Abstract: In some examples, a computing device sends, to an application on a user device, item information to cause the application to present a user interface including information about items available from a merchant. In response to receiving a user input via the user interface to select an item from the merchant, the computing device determines that a likelihood that the item will be unavailable exceeds a threshold. The computing device sends a communication that causes the application to present a plurality of selectable options to indicate actions to perform when the item is unavailable. The computing device receives a request to place the order for the item, and an indication of the action to perform. In response to receiving a communication from the merchant device indicating that the item is unavailable, the computing device sends an instruction to the merchant device indicating the action to perform.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor may access past order information for a plurality of merchants to determine, for an upcoming time period, a number of orders predicted to be received by the merchants. The processor may determine geographic locations of delivery agent devices, each associated with a respective delivery agent. The processor may compare, for the upcoming time period, a number of active delivery agents with the number of orders predicted to be received. Based at least on determining a predicted shortage of active delivery agents for the upcoming time period, the processor selects a first delivery agent of the plurality of delivery agents to pick up a first order from a first pickup location of a first merchant and a second order from a second pickup location of a second merchant, and sends a message to a first delivery agent device associated with the first delivery agent.

Abstract: Expedited transaction processing using a database of integrated in-store and online transactions is described. First transaction information associated with a first transaction conducted in a physical store of a merchant and second transaction information associated with a second transaction conducted via an online store of the merchant can be received. The first transaction can be processed based at least partly on the first transaction information and a record of the first transaction can be stored in the database. Based at least partly on the record, the second transaction can be processed using at least a portion of the second transaction information by (i) sending, to a card authorization service, the second payment information and (ii) generating an indication that the first payment information was authorized for the first transaction at the physical store. A computing device of the online store can be notified that the second transaction is allowed.

Abstract: Described is a technology that enables a customer, who uses a payment card in a point-of-sale (POS) transaction and provides a biometric identifier to the merchant, to use the biometric identifier as a payment mechanism in future transactions. In some embodiments, the technology involves communication between a customer's user device, a payment service system (PSS), and one or more merchant POS systems. A merchant POS system collects information around the time or after the time of the POS transaction between the merchant POS system and the customer, including, among others, a biometric identifier of the customer and forwards this information to the PSS. The PSS stores the biometric identifier in association with the payment card used in the transaction. In a second transaction, the customer may provide the biometric and the PSS may process the transaction based at least in part on the identifier without the customer needing to provide a payment card.

Abstract: Expedited transaction processing using a database of integrated in-store and online transactions is described. First transaction information associated with a first transaction conducted in a physical store of a merchant and second transaction information associated with a second transaction conducted via an online store of the merchant can be received. The first transaction can be processed based at least partly on the first transaction information and a record of the first transaction can be stored in the database. Based at least partly on the record, the second transaction can be processed using at least a portion of the second transaction information by (i) sending, to a card authorization service, the second payment information and (ii) generating an indication that the first payment information was authorized for the first transaction at the physical store. A computing device of the online store can be notified that the second transaction is allowed.

Abstract: In some examples, a service computing device receives an indication that a buyer associated with a buyer profile has selected a first item to purchase from a first merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the first item with a persistent virtual cart associated with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives an indication that the buyer has selected a second item to purchase from the second merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the second item with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives, from a buyer device, an indication of intention to purchase the items in the persistent virtual cart. Consequently, the service computing device may send an order for the first item to a computing device associated with the first merchant and an order for the second item to a computing device associated with the second merchant.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for open tab transactions. A customer device, e.g., a smart phone, can generate an order for purchasing one or more goods or services from a merchant. A list of the items can be stored in a data structure designated as a tab. The list is routed to a merchant device, e.g., a tablet computer. The customer device can be carried by a user to the merchant. When the user reaches the merchant, the customer device or merchant device can receive a request to add an additional item to the list. The tab remains open and modifiable until the customer device or merchant device receives an input to close it. Payment for the goods or services listed in the modified tab is processed upon closing of the tab.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for open tab transactions. A customer device, e.g., a smart phone, can generate an order for purchasing one or more goods or services from a merchant. A list of the items can be stored in a data structure designated as a tab. The list is routed to a merchant device, e.g., a tablet computer. The customer device can be carried by a user to the merchant. When the user reaches the merchant, the customer device or merchant device can receive a request to add an additional item to the list. The tab remains open and modifiable until the customer device or merchant device receives an input to close it. Payment for the goods or services listed in the modified tab is processed upon closing of the tab.

Abstract: In some examples, a service computing device receives an indication that a buyer associated with a buyer profile has selected a first item to purchase from a first merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the first item with a persistent virtual cart associated with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives an indication that the buyer has selected a second item to purchase from the second merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the second item with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives, from a buyer device, an indication of intention to purchase the items in the persistent virtual cart. Consequently, the service computing device may send an order for the first item to a computing device associated with the first merchant and an order for the second item to a computing device associated with the second merchant.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing device sends, to an application on a user device, item information to cause the application to present a user interface including information about items available from a merchant. In response to receiving a user input via the user interface to select an item from the merchant, the computing device determines that a likelihood that the item will be unavailable exceeds a threshold. The computing device sends a communication that causes the application to present a plurality of selectable options to indicate actions to perform when the item is unavailable. The computing device receives a request to place the order for the item, and an indication of the action to perform. In response to receiving a communication from the merchant device indicating that the item is unavailable, the computing device sends an instruction to the merchant device indicating the action to perform.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and apparatus for open tab transactions. A customer device, e.g., a smart phone, can generate an order for purchasing one or more goods or services from a merchant. A list of the items can be stored in a data structure designated as a tab. The list is routed to a merchant device, e.g., a tablet computer. The customer device can be carried by a user to the merchant. When the user reaches the merchant, the customer device or merchant device can receive a request to add an additional item to the list. The tab remains open and modifiable until the customer device or merchant device receives an input to close it. Payment for the goods or services listed in the modified tab is processed upon closing of the tab.

