WO2001039088A1

WO2001039088A1 - Systems and methods for facilitating the sale of items

Info

Publication number: WO2001039088A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/032327
Authority: WO
Inventors: Susan H. Matthews
Original assignee: The Boppy Company
Priority date: 1999-11-24
Filing date: 2000-11-21
Publication date: 2001-05-31
Also published as: AU1929001A

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for selling items using a computer network (110). According to one method, a terminal (144) is provided at a location (116, 146) that offers items for sale. A list of items that are available for sale are displayed at the terminal to permit selected items to be purchased by a customer. The order is transmitted over the network to a central computer (112) along with information of the origination of the order. The item is then shipped according to the order, and a credit (130) is calculated for the location of the terminal.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING THE SALE OF

ITEMS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to the field of sales, and in particular to the sale of goods, such as retail items. More specifically, the invention is related to techniques for offering for sale a wide selection of items, usually within a retail store, without requiring extensive display space.

Retail stores have long been an effective way to sell products. Types of retail items that have traditionally been offered at the retail level include sporting goods, electronics, household goods, furniture, home and yard improvement items, clothing, toys, cosmetics, and the like. One challenge faced by retailers is how to provide a wide variety of products in a limited amount of space. Theoretically, stores that are able to offer a wide selection of items are able to attract more customers, and hence obtain more sales. However, the overhead expenses associated with offering large numbers of items can be too large to make such a proposition practical. Hence, many retailers simply offer the most popular items.

One result of this strategy is that customers may not be offered a full range of products, thereby limiting their choices. In turn, this may limit the number of customers choosing to patronize a retail store. Another result is that it may affect the business success of vendors that are not offered significant display space at a retail store.

Some retailers have addressed these problems by simply offering vendor catalogs within their stores. Once the customer selects the products from the catalog, the retailer orders the products from the vendor. When the ordered products have been shipped to the retailer, the customer is notified. This, of course, is inconvenient to the customer who must return to the store to purchase and/or pick-up the item.

Hence, this invention is related to techniques for providing a wide selection of products at the retail level. The techniques of the invention are intended to increase the selection available to customers, to promote retail sales, and to increase revenues of both vendors and retailers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides techniques and systems for conveniently offering for sale a wide selection of items without requiring the physical presence of the items within a store. In this way, large inventories of items offered for sale do not need to be physically present and displayed at the retail level. For example, in one embodiment, a method for selling items utilizes a computer network where a terminal is provided at a location that offers items for sale, such as at a retail store. A list of items for sale is displayed at the terminal to permit a customer to enter into the terminal an order to purchase one or more of the items. When entering the order, the customer also enters an address to which the item is to be sent. The order is then electronically sent over the network along with information as to the location of the terminal to a central computer that is able to store the information in a database. The ordered item is then shipped to the indicated address. Further, a credit is calculated for the location of the terminal based on the store of record. In this way, the store is able to display an image of a wide variety of items without requiring the items to be physically displayed, or even included in inventory at the store. Further, the store is offered a credit for each sale, thereby encouraging the store to include the terminal in its display area. Hence, the store is able to vastly increase its available inventory without any substantial increase in overhead, while also receiving remuneration for each sale. In this manner, customers will be encouraged to visit the store because the store is able to offer for sale both items that are physically displayed at the store and those shown at the terminal. For example, the store may display an item having a certain color while offering for sale at the terminal the same item in a variety of different colors. Once the credit to the store has been calculated, a negotiable instrument may be remitted for the appropriate amount. Alternatively, since a network is being utilized, an electronic credit may be sent to the store's credit organization. Conveniently, the credit may be based on a percentage of total sales for a given store that were purchased using the terminal. The network may include multiple terminals at multiple stores, with the central computer being configured to determine the proper credit for each store. In some cases, multiple stores may have a common owner, such as a retail chain. In such cases, the central computer may also be configured to determine a credit to the owner based on the total sales of all of the stores for items purchased using the terminals. This may be accomplished, for example, by storing a record of not only the store associated with each sale, but also the owner of the store.

In one aspect, the customer may enter into the terminal (or an associated input device, such as a card reader) information on a credit instrument that is used to purchase the item. An electronic request may then be sent from the store to a credit organization to approve and charge the credit instrument.

In another aspect, the order may be sent electronically to a vendor that is to ship the item. In this way, the method is useful when the items offered for sale are to be shipped by either the entity providing information on the items available for sale using the terminals ("the providing entity"), by a separate vendor, e.g., a vendor contracting with the providing entity, or both. In cases where a web site is utilized, the providing entity may be the owner of the web site. Conveniently, the owner of the web site may have the web site operated by another party as is known in the art. In some cases, the items offered for sale may be offered by multiple vendors. In such a case, the central computer may be used to determine the appropriate vendor or vendors and then to send the request to fill the order.

In another aspect, the method may utilize the Internet to facilitate the transfer of electronic information. For example, the central computer may send an HTML document to the terminal to permit the terminal to display the list of available items. The Internet may also be used to facilitate authorization and charging of the credit instrument and to send the request to fill the order to the vendor. Advantageously, the central computer may include or be associated with an administrative server computer that is connected to the Internet and that is used to update the information in the database. In this way, a retailer and/or the providing entity may access the administrative server computer (e.g., over the Internet) and update any information, such as prices and available items. In a similar manner, a vendor may access the administrative server computer to update information in the database regarding items offered by the vendor.

