AI-powered, interactive gift card or voucher

Abstract

Gift card or voucher with a printed QR code and / or integrated NFC chip, wherein the QR code or the integrated NFC chip provides a cardholder with access to retrievable brand and / or company-specific information on products of a brand or company using AI-supported media.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a gift card or voucher for transmitting brand- and / or company-specific information. The promotional item is intended for targeted and personalized sales promotion and customer loyalty.

[0002] It is known to provide such promotional materials on decorative media, packaged or unpackaged, as a gift of monetary value in the form of gift cards or vouchers. Examples of this are described in the applicant's patent applications DE 20 2016 009 009 U1 and DE 20 2022 002 237 U1.

[0003] These cards are used in a variety of ways. They are now an integral part of customer acquisition and retention. They are used by a buyer who purchases the card at a point of sale when a direct cash gift is not desired.

[0004] The cards are either company-specific or not. This means that the gift card or voucher is either designed for redemption at only one company or brand and is usually offered at a company-owned sales outlet, or the gift card or voucher is offered at any sales outlet and the buyer and / or recipient of the gift card / voucher can choose from a number of companies or brands for which redemption is possible.

[0005] Gift cards / vouchers either have a predetermined monetary value or they do not. This means that either a monetary value is already fixed on the gift card / voucher, or the buyer can load any amount up to the legally stipulated maximum.

[0006] These cards and vouchers are functional and popular as a gift with monetary value when you want to give the recipient the choice of what to buy with them.

[0007] Young, modern consumers, such as those of Generation Z (Gen Z), are looking for more than just functionality. They expect personal experiences that traditional gift cards cannot offer. Such largely emotionless transactional products are often not well-received due to the lack of personal interaction.

[0008] The goal is therefore to offer a new product that reaches younger generations and thus attracts and engages a new consumer base. Naturally, the product should appeal to consumers of all ages.

[0009] The idea behind this new product is the digital transformation of gift-giving.

[0010] The subject of the present invention is therefore a gift card or voucher with a printed QR code and / or integrated NFC chip, wherein the QR code or the integrated NFC chip provides the holder of the card with access to retrievable brand and / or company-specific information on products of a brand or company by means of AI-supported tools.

[0011] In marketing, AI-powered solutions are used to optimize customer interaction, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management), chatbots, or virtual assistants. However, such tools are not yet used in conjunction with gift cards or vouchers.

[0012] This connection provides gift card or voucher holders with an unforgettable, interactive experience upon redemption. Each redemption becomes a personalized moment, making the retrieved information emotionally tangible and thus creating a deeper connection to a brand or company.

[0013] At the same time, the distributor of the gift card or voucher can strengthen customer loyalty and expect significant sales promotion. A good digital experience is coherent, personalized, and customer-oriented, contributing to customer satisfaction and loyalty—a win-win situation, so to speak.

[0014] The aforementioned advantages are particularly evident when the AI-supported tools are trademark- and / or company-specific avatars, as per the application, which present the trademark and product information upon request. Real-time talking avatars are preferred in this context.

[0015] In the context of this application, "brand- and / or company-specific designed avatar" means that the avatar is / will be developed to match the brand or company background and the ideas and needs of the card distributor, whereby its target customer group should / may also play a role.

[0016] “Realtime-Talking Avatars” gives the holder of the gift card or voucher the feeling of personal advice or support when selecting a suitable product from a presented product portfolio.

[0017] In principle, the card / voucher or avatar can already be protected from unauthorized access by the QR code and / or NFC chip. However, within the scope of this registration, a PIN can also be provided on the gift card / voucher to prevent third parties from using the avatar and the information accessible through it at the POS (Point of Sale) without purchasing the card / voucher. Via the QR code or the integrated NFC chip, the gift card or voucher, with the help of the AI ​​avatar, enables direct digital interaction between the provider (company, business, store) and the user / holder of the card / voucher and future customers, i.e., the recipient of the gift card or voucher.

[0018] Through this interaction with the user / recipient, the avatar learns their brand personality and purchasing behavior. Analyzing and evaluating customer data and behavior helps to understand needs, optimize digital experiences, and create personalized experiences, thereby contributing to increased sales.

[0019] Real-time interaction offers practical solutions that benefit both users / customers and brand or company owners.

