Introduction system

Abstract

To provide a highly reliable and convenient introduction system allowing stores to freely and easily set content of privileges that are assigned to introducers and persons to be introduced when introduction is established.SOLUTION: An introduction system includes: a member customer management unit that registers only customers who have used actual stores as store members; an introduction information generation unit that allows store terminal devices to display setting screens for freely setting types and content of introduction establishment rewards and use privileges and generates introduction information according to the input content; a my-page generation unit that generates a my-page in which only introduction information issued by affiliated stores where introducers are registered as store members, is displayed in a list for every store and causes introducer terminal devices to display the my-page; and a store visit processing unit that executes at least processing of assigning the introduction establishment reward when an introduced person presents a store visit processing code at an actual store and store visit processing is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a referral system. [Background technology]

[0002] With the spread of social networking services (SNS), the influence of user word-of-mouth and referrals on business operations is growing. Traditionally, affiliate advertising, which is a performance-based system, has become widespread for purchasing products and services offered at virtual online stores. Furthermore, referral commissions are paid to introducers not only for purchasing behavior at virtual stores, but also for purchasing behavior at physical stores.

[0003] Patent document 1 describes a customer referral system in which an introduced person who has received information such as discount benefits from an introducer can receive discount benefits by presenting a discount benefit information screen to the salon owner when visiting the salon.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a referral marketing system that provides benefits to shop introducers. In the system described in Patent Document 2, the introducer provides a ticket issued online by the shop to the user. By presenting this ticket at the shop, the user can purchase a product or service at a preferential rate. Benefits are provided to the introducer based on the purchasing behavior of this user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-38892 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7141664

[0006] In the customer introduction system described in Patent Document 1, the introducer accesses the customer introduction site, enters a password, selects a stylist, and then transmits the data to the salon owner's terminal. In response, the salon owner's terminal transmits a first email containing details of discount benefits and the like to the introducer's terminal. Upon viewing this first email, the introducer sends an email with a gift (discount benefit) to the introduced person.

[0007] Furthermore, after the referred person visits the salon, a second email will be sent from the salon owner's terminal to the introducer. The introducer must present the second email at the store the next time they visit in order to receive the discount benefits associated with the introduction.

[0008] As such, the customer referral system of Patent Document 1 required a large number of interactions between the parties, resulting in problems with convenience. In particular, when an introducer introduces multiple salons to multiple people, they must manage multiple emails received from each salon, which can make information management difficult. In addition, the introducer must present the email at the store to receive the benefits, and the referral benefits are not automatically granted when the introduction is made.

[0009] In the system described in Patent Document 2, points are added to the introducer in conjunction with the user's use of tickets. The introducer can convert the accumulated points into cash at any time, making it highly convenient for the introducer to receive the introduction reward.

[0010] However, in the system described in Patent Document 2, only people who pass the screening by the system administrator can become introducers. The shop issues a limited number of tickets, and the issued tickets are assigned to each introducer. This tends to limit the range of introducers and users, and it cannot be said that the system fully meets the need to attract a large number of new customers.

[0011] Furthermore, the introducer of the system described in Patent Document 2 can select tickets to distribute without being asked whether the store has a history of use. Therefore, there is insufficient guarantee of the reliability of whether the introduced store is a good store.

[0012] Furthermore, these conventional systems do not adequately meet the needs of stores to increase the variety of benefits given to introducers and introduced persons. For example, in Patent Document 1, discount coupons are given to both the introducer and the introduced person. In Patent Document 2, points that can be redeemed for cash are given to the introducer, and discount coupons are given to the introduced person. These patent documents do not describe how stores can freely and easily set the variety of benefits given to introducers and introduced persons when an introduction is made. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, to provide a highly reliable and convenient introduction system that allows a store to freely and easily set the content of the benefits to be given to the introducer and the introduced person when an introduction is made. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] In order to solve the above problem, the introduction system provides introduction services to a plurality of affiliated stores having physical stores, an introducer who is an existing customer of the physical store and has registered as a member at the physical store, and an introducee who is introduced to the physical store by the introducer, and the introduction system includes: a member customer management unit that registers only customers who have used the physical store as store members; a introduction information generation unit that displays, on a store terminal device of the affiliated store, a setting screen that allows the introducer to freely set the type and content of an introduction completion reward for the introducer and a usage benefit for the introducee, and generates introduction information in accordance with the input on the setting screen by the affiliated store; a my page generation unit that generates a my page that lists, for each store, only the introduction information issued by the affiliated stores where the introducer is registered as a store member, and displays the my page on an introducer terminal device operated by the introducer; and a store visit processing unit that executes at least the process of granting the introduction completion reward when the introducer presents, at the physical store, a store visit processing code associated with the introduction information shared by the introducer, and the store terminal device performs store visit processing.

