 5 shows a workflow of an example method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers (also "customers" herein); [0028] FIG. 6 is a screenshot of a graphical user interface ("GUI") of an application ("app") that enables a buyer to search for or retrieve targeted offers or advertisements from sellers;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a screenshot of a GUI that includes a local menu item;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a screenshot of a GUI that includes a receipts menu item and an offers menu item;

[0031] FIG. 9 is a screenshot of a GUI showing a user check-in at a given geo location;

[0032] FIG. 10 is a screenshot of a merchandise offer from a seller ("Seller") selected by the user;

[0033] FIG. 11 is screenshot of a GUI showing an offer card with an offer;

[0034] FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a GUI that has various input fields for collecting information from a seller for use in creating a new offer; and

[0035] FIGs. 13A-13I show screenshots of a GUI that is configured to enable a seller to build a seller profile and to search for merchandise by categories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0037] The term "merchandise," as used herein, generally refers to goods to be bought or sold. Merchandise can include one or more items for sale by a seller.

[0038] The term "merchandise availability information," as used herein, generally refers to information that relates to the availability of a merchandise or service for purchase from a seller. Merchandise availability information can include an indication of whether merchandise (e.g., a pair of shoes or a purse) is available.

[0039] The term "preference information," as used herein, generally refers to information that relates to a merchandise, service and/or seller preference of the buyer. Preference information can include a list of a buyer's preferred products and/or services, and a list of the buyer's preferred sellers.

[0040] The term "buyer," as used herein, generally refers to a user that is or has the potential of conducting a transaction with a seller. A buyer may be interested in purchasing a merchandise or service of a seller, or may be in the process of purchasing a merchandise or service of the seller.

[0041] The term "seller," as used herein, generally refers to an individual or entity (e.g., company) that has merchandise and/or services for sale.

[0042] The term "advertisement," as used herein, generally refers to a merchandise or service discount.

[0043] The term "offer," as used herein, generally refers to a merchandise or service discount that is directed to a given user.

[0044] The term "geolocation" (also "geo-location"), as used herein, generally refers to the real-world geographic location of an object. In some cases, geolocation can refer to the virtual geographic location of an object, such as in a virtual environment (e.g., virtual social network). A geolocation can be a geographical (also "geographic" herein) location of an object identified by any method for determining or approximating the location of the object. In some examples, the geolocation of a user can be determined or approximated using the geolocation of an object associated with the user, such as a mobile device is proximity to the user. The geolocation of an object can be determined using the manner in which a mobile device associated with the object communicates with a node. The geolocation of an object can be determined using node (e.g., wireless node, WiFi node, cellular tower node) triangulation. For example, the geolocation of a user can be determined by assessing the proximity of the user to a WiFi hotspot or one or more wireless routers. As another example, the geolocation of an object can be determined using a global positioning system ("GPS"), such a GPS subsystem (or module) associated with a mobile device (e.g., GPS capabilities of an Apple® iPhone® or an Android® enabled device).

Methods for providing targeted offers or advertisements

[0045] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers. The method can be implemented with the aid of a computer system (the "system") having one or more computer processors, such as the server 401 of FIG. 4.

[0046] The method can comprise receiving merchandise availability information from a seller and storing the merchandise availability information in a first database of the system. The merchandise availability information can relate to merchandise that is available for purchase from the seller. Next, preference information is received from a buyer and stored in a second database of the system or another system. The first database can be the same as the second database, though in some situations the first and second database can be different databases. The preference information can relate to a merchandise and/or merchant preference of the buyer. With the aid of a computer processor, the preference information can be compared against the merchandise availability information to reveal a merchandise of the seller that matches the preference information of the buyer. Next, with the aid of a computer processor, an offer or advertisement can be generated and, in some cases, queued for transmission to the buyer. The offer or advertisement can include a discount that is directed to the revealed merchandise. The offer or advertisement is generated upon request from the seller. Next, the offer or advertisement is transmitted to the buyer [0047] An offer can have a finite time period within which a buyer may accept the offer. For example, the system may set a time period of 1 week, 5 days, 1 day, 12 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes or 1 minute within which the buyer must accept the offer. An advertisement can similarly have a finite time period within which a buyer must employ a discount of the advertisement. For example, the system may set a time period of 1 week, 5 days, 1 day, 12 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours, 4 hours, 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 30 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes or 1 minute within which the buyer must elect to use the discount. If a discount or offer is not used within the set time period, then the buyer will not be able to use (or redeem) the discount or offer upon purchasing the merchandise.