As another alternative, a client-server arrangement may be utilized where the terminals may each store a record of the items offered for sale. Periodically, new information that is stored on the server computer may be sent to the terminal (such as on disk or an on-line connection) to update prices or available items.

Further, it will be appreciated that other network connections may be utilized. For example, the terminals may be connected to the central computer or the credit organization by the traditional telephone network Other types of communication networks include microwave, digital satellite, ISDN, cable, and the like

In one particular aspect, the list of available items may include painting kits Conveniently, various scenes or murals that may be produced using the painting kits may be displayed at the terminal For example, the customer may select various painting schemes that are available for a certain pattern to see a visual display of each color scheme Further, the terminal may be configured to produce a set of instructions on how to use the painting kits at the request of the customer

The invention further provides an exemplary computer terminal and a computer system for selling items The computer terminal compnses a processor and a memory device, such as an internal memory or an associated database The computer terminal further includes an input device for receiving electronic information Code is provided to electronically receive ordenng information from remote computers disposed at multiple locations via the input device The ordenng information identifies one or more items that have been purchased, an address for shipping the items, and the location where the order oπginated Optionally, the order information may also include credit information, shipping costs, shipping methods, e g , overnight, second day, and the like Code is also provided to electronically store the ordenng information from each of the remote locations in the memory device and to at least penodically determine a credit for each location based on the items purchased from each location In this way, a credit may be provided to each store that includes such a remote computer based on the ordered items

The central computer may further include code to determine a vendor having the purchased items and to electronically transmit the order to a vendor computer or device to permit the vendor to ship the purchased items to the indicated address In this way, the remote computer may offer for sale items from multiple vendors and then have the appropnate vendors identified and notified Conveniently, the order may be transmitted to the vendor via the Internet, by a direct telephone line connection, and the like In one aspect, the central computer may have code to send an HTML document to the remote computers that contains a list of available items and ordenng instructions For example, the HTML document may contain information on painting kits that are available for sale along with instructions on how to use such painting kits Alternatively, the remote computers may be configured to receive one or more files from the central computer that contain the list of available items and prices. These files may then be stored locally on each remote computer and periodically updated.

In another aspect, the central computer may include code to send a credit request to a credit organization after receiving an order. Alternatively, the remote computers may be configured to send the request to the credit organization. These requests may be made over telephone lines, through the Internet, and the like.

In still another aspect, the central computer may include code to permit retailers to alter the list of items and/or prices that are displayed at the terminals located in their stores. In this way, a retailer may access the central computer, e.g., using the Internet, at any time to update the information. Preferably, appropriate security will be provided, e.g., by requiring a password, so that only authorized retailers will be permitted to access and change any information. In another aspect, vendors may be permitted to send information such as product lists, prices, discounts, available quantities, and the like to the central computer. In this way, a retailer will have access to vendor information helpful when updating the list of available items and/or prices that are displayed at the terminals.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a system to facilitate the selling of items over a network. The system is particularly useful when included within a conventional mall having a plurality of retail stores that offer for sale a variety of retail items. Provided within the mall is a computer terminal that is appropriately configured to be coupled to a network, such as the Internet. As such, the computer terminal may include a processor, a memory, an input device and a display screen. The computer terminal further includes code to permit a screen display to be produced on the display screen based on information received from a HTML document. In one aspect, the screen display includes a plurality of retail store icons that may be selected to list items that are available for electronic purchase. The system further includes a server computer that may be coupled to the network, with the server computer having an associated database to electronically store ordering information received over the network from the computer terminal. Such a system is particularly advantageous in that it allows a retail store to offer items for sale within a mall without requiring the store to be physically located within the mall. As such, customers are provided with the option of purchasing items from a variety of retail stores, even if not physically present within the mall, thereby making the shopping experience more convenient to the customer. For example, a customer is able to approach the terminal and select one of the retail store icons to view a list of items from the retail store that are available for electronic purchase. The customer may then select and purchase one of the items in a manner similar to that previously described. The order is then sent electronically to the server computer and stored in the database. The ordered item may then be shipped to the customer in any of the ways described herein.

Depending on the business arrangement between the owner of the mall, the owner of the computer system and/or the various retailers, the invention may be utilized to provide various credits or payments to provide appropriate incentives for selling items as described above. For example, the owner of a mall may provide space for a terminal in return for certain payment. For instance, the mall owner may request to be provided with a percentage of the total sales ordered from the terminal or may simply lease the space for a specified amount. Conveniently, the server computer may be configured to keep a record of the orders originating from the terminal so that an appropriate payment may be made to the owner of the mall. In some cases, when one of the retail store icons is selected, the customer may be transferred to a web site of the retailer. When an item is purchased from the retailer's web site, the retailer may provide a payment to the owner of the computer system. In some cases, the owner of the mall may also be the owner of the computer system. In such cases, retailers may be charged a fee for including their icon on the display screen. Alternatively, the retailer may pay to the owner of the mall a certain percentage of total sales received from the terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a flow chart illustrating one method for purchasing items according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a system that may be employed to facilitate the sale of a wide variety of items according to the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an alternative system that may be employed to facilitate the sale of items according to the mvention. Fig. 4 is a terminal screen display illustrating a welcome or home page.

Fig. 5 is a terminal screen display providing information on how to use painting kits.

Fig. 6 is a terminal screen display illustrating various painting kit patterns that are available for sale. Fig. 7 is a terminal screen display providing ordering information.