[0015] Preferably, the store visit processing unit is configured to execute the process of granting the use benefit in addition to the process of granting the introduction reward.

[0016] It is also preferable that the type of the introduction reward be points or coupons, and the type of the use benefit be points, coupons, or products.

[0017] Preferably, the setting screen includes a form for inputting an arbitrary URL, and the introduction information generating unit generates the introduction information including a button that specifies the URL as a redirect destination.

[0018] The system also includes a storage unit that stores URLs that are not fraudulent redirect destinations as a whitelist, It is preferable that the system further comprises a referral information management unit that issues the referral information when the URL is included in the whitelist.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the My Page generation unit generates the My Page including a sharing means selection button that allows the introducer to select a means of sharing the introduction information, and the introduction information generation unit counts the cumulative number of times the introducer has pressed the sharing means selection button and generates the introduction information including an indication of the cumulative number of times. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The present invention allows a store to freely and easily set the contents of the benefits to be given to the introducer and the introduced person when an introduction is made, and also makes it possible to provide a highly reliable and convenient introduction system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an introduction system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an introduction service realized by an introduction system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a configuration of a service providing server according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of store membership registration. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a recommended information list screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a detailed setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a registered introduction information list screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a referral information issuing flow according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flow of a data check according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an issueable number setting screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for recommendation information to be issued. [Figure 13]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a staff-specific display screen on a selection screen for referral information to be issued. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an introduction flow according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a list of recommendable stores included in a personal page for an introducer according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a store-specific recommendation information list screen included in a personal page for an introducer according to an embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an SNS posting screen of an introducer. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a presentation screen displayed on the introduced person terminal device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a presentation screen with content different from that shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store visit processing flow according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a store visit processing flow according to an embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information according to an embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of identification information according to an embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system for providing a referral reward and a usage benefit according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] (Introduction system configuration) An example of the configuration of an introduction system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 1, the introduction system 1 includes a service providing server 10, a store terminal device 20, an introducer terminal device 30, and an introduced person terminal device 40. The service providing server 10, the store terminal device 20, the introducer terminal device 30, and the introduced person terminal device 40 are connected to each other via a network NW so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0023] The service providing server 10 is operated by a service provider 50 and provides an introduction service. As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of affiliated stores 60 are affiliated with the introduction service. The introduction service is a service targeted at a plurality of affiliated stores 60 that have physical stores, introducers 70 who are existing customers of the affiliated stores 60 and have registered as members at the physical stores, and introduced persons 80 who are introduced to the physical stores by the introducers 70.

[0024] The service provider 50 may provide users with a comprehensive internet service including an introduction service. Examples of the comprehensive internet service include a reservation service for affiliated stores 60, a point awarding service for member users, and an online shopping service. The service provider 50 of the embodiment provides the introduction service to affiliated stores 60 of the comprehensive internet service that have applied to use the introduction service.

[0025] The affiliated store 60 is a business that has at least one physical store. The type of business of the affiliated store 60 is not limited, and examples include a hairdressing salon, a beauty salon, a restaurant, and a retail store. The affiliated store 60 in the embodiment is a business that has registered to use the referral service provided by the service provider 50.

[0026] The store terminal device 20 is a computer device operated by a manager and / or staff member of the affiliated store 60, and is installed, for example, in the physical store of the affiliated store 60. The store terminal device 20 may also include a computer device installed in a location other than the physical store. For example, the store terminal device 20 may include a computer device installed in the main store or headquarters of the affiliated store 60 which has multiple physical stores. The store terminal device 20 is not limited to a stationary computer device, and may also include a portable terminal device such as a smartphone terminal or tablet terminal.

[0027] The introducer 70 is an existing customer who has used the physical store of the affiliated store 60. In the embodiment, the introducer 70 is a service member who is registered as a member of a comprehensive internet service provided by a service provider, and is also a store member who is registered as a member of the physical store of the affiliated store 60. In the embodiment, a store member can, in principle, automatically become an introducer 70 for the store.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 2, a user who is a service member and also a store member of affiliated store A can become an introducer 70 for affiliated store A. The introducer 70 shown in Figure 2 is not a store member of affiliated store B, and therefore cannot become an introducer 70 for store B. The flow of store member registration will be described in detail later.

