Vehicle lead generation system using byer criteria

Abstract

The invention is directed to a system for generating a lead by determining an estimated for a vehicle. The system may receive vehicle identifying information; receive seller identifying information; receive information for a sample of vehicles of the same make and model as the vehicle; determine a value for vehicle using the vehicle identifying information and the historical information, wholesale sales through auctions and at dealerships; (and also vehicle condition information if provided), and determine an estimated value, estimated value range, or offer price for the vehicle using predetermined buyer criteria and the determined value. This offer may then be transmitted to the seller in the form of a price certificate, appraisal report, etc., and the seller identifying information may be transmittal to the buyer as a sales lead.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 640,852 filed Aug. 14, 2003, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 403,272, filed on Aug. 14, 2002, which are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to a system for generating leads for the sale of vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for generating leads by determining an offer price for a vehicle using historical data, such as wholesale sales that occur at vehicle auctions and dealerships, and dealer selected buyer criteria. Even more particularly, the invention relates to an online system for generating leads by determining an offer price for a vehicle using this information. BACKGROUND [0003] In order to acquire a new vehicle, the consumer who intends to dispose of their current vehicle must complete at least three major processes. These operat...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a system that helps dealers generate leads for selling vehicles. It allows consumers to access the system through the internet or in person and provides offers for the value of their vehicle. The system uses information provided by the consumer and historical data to determine the value of the vehicle and refine the offer. The technical effect is a more efficient and effective way to generate leads for vehicle sales."

Problems solved by technology

However, these sites do not allow the consumer to obtain an actual offer on a vehicle from a dealer.

Unfortunately, such systems have the significant disadvantage that they do not allow the dealer to customize an offer for the vehicle based upon dealer designated buying criteria.

This is a significant disadvantage, since particular dealers may want to adjust their offer price based upon factors that are of importance to them specifically.

Moreover, such sites do not refer the consumer (and generate leads) from the dealer's own Web site.

This is a significant disadvantage as such systems can not readily be used as a lead generating engine for specific participating dealers.

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