Abstract: Described is a technology that enables a customer, who uses a payment card in a point-of-sale (POS) transaction and provides a biometric identifier to the merchant, to use the biometric identifier as a payment mechanism in future transactions. In some embodiments, the technology involves communication between a customer's user device, a payment service system (PSS), and one or more merchant POS systems. A merchant POS system collects information around the time or after the time of the POS transaction between the merchant POS system and the customer, including, among others, a biometric identifier of the customer and forwards this information to the PSS. The PSS stores the biometric identifier in association with the payment card used in the transaction. In a second transaction, the customer may provide the biometric and the PSS may process the transaction based at least in part on the identifier without the customer needing to provide a payment card.

Abstract: In some examples, a computing device may receive, from a user device, user input indicating selection of a first item to place an order with a merchant. The computing device may analyze a plurality of transaction records for past orders to determine a likelihood that the first item will be unavailable for the order. The computing device may send a communication that causes the user interface on the user device to display a notification including a request for an action to perform in the event that the first item is unavailable. The computing device may receive a response including an instruction for the action to perform. The computing device may cause the order to be placed with the merchant. In response to receiving subsequently an indication from the merchant that the first item is unavailable, the computing device may send a communication to cause the action to be performed.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor may access past order information for a plurality of merchants to determine, for an upcoming time period, a number of orders predicted to be received by the merchants. The processor may determine geographic locations of delivery agent devices, each associated with a respective delivery agent. The processor may compare, for the upcoming time period, a number of active delivery agents with the number of orders predicted to be received. Based at least on determining a predicted shortage of active delivery agents for the upcoming time period, the processor selects a first delivery agent of the plurality of delivery agents to pick up a first order from a first pickup location of a first merchant and a second order from a second pickup location of a second merchant, and sends a message to a first delivery agent device associated with the first delivery agent.

Abstract: Described is a technology that enables a customer, who uses a payment card in a transaction and further provides an identifier in the same transaction, to use the identifier as a payment mechanism in all future transactions. In some embodiments, the technology involves communication between a customer's user device, a payment service system (PSS), and one or more merchant POS systems. A merchant POS system collects information in a transaction conducted between the merchant POS system and the customer, including, among others, the customer's contact information (e.g., telephone number), and forwards this information to the PSS. The PSS stores the information as an identifier, where the identifier is stored in association with the card used in the transaction. In a second transaction, the PSS sends a verification request to the user device based on the identifier (e.g., a text message), and processes the transaction only upon confirmation from the customer.

Abstract: Some examples include a processor that accesses past order information for a plurality of past orders received in the past for a plurality of merchants and delivered by delivery agents. Further, for an upcoming time period, based on the past orders received by individual merchants over a past period of time, the processor may determine a predicted number of orders to be received for an upcoming time period for the individual merchants. The processor may execute delivery agent management logic to compare, for the upcoming time period, a number of active delivery agents with the predicted number of orders, and may send a message to a first delivery agent device associated with a first delivery agent to cause one of: activation of the first delivery agent from inactive status to active status, or deactivation of the first delivery agent from active status to inactive status.

Abstract: Described is a technology that enables a customer, who uses a payment card in a transaction and further provides an identifier in the same transaction, to use the identifier as a payment mechanism in all future transactions. In some embodiments, the technology involves communication between a customer's user device, a payment service system (PSS), and one or more merchant POS systems. A merchant POS system collects information in a transaction conducted between the merchant POS system and the customer, including, among others, the customer's contact information (e.g., telephone number), and forwards this information to the PSS. The PSS stores the information as an identifier, where the identifier is stored in association with the card used in the transaction. In a second transaction, the PSS sends a verification request to the user device based on the identifier (e.g., a text message), and processes the transaction only upon confirmation from the customer.

Abstract: In some examples, a service computing device receives an indication that a buyer associated with a buyer profile has selected a first item to purchase from a first merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the first item with a persistent virtual cart associated with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives an indication that the buyer has selected a second item to purchase from the second merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the second item with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives, from a buyer device, an indication of intention to purchase the items in the persistent virtual cart. Consequently, the service computing device may send an order for the first item to a computing device associated with the first merchant and an order for the second item to a computing device associated with the second merchant.

Abstract: In some examples, a service computing device receives an indication that a buyer associated with a buyer profile has selected a first item to purchase from a first merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the first item with a persistent virtual cart associated with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives an indication that the buyer has selected a second item to purchase from the second merchant site. The service computing device associates information related to the second item with the buyer profile. The service computing device receives, from a buyer device, an indication of intention to purchase the items in the persistent virtual cart. Consequently, the service computing device may send an order for the first item to a computing device associated with the first merchant and an order for the second item to a computing device associated with the second merchant.

Abstract: Expedited transaction processing using a database of integrated in-store and online transactions is described. First transaction information associated with a first transaction conducted in a physical store of a merchant and second transaction information associated with a second transaction conducted via an online store of the merchant can be received. The first transaction can be processed based at least partly on the first transaction information and a record of the first transaction can be stored in the database. Based at least partly on the record, the second transaction can be processed using at least a portion of the second transaction information by (i) sending, to a card authorization service, the second payment information and (ii) generating an indication that the first payment information was authorized for the first transaction at the physical store. A computing device of the online store can be notified that the second transaction is allowed.