EP2335212A1 - Système de logistique - Google Patents

Système de logistique

Info

Publication number
EP2335212A1
EP2335212A1 EP08785511A EP08785511A EP2335212A1 EP 2335212 A1 EP2335212 A1 EP 2335212A1 EP 08785511 A EP08785511 A EP 08785511A EP 08785511 A EP08785511 A EP 08785511A EP 2335212 A1 EP2335212 A1 EP 2335212A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
buyer
status
seller
receipt
shipping
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08785511A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ralf Manstein
Ursula Herzog-Denu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2335212A1 publication Critical patent/EP2335212A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a communication system, particularly relates to logistic exchange of product and currency.
  • the invention relates to a communication method.
  • the invention relates to a program element.
  • the invention relates to a computer-readable medium.
  • a device for exchanging goods and currency a method of exchanging goods and currency, a program element and a computer-readable medium according to the independent claims are provided. Further advantageous embodiments are mentioned in the dependent claims. Embodiments mentioned for the method also apply to the computer-based data communication system, to the program element and to the computer-readable medium.
  • a method for facilitating a trade between a buyer and a seller of a product comprising the steps of: offering a product for sale by a seller at a predetermined price; a predetermined price is the end sale price that may be arrived at by setting a firm price or by bidding for the product or another way that will establish a final sale price; committing to purchase the product by the buyer in an amount equal to a predetermined price; determining if the buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status; if the buyers account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price are transferred into a holding account (which, in an embodiment, can be accessed exclusively by a central entity such as a platform operator, but not by buyer and seller, until the transfer of the product is finished; if this transfer of the product is finished successfully, the money may be transferred to the seller; if
  • a data communication system for communicating between a buyer entity (such as a computer, for instance a client computer, operated by a buyer at a buyer's location) and a seller entity (such as a computer, for instance a client computer, operated by a seller at a seller's location which may be remote from the buyer's location, wherein "remote" may denote that seller and buyer are located in different rooms or buildings or cities or have no eye contact, for instance are at least 1 km away from one another)
  • said data communication system comprising the seller entity, the buyer entity, and a control entity (such as a computer, for instance a server computer, centrally operated to supervise or monitor communication over the communication system); wherein the seller entity, the buyer entity, and the control entity are communicatively coupled via a data communication network (such as a wired or wireless network, for instance an intranet or the public Internet); wherein the control entity is adapted for offering (for instance in response to an electronic offer message sent from the seller entity to the
  • the control entity may use a timing device in order to log in and out going messages, emails, confirmations or the lack of those. This may allow, even a long time after a transaction, to retrace or follow the events to provide for a well arranged and clearly reproducible documentation.
  • a program element for instance a software routine, in source code or in executable code
  • a processor when being executed by a processor, is adapted to control or carry out a method having the above mentioned features.
  • a computer-readable medium for instance a CD, a DVD, a USB stick, a floppy disk or a harddisk
  • a computer program is stored which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to control or carry out a method having the above mentioned features.
  • Data processing which may be performed according to embodiments of the invention can be realized by a computer program, that is by software, or by using one or more special electronic optimization circuits, that is in hardware, or in hybrid form, that is by means of software components and hardware components.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a fast and reliable logistics in a distributed system which allows for a cooperation between remotely located users which do not have to know one another personally to safely exchange products and money without the risk of fraud.
  • This may be achieved by a data communication system combined with a logistic element which require the users to confirm different activities during product-related and money-related transactions and which allows the users and/or a central control entity to continuously track the bidirectional transfer of merits.
  • a controlled exchange of a product against money which may also involve a reliable management, by the control entity, of money paid by a buyer until the product is delivered by a seller
  • an improved logistics system for network-based cooperation is provided.
  • a rating for the behavior of buyer and seller may be derived exclusively based on objective criteria, not on subjective criteria.
  • an evaluation of the reliability of seller and buyer may be performed on the basis of facts only, allowing for a more reliable categorization which communication partners are reliable.
  • the present invention relates to secure, objective exchange, confirmation and evaluations methods and systems to decrease risk associated with purchasing items online.
  • a system that can track every step of the sales transactions and make them visible to both parties. This system may also measure the conduct of both parties, disallow subjectivity and allow only the objective and measurable conduct of the business partner to be rated. In addition to the standard technical security features such a system will objectify the less accessible element of the human conduct and decreases this special online security risk.
  • An embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods that track the steps of a sales transaction and make them visible to the business partners and measure the conduct of buyers and sellers to decrease the risk associated with purchasing items online or in non- traditional markets.
  • the secure objective exchange, confirmation and evaluation methods presented here are based on the root elements of a commercial exchange: product for money. For the seller this means handing over the product and receiving the monetary value in return. For the buyer this means receiving, accepting and paying for the product.
  • the user on the internet marketplace can act as buyer or seller. He has the responsibility to confirm every action necessary for the sales process which, according to embodiments of the present invention, will now be transparent to the trading partners. How he deals with or confirms each action may be objectively registered and then his respective conduct may be summarized and may result in his evaluation. The user automatically evaluates himself through his own behaviour. It should be understood that each step in embodiments of the present invention may be computer implemented by a buyer and seller on their own computers. A corresponding communication for logistic purposes may be realized using the public Internet, or any other appropriate network such as an intranet. The individual procedures may be realized in a digital manner, or even manually.
