WO2023223086A1

WO2023223086A1 - System and method for managing distribution of customized coupons

Info

Publication number: WO2023223086A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/056230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ranvijay Singh
Original assignee: Ranvijay Singh
Priority date: 2022-05-18
Filing date: 2022-07-06
Publication date: 2023-11-23

Abstract

A system for managing distribution of customized coupon(s) is disclosed. The system includes a processing subsystem which includes an input module (30) which receives a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment by a consumer from first merchant(s), receives coupon customization preference(s) from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option. The processing subsystem also includes a coupon customization module (40) which generates the customized coupon(s). The processing subsystem also includes a ranking module (50) which assigns a score to the second merchant(s) based on individual score(s) corresponding to first parameter(s) and allocates a predefined rank to the second merchant(s). The processing subsystem also includes a coupon distribution module (60) which arranges the customized coupon(s) in a predefined order, and communicates a redeemable coupon code to the consumer upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding customized coupon(s), thereby managing the distribution of the customized coupon(s).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTION OF CUSTOMIZED COUPONS

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202211028479, filed on May 18, 2022, and titled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING DISTRIBUTION OF CUSTOMIZED COUPONS.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to e-commerce, and more particularly to a system and a method for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons.

BACKGROUND

A coupon will feature a specified savings amount or other special incentives in order to convince customers to buy specific items or services from specific sellers. Therefore, coupons generate traffic, increase sales of products, deliver results, and the like of a seller. In a conventional approach, customers are bombarded with multiple coupons that may or may not be relevant to the customers on daily basis via different communication channels. Most of the time the coupons are ignored by the customers, thereby making the conventional approach inefficient and less value-adding for both the customers and the sellers. Moreover, the coupons distributed using the conventional approach mostly possess lower redemption rates, lack timeliness, and lack context. There are multiple approaches implemented for the efficient distribution of coupons.

One such approach includes a method and a system to create a commission-led affiliate network. Basically, such an affiliate system relies on agents, publishers, and third- party advertising to promote items and services of a few associated or selected stores. When the customer performs specific and agreed-upon actions, such as visiting the store and making a purchase using promotional codes obtained from or provided by the agents, publishers, and advertisers, the agents, publishers, and advertisers earn commissions. However, such an approach is inefficient for the stores because commissions and discounts cost the stores a lot of money.

One such another approach includes establishing a network between multiple stores to promote products, services, and promotional offers corresponding to each other. However, there is a technical issue in ensuring and motivating stores to continue referring customers to other stores.

Hence, there is a need for an improved system and method for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons which addresses the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons is provided. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server. The processing subsystem is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes an input module. The input module is configured to receive a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration. The input module is also configured to receive one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal. The one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons. The one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants. The processing subsystem also includes a coupon customization module operatively coupled to the input module. The coupon customization module is configured to generate the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants. The processing subsystem also includes a ranking module operatively coupled to the coupon customization module. The ranking module is configured to assign a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons. The ranking module is also configured to allocate a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score. Further, the processing subsystem also includes a coupon distribution module operatively coupled to the ranking module. The coupon distribution module is configured to arrange the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters. The coupon distribution module is further configured to communicate a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons. The redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons is provided. The method includes receiving a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration. The method also includes receiving one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants. Further, the method also includes generating the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants. The method also includes assigning a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons. Furthermore, the method also includes allocating a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score. Moreover, the method also includes arranging the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters. In addition, the method also includes communicating a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment of the system for managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a coupon distribution management computer or a coupon distribution management server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons. As used herein, the term “coupon” refers to a ticket or form that allows the holder to receive some service, payment, or discount. Coupons are generally provided by merchants to attract customers, spread brand awareness, receive large-scale exposure, and the like. Further, as used herein, the term “customized coupon” refers to a coupon that can be customized by a customer based on the personal requirements of the customer. Furthermore, the system described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the system for managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a system (10) for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes a processing subsystem (20) hosted on a server (25). In one embodiment, the server (25) may include a cloud server. In another embodiment, the server (25) may include a local server. The processing subsystem (20) is configured to execute on a network (not shown in FIG. 1) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infrared communication, or the like.

