Store support system

Abstract

To effectively attract customers by supporting a store such as a beauty salon.SOLUTION: A message management unit (2) of a store support system (1) sets dates D2, D3, and D4 with reference to a visit date (D1) of a customer, transmits a message to the customer at the date D2 via an instant messenger, and transmits a message to the customer at the date D4 via the instant messenger if the customer has not made a repeat visit reservation by the date D4. The message management unit (2) transmits a reservation confirmation message to the customer at a date D6 preceding a repeat visit date (D5), and transmits a repeat visit invitation message to the customer at a date D7 if the customer has not made a repeat visit reservation for a long time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a store support system capable of encouraging customers to return to a store, and more particularly to a store support system capable of encouraging customers of a beauty salon to return to the store. [Background technology]

[0002] Industries that provide services such as customer service, treatment, and instruction include beauty salons, massage parlors, nail salons, personal training gyms, etc. In many of these types of stores, store staff (beauticians and trainers) provide services to customers one-on-one.

[0003] For example, beauty salons offer a wide variety of services. Generally, services can be broadly categorized as cuts, perms, hair dyeing, treatments, blow-drying, etc., and the time required to provide each service varies. Furthermore, the time and price required for each service may vary depending on the gender of the customer, the chemicals used, the experience and position of the styling hairdresser, and whether or not the hairdresser is requested. Beauty salons are expected to efficiently provide a variety of services while meeting the individual needs of customers. For this reason, many beauty salons have adopted a reservation system to eliminate waiting time for customers and improve the work efficiency of hairdressers. In recent years, people who wish to visit beauty salons often search for salons on the Internet, check prices, and make reservations, making Internet systems indispensable for beauty salon management.

[0004] So far, various beauty salon systems on the Internet have been proposed, such as the following. Patent Document 1 describes a system that collectively manages beauty salon reservations acquired from multiple external reservation systems. Patent Document 2 describes a system that calculates a service price linked to the time period in which the service is provided. Patent Document 3 describes an application that efficiently rearranges reservations. Patent Document 4 describes a system that encourages Internet site visitors and customers without reservations to make reservations during the beauty salon staff's free time. Patent Document 5 describes a system that increases the opportunities to provide services to Internet site visitors and customers without reservations by separately displaying services that can be provided immediately and services that cannot be provided immediately to Internet site visitors and customers without reservations, thereby improving the store's operating rate. These examples are effective as a method to attract the interest of users who suddenly think of visiting a beauty salon and to make a reservation even just before visiting the salon. In short, these prior arts are methods to increase the operating rate of a beauty salon at the current time or on the day.

[0005] However, nowadays, beauty salons are also concerned with "how to increase the rate of repeat customers." Nowadays, when it is easy to find salons and compare prices online, and reservations can also be made or canceled online, it is essential for beauty salons to make efforts to secure repeat customers in order to increase their profits.

[0006] Techniques for encouraging customers to return to a salon using paper media such as direct mail and postcards have been around for quite some time, but it is difficult to attract the customer's attention among the many paper advertising media they receive. As an example using the Internet, Patent Document 6 describes a solicitation method in which the customer's next visit date is predicted based on the customer's visit history and the beauty salon's standard performance, and an invitation email to return is sent at a predetermined time based on the predicted date. However, with this method, the accuracy of the prediction may decrease if the customer has a poor record of visiting the salon. In addition, there is a considerable probability that the customer will not open the email they receive, which calls into question the effectiveness of the solicitation.

[0007] On the other hand, systems that provide product information to customers and encourage them to return to the store are described in Patent Documents 7 and 8. These methods are effective for retail stores that can highlight their product lineup, but cannot be applied to beauty salons that do not sell products. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Patent registration number 7097036 [Patent Document 2] Patent registration number 6964303 [Patent Document 3] Patent Registration No. 4881612 [Patent Document 4] Patent registration number 7002089 [Patent Document 5] Patent Registration No. 7032750 [Patent Document 6] Patent Registration No. 4761824 [Patent Document 7] Patent registration number 6293603 [Patent Document 8] JP 2007-241351 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Thus, for example, beauty salons have a problem with the lack of effective means to encourage customers to return and secure repeat customers. This problem also exists in other stores that do not sell products but provide services such as customer service, treatment, and instruction, such as massage parlors, nail salons, and personal training gyms.

[0010] In this specification, the term "beauty salon" is taken in a broad sense. In addition to hair salons, the term "beauty salon" also includes eyebrow salons and beauty salons for the body and face. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The inventor of the present invention has sought a highly practical store support system that allows stores to effectively encourage customers to return and provide services that will provide high customer satisfaction over the long term and repeatedly. As a result, he has discovered a store support system that uses instant messenger at a specific date and time set based on the date and time of the customer's visit to the store. That is, the present invention is as follows.

