WO2021087351A1

WO2021087351A1 - Purchase return system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2021087351A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/058346
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott NORDHAUS; Stephanie NORDHAUS; Lauren NORDHAUS
Original assignee: Nordhaus Scott; Nordhaus Stephanie; Nordhaus Lauren
Priority date: 2019-10-30
Filing date: 2020-10-30
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

Illustrative methods and systems may determine a return fee based on a determined distance and return information of an item. The return information may include a pickup location and a return label. The return information may be received from a user. A drop-off location may be determined based on the return label. A distance may be determined between the pickup and drop-off locations.

Description

PURCHASE RETURN SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/927,996, filed on October 30, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods related to return services such as, e.g., coordinating pickup and drop-off of a return item to a mail carrier or brick and mortar store.

SUMMARY

[0003] The illustrative systems and methods may be described as providing, among other things, item return service. For example, a user may request return service for an item by providing return information of an item. An exemplary method may include receiving return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user, determining a drop-off location based on the return label, determining a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations, and determining a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

[0004] An exemplary system for providing a return service may include a computing apparatus including one or more processors and configured to receive return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user, determine a drop-off location based on the return label, determine a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations, and determine a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute receiving a pickup time window from the user; and notifying one or more drivers that the pickup time window is open. [0006] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute notifying a user that a driver has arrived at the pickup location.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute determining whether a driver has delivered the return item to the drop-off location and transmitting a notification to the user indicating the return item has been delivered to the drop-off location in response to determining that the driver delivered the return item.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute determining if a threshold time has been exceeded if the driver has not delivered the return item and charging the driver for the return item if the threshold has been exceeded.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute receiving an original pickup time window from the user. Additionally, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute receiving a changed pickup time window from the user at a change time. Still further, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute determining a change fee based on the change time and the pickup time window.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute receiving a return item scan from the driver.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, receiving a return item scan from the driver may include receiving a copy of a return receipt. In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute transmitting the copy of the return receipt to the user.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the return fee may be further based upon an estimated wait time at the drop -off location. [0013] An exemplary method may include receiving item information of an item including an original price of the item and determining whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

[0014] An exemplary system for a return service may include a computing apparatus including one or more processors configured to receive item information of an item including an original price of the item and determine whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute conducting a search for the current price of the item based on the item information.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute determining if the current price of the item is a lower price than the original price of the item.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute notifying a user of the lower price of the original item.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the method may further include or the computing apparatus of the system may be further configured to execute providing an amount saved to the user if it is determined that the user can save money.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, information of the item may include a receipt of purchase of the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. l is a block diagram of an illustrative return service system.

[0021] FIGS. 2A-2C are a flow diagram of an illustrative method, or process, for a return service system.

[0022] FIG. 3 is another flow diagram of an illustrative method, or process, for a return service system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Illustrative systems and methods shall be described with reference to Figures 1- 3. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements or processes from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements or processes of the other embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such systems and methods using combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the Figures and/or described herein. Further, it will be recognized that timing of the processes herein may be modified but still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, although certain timings may be advantageous over others.

[0024] Items may be purchased from a variety of sources at a virtual store (e.g., through the Internet) or at traditional, physical (e.g., brick-and-mortar) stores. While items ordered via the Internet or at physical stores may be deliverable to a customer’s home, return services may often require the customer to return such items to a carrier (e.g., package delivery service such as UPS, FEDEX, DHL, etc.) or a physical store. Accordingly, a return service that picks up return items and delivers such return items for the customer may be desirable.

[0025] A return service for picking up and delivering return items to a carrier or a physical store for a customer or user are described herein. The return service may be accessible via an app or a website. The return service may include multiple levels or tiers of service. An exemplary, return service may include three levels of service. For example, a level 1 customer may receive return services for Internet based purchases, a level 2 customer may receive return services for Internet-based purchases and physical store purchases, and a level 3 customer may receive price searching services in addition to return services for Internet based purchases and physical store purchases.

[0026] An exemplary return service system 10 is depicted in FIG. 1. The return service system 10 may include a user device 12, a return server 14, and a driver device 16. A suitable return service app or application may be installed on each of the user device 12, the return server 14, and the driver device 16. Each of the user device 12 and the driver device 16 may be operably coupled to the return server 14 to facilitate the methods and processes described herein. Additionally, in one or more embodiments direct communication between a user using the user device 12 and the driver using the driver device 16 may be enabled to allow for specific pick up information.