Basically, in an embodiment, a consumer may purchase one or more items via one or more electronic commerce (E-commerce) platforms or may visit one or more retail stores. In such an embodiment, payment corresponding to the purchase made may be done using one or more first payment modes when the purchase may be carried out via the one or more E-commerce platforms. The one or more first payment modes may include one or more online payment modes such as net banking, digital payment mode, or the like. In such another embodiment, the payment corresponding to the purchase made may be done using one or more second payment modes when the purchase may be carried out by visiting the one or more retail stores. The one or more second payment modes may include cash, card, or the like.

In case of making the payment via the one or more first payment modes, the consumer may receive one or more coupons as rewards, wherein the one or more coupons may be associated with one or more redeemable coupon codes that can be redeemed during the next purchase. However, in the case of making the payment via the one or more second payment modes, the consumer may have to perform an additional step to receive the corresponding one or more coupons. In one embodiment, the additional step may be to scan a unique code using a scanning device, to access a link received on a consumer device, or the like. In one exemplary embodiment, the unique code may be a Quick Response (QR) code, a bar code, or the like. Further, in an embodiment, the scanning device may be a scanner inside of the consumer device, a QR code scanner, a bar code scanner, or the like. Moreover, in an embodiment, the consumer device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, or the like.

Further, the one or more coupons may be customizable when the one or more coupons may be generated using the system (10). Therefore, in an embodiment, the one or more retail stores may have to be registered with the system (10) by one or more merchants of the corresponding one or more retail stores. In one embodiment, the one or more merchants may include one or more first merchants, one or more second merchants, and the like. Thus, in one embodiment, the processing subsystem (20) may include a registration module (as shown in FIG. 2). The registration module may be configured to register the one or more merchants along with the one or more retail stores with the system (10) upon receiving a plurality of merchant details via a merchant device. In one embodiment, the plurality of merchant details may include a name, contact details, a plurality of store details, and the like corresponding to the corresponding one or more merchants. Further, the plurality of merchant details may be stored in a database (as shown in FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the database may include a local database or a cloud database. In one exemplary embodiment, the merchant device may include a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, or the like.

Also, in an embodiment, the consumer may also have to be registered with the system (10). Therefore, the registration module may also be configured to register the consumer with the system (10) upon receiving a plurality of consumer details via the consumer device. In one embodiment, the plurality of consumer details may also be stored in the database. In one embodiment, the plurality of consumer details may include a name, contact details, and the like corresponding to the consumer.

The processing subsystem (20) includes an input module (30) operatively coupled to the registration module. The input module (30) is configured to receive a payment completion signal upon completion of the payment corresponding to the purchase made by the consumer from the one or more first merchants, upon registration. Upon receiving the payment completion signal, the consumer may receive a suggestion to choose a coupon that can be customized. Therefore, in an embodiment, the processing subsystem (20) may also include a coupon suggestion module (as shown in FIG. 2). The coupon suggestion module may be operatively coupled to the input module (30). The coupon suggestion module may be configured to generate one or more suggestions for the consumer upon receiving the payment completion signal. The one or more suggestions may be corresponding to a coupon customization option for the consumer to receive an access to a generation of the one or more customized coupons.

Further, the consumer may or may not accept the corresponding one or more suggestions. Upon accepting the corresponding one or more suggestions, the consumer may get a chance to provide personal preferences for customizing a coupon. Therefore, the input module (30) is also configured to receive one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of the coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal. The one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to the generation of the one or more customized coupons. In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more coupon customization preferences may include at least one of one or more purchase categories, a name of the one or more second merchants, one or more purchase preferences, one or more preferred locations, one or more purchase sub-categories, and the like. In an embodiment, the one or more purchase categories may correspond to an apparel category, an eatable category, an accessories category, and the like. Similarly, in one embodiment, the one or more purchase sub-categories may correspond to Indian wear, western wear, shoes, bags, and the like under the apparel category. Under the eatable category, the one or more purchase sub-categories may include Indian food type, Italian food type, desserts, beverages, and the like. The one or more customized coupons are corresponding to the one or more second merchants.