[0012] (Invention 1) A system (1) for supporting store operations, The system includes a message management unit (2), The message management unit (2) sets the following dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the customer's visit date and time (D1), D2: The date and time a specific period after D1. D3: The date and time predicted by the system above a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before D3. The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at date and time D2, The message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger to the above-mentioned customers who have not made a re-visit reservation as of date and time D4. Store support system (1). (Invention 2) If the above customer makes a reservation for a return visit date and time (D5), The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at date and time D6. Invention 1: Store support system (1). (Invention 3) If the customer has not made a reservation for the next visit date and time (D5), The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) a specific period after D3, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at date and time D7. Invention 1: Store support system (1). (Invention 4) When the customer revisits the store on the date and time of the revisit reservation, the date and time D1 is updated to the date and time of the revisit. The message management unit (2) sets the following new dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the updated date and time D1, D2: The date and time a specific period after D1. D3: The date and time predicted by the system above a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before D3. The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at the new date and time D2, The message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger to the customers who have not made a re-visit reservation as of the new date and time D4. Invention 1: Store support system (1). (Invention 5) If the customer makes a reservation for a return visit date and time (D5) after the above update of D1, The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at date and time D6. Invention 4: Store support system (1). (Invention 6) If the customer has not booked a return date and time (D5) after the update of D1, The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) a specific period after D3, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger at date and time D7. Invention 4: Store support system (1). (Invention 7) In addition, it has a customer form (3), a reservation form (4), and a medical interview form (5), A record of the services provided by the store to the customer is entered in a customer record (3), Enter the reservation status data for the above store in the reservation form (4), The above customer information collected via instant messenger is entered into the medical interview form (5), The message management unit (2) sets the above dates and times D2, D3, and D4 by referring to data stored in one or more of the customer form (3), the appointment form (4), and the medical interview form (5). Invention 1: Store support system (1). (Invention 8) The store support system (1) of the invention 1, wherein the above-mentioned store is selected from a beauty salon, a massage parlor, a nail salon, and a personal training gym. (Invention 8) The store support system (1) of the present invention 1 is linked to an external system (10). (Invention 9) A store support system (1) of Invention 1 that cooperates with an external system (10) and updates data stored in any one of D1, D2, D3, and D4, and / or any one or more of a customer form (3), an appointment form (4), and a medical interview form (5) by referring to information stored in the external system (10). Effect of the Invention

[0013] The messages sent to customers by the message management unit (2) of the store support system (1) of the present invention have the effect of increasing customer satisfaction and encouraging customers to return to the store. The store support system (1) of the present invention can collectively manage customer forms (3), reservation forms (4), and medical interview forms (5). [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows how this system (1) supports the business of a beauty salon. Figure 1(a) shows how this system (1) sends a thank-you message and a message inviting a customer 1 to make a return visit to the salon. Figure 1(b) shows an example in which the return visit invitation message for date and time D4 is omitted in this system (1). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows how the system (1) supports the operations of a beauty salon. FIG. 2(a) is an example in which a customer makes a reservation to return to the salon after date and time D4. FIG. 2(b) is another example in which a customer makes a reservation to return to the salon after date and time D4. FIG. 2(c) is another example in which a customer makes a reservation to return to the salon after date and time D4. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows how the system (1) sends a message to a customer 6 who has not made a reservation for a long time. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows how a customer 7 repeatedly makes reservations and visits to a beauty salon supported by this system (1). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the concept of the present system (1). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the concept of the present system (1).

[0015] In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, time passes in the direction of the arrows. The dotted lines in the figures are auxiliary lines to help you understand the agreement of dates and times. The thin solid lines in the figures are auxiliary lines that show the passage of time. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Store support system (1)] The store support system (1) of the present invention supports store operations that do not sell products but instead provide services such as customer service, treatment, and instruction, such as beauty salons, massage parlors, nail salons, personal training gyms, etc. The store support system (1) has a message management unit (2).

[0017] The message management unit (2) sets the following dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the customer's visit date and time (D1). D2: The date and time a specific period after D1. D3: The date and time predicted by the system above a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before D3.

[0018] The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at date and time D2. Furthermore, the message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger to the customer who has not made a re-visit reservation as of date and time D4.

[0019] In this system (1), the "date and time" is time data consisting of date and time that can be registered, set, displayed, and referenced by the computer program executed in this system (1). The unit of the above "date and time" (how many hours or minutes the time is counted) and the variables assigned to the above "date and time" are appropriately selected according to the store's operations.

[0020] The date and time D1 is time data consisting of a date and time extracted by the system (1) from the customer's most recent store visit history, or D1 is time data consisting of a date and time generated by the system (1) according to a preset calculation rule by referring to the customer's most recent store visit history.

[0021] For example, if a beauty salon accepts reservations in 30-minute increments during its business hours from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., customers can select the desired service (e.g., haircut and shampoo) and the date of visit (e.g., September 1, 2023) when making a reservation on the Internet site, and can also select a visit time (service start time) from 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 17:30, and 18:00. For example, when customer A who has booked a haircut and shampoo at 11:00 on September 1, 2023 arrives at the salon as scheduled, the system (1) can register the service start date and time: 11:00 on September 1, 2023 as date and time D1. In this case, the system (1) can also register 12:00 on September 1, 2023, which is close to the actual end of the service, as date and time D1, by referring to both customer A's visit time of 11:00 and the pre-set service time required (30 x 2 (minutes) for haircut and shampoo).

[0022] In this way, when the system (1) sets and registers date and time D1 after extracting and / or referring to the specified time data, the system further sets dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on date and time D1 by referring to date and time D1 and, if necessary, other pre-set customer data, service data, etc.

[0023] D2, D3, and D4 are time data consisting of a date and time before or after a "specific time" calculated from D1. The "specific time" is appropriately set in this system (1) according to each of D2, D3, and D4 and according to the services of the store using this system (1).

[0024] For example, in this system (1), the "specific period" may be set in units of days (one day later is +1 date), or the "specific period" may be set in units of 30 minutes (30 minutes x times). Depending on the services and customers provided by the store, the "specific period" may be set in units of months (one month later is +1 month). In rare cases, it may be set in units of minutes. Common to all of the dates and times D2, D3, and D4, it is preferable that the "specific period" is selected so that the messages sent to customers at the dates and times D2, D3, and D4 will attract the customers' attention the most.