[0048] The offer or advertisement can be generated upon request from the seller. For example, the seller can select the buyer and request that the offer or advertisement be generated specifically for the buyer.

[0049] The method can further comprise receiving a request from the seller to direct the offer or advertisement to the buyer. In some situations, the request can be received if the buyer is at or in proximity to a geolocation of the seller. In such a case, a geolocation of the buyer can be determined. The seller can then be presented with the option of requesting to direct the offer or advertisement to the buyer.

[0050] Merchandise availability information can be received in one or more input fields of a user interface provided on an electronic device of the seller. The user interface of the seller can be a graphical user interface. For example, the system can instruct the seller to input merchandise description in an input field of the user interface of the seller.

[0051] Preference information can be received in one or more input fields of a user interface of the buyer that is displayed on an electronic device of the buyer. The user interface of the buyer can be a graphical user interface. For example, the system can instruct the buyer to input preference information in an input field of the user interface of the buyer.

[0052] The offer or advertisement can be transmitted to an electronic device of the buyer and displayed on a user interface of the electronic device of the buyer. The user interface can be displayed on an electronic display of the electronic device of the buyer. In some situations, the offer or advertisement is transmitted to an account of the buyer.

[0053] Preference information of the buyer can include merchants and/or merchandise that are preferred by the buyer. For example, the buyer may prefer a certain type or style of clothing or may prefer a given merchant or set of merchants over all other merchants. The system can enable the buyer to provide the buyer's merchandise and/or merchant preferences.

[0054] An offer or advertisement can be displayed by the system on a user interface of the buyer. In some situations, the offer or advertisement is displayed on a profile or system landing page on a user interface of the buyer.

[0055] Once a buyer has been presented with the offer or advertisement, the buyer can request to purchase the merchandise from the seller. The system can enable the buyer to select the merchandise for purchase, and request to receive payment information from the buyer. The buyer can request to apply the discount to the purchase.

[0056] A seller can generate an offer specifically for the buyer. As an alternative, the seller can generate an advertisement with a merchandise discount for a group of buyers. The seller can elect to generate and transmit an offer or advertisement based on various factors, such as, for example, proximity of one or more buyers to the seller. In some examples, if a buyer is in close proximity to seller (e.g., the buyer is within 1 mile, 0.5 miles, 500 feet, 100 feet, 50 feet, 10 feet, or 5 feet or less from the seller), then the seller may request that the system generate and transmit an offer to the buyer. As another example, if the buyer is not in close proximity to the seller (e.g., the buyer is more than 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, 4 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles or more from the seller), then the seller may request that the system generate and transmit an advertisement to the buyer or a group of buyers.

[0057] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a method 100 for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers. The method 100 comprises, in a first operation 101, receiving merchandise availability information from a seller. Next, in a second operation 102, the merchandise availability information is stored in a first database. In a third operation 103, preference information is received from a buyer. Next, in a fourth operation 104, the preference information is stored in a second database. In a fifth operation 105, the preference information is compared against the merchandise availability information. The comparison can involve comparing individual entries of the preference information of the buyer against available merchandise. For example, if the preference information includes Nike® shoes, then the comparison can involve determining whether the available merchandise includes Nike® shoes. The fifth operation 105 can reveal a merchandise of the seller that matches the preference information of the buyer. In some cases, however, no merchandise is revealed if a merchandise of the seller does not match the preference information of the buyer. Next, in a sixth operation 106, an offer or advertisement is generated to be sent to the buyer. In a seventh operation 107, the offer or advertisement is transmitted to the buyer.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows a workflow 500 of an example method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers (also "customers" herein). In operation 502, a user uses a Smartphone or other electronic device to build a personal profile by selecting personal preferences, which can include merchandise likes and dislikes. In operation 504, upon completion the user profile is sent to the database server where it is stored and managed. In operation 512, the database server can pull data from any internal system and can parse, deliver and store collected data in the appropriate user's profile. In operation 506, an issuer (e.g., seller) of the offer builds a business profile based on products, services and other data which is then stored in the database server. In operation 508, marketing and advertisement ("ad") campaign parameters are selected from the issuer merchant dashboard. In operation 510 buyer experience information and transaction data are collected and delivered to the database server to be added to a profile of the buyer. Data from operations 506, 508 and 510 is pulled by the database server in operation 512.