In one embodiment, the one or more first merchants may correspond to an owner of one or more first retail stores from where the consumer may have made the purchase. Further, the one or more second merchants may correspond to an owner of one or more second retail stores that the consumer may visit in future. The one or more second retail stores may be different from the one or more first retail stores. Furthermore, upon registration of the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, a network may get established between the corresponding one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants. Therefore, the processing subsystem (20) may also include a network module (as shown in FIG. 2). The network module may be operatively coupled to the input module (30). The network module may be configured to establish a merchant network between the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, based on one or more mutual agreements, upon receiving a network establishment request upon registration.

Upon receiving the one or more coupon customization preferences, the one or more customized coupons may have to be generated. Therefore, the processing subsystem (20) also includes a coupon customization module (40) operatively coupled to the input module (30). The coupon customization module (40) is configured to generate the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants. In one embodiment, the predefined criteria may correspond to a predefined limit set by the one or more second merchants on one or more offers that can be provided to the consumer. For example, suppose a merchant has set a criterion on making an offer of a 20 percent (%) discount available for the consumer during purchase. Then, the system (10) may generate the one or more customized coupons such as a 10 % discount coupon, a 15 % discount coupon, a 20 % discount coupon, or the like. However, a coupon having an offer of more than 20 % discount may not be provided.

Upon generating the one or more customized coupons, an order in which the corresponding one or more customized coupons may appear for the consumer to choose may have to be decided. Therefore, the processing subsystem (20) also includes a ranking module (50) operatively coupled to the coupon customization module (40). The ranking module (50) is configured to assign a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and receiving the one or more coupon customization preferences. The ranking module (50) is also configured to allocate a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score. Further, the processing subsystem (20) also includes a coupon distribution module (60). The coupon distribution module (60) is operatively coupled to the ranking module (50). The coupon distribution module (60) is configured to arrange the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters.

In one embodiment, the one or more first parameters may include at least one of review and ratings, a coupon acceptance rate, a coupon generation rate, consistency, persistency, and the like corresponding to the one or more second merchants. In one exemplary embodiment, the reviews and ratings may correspond to the reviews and ratings provided by one or more consumers to the one or more second merchants as a response to receiving the one or more customized coupons generated via the system (10). Thus, if the review and ratings are good, then the one or more individual scores corresponding to the corresponding reviews and ratings may have a higher value.

Further, as used herein, the term “coupon acceptance rate” refers to a rate at which the one or more customized coupons are accepted or selected by the one or more consumers when suggested by the system (10). Thus, when the coupon acceptance rate is high, the one or more individual scores corresponding to the corresponding coupon acceptance rate may have a higher value. Similarly, the coupon generation rate may be dependent on whether the one or more second merchants have a subscription plan corresponding to the system (10) or not. Therefore, in an embodiment, the processing subsystem (20) may also include a subscription module (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the ranking module (50). The subscription module may be configured to activate a predefined subscription plan for the corresponding one or more second merchants upon receiving a payment corresponding to the corresponding subscription plan. In one embodiment, the predefined subscription plan may be a one- month plan, a six months plan, a twelve months plan, or the like.

Suppose the one or more second merchants have not purchased the predefined subscription plan. Then, the system (10) may generate the one or more customized coupons and display the same to the consumer for a first predefined count, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to the corresponding one or more second merchants who haven’t purchased the predefined subscription plan. Similarly, suppose the one or more second merchants have purchased the predefined subscription plan. Then, the system (10) may generate the one or more customized coupons and display the same to the consumer for a second predefined count, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to the corresponding one or more second merchants who have purchased the predefined subscription plan. Further, the second predefined count may be greater than the first predefined count. Therefore, the coupon generation rate may be high when the one or more second merchants may have purchased the predefined subscription plan. Moreover, as used herein, the term “coupon generation rate” refers to a rate at which the one or more customized coupons corresponding to the one or more second merchants are generated and displayed for the one or more consumers to choose.

