Method for returning a goods shipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for returning a goods shipment, which is to be returned, via a local return network using a shipment terminal, comprising the following steps: a. initiating a return task, according to which the goods shipment to be returned is to be returned via the local return network, b. storing the goods shipment to be returned in the shipment terminal; c. creating an offer to purchase the goods shipment to be returned via the local return network; d. accepting, by a return purchaser, the offer to purchase the goods shipment to be returned; e. collecting, by the return purchaser, the goods shipment to be returned from the shipment terminal. Such a method enables the return costs to be reduced and sustainability to be improved.

Description

[0001] Procedure for returning a consignment of goods

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for returning a consignment of goods to be returned.

[0003] The return of goods after delivery to a customer is common practice. These shipments are typically returned to the original sender (e.g., a retailer or seller). Goods are returned for a variety of reasons, such as defective goods, incorrect size, a mistaken purchase, dissatisfaction, etc. There are many reasons for returning goods.

[0004] Depending on the market segment, the shipping volume due to returned shipments is immense. This entails massive personnel and storage requirements, emissions from delivery vehicles, and thus environmental impacts. Overall, returns are associated with considerable costs. Especially in the clothing sector, returns pose enormous challenges for those affected (e.g., sellers, retailers, delivery personnel, and customers).

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for returning a consignment of goods which reduces the return costs and is sustainable.

[0006] This problem is solved by a method according to patent claim 1.

[0007] The present invention relates to a method for returning a consignment of goods to be returned via a local returns network using a shipment terminal, comprising the following steps: a. Initiating a return task, according to which the consignment of goods to be returned is to be returned via the local returns network; b. Depositing the consignment of goods to be returned in the shipment terminal; c. Creating an offer to purchase the consignment of goods to be returned via the local returns network; d. Acceptance of the offer to purchase the consignment of goods to be returned by a return purchaser; e. Collection of the consignment of goods to be returned by the return purchaser from the shipment terminal.

[0008] The core idea of ​​the invention is that a return consignment is not sent directly back to the original sender by a return sender (e.g., a customer), but rather is offered to local interested parties via a local returns network. If a local interested party accepts the offer to purchase a return consignment, they act as the return purchaser, replacing the original return sender (to whom the return consignment would be sent in a traditional return process).

[0009] Local here refers specifically to a geographically limited area (e.g., a radius) in relation to the shipping terminal. A geographically limited area can be, for example, a city, a city with a defined surrounding area, a group of cities, a town, several towns, a district, a region, a federal state, etc. As a rule, "local" refers to a local or regional geographical area in relation to the shipping terminal.

[0010] A shipping terminal can be understood as a deposit point for goods shipments, e.g., parcels or letters. A shipping terminal can have one or more storage compartments (also referred to as deposit compartments or collection compartments). A shipping terminal can be stationary or mobile. A shipping terminal can be connected to a power grid or have a self-sufficient power supply unit. A shipping terminal can have a display unit and an input unit. The input unit can be implemented in the form of a touch display as part of the display unit. A shipping terminal can have communication means for the (wireless or wired) transmission of data, e.g., via the Internet. The shipping terminal can have short-range communication means for on-site communication (or data transmission) with mobile devices in the vicinity (a few meters away) of the shipping terminal.

[0011] A returns task can be the assignment (or definition) of a shipment of goods for return via the local returns network.

[0012] A local returns network can be an internet platform or an internet portal. The local returns network can be embodied in the form of application software that runs on participants' end devices. Returned goods are offered for purchase via the local returns network. This can be a type of "local marketplace."

[0013] Depositing a shipment in the shipping terminal means that a returns sender places the shipment to be returned in a compartment, e.g., a storage compartment, of the shipping terminal. The sender can open the compartment, deposit the shipment, and close the compartment. The opening and closing of the compartment can be automated.