  • the buyer and/or the seller can follow his buy-sell transactions and the other parties actions and confirmations in his online account and through automatic email notification. Any user or visitor to the website can view this evaluation at any time by clicking on the user's name. In an embodiment, other than usemame and evaluation no personal information will be shown although the personal data may be known to the operator of the platform.
  • Sellers and buyers are exchanging a product for currency.
  • a product may be goods and/or services.
  • Currency may be anything of value.
  • Some exemplary re-occurring actions are: (1) Seller hands over the product to the buyer; (2) Buyer hands over the currency; (3) Seller receives the currency; and (4) Buyer receives the product.
  • Actions that modify this basic scenario are: (1) Seller hands over an undesirable product; (2) Seller does not hand over the product; (3) Seller receives no or no sufficient currency; (4) Seller does not receive a returned product; (5) Seller does not accept the returned product; (6) Buyer does not accept the product and returns it for a final return; (7) Buyer does not accept the product and returns an undesirable product for an exchange; (8) Buyer does not accept the product and does not return it; (9) Buyer does not receive the product; and (10) Buyer does not hand over the currency.
  • Tools to control these and other actions are: confirmation of every action (for instance by transmission or exchange of electronic messages such as emails, SMS, MMS, etc.), immediate counteraction if the confirmation or action of a trading partner runs contrary to a smooth uncomplicated transaction process, placement of currency into a neutral account (with, in an embodiment, access only for a control entity, not for seller entity and buyer entity until the transaction is finished in a manner acceptable to both seller and buyer) till both parties have given their final confirmation that signals a mutually agreeable end to the transaction, evaluation of the confirmations in order to transfer the currency to the seller or back to the buyer or to find another mutually agreeable solution,, risk reduction through rating and publishing the conduct of the trading partners.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for facilitating a trade between a buyer and a seller of a product.
  • the buyer and the seller may be registered users of a market platform.
  • a market platform may be an online, digital or other form of a community of buyers and sellers displaying their products or services and exchanging product and currency.
  • the buyer and seller may register by adding their personal and financial data to the database of this market platform.
  • the method may have the steps of: offering a product for sale by a seller at a predetermined price.
  • the seller decides to sell a product through the online marketplace. He commits to make the product available for the duration of his online offering.
  • the next steps may be a buyer committing to purchase the product in an amount equal to the predetermined price and determining if the buyer's account has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to the predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or insufficient currency status. If the buyers account has a sufficient currency status, holding monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price are transferred into a holding account to provide holding account monies.
  • fees may also be taken out of the holding account for the service described and claimed herein.
  • An embodiment of the present invention may also provide the step of debiting the buyer's account directly.
  • Another alternative may be the step of: providing a wire transfer form to the buyer; accepting wire transfer information from the buyer; and transferring monies from the buyer to the holding account.
  • Yet another alternative may be the step of: accepting credit and debit cards, accepting any digital form of a financial instrument from the buyer to permit transfer from the buyers account to the holding account. If the buyers account has insufficient currency status, the transaction is concluded.
  • the method or process may comprise the steps of messaging the seller the name and/or shipping address of the buyer; assuming sufficient currency status, the method or process may comprise the steps of messaging the buyer the name and/or address of the seller; requiring the seller to verify the date of receipt of the monies from the buyer's account in an amount equal to the predetermined price; requesting the seller to send off, handover or exchange the product; requesting the seller to verify the shipping status of the product for sale or the exchange product within a shipping confirmation response time frame (the shipping confirmation response time frame may be preset or may be estimated on a case by case basis) wherein the shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.
  • the shipping confirmation response time frame may be preset or may be estimated on a case by case basis
  • the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is received/accepted the holding monies are transferred to the seller from the holding account. If the shipping status is either not shipped or no response and the receipt status is no response the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the buyer from the holding account. If the shipping status is not shipped and the receipt status is not received the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the buyer from the holding account. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is received/not accepted/final return, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return the product for a final return within a return period. The return period may be preset.
  • the method may further comprise the step of: offering an exchange product from the seller to the buyer. If the shipping status is shipped and the receipt status is not received, the trade is not concluded and the seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame. If the shipping status is no response and the receipt status is not received, the trade is not concluded and the seller is asked to reconfirm shipment details within a shipping response time frame. Again, the shipping response time frame may be preset (e.g. two days).
  • the method may further comprise the step of requiring said agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame.
  • An agreement status may be, for example, to transfer the holding monies to the seller, transfer the holding monies to the buyer, continue with the final return procedure, continue with the exchange procedure.
  • the next step may be requiring the seller to provide shipping information regarding the shipping status. For example, this may include how the product was shipped (e.g. DHL, express mail, first class mail), date of shipment, tracking number, if signature was required for receipt, delivery receipt and to which name and/or address the product was shipped.
  • the next step may be requesting the buyer to verify the receipt status of the product for sale within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein the receipt status may be selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/not accepted/final return, received/not accepted/exchange, not received and no response.
  • the next step may be requesting the seller to verify the return receipt status of the returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame, wherein the return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/accepted/exchange available, received/accepted/exchange not available, received/not accepted, not received and no response.