[0025] By using the messages in D2 and D4 described above, the store using the store support system (1) can encourage the customer to make a reservation for the date and time of their return visit (D5). The messages in D2 and D4 can be sent automatically by the message management unit (2) instead of manually by store staff. The customer receives the messages on a smartphone or the like. Since the probability that a customer will miss or ignore a message received by instant messenger is lower than that of email or telephone, this system (1) can more reliably deliver messages to customers.

[0026] There is no restriction on the instant messenger used by the present system (1). For example, any communication function implemented by LINE (registered trademark), WhatsApp (registered trademark), Viber (registered trademark), Kakao Talk (registered trademark), Kik (registered trademark), etc. can be used.

[0027] In this system (1), "send to customer" and "send to customer" both mean that message data is sent to an instant messenger account that the customer has registered in advance. For the customer, "send" by this system (1) specifically means that the customer receives a message from this system (1) using a communication device that is linked to the account and connected to the Internet. The communication device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC.

[0028] [D2] D2 is a date and time a specific period after D1. The "specific period" after a customer visits the store is a period during which the customer remembers the visit and is highly interested in the effectiveness of the service provided. Date and time D2, which is such a period after D1, is the optimal date and time for sending a thank-you message to the customer who visited the store. Date and time D2 is generally within three days after D1, preferably within one day, and more preferably two to eight hours after D1.

[0029] The message sent by the message management unit (2) to the customer at the date and time D2 can include an explanation or invitation for aftercare in addition to a thank you for visiting the store. Furthermore, this message can include an image or explanation that supports the effectiveness of the service provided.

[0030] For example, if the system registers D1: January 10, 2023, 14:00 (approximately the time when customer B leaves the salon) for customer B who visited a beauty salon using the system (1) at 13:00 on January 10, 2023 and received a haircut and shampoo, the message management unit (2) can set the date and time two hours after D1: January 10, 2023, 16:00 as date and time D2. In this case, the message management unit (2) sends the following message to customer B's smartphone at D2 via an instant messenger application.

[0031] "Thank you for visiting us today, Mr.... These are before and after photos we took in our shop. The area around your face looks neater, and your expression now stands out. We recommend using a wax-type setting agent for blow-drying. We look forward to seeing you again."

[0032] Customer B receives such a message when his / her visit to the salon is still fresh in his / her mind and his / her hairstyle has hardly changed since he / she left, for example, while he / she is on his / her way from the salon to his / her next destination. Customer B will be satisfied with the service he / she received as he / she will be praised for his / her current hairstyle by this message and will want to visit the same salon again.

[0033] For example, if the system registers D1: March 1, 2023, 10:00 (approximately the actual time of customer C's visit) for customer C who visited a massage parlor using the system (1) at 10:00 on March 1, 2023 and received a neck and shoulder massage, the message management unit (2) can set the date and time one day after D1: March 4, 2023, 10:00 as date and time D2. In this case, the message management unit (2) sends the following message to customer C's smartphone via an instant messenger application at D2.

[0034] "Thank you for coming to our store today, Mr.... These are before and after photos we took in the store. The range of motion in your shoulder joint has increased considerably. Repeated massages can help to eliminate stiffness and keep the condition in good condition. Make sure to receive regular, proper massages. Staff member..." [D3] D3 is the date and time the store recommends to the customer to return, and can also be considered the ideal date and time for a return visit. D3 is set in various ways depending on the services provided by the store. Generally, D3 is set as the date and time that has passed from D1 in days (24 hours) or weeks. Furthermore, if the store is aware of the customer's preferences and requests, these are also taken into consideration when setting D3.

[0035] For example, for customer B, for whom D1: January 10, 2023, 13:00 (approximately the time when customer B actually visits) is registered at a beauty salon using this system (1), the message management unit (2) can set D3 to the date and time 30 days after D1: February 10, 2023, 13:00.

[0036] For example, in the case where the system (1) registers D1: April 1, 2023, 10:00 (approximately the time when the customer D actually arrives at the gym) for customer D who has signed up for four training sessions per month at a personal training gym that uses the system (1), the message management unit (2) can set D3 to the date and time one week after D1: April 8, 2023, 10:00.

[0037] [D4] D4 is the date when customers are encouraged to make a reservation to return. D4 should be set around the time when customers are most likely to want to make a reservation. Therefore, D4 ​​is a date and time a little before D3. Regardless of the type of business of the store using this system (1), D4 is generally set to a date and time several days before D3. For example, in a beauty salon, D4 can be set to a date and time preferably three days to one week before D3, and more preferably five days before D3.

[0038] By sending a customer message via D4 from the message management unit (2), the system (1) suggests an ideal date for the customer to return to the store, informs the customer that the ideal date is approaching in a few days, and invites the customer to make a reservation close to the ideal date. The message management unit (2) sends such a message via an instant messenger application.

[0039] For example, for customer E of a beauty salon using this system (1), it is registered that a haircut, shampoo, and eyebrow grooming were provided on D1: January 10, 2023, 13:00 (approximately the actual visit time of customer D), and if the message management unit (2) sets D3: February 10, 2023, 13:00 for customer B, the message management unit (2) can set D4 to the date and time five days before D3, which is the ideal date and time for the customer to revisit the salon: February 5, 2023, 10:00. In this case, the message management unit (2) sets D4 for customer B to the date (30-5) days after D1, that is, the date 25 days after D1. The message management unit (2) sends the following message to customer B at date and time D4, for example, via an instant messenger application.

[0040] "Thank you for the other day, Mr..... How are your eyebrows doing since then? The eyebrow hair growth cycle is about one month, so I would be happy if you could come again soon to keep your eyebrows beautiful. Please come again at a time that is convenient for you. I look forward to seeing you. From your stylist, Mr....."

