WO2011078811A1 - Retail machine and system and method of transaction thereof - Google Patents

Retail machine and system and method of transaction thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011078811A1
WO2011078811A1 PCT/TH2009/000003 TH2009000003W WO2011078811A1 WO 2011078811 A1 WO2011078811 A1 WO 2011078811A1 TH 2009000003 W TH2009000003 W TH 2009000003W WO 2011078811 A1 WO2011078811 A1 WO 2011078811A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
retail machine
sale
seller
retail
transaction
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/TH2009/000003
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vasan Abe Sun
Original Assignee
Vasan Abe Sun
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vasan Abe Sun filed Critical Vasan Abe Sun
Priority to PCT/TH2009/000003 priority Critical patent/WO2011078811A1/en
Publication of WO2011078811A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011078811A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/10Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
    • G07F17/12Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property comprising lockable containers, e.g. for accepting clothes to be cleaned
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/001Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/002Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05GSAFES OR STRONG-ROOMS FOR VALUABLES; BANK PROTECTION DEVICES; SAFETY TRANSACTION PARTITIONS
    • E05G1/00Safes or strong-rooms for valuables
    • E05G1/06Safes or strong-rooms for valuables having provision for multiple compartments
    • E05G1/08Safes or strong-rooms for valuables having provision for multiple compartments secured individually

Definitions

  • Example embodiments relate to retail machines and systems and methods that enable buying, selling and auctioning of goods and services.
  • This invention relates to retail machines and systems and methods of enabling retailing of goods and/or services using the said retail machine.
  • retail machines such as vending machines
  • these existing retail machines are limited to allowing only authorized operators, such as owners, renters and authorized personnel, of the retail machine to offer items for sale and receive proceeds of the sale.
  • small-scale manufacturers, distributors, providers, retailers and resellers of goods and services have encountered varying degrees of difficulty pertaining to selling their good and/or services, particularly from the standpoint of retail locations, public exposure, and overhead costs.
  • a small-scale reseller of a small quantity of low profit margin products will not find it commercially feasible to contract to rent a popular retail location to sell their products since such retail locations will typically carry expensive rental costs and long duration commitment contracts.
  • Such small-scale resellers may even find it difficult and not feasible to contract to rent cheaper, smaller and/or less popular retail locations if their profit margins, and equally important, their inventory quantities are low.
  • vending machines From a buyer's standpoint, the selection and availability of contents offered for sale by vending machines have always been limited to those selected, stocked and made available by an authorized operator of the vending machine. That is, existing vending machines have not enabled buyers, particularly those who are not immediately in front of the vending machine, to know of the selection and availability of goods being offered for sale in the vending machines. Particularly, a buyer can only know what is being offered for sale and correspondingly select an item to purchase if and when the buyer is actually in front of the vending machine to see the selection and availability of the contents therein.
  • Present example embodiments relate generally to retail machines and systems and methods of enabling any person to buy, sell and/or auction their goods and/or services automatically through the said retail machine.
  • An example embodiment relates generally to a retail machine comprising a protective exterior, at least one compartment for use by a seller to offer at least one good and/or service for sale, at least one door and a locking means, at least one processing unit, and at least one transaction means to buy, sell and/or auction goods and/or services.
  • Another example embodiment relates generally to a system comprising at least one retail machine having connectivity to the internet; at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
  • Another example embodiment relates generally to a method comprising at least one retail machine having connectivity to the internet; at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
  • example embodiments provide for an improved retail machine, with direct reference to example embodiments and systems and methods in the retail industry, it is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that the present inventions can also be for use in other industries and applications, including the retail industry, department store industry, service industry and food and beverage industry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment having one compartment.
  • Fig. 2 is a front view of an example embodiment having one compartment.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view of an example embodiment having more than one compartment.
  • Fig. 4 depicts an example embodiment of a system connected to the internet.
  • FIG. 1 An example embodiment of a retail machine 100 is depicted in Figure 1.