  • Additional inputs may be required regarding the return of a product. This may include the steps of: requiring the seller to provide receipt information regarding the return receipt status of a returned product; requiring the buyer to verify the return shipping status of the returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame, wherein the return shipping status may be shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.
  • the method may further comprise the step of: determining a seller return receipt status, wherein the seller return receipt status is selected from the group consisting of received/accepted, received/no exchange product available, received/exchange product available, not received and no response. If the seller return receipt status is received/accepted, the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account. If the seller return receipt status is received/accepted/no exchange product available, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account. If the seller return receipt status is received/exchange product available, the seller is asked to send the exchange product to the buyer and confirm shipment within a shipping response time frame. If the seller return receipt status is received/not accepted or not received or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to confirm return shipment to provide a return shipping status within a shipping confirmation response time frame.
  • the method may further comprise the step of: requiring the buyer to provide receipt information regarding the receipt status; and requiring the buyer to provide shipping information regarding the return shipping status of a returned product. If the return shipping status by the buyer is correctly shipped or no response, the trade is not concluded and the buyer and the seller are asked to make direct contact and confirm online an agreement status. If the return shipping status by the buyer is either not shipped or negligently shipped, the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred to the seller from the holding account.
  • the method may further comprise the step of requiring an agreement status within a preset agreement status time frame.
  • the method may further comprise the step of: assigning a conduct value to the seller based upon the shipping status and the seller's confirmation of the shipping status and of the return receipt status and the seller's confirmation of the return receipt status; assigning a conduct value to the buyer based upon the receipt status and the buyer's confirmation of the receipt status, the return shipping status and the buyer's confirmation of the return shipping status.
  • the conduct value may be positive, negligent, negative or neutral.
  • the evaluation of the conduct of seller and buyer is based on their answers - "yes", a reasoned "no" answer or no answer at all - and the relationship of these answers to one another. The conduct value is measured by their answers and/or the absence thereof. The relationship of these answers will result in the self evaluation that is publicly available online.
  • a positive conduct value may be given when performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and confirming it.
  • a negative conduct value may be given when not performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and not confirming it.
  • a negative conduct value may be given when not performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and confirming it.
  • a negligent conduct value may be given when performing the recommended and necessary action leading to a conclusion of the trade that is agreeable to both parties and not confirming it.
  • a neutral conduct value may be given when the truth about an action performed or not performed cannot be determined in the statement that is made by confirming or not confirming this recommended and necessary action which in this case would lead to a conclusion of the trade that is not agreeable to both parties.
  • the buyer's account may be any number of financial instruments including a bank account, credit card, debit account, digital checks, web cents, paypal, t-pay, firstgate, any digital financial instrument and any financial tool that can transfer monies from the buyer to the holding account.
  • financial instruments including a bank account, credit card, debit account, digital checks, web cents, paypal, t-pay, firstgate, any digital financial instrument and any financial tool that can transfer monies from the buyer to the holding account.
  • Each of the time frames may be any preset number of days, minutes, etc.
  • the shipping confirmation response time frame may be preset at two days. However, this is not to be taken in a limiting sense as the time frame may be any length of time.
  • the received confirmation response time frame and receipt confirmation response time frame may also be preset.
  • Each action performed by the seller and the buyer may be initiated and confirmed by a messaging system and registered in a database (which may include data stored on a physical memory device such as a harddisk).
  • the method may further comprise the step of: sending a reminder message by the messaging system if an action was missed or not confirmed; and registering the reminder message in a database.
  • the step of assigning a conduct value to the seller may further comprise: assigning a conduct value to the seller based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the shipping status of the original product or an exchange product and the return receipt status in case of a returned product.
  • the step of assigning a conduct value to the buyer may further comprise: assigning a conduct value to the buyer based upon his participation in applying the right action for a positive outcome of the trade and in confirming the receipt status of the original product or an exchange product and the return shipping status in case of a returned product.
  • the method may further comprise the step of requiring an agreement status within an agreement status time frame.
  • the seller may agree to credit the buyer a certain amount back and send an alternate product.
  • the trade may be concluded or may continue - as in the scenario of an exchange - and the agreement is binding.
  • the agreement status time frame has expired without an agreement between the buyer and the seller, the trade is concluded, the holding monies are transferred to an intermediate account until the buyer and the seller reach an agreement.
  • an embodiment of the present invention envisions that the seller may be requested to provide a reconfirmed shipping status.
  • the reconfirmed shipping status may be selected from the group consisting of: shipped, not shipped, negligently shipped or no response.
  • the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding account.
  • the trade is concluded and the holding monies are transferred back to the buyer from the holding accounts.
  • the receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/final return, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide reasons for non acceptance and return the product for a final return within a return period. If the reconfirmed shipping status of in-depth details of the shipment is shipped, the receipt confirmation is received/not accepted/exchange, the trade is not concluded and the buyer is asked to provide exchange preferences and return the product for an exchange within a return period.
  • the modifying actions are a security risk for the other trading partner.
  • An embodiment of the present invention reduces or minimizes this risk by: requiring confirmation of every separate action of a transaction between sellers and buyers; initiating immediate and automatic counteraction if seller's or buyer's action/confirmation runs contrary to a smooth uncomplicated transaction process; taking confirmation or lack of confirmation of every step of a transaction to automatically and objectively produce an assessment of the trading partner's conduct in business as every action and its confirmation represents the way a trading partner is conducting himself in business; charging the price of the product to the buyer and transfers it to the seller only after both parties are satisfied with the outcome of the transaction; automatically saving the confirmation actions and the rated conduct in business in a database and making the evaluation available online.