[0014] The return purchaser is not the original sender of the goods or the return sender, but rather a third party who receives the goods via the local returns network as a result of accepting an offer created there. The return purchaser can pick up the goods from the shipping terminal. This can also be done by a delivery person or service provider. The return purchaser can be, for example, a second-hand buyer, a second-hand dealer, a local dealer, a third-party dealer, a buyer, a private individual, etc.

[0015] Further embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description.

[0016] According to a first embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the return task is initiated by an original sender, for example a retailer, or a return sender, for example a customer, of the consignment of goods to be returned. According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that a code is assigned to the return task and that this code is affixed to the consignment of goods. A code can be a shipment number, a numeric code, a character code, a letter code, a letter-numeric code, a barcode, a QR code, a data matrix code, a 2D code, a 2D data matrix code, a 3D code, or a 3D data matrix code. The code can indicate that a consignment of goods is based on a return task, i.e. that this consignment of goods is participating in a return via the local returns network.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the return task is initiated by the original sender with an operator of the shipment terminal, in particular online.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the return task is initiated by the return sender, for example the customer, with an operator of the shipping terminal, in particular online and / or via an input unit of the shipping terminal.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that when the return task is initiated via the input unit of the shipment terminal, an authorization check of the return sender is carried out to initiate the return task, preferably by means of multi-factor identification of the return sender, more preferably by means of two-factor identification of the return sender. Multi-factor identification can be carried out, for example, by scanning the code affixed to the consignment of goods and then additional identification, e.g., via email, SMS, telephone, additional code, face scan, fingerprint scan, etc. Identification can take place directly at the shipment terminal, e.g., via an input unit of the shipment terminal or a scanner arranged there. If identification is via email, SMS, telephone, etc., the result of the identification can be forwarded to the shipment terminal.It may also be possible to carry out multi-factor identification using a (mobile) terminal, whereby the mobile terminal can communicate directly (e.g. via Bluetooth) or indirectly (e.g. via the Internet) with the shipment terminal.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, the shipment terminal can provide return packaging for the shipment of goods to be returned. Return packaging can be a package, a bag, a pouch, a film (e.g., made of plastic or paper), a cardboard box, a rePack bag, a box, a crate, etc.

[0021] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, the shipment terminal can automatically pack the goods to be returned using the provided return packaging. For this purpose, the shipment terminal can have a packaging unit. The packaging unit can be operated mechanically. The packaging unit can be operated robotically.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the consignment of goods to be returned is deposited in a storage compartment, in particular in a separate storage compartment for consignments of goods to be returned via the local returns network. The storage compartment can hold several consignments of goods to be returned. After (e.g., temporarily) holding a consignment of goods to be returned in a separate storage compartment, the consignment of goods can be forwarded to another storage compartment of the shipment terminal. This can be done automatically. The storage compartment can have a security mechanism with which consignments of goods can be deposited in the storage compartment but not removed, e.g., implemented by a security flap.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, the consignment of goods to be returned can be deposited in the shipping terminal for a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period can be extended, for example, upon payment of a fee.

[0024] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that the consignment of goods to be returned is, after the expiry of the predetermined time, a. returned to the original sender or released to the latter for collection, or b. sent to another recipient or released to the latter for collection.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of a method according to the invention, it can be provided that, when the consignment to be returned is sent to the alternative recipient or picked up by the alternative recipient, the consignment to be returned is relabeled in the shipping terminal, e.g., by a printer or a labeling unit. During relabeling, an address or name of the alternative recipient and / or a modified shipment number or code can be applied to the consignment.

[0026] Further details of the present invention will be explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments.

[0027] As already mentioned at the beginning, a key advantage of a returns process according to the invention is the reduction in shipping volume (depending on the market segment or product segment – ​​e.g., with clothing – this can lead to a significant number of returns). This can reduce the costs, particularly for retailers, sellers, or distributors, for inspecting and processing goods sent with shipments. Such savings can be passed on using the process described here, e.g., in the form of discounts on the original value of the goods to purchasers of returns (e.g., buyers) and, if applicable, through discounts to the sender of the returns (e.g., an original recipient of the shipment, i.e., a customer).