  • the retail machine comprises an internal compartment 102 for use in displaying one or more items 109 offered for sale by a seller.
  • the seller is preferably a person other than an authorized operator, manager and/or owner of the retail machine 100.
  • a protective exterior 101 provides protection to the interior of the compartment 102 and its contents 109, particularly from unauthorized access, tampering, theft, weather elements and damage of the contents 109.
  • the protective exterior 101 may ensure the compartment and/or all elements of the retail machine 100, including electrical elements, computing elements, moneys and information of the retail machine 100, are air tight, waterproof and/or not accessible to unauthorized operators.
  • the protective, exterior 101 includes at least one transparent area and/or section so as to allow a person in the proximity of the retail machine 100 to view the contents 109 of the retail machine 100.
  • the interior of the compartment 102 can be any of a number of shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, a sphere, etc.
  • the interior of the compartment 102 includes at least one light source for use to illuminate the contents 109 therein.
  • the light source serves several purposes, including illuminating the contents 109 under low light conditions and improving the aesthetical appeal of the contents 109.
  • the retail machine 100 includes a securable door 103.
  • the door 103 is for use by a seller to access a vacant compartment so as to allow the seller to place his/her one or more items in the compartment 102.
  • the door 103 is also for use by a successful buyer to access his/her purchased content(s).
  • the door 103 is securely lockable by a locking means 104.
  • a processing unit 112 in example embodiments communicates with, among other elements, the locking means 104 to control access to the compartment 102.
  • Processing unit 112 may include a central computing device, a display means 105, a transaction means 106, an input means 107, a backup battery source, and/or memory storage such as one or more hard drives or flash memory.
  • the purpose of the processing unit 112 is to automatically control and/or receive instructions to control the retail machine 100 and its transactions.
  • the processing unit 112 is also connectable to the internet by wired 110 and/or wireless means which, among other things, enables information pertaining to an offer for sale of product(s) by a seller to be displayed on the internet.
  • Connectivity to the internet also enables remote viewing of items being offered for sale in the retail machine 100 through use of one or more recording devices 108.
  • the recording device may be a webcam, digital camera and/or video camera.
  • the one or more recording devices may be controllably movable by the seller and/or viewers of the contents of the compartment. Alternatively or in addition, the contents of the compartment may be controllably movable by the seller and/or viewers.
  • Internet connectivity also enables buyers to make purchase transactions from their internet-enabled computing device. Furthermore, internet connectivity enables authorized personnel to access, maintain, monitor and control the retail machine 100 from an internet-enabled computing device.
  • the processing unit 112, recording means 208 and all other elements of the retail machine 100 requiring power to operate receive power through use of at least one wired connection 1 11, such as a power cable. Due to the importance of stored information and the desire for continuous operation of the retail machine 100, example embodiments may also include secondary backup power sources, such as batteries.
  • the seller will be required to successfully complete an offer for sale transaction.
  • the seller may have the option to offer his/her product(s) for sale for a fixed price or in the form of an auction.
  • a fixed sale duration term may be set for all sellers.
  • the sale duration term may be set by the seller, or extendible at the option of the seller.
  • the offer for sale transaction may require the seller to place the product 109 in the compartment 102 and close the door 103.
  • the seller may also be required to enter one or more contact information, such as an email address, a mobile telephone number, a telephone number, a Blackberry ⁇ number, a mailing address, and/or any other means of contacting the seller.
  • the purpose of the contact information is to enable the retail machine 100 and/or authorized operators of the retail machine 100 to alert the seller of a successful sale of the seller's product 109.
  • Another purpose of the contact information may be to enable the retail machine 100 and/or authorized personnel of the retail machine 100 to alert the seller of an upcoming expiry or expired sale duration.
  • Each sale duration term may require a fixed or variable compartment rental fee from the seller.
  • a successful sale of the seller's good(s) 109 may result in a fixed or variable commission fee to be deducted from the sale.
