Apparatus and method for facilitating transactions

Abstract

An apparatus and method for facilitating a transaction, including a memory device for storing information regarding at least one of a good, a product, and a service, and a processor for processing at least one of a request for information regarding the at least one of a good, a product, and a service, and at least one of a bid and an offer to purchase the at least one of a good, a product, and a service. The processor processes at least one of the request for information and the at least one of a bid and an offer in conjunction with information contained in the memory device, and further wherein the processor generates a transaction report, wherein the transaction report contains at least one of the requested information and a response to the at least one of a bid and an offer, and further wherein the response contains at least one of an acceptance and a rejection of the at least one of a bid and an offer.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 094,782, filed Mar. 11, 2002, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 094,782 claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 298,999, filed Jun. 18, 2001, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 094,782 also claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 276,460, filed Mar. 16, 2001, and entitled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS”, the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for facilitating transactions and, in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an apparatus and method for facilitating transactions at stores, retail establishments, wholesale establishments, and commercial establishments. It allows individuals or shoppers to access information about goods, products, and services sold by an establishment, and to make bids or offers for the same. The apparatus includes a central processing computer system and user devices that can communicate with the system. The invention can also be used to monitor sales and revenues, calculate profits, and determine which goods, products, or services an individual or shopper is looking for. The communication network can be any suitable communication system or combination of systems. The apparatus and method can be used in a variety of ways to facilitate transactions."

Problems solved by technology

But there are many drawbacks associated with on-line purchases.

Other concerns in on-line transactions can include the consumer being unable to try clothes on for correct sizing, an inability to consult a salesperson for assistance in-person, and an inability to physically compare and / or inspect different goods, products, or services, alongside others and in-person.

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