System and method for networked loyalty program
View Patent ↗The present invention provides a system for implementing a purchaser incentive program on a network-wide level. The system associates SKU and UPC data on a network level to provide consumers with a purchasing environment that is both convenient and cost-efficient. The association of SKU and UPC data at a network level also provides consumers with the ability to analyze their own purchase data for a variety of purposes, including analyses relating to the consumer's spending behaviors or patterns for example. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates a network-wide search for an item that a consumer desires to purchase under terms or conditions that are selected by the consumer and are therefore perceived to be optimal by that consumer. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the association of UPC and SKU data by the system facilitates data analysis by a consumer based upon any of several factors, including items purchased, prices for those items, retailer ID, SKU number, UPC, manufacturer ID, and/or the like. The system may compile any of the above data across multiple entities for the purpose of data analysis, such as analyses which may be employed in consumer budgeting for example.
1. A method for facilitating a purchase transaction, the method comprising,
receiving from a consumer a retailer item identifier, wherein said retailer item identifier is captured by a terminal of said consumer at a retailer location;
receiving from said consumer a search criteria related to said retailer item identifier, wherein said search criteria is at least one of: an item price, an item quantity, a second retailer, a second retailer location, a consumer rating, lowest price, and a delivery time;
associating said retailer item identifier with a first manufacturer item identifier directly corresponding to said retail item identifier;
conducting a first search for said first manufacturer item identifier across a plurality of retailers, wherein said first search is based on said search criteria;
associating said retail item identifier with a second manufacturer item identifier indirectly corresponding to said retail item identifier when said first search does not return any of said plurality of retailers directly corresponding to said first manufacturer item identifier;
conducting a second search for said second manufacturer item identifier across said plurality of retailers when said first search does not return any of said plurality of retailers directly corresponding to said manufacturer item identifier, wherein said second search is based on said search criteria; and,
facilitating a purchase transaction between said consumer and one of said plurality of retailers.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting search results to said consumer.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said search criteria comprises at least one of: an item description and a lowest price.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising receiving a pre-authorization to automatically purchase an item from a retailer who satisfies said search criteria.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein facilitating a purchase transaction comprises retrieving a stored transaction card number.
6. A method for facilitating a purchase transaction, the method comprising,
receiving from a consumer a retailer item identifier, wherein said retailer item identifier is captured by a terminal of said consumer at a retailer location;
receiving from said consumer a search criteria related to said retailer item identifier, wherein said search criteria is at least one of: an item price, an item quantity, a second retailer, a second retailer location, a consumer rating, lowest price, and a delivery time;
associating said retailer item identifier with a first manufacturer item identifier directly corresponding to said retail item identifier;
conducting a first search for said first manufacturer item identifier across a plurality of retailers, wherein said first search is based on said search criteria;
associating said retail item identifier with a second manufacturer item identifier indirectly corresponding to said retail item identifier when said first search does not return any of said plurality of retailers directly corresponding to said manufacturer item identifier;
conducting a second search for said second manufacturer item identifier across said plurality of retailers when said first search does not return any of said plurality of retailers directly corresponding to said manufacturer item identifier, wherein said second search is based on said search criteria;
receiving from said consumer formatting criteria, wherein said formatting criteria;
formatting search results based on said formatting criteria; and,
transmitting said search results to said consumer.