[0041] For example, in the case of customer D who has a contract for four training sessions per month at a personal training gym that uses this system (1), the message management unit (2) sets D4 to a date (one week-two days) after D1, that is, the date and time five days after D1: April 6, 2023, 10:00. At date and time D4, the message management unit (2) sends customer D a message such as the following via, for example, an instant messenger application.

[0042] "Thank you for the other day, Mr..... It will soon be a week since your training. It is effective to train when your muscles have recovered from fatigue. I would be happy if you could come again soon to maintain the progress you have made so far. Please come again at a time that is convenient for you. I look forward to seeing you. From your trainer,...."

[0043] Such a message may display the name of the staff member who was in charge at the most recent visit, the service items provided at the most recent visit, etc. By using such a customized solicitation message for each customer, it is possible to increase the rate at which customers return to the store.

[0044] If the customer makes a reservation to return to the store before D4, the message management unit (2) referring to the reservation data or the store staff manually cancels the sending of the message encouraging the customer to make a reservation to return to the store. In other words, the message management unit (2) sends a message encouraging the customer to make a reservation to return to the store only to customers who have not made a reservation to return to the store even when D3 is approaching.

[0045] [D5,D6] If the customer makes a reservation for the above-mentioned return visit date and time (D5) after the most recent visit date and time, the message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5. The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer at the date and time D6 by instant messenger.

[0046] Generally, immediately after the reservation, the message management unit (2) sends the customer a message informing them that their re-visit reservation has been completed. The message management unit (2) can also send this message by instant messenger. If the customer cancels or changes their reservation, the message management unit (2) also sends the customer a message informing them that the reservation change or cancellation has been completed.

[0047] The registration of date and time D5 in this system (1) is the same as that of D1. The "specific period" for D6 may be different from the "specific period" for D2 and D4 described above. D6 is the date on which the customer is reminded of the reserved revisit date D5, that is, the date on which the reminder message is sent. Considering the possibility of the customer being alerted or rescheduling, the message management unit (2) sets the date and time for D6 to be generally several days before D5, preferably one to three days before D5.

[0048] If the customer reserves a revisit date and time D5 that is earlier than the ideal revisit date and time D3, D6 (the revisit date reminder date) may arrive earlier than the above-mentioned D4 (the revisit date and time solicitation date). In this case, the message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at date and time D6, but does not send the revisit date and time solicitation message at the following date and time D4.

[0049] If the customer quickly makes a reservation for the next visit date D5 in response to the message sent by the message management unit (2) to D4, the date D6 set by the normal calculation of the number of days may have already passed. For example, this applies when D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 have the following relationship:

[0050] D1: 14:00 on January 10, 2023 (approximately the time when Customer B leaves the store) D2: 16:00, January 10, 2023 (the date and time when the thank you message was sent. Two hours after D1) D6: 14:00 on February 4, 2023 (2 days before the re-visit reservation date and time D5) D4: 10:00 on February 5, 2023 (5 days before D3. The customer makes a reservation for D5 on this day) D5: February 6, 2023 14:00 (revisit reservation date and time) D3: February 10, 2023, 13:00 (ideal revisit date and time. 30 days after D1)

[0051] In cases such as this, where the revisit date and time D5 is approaching and there is no opportunity to send a message (reminder) before D5 under normal period management, the message management unit (2) can irregularly set a reminder date and time D6 before the revisit date and time D5. In this case, the message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at the irregular date and time D6. For example, in the above example, the message management unit (2) sets D6 to one day (one day before) the revisit date and time D5, sends a message to the customer, and cancels (cancels) the settings of D3 and D4 as follows. In this case, after the customer receives the message inviting him to make a reservation for a revisit, he receives a reminder by instant messenger immediately before the revisit reservation date (shown in chronological order in FIG. 2(c)).

[0052] D1: 14:00 on January 10, 2023 (approximately the time when Customer B leaves the store) D2: 16:00, January 10, 2023 (the date and time when the thank you message was sent. Two hours after D1) D4: 10:00 on February 5, 2023 (5 days before D3. The customer makes a reservation for D5 on this day) D6: 14:00 on February 5, 2023 (irregularly set. One day before the re-visit reservation date and time D6) D5: February 6, 2023 14:00 (revisit reservation date and time)

[0053] The message management unit (2) sends, for example, the following message to the customer of the beauty salon on date and time D6.

[0054] "Hello, this is the beauty salon ···. We are currently accepting reservations for the following dates and times, so please check. [Reservation date and time] February 15, 2023 13:00 [Staff] ··· [Menu] Great value ··· plan · Cut + Color + Perm All of our staff look forward to welcoming you at our salon.

[0055] The probability that a customer will miss a message delivered by an instant messenger is relatively low. For example, when the present system (1) is used in a beauty salon, even if the customer forgets about the reservation, if the message is sent two days before the reservation date and time D5, the customer can prepare for the reservation and can also advance or postpone the reservation date and time (change the reservation). If it is about two days after receiving the message, the customer is unlikely to forget the reservation once he or she has remembered it. However, if D5 is set to one day before D6 (the day before), a customer who has forgotten about the reservation will no longer have the option of moving up the reservation date and time, and as a result, the probability that the customer will cancel will increase. Therefore, in the present system (1) that supports beauty salons, D6 can be set to two days before D5 in order to reduce customer reservation cancellations and increase the store's operating rate.

[0056] [D7] In this system (1), if a customer has not made a reservation for the revisit date and time (D5), the message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) that is a specific period after D3, and the message management unit (2) can send a message to the customer at date and time D7 by instant messenger. Despite an invitation at date and time D4, a customer may not make a reservation for the revisit date D5. In this system (1), a message is sent at date and time D7 to customers who have not made a reservation for the revisit even though the ideal revisit date D3 has long passed, inviting them to visit again. If a revisit reservation has been registered in this system (1) at the time D7 arrives, the message management unit (2) does not send the message at D7.

