Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing retail store customer returns which reduces the time required for a store employee to process a return and provides safeguards to prevent stolen merchandise from being returned. The system also provides a mechanism which prevents the retail customer's credit card information from being stolen by an unscrupulous person who obtains the purchase receipt. In one embodiment, when a retail customer makes a purchase, information concerning the purchase is stored at a unique location in a database. When a purchased item is returned, a new purchase receipt is generated including all items originally purchased except those returned. The original purchase receipt is then destroyed or otherwise rendered unusable, preventing its reuse to return stolen merchandise.

Abstract: A voice messaging service system for caller accepted voice store and forward service. The service offering prompt is issued during dial tone in response to caller off-hook, advising that the service can be accepted by the caller if the call to the intended recipient is not completed. Alternatively, the service offering prompt is delayed after caller off-hook for a time interval sufficient for the caller to dial the telephone number of the intended recipient. As a further embodiment, the service is offered for acceptance by the caller without advancing the call to the intended recipient.