  • a reasonable time should be allowed to react to and perform each required action/confirmation, such as 2 days - counted from the send-out of the notification - for the seller to ship his product and confirm, 9 days for the buyer to confirm the receipt of the product - counted from the email informing him that his currency was received and that the seller will send the product, etc.
  • Confirmations may be done using an online form.
  • a seller decides to sell a product through the online marketplace. He commits to make the product available for the duration of his online offering.
  • the purchase price may be paid by debiting the buyer's bank account or credit card (or via another financial instrument) and will be held in trust in an account of the online service.
  • the method may comprise the step of debiting the buyers account directly.
  • the seller will receive an email with the mailing address and/or name of the buyer and other information on this sale. He will be asked to verify the date of receipt for the currency in the holding account and to subsequently ship the product within a couple days and to confirm the shipping or the personal delivery online.
  • the buyer will also receive an email regarding the sale and may be asked to confirm the receipt and his acceptance of the product. His answer can be "received/accepted”, “received/not accepted/final return”, “received/not accepted/exchange”, "not received” or he may elect not to answer at all. If he answers "received/accepted” he will be presented with a form to give some additional information about receiving and accepting the product. If he answers "received/not accepted/final return” he will be presented with a form to select his reason of non-acceptance from a menu and asked to return the product.
  • a method of tracking and requiring information through a series of online forms and emails may been created to produce clear statements about the shipping, receipt and acceptance of the original product as well as about the return of the product in case of non-acceptance or if the returned product was received, not received, accepted or not accepted.
  • the transaction is not over and the currency is not transferred. Therefore the possibility of fraud is vastly reduced. Both parties may be constantly informed about the status of the transactions by way of emails or they may view it in their online account.
  • the evaluation of the conduct of seller and buyer is based on their answers, and the relationship of these answers to one another. Their conduct is measured by their answers or the absence thereof. The relationship of these answers will result in the self evaluation that is publicly available online.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller sends off the product he confirms this action online.
  • the buyer receives and accepts the product he confirms "received/accepted" online. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • each of the trading partners have conducted themselves flawlessly both of them receive a conduct value rating of "positive" for a successful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • a first complication may be that the buyer does not hand over the currency.
  • the following description will run through many common scenarios each starting with the step of: the buyer committing to purchase the product.
  • the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • No (or no sufficient amount of) currency can be transferred because of insufficient funds or other reasons.
  • Both trading partners are notified that no currency could be transferred and that therefore the transaction is concluded. As the seller has done nothing wrong he receives a conduct value of "positive" for an unsuccessful transaction while the buyer receives a negative conduct value due to his insufficient funds for this unsuccessful transaction.
  • a second complication may be that the seller does not send the product.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent.
  • the buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery, (2) because of change of address, (3) because not picking up from shipper. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent. But the buyer confirms receipt and acceptance of the product or the buyer confirms receipt but no acceptance of the product. This confirmation shows a discrepancy between the seller's and the buyer's answers. Therefore the seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • the possible "negligent" conduct value may be softened to "positive” when an agreement is reached) while the seller receives a "negligent” conduct value for this transaction due to his negligent confirmation procedure (the seller definitely did not conduct himself properly which normally warrants a negative. Here it is softened by coming to an agreement with the buyer).
  • the transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral” conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction may be concluded.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He confirms that no product has been sent. The buyer does not confirm receipt or acceptance of the product. The absence of a response by the buyer (in combination with the seller's negative confirmation) may trigger the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer has conducted himself negligently he receives a conduct value of "negligent" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction.
  • the transaction may be concluded.
  • a third complication may be that the seller does not confirm the sending of the product.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment.
  • Another scenario may arise in the event the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly.
  • the buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product.
  • the positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • An original non-receipt confirmation due to change of address or not picking up from shipping may trigger a negligent conduct value for the buyer while the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value due to his original negligent shipment confirmation for this successful transaction.
  • the transaction may be concluded.
  • the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly. Now the buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product. The negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product triggers a return or exchange procedure as described herein. Even if this transaction concludes successfully the seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value due to his original negligent shipment confirmation.
  • the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both may receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment. But the buyer confirms receipt and acceptance of the product or the buyer confirms receipt but no acceptance of the product. Although the buyer seems to have received the product the system does not really know without the confirmation of the seller. Therefore the seller and buyer may be asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer may commit to purchase the product.
  • the currency may be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer may be asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product. He does not confirm the shipment.
  • the buyer does not confirm receipt or acceptance of the product, he gives no response at all.
  • the absence of a response by the buyer in combination with the seller's absence of confirmation may be interpreted as "not shipped/not received" and may trigger the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer has conducted himself negligently without doing a wrong action he receives a conduct value of "negligent" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non- shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction.
  • the transaction is concluded.
  • a fourth complication may be that the buyer does not receive the product.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller may be notified to send out the product while the buyer may be asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • Now the seller is supposed to send off the product.
