Patents Assigned to The Retail Equation, Inc.
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Patent number: 9996839Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 9646319Abstract: Computerized decision-making systems and methods are described for determining whether to provide one or more rewards, such as a coupon or instant discount, to a customer requesting to make a merchandise return at a store, and, if so, to determine the terms of the reward, such as value, expiration date/time and other terms that may be associated with a coupon. The reward determinations may be implemented in conjunction with a system for authorizing the requested merchandise return transaction. Information about the requested return may be used together with data about the customer's past purchase, return transactions, and other customer-related data. In some embodiments, the determinations are based, at least in part, on store-related information and policies. The reward may be printed with a receipt issued to the customer at the point of return and/or may be provided to the customer using a wide variety of other communications technologies.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 9424588Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 9330397Abstract: A return coupon holder is described for holding a return coupon issued in a store in conjunction with a customer's merchandise return transaction. The return coupon holder is preferably sized large enough to discourage the customer from stowing the coupon away, such as in a handbag. Additionally, holders may be of different types that visually or electronically convey information about a category associated with the customer's return transaction. Thus, salespersons may accordingly provide appropriate customer service to the customer. The holder categories may indicate an approximate dollar value of the return transaction, a type of merchandise returned, a return payment method, an assessment of the profitability of the customer, an assessment of the risk of fraud associated with the return transaction, and the like. A computer decision system may select holder type. Some embodiments of the coupon holder are fitted with a device that allow tracing of the customer's movements while still in the store.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw, Jim Ibert, Dave Justus, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights
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Patent number: 9076159Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20140304044Abstract: A return coupon holder is described for holding a return coupon issued in a store in conjunction with a customer's merchandise return transaction. The return coupon holder is preferably sized large enough to discourage the customer from stowing the coupon away, such as in a handbag. Additionally, holders may be of different types that visually or electronically convey information about a category associated with the customer's return transaction. Thus, salespersons may accordingly provide appropriate customer service to the customer. The holder categories may indicate an approximate dollar value of the return transaction, a type of merchandise returned, a return payment method, an assessment of the profitability of the customer, an assessment of the risk of fraud associated with the return transaction, and the like. A computer decision system may select holder type. Some embodiments of the coupon holder are fitted with a device that allow tracing of the customer's movements while still in the store.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw, Jim Ibert, Dave Justus, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights
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Publication number: 20140236702Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8708233Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8694364Abstract: A return coupon holder is described for holding a return coupon issued in a store in conjunction with a customer's merchandise return transaction. The return coupon holder is preferably sized large enough to discourage the customer from stowing the coupon away, such as in a handbag. Additionally, holders may be of different types that visually or electronically convey information about a category associated with the customer's return transaction. Thus, salespersons may accordingly provide appropriate customer service to the customer. The holder categories may indicate an approximate dollar value of the return transaction, a type of merchandise returned, a return payment method, an assessment of the profitability of the customer, an assessment of the risk of fraud associated with the return transaction, and the like. A computer decision system may select holder type. Some embodiments of the coupon holder are fitted with a device that allow tracing of the customer's movements while still in the store.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw, Jim Ibert, Dave Justus, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights
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Publication number: 20140067504Abstract: Computerized decision-making systems and methods are described for determining whether to provide one or more rewards, such as a coupon or instant discount, to a customer requesting to make a merchandise return at a store, and, if so, to determine the terms of the reward, such as value, expiration date/time and other terms that may be associated with a coupon. The reward determinations may be implemented in conjunction with a system for authorizing the requested merchandise return transaction. Information about the requested return may be used together with data about the customer's past purchase, return transactions, and other customer-related data. In some embodiments, the determinations are based, at least in part, on store-related information and policies. The reward may be printed with a receipt issued to the customer at the point of return and/or may be provided to the customer using a wide variety of other communications technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20140046750Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return and whether to provide a coupon to the customer. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8583478Abstract: Computerized decision-making systems and methods are described for determining whether to provide one or more rewards, such as a coupon or instant discount, to a customer requesting to make a merchandise return at a store, and, if so, to determine the terms of the reward, such as value, expiration date/time and other terms that may be associated with a coupon. The reward determinations may be implemented in conjunction with a system for authorizing the requested merchandise return transaction. Information about the requested return may be used together with data about the customer's past purchase, return transactions, and other customer-related data. In some embodiments, the determinations are based, at least in part, on store-related information and policies. The reward may be printed with a receipt issued to the customer at the point of return and/or may be provided to the customer using a wide variety of other communications technologies.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8561896Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20130124296Abstract: Computerized decision-making systems and methods are described for determining whether to provide one or more rewards, such as a coupon or instant discount, to a customer requesting to make a merchandise return at a store, and, if so, to determine the terms of the reward, such as value, expiration date/time and other terms that may be associated with a coupon. The reward determinations may be implemented in conjunction with a system for authorizing the requested merchandise return transaction. Information about the requested return may be used together with data about the customer's past purchase, return transactions, and other customer-related data. In some embodiments, the determinations are based, at least in part, on store-related information and policies. The reward may be printed with a receipt issued to the customer at the point of return and/or may be provided to the customer using a wide variety of other communications technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2013Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: THE RETAIL EQUATION, INC.Inventor: The Retail Equation, Inc.
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Publication number: 20130073408Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: THE RETAIL EQUATION, INC.Inventor: The Retail Equation, Inc.
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Patent number: 8356750Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8355946Abstract: Computerized decision-making systems and methods are described for determining whether to provide one or more rewards, such as a coupon or instant discount, to a customer requesting to make a merchandise return at a store, and, if so, to determine the terms of the reward, such as value, expiration date/time and other terms that may be associated with a coupon. The reward determinations may be implemented in conjunction with a system for authorizing the requested merchandise return transaction. Information about the requested return may be used together with data about the customer's past purchase, return transactions, and other customer-related data. In some embodiments, the determinations are based, at least in part, on store-related information and policies. The reward may be printed with a receipt issued to the customer at the point of return and/or may be provided to the customer using a wide variety of other communications technologies.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20120166296Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: THE RETAIL EQUATION, INC.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Patent number: 8025229Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw
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Publication number: 20090076870Abstract: Systems and methods are described for collecting data at a merchant's point of return for use in processing a merchandise return transaction that is being requested by a customer. In various embodiments, the data may be collected using a wide variety of data collection technologies and may be used in conjunction with stored data, including data collected from other merchants, by a return authorization system to make a determination whether to accept or deny the requested merchandise return. The data may additionally or alternatively be used to determine whether to issue a warning to the customer about limitations on future return transactions presented by the customer. Examples of data categories that may be collected include, but are not limited to, information about: the merchant, the customer, the requested transaction, the merchandise being returned, one or more receipts, a clerk processing the transaction, and other general applicable information.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: The Retail Equation, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Hammond, Mark R. Hilinski, David B. Speights, Kenny C. Vu, James D. Holland, Peter L. Bradshaw