[0059] Next, in operation 514, the database server matches the offer/issuer campaign parameters to individual user (e.g., buyer) personal preferences and purchase profiles, and subsequently delivers offers to appropriate users. The issuer can select which buyers are to receive the offer.

[0060] In operation 516, the buyer (or customer) receives a targeted offer from the seller on a Smartphone or other electronic device of the buyer. As an alternative, or in addition to, in operation 518 the buyer can access all offers of a seller by directly accessing a profile of the seller with the aid of a Smartphone or other electronic device of the buyer.

[0061] In operation 520, once the buyer has received an offer, the buyer (or customer) can user a check-in procedure at the point of service to redeem the offer and process the transaction, which can include submitting payment.

[0062] Next, in operation 510 the system can collect information relevant to the experience of the buyer and transaction data. Such information can then be used by the database server in operation 512, and subsequently used to generated additional targeted offers.

[0063] Methods of the present disclosure enable sellers to target buyers based on the geolocation of the buyers. This can involve determining a geolocation of the buyer, and presenting the seller with options to target the buyer. This can advantageously enable the seller attract the buyer to visit the seller (e.g., visit a store of the seller), which can increase the likelihood that the seller will generate a sale from the buyer. This can be advantageous in cases in which the seller conducts transactions at a store as opposed to an online marketplace.

[0064] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers. The method can be implemented with the aid of a computer system (the "system") having one or more computer processors, such as the server 401 of FIG. 4. The method comprises searching, with the aid of a computer processor, for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of a seller, and displaying on a user interface of the seller the geolocation of an individual buyer among one or more buyers revealed in the search. Next, a request to direct an offer or advertisement to a buyer is received from the seller. The buyer can be selected from the one or more buyers by the seller. The offer or advertisement can include a discount that is directed to a merchandise of the seller. Next, the offer or advertisement can be transmitted to an electronic device of the buyer.

[0065] The search for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of the seller can be directed to buyers that have preference information that match merchandise availability information of the seller. The preference information can relate to a merchandise and/or merchant preference of the buyers. The merchandise availability information can relate to merchandise that is available for purchase from the seller. An individual buyer revealed in the search can have preference information that matches merchandise availability information of the seller.

[0066] The offer or advertisement can be transmitted based upon a request by the seller to transmit the offer or advertisement. In some case, the seller can request to send an offer to a specific buyer selected by the seller. The seller can select the specific buyer from the user interface of the seller. In some examples, the seller can request to send an advertisement to a group or class of buyers selected by the seller. [0067] Once a buyer has received an offer or advertisement from the seller, the buyer can request to purchase the merchandise. The request can be transmitted from an electronic device of the buyer to the system or, alternatively, an electronic device of the seller. The system can subsequently request payment information from the buyer to process the transaction. The buyer can request that the system apply the discount to the purchase.

[0068] In some situations, the search for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geo location of the seller can reveal a plurality of buyers. The buyers can be displayed on the user interface of the seller. In some cases, on the user interface the buyers are ranked in order of distance (e.g., increasing or decreasing distance) from the seller or in order of the likelihood that a buyer is likely to purchase the merchandise of the seller that is the subject of the offer or advertisement. The likelihood can be generated with the aid of a computer processor of the computer system by, for example, generating a degree of match between the preference information of the buyer and the merchandise availability information of the seller.