  • the proceeds to the seller may comprise the total amount of the sale less a commission fee.
  • the offer for sale transaction may also include providing the seller with a seller redemption code, which is for use by the seller to collect proceeds of a successful sale of the seller's good(s) 109.
  • the seller redemption code may also be for use by the seller to take back his/her good(s) 109 upon expiry of the sale duration or if the seller no longer wishes to offer his/her good(s) 109 for sale in the retail machine 100.
  • the seller redemption code may be provided to the seller in the form of a receipt, which may also include the date of deposit of the contents 109, any initial rental fees paid by the seller, and/or the seller's contact information.
  • the seller redemption code may also be generated only upon a successful sale, in which case the seller redemption code may then be provided to the seller using the seller's recorded contact information.
  • the various fees required from the seller may be configurable by an authorized operator of the retail machine 100.
  • the authorized operator of the retail machine 100 may have the option to set an initial compartment rental fee, which is a fee that the seller must pay to complete the offer for sale transaction.
  • the authorized operator may also have the option to set a commission fee, which is a fee deducted upon a successful sale.
  • the commission fee may be set to 10% of the total sale amount.
  • the operator may not require an initial rental fee for the first 2 days of the sale, and require payment of the initial rental fee for continued display of the good(s) 109 thereafter.
  • the operator may not require any initial rental fee and merely charge the seller a commission fee upon a successful sale.
  • the seller may use input means 107 and 207 to record information pertaining to the good(s) 109 being offered for sale.
  • the input means 107 and 207 may be a keyboard or other means to receive input from the seller.
  • the information entered by the seller may include a title of the product, such as "Chanel sunglasses", a product description, such as "Almost brand new Chanel sunglasses purchased in USA in January 2009 for USD 300", contact information of the seller, and a sale price, such as "THB 2000".
  • the seller may remotely record the information pertaining to the good(s) using an internet-enabled computing device instead of and/or in addition to using the input means.
  • the input means may be for use in example embodiments by a potential buyer to interact with the retail machine 100, learn more about an item being offered for sale, contact the seller, and/or contact the operator of the retail machine.
  • the input means may also be for use by a buyer to complete a purchase transaction.
  • the seller may have the option to auction his/her item 109, in which case the seller must select as such in the offer for sale transaction accordingly.
  • the seller may use the input means to set the minimum bid starting price, a minimum strike price, and duration of the auction.
  • a bidder may be required to enter a bid price and possibly a maximum bid price, followed by his/her contact information.
  • the contact information may be for use by the retail machine 100 and 200 and/or authorized operators to alert the bidder that a higher bid has been received and/or upon successfully winning the auction.
  • the bidder may also be required to guarantee payment upon successfully winning an auction by, for example, recording his/her credit card and/or making a deposit.
  • a bidder may also be provided with, upon registering a bid, a receipt detailing his/her bid and/or a bidder redemption code for use in the event the bidder wins the auction.
  • the successful bidder may simply be required to return to the retail machine 100 and 200, enter his/her bidder redemption code, and make appropriate payments and/or balance owing if a deposit was made, which promptly unlocks the securing means 104 and 204 to allow the successful bidder, or buyer, to access and obtain the good(s) 109.
  • the display means 105 and 205 may visually assist a seller in interacting with the retail machine 100 and 200 and/or authorized operators of the retail machine, and/or completing the offer for sale transaction.
  • the display means may also visually assist a potential buyer in interacting with the retail machine and/or authorized operators of the retail machine, learning more about an item being offered for sale, and/or contacting the seller.
  • the display means may also visually assist a buyer in completing a purchase transaction.
  • the input means 107 and 207 in present embodiments may be implemented by multi-functional display means 105 and 205, such as through use of a touch-screen display 305 shown in Figure 3. In this case, the touch-screen display means 305 will serve both display and input functions.
  • the transaction means 106 and 206 is for use by sellers to make initial rental fee payments, buyers to make purchase payments, and successfully bidders to make purchase payments and/or deposits/guarantees.