In addition, the consistency and persistency may refer to checking whether the one or more second merchants have consistently purchased the predefined subscription plan or not, checking a time period for which the one or more second merchants were persistent in doing the same. Therefore, when the consistency and persistency of the one or more second merchants may be good, the one or more individual scores corresponding to the corresponding consistency and persistency may have a higher value.

Subsequently, in one embodiment, the processing subsystem (20) may also include a tracking module (as shown in FIG. 2). The tracking module may be operatively coupled to the coupon customization module (40). The tracking module may be configured to track the one or more first parameters corresponding to the one or more second merchants by generating a trend corresponding to the one or more individual scores corresponding to the one or more first parameters, upon generating the one or more customized coupons. The tracking module may also be configured to evaluate the score to be assigned to the one or more second merchants by applying a predefined operation on the trend generated upon tracking. In one embodiment, the predefined operation may correspond to addition, average, integration, or the like. The score evaluated via the tracking module may be assigned to the one or more second merchants via the ranking module (50).

In addition, the tracking module may also be configured to eliminate the one or more second merchants from the merchant network of the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, when the score evaluated corresponding to the corresponding one or more second merchants deviates from a threshold score value. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the predefined order in which the one or more customized coupons may have been arranged may include positioning at least one customized coupon of the one or more customized coupons on top of the arrangement of the one or more customized coupons if the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding at least one customized coupon of the one or more customized coupons is the highest. This is followed by the one or more customized coupons having lower ranks.

In one exemplary embodiment, the one or more second parameters may include at least one of a schedule of one or more events marked in a personalized calendar corresponding to the consumer, the corresponding one or more events, the one or more second merchants corresponding to the one or more events, and the like. For example, when the consumer has marked an event say a meeting event in a particular restaurant in the personalized calendar, the one or more customized coupons corresponding to the restaurant where the meeting event is scheduled by the consumer may be ranked higher. Later, the coupon distribution module (60) is further configured to communicate a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons. The redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon. In one embodiment, the predefined communication form may include a text message, an email, or the like. The redeemable coupon code may then be redeemed by the consumer, during a next purchase at the one or more second merchants.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system (10) for managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Suppose a person ‘X’ (70) visits a store ‘ Y’ (80) and makes a purchase of an item by making a payment for the same by scanning a QR code, as a store merchant ‘Z’ (90) suggested the person ‘X’ (70) to do so. Suppose the store merchant ‘Z’ (90) has registered with the system (10) via the registration module (100) by providing a plurality of merchant details via a merchant laptop (110). The system (10) includes the processing subsystem (20) hosted on the server (25). Upon registration, the store merchant ‘Z’ (90) and the store ‘Y’ (80) are a part of the merchant network, wherein the merchant network is established via the network module (120). The plurality of merchant details is stored in the cloud database (130).

Upon making the payment, the system (10) receives the payment completion signal via the input module (30). Further, the person ‘X’ (70) receives a suggestion of generating the one or more customized coupons via the coupon suggestion module (140). Upon accepting the corresponding suggestion, the person ‘X’ (70) provides the one or more coupon customization preferences via the input module (30). Suppose the one or more coupon customization preferences include receiving coupons related to nearby restaurants. Based on the one or more coupon customization preferences, the one or more customized coupons are generated via the coupon customization module (40).

Suppose there are five restaurants (150) that are nearby to a location of the person ‘X’ (70), and all of the five restaurants (150) are a part of the merchant network and registered with the system (10) via the registration module (100) using one or more restaurant laptops (155). Then, based on the one or more first parameters corresponding to the five restaurants (150) are assigned with the score via the ranking module (50). The score is evaluated via the tracking module (160). Later, the five restaurants (150) are ranked via the ranking module (50). Suppose a restaurant ‘R’ (170) of the five restaurants (150) has purchased the predefined subscription plan of six months tenure via the subscription module (180). Therefore, the restaurant ‘R’ (170) would be ranked the highest among the five restaurants (150). Based on the rank, the five restaurants (150) are arranged in the predefined order via the coupon distribution module (60), wherein the restaurant ‘R’ (170) is positioned at the top. Moreover, suppose the person ‘X’ (70) selects the restaurant ‘R’ (170), then the redeemable coupon code corresponding to the restaurant ‘R’ (170) is communicated to the person ‘X’ (70) via a text message on a personal mobile phone (190) of the person ‘X’ (70). This way the one or more customized coupons are generated and distributed among consumers.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a coupon distribution management computer or a coupon distribution management server (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The coupon distribution management server (200) includes processor(s) (210), and a memory (220) operatively coupled to a bus (230). The processor(s) (210), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (210).