[0027] As used herein, “operatively coupled” may include any suitable combination of wired and/or wireless data communication. Wired data communication may include, or utilize, any suitable hardware connection such as, e.g., ethernet, peripheral component interconnect (PCI), PCI express (PCIe), optical fiber, local area network (LAN), etc. Wireless communication may include, or utilize, any suitable wireless connection such as, e.g., Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), cellular network, Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), optical, infra-red (IR), etc. In at least one embodiment, the user device 12 and the driver device 16 may each be operatively coupled to the Internet, and in turn, operatively coupled to each other and/or the return server 14 via the Internet.

[0028] Furthermore, each of the user device 12, the return server 14, and the driver device 16 may include any suitable apparatus, devices, or systems facilitate item return services and price searching services as described herein. Apparatus, devices, or systems for item return and price searching services may include, e.g., input devices, communication systems, displays, processors, controllers, sensors, microphones, speakers, etc. An input device as used herein may include any suitable device for receiving input such as, e.g., a touchscreen, keyboard, microphone, remote control, computer mouse, smart pen, camera, etc. Communication systems as used herein may include any suitable systems or devices for communicating with other devices wired or wirelessly. In other words, communication systems may include any suitable apparatus or devices for operably coupling to other devices or systems. For example, communication systems may include antennas, network interface cards (NIC), subscriber identification cards (SIM), modems, etc. Displays as used herein may include any apparatus or devices for providing visual or tactile information to a user. Displays may include, e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panels, tactile displays, lights (e.g., LEDs), etc.

[0029] An exemplary method, or process, 100 for a return service is depicted in FIGS.

2A-2C. The method 100 may be carried out using one or more return servers, user devices, and driver devices (e.g., one or more user devices 12, return servers 14, and driver devices 16 of FIG. 1). A user may use the return service to return, exchange, or donate one or more items (e.g., that have been previously purchased) which may be referred to herein as one or more “return items.” In order to use the return service, the user may first input or provide user information 102. The user information may include, e.g., their name, address, email, and credit card number, return information, etc. 102. Then, return information may be provided to facilitate the return, exchange or donation of the one or more return items. Return information may include return item information, exchange item information, donation item information, price paid, date of purchase, company the purchase item was purchased from, etc. Exchange item information may indicate that the user wants to exchange the return item for another similar item.

Exchange item information may include information about the exchange item including, for example, size, color, price difference, delivery location, etc. Optionally, return information or donation item information may include an indication of whether a user wants to donate the return item to a donation program. If the user has indicated that the return item is to be donated, the return item may be returned or sold and at least a portion of the value donated to charity. In one example, the charity may be selectable by the user.

[0030] To facilitate returns, exchanges, or donations, a return label may be printed. The return label may include item information, carrier information, company information, exchange information, donation information, drop-off location information, return location information, etc. The user may choose between printing return label themselves or having a carrier print the label 104. If the user chooses to print the return label themselves, the return label may be provided to the user 106. In one example, the user may have multiple return items. If the user has multiple return items the user may print the labels, put them on the associated return item, and take a picture of each label. If the chooses to have the carrier print the label(s), the label(s) will be printed by the carrier (e.g., a package delivery service) and put on the return item upon delivery of the return item to the carrier.

[0031] The return service may provide a driver to pick up the return item at a pickup location, deliver the return item to a drop-off, and/or return location for a return fee. The pickup location may be designated by the user. The drop-off or return location (e.g., carrier or physical store) may be designated by the merchant, company, or store that the return item was purchased from. The drop-off or return location for a return item may be determined based on the return label or return label information 108. In one example, the return location may be determined from a picture or image of the return label (e.g., scanning a bar or QR code, image recognition of the item, etc.).

[0032] The distance between the pickup location of the return item and the drop-off location may be determined 110. The distance may be determined based on global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, digital maps, etc. A return fee may then be determined based on the determined distance between the pickup-location and the drop off location 112. The return fee may be charged to the user by the return service. A portion of the return fee may go to the return service and another portion of the return fee may go to the driver. In one example, the return fee may be scaled based on the distance using distance tiers or a sliding scale. The return fee may also be determined based on the number of return items. Additionally, the return fee may further be based on an estimated wait time at the drop-off location. For example, after arriving at the drop-off location the driver may have to wait in line to drop-off or return the return item. Accordingly, the driver may be compensated for time spent returning the return item. If a user has indicated that the return item is to be donated, the return fee may be waived or recouped from sale or return of the donated return item. Additionally, the return fee may be determined based on whether the user has indicated that the return item is to be exchanged for another or similar item. In other words, the return fee may be increased if an exchange is indicated. For example, if an exchange is indicated, the driver may pickup an exchange item and deliver the exchange item to a user. The additional pickup and delivery may cause the driver to incur additional travel, travel time, and wait time for an exchange. Accordingly, increasing the fee may more appropriately compensate the driver for an exchange compared to a return.