[0029] The introducer terminal device 30 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone terminal or a tablet terminal operated by the introducer 70. Note that the introducer terminal device 30 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may include a stationary personal computer.

[0030] The introduced person 80 is a user who is introduced to the physical store of the affiliated store 60 by the introducer 70. The introduced person 80 in the embodiment is a potential customer or prospective customer of the introduced affiliated store 60, and is a user who has never used the affiliated store 60. The introduced person 80 in the embodiment includes a service member who is registered as a member of the introduction service and an unregistered user who is not registered as a member of the introduction service.

[0031] The introduced person terminal device 40 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone terminal or a tablet terminal operated by the introduced person 80. Note that the introduced person terminal device 40 is not limited to a portable terminal device, and may include a stationary personal computer.

[0032] (Introduction service overview) An overview of the introduction service realized by the introduction system 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0033] In the example shown in FIG. 2, a service provider 50 provides a service site that it operates to affiliated stores 60 and registered users.

[0034] In step S1 (setting and issuing referral information), the affiliated store 60 sets the referral information using the store terminal device 20. In this embodiment, a staff member of the affiliated store 60 inputs details such as the referral fee to be given to the introducer 70 and the usage benefits to be given to the introduced person 80 on the management screen. The referral information generated based on the input details on the management screen is issued to the introducer 70 according to a predetermined procedure.

[0035] In an embodiment, the affiliated store 60 can issue multiple types of referral information associated with, for example, one staff member. It is also possible to issue referral information that is not associated with a specific staff member. It is also possible to issue an unlimited number of types of referral information. Specific examples of referral information and the procedures for issuing the same will be described in detail later.

[0036] In the embodiment, a My Page, which is a web page corresponding to the introducer 70, is generated on the service site. The issued referral information is displayed in a list for each store on this My Page for the introducer. In the embodiment, the referral information issued by the affiliated store 60 is displayed only on the My Page of the store member of that affiliated store 60. The introducer 70 can view and select the referral information of the affiliated store 60 for which he or she has registered as a store member by looking at the My Page corresponding to him or her.

[0037] In step S2 (viewing and selecting introduction information), the introducer 70 accesses his / her personal page on the service site, views the introduction information issued in step S1 by the affiliated store 60 of which he / she is a store member, and selects from the information to share with the introduced person 80, which may include specific friends and acquaintances or an unspecified number of people.

[0038] The referral information issued by the affiliated store 60 is only made public to the introducer 70 who is a store member of the affiliated store 60 (affiliated store A). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the introducer 70 can view and select the referral information of affiliated store A on his / her own My Page, but cannot view and select the referral information of affiliated store B, which is not registered as a store member. Note that in the embodiment, only customers who have a history of using affiliated store A can become store members of affiliated store A.

[0039] This ensures that the introduction by the introducer 70 is based on the usage record of the physical store of the affiliated store 60, thereby improving the reliability of the introduction. Display examples of the introducer 70's My Page will be described in detail later.

[0040] In step S3 (sharing of introduction information), the introducer 70 shares the introduction information with the introduced person 80. The introduction information that the introducer 70 shares with the introduced person 80 is associated with introducer identification information that identifies the introducer 70.

[0041] The means for sharing the introduction information is not particularly limited. For example, the URL of a web page for the introduced person showing the content of the introduction information may be shared individually with friends and acquaintances of the introducer 70. Specific examples of individually sharing with specific people include sending an email or chat message, or presenting a two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark: the same applies below)).

[0042] Furthermore, the introducer 70 can share the introduction information with not only the introducer's 70 friends and acquaintances but also an unspecified number of introduced persons 80 by posting the URL on a social networking service (SNS) or the like. The webpage for introduced persons includes a store visit processing code U12 (see FIG. 18; details will be described later) that is displayed in the store of the affiliated store 60.

[0043] In step S4 (acquisition of introduction information), when the introducer 70 posts the information, the introduced person 80 who views the post acquires the introduction information. More specifically, the introduced person 80 acquires a web page for the introduced person that includes the content of the shared introduction information and a store visit processing code associated with the introduction information.

[0044] In step S5 (visit / use), the introduced person 80 who has acquired the introduction information of the affiliated store 60 visits the physical store of the affiliated store 60 to purchase a product or receive a service. The introduced person 80 selects the introduction information he or she wants to use from the introduction information displayed on the web page for introduced people, displays the store visit processing code U12 (see FIG. 18) associated with the introduction information on his or her own terminal device, and presents it to the staff at the store. The staff at the affiliated store 60 performs store visit processing using the store terminal device, for example by reading the presented store visit processing code U12.