  • the transaction means 106 and 206 also enables successful sellers to receive proceeds of a successful sale.
  • the transaction means may include a credit card insertion slot 220, a bank note slot 230 for monetary paper bills, a coin slot 240 and one or more scanners 250.
  • the scanner 250 may be for use by a seller to receive proceeds of a successful sale, in which case the seller will not be required to manually enter his/her seller redemption code.
  • the scanner 250 may also be used by an unsuccessful seller to take back his/her goods 109.
  • the scanner 250 may also be used by an internet buyer who completed a purchase transaction using his/her credit card on the internet.
  • the scanner may also be used by a successful bidder of an auction.
  • the scanner 250 may also be used by buyers, sellers and/or bidders to identify themselves in example embodiments that keep track of persons for the purpose of memberships, frequent buy/sell incentives, etc. It is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that the transaction means may also be a separate central unit.
  • the retail machine includes external connections 110 and 1 11 for internet connectivity and receiving power from a wall outlet, respectively.
  • Figure 3 depicts an example embodiment of a retail machine 300 comprising a plurality of compartments 302 each having a door 303.
  • the retail machine 300 is controlled by a single processing unit 312 comprising a specialized display means 305, such as touch-screen display, and transaction means. 306.
  • the transaction means 306 may comprise a credit card insertion slot 320, a bank note slot 330, one or more coin slots 340 and one or more scanners 350.
  • Each compartment may be independently lockable by a seller using a lock 304, and unlockable upon, among other ways, a successful purchase transaction.
  • the plurality of compartments need not be of equal shapes and/or sizes.
  • Figure 4 depicts a network diagram view of several retail machines 400 and 400' connected to the internet 410. Contents offered for sale in the retail machines 400 and 400' are viewable remotely by persons utilizing computing devices 420 connected to the internet, such as those using computers and mobile computing devices.

Abstract

A retail machine and system and method of transaction thereof are provided in present invention, which are used by a person to buy, sell and/or auction goods and/or services. The retail machine comprises a protective exterior, at least one compartment for use by a seller to offer at least one good and/or service for sale, at least one door and a locking means, at least one processing unit, and at least one transaction means to buy, sell and/or auction goods and/or services.

Description

RETAIL MACHINE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRANSACTION THEREOF
FIELD
Example embodiments relate to retail machines and systems and methods that enable buying, selling and auctioning of goods and services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to retail machines and systems and methods of enabling retailing of goods and/or services using the said retail machine. Although various forms of retail machines, such as vending machines, are well known and widely used in the industry, these existing retail machines are limited to allowing only authorized operators, such as owners, renters and authorized personnel, of the retail machine to offer items for sale and receive proceeds of the sale.
Up until now, small-scale manufacturers, distributors, providers, retailers and resellers of goods and services have encountered varying degrees of difficulty pertaining to selling their good and/or services, particularly from the standpoint of retail locations, public exposure, and overhead costs. For example, a small-scale reseller of a small quantity of low profit margin products will not find it commercially feasible to contract to rent a popular retail location to sell their products since such retail locations will typically carry expensive rental costs and long duration commitment contracts. Such small-scale resellers may even find it difficult and not feasible to contract to rent cheaper, smaller and/or less popular retail locations if their profit margins, and equally important, their inventory quantities are low. These problems become even more significant to an average person who merely wishes to sell one or a few of his/her personal items, such as used goods or unwanted gifts or purchases, and does not desire to commit to contract for a retail space. Similar problems are also encountered for medium and large-scale producers of goods. For example, a leading sports apparel producer may have a new product that they wish to either test, introduce or immediately sell in a new domestic or international market. To do so, the producer will typically need to contract with various retailers, distributors and/or resellers. Such contracts typically require payments of, among other things, shelving fees to stock the retailer's shelves with the new product. From a buyer's standpoint, the selection and availability of contents offered for sale by vending machines have always been limited to those selected, stocked and made available by an authorized operator of the vending machine. That is, existing vending machines have not enabled buyers, particularly those who are not immediately in front of the vending machine, to know of the selection and availability of goods being offered for sale in the vending machines. Particularly, a buyer can only know what is being offered for sale and correspondingly select an item to purchase if and when the buyer is actually in front of the vending machine to see the selection and availability of the contents therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Present example embodiments relate generally to retail machines and systems and methods of enabling any person to buy, sell and/or auction their goods and/or services automatically through the said retail machine.