[0033] The user may designate a pickup time window for the driver to pick up the return items, and thus, the pickup time window may be received from the user 114. The user may select a pickup time window with a duration in a range between about 15 minutes to about 1 hour. In at least one example, the user may select a pickup time window with a duration of 30-minutes, during which, the return package(s) can be picked up by a driver. Furthermore, the user may select when the pickup time window begins. Still further, the user may indicate or identify a location where the packages may be picked up during the pickup time window. For example, the user may indicate that the return item can be picked up a specific address, office, park, etc. Additionally, the user can indicate additional pickup information such as, for example, the return item will be left on a front porch, left in a driveway, left in a garage, retrieved from the user, to knock on the front door, etc.

[0034] Thus, at this point, a user may have determined that they want to return a return item, submitted information with respect to the return item, selected a time window within the day when a driver can pick up the return item for return, and indicated where the return item can be picked up by the driver. The return service may now facilitate the return, exchange, or donation of the return item.

[0035] To facilitate the return of the one or more return items, the method 100 may determine if the pickup time window is open 116. If the pickup time window is not open, the user may be provided an option to change or cancel the pickup time window 118. The user may be charged a change fee for changing or cancelling the pickup time window 120. In one example, the user may be charged a change fee if pickup is cancelled within 15 minutes before the pickup time window or during the pickup time window. The change fee may be determined based on a change time (e.g., a time when the pickup time window was changed) and the pickup time window. Furthermore, the user may be charged a change fee if the return item was not at the pickup location during the pickup time window.

[0036] If the pickup time window is open, one or more drivers may be notified when the pickup time window opens 122. Drivers may be notified if they are within a threshold distance or radius of the pickup location when the pickup time window opens. Additionally, interested drivers may be notified in advance of pickup time windows to allow the drivers to schedule pickups in advance. Acceptance of the pickup may be received from a driver 124. In one example, after the pickup is accepted, notifications to additional drivers of the pickup may be rescinded.

[0037] After a driver has accepted the pickup and travels to the pickup location, the user may be notified when the driver arrives at the pickup location 126. In one example, the user may be notified when the driver is within a threshold distance of the pickup location. The threshold distance may be at least 100 feet, at least 50 feet, or at least 20 feet. When the driver picks up the return item, the driver may scan the return items notifying the return server that the item has been picked up 128. In one example, the driver may scan the return items with the driver device. To scan the return items, the driver may use a driver device to capture an image of the return label, a return label barcode, or other return item identification.

[0038] The driver may then take the packages to the drop-off location. The drop-off location may be a package carrier such as the United States Postal Service, the United Parcel Service, FedEx, etc. The drop-off location may also be a physical (e.g., brick-and- mortar) store such as, e.g., Walmart, Target, etc. The method 100 may determine whether the driver delivered the return item to the proper location 130. In one example, confirmation of return item drop-off may be received to determine whether the driver delivered the return item to the proper location. Confirmation may include a receipt, an image of the receipt, a notification from the carrier, a notification from the brick and mortar store, etc.

[0039] The return fee may be charged to the user in response to receiving notification that the return item has been dropped off at the appropriate location 134. Further, the user may be provided with a tracking number from a package carrier or a receipt from a store, which indicates that the return item has been dropped-off or received at the appropriate location. Additional notification may be provided to the user when the return item has been received by an Internet seller such as, e.g., Amazon, Jet, Walmart.com, Target.com, etc. The user may receive a return item scan from the driver. The return item scan may include a copy or picture of the return receipt from the carrier or physical store.

[0040] Drivers may fail in returning the one or more return items. In some instances, drivers may forget about or lose the one or more return items. In other instances, drivers may attempt the steal the one or more return items. Thus, the method 100 may provide one or more processes to mitigate, or address, such failures to return the one or more return items. For instance, if the return item has not yet been delivered to the proper location, the method 100 may determine whether a threshold period of time has been exceeded 132. If the threshold period of time is exceeded, the driver may be charged for the return item 136. The threshold period of time may be used as a theft deterrent. For example, if a driver steals the return item, the driver may be charged for the return item.