[0045] In step S6 (granting of usage privilege), the usage privilege set in the introduction information is granted to the introduced person 80.

[0046] In step S7 (granting of introduction establishment reward), the introduction establishment reward set in the introduction information is awarded to the introducer 70.

[0047] In the present invention, the affiliated store 60 can select from a wide variety of usage benefits and referral rewards. If the usage benefits and referral rewards are points or electronic coupons, when the staff of the affiliated store 60 executes the store visit process, the processes of steps S6 and S7 are automatically executed. Specific examples of usage benefits and referral rewards will be described in detail later.

[0048] (System functional configuration) The functional configuration of the introduction system 1 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The introduction system 1 of the embodiment includes, as functional elements, a store management unit 11, a common point processing unit 12, and a storage unit 13. The store management unit 11 of the embodiment includes a staff management unit 111, a member customer management unit 112, a introduction information generation unit 113, an introduction information management unit 114, a personal page generation unit 115, a store visit processing unit 116, a store point processing unit 117, a summary data management unit 118, and a cumulative introduction number management unit 119. In the embodiment, the service providing server 10 includes these functional elements.

[0049] The store management unit 11 acquires various information entered on the management screen displayed on the store terminal device 20, performs a process of granting a referral reward to the introducer 70, and, if necessary, performs a process of granting a usage benefit to the introduced person 80.

[0050] The staff management unit 111 acquires information about the staff of the affiliated store 60 .

[0051] The member customer management unit 112 acquires information about users of the affiliated store 60 and registers the users as store members. In the embodiment, the member customer management unit 112 registers only customers who have used the physical store of the affiliated store 60 as store members of the store.

[0052] The referral information generation unit 113 causes the store terminal device 20 to display a setting screen on which the introducer 70 can freely set the type and content of the referral compensation to be given to the introducer 70 and the type and content of the usage benefits to be given to the introduced person 80, and generates referral information in accordance with the input contents on the setting screen by the affiliated store 60.

[0053] The referral information management unit 114 manages the issuance of the referral information generated by the referral information generation unit 113. The referral information management unit 114 of the embodiment performs a process to enable the referral information designated by the affiliated store 60, among the referral information set and registered from the setting screen of the shop terminal device, to be displayed on the personal page of the introducer 70. Furthermore, the referral information management unit 114 of the embodiment performs a process to check any URL included in the referral information against a whitelist. The process performed by the referral information management unit 114 will be described in detail later.

[0054] The my page generation unit 115 generates a my page corresponding to the introducer 70 on a service site that provides a referral service. In the embodiment, the my page generation unit 115 displays a list of affiliated stores 60 in which the introducer 70 is registered as a store member as referrable stores that the introducer 70 can introduce on the my page. Furthermore, only the referral information issued by these affiliated stores 60 is displayed in a list for each store on the my page.

[0055] The store visit processing unit 116 executes store visit processing when the introduced person 80 uses the physical store of the affiliated store 60 and presents the store visit processing code U12, performs processing to grant a referral reward to the introducer 70, and, if necessary, performs processing to grant a usage benefit to the introduced person 80.

[0056] The store point processing unit 117 performs processing to grant store members store-exclusive points that can be used only at the store and affiliated store-exclusive points that can be used at the store and affiliated store stores. In the embodiment, the store-exclusive points and affiliated store-exclusive points are points issued by the affiliated store 60.

[0057] The tally data management unit 118 acquires information contained in the store visit processing code U12 presented by the introduced person 80 at the store, and acquires and tally identification information of the introduced person 80 as necessary.

[0058] The cumulative introduction number management unit 119 counts the number of introductions made by the introducer 70, and performs processing to give further rewards to the introducer 70 when a predetermined condition is met.

[0059] The common point processing unit 12 performs a process of granting member store common points to service members. The member store common points in this embodiment are points issued by the service provider 50 and can be used in common at each member store 60.

[0060] The storage unit 13 stores various data, calculation results, various programs, etc. used in the introduction system 1. Furthermore, the storage unit 13 of the embodiment stores a whitelist of URLs included in the introduction information. The information stored in the storage unit 13 is referenced by each functional element.

[0061] Each of these functional elements is implemented in one or more computers. Details of each of these functional elements will be described later in the explanation of the operation of the introduction system 1.

[0062] (How the referral system works) Next, the operation of the introduction system 1 will be described.