[0028] An original sender (this can be, for example, a retailer) or a return sender (original recipient of the shipment, i.e. a customer) can participate in the proposed procedure.

[0029] The original sender (hereinafter referred to as the retailer) can affix a code, e.g. an activation code (e.g. in the form of a barcode, a QR code, a data matrix code, a 2D code, a 2D data matrix code, a 3D code or a 3D data matrix code) to the consignment of goods in order to trigger participation in the return of the consignment of goods via the local returns network or to initiate a return task. A returns sender (hereinafter referred to as the customer) can initiate a return task or confirm a return task initiated by the retailer simply by using the activation code, e.g. by depositing the consignment of goods (on which the activation code is attached) in the shipping terminal. Furthermore, by using the code, the customer can consent to the transmission of data (e.g.Customer data, customer ratings in an online sales platform such as a local marketplace, and / or data on the shipment of goods) to an operator of the shipment terminal and trigger a data transfer.

[0030] A customer can also initiate a return task by requesting participation in the return process via the local returns network or by requesting the activation code to be attached to the shipment of goods online from the retailer.

[0031] It may also be provided that the customer is registered in an online portal of an operator of the shipping terminal (or another service provider), so that shipment information (or article information) for the shipment of goods is requested from the merchant by the operator of the shipping terminal upon dispatch (announcement / receipt / or manual entry of the shipment number / order number in an app of the operator of the shipping terminal or the said service provider) of the shipment of goods and is then displayed in the app with the return task (also for individual articles).

[0032] Furthermore, it may be stipulated that the merchant releases a shipment number or other identification number for the shipment in its systems for the shipment to participate in a return via the local returns network (this can also be understood as initiating a return task). It may be stipulated that the operator of the shipment terminal (or another service provider) checks this information in the merchant's systems when attempting to submit the returns to a shipment terminal. For this purpose, the operator of the shipment terminal may be granted access to the merchant's systems.

[0033] As mentioned, a customer (returns sender) can initiate the return task via the input unit of the shipping terminal. They can enter a code, a shipment number, an order number, the activation code, or similar information via an input unit of the shipping terminal. This can also be done using a scanner on the shipping terminal. A scanner can also be considered an input unit of the shipping terminal. The scanning or input can also be done using the customer's mobile device, with the associated information then being forwarded to the operator of the shipping terminal or a service provider. This can also be done using an app. As mentioned, an authorization check of the returns sender (the customer) can be carried out to initiate the return task. This can be done using multi-factor identification.This can, for example, prevent a third party from starting this process with shipping cartons taken from waste paper using only the shipment number.

[0034] In a further step, the customer may be required to consent to further data processing. Certain data can then be requested from the retailer (e.g., customer details / information about the shipment / items for return). The customer then selects the items for return (via the local returns network), which can be done using the input unit of the shipment terminal.

[0035] Alternatively, the customer can prepare these steps in an app (e.g., from the operator of the shipping terminal or a service provider) and then transmit them to the shipping terminal simply by entering or scanning a code.

[0036] The returned shipment can then be packaged (possibly automatically) using return packaging. It can also be arranged for the shipping terminal to issue return packaging, and the customer can use it to package the returned shipment. The customer then deposits the returned shipment in a storage compartment of the shipping terminal. This can be referred to as storage. This can be done using a separate storage compartment designated exclusively for shipments to be returned via the local returns network.

[0037] It may also be provided that "normal" customers (i.e., non-pre-registered customers who have initiated a returns task) are also offered the option of returning a shipment of goods via the local returns network when depositing a "normal" return at the shipping terminal or online.

[0038] As already mentioned, within the framework of the proposed procedure for a consignment of goods to be returned, an offer to purchase the returned consignment of goods can be made via the local returns network.

[0039] For example, the consignments can be offered on a flat-rate basis to professional (local) second-hand buyers. These buyers can purchase the consignments manually via a platform or based on predefined parameters (e.g., type of goods, size, brand, original dealer, customer rating).