In one example, it may be determined that the package has not been dropped off within a threshold period of time. The driver may be charged for the return item if the package is not dropped off within the threshold period of time. The threshold period of time may be within a range of about 1 hour to about 1 day. In at least one example, the threshold period of time is about 3 hours. The driver may be charged via a credit card on file for the driver. Additionally, local law enforcement may be notified of the theft. The user may be reimbursed for any charges and/or the cost of the return item if it is determined that the driver stole the package.

[0041] In some circumstance, users may not simply want refunds for their return items, and instead, may want the return items replaced with exchange items. If the user has indicated that the return item is to be exchanged for an exchange item, the user may be notified that the driver has picked up the exchange item 138. In one example, the notification may be transmitted in response to the driver scanning the exchange item. The user may be notified that the exchange item has been dropped off or delivered to the delivery location 140. The notification may be sent in response to the driver scanning or otherwise indicating that the exchange item was delivered. The delivery location may be the same as the pickup location or another location indicated by the user.

[0042] Similar to the issue of drivers not delivering the return items to the appropriate location 134, if the exchange item has not yet been delivered to the delivery location (e.g., back to the user), the method 100 may determine whether a threshold period of time has been exceeded 142. If the threshold period of time is exceeded, the driver may be charged for the exchange item 144. The threshold period of time may be used as a theft deterrent. For example, if a driver steals the exchange item, the driver may be charged for the exchange item. In one example, it may be determined that the package has not been dropped off within a threshold period of time. The driver may be charged for the exchange item if the package is not dropped off within the threshold period of time. The threshold period of time may be within a range of about 1 hour to about 1 day. In at least one example, the threshold period of time is about 3 hours. The driver may be charged via a credit card on file for the driver. Additionally, local law enforcement may be notified of the theft. The user may be reimbursed for any charges and/or the cost of the exchange item if it is determined that the driver stole the package.

[0043] An exemplary method, or process, 200 for a return service is depicted in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the return service depicted in FIG. 3 may be for a level 3 user. The return service depicted in FIG. 3 includes price searching services to alert the user when a recently purchased item is available at a lower price. Users may provide copies of their receipts in an electronic format such as, for example, photograph, images, facsimile email, or other electronic format. The provided receipts may be used to monitor prices of purchased items for a predetermined duration. The return service depicted in FIG. 3 may monitor prices to identify any reduction in price during the predetermined duration and alert the user to such price reductions. Furthermore, the return service depicted in FIG. 3 may indicate to the user an amount the user could save by returning or exchanging the item using the return service.

[0044] Item information of an item may be received including an original price of the item. The item information may be received from a user 202. Item information may be received when a user transmits Internet order information, receipt of purchase of the item (e.g., image, scan, or email confirmation), or provides order history access to the return service. A price search may be conducted based on the received item information 204.

The search may be conducted on the Internet at various Internet retailers. It may be determined whether the user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service 206.

[0045] If the conducted price search indicates that a current price of the item is a cheaper or lower price than the original price of the item, the user may be notified of the current lower price of the item and a retailer where the user can purchase the item for the current price 210. If conducted search price search indicates that the current price of the item is not cheaper, it may be determined whether a threshold number of days has been exceeded 208. In one example, the threshold number of days may be based on a return deadline of the item. In one example, the threshold number of days may be 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. If the threshold number of days has been exceeded, the method or process 200 may end. If the threshold number of days has not been exceeded, another Internet search may be conducted 206.

[0046] It may be determined whether the user can save money using the return service to return the item and purchasing such item from the retailer 212. In other words, it may be determined whether the lower price plus the return service fee is less than the original price of the item. The user may be provided with the amount saved if it is determined that the user can save money 214. In other words, the determined difference may be provided to the user. If the user chooses to return the item using the return service, the user may be provided with a credit to the credit card used to purchase the item or with a merchant credit.

[0047] The conducted price search may occur a specific number of days after the purchase date. As shown, a threshold number of days may be utilized, and the current days post purchase may be compared to the threshold number of days after every price check. In at least one embodiment, the threshold number of days may be 10 days or greater. In at least one embodiment, the threshold number of days may be 30 days or greater. In one embodiment, the threshold number of days is 100 days.

[0048] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non- exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0049] Example Exl : A method comprising: receiving return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user; determining a drop-off location based on the return label; determining a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations; and determining a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

[0050] Example Ex2: A system for providing a return service, the system comprising a computing apparatus comprising one or more processors configured to: receive return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user; determine a drop-off location based on the return label; determine a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations; and determine a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

[0051] Example Ex3: The method or system as in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: receiving a pickup time window from the user; and notifying one or more drivers that the pickup time window is open.