[0063] (Store membership registration) As described above, in the introduction service of the embodiment, in order for a user to become an introducer 70 of an affiliated store 60, the user must be a service member and also register as a member of the affiliated store 60. An example of the flow of a user's store membership registration will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

[0064] (Step S101) The service provider 50 issues a store membership registration code for the user to the affiliated store 60. In this embodiment, the store membership registration code is a two-dimensional code (QR code). The two-dimensional store membership registration code in this embodiment may include information such as the URL of a store membership registration page and store identification information that identifies the physical store of the affiliated store 60. In addition, if the affiliated store 60 is a business where services are provided by a staff member (for example, a hairdressing salon or beauty salon), the two-dimensional membership registration code may include staff identification information that identifies the staff member.

[0065] (Step S102) The user visits the physical store of the affiliated store 60 and purchases a product or receives a service.

[0066] (Step S103) The user is presented with a two-dimensional code for store membership registration by a store staff member of the affiliated store 60.

[0067] (Step S104) The user uses his / her mobile terminal device to read the presented two-dimensional code for store member registration, and registers as a store member on the displayed page.

[0068] If this user is already a service member, there is no need to input personal information about the user. For example, when the user selects the "Become a store member" button, the member customer management unit 112 completes the store member registration of the user. Note that before confirming "Become a store member," the member store 60 may be configured to have the user input hearing information that it wishes to obtain on its own.

[0069] If the user is not a service member, the member customer management unit 112 completes the registration as a service member and a store member by inputting personal information, etc. In the embodiment, the user who has completed the store member registration can view the introduction information of the affiliated store 60 on their personal page on the service site.

[0070] In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code for store membership registration is presented within the store only to users who have visited the store. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code for store membership registration acquired by the user has an expiration date. The expiration date may be a short period, such as 10 minutes. This can prevent people who do not visit the physical store from registering as store members.

[0071] (Issuance of referral information by affiliated stores) Affiliated stores 60 of the introduction service can issue introduction information at any time. In the embodiment, affiliated stores 60 that are affiliated with the Internet comprehensive service provided by the service provider 50 and have applied to use the introduction system can issue introduction information. In this specification, "issuing" introduction information means that the introduction information set and registered by the affiliated store 60 is displayed on the introducer 70's My Page and made available for viewing.

[0072] In the embodiment, the affiliated store 60 can use the referral service by paying a fixed monthly fee to the service provider 50. In the embodiment, the affiliated store 60 can issue at least one type of referral information for each person in charge or each store, and can issue multiple types of referral information by upgrading the fee plan or paying an optional fee. A plan may be provided that allows an unlimited number of types of referral information to be issued. In any plan, the number of times the introducer 70 can share the referral information is unlimited. In the embodiment, the referral service can be used for a fixed fee regardless of the number of referrals made, thereby reducing the burden on the affiliated store 60. Furthermore, even an affiliated store 60 with limited financial resources can strengthen its advertising and promotion activities with a low budget.

[0073] First, with reference to Figures 5 to 8, an example of the procedure for setting and registering referral information by the affiliated store 60 will be described. In this example, the affiliated store 60 is a beauty salon to which a plurality of treatment staff belong.

[0074] The store staff of the affiliated store 60 displays the management screen on the store terminal device 20 and sets detailed settings for the referral information. The store staff selects the referral information setting button (not shown) from the management screen, and displays the registered referral information list screen L1 shown in Fig. 5. In this example, since there is no registered referral information, "referral information not registered" is displayed.

[0075] When the Add Introduction Information button L11 on the registered introduction information list screen L1 shown in Fig. 5 is selected, the screen transitions to the detailed setting screen D1 shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. Note that the text displayed on the Add Introduction Information button L11 is not limited to "Add Introduction Information."

[0076] 6 and 7 show a single continuous detailed setting screen D1 divided into two figures for convenience, and indicate that the display in FIG. 7 is displayed when the scroll bar shown on the right end of the detailed setting screen D1 in FIG. 6 is lowered. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the store staff inputs the contents of the referral information on the detailed setting screen D1. In the detailed setting screen D1 of the embodiment, the store staff can freely set the referral compensation to be given to the introducer 70 and the usage benefits to be given to the introduced person 80.

[0077] The detailed setting screen D1 of the embodiment includes a first area D11 for mainly setting up the introduction fee, and a second area D12 for mainly setting up the usage privilege.

