초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then

A method and apparatus for efficient handling of product returns to reduce associated costs. A computer system at a regional product return center scans a returned product for identifying information, accesses a manufacturer return approval computer system through the internet or the like, and then submits the identifying information to the manufacturer for return approval. The manufacturer computer system utilizes the identifying information to access an electronic registration database to determine whether the returned product satisfies applicable return criteria. If so, the product is approved for return to the manufacturer. The regional product return center preferably scans a plurality of returned products in a single session. In response to the product identifying information submitted by the regional product return center, the manufacturer provides a list of approved returns and unapproved returns, along with a return authorization number for the batch of approved returns. The regional product return center then assembles the approved product returns into a box, shipping pallet, or the like, applies a label indicating the return authorization label, and ships the batch to the manufacturer. Shipping costs can be saved by omitting rejected product returns from the shipment. The manufacturer can handle the approved product returns from the regional return center as a batch, thereby reducing costs.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of reducing unauthorized returns of purchased products from a first location to a second location, comprising:(a) maintaining a product information database remote from the first location for each purchased product, wherein the product information database incl

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of reducing unauthorized returns of purchased products from a first location to a second location, comprising:(a) maintaining a product information database remote from the first location for each purchased product, wherein the product information database includes return criteria for purchased products;(b) transmitting unique product identification information from the first location to a host system having access to said product information database, wherein the unique product identification information uniquely identifies a product for which a return is sought;(c) using the host system to access the product information database to determine a return criteria for the product based on the unique product identification information;(d) determining whether the product qualifies for return based on the return criteria;(e) transmitting to the first location a return qualification message if the product qualifies for return; and(f) accepting the product for return at the second location if the return qualification message has been transmitted to the first location.