[0069] FIG. 2 shows a method 200 for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers. The method 200 can be implemented with the aid of a computer system having one or more computer processors, such as the server 401 of FIG. 4. In a first operation 201, the method 200 comprises searching for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of a seller. The search can be conducted using the system or an electronic device of the seller. Next, in a second operation 202, the geolocation of an individual buyer among one or more buyers revealed in the search is displayed on a user interface of the seller. In a third operation, a request to direct an offer or advertisement to a buyer is received from the seller. The buyer can be selected by the seller from the one or more buyers revealed in the search of the first operation 201. Next, in a fourth operation 204, the offer or advertisement is transmitted to an electronic device of the buyer. [0070] Buyers revealed in a search for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of a seller can be displayed on a user interface of the seller, such as a graphical user interface. With reference to FIG. 3, a user interface 300 of a seller 301 shows a first buyer 302, second buyer 303, third buyer 304 and fourth buyer 305 that are in proximity to the seller 301. The user interface 300 can be generated upon the system or electronic device (e.g., with the aid of the system) conducting a search for buyers that are at or in proximity to the seller 301, and subsequently displaying the buyers 302-305 on the user interface of the seller 301. In some cases, on the user interface 300 buyers can be ranked or displayed in order of distance (e.g., increasing distance or decreasing distance) from the seller or in order of the likelihood that a buyer is likely to purchase the merchandise of the seller that is the subject of the offer or advertisement. For example, a user that is determined by the system to be more likely to purchase the merchandise than another user can be ranked at the top of a list of buyers on a user interface of the seller, or can be displayed on the user interface 300 in a manner that is different than another user (e.g., given a first with a higher likelihood of making a purchase than a second user, the first user is displayed as a red circle and the second user is displayed as a blue circle). The likelihood can be generated with the aid of a computer processor of the system by, for example, generating a degree of match between the preference information of the buyer and the merchandise availability information of the seller.

[0071] The user interface 300 includes a first circle 306 and a second circle 307 that illustrate the geographic proximity of the buyers 302-305 to the seller 301. The first buyer 302 is located between the seller 301 and the first circle 306. The second buyer 303 and third buyer 304 are located between the first circle 306 and second circle 307. The fourth buyer 305 is located outside the second circle 307.

[0072] As an alternative, on the user interface 300 the buyers 302-305 can be distributed by the likelihood that each of the buyers 302-305 is likely to purchase the merchandise of the seller. For example, the system can determine that the first buyer 302 is more likely to purchase the merchandise than the second buyer 303, and present the first buyer 302 close to the seller 301 than the second buyer 303. The seller 301 can then select the first buyer 302 and request that the system provide the first buyer 302 a merchandise offer.

[0073] From the user interface 300 the seller 301 can select (e.g., using a pointing device of the seller 301, a finger of the seller 301, or using one or more gestures) one or more of the buyers 302-305 to receive an offer or advertisement. The seller 301 can select a buyer and initiate a communication with the selected buyer. For example, the seller 301 can select the first buyer 302 and make a personalized offer to the first buyer 302 using an electronic device of the first buyer 302 (e.g., "Hi John, for the next 10 minutes I will give you 30% off the shoes you are looking at").

[0074] In some situations, the system will present the seller 301 with an offer or advertisement to select to present to the buyers 302-305 based on proximity of a buyer to the seller 301. For example, if the user interface 300 displays buyers based on proximity to the seller 301, then the system can present the seller 301 with the option of providing the first buyer 301 an offer that is different (and potentially more valuable to the first buyer 302) than an offer that the system may suggest to the seller to provide to the second buyer 303.

Systems for providing targeted offers or advertisements

[0075] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement the methods of the disclosure. The system can include a computer server that is operatively coupled to an electronic device of a first user (e.g., student) and an electronic device of a second user (e.g., instructor).

[0076] FIG. 4 shows a system 400 programmed or otherwise configured to provide targeted offers or advertisements to buyers. The system 400 includes a computer server ("server") 401 that is programmed to implement methods disclosed herein. The server 401 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also "processor" and "computer processor" herein) 405, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The server 401 also includes memory 410 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 415 (e.g., hard disk),

communication interface 420 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 425, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 410, storage unit 415, interface 420 and peripheral devices 425 are in communication with the CPU 405 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 415 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The server 401 can be operatively coupled to a computer network ("network") 430 with the aid of the communication interface 420. The network 430 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 430 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 430 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 430, in some cases with the aid of the server 401, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the server 401 to behave as a client or a server.