Fig. 8 is a terminal screen display to permit ordering information to be input into the terminal.

Fig. 9 is a terminal screen display to permit a user to visualize various rooms having scenes painted with various colors.

Fig. 10 is a terminal screen display illustrating various promotions.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a mall having a computer terminal that is part of a network employed to facilitate the selling of items according to the invention.

Fig. 12 is a screen display of the terminal of Fig. 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS The invention provides systems and methods that facilitate the offering for sale of a wide variety of items without requiring the physical display of such items. The invention may be utilized with essentially any type of item, and will find particular use with items sold at the retail level. Merely by way of example, types of retail items that may be offered for sale according to the invention include clothing, baby products, footwear, consumer durable goods, jewelry, toys, food, parts, and the like.

The invention utilizes a computer terminal that is located at a store, such as a retail store, or other structure that physically displays and offers items for sale. However, it will be appreciated that a terminal may be located in other areas. The computer terminals of the invention may comprise a processor, an associated memory, an input device, a communication device or port, such as a modem or network connection, and a display screen. Examples of such terminals include kiosks, personal desktop computers, laptop computers, and the like. Use of such terminals permits a list of items (and usually an associated image, i.e. a picture) and associated prices to be displayed. Other information that may be displayed includes product availability, e.g., whether the item is on back order, shipping options, and the like.

Once one or more items have been identified, the input device may be employed to indicate that the items are to be purchased. The customer also enters an address to which the item is to be shipped. This ordering information is then sent electronically to a central or host computer to facilitate processing of the order. Examples of techniques for electronically sending the ordering information include the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network, a local area network, digital satellite, microwave, digital satellite, ISDN, cable, and the like. The central or host computer may include a processor and an associated memory for storing the ordering information. For example, when the invention uses the Internet as the network for transferring information, the central computer may comprise a web server computer and an associated database. An administrative server may also be included to update the information in the database and/or to communicate with other remote computers over the Internet. If a dial-up connection is used, the central computer may include a modem bank to transmit and receive information.

The invention further permits the customer to purchase the identified items while at the store. Conveniently, payment information may be input into the terminal to permit the item to be purchased. For example, a terminal may include a screen where information from a credit card may be input. Other forms of payment that may be used including payment on an established account, COD, and the like. Alternatively, the terminal may include a card reader to read information from a credit card. The reader may be an integral part of the terminal or a separate reader. As still another alternative, the customer may be provided with the option of separately supplying payment, such as at a check-out counter, either by cash or credit.

If the customer chooses to pay by credit, the terminal may be employed to send a credit authorization or charge request to a credit organization using appropriate security measures. This may occur, for example, over the Lntemet, through a direct dial- up connection, and the like. As another alternative, the payment information may be transmitted to the central computer. The central computer may then be employed to transmit the request to the credit organization.

Once payment has been accepted, the central computer may be used to produce an order or to send a request to a vendor to ship the purchased item to the indicated shipping address. In some cases, the terminals may display items that are provided by multiple vendors. In such cases, the central computer may be configured to determine a vendor that is capable of shipping each ordered item. Once the vendor is identified, a variety of techniques may be employed to send the information to the vendor. For example, the central computer may electronically send an order to the vendor, or to another computer that transmits the order, e.g., via the Internet or direct connection. Alternatively, an electronic fax may be sent to the vendor. As another alternative, the order may be printed and then transmitted to the vendor. The order may also be transmitted by e-mail. Manual techniques may also be used, such as by placing a telephone order. Upon receipt of the order, the vendor ships the item to the address entered by the customer and charges or bills the providing entity as previously defined. Conveniently, the order placed by the providing entity may include billing information to facilitate billing of the providing entity. In some cases, the providing entity may also be the vendor. In this way, a separate charge will not be needed.

The central computer is also configured to receive information on the location of the terminal from which the order was received, e.g., the store where the terminal is located. In this way, a credit may be determined for each store based on the orders originating from each store. The database associated with the central computer may contain business rules for the business relationships between the providing entity and each store. In this way, the credit may be determined based on the appropriate business rules. Merely by way of example, a credit may be supplied to each store based on the dollar value of the orders received from each store, e.g., a certain percentage. In some cases, several stores may be under a common ownership. In such cases, the central computer may be configured to determine the orders associated with a common owner. In this way, a credit may be supplied either to individual stores, or to the common owner. In another aspect, the credit provided to a store may be a certain amount that is unrelated to the number of orders. For example, the store may simply lease the space where the terminal is located for a certain lease payment. Once the credit has been determined, the credit may be supplied in a variety of ways. Conveniently, the manner of crediting each store may be defined in the database associated with the central computer. For example, a periodic credit report may be generated by the central computer and a negotiable instrument prepared and delivered based on the report. For instance, a check may be mailed to the store. As another example, the central computer (or another computer) may be configured to arrange for a credit to be applied to an account of the store owner at a credit organization.

By providing terminals within stores and by providing a credit to the stores when items are purchased, a variety of benefits are obtained. For example, a store is able to offer a wider selection of items without requiring more display space. In this way, the overhead costs to the store are not substantially increased while still being able to offer a wide selection of products. Further, the merchant has an incentive to use such a terminal because the merchant receives a credit for each purchase from the terminal. Hence, the merchant's profits may be significantly increased. Moreover, the consumer has an incentive to visit a store having such a terminal because of the wider selection. For example, the customer is able to select from physically displayed items in the traditional manner. Additional items may then be visually displayed from the terminal. For instance, the store may physically display one size and/or color of an item. This permits the customer to "touch and feel" the item within the store. To look for variations in the size and/or color, the customer simply needs to access the terminal to visually display other alternatives. The customer may then purchase any of the items at the terminal as previously described.