The memory (220) includes a plurality of subsystems stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (210) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 4. The memory (220) includes a processing subsystem (20) of FIG 1. The processing subsystem (20) further has following modules: an input module (30), a coupon customization module (40), a ranking module (50), and a coupon distribution module (60).

The input module (30) is configured to receive a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration. The input module (30) is also configured to receive one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal. The one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons. The one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants. The coupon customization module (40) is configured to generate the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants.

The ranking module (50) is configured to assign a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons. The ranking module (50) is also configured to allocate a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score.

The coupon customization module (40) is configured to arrange the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters. The coupon customization module (40) is also configured to communicate a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon.

The bus (230) as used herein refers to be internal memory channel or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (230) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in a bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (230) as used herein, may include but not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (240) for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (240) includes receiving a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration in step 250. In one embodiment, receiving the payment completion signal may include receiving the payment completion signal via an input module (30). The method (240) also includes receiving one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants in step 260. In one embodiment, receiving the one or more coupon customization preferences may include receiving the one or more coupon customization preferences via the input module (30).

Further, the method (240) also includes generating the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants in step 270. In one embodiment, generating the one or more customized coupons may include generating the one or more customized coupons via a coupon customization module (40).

Furthermore, the method (240) includes assigning a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons in step 280. In one embodiment, assigning the score to the one or more second merchants may include assigning the score to the one or more second merchants via a ranking module (50).

Furthermore, the method (240) also includes allocating a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score in step 290. In one embodiment, allocating the predefined rank may include allocating the predefined rank via the ranking module (50).

Subsequently, the method (240) also includes arranging the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters in step 300. In one embodiment, arranging the one or more customized coupons in the predefined order may include arranging the one or more customized coupons in the predefined order via a coupon distribution module (60).

In addition, the method (240) also includes communicating a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon in step 310. In one embodiment, communicating the redeemable coupon code to the consumer may include communicating the redeemable coupon code to the consumer via the coupon distribution module (60).

In one exemplary embodiment, the method (240) may further include establishing a merchant network between the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, based on one or more mutual agreements, upon receiving a network establishment request upon registration. In such embodiment establishing the merchant network may include establishing the merchant network via a network module (120).

Further, in one exemplary, the method (240) may also include generating one or more suggestions for the consumer upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more suggestions are corresponding to the coupon customization option for the consumer to receive an access to the generation of the one or more customized coupons. In such embodiment, generating the one or more suggestions may include generating the one or more suggestions via a coupon suggestion module (140).

Furthermore, in one exemplary embodiment, the method (240) may also include tracking the one or more first parameters corresponding to the one or more second merchants by generating a trend corresponding to the one or more individual scores corresponding to the one or more first parameters, upon registration. In such embodiment, tracking the one or more first parameters may include tracking the one or more first parameters via a tracking module (160).

Moreover, in one exemplary embodiment, the method (240) may include evaluating a score to be assigned to the one or more second merchants by applying a predefined operation on the trend generated upon tracking. In such embodiment, evaluating the score may include evaluating the score via the tracking module (160).

In one embodiment, the method (240) may also include eliminating the one or more second merchants from the merchant network of the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, when the score evaluated corresponding to the corresponding one or more second merchants deviates from a threshold score value. In such embodiment, eliminating the one or more second merchants from the merchant network may include eliminating the one or more second merchants from the merchant network via the tracking module (160).

Further, from a technical effect point of view, the implementation time required to perform the method steps included in the present disclosure by the one or more processors of the system is very minimal, thereby the system maintains very minimal operational latency and requires very minimal processing requirements.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable customization of the one or more coupons, thereby making the distribution of the one or more coupons more efficient and more-value adding for both the one or more consumers and the one or more retail stores. Further, as the one or more coupons are customized, redemption rates increase.