[0077] The storage unit 415 can store buyer and seller profiles, buyer preference information and/or merchandise availability information. The storage unit 415 can store user data, e.g., buyer preference information, seller information and merchandise availability information. The server 401 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the server 401, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the server 401 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0078] The server 401 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 430. In the illustrated example, the server 401 is in communication with a first computer system 435 and a second computer system 440 that are located remotely with respect to the server 401. The first computer system 435 can be the computer system of the first user, such as a seller, and the second computer system 440 can be that of the second user, such as a buyer. The first computer system 435 and second computer system 440 can be, for example, personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smartphones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android- enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The first and/or second users can access the server 401 via the network 430 to, for example, view merchandise offers or advertisements, or view a list and/or geo location of buyers.

[0079] In some situations, the system 400 includes a single server 401. In other situations, the system 400 includes multiple servers in communication with one another through an intranet and/or the Internet.

[0080] The server 401 can be adapted to store user profile information, such as, for example, a name, physical address, email address, telephone number, instant messaging (IM) handle, educational information, work information, social likes and/or dislikes and historical information (e.g., that may relate to buyer purchasing information), and other information of potential relevance buyers and sellers.

[0081] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (or computer processor) executable code (or software) stored on an electronic storage location of the server 401, such as, for example, on the memory 410 or electronic storage unit 415. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 405. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 415 and stored on the memory 410 for ready access by the processor 405. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 415 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 410. Alternatively, the code can be executed on the second computer system 440. [0082] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine have a processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0083] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the server 401, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as "products" or "articles of manufacture" typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. "Storage" type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible "storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. [0084] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier- wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD- ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0085] The server 401 can be configured for data mining, extract, transform and load (ETL), or spidering (including Web Spidering where the system retrieves data from remote systems over a network and access an Application Programming Interface or parses the resulting markup) operations, which may permit the system to load information from a raw data source (or mined data) into a data warehouse. The data warehouse may be configured for use with a business intelligence system (e.g., Microstrategy®, Business Objects®). The system can include a data mining module adapted to search for media items in various source locations, such as email accounts and various network sources, such as social networking accounts (e.g., Facebook®, Foursquare®, Google+®, Linkedin®) or on publisher sites, such as, for example, weblogs.

[0086] Information, such as offers, advertisements or buyers, can be presented to a user (e.g., buyer or seller) on a user interface (UI) of an electronic device of the user. Examples of UI's include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface. A GUI can enable a seller to select one or more buyers to direct an offer or advertisement to. The GUI can enable the seller to generate a merchandise offer, or a buyer to accept an offer or view an advertisement. The UI (e.g., GUI) can be provided on a display of an electronic device of the user. The display can be a capacitive or resistive touch display, or a head-mountable display (e.g., Google® Glasses). Such displays can be used with other systems and methods of the disclosure.

[0087] Methods of the disclosure can be facilitated with the aid of applications (apps) that can be installed on electronic devices of a user. An app can include a GUI on a display of the electronic device of the user. The app can be programmed or otherwise configured to perform various functions of the system, such as, for example, permitting a seller to view a list or location of one or more buyers.

Example 1

[0088] FIGs. 6-12 show example screenshots of graphical user interfaces (GUI's) of applications (apps) on display on an electronic device (e.g., mobile device) of a user (e.g., buyer). The electronic device can include, for example, a passive screen, a capacitive touch screen, or a resistive touch screen. The electronic device can include a network interface and a browser that enables the user to access various sites or locations (e.g., web sites) on an intranet or the Internet. The app is configured to enable the mobile device to communicate with a server, such as the server 401 of FIG. 4.

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a GUI of an app programmed or otherwise configured to enable a buyer to search for or retrieve targeted offers or advertisements. The app can be installed on an electronic device of a user (e.g., buyer) that is in communication with the server. The app comprises a menu 600 that enables the user to select various features. The menu 600 includes an offers menu item 601 that provides the user (e.g., buyer) with offers from sellers which have been hyper-targeted to the user. The offers menu item 601 also enables the user to view any and all offers that reside with the server. The menu 600 includes other items, such as a malls and neighborhoods item 602, a shops item 603, a user account item 604, a help item 605, a checkin item 606, a wallet item 607, a grocery item 608, a dining item 609, an entertainment item 610, and a search item 611. The search item 611 enables the user to search for products, merchants, offers and advertisements. The wallet item 607 is a repository of offers, advertisements, receipts, loyalty cards and payment information. The checkin item 606 provides gelocation and social options.