[0057] The "specific period" for D7 is set appropriately depending on the store using the system (1) and the services provided by the store. When the system (1) supports a beauty salon, a massage parlor, a nail salon, a personal training gym, etc., the date and time for D7 can be set to generally 10 days to 3 months after D3, and preferably 2 weeks to 2 months after D3.

[0058] For example, the message management unit (2) sends the following message to a customer of the personal training gym via instant messenger at date and time D7, which is 30 days after D3.

[0059] "Hello, Mr..... It's been two months since your last visit. How is your physical condition since then? At our shop, we have a variety of programs that allow you to consciously train muscles that you don't often use in your daily life under the guidance of our trainers. They have a reputation for being effective for preventing aging and improving beauty for members over the age of 40. Please give them a try. You can make a reservation from the link below. All our trainers look forward to seeing you!"

[0060] When the message management unit (2) sets the ideal date for a return visit (D3) and sends a message inviting the customer to return at date and time D4, the so-called repeat customer will make a reservation for a return visit date D5 around D3. When the customer actually visits the store on D5, as described below, D5 is updated and registered as the most recent visit date and time (D1), D2, D3, and D4 are set based on the new D1, and the next visit date (new D5) is again reserved. In this way, repeat customers repeatedly visit the store and make reservations in a cycle in which D1, D2, D4, and D3 are lined up repeatedly on a chronological order.

[0061] However, sometimes this cycle is broken, and a customer (a so-called dormant customer) appears who has stopped making reservations or visiting the store after their most recent visit. The messages sent in D7 are intended to bring back such dormant customers. This system (1) reminds dormant customers of the store and its services through messages in D7, encouraging them to make reservations and visit the store. The messages in D7 are effective in retaining customers.

[0062] [D1 Update] When the customer makes a reservation for a revisit date and time (D5) and actually visits the store at date and time D5, the system (1) updates date and time D1 to the date and time of the visit (D5 involving a visit). In other words, when a service is actually provided at the revisit date and time D5, date and time D5 is registered as the latest visit date and time (new D1).

[0063] The message management unit (2) sets new dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the updated date and time D1 (new D1) and in accordance with the following rules similar to those described above. The data sets constituting the previous dates and times D2, D3, and D4 are overwritten with the data sets constituting the new dates and times D2, D3, and D4.

[0064] D2: The date and time a specific period after D1. D3: The date and time predicted by the system above a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before D3.

[0065] The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at the new date and time D2. Furthermore, the message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger at the new date and time D4 to the customer who has not made a reservation to return to the store as of D4.

[0066] If the customer makes a reservation for a date and time (D5) for returning to the store after the update of D1, the message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5, and sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at the date and time D6.

[0067] If the customer has not reserved a date and time (D5) for returning to the store after the update of D1, the message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) a specific period after D3, and sends a message to the customer by instant messenger at the date and time D7.

[0068] In this way, in this system (1), when a customer actually visits the store again, D1 is overwritten with the date and time of the return visit (D5), and the settings of D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6, and the sending of messages in D2, D4, and D6 are repeated. Every time the customer visits the store, D1 is updated, and the cycle unit consisting of the above-mentioned date and time setting and message sending is repeated. If the customer stops visiting the store, an attempt is made to win the customer back by sending a solicitation message in D7. If the customer makes a reservation to return and actually visits the store after D7, the above cycle unit is repeated again. By combining the repetition of the above cycle unit with the solicitation message in D7, this system (1) can increase the number of repeat customers and also guide customers to a revisit schedule that is ideal for each service provided by the store.

[0069] [Reference information] The system (1) further includes a customer form (3), an appointment form (4), and a medical interview form (5). The message management unit (2) can set the above dates and times D2, D3, and D4 by referring to data stored in one or more of the customer form (3), appointment form (4), and medical interview form (5). In the system (1), the data registered in the customer form (3), appointment form (4), and medical interview form (5) can be updated in response to events such as a customer's visit to the store, a reservation, a change or cancellation of a reservation, a customer's response to a questionnaire, and a change in the registered content by a customer or a store staff member.

[0070] The above-mentioned updates can be made by customers or store staff directly accessing this system (1) using a terminal device. This corresponds to the case where a customer goes to his / her account on a homepage managed by the store and changes the registered information. Furthermore, the above-mentioned updates can be made by this system (1) acquiring data stored in an external system (10).

[0071] In recent years, a method of linking existing reservation sites with individual management systems of stores and offices has become widespread. Users (customers and potential customers) input and submit various information about themselves, such as reservation dates, reservation details, and contact information, on the reservation site from their terminal devices. The system that manages the reservation site (reservation system) updates the information stored in the reservation system (e.g., customer ledger information) based on the newly acquired information. Information stored in the reservation system that the above-mentioned stores and offices should refer to is provided to the systems of each store and office. The systems of each store and office update the registration information stored therein based on the updated information generated by the reservation system. Users can access multiple stores and offices from an external system in one stop. In addition, users only need to perform the same operations in the external system every time they make an update, and do not need to get used to the systems of stores and offices with different specifications.

[0072] In the case of this system (1), the information stored in this system (1) can also be updated by having the user use a relatively versatile external system (10). There are no limitations on the external system (10) as long as it can be linked to this system (1). For example, various reservation systems developed and used for beauty salons, massage parlors, nail salons, and personal training gyms can be used as the external system (10).