[0052] Example Ex4: The method or system as in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute notifying a user that a driver has arrived at the pickup location.

[0053] Example Ex5: The method or system as in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute : determining whether a driver has delivered the return item to the drop-off location; and transmitting a notification to the user indicating the return item has been delivered to the drop off location in response to determining that the driver delivered the return item.

[0054] Example Ex6: The method or system as in example Ex5, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: determining if a threshold time has been exceeded if the driver has not delivered the return item; and charging the driver for the return item if the threshold has been exceeded.

[0055] Example Ex7: The method or system as in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: receiving an original pickup time window from the user; receiving a changed pickup time window from the user at a change time; and determining a change fee based on the change time and the pickup time window.

[0056] Example Ex8: The method or system as in any one of the preceding examples, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute receiving a return item scan from a driver.

[0057] Example Ex9: The method or system as in example Ex8, wherein receiving a return item scan from the driver comprises receiving a copy of a return receipt, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute transmitting the copy of the return receipt to the user.

[0058] Example ExlO: The method or system of any one of the preceding examples, wherein the return fee is further based upon an estimated wait time at the drop off location.

[0059] Example Exit: A method comprising: receiving item information of an item including an original price of the item; and determining whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

[0060] Example Exl2: A system for providing a return service, the system comprising a computing apparatus comprising one or more processors and configured to: receive item information of an item including an original price of the item; and determine whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

[0061] Example Exl3 : The method or system as in any one of examples Exl 1 or

Exl2, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute conducting a search for the current price of the item based on the item information.

[0062] Example Exl4: The method or system as in any one of examples Exl 1 or

Exl2, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute determining if the current price of the item is a lower price than the original price of the item.

[0063] Example Exl 5: The method or system of example Ex 14, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute notifying a user of the lower price of the original item.

[0064] Example Exl6: The method or system of any one of examples Exl 1 to

Exl 5, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute providing an amount saved to the user if it is determined that the user can save money.

[0065] Example Exl 7: The method or system of any one of examples Exl 1 to Exl, wherein the information of the item includes a receipt of purchase of the item.

[0066] All patents, patent documents, and references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This disclosure has been provided with reference to illustrative embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. As described previously, one skilled in the art will recognize that other various illustrative applications may use the techniques as described herein to take advantage of the beneficial characteristics of the apparatus and methods described herein. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent upon reference to this description.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A method comprising: receiving return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user; determining a drop-off location based on the return label; determining a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations; and determining a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

2. A system for providing a return service, the system comprising a computing apparatus comprising one or more processors and configured to: receive return information of a return item including a pickup location and a return label from a user; determine a drop-off location based on the return label; determine a distance between the pickup and drop-off locations; and determine a return fee based on the determined distance and the return information.

3. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: receiving a pickup time window from the user; and notifying one or more drivers that the pickup time window is open.

4. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: notifying a user that a driver has arrived at the pickup location.

5. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: determining whether a driver has delivered the return item to the drop-off location; and transmitting a notification to the user indicating the return item has been delivered to the drop-off location in response to determining that the driver delivered the return item.

6. The method or system as in claim 5, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: determining if a threshold time has been exceeded if the driver has not delivered the return item; and charging the driver for the return item if the threshold has been exceeded.

7. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute: receiving an original pickup time window from the user; receiving a changed pickup time window from the user at a change time; and determining a change fee based on the change time and the pickup time window.

8. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute receiving a return item scan from a driver.

9. The method or system as in claim 8, wherein receiving a return item scan from the driver comprises receiving a copy of a return receipt, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute transmitting the copy of the return receipt to the user.

10. The method or system as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return fee is further based upon an estimated wait time at the drop-off location.

11. A method comprising: receiving item information of an item including an original price of the item; and determining whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

12. A system for providing a return service, the system comprising a computing apparatus comprising one or more processors and configured to: receive item information of an item including an original price of the item; and determine whether a user can save money based on the original price of the item, a current price of the item, and a cost to return the item through a return service.

13. The method or system as in any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute conducting a search for the current price of the item based on the item information.

14. The method or system as in any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute determining if the current price of the item is a lower price than the original price of the item.

15. The method or system of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute notifying a user of the lower price of the original item.

16. The method or system as in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the method further comprises or the computing apparatus of the system is further configured to execute providing an amount saved to the user if it is determined that the user can save money.