[0090] In an example, with the checkin item 606 the user can check in at a given geolocation. Next, a seller can direct an offer or advertisement to the seller.

[0091] FIG. 7 shows another GUI 700 that includes a local menu item 701. The user can select the local menu item 701 and view offers or advertisements from sellers 702 that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of the user. The user can select a given merchant 702 to view offers or advertisements 703 from the merchant 702. The offers or advertisemtns can be displayed in cards on the GUI 700. A given card 704 can include loyalty information as well as a description of the offer or advertisement. The offer or advertisement can be targeted (e.g., hyper-targeted) to the user. The user can select a given card and access additional details 705 on the offer or advertisement. The additional detail in the example includes a discount ("20% off). The additional detail 705 includes a barcode 706 (e.g., QR code, barcode, 2d barcode, sku, promo code), and provides the user the option to delete 707, redeem 708 or save 709 the offer or advertisement.

[0092] FIG. 8 shows another GUI 800 that includes a receipts menu item 801 and an offers menu item 802. The user can select the receipts menu item 801 to view one or more receipts 803 of a previous transaction with a seller. The user can select the offers menu item 802 to view offers from sellers.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a GUI showing a user check-in at a given geolocation 901. Upon check- in, the server presents the user with merchants 902 that are at or in proximity to a geolcation 901 of the user with offers or advertisements.

[0094] The user can select a given seller (or merchant) to view merchandise offers. The merchandise offers can be targeted to the user based on, for example, preference information of the user and merchandise availability information of the selected seller. FIG. 10 is a screenshot of merchandise offers from a seller ("Seller") selected by the user. The merchandise offers are directed to merchandise that match preference information of the user.

[0095] FIG. 11 is a screenshot of a GUI showing an offer card 1100 with an offer ("25% OFF Sunshine Champagne Metallic Microguccissima DiscoBag"). From the offer card, the user can select clip 1101 to save the offer for use at a later point in time, or select detail 1102 to view additional detail about the offer. The additional detail can include quantity of the merchandise item that the user can purchase, any expiration date or time period of the offer, and/or details on the seller.

[0096] Apps of the present disclosure can enable users (e.g., sellers) features to create offers or advertisements, and direct the offers or advertisements to a buyer, a group of buyers, or all buyers. FIG. 12 is a screenshot of a GUI 1200 that has various input fields for collecting information from a seller for use in creating a new offer. The information can include a title of the offer, value of the offer (e.g., "20%" off), a start date of the offer, an end date of the offer, an image that may be representative of a merchandise of the offer and a description of the offer. The GUI 1200 can enable the seller to preview the offer in a preview window 1201.

Example 2

[0097] This example is directed to workflow that is facilitated by an application (app) configured to facilitate a transaction between a buyer and a seller. The app can be installed on an electronic device of the buyer. The electronic device can be in communication with a server that is programmed to facilitate the transaction between a seller and a buyer.

[0098] A buyer launches the app and scans an item to place in an electronic basket of the app that is dedicated to the buyer. The app performs a remote item lookup. In a first option, the seller loads selected items onto the server to offer to buyers or selected buyers. In a second option, the seller loads an entire item file (e.g., comprising an entire product line of the seller) to the server. In a third option, the seller allows the app to access the item file from in-store or online presence. In a fourth option, the seller offers a complete item file of all products.

[0099] The app then displays item descriptions and depending on the selected option, the app also displays an item amount (or cost). The app then applies a coupon or discount to the amount. The buyer continues to review other items until the buyer is ready to purchase selected items.

[00100] The buyer selects the checkout button. The app creates a file based on the buyer's phone number that has the items scanned and the coupon/discount. The app in some cases can encrypt and store the buyer's file. The file is transmitted to the server.