Periodically, the items displayed at the terminal may need to be updated. If the network uses a web server computer, the information may simply be updated on the web server computer. Conveniently, any computer that may be connected to the network may be employed to update the database accessed by the web server computer. Preferably, appropriate security measures will be employed so that only authorized individuals will be permitted access. In cases where the information is stored locally at each terminal, the information may be updated by directly modifying the information at the terminal, or by transmitting an update file to the terminal, e.g., through a disk, a dial- up connection, or the like.

Referring now to Fig. 1, one method for selling items will be described. As shown in step 10, the customer approaches a kiosk or computer terminal to view a list of available items (and optionally a visual image of the item). In step 20, the customer selects one or more items to be purchased and then enters shipping information and information from a credit card as shown in step 30. The credit card information is then sent for validation as shown in step 40. If the credit card is not approved, another credit card will be required (see step 50). Alternatively, other forms of payment may be used, including COD, payment on an existing account, and the like. Further, the customer may be given the option of purchasing the item at the store's regular check-out counter, either by cash, check, credit, or the like. When paying at the check-out counter, this information will need to be entered into the computer system prior to filling the order to indicate that the customer has paid. This payment may then be forwarded to the providing entity. If the credit card is approved, the process proceeds to step 60 where a receipt is printed for the customer giving the details of the purchase, e.g., the name of the item, quantity, price, date, shipping address and the like. The order is sent to another computer that is controlled by a providing entity as previously defined for processing and order fulfillment as shown in step 70. The item or items are then shipped to the address indicated in the order as shown in step 80. In step 90, a credit is provided to the retailer associated with the kiosk or terminal. A bill or invoice may also be sent from a vendor filling the order to the providing entity, if the vendor and providing entity are different as shown in step 95.

Referring now to Fig. 2, one embodiment of a system 110 to facilitate the sale of items will be described. System 110 comprises a network of computers that are interconnected by the Internet 112. The computer network includes a kiosk or terminal 114 that is located at a retail store 116. For convenience of illustration, only one terminal 114 is shown in association with retail store 116, it being appreciated that other terminals may be provided within retail store 116. Terminal 114 may comprise any type of computer having a display screen, an entry device, a memory, a processor, a web browser and a network connection to permit a connection to Internet 112. A card reading device 117 may be associated with terminal 114 to conveniently permit payment information to be input into terminal 114.

Terminal 114 is configured to display items that are available for sale, and to permit those items to be ordered upon their selection and upon entry of appropriate payment information and a shipping address. Upon entry of the payment information, a credit authorization and charge request is sent over the Internet 112 to a credit organization computer 118. Here, the purchaser's account is validated and a charge is made to the purchaser's account. Conveniently, a printer 120 may be associated with terminal 114 to provide the purchaser with a printed receipt or confirmation of the order. System 110 may optionally include another computer 122, such as the purchaser's home computer (or any other computer that may be coupled to Internet 112), that includes a web browser to permit the purchaser to check the status of the order. Computer 122 may check the status of the order by communicating with a web server computer 124 that is employed to process the order as described hereinafter. Computer 122 may also be used to communicate with a shipping service computer (not shown) over Internet 112 to track an order once shipped by a shipping service.

When payment has been accepted, the order is sent from terminal 114 to computer 124 over the Internet 112. Web server computer 124 is configured to transmit HTML documents over Internet 112 to terminal 114 to permit various web pages to be displayed at terminal 114 as is known in the art. Associated with web server computer 124 is a database 126 for storing information used in the HTML documents as well as ordering information received from terminal 114. Such ordering information may include, for example, the purchaser's name, the shipping address, the price charged, the credit instrument used for the purchase, and the like. Terminal 114 is also configured to transmit information on its associated retail store so that a credit may be applied to the store as described hereinafter. This information is also stored in database 126.

Upon receipt of an order, an administrative server computer 130 associates a vendor with the ordered item and transmits the order to a vendor warehouse 128 for fulfillment of the order. The order may be transmitted to a computer located in the warehouse 128 using any type of electronic transfer, including, a direct link or via the Internet 112 as shown. Alternatively, administrative server computer 130 may transmit the information to a printer to permit the order to be manually transmitted, e.g., mail. Other ways to forward the order include e-mail, fax, telephone, and the like. The vendor then ships the item to the address indicated in the order and bills the appropriate party, e.g., the providing entity. Further, administrative server computer 130 may be linked to other warehouse computers (in similar ways) as illustrated by a warehouses 158 and 159. In cases where the items offered for sale may be shipped by a variety of vendors, administrative server computer 130 may include code to search for the appropriate vendor as stored in database 152. In this way, multiple orders including multiple items that are available from multiple vendors may be processed and sent to the appropriate vendors to fill the order and ship the items to the appropriate addresses. The computers associated with warehouses 128, 158 and 159 may then produce and send an invoice to the providing entity. The invoice may be sent in a variety of ways, including by mail, fax, e-mail, or over Internet 128 to administrative computer 130. Although web server computer 124, database 126 and administrative computer 130 are shown separately, it will be appreciated that they may all be combined as part of a single computer system. Another function of administrative computer 130 is that it may be employed to determine a credit to the retailer associated with terminal 114 based on the sales originating from terminal 114. Since database 126 includes a record of each sale associated with terminal 114, a credit may easily be determined based on stored business rules, e.g., by calculating a percentage of total sales. This information may be displayed on a display screen and/or printed in report form. A payment may then be made to the retailer as indicated by the dashed arrow, e.g., by a negotiable instrument, electronic credit, or the like.