[0078] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the first area D11 is provided with a staff selection form D111 for selecting a therapist (staff member) to be linked to the referral information. In this embodiment, to set referral information for each therapist, a staff member name is first selected in the staff selection form D111. Note that in a store with only one therapist or in a store of a type that does not have a therapist, the staff selection form may be left blank. Alternatively, the options in the staff selection form D111 may include an option for not specifying a staff member, such as "common to all stores."

[0079] In the embodiment, the first area D11 is provided with a first image setting form D112 for setting an image to be included in the referral information. The image set in the first image setting form D112 is reflected in the referral information displayed on the personal page of the introducer 70.

[0080] In the embodiment, the first area D11 has a reward setting form D113. In the embodiment, for example, the following example of a successful introduction reward can be set. Note that it is also possible to set a successful introduction reward other than the examples below. (Example of referral reward) -Store-exclusive points that can only be used at the store Points exclusive to affiliated stores that can be used at the store and its branches and other group stores ·Common points that can be used at each affiliated store60 Points issued by point providers other than the service provider 50 Discount coupons for treatment fees or in-store product prices - Item pickup coupons that can be redeemed for designated items

[0081] It is also possible to award points common to all affiliated stores issued by the service provider 50 or points issued by a point provider other than the service provider 50 as a reward for completing a referral, but if the reward for completing a referral is store-specific points or affiliated store-specific points, it is preferable because this makes it easier for the affiliated store 60 to link the reward cost paid to the introducer 70 to sales for its own store in the future.

[0082] In the reward setting form D113 of this embodiment, the type of referral reward can be selected and input using a pull-down menu. In this embodiment, "Points" or "Coupons" can be selected from the pull-down menu.

[0083] If "Points" is selected in the type field, the number of points to be awarded is set in the "Number of points to be awarded" form shown in Figure 6. In the example shown, the number of points is selected from a pull-down menu, but it may also be in a format where a numerical value is input. It may also be possible to select whether the points are exclusive to the store or to the affiliated store.

[0084] If "Coupon" is selected in the type field, the coupon content is entered in the "Contents other than points" form shown in FIG. 6. Examples of coupon content include "20% off," "500 yen discount," and "free product sample." In an embodiment, the referral information generation unit 113 can generate an introducer coupon based on the input in the reward setting form D113. The generated introducer coupon is added to the introducer 70's account when the referral is established. This allows the introducer 70 to be offered rewards unique to the store, such as a discount on the next purchase or product exchange.

[0085] The remuneration setting form D113 may be configured to display a form for setting detailed content related to the remuneration of the selected type depending on the selected type.

[0086] The first area D11 of the embodiment is provided with a comment setting form D114 for setting a comment for the introducer 70. The text entered in the comment setting form D114 is reflected in the introduction information displayed on the introducer 70's personal page.

[0087] In the embodiment, the first area D11 is provided with a referral expiration date setting form D115. The store staff can set an expiration date for the introducer 70 to share the referral information with others. Note that the referral expiration date setting form D115 may be left blank to set the referral information as having no referral expiration date.

[0088] The information set in the first area D11 is reflected in the introduction information (see FIG. 16) displayed on the introducer terminal device 30. A specific example of the display of the introduction information for the introducer 70 will be described in detail later.

[0089] Next, the second area D12 in which settings related to usage benefits are made will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the embodiment, the second area D12 is provided with a second image setting form D121 in which an image to be included in the introduction information is set, as shown in Figure 6. The image set in the second image setting form D121 is reflected in the introduction information displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40.

[0090] In the embodiment, the second area D12 is provided with a comment setting form D122a for setting a comment for the introduced person 80. The text entered in the comment setting form D122a is reflected in the introduction information displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. In the embodiment, the comment setting form D122a is provided with a selection form in the lower section from which an input example can be selected. In the embodiment, multiple highly versatile example sentences are provided as input examples. The text selected from the input examples in the lower section is reflected in the form in the upper section, reducing the effort required for staff to enter text.

[0091] In the embodiment, the second area D12 is provided with a benefit setting form D123. In the embodiment, for example, the following examples of usage benefits can be set. Note that usage benefits other than those exemplified below can also be set. (Examples of types of benefits) Discount coupons for treatment fees or in-store product prices -Store-exclusive points that can only be used at the store Points available at affiliated stores and group stores ·Common points that can be used at each affiliated store60 Points issued by point providers other than the service provider 50 ·Gift of designated products - Provision of certain services free of charge Free food and drinks in the store Treatment outside of normal business hours (for example, treatment one hour before opening time)

[0092] In the benefit setting form D123 of this embodiment, the type of benefit can be selected and input using a pull-down menu, such as "points," "coupons," "products," or "discounts."