[0040] It is also possible to offer the shipments to other customers on a local marketplace. An additional (anonymous) rating is displayed for the returning customer (based on the evaluation of previous returns and their quality and condition). Third parties can purchase and pay for the items directly via an app (e.g., from the returns network or the operator of the shipping terminal) and then receive a pickup code for the shipment directly at the shipping terminal after payment.

[0041] It may be stipulated that an offer is always considered a complete package for all items contained in a shipment of goods to be returned.

[0042] It may also be provided that, based on parameters specified by the retailer (item group, return sender's rating, possibly also taking into account the time the consignment is deposited in the shipping terminal, and buyer group (end customer or professional buyer)), the consignment is offered at a price dynamically calculated based on these parameters. It may be provided that if no buyer for a returned consignment can be found after a predetermined time (e.g., by the retailer), a "normal" return to the original sender (e.g., retailer) is initiated, or the consignment is made available to the original sender (e.g., retailer) for collection. The original sender (e.g., retailer) may be charged fees by the operator of the shipping terminal for the time the consignment is deposited in the shipping terminal.

[0043] It may also be provided that an original sender can alternatively decide, based on certain parameters (e.g., total merchandise value), that the shipment be donated locally to a nonprofit organization. Such a nonprofit organization may be referred to as an "other recipient." Other recipients are not limited to nonprofit organizations.

[0044] It may be stipulated that the original sender of the consignment of goods (e.g. the retailer) receives the money paid by a return purchaser to the operator of the consignment terminal or a service provider for the purchase of the consignment of goods to be returned (possibly less a transaction fee).

[0045] The buyer of returns may be required to provide a rating of the quality and condition of the purchased goods. The rating can be provided anonymously, but can be clearly assigned to a return sender. The rating can then be processed, stored, and used for future participation in the system. The assignment, processing, and storage can be carried out by the operator of the shipment terminal or a service provider.

[0046] It may be intended that the return of a consignment of goods via the described procedure, i.e. via the local returns network, is combined with additional marketing campaigns for the return sender (customer) (e.g. discounts, customer loyalty system / "collecting points" with the retailer or other sustainability-related customer loyalty programs).

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for returning a consignment of goods to be returned via a local returns network using a shipment terminal, comprising the following steps: a. Initiating a return task, according to which the consignment of goods to be returned is to be returned via the local returns network; b. Depositing the consignment of goods to be returned in the shipment terminal; c. Creating an offer to purchase the consignment of goods to be returned via the local returns network; d. Acceptance of the offer to purchase the consignment of goods to be returned by a return purchaser; e. Collection of the consignment of goods to be returned by the return purchaser from the shipment terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the return task is initiated by an original sender, for example a retailer, or a return sender, for example a customer, of the shipment of goods to be returned.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein a code is assigned to the return task and this code is affixed to the consignment of goods.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the return task is initiated by the original sender with an operator of the shipment terminal, in particular online.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the return task is initiated by the return sender, for example the customer, with an operator of the shipping terminal, in particular online and / or via an input unit of the shipping terminal.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein upon initiation of the return task via the input unit of the shipment terminal, an authorization check of the Returns sender to initiate the return task, preferably by means of multi-factor identification of the returns sender, further preferably by means of two-factor identification of the returns sender.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shipment terminal provides return packaging for the shipment of goods to be returned.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the shipment terminal automatically packages the goods to be returned using the provided return packaging.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consignment of goods to be returned is deposited in a storage compartment, in particular in a separate storage compartment for consignments of goods to be returned via the local returns network.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the consignment of goods to be returned is deposited in the consignment terminal for a predetermined time.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the consignment of goods to be returned after the expiry of the predetermined time c. is returned to the original sender or released to the latter for collection, or d. is sent to another recipient or released to the latter for collection.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the case of sending the consignment of goods to be returned to the other recipient or upon collection by the other recipient, the consignment of goods to be returned is relabeled in the shipping terminal, e.g., by a printer or a labeling unit.

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