An example embodiment relates generally to a retail machine comprising a protective exterior, at least one compartment for use by a seller to offer at least one good and/or service for sale, at least one door and a locking means, at least one processing unit, and at least one transaction means to buy, sell and/or auction goods and/or services.
Another example embodiment relates generally to a system comprising at least one retail machine having connectivity to the internet; at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
Another example embodiment relates generally to a method comprising at least one retail machine having connectivity to the internet; at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
Although the example embodiments provide for an improved retail machine, with direct reference to example embodiments and systems and methods in the retail industry, it is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that the present inventions can also be for use in other industries and applications, including the retail industry, department store industry, service industry and food and beverage industry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment having one compartment.
Fig. 2 is a front view of an example embodiment having one compartment.
Fig. 3 is a front view of an example embodiment having more than one compartment.
Fig. 4 depicts an example embodiment of a system connected to the internet.
Although similar reference numbers are used to refer to similar elements for convenience, it can be appreciated that each of the various embodiments may be considered to be distinct variations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An example embodiment of a retail machine 100 is depicted in Figure 1. The retail machine comprises an internal compartment 102 for use in displaying one or more items 109 offered for sale by a seller. The seller is preferably a person other than an authorized operator, manager and/or owner of the retail machine 100. A protective exterior 101 provides protection to the interior of the compartment 102 and its contents 109, particularly from unauthorized access, tampering, theft, weather elements and damage of the contents 109. In an example embodiment, the protective exterior 101 may ensure the compartment and/or all elements of the retail machine 100, including electrical elements, computing elements, moneys and information of the retail machine 100, are air tight, waterproof and/or not accessible to unauthorized operators. In a preferred embodiment, the protective, exterior 101 includes at least one transparent area and/or section so as to allow a person in the proximity of the retail machine 100 to view the contents 109 of the retail machine 100.
The interior of the compartment 102 can be any of a number of shapes, such as a square, a rectangle, a sphere, etc. Preferably, the interior of the compartment 102 includes at least one light source for use to illuminate the contents 109 therein. The light source serves several purposes, including illuminating the contents 109 under low light conditions and improving the aesthetical appeal of the contents 109.
In an example embodiment, the retail machine 100 includes a securable door 103. The door 103 is for use by a seller to access a vacant compartment so as to allow the seller to place his/her one or more items in the compartment 102. The door 103 is also for use by a successful buyer to access his/her purchased content(s). The door 103 is securely lockable by a locking means 104.
A processing unit 112 in example embodiments communicates with, among other elements, the locking means 104 to control access to the compartment 102. Processing unit 112 may include a central computing device, a display means 105, a transaction means 106, an input means 107, a backup battery source, and/or memory storage such as one or more hard drives or flash memory. The purpose of the processing unit 112 is to automatically control and/or receive instructions to control the retail machine 100 and its transactions. In example embodiments, the processing unit 112 is also connectable to the internet by wired 110 and/or wireless means which, among other things, enables information pertaining to an offer for sale of product(s) by a seller to be displayed on the internet. Connectivity to the internet also enables remote viewing of items being offered for sale in the retail machine 100 through use of one or more recording devices 108. The recording device may be a webcam, digital camera and/or video camera. The one or more recording devices may be controllably movable by the seller and/or viewers of the contents of the compartment. Alternatively or in addition, the contents of the compartment may be controllably movable by the seller and/or viewers. Internet connectivity also enables buyers to make purchase transactions from their internet-enabled computing device. Furthermore, internet connectivity enables authorized personnel to access, maintain, monitor and control the retail machine 100 from an internet-enabled computing device. The processing unit 112, recording means 208 and all other elements of the retail machine 100 requiring power to operate receive power through use of at least one wired connection 1 11, such as a power cable. Due to the importance of stored information and the desire for continuous operation of the retail machine 100, example embodiments may also include secondary backup power sources, such as batteries.