Optionally, one or more administrative computers, such as computer 131, may be included in system 110 to update the information in database 126. In this way, the information in database 126 may be updated so that web server computer 124 may send updated HTML documents to terminal 114. For example, the items offered for sale or their prices may need to be periodically updated by a retailer having terminal 114 in their store. This may conveniently be accomplished by using computer 131 to access administrative server computer 130 over Internet 112 and to update the information in database 126. By utilizing Internet 112 and administrative computer 130, any computer having a web browser may access administrative computer 130 via the Internet 112, preferably after a password has been entered, to permit the retailer to update the information in database 126.

System 110 may optionally include one or more vendor computers 133 to permit a vendor to provide information to administrative computer 118 regarding products offered by the vendor, prices, availability, and the like. This information may then be stored in database 126. This information may be used to update the HTML documents that are sent to the various retail terminals. In this way, a customer using one of the terminals is provided with up to date information on products that may be purchased, prices, and shipping times. Optionally, vendor computers 133 may be located within or linked to other computer systems within warehouses 128, 158 and 159 that are in turn employed to receive orders from administrative server computer 130 and to track inventories.

As previously mentioned, system 110 may include a plurality of retailer terminals or computers. For example, system 110 may include a terminal 144 that is associated with a retail store 146. Although not shown, another terminal may be associated with a retail store 148. A phantom line box is shown around stores 146 and 148 to indicate the retail stores are under common ownership, such as a retail chain. Web server computer 124 is employed to transmit HTML documents to terminal 144 to permit the display of items for sale as previously described.

Administrative computer 130 may be employed to determine an appropriate credit for each store based on the orders originating from the stores in a manner similar to that previously described. In the case where the stores 146 and 148 are part of the same retail chain, administrative computer 130 may be configured to determine a credit for the retail chain instead of for each individual store. This may be accomplished, for example, by storing in database 126 information on both the store and the retail chain to which the store belongs.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates another system 166 for selling items, it being appreciated that the various components of the different embodiments described herein may be interchanged with each other as appropriate. System 166 utilizes a central computer 168 to process information from various other computers. System 166 also includes a plurality of retail computers 170, 172 and 174 (with three being shown for convenience of illustration). Retail computers 170, 172 and 174 have a memory for locally storing all of the information accessed by the customer, e.g., item lists, prices, instructions, and the like. When purchasing an item, a direct connection is made over a dedicated telephone line to central computer 168. Credit card information is also processed over a direct connection with a credit organization computer 176. Alternatively, as shown in phantom line, the credit card information may be sent to central computer 168 which then transmits the information to credit organization computer 176.

Once payment has been approved, central computer 168 sends a request over a dedicated line to a vendor computer 178. The vendor then fills the order and ships the requested items to the appropriate customer or customers as shown. In cases where multiple vendors are used to fill orders, central computer 168 may be directly linked to other vendor computers, illustrated by a vendor computer 180 shown in phantom line. Central computer 168 is also coupled to a database to store information about each order and the store from which the order originated. In this way, central computer 168 may periodically compute a credit for each store based on the sales originating from each store. This credit may then be provided using any of the techniques previously described.

Periodically, the information stored locally at each retail computer 170, 172 and 174 may need to be updated. This may be accomplished, for example, by transmitting an update file over the dedicated lines from central computer 168 to each retail computer 170, 172 and 174. Alternatively, changes may be made locally at each retail computer and the changes may be transmitted to central computer 168 in an update file.

Fig. 4 illustrates a screen display 182 that may be used with any of the store computers or terminals described herein. Screen display 182 is particularly suited for selling painting kits, such as those described in, for example, copending U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09/082,719, filed May 21, 1998; 09/208,074, filed December 9, 1998; and 09/314,803, filed May 19, 1999, the complete disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. However, it will be appreciated that other screen displays may be used when selling these and other types of items as previously described. Hence, the invention is not intended to be limited to only this type of arrangement. Screen display 182 is a welcome or home screen and provides a variety of options for the potential customer to select. Such options include: a "How Painting Kits Work" icon 184, a "Current Patterns" icon 186, a "To Order" icon 188, a "Promotions" icon 190, and a "Decorate Your Room Module" icon 192. Icons 184-192 may be selected by any type of input device as is known in the art; e.g., a mouse or other pointing device, a keyboard, and the like.

Fig. 5 illustrates a screen display 195 that is produced when icon 184 of screen display 182 is selected. The top half of screen display 195 includes icons 196, 198 and 200 representing the three steps typically used when painting a surface using the offered painting kits. These icons may be selected to produce detailed instructions on taping, ironing and painting. More specifically, these steps are used to transfer a pattern from a sheet onto a painting surface where the surface may be painted as described generally in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 09/082,719, filed May 21, 1998; 09/208,074, filed December 9, 1998; and 09/314,803, filed May 19, 1999, previously incorporated by reference. An icon 202 may be selected to obtain an estimated painting time when using one of the painting kits to paint a surface. An icon 204 may be selected to illustrate various designs or murals that may be produced using some of the painting kits. Finally, an icon 206 may be selected to provide a list of suggested materials needed when using one of the painting kits.