  • the seller confirms the shipment. But the buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery, or (2) because of change of address, (3) because not picking up from shipper. Due to the fact that the buyer may have not waited long enough to receive the product as the shipping service may have delayed shipment the seller is urged to reconfirm the status of the shipment and to give the shipment details.
  • the seller reconfirms that nothing was shipped. Now the seller corrects his first positive confirmation. This may trigger the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. As the buyer has done nothing wrong he receives a "positive" conduct value for his original non-receipt confirmation due to nondelivery. If non-receipt confirmation due to carelessness because of a change of address, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value. If non-receipt confirmation because not picking up from shipper, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value. The seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.
  • the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly.
  • the buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product.
  • the positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • the buyer receives a "positive" conduct value. If his original non-receipt confirmation showed to carelessness because of a change of address the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating. If his original non-receipt confirmation showed carelessness because the buyer did not pick up from shipper the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating for this successful transaction.
  • the seller receives a conduct value of "positive" for a successful transaction. The transaction may be concluded.
  • the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly.
  • the buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product.
  • the negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product may trigger a return or exchange procedure as described herein.
  • the buyer If the buyer (now or originally) confirmed non-receipt due to not picking up from shipper, the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction. The seller receives a conduct value of "positive” for this transaction. The transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral” conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller does not reconfirm anything now, after initially confirming shipping the product.
  • the buyer may or may not respond.
  • Seller and buyer may be asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • agreement - which may be confirmed online - either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this last mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a final return or exchange procedure as described herein.
  • the buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for the present or the original confirmation due to non-delivery (he is not punished for giving no confirmation at this time as he already responded in the first place).
  • the buyer receives a "negligent" conduct rating for this transaction; the seller receives a conduct value of "negligent” for skipping the reconfirmation this time.
  • the transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral” conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details may be reiated to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (Information given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller does not confirm the shipment. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; or (3) because not picking up from shipper. Due to the fact that the buyer may have not waited long enough to receive the product as the shipping service may have delayed shipment the seller is urged to reconfirm the status of the shipment and to give the shipment details. No reconfirmation on part of the seller is now interpreted as not shipped as he repeatedly did not confirm. This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery by the seller, or a "negligent" conduct value due a confirmation to carelessness because of change of address or for not picking up from shipper.
  • the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller reconfirms that nothing was shipped. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer receives a conduct value of "positive” for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent" due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non-receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper.
  • the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller now reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly.
  • the buyer confirms the belated receipt and acceptance of the product.
  • the positive response by the buyer triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • the buyer receives a conduct value of "positive” for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent” due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non-receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper.
  • the seller receives a conduct value of "negligent" due to his original non-confirmation of shipping the product for this successful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller reconfirms that everything was shipped correctly.
  • the buyer confirms the belated receipt but no acceptance of the product.
  • the negative response by the buyer concerning the acceptance of the product triggers a return or exchange procedure as described herein.
  • the buyer receives a conduct value of "positive” for a present or original confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery (he is not punished for giving no confirmation at this time as he already responded in the first place) or "negligent” due to carelessness because of a present or original confirmation of non-receipt due to a of change of address or not picking up from shipper.
  • the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value for this transaction due to his original negligent confirmation procedure. The transaction is concluded.
  • the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that no product has been sent. The buyer confirms no receipt because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; or (3) because not picking up from shipper. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account.
  • the buyer receives a conduct value of "positive” for a confirmation of non-receipt due to non-delivery or "negligent” due to carelessness because of a confirmation of non- receipt due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper.
  • the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • a fifth complication may be that the buyer does not confirm the receipt of the product.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that the product has been sent. The buyer does not confirm the receipt. The buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non-receipt of the product. If he ignores these chances for confirmation the seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that the product has not been sent. The buyer does not confirm the receipt. The buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non-receipt of the product. If the time limit to respond to the second chance for confirmation has passed then the buyer's no confirmation (in combination with seller's statement that nothing was shipped) is interpreted as "not received".
  • the buyer having been notified of the shipment has a second chance to confirm the receipt or the possible non- receipt of the product. Also the seller gets notification urging him to confirm a second time. No confirmations are taking place. As no information about shipment or receipt has been transmitted this is interpreted as "no transaction occurred”. This triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a conduct value "negligent" for his negligent confirmation procedure for this unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a negative conduct value due to his non-shipment of the product for this unsuccessful transaction. The transaction is concluded.
  • a sixth complication may be that the buyer does not accept the product.
  • the buyer commits to purchase the product.
  • the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank, credit card service or some other financial service (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account.
  • the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product.
  • the seller is supposed to send off the product.
  • the seller confirms that the product has been sent.
  • the buyer confirms the receipt of the product but does not accept it. He has to return the product to the seller, he can return it for good or exchange it.
  • the returned product - which is returned for a final return not exchanged - has to be received and accepted by the seller. If the product is to be exchanged, the original product has to be returned to and accepted by the seller and the newly exchanged product has to be received and accepted by the buyer in order for the currency to be transferred to the seller's account.
  • Final return of the product without exchange The seller confirms that he received the returned product and accepted it. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer back from the shop account to the buyer's account. The buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction for following correct procedure. The seller receives for shipping and confirming a "positive" conduct value. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller may confirm that he received the returned product but does not accept it or that he did not receive the returned product because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; (3) because not picking up from shipper; or (4) he gives no confirmation at all.