[0073] The subject of the above-mentioned update is all data that this system (1) links to individual users (customers or potential customers). For example, if it is found that this system (1) has recorded a date D1 that is different from the actual date of the customer's visit, the store staff can change D1 to the correct date in this system (1). When the customer actually visits the store, the store staff can access the external system (10) and register the visit date D1 on the external system, and this system (1) can also refer to this D1. In conjunction with processing such as the payment of the customer who visited the store, the actual visit date D1 may be registered in this system (1) and / or the external system (10), and this system (1) may perform data processing based on D1. When D1 is updated, this system (1) updates D2, D3, and D4.

[0074] In addition, when a customer changes the reservation date using the external system (10), this system (1) linked to the external system (10) updates the re-visit date D5 and can further update the information linked to D5.

[0075] Beauty salons, massage parlours, nail salons, personal training gyms and the like often manage various data separately, such as customer lists, store journals, reservation sheets, and e-mails sent to customers. By using this system (1), these data can be managed centrally. Furthermore, this system (1) can efficiently reference and extract data characteristic of each customer from various data equivalent to customer lists, store journals, reservation sheets, and e-mails sent to customers, and can advertise and solicit according to each customer. Therefore, this system (1) can reduce the burden of store operations.

[0076] [Customer report (3)] This system (1) registers the history of services provided to customers by stores using this system (1) in a customer form (3). Typically, an identification code (customer code) is assigned to each customer, and data such as the customer's name, contact information (address, telephone number, instant messenger address), gender, age, and date of birth are linked to the customer code.

[0077] This system (1) can refer to the customer form (3) to extract customers with specific attributes (e.g., customer codes of male customers aged 39 or younger).

[0078] [Reservation form (4)] This system (1) registers data on the reservation status of the store in a reservation form (4). The reservation form (4) has the structure of various applications known as "calendars," and links date and time data (e.g., start time and scheduled end time) that specifies the reservation time slot on the calendar with data such as the person making the reservation (customer code), the reserved service (e.g., eyebrow grooming or perm at a beauty salon, or treatment course at a massage parlor), the store's staff (e.g., staff code of a hairdresser, trainer, or manicurist), and whether or not the customer will be visiting the store at the reservation date and time.

[0079] In this system (1), by referring to the reservation slip (4), it is possible to extract customers who visit frequently (for example, the customer codes of customers who have visited the store five or more times in the past year).

[0080] [Medical interview form (5)] This system (1) registers customer information collected by instant messenger in a medical interview form (5). For example, a customer visiting a store for the first time reads a two-dimensional code at the storefront to access an instant messenger application and answers a questionnaire provided by the instant messenger application. The customer's answer data is sent to this system (1) and registered in the medical interview form (5).

[0081] In the questionnaire, customers can answer questions by selecting one answer from a set of answers prepared in advance. Data corresponding to the questions and answers are linked to a customer code and registered in the questionnaire. For example, in a questionnaire for an eyebrow salon using this system (1), the following answer options A1, A2, etc. can be easily selected in response to the following questions Q1, Q2, etc.

[0082] Q1: How did you find out about the eyebrow salon you visited? A1: Internet advertisements (a11), introductions from acquaintances (a12), and passing by (a13)

[0083] Q2: How to make a reservation A2: Internet (a21), telephone (a22), asking a family member or friend to act on your behalf (a23)

[0084] Q3: How often do you trim your eyebrows yourself? A3: Daily (a31), 2-3 times a week (a32), Once a week (a33), 2-3 times a month (a34), About once a month (a35), Once every 2-3 months (a36), Others / No processing (a37)

[0085] Q4: Eyebrow concerns A4: I don't know what eyebrows look good on me (a41), Drooping eyebrows / worried eyebrows (a42), Difference in shape between the left and right eyebrows (a43), Difference in position between the left and right eyebrows (a44), Difference in height between the left and right eyebrows (a45), Thin / thin (a46), Dark / thick (a47), Eyebrow hairs (a48), Other (a49)

[0086] Q5: Desired eyebrows A5: Parallel (a51), Arch (a52), Straight (a53), Random (a54), Maintain current shape (a55), Other (a56)

[0087] Q6: Special skin conditions A6: Atopic dermatitis (a61), use of steroids or acne medication within the past week (a62), hives (a63), metal allergy (a64), alcohol allergy (a65), allergy to cosmetics (a66), nothing in particular (a67)

[0088] In this system (1), by referring to the medical interview form (5), it is possible to extract customers who have specific concerns about their eyebrows (for example, the customer code of a customer who is concerned about the thinness or fineness of their eyebrows).

[0089] [Customize message] In this system (1), the message management unit (2) can send messages that are likely to be of interest to customers extracted based on specific characteristics, either irregularly or in conjunction with one or more of the periodic messages D2, D4, and D6 described above. For example, the system (1) can attach an advertising message, "Information about the campaign for clear eyebrows! 10% off if you visit by ** / ** / ** / **," to a message inviting customers to make a reservation for the next visit, sent at date and time D4 to only "male customers under 39 years old who have visited the store five or more times in the past year and are concerned about the thinness or thinness of their eyebrows" extracted by referring to the customer form (3), reservation form (4), and customer form (3). Such customized advertising messages are likely to attract customers' attention.

[0090] [effect] This system (1) can increase customer satisfaction and encourage customers to return to the store. The message management unit (2) of this system (1) sends messages to customers via instant messenger. Since instant messenger is less likely to be overlooked by the recipient than e-mail and the time from receipt to opening is shorter than e-mail, this system (1) can deliver messages that "resonate more with customers" by using instant messenger. Furthermore, this system (1) sequentially sends different types of messages to customers after the customer visits the store, that is, the message management unit (2) delivers a message of thanks for the customer's visit at date and time D2, a message inviting the customer to return at date and time D4, and a reservation confirmation message at date and time D6 to the customer. The message management unit (2) can appropriately set dates and times D2, D4, and D6 based on the visit date D1 according to the store, service, and customer. It is expected that the frequency of customers' return visits will increase by reliably delivering messages with content appropriate to each purpose to customers at appropriately set dates and times in this way.