[0093] The specific details of the usage benefits are entered in the "Contents of Usage Benefits" form. In this embodiment, the "Contents of Usage Benefits" form is a free-form input field. The details of the usage benefits may be selected and input from a pull-down menu, or a combination of selected and free input may be used. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a selection form may be provided at the bottom of the "Contents of Usage Benefits" form, allowing users to select input examples.

[0094] In the embodiment, the text entered in the "Contents of Use Benefit" form is reflected in the introduction information (see FIG. 16) displayed on the introducer terminal device 30 and the introduction information presentation screen U1 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. The presentation screen U1 will also be described in detail later.

[0095] 7, the second area D12 is provided with a usage expiration date setting form D124. The store staff can set an expiration date for which the introduced person 80 can use the referral information. Note that the referral information may have no usage expiration date by leaving the usage expiration date setting form D124 blank.

[0096] In addition, the second area D12 of the embodiment is provided with a comment selection form D122b for inputting an explanatory comment for the store visit processing code U12.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, the second area D12 of the embodiment is provided with a link setting form D125 for setting information related to URL link display, and a button setting form D126 for setting information related to button display.

[0098] The link setting form D125 allows the user to set a URL link to be included in a web page for the introduced person that is displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. The button setting form D126 allows the user to set a button that can transition to the URL. In the embodiment, two link setting forms D125 and two button setting forms D126 are provided, but this is not limiting. This button is, for example, the button U13 displayed at the bottom of the presentation screen U1 shown in FIG. 18.

[0099] The store staff can input any URL into the link setting form D125. Examples of URLs that can be set in the link setting form D125 include a reservation page on a reservation site and a store-specific page of the affiliated store 60. The reservation page may be for a reservation service operated by the service provider 50 or a reservation service operated by another business. The URL of a reservation page set on a store-specific page of the affiliated store 60 may also be set. The URL of a page that lists details of the person in charge and the treatment menu may also be set.

[0100] In this embodiment, by enabling a specific URL link in the link setting form D125 and selecting a check box to display a button U13 (see FIG. 18), the button U13 specifying the URL as the redirect destination is displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. The text displayed on the button U13 is set appropriately in the "Button Name" field of the button setting form D126. The button name can be set by free input, such as "Make a reservation," "Menu," "Go to store homepage," or "Profile of person in charge," depending on the content of the set URL link destination.

[0101] In the embodiment, it is also possible to display a button U13 that is not linked to a URL link. In this case, for example, the text display of the button U13 may be set to "Please show this to the staff member," and the button U13 may be set to display only text.

[0102] The second area D12 may also have a field (not shown) for setting conditions for receiving the benefit. Examples of the conditions for receiving the benefit include the following. Note that it is also possible to set conditions for receiving the benefit other than those exemplified below. (Examples of conditions for receiving benefits) Store membership registration · Make a reservation through any online booking service Reservations made through online reservation services provided by 50 service providers

[0103] When the input on the detailed setting screen D1 is completed and an introduction information registration button (not shown) is selected, a data check process (described later) is performed, and introduction information according to the input content is generated and registered in the service providing server 10. The registered introduction information is displayed in a list on a registered introduction information list screen L1 (see FIG. 8) of the shop terminal device 20.

[0104] In the embodiment, the registered introduction information list screen L1 (see FIG. 8) displays an overview of the introduction information, as well as a delete button and a details button. Pressing the delete button allows the introduction information to be deleted. Pressing the details button allows the user to check the contents of the registered introduction information, for example, by transitioning to a details setting screen D1. When registering introduction information, the user can also make corrections on the details setting screen D1, which is accessed by clicking the details button for the introduction information.

[0105] Furthermore, when registering new referral information, the user presses the Add Referral Information button L11 on the registered referral information list screen L1 to transition to the detailed settings screen D1, where the new referral information is set. It is also possible to add new referral information by duplicating registered referral information. For example, if the user wants to register the same referral information for multiple staff members, or if the user wants to register multiple referral information with different expiration dates, the user can simply duplicate the registered referral information and change only some of the settings, thereby reducing the burden on the staff. In the above-described embodiment, multiple referral information with different details, such as referral compensation and usage benefits, can be easily registered for each staff member.

[0106] In the embodiment, the registered introduction information list screen L1 (see FIG. 8) displays the status of a data check process (described later) in the upper right column of each introduction information. This status display and the data check process will be described in detail later.