  • the buyer is urged to confirm the return shipment and the condition of product at the time of the return shipment.
  • the buyer confirms that nothing was returned and/or that the condition of the returned product at the time of return shipment was not the same condition as in the original delivery.
  • This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • the buyer has acted incorrectly he receives a conduct value of negative for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery.
  • the seller may also receive "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non- receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer confirms that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment.
  • Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • agreement - confirmed online either the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to continue with the final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option, this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers a continuation of the final return or exchange procedure as described herein.
  • the buyer receives a "positive" conduct value for this transaction for following correct procedure.
  • the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non- receipt because of no delivery.
  • the seller may receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product.
  • the transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. The transaction is concluded. Urged to confirm the return shipment, the buyer does not confirm that the product to be returned was shipped and was in the same condition as in the original delivery at the time of return shipment. Seller and buyer are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • the seller may alternatively receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a non-receipt confirmation due to a change of address or not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product.
  • the transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller confirms that he received the returned product, accepted it and that an exchange product can be shipped. Now the seller is supposed to send off the new product. Then the seller (1) confirms that the exchanged product has been sent; (2) confirms that nothing was shipped; or (3) does not give any confirmation.
  • the buyer (I.) confirms the receipt of the exchanged product and accepts it; (II.) confirms the receipt of the exchanged product but does not accept it; or (III.) confirms not having received the exchanged product because of non-delivery; change of address; not picking up from shipper, or does not give a confirmation.
  • the various transaction steps and confirmations have to be made by both trading partners as described herein. The trade continues till it is finally concluded by the intended proper exchange of currency and product or by way of a final solution to the arising complication. Only then is the evaluation for the buyer's and seller's conduct given.
  • the seller confirms that he received the returned product, accepted it and that he has no exchange product. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account back to the buyer's account. As the buyer has acted correctly he receives a conduct value of "positive" for an unsuccessful transaction while the seller receives for his correct conduct a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/acceptance of the returned product and confirming the unavailability of an exchange product. The transaction is concluded.
  • the seller confirms that he received the returned product but does not accept it or that he did not receive the returned product because of (1) non-delivery; (2) because of change of address; (3) because not picking up from shipper; or (4) he gives no confirmation at all.
  • the buyer is urged to confirm the return shipment and the condition of product at the time of the return shipment.
  • the buyer confirms that nothing was returned and/or that the condition of the returned product at the time of return shipment was not the same condition as in the original delivery. This last confirmation triggers the currency transfer from the shop account to the seller's account.
  • the seller receives a "positive" conduct value for confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery.
  • the seller receives a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due to a change of address, not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product.
  • the transaction is concluded. If the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves. The transaction is concluded.
  • the buyer receives a conduct value of "negligent" for this transaction due to his negligent return shipment confirmation while the seller receives a "positive" conduct value when confirming the receipt/non-acceptance or confirming the non-receipt because of no delivery.
  • the seller may alternatively receive a "negligent" conduct value because of a confirmation of non-receipt showing carelessness due for a change of address, for not picking up from shipper or because of no confirmation of the returned product. The transaction is concluded.
  • the trading partners do not come to an agreement (both receive a "neutral" conduct value as at this point it cannot be proven who is right) or do not confirm any agreement (both receive a negative conduct value) the transaction details are related to a third party mediator who will mediate between the two parties. Alternatively, the parties may mediate themselves.
  • the transaction is concluded. The buyer commits to purchase the product. Now the currency will be automatically transferred from the buyer's bank (information may be given in the registration) to the shop account. With the successful transfer of the currency the seller is notified to send out the product while the buyer is asked to look for the delivery of the product. Now the seller is supposed to send off the product. The seller confirms that nothing was shipped or the seller does not give any confirmation.
  • the buyer confirms the receipt of the product but does not accept it.
  • the negative confirmation/no-confirmation of the seller and buyer indicate opposite scenarios they are asked to take up direct contact and find an agreement.
  • the seller or the buyer receives the currency or they have the option - if the buyer actually received the product - to do a final return or to exchange the product. Taking that option this mutual decision concerning the acceptance and return of the product triggers either a final return or exchange procedure as described herein.
  • the buyer receives a "positive" conduct value.
  • Fig. 1 to Fig. 8 schematically illustrate a communication and logistic system according to an exemplary embodiment at different steps during a communication and exchange process according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the communication system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is adapted for a communication between a seller (not shown) operating a seller computer 102, a buyer (not shown) operating a buyer computer 104 and a control server computer 106 controlling and managing communication within the communication system 100.
  • the seller computer 102, the buyer computer 104 and the control computer 106 are part of or form a computer network, in the present scenario form part of the public Internet or any other wired or wireless network.
  • Further computers which are not shown in Fig. 1 can be part of such a communication system 100 allowing for a communication between distributed remotely located computers 102, 104, 106. Between each of the computers 102, 104, 106, electronic communication messages may be exchanged, wherein the control computer 106 centrally controls the system 100.
  • the communication system 100 may be a client-server system or may alternatively be a peer-to-peer system.