[0091] Furthermore, this system (1) is equipped with a customer form (3), a reservation form (4), and a medical interview form (5), and can centrally manage almost all data related to store operations, and can effectively use this data to attract customers. Stores that use this system (1) can advertise and attract customers with less work burden, and can further improve customer satisfaction.

[0092] The present invention is useful as a system for supporting store operations in beauty salons, such as eyebrow salons, body and face esthetic salons, massage parlors, nail salons, and personal training gyms, in addition to beauty salons. EXAMPLES

[0093] Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 show how this system (1) supports the work of a beauty salon. Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 are conceptual diagrams showing the operation of this system (1) along a timeline. The spacing between dots and the length of the lines in the figures do not directly represent the actual passage of time, but are merely schematic representations. Additionally, the "customers" that appear in the following description are not depicted in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4.

[0094] [Example 1] FIG. 1(a) shows how the system (1) sends a thank-you message and a message inviting the customer to make a reservation for a return visit to the customer 1. FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the visit date and time D1, the date of sending the thank-you message for the visit D2, the ideal date and time for a return visit D3, and the date and time for inviting the customer to make a reservation for a return visit D4, arranged in chronological order. The message management unit (2) of the system (1) sent a thank-you message to the instant message account of the customer 1 at D2, which is two hours after the visit date and time D1. The message management unit (2) sets the ideal date and time for a return visit D3 to be 30 days after the visit date and time D1. D4 is, for example, five days before D3. By D4, the customer 1 has not made a reservation for a return visit. Therefore, the message management unit (2) sent a message inviting the customer 1 to make a return visit to the instant message account of the customer 1 at the date and time D4. Thus, the system (1) is in a state of waiting for a reservation from the customer 1.

[0095] [Example 2] FIG. 1(b) is an example in which the system (1) has omitted the message inviting the customer to return to the store at date and time D4. D1 and D2 are the same dates and times as those shown in FIG. 1(a). Prior to the invitation from system (1) scheduled for date and time D4, customer 2 made a reservation for return to the store on date D5. As a result, date D6, the date for the reminder of return to the store on date D5, arrived earlier than D4. The message management unit (2) sent a message to customer 2's instant message account at D6 to inform him of the return to the store on date D5. The message management unit (2) canceled the message transmission at D4.

[0096] [Example 3] FIG. 2(a) shows an example in which customer 3 makes a reservation to visit again after receiving a message inviting him to visit again at date and time D4. The definitions of D1, D2, D3, and D4 are the same as in FIG. 1. The message management unit (2) sent a message inviting customer 3 to visit again to his instant message account at date and time D4. After that, customer 3 makes a reservation to visit again on date D5, which is later than the ideal date for visiting again D3. The message management unit (2) sent a message to customer 3's instant message account at date and time D6, two days before the date for visiting again D5, to remind customer 3 of the date for visiting again D5.

[0097] [Example 4] FIG. 2(b) is another example in which customer 4 makes a reservation for a re-visit after receiving a message inviting the customer to re-visit at date and time D4. The definitions of D1, D2, D3, and D4 are the same as those in FIG. 1. The message management unit (2) sent a message inviting the customer to re-visit to the instant message account of customer 4 at date and time D4 (five days before the ideal re-visit date D3). Then, customer 4 made a reservation for a re-visit on the same day D5 as the ideal re-visit date D3. The message management unit (2) sent a message to customer 4's instant message account at date and time D6, two days before the re-visit date D5 (the day that coincides with two days before the ideal re-visit date D3), to remind customer 4 of the re-visit date D5.

[0098] [Example 5] FIG. 2(c) is another example in which customer 5 makes a reservation to visit again after receiving a message inviting him to visit again at date and time D4. In this example, the definitions of D1, D2, D3, and D4 are the same as those in FIG. 1. When the message management unit (2) sends a message inviting the customer 5 to visit again to his instant message account at date and time D4 (five days before the ideal date for visiting again D3), the customer 5 makes a reservation to visit again on day D5, which is the day after D4 and four days before the ideal date for visiting again D3. Normally, the message management unit (2) sends a message to customer 5 two days before the date for visiting again D5 (the normal date and time D6), but the normal date D6 has already passed.

[0099] In the application of this system (1), irregular processing is performed in such a case. That is, the message management unit (2) extracts customers whose next reservation date and time D5 is within two days but to whom a reservation confirmation message has not been sent, and sends these customers a reservation reminder at a date and time different from the usual D6.

[0100] The message management unit (2) sent a message to Customer 5's instant message account one day before the date of his / her return (irregular date and time D6) to confirm the date of his / her return.

[0101] [Example 6] FIG. 3 shows how this system (1) sends a message to a customer 6 who has not made a reservation for a long time. The definitions of D1, D2, D3, and D4 are the same as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. A date and time 60 days after the visit date D1 (30 days after the ideal visit date D3) is set as D7. If customer 6 has not made a reservation at the time of date and time D7, the message management unit (2) sends customer 6 a message via instant messenger inviting them to visit. The purpose of this message is to bring back so-called dormant customers.

[0102] [Example 7] Figure 4 shows how a customer 7 repeatedly makes reservations and visits to a beauty salon supported by this system (1). The process will be explained chronologically from left to right in Figure 4.