[00101] At the point of sale, the seller enters in the buyer's phone number and retrieves the transaction. The item(s) selected for purchase by the buyer is then processed with any discounts and taxes applied to the transaction. The buyer can use various options to provide payment to the seller for the item(s) selected by the buyer for purchase. The buyer may use a credit card. Card information of the buyer may be included in file and used for authorization. As an alternative, the buyer may use a form of tender that is not in eWallet. As another option, the buyer may use a Gliif payment barcode, which is scanned at the point of sale.

[00102] The transaction is then processed and the transaction is written to a log file of the server. Normal backend payment reconciliation can occur.

Example 3

[00103] A seller (e.g., merchant) profile may be generated on an electronic device with a GUI that is configured to retrieve information from the seller. The GUI can be implemented in an app on an electronic device of the seller, such as a portable electronic device. The electronic device can be in communication with a server programmed to enable the seller to display offers or advertisements, and to direct offers or advertisements to buyers.

[00104] FIGs. 13A-13I show screenshots of a GUI that is configured to enable a seller to build a seller profile and to search for merchandise by categories. In FIG. 13A, the GUI includes a field for "Corporate Name," "Contact Phone," "Email Address," "Physical Address," "Primary Contact" and "Logo," of the seller. In FIG. 13B, a seller dashboard includes stores and the total number of offers for each store. In the illustrated example, there are 5 accepted offers and 25 total offers under "Gap" and "Banana Republic." The seller can access the total offers to view the offers. FIG. 13C shows a GUI that enables the seller to add a brand ("Add Brand"). The GUI includes a "Name" field, "Description" field and "Primary Contact" field. The seller can also select the categories ("Fashion," "Men," "Women," "Casual Wear," "Jeans"). The server can categorize an offer or advertisement using the categories. The server can make the offers or advertisements searchable and accessible by the categories. [00105] FIG. 13D shows a GUI that enables the seller to manage a store of the seller ("Manage Stores"). The GUI shows that the "Union Square Store" has a given store code and is located at a designated location ("Union Square, Manhattan, NYC"). Brands associated with the store, the dates the brands were added and updated, and the address of the store is displayed. Accepted offers (5) and the total number of offers (25) is also displayed. A "Century 21" store is also displayed on the GUI.

[00106] FIG. 13E shows a GUI that enables the seller to add a store ("Add Store"). The GUI enables the seller to provide a name of the store, description of the store, primary contact at the store, phone number of the store, postal address of the store, a location of the store, and brands provided by the store ("Gap," "Banana Republic," "Old Navy"). The seller can also enter a store code of the store.

[00107] FIG. 13F shows a GUI with a dashboard of the seller that enables the seller ("merchant") to enter a logo that is used by the server across the seller-end of the app. The GUI also shows what log would be displayed on mobile phones when buyers ("consumers") are viewing a seller billboard with offers or advertisements.

[00108] FIG. 13G shows a GUI with a dashboard of the seller that enables the seller to select preferred categories for a brand of the seller. The preferred categories will be the preferred set of categories while creating offers or advertisements. The GUI shows existing categories of the seller. The seller can update the existing categories to include other categories, fewer categories, or more categories.

[00109] FIG. 13H shows a GUI with a dashboard of the seller that enables the seller to search by categories. In the illustrated example, the seller has first searched by "Fashion" (far left column), then by "Women" (second column from the left), then by "Accessories" (third column from the left), and then by "Belts" (fourth column from the left). The GUI displays the total number of buyers ("6,923") that are interested in ("Consumers Interested") one or more of the seller's products under the selected category, the number of accepted offers under the selected category ("0"), and previous offers under the selected category ("1"). This determination is made by the server upon comparing availability information of the seller with preference information of buyers, as well as the server accessing historical information related to the seller to present earlier offers to the seller. The GUI indicates that the category is for women's belts including leather and other material belts.

[00110] FIG. 131 shows a GUI with a dashboard of the seller that enables the seller to search by categories. The seller can type a given category into the search box, and the system can present the seller with category options in real-time. The GUI displays the total number of buyers ("6,923") that are interested in ("Consumers Interested") one or more of the seller's products under the selected category, the number of accepted offers under the selected category ("0"), and previous offers under the selected category ("1").