  • the seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may have processing capabilities (for instance may comprise a microprocessor or a central processing unit, CPU) and may further include an input/output unit (not shown) such as a graphical user interface (GUI) including input elements such as a keypad, a joystick, a computer mouse, a trackball, a joystick or even a microphone of a voice recognition system.
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the input/output unit of each of the seller computer 102 and buyer computer 104 may comprise a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube, a plasma device or the like. Via such a display device, information may be displayed to a user operating the buyer computer 104 or the seller computer 102.
  • the seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may further have memory capabilities which may be provided by an electronic storage device (not shown). Data related to the exchange within the communication system 100 may be stored in such a storage unit temporarily or permanently.
  • Each of the computers 102, 104 may further comprise a (for instance wired or wireless) communication interface allowing for a communication within the network 100.
  • the control computer 106 may be a server computer having processing capabilities, communication capabilities, memory capabilities, etc.
  • the server 106 may coordinate exchange of communication messages between the units 102, 104, 106. Such a communication may optionally be performed using encryption for data transfer safety. If desired, transmitted communication messages may be compressed to reduce the amount of data to be exchanged.
  • the server computer 106 is coupled for bidirectional data communication with a database 108 in which the computer server 106 may store data in relation with the communication with communication system 100.
  • the communication system 100 may represent an Internet auction system centrally controlled by the server computer 106.
  • a product is offered by an operator of the seller computer 102 for sale.
  • the buyer computer 104 is operated by a user who wishes to buy the offered product.
  • the buyer computer 104 may also operate as a seller computer, and/or the seller computer 102 may operate as a buyer computer.
  • the role of a seller or buyer computer may depend on a specific scenario. Further potential seller computers or buyer computers may be part of the communication network 100, although not shown in Fig. 1.
  • a first account unit 110 which belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to the seller/seller computer 102. Such a coupling may be in accordance with an online banking system or the like.
  • the control computer 106 belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to an account unit 112.
  • the buyer computer 104 belongs to, is associated with, is assigned to and/or is communicatively coupled to an account unit 114.
  • the communication between the entities 102, 104 and 106 may be performed in a wired manner (that is to say via cable connections) and/or in a wireless manner (for instance via Bluetooth, infrared communication, RF communication, etc.).
  • the seller computer 102 and the buyer computer 104 may be stationary entities such as a desktop computer, or may be mobile devices such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
  • stationary entities such as a desktop computer
  • mobile devices such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the scenario shown in Fig. 1 relates to a situation in which the seller has offered via the seller computer 102 a product for sale for a predetermined price in an Internet auction system provided by the central server computer 106.
  • the server computer 106 which may be operated by an operator (or an agent or an authority) of the Internet auction system, this product may be offered for sale to potential buyers which are connected via the communication network 100. Participation at the Internet auction may be restricted by the server computer 106 to users which have previously registered themselves in the Internet auction system.
  • the seller computer 102 transmits a seller offer message 120 to the control computer 106.
  • the control computer 106 may bring the offer into a format so that it can be offered to potential buyers via the Internet auction system.
  • the buyer computer 104 sends a purchase message 130 to the control computer 106 indicating that the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 commits to purchase the product in an amount equal to the price defined by the seller computer 102 or being a price for which the product is sold as a result of an Internet auction organized and managed by the control computer 106.
  • the control computer 106 determines if the account unit 114 of the buyer has monies available in an amount greater than or equal to said predetermined price to provide a sufficient currency status or an insufficient currency status. For that purpose, in one embodiment, the control computer 106 directly sends a corresponding query to the buyer computer 104 in form of a communication message 210. In another embodiment (not shown), the control computer 106 will check whether sufficient money is available at the side of the buyer by querying the account unit 114 assigned to the buyer computer 104.
  • compare reference numeral 215 that is if the buyer's account unit 114 has a sufficient currency status, holding money from said buyer's account unit 114 is transferred in an amount equal to that predetermined price to the holding account 112 which is accessible only by the control computer 106, not by the computers 102, 104. This ensures that the seller does not have access to the money before having sent the sold product to the buyer.
  • Such a money transfer is indicated schematically with reference numeral 220 in Fig. 2 and may be the result of a purely electronic money transfer. Alternatively, the money may be also transferred physically, for instance by a money courier. In the described scenario, the money may be held by the control computer 106 acting as a trustee.
  • control computer 106 may then transfer the money from the account 112 to the seller's account 110.
  • buyer computer 104 may transfer monies directly from the associated bank account 114 directly to the holding account 112 of the control computer 106 via transfer 220.
  • the money may be transferred from the bank account 114 directly to the bank account 110 of the seller computer 102, however with the limitation that the seller cannot get access to the transferred money before the product has been sent to the buyer.
  • the control computer 106 messages said seller computer 102 the shipping address of the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 by an address notification message 310 such as an email (so that the seller is enabled to send the product to the buyer).
  • the control computer 106 messages said buyer computer 104 the address of the seller by an address notification message 320 such as an email (so that the buyer is enabled to send back the product to the seller in a scenario in which the buyer does not accept a shipped product).
  • the buyer will receive the address of the seller and the seller will receive the address of the buyer.
  • the transmitted address information includes both name and address.
  • said buyer computer 104 may receive the address (or name and address) of the seller operating the seller computer 102 by an address notification message 320 such as an email.