Fig. 6 illustrates a screen display 208 that is produced when icon 186 of screen display 182 is selected. Screen display 208 includes a list of painting kit patterns that are available for purchase. This list may be periodically updated to reflect current information. Each pattern has an associated icon identified by reference numbers 210- 232. Each of these icons may be selected to produce another display screen with information on the selected pattern. For example, the information may include a picture of a surface painted using the pattern, dimensions, price, and the like. Also, a link may be provided to an ordering screen as described hereinafter. Further, the display screen may include a shopping cart feature where multiple items may be selected using a shopping cart icon 231 and held for later purchase to permit the customers to continue browsing through various screen displays without having to return to a selected item. Optionally, an order icon 233 may be provided to jump to an order screen (see Fig. 8) if an item is desired for immediate purchase. Fig. 7 illustrates a display screen 234 that is produced when icon 188 is selected. Display screen 234 is used when purchasing items and includes an entry window 236 for entering the name of an item to be purchased. Conveniently, a list icon 238 may be selected to list the available items from which the customer may select. Once an item has been selected (either from screen 234 or another screen) it may be added to a shopping cart window 240 by selecting shopping cart icon 241 to permit the customer to view the items selected for purchase. Display screen 234 also includes icons 242, 244, 246 to permit the customer to view and select brushes, paints and other items useful with the painting kits. Once the customer is ready to purchase the selected items, a place order icon 248 is selected to produce an order display screen 250 as illustrated in Fig. 8 Display screen 250 includes a window 252 for inputting information on the purchaser, e.g., name, address, phone number, and the like. This information may conveniently be entered using a keyboard at the terminal. Optionally, the customer may set up an account (while on-line or from another computer, such as the customer's home computer using the Internet) so that this information will not need to be re-entered for each new purchase. A window 254 is also provided for entering payment information from a credit card. Conveniently, the customer may be provided with the option of entering this information by swiping the credit card through a card reader associated with the terminal. A window 256 is further provided to permit the customer to enter a name and address of where the purchased items are to be shipped, if different from the customer's address. Additional information that may be required to be entered include shipping preferences, e.g. overnight delivery, regular mail, and the like, appropriate taxes, and the like Once all the information has been entered into screen 250, an order icon 258 is selected to permit the credit card to be authorized and charged. Once approved, the order is transmitted to another computer to permit the order to be filled using the techniques previously described.

Fig. 9 illustrates a display screen 260 that is produced when icon 194 of screen display 182 is selected. Display screen 260 provides a potential customer with the ability to produce a model of a room and then to display a colored pattern or scene on a surface of the room with a variety of color palettes. In this way, the potential customer may visualize what a room will look like after one of the painting kits has been used, with any one of a variety of color palettes. Display screen 260 includes a window 262 where the size of a room may be entered. A list icon 264 may be selected to list various pre-configured room sizes. A window 266 is provided to permit a desired pattern to be entered. Conveniently, a list window 268 may be used to provide a drop down list of the available patterns. Further, a window 270 is provided to permit the entry of a desired color scheme. A list icon 272 may be selected to list the available color schemes. Once the appropriate information has been entered, a decorate icon 274 may be selected to produce a visual two or three dimensional image of a room that is decorated with the selected pattern and color scheme. Fig. 10 illustrates a display screen 276 that is produced when icon 192 of display screen 182 is selected. Display screen 276 includes a set of promotion icons 278, 280 and 282 that may be selected to list the details of various promotional offers. The customer may access each one of these lists and add promotional items to the shopping cart using a shopping cart icon 283 in a manner similar to that previously described. The promotions may be provided by the providing entity as previously defined based on discounts provided by one or more vendors.

In another application, one of the terminals may be provided in a retail store and include a screen display that permits a customer to log on to a web site that electronically offers items for sale. For example, a local bookstore may not have sufficient space to include a large inventory of books. As such, the local bookstore may be provided with a terminal that produces a screen display of an e-commerce bookseller, e.g., Amazon.com. In this way, if a book is unavailable at the local bookstore, a customer may simply go to the terminal and log onto the web site of the e-commerce book provider who may have a more comprehensive inventory of books. If the book is located at the web site, the customer may purchase the book from the terminal using any of the techniques as previously described. The e-commerce book seller receives the order at their server and may fill the order and ship it to the customer. To compensate the local book store for including the terminal, the local bookstore may charge a certain fee as a lease for the space required by the terminal. Alternatively, the local bookstore may be provided with a certain percentage of each sale made over the terminal. In this way, the customer is provided with a larger inventory of items, with the local bookstore also receiving remuneration for including the terminal. When calculating a credit to the local bookstore, the server computer of the e-commerce book provider may determine an appropriate credit in a manner similar to that previously described. Fig. 11 illustrates another computer system 300 that may be employed to facilitate sales of retail items. Computer system 300 is particularly useful in association with a mall 302 that includes a variety of retail stores 304. Mall 302 may be configured similar to essentially any type of conventional mall as is known in the art. Extending through mall 302 are one or more aisles 306 to permit customers to move through the mall. Located within mall 302 is a computer terminal 308 that may be constructed in a manner similar to any of the terminals described herein to permit terminal 308 to be coupled to the Internet 310.