[0103] Customer 7 selects the date and time of their return visit D5, and makes a reservation for the time slot from 13:00 on May 15, 2023 to 14:00 on May 15, 2023. Customer 7 receives a reservation confirmation message via instant messenger at D6 (2 days before the reservation date: 13:00 on May 13, 2023). Customer 7 visits the salon at the reserved time of 13:00 on May 15, 2023, and receives a one-hour course of cut and shampoo. The service details are linked to Customer 7 and registered in the customer form (3).

[0104] Then, the system (1) registers 14:00 on May 15, 2023 (approximately the time when customer B leaves the store) as the new date and time D1. Based on the updated D1, the message management unit (2) sends a visit notification message to customer 7 via instant messenger at D2: 16:00 on May 15, 2023, two hours after D1. Customer 7 is satisfied with the received photo data.

[0105] The message management unit (2) assumes that the same menu will be selected and sets D3: June 15, 2023, one month after the updated D1 (the most recent benefit date and time, the previous D5), as the ideal revisit date and time. Customer 7 receives a reservation invitation message by instant messenger at D4: June 10, 2023, 14:00, five days before D3. Customer 7 makes a reservation for a one-hour slot starting at D5: June 22, 2023, 14:00, one week after D3. The reservation data, including the service to be provided to Customer 7: cut and shampoo, start date and time: June 22, 2023, 14:00 and end date and time: June 22, 2023, 15:00, and the name of the stylist desired by Customer 7, is registered in the reservation form (4).

[0106] At D6: 14:00 on June 17, 2023, five days before the revisit reservation date and time D5, customer 7 sends a reservation confirmation message to customer 7 via instant messenger. Customer 7 checks the reservation date and waits for the arrival of the reservation date: June 17, 2023.

[0107] [Example 8] Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the concept of the present system (1). In the example shown in Fig. 5, a beauty salon (100) uses the present system (1). The present system (1) has a message management unit (2), a customer form (3), a reservation form (4), and a medical interview form (5).

[0108] The message management unit (2) sets the date for sending a message to a customer based on the customer's visit date D1. The message management unit (2) sends a specified message to an account specified by the customer (200) via instant messenger (300) at a specified date and time. The message management unit (2) can also customize the content of the message for each customer by referring to the information registered in the customer form (3), appointment form (4), and medical interview form (5).

[0109] The customer's (200) smartphone (210) is connected to the Internet. The above message is displayed on the smartphone (210). The customer (200) can make a reservation by referring to the displayed message.

[0110] [Example 9] Fig. 6 shows how this system (1) cooperates with an external system (10). Customers (200) and stores (100) can use the external system (10) via the Internet (11), and this system (1) refers to information stored in the external system (100). [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] This system (1) supports operations aimed at advertising, improving service quality, and aftercare in stores such as beauty salons, massage parlors, nail salons, and personal training gyms. This system (1) can reduce the workload of store staff and improve the efficiency of store operations. Stores that use this system (1) can increase the number of so-called repeat customers. This system (1) can improve the profitability of the store. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1. Store support system 2 Message Management Section 3 Customer Form 4 Reservation slip 5 Medical Questionnaire 10 External Systems 11. Internet 100 stores (beauty salons) 200 customers 210 Smartphone 300 Instant Messenger

Claims

1. A system (1) for supporting store operations, The system includes a message management unit (2), The message management unit (2) sets the following dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the customer's visit date and time (D1), D2: A date and time a specific period after D1. D3: A date and time predicted by the system a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before the date and time D3. The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on date and time D2, The message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger on date and time D4 to the customers who have not made a re-visit reservation as of date and time D4. Store support system (1).

2. When the above customer makes a reservation for a return visit date and time (D5), The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on date and time D6. A store support system (1) as claimed in claim 1.

3. If the customer has not made a reservation for the return visit date and time (D5), The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) a specific period after D3, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on date and time D7. A store support system (1) as claimed in claim 1.

4. When the customer revisits the store on the date and time of the revisit reservation, the date and time D1 is updated to the date and time of the revisit. The message management unit (2) sets the following new dates and times D2, D3, and D4 based on the updated date and time D1, D2: A date and time a specific period after D1. D3: A date and time predicted by the system a specific period after D1. D4: A date and time a specific period before the date and time D3. The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on the new date and time D2, The message management unit (2) sends a message by instant messenger to the customers who have not made a reservation to return to the store as of the new date and time D4. A store support system (1) as claimed in claim 1.

5. If the customer makes a reservation for a return visit date and time (D5) after the update of D1, The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D6) that is a specific period before the date and time D5, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on date and time D6. A store support system (1) according to claim 4.

6. If the customer has not made a reservation for a return visit date and time (D5) after the update of D1, The message management unit (2) sets a date and time (D7) a specific period after D3, The message management unit (2) sends a message to the customer via instant messenger on date and time D7. A store support system (1) according to claim 4.

7. Furthermore, it has a customer form (3), a reservation form (4), and a medical interview form (5), A customer record (3) is used to record the history of services provided by the store to the customer. Enter the reservation status data for the above store in the reservation form (4), The customer information collected via instant messenger is entered into the medical interview form (5), The message management unit (2) sets the above dates and times D2, D3, and D4 by referring to data stored in one or more of the customer form (3), the appointment form (4), and the medical interview form (5). A store support system (1) as claimed in claim 1.

8. The store support system (1) according to claim 1, which is linked to an external system (10).

9. The store support system (1) of claim 1 cooperates with an external system (10) and updates data stored in any of D1, D2, D3, D4, and / or any one or more of the customer form (3), reservation form (4), and medical interview form (5) by referring to information stored in the external system (10).

10. The store support system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the store is selected from a beauty salon, a massage parlor, a nail salon, and a personal training gym.

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