For a seller to be able to offer for sale one or more of his/her products and/or services 109 using the retail machine 100, the seller will be required to successfully complete an offer for sale transaction. The seller may have the option to offer his/her product(s) for sale for a fixed price or in the form of an auction. A fixed sale duration term may be set for all sellers. Alternatively, the sale duration term may be set by the seller, or extendible at the option of the seller. In an example embodiment, the offer for sale transaction may require the seller to place the product 109 in the compartment 102 and close the door 103. The seller may also be required to enter one or more contact information, such as an email address, a mobile telephone number, a telephone number, a Blackberry ΡΓΝ number, a mailing address, and/or any other means of contacting the seller. The purpose of the contact information is to enable the retail machine 100 and/or authorized operators of the retail machine 100 to alert the seller of a successful sale of the seller's product 109. Another purpose of the contact information may be to enable the retail machine 100 and/or authorized personnel of the retail machine 100 to alert the seller of an upcoming expiry or expired sale duration. Each sale duration term may require a fixed or variable compartment rental fee from the seller. Furthermore, a successful sale of the seller's good(s) 109 may result in a fixed or variable commission fee to be deducted from the sale. That is, the proceeds to the seller may comprise the total amount of the sale less a commission fee. The offer for sale transaction may also include providing the seller with a seller redemption code, which is for use by the seller to collect proceeds of a successful sale of the seller's good(s) 109. The seller redemption code may also be for use by the seller to take back his/her good(s) 109 upon expiry of the sale duration or if the seller no longer wishes to offer his/her good(s) 109 for sale in the retail machine 100. The seller redemption code may be provided to the seller in the form of a receipt, which may also include the date of deposit of the contents 109, any initial rental fees paid by the seller, and/or the seller's contact information. Alternatively, the seller redemption code may also be generated only upon a successful sale, in which case the seller redemption code may then be provided to the seller using the seller's recorded contact information.
. The various fees required from the seller may be configurable by an authorized operator of the retail machine 100. In an example embodiment, the authorized operator of the retail machine 100 may have the option to set an initial compartment rental fee, which is a fee that the seller must pay to complete the offer for sale transaction. The authorized operator may also have the option to set a commission fee, which is a fee deducted upon a successful sale. For example, the commission fee may be set to 10% of the total sale amount. As another example, the operator may not require an initial rental fee for the first 2 days of the sale, and require payment of the initial rental fee for continued display of the good(s) 109 thereafter. As another example, the operator may not require any initial rental fee and merely charge the seller a commission fee upon a successful sale. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seller may use input means 107 and 207 to record information pertaining to the good(s) 109 being offered for sale. The input means 107 and 207 may be a keyboard or other means to receive input from the seller. The information entered by the seller may include a title of the product, such as "Chanel sunglasses", a product description, such as "Almost brand new Chanel sunglasses purchased in USA in January 2009 for USD 300", contact information of the seller, and a sale price, such as "THB 2000". In another example embodiment, the seller may remotely record the information pertaining to the good(s) using an internet-enabled computing device instead of and/or in addition to using the input means.
The input means may be for use in example embodiments by a potential buyer to interact with the retail machine 100, learn more about an item being offered for sale, contact the seller, and/or contact the operator of the retail machine. The input means may also be for use by a buyer to complete a purchase transaction.