  • Said seller computer 102 may receive the address (or name and address) of the buyer operating the buyer computer 104 by an address notification message 310 such as an email.
  • an address notification message can also be sent directly from the buyer computer 104 to the seller computer 102 and directly from the seller computer 102 to the buyer computer 104.
  • the control computer 106 may then request the seller computer 102 to send off, handover or exchange said product. This can be performed by a send request message 410. With the same message 410 or with a separate communication message 420, the control computer 106 may request the seller computer 102 to verify the shipping status of the product for sale or said exchange product within a shipping configuration response time frame ⁇ ti.
  • the seller computer 102 may send back to the control computer 106 a shipping status confirmation message 430.
  • the verified shipping status may be "shipped” in a scenario in which the seller has already shipped the product to the buyer. It may be “not shipped” if the shipping has not been performed. It may be "negligently shipped” when a shipping has been performed however, a problem has occurred during the shipping. If there is “no response" from the seller computer 102, this will be also acknowledged by the control computer 106.
  • Fig. 5 shows an operation mode 500 in which shipping 505 of the product has been initiated by the seller.
  • a shipping 505 may be a physical shipping of a material product by a transport company or may be also the shipping in an electronic form such as the shipping of an electronic voucher, software or any other virtual product.
  • a receive message 510 the control computer 106 may request the buyer computer 104 to receive the product or an exchange product, for instance in a scenario in which the product is no more available for the seller, but a similar product is still available.
  • an exchange product may be a product which has similar properties as the ordered product and is sent as an exchange to that product, for instance since the product has been destroyed or is no longer available.
  • the control computer 106 further sends a verification request 520 to the buyer computer 104 asking the buyer computer 104 to verify the receipt status of the product for sale or said exchange product within a receipt confirmation response time frame ⁇ t 2 .
  • a corresponding verification message 530 may be sent back by the buyer computer 104 upon receipt of the verification request 520.
  • the money may be transferred from the holding account 114 to the account 110 of the seller computer 102 or the seller computer 102 may be granted unlimited access to the transferred money if it has been transferred before directly to the seller's account 110.
  • control computer 106 may then require the seller computer 102 to verify the date of receipt of said money from said buyer's account in an amount equal to said predetermined price.
  • the seller computer 102 may send a corresponding verification message.
  • the buyer may report, via the verification message 530, one of different receipt statuses.
  • One possible receipt status is received and accepted, in this scenario everything is fine.
  • Another receipt status is receipt, but not accepted and finally returned to the seller.
  • a further receipt status is received, but not accepted and request for an exchange of the product against another product.
  • Another receipt status is not received, when the buyer 104 has not received the product. It is also possible that there is no response from the buyer computer 104 regarding the receipt status.
  • the control computer 106 will send a communication message 610 to the seller computer 102 requesting that the seller shall receive the returned product. Moreover, with a verification communication message 630, the control computer 106 may also request the seller computer 102 to verify the return receipt status of the returned product within a receipt confirmation response time frame ⁇ t 3 . Possible receipt statuses can be received and not accepted, received and accepted and exchange available, received and accepted and exchange not available, received and not accepted, not received, no response.
  • the control computer 106 sends off a request 710 to the buyer computer 104 requesting the buyer computer 104 to send off or hand over the returned product.
  • the return 720 of the product may be initiated from the buyer to the seller.
  • the buyer may return the product to the sender by shipping.
  • this return 720 can be a physical return or an electronic return, for instance via e-mail. This depends on the nature of the product.
  • the control computer 106 further requests the buyer computer 104, by a communication message 730, to verify the return shipping status of the returned product within a shipping confirmation response time frame At 4 .
  • a return shipping status may be shipped, non-shipped, negligently shipped or no response.
  • a corresponding status may be included in a verification message 740 sent from the buyer computer 104 to the control computer 106 upon receipt of the communication message 730.
  • the respective return receipt status is sent from the seller computer 102 to the control computer 106 via a communication message 740.
  • the control computer 106 may process internally the events during the trade between the buyer computer 104 and the seller computer 102. After a corresponding processing, conduct values for the seller and for the buyer are stored in the database 106. For instance, a conduct value may be assigned to the seller computer 102 based upon said shipping status and said seller's confirmation thereof and said return receipt status and said seller's confirmation thereof. Furthermore, a conduct value may be assigned to the buyer computer 104 based upon said receipt status and said buyer's confirmation or said receipt status, said return shipping status and said buyer's confirmation or said return shipping status.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des procédés et des systèmes d'échange, de confirmation et d'évaluation objectifs sécurisés pour diminuer un risque associé à l'achat d'articles en ligne.
EP08785511A 2008-08-12 2008-08-12 Système de logistique Withdrawn EP2335212A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/EP2008/006635 WO2010017825A1 (fr) 2008-08-12 2008-08-12 Système de logistique

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EP2335212A1 true EP2335212A1 (fr) 2011-06-22

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EP (1) EP2335212A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2008360583A1 (fr)
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WO (1) WO2010017825A1 (fr)

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IL213640B (en) 2011-06-19 2018-04-30 Amdocs Dev Ltd Authentication system for operational business service
US11854007B2 (en) * 2018-04-16 2023-12-26 Visa International Service Association Method and system for pre-authorizing a delivery transaction

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