Moreover, the system also eliminates the cost of commission paid to third parties involved as the one or more retail stores are promoting other stores in a network acting as affiliates. Further, the one or more retail stores are encouraged to promote other stores via a feature of ranking the corresponding one or more retail stores of the system, thereby making the system more reliable and more efficient.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

LAIM:

1. A system (10) for managing distribution of one or more customized coupons comprising: a processing subsystem (20) hosted on a server (25), and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising: an input module (30) is configured to: receive a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration; and receive one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants; a coupon customization module (40) operatively coupled to the input module (30), wherein the coupon customization module (40) is configured to generate the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants; a ranking module (50) operatively coupled to the coupon customization module (40), wherein the ranking module (50) is configured to: assign a score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons; and allocate a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score; and a coupon distribution module (60) operatively coupled to the ranking module (50), wherein the coupon distribution module (60) is configured to: arrange the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters; and communicate a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon.

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more coupon customization preferences comprises at least one of one or more purchase categories, a name of the one or more second merchants, one or more purchase preferences, one or more preferred locations, and one or more purchase subcategories.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first parameters comprises at least one of review and ratings, a coupon acceptance rate, a coupon generation rate, consistency, and persistency corresponding to the one or more second merchants.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more second parameters comprises at least one of a schedule of one or more events marked in a personalized calendar corresponding to the consumer, the corresponding one or more events, and the one or more second merchants corresponding to the one or more events.

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (20) comprises a network module (120) operatively coupled to the input module (30), wherein the network module (120) is configured to establish a merchant network between the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, based on one or more mutual agreements, upon receiving a network establishment request upon registration.

6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (20) comprises a coupon suggestion module (140) operatively coupled to the input module (30), wherein the coupon suggestion module (140) is configured to generate one or more suggestions for the consumer upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more suggestions are corresponding to the coupon customization option for the consumer to receive an access to the generation of the one or more customized coupons.

7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (20) comprises a tracking module (160) operatively coupled to the coupon customization module (40), wherein the tracking module (160) is configured to track the one or more first parameters corresponding to the one or more second merchants by generating a trend corresponding to the one or more individual scores corresponding to the one or more first parameters, upon generating the one or more customized coupons.

8. The system (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tracking module (160) is configured to evaluate a score to be assigned to the one or more second merchants by applying a predefined operation on the trend generated upon tracking.

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the tracking module (160) is configured to eliminate the one or more second merchants from a merchant network of the one or more first merchants and the one or more second merchants, when the score evaluated corresponding to the corresponding one or more second merchants deviates from a threshold score value.

10. A method (240) for managing distribution of one or more coupons comprising: receiving, via an input module (30), a payment completion signal upon completion of a payment corresponding to a purchase made by a consumer from one or more first merchants, upon registration; (250) receiving, via the input module (30), one or more coupon customization preferences from the consumer upon selection of a coupon customization option, upon receiving the payment completion signal, wherein the one or more coupon customization preferences are corresponding to a generation of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the one or more customized coupons are corresponding to one or more second merchants; (260) generating, via a coupon customization module (40), the one or more customized coupons based on at least one of the one or more coupon customization preferences and predefined criteria set by the one or more second merchants; (270) assigning, via a ranking module (50), score to the one or more second merchants based on one or more individual scores corresponding to one or more first parameters upon at least one of registration and the generation of the one or more customized coupons; (280) allocating, via the ranking module (50), a predefined rank to each of the one or more second merchants based on the corresponding score; (290) arranging, via a coupon distribution module (60), the one or more customized coupons in a predefined order based on at least one of the predefined rank allocated to the corresponding one or more second merchants and one or more second parameters; and (300) communicating, via the coupon distribution module (60), a redeemable coupon code to the consumer in a predefined communication form upon selection of at least one customized coupon from the corresponding one or more customized coupons, thereby managing the distribution of the one or more customized coupons, wherein the redeemable coupon code is associated with the corresponding at least one customized coupon (310).