In an example embodiment, the seller may have the option to auction his/her item 109, in which case the seller must select as such in the offer for sale transaction accordingly. The seller may use the input means to set the minimum bid starting price, a minimum strike price, and duration of the auction. In an auction-type sale, a bidder may be required to enter a bid price and possibly a maximum bid price, followed by his/her contact information. The contact information may be for use by the retail machine 100 and 200 and/or authorized operators to alert the bidder that a higher bid has been received and/or upon successfully winning the auction. The bidder may also be required to guarantee payment upon successfully winning an auction by, for example, recording his/her credit card and/or making a deposit. In a similar manner to the offer for sale transaction, a bidder may also be provided with, upon registering a bid, a receipt detailing his/her bid and/or a bidder redemption code for use in the event the bidder wins the auction. In the event a bidder wins the auction, the successful bidder may simply be required to return to the retail machine 100 and 200, enter his/her bidder redemption code, and make appropriate payments and/or balance owing if a deposit was made, which promptly unlocks the securing means 104 and 204 to allow the successful bidder, or buyer, to access and obtain the good(s) 109.
The display means 105 and 205 may visually assist a seller in interacting with the retail machine 100 and 200 and/or authorized operators of the retail machine, and/or completing the offer for sale transaction. The display means may also visually assist a potential buyer in interacting with the retail machine and/or authorized operators of the retail machine, learning more about an item being offered for sale, and/or contacting the seller. The display means may also visually assist a buyer in completing a purchase transaction. It is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that the input means 107 and 207 in present embodiments may be implemented by multi-functional display means 105 and 205, such as through use of a touch-screen display 305 shown in Figure 3. In this case, the touch-screen display means 305 will serve both display and input functions.
The transaction means 106 and 206 is for use by sellers to make initial rental fee payments, buyers to make purchase payments, and successfully bidders to make purchase payments and/or deposits/guarantees. The transaction means 106 and 206 also enables successful sellers to receive proceeds of a successful sale. As shown in Figure 2, the transaction means may include a credit card insertion slot 220, a bank note slot 230 for monetary paper bills, a coin slot 240 and one or more scanners 250. The scanner 250 may be for use by a seller to receive proceeds of a successful sale, in which case the seller will not be required to manually enter his/her seller redemption code. The scanner 250 may also be used by an unsuccessful seller to take back his/her goods 109. The scanner 250 may also be used by an internet buyer who completed a purchase transaction using his/her credit card on the internet. The scanner may also be used by a successful bidder of an auction. The scanner 250 may also be used by buyers, sellers and/or bidders to identify themselves in example embodiments that keep track of persons for the purpose of memberships, frequent buy/sell incentives, etc. It is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that the transaction means may also be a separate central unit.
The retail machine includes external connections 110 and 1 11 for internet connectivity and receiving power from a wall outlet, respectively.
Figure 3 depicts an example embodiment of a retail machine 300 comprising a plurality of compartments 302 each having a door 303. The retail machine 300 is controlled by a single processing unit 312 comprising a specialized display means 305, such as touch-screen display, and transaction means. 306. In an example embodiment, the transaction means 306 may comprise a credit card insertion slot 320, a bank note slot 330, one or more coin slots 340 and one or more scanners 350. Each compartment may be independently lockable by a seller using a lock 304, and unlockable upon, among other ways, a successful purchase transaction. As shown in Figure 3, the plurality of compartments need not be of equal shapes and/or sizes. Figure 4 depicts a network diagram view of several retail machines 400 and 400' connected to the internet 410. Contents offered for sale in the retail machines 400 and 400' are viewable remotely by persons utilizing computing devices 420 connected to the internet, such as those using computers and mobile computing devices.