As best shown in Fig. 12, terminal 308 includes a display screen 312 that may be used to produce a display 314. Display 314 includes a variety of retail store icons 316. When one of icons 316 is selected, another display screen may be produced illustrating various items that may be electronically purchased. After entering appropriate information in a manner similar to that described with other embodiments, a customer may purchase one or more items, with the purchased items being shipped to a location indicated by the customer in a manner similar to that previously described. In this way, if a retail store is not included in the mall, a customer is provided with the opportunity to electronically shop at the retail store simply by utilizing terminal 308. As such, retailers are provided with additional opportunities to sell their items if they are unable to secure a location in a mall. Referring back to Fig. 11, system 300 further includes a host server computer 318 that may include an associated database. Host server 318 is configured to send HTML documents to terminal 308 using Internet 310 to produce display 314. When one of icons 316 is selected, host server 318 may send one or more additional HTML documents to list items that are available for sale as well as appropriate ordering information in a manner similar to that described with previous embodiments.

Alternatively, when one of icons 316 is selected, terminal 308 may be linked to a retailer server computer 320 that is configured to produce a web site of the retailer. In this way, the customer may purchase directly from the retailer's web site.

Once host server 318 or retailer server 320 receives an order, the order may be filled using any of the techniques described herein. Merely by way of example, a request to fill the order may be electronically sent over Internet 310 to one or more warehouses 322 that fill the order and ship it to the customer as shown. The vendor associated with the warehouse may then send an invoice to the owner of the host server or retail server if under different ownership. Various other credits and/or payments associated with computer system 300 may be made depending on business relationships between the owner of mall 302, the owner of host server 318, and/or the owner of retailer server 320. For example, the owner of mall 302 may provide the space for terminal 308 based on a lease or a percentage of sales ordered over terminal 308. In such a case, the database associated with host server 318 may store a record of each order and its value. Periodically, payments may then be made to the owner of mall 302 in a manner similar to that previously described. As another example, the owner of mall 302 may also own terminal 308 and host server 318. If a customer is logged on to a retailer's web site using retailer server 320, the owner of the mall may charge a certain fee for including the retailer's icon on terminal 308. Alternatively, retailer server 320 may be configured to store a record of the value of items ordered from terminal 308. Periodically, payments may then be made to the owner of the mall based on the amount of sales originating from terminal 308. In cases where host server 318 is owned by a separate entity from the owner of mall 302, and where the customer is logged onto the web site produced by retailer server 320, the owner of retailer server 320 may be required to pay the owner of host server 318 a certain fee for including their icon on terminal 308. Alternatively, retailer server 320 may maintain records of sales resulting from orders made using terminal 308, with a credit or payment being made to the owner of host server 318 based on these orders.

The mvention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A method for selling items using a network, the method comprising: providing a terminal to at least one location that offers for sale a variety of items, wherein the terminal is accessible to customers visiting the location; displaying at the terminal a list of available items; a customer entering into the terminal an order to purchase at least one of the items from the list along with an address to which the item is to be sent; electronically sending the order and information on the location of the terminal from the terminal to a central computer having a processor and memory; storing a record in the memory of each order and its associated location; shipping the ordered item to the indicated address; and at least periodically calculating a credit to the location based on the stored record.

2. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising remitting a negotiable instrument to the location for the credit.

3. A method as in claim 2, wherein the credit is based on a percentage of the dollar value of the total orders for the location.

4. A method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a terminal at multiple locations that each offer for sale various items, and storing a record in the memory of the central computer of each order from each location.

5. A method as in claim 4, wherein the locations comprise retail stores, at least some of which are under the same ownership, and further comprising sending to the central computer identification information on the retail store along with information on any owner of the store to permit the credit to be applied to the retail store or its owner.

6. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising entering into the terminal information on a credit instrument, and electronically sending a request from the terminal or the central computer to a credit organization computer to charge the credit instrument for the order.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the list of available items include painting kits, and further comprising displaying at the terminal colored displays of scenes that may be produced using the kits.

8. A method as in claim 7, further comprising displaying at the terminal instructions on how to use the painting kits.

9. A method as in claim 1, further comprising sending an HTML document from the central computer to the terminal to produce the display having the list of available items.

10. A method as in claim 1, further comprising a manager of the location accessing the central computer from a remote computer and updating price information on the central computer.

11. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising storing the list of available items on the terminal, and periodically sending updated item information from the central computer to the terminal.

12. A method as in claim 1, further comprising entering multiple orders into the terminal at different times, and wherein the electronically sending step comprises periodically transmitting the orders to the central computer.

13. A method as in claim 1 , further comprising electronically transmitting at least some information about the order from the central computer to a vendor that ships the item.

- 14. A method for selling items using a network, the method comprising: providing a terminal to at least one location that offers items for sale; displaying at the terminal a list of available items offered from multiple different vendors; entering into the terminal an order to purchase at least one of the items from the list along with an address to which the item is to be sent; electronically sending the order and information on the location of the terminal from the terminal to a central computer having a processor and an associated memory; storing a record in the memory of each order and its associated location; determining a vendor associated with the ordered item based on the stored record; sending information from the order to the vendor to permit the vendor to ship the ordered item to the associated address; and at least periodically calculating a credit to the location based on the stored record.

15. A method as in claim 14, further comprising remitting a negotiable instrument to the location for the credit.

16. A method as in claim 14, wherein the credit is based on a percentage of the dollar value of the total orders for the location.