[00111] From a category, the seller can drill up or down to view the number of buyers that are interested in a given category. In some situations, the server can provide the seller with an expected number of buyers that would be interested in one or more of the seller's products under a given category, and present the seller with an expected turnover (e.g., profit) under a given category from offers or advertisements transmitted by the seller under a given category.

[00112] Systems provided herein can be applied to any business that provides goods or services (e.g., retail, hospitality, healthcare, travel, events, etc.), consumer profiling and services specifically tailored to consumers. While advertisements and offers have been mentioned herein, other forms of marketing may be directed to buyers with the aid of systems and methods provided herein.

[00113] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular implementations have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It is also not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the preferable embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense.

Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications, variations and equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers, comprising:

(a) receiving merchandise availability information from a seller, wherein said merchandise availability information relates to merchandise that is available for purchase from the seller;

(b) storing said merchandise availability information in a first database;

(c) receiving preference information from a buyer, wherein said preference information relates to a merchandise and/or merchant preference of said buyer;

(d) storing said preference information in a second database;

(e) comparing, with the aid of a computer processor, said preference information against said merchandise availability information to reveal a merchandise of said seller that matches the preference information of said buyer;

(f) generating, with the aid of a computer processor, an offer or advertisement to be sent to said buyer, wherein said offer or advertisement includes a discount that is directed to said merchandise revealed in (e), and wherein said offer or advertisement is generated upon request from said seller; and

(g) transmitting said offer or advertisement to said buyer.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein said merchandise availability information is received in one or more input fields of a user interface of said seller that is displayed on an electronic device of said seller.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein said preference information is received in one or more input fields of a user interface of said buyer that is displayed on an electronic device of said buyer.

4. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said offer or advertisement is transmitted to an account of said buyer.

5. The method of Claim 1, further comprising receiving a request from said seller to direct said offer or advertisement to said buyer.

6. The method of Claim 5, wherein said request is received if said buyer is at or in proximity to a geolocation of said seller.

7. The method of Claim 6, further comprising determining a geolocation of said buyer, and presenting said seller with the option of requesting to direct said offer or advertisement to said buyer.

8. The method of Claim 1 , wherein said preference information includes merchants and/or merchandise that are preferred by said buyer.

9. The method of Claim 1, wherein said first database is the same as said second database.

10. The method of Claim 1, further comprising displaying said offer or advertisement on a user interface of said buyer.

11. The method of Claim 1 , further comprising receiving, from said buyer, a request to purchase said merchandise.

12. The method of Claim 11 , further comprising receiving, from said buyer, a request to apply said discount to said purchase.

13. A computer-implemented method for providing targeted offers or advertisements to buyers, comprising:

(a) searching, with the aid of a computer processor, for buyers that are at or in proximity to a geolocation of a seller;

(b) displaying, on a user interface of said seller, the geolocation of an individual buyer among one or more buyers revealed in said search of (a);

(c) receiving from said seller a request to direct an offer or advertisement to a buyer selected from said one or more buyers by said seller, wherein said offer or advertisement includes a discount that is directed to a merchandise of said seller; and

(d) transmitting said offer or advertisement to an electronic device of said buyer.

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein said search of (a) is directed to buyers that have preference information that match merchandise availability information of said seller, wherein said preference information relates to a merchandise and/or merchant preference of said buyers, and wherein said merchandise availability information relates to merchandise that is available for purchase from said seller.

15. The method of Claim 14, wherein said individual buyer in (b) has preference information that matches merchandise availability information of said seller.

16. The method of Claim 13, wherein said offer or advertisement is transmitted based upon a request by said seller to transmit said offer or advertisement.

17. The method of Claim 13, wherein, prior to (c), said seller selects said individual buyer from said user interface of said seller.

18. The method of Claim 13, further comprising receiving, from said buyer, a request to purchase said merchandise.

19. The method of Claim 18, further comprising receiving, from said buyer, a request to apply said discount to said purchase.

20. The method of Claim 13, wherein said one or more buyers revealed in said search of (a) comprises a plurality of buyers, and wherein on said user interface of said seller said buyers are ranked in order of decreasing distance from said seller.