Although the aforesaid example embodiments provide for retail machine and systems and methods of transacting improvements over those previously known in the art, with direct reference to example embodiments and applications in the retail machine industry, it is to be understood by persons ordinarily skilled in the art that present embodiments described herein are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the invention, and implies no limitation thereof. Various modifications and improvements of the present embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as recited in the appended claims, and these will naturally be included as equivalents in the invention. Furthermore, various modifications and improvements of present embodiments are applicable in other applications and industries without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as recited in the appended claims, and these too will naturally be included as equivalents in the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A retail machine comprising:
a protective exterior;
at least one compartment for use by a seller to offer at least one good and/or service for sale;
at least one door and a locking means;
at least one processing unit; and
at least one transaction means to buy, sell and/or auction goods and/or services;
2. The retail machine of claim 1 wherein the door is lockable by the seller upon successfully completing an offer for sale transaction.
3. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein the door is unlockable by a buyer upon successfully completing a purchase transaction.
4. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one compartment is viewable by a person standing in the vicinity of the retail machine.
5. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one . compartment is viewable on at least one internet website.
6. The retail machine of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the purchase transaction is successful upon a payment by cash or credit card using the transaction means.
7. The retail machine of any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the purchase transaction is successful upon entering a code, inserting or scanning a proof of purchase, proof of intent to purchase or coupon, using the transaction means.
8. The retail machine of any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein the purchase transaction is successful upon making payment through the internet.
9. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one compartment comprises at least one digital recording device for use in capturing a picture and/or video of the compartment contents.
10. The retail machine of any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the successful offer for sale transaction includes placing the at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in the compartment.
1 1. The retail machine of any one of claims 2 to 10 wherein the successful offer for sale transaction includes setting a price.
12. The retail machine of any one of claims 2 to 1 1 wherein the successful offer for sale transaction includes entering a description of the at least one good and/or service being offered for sale.
13. The retail machine of any one of claims 2 to 12 wherein the successful offer for sale transaction includes payment by the seller of a rental fee.
14. The retail machine of any one of claims 2 to 13 wherein the successful offer for sale transaction includes recording of the seller's contact information.
15. The retail machine of claim 14 wherein the recorded seller contact information includes a telephone number, mobile telephone number, claim code, email address, Blackberry PIN number, and/or mailing address.
16. The retail machine of any one of claims 14 or 15 wherein the seller is notified using the recorded contact information upon a successful purchase transaction.
17. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a transaction means for use to receive purchase payments, proof of payments and/or seller fees.
18. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least a portion of the proceeds of a successful sale is provided to the seller.
19. The retail machine of any one of claims 17 or 18 wherein the proceeds are provided to the seller using the transaction means.
20. The retail machine of any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein at least one processing unit is in communication with the transaction means.
21. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one processing unit is in communication with the locking means.
22. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one processing unit comprises a means to connect to the internet.
23. The retail machine of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one processing unit comprises a means to store data pertaining to all transactions.
24. A system comprising:
at least one retail machine of any one of the preceding claims having connectivity to the internet;
at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and
at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
25. A method comprising:
at least one retail machine of anyone of the preceding claims having connectivity to the internet;
at least one internet website displaying at least one good and/or service being offered for sale in at least one of the retail machines; and
at least one means to process transactions pertaining to at least one of the goods and/or services.
PCT/TH2009/000003 2009-12-24 2009-12-24 Retail machine and system and method of transaction thereof WO2011078811A1 (en)

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PCT/TH2009/000003 WO2011078811A1 (en) 2009-12-24 2009-12-24 Retail machine and system and method of transaction thereof

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US20170148059A1 (en) * 2013-02-15 2017-05-25 David D. Minter System for Promoting Spontaneous Purchases of Goods Using Prestocked Lockers and Proximity Marketing
CN108335409A (en) * 2018-01-31 2018-07-27 姹ょ淮 A kind of automatic realization lease, the commodity transaction control system given back and sold

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US20170148059A1 (en) * 2013-02-15 2017-05-25 David D. Minter System for Promoting Spontaneous Purchases of Goods Using Prestocked Lockers and Proximity Marketing
CN108335409A (en) * 2018-01-31 2018-07-27 姹ょ淮 A kind of automatic realization lease, the commodity transaction control system given back and sold

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