17. A method as in claim 14, further comprising providing a terminal at multiple locations that each offer various items for sale, and storing a record in the memory of the central computer of each order and its associated location.

18. A method as in claim 14, further comprising entering into the terminal information on a credit instrument, and electronically sending a request from the terminal or the central computer to a credit organization computer to charge the credit instrument for the order.

19. A method as in claim 14, further comprising electronically sending information ^'from the order from the central computer to a vendor computer of the determined vendor.

20. A method as in claim 14, further comprising sending an HTML document from the central computer to the terminal to produce the display having the list of available items, and further comprising a retailer accessing the central computer from a remote computer and updating price information on the central computer.

21. A method for selling items over a network, the method comprising: at a central computer having a processor and an associated memory, electronically receiving ordering information from multiple locations, wherein the ordering information includes information on items that have been purchased from each location and shipping information; electronically storing the ordering information from each location in the memory; determining a vendor having the purchased items based on the stored ordering information, and sending at least some of the ordering information to the identified vendor to permit the purchased items to be shipped to a customer based on the shipping information; at least periodically calculating a credit for each location based on the items purchased from each location.

22. A method as in claim 21, further comprising electronically sending the ordering information to a vendor computer.

23. A method as in claim 21 , further comprising transmitting from the central computer to a credit computer a request to charge a charge instrument included in each order.

24. A method as in claim 21, further comprising sending from the central computer a HTML document containing a list of available items and ordering instructions to each location prior to receiving the ordering information from the locations.

25. A method as in claim 21, further comprising sending from the central computer a HTML document containing painting kits that are available for sale, and multiple color schemes that are available for each painting kit.

26. A method as in claim 25, further comprising sending from the central computer a HTML document containing instructions on how to use the painting kits.

27. A computer to facilitate the selling of items over a network, the computer comprising: a processor; a memory device associated with the processor; an input device for receiving electronic information; code to electronically receive ordering information from multiple locations via the input device, wherein the ordering information includes information on items that have been purchased from a specific location and shipping information; code to electronically store the ordering information from each location in the memory device; code to determine a vendor having the purchased items and electronically transmitting to the vendor at least some of the ordering information to permit the vendor to ship the purchased item to a customer; and code to at least periodically calculate a credit for each location based on the items purchased from each location.

28. A computer as in claim 27, further comprising code to send an HTML document to the locations, wherein the HTML document contains a list of available items and ordering instructions.

29. A computer as in claim 27, further comprising code to send a HTML document to the locations, wherein the HTML document contains information on painting kits that are available for sale, and multiple color schemes that are available for each painting kit.

30. A computer as in claim 29, further comprising code to send a HTML document to the locations, wherein the HTML document contains instructions on how to use the painting kits.

31. A computer as in claim 27, further comprising code to send to the locations a file containing a list of available items and ordering information for purchasing the items.

32. A computer as in claim 27, further comprising code to send a credit authorization request to a credit organization computer.

33. A computer as in claim 27, further comprising code to permit retailers to alter prices displayed at their terminal.

34. A system to facilitate the selling of items over a network, the system comprising: a plurality of remotely located terminals stored at different locations, wherein each of the terminals is capable of displaying a list of items offered for sale from multiple different vendors; a central computer capable of being placed in electronic communication with the terminals, the central computer comprising a processor, a memory device associated with the processor, an input device for receiving electronic information, code to electronically receive ordering information from the terminals via the input device, wherein the ordering information includes information on items that have been purchased from a specific location and shipping information, code to electronically store the ordering information from each terminal in the memory, code to send at least some of the ordering information to a specific vendor to permit the vendor to ship an ordered item based on the shipping information, and code to at least periodically calculate a credit for each location based on the items purchased from each location.

35. A method for selling items using a network, the method comprising: providing a terminal within a mall that includes multiple retail stores, wherein the terminal is accessible to customers visiting the mall; displaying at the terminal a list of retail store icons that are associated with retail stores that each have items for electronic sale over a network; a customer selecting one of the retail store icons from the terminal and entering into the terminal an order to purchase at least one of the items from the retail store associated with the selected retail store icon along with an address to which the item is to be sent; electronically sending the order from the terminal to a server computer having a processor and an associated database; storing a record in the database of each order; and shipping the ordered item to the indicated address.

36. A method as in claim 35, further comprising at least periodically providing a payment to the mall for inclusion of the terminal within the mall.

37. A method as in claim 36, further comprising calculating the payment based on the value of the ordered item.

38. A method as in claim 35, further comprising at least periodically providing a payment to an owner of the terminal for inclusion of one of the retail store icons at the terminal.

39. A system to facilitate the selling of items over a network, the system comprising: a mall having a plurality of retail stores offering for sale a variety of retail items; a computer terminal disposed within the mall, the computer terminal including a processor, a memory, an input device, and a display screen, wherein the computer further includes code to produce a screen display on the display screen based on information received from a HTML document, wherein the screen display includes a plurality of retail store icons, and code to list items available for electronic purchase when one of the retail store icons is selected; and a server computer and an associated database to electronically receive and store ordering information from the computer terminal.

40. A system as in claim 39, wherein the server computer further includes code to determine a vendor having a purchased item and to electronically transmit to the vendor at least some of the ordering information to permit the vendor to ship the purchased item to a customer.

41. A method as in claim 40, wherein the server computer further includes code to at least periodically calculate a payment to the mall based on the items purchased from the terminal.