[0020] AI tools, such as the real-time talking avatars used in accordance with the application, will improve retail operations and customer interaction by reducing costs, optimizing inventory management, and increasing market velocity through the analysis of sales data and customer behavior. They personalize the shopping experience and improve customer service. They combine the best of technology and human understanding to enhance customer engagement and care.

[0021] The AI ​​avatars act as shopping assistants, understanding (learning) customers' needs and preferences and then offering personalized product recommendations. This enhances the shopping experience, leading to improved customer satisfaction, increased sales, and optimized operational efficiency. By utilizing advanced AI algorithms, these assistants provide customers with tailored suggestions, making shopping more intuitive and enjoyable.

[0022] A gift card or voucher equipped in this way is linked to a digital experience (DX) that contributes to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Digital experience platforms (DIX) can be used for implementation. These are central systems that integrate content management, marketing automation, and other functions to create personalized experiences.

[0023] The gift card / voucher serves for targeted and personalized sales promotion and customer loyalty. From this perspective, it can also be advantageous if the avatar is programmed to prompt for the customer's name and possibly the current balance of the card / voucher, and if such data is stored on file.

[0024] A possible embodiment of a gift card or voucher as described in the application, in accordance with claims 1 to 9, is outlined below: A buyer purchases a gift card or voucher equipped according to the registration specifications at the point of sale (POS). The recipient, the future customer, scans the card using the QR code or the integrated NFC chip. An avatar then appears, possibly greeting the customer by name and introducing itself as a sales assistant. If provided on the card / voucher, the avatar displays the current available balance. This can also be displayed to the user in other ways. The avatar asks the customer about their personal wishes or preferences. Based on this information, the avatar offers suggestions on how the available balance could be used within the desired range of products, presents various options, provides advice, and makes product recommendations.

[0025] Here is a flowchart using a gift card as an example for redemption at a specific fashion house: Step 1: The QR code is scanned. The gift card holder, now the customer, scans the QR code, for example with a mobile device, and thus gains access to stored brand- and / or company-specific information, such as that of a particular fashion store where the card balance can be redeemed. A preferably youthful-looking "real-time talking avatar" appears. Step 2: The personal greeting The avatar greets the customer, introduces itself, possibly by name, as a sales assistant and provides information about the available credit. Step 3: Dialogue between avatar and customer. Through the dialogue between the avatar and the customer, the avatar learns and understands how the card or gift balance can be used, tailored to the customer's wishes (e.g., an item of clothing for a specific formal occasion). The avatar also asks the customer about their height, hair color, and personality type. Step 4: The Interactive Experience. The avatar presents a selection of items suitable for the customer's type, size, and occasion (consultation). The customer selects and purchases the item. Step 5: The Lasting Impression A charming, witty and interactive consultation by a real-time talking avatar leaves a lasting impression on the customer, leads to customer satisfaction and, in the long term, to customer loyalty.

[0026] The use of a real-time talking avatar with a gift card or voucher offers a unique shopping experience, especially for younger customers, and is expected to lead to higher sales and revenue rates. Furthermore, analyzing customer behavior opens up opportunities for cross-selling and retargeting. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2016 009 009 U1

[0002] DE 20 2022 002 237 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Gift card or voucher with a printed QR code and / or integrated NFC chip, wherein the QR code or the integrated NFC chip provides a cardholder access to retrievable brand and / or company-specific information on products of a brand or company by means of AI-supported media. [2] Gift card or voucher as per claim 1, characterized by that the AI-supported media are brand- and / or company-specific designed avatars that present the product information. [3] Gift card or voucher according to one of claims 1 and / or 2, characterized by that the avatars are real-time talking avatars. [4] Gift card or voucher in accordance with claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that a PIN is additionally provided to protect the card / note, in particular the avatar, from unauthorized use. [5] Gift card or voucher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the avatars are configured for digital, direct interaction with a cardholder. [6] Gift card or voucher in accordance with claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the avatars understand the brand personality and purchasing behavior of the cardholder through interaction with the cardholder. [7] Gift card or voucher in accordance with claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the avatars know or can retrieve the monetary value of the card / note. [8] Gift card or voucher in accordance with claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the avatars know or can retrieve the name of the cardholder / ticket holder. [9] Gift card or voucher according to one of claims 1 to 8 for targeted and personalized sales promotion and customer loyalty.