[0107] Next, a flow of issuing referral information in the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0108] (Step S201) The staff of the affiliated store 60 uses the store terminal device 20 to input and set referral information on the management screen (detailed setting screen D1).

[0109] (Step S202) When the setting input of the introduction information is completed, the store terminal device 20 transmits an introduction information generation / registration request to the service providing server 10.

[0110] (Step S203) In the embodiment, when the service providing server 10 receives the introduction information generation / registration request, the introduction information management unit 114 performs a data check process. In the data check process of the embodiment, if the setting contents of the introduction information include a URL link and an image file, the URL link and the image file are checked for any irregularities.

[0111] Here, an example of the flow of data check according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0112] (Step S203-1) The referral information management unit 114 checks whether the setting contents of the referral information include a URL link. Specifically, it is determined whether the URL link is enabled in the link setting form D125 of the detailed setting screen D1 (see FIG. 7) and a URL has been entered. If a URL link is included, the process proceeds to step S203-2; if a URL link is not included, the process proceeds to step S203-5 (image file determination).

[0113] (Step S203-2) In this embodiment, the storage unit 13 stores, as a whitelist, URLs included in the referral information that are not fraudulent redirect destinations. Examples of fraudulent redirect destinations include harmful sites such as fraudulent sites, and sites that have no connection to the affiliated store 60. In this embodiment, the whitelist stores the affiliated store 60 and the URL in association with each other. If the URL is included in the whitelist, the process proceeds to step S203-5 (image file determination). If the URL is not included in the whitelist, the process proceeds to step S203-3.

[0114] (Step S203-3) If the URL is not included in the whitelist, it is determined whether the URL is an invalid redirect destination. This determination may be made by the referral information management unit 114 or by a person in charge at the service provider 50. At this time, checks may also be made to see if an invalid URL link is included, or if there is a discrepancy between the button name and the link destination. In the embodiment, if it is determined that there is some problem with the URL, the referral information management unit 114 causes the store terminal device 20 to display a message requesting data re-editing (step S204).

[0115] (Step S203-4) If the URL is determined to be valid, the referral information management unit 114 executes a process of registering the URL in the whitelist.

[0116] (Step S203-5) The referral information management unit 114 checks whether an image file is included in the setting contents of the referral information. Specifically, it is determined whether an image file name has been entered in the image setting form D112, D121 of the detailed setting screen D1 (see FIG. 6). If an image file is included, proceed to step S203-6; if an image file is not included, proceed to step S205 (generating and registering referral information).

[0117] (Step S203-6) In the embodiment, a person in charge of the service provider 50 determines whether the image file included in the referral information is fraudulent. The referral information management unit 114 may be configured to perform the image determination. Examples of fraudulent image files include images that are completely unrelated to the affiliated store 60, images that are contrary to public order and morals, and images that include information that leads to unrelated sites. If it is determined that there is some problem with the image, the referral information management unit 114 causes the store terminal device 20 to display a message requesting data re-editing (step S204). If there is no problem with the image, the process proceeds to step S205 (generating and registering referral information).

[0118] The data check flow is not limited to this example. For example, only the URL may be checked. The URL and image checks may be performed in the reverse order, or may be performed simultaneously.

[0119] By configuring the introduction system according to the embodiment to perform such data checks, the safety of the introduction service can be increased, and the user's sense of security can be improved.

[0120] Returning to the explanation of the referral information issuing flow (see FIG. 9).

[0121] (Step S205) If there is no problem in the data check in step S203, the introduction information generating unit 113 generates and registers introduction information.

[0122] (Step S206) The registered introduction information is displayed on the registered introduction information list screen L1 (see FIG. 8) of the store terminal device 20. In the embodiment, the registered introduction information list screen L1 displays all registered introduction information registered by the store. In the embodiment, the registered introduction information list screen L1 allows for narrowing down the display by staff member.

[0123] Furthermore, the registered introduction information list screen L1 of the embodiment displays the status (state) of the data check of each introduction information. For example, if the data check is not completed, "Applied" may be displayed, if the data check is completed (no problems), "Passed review" may be displayed, and if a problem is found in the data check, "Needs re-editing."

[0124] In the embodiment, there is no limit to the number of pieces of referral information that can be registered, but the configuration allows the affiliated store 60 to narrow down the number of pieces of referral information to be issued and to easily change the referral information displayed on the introducer 70's personal page as needed. With this configuration, the affiliated store 60 can set and register various types of referral information in advance, and issue only the appropriate referral information selected by the affiliated store 60 at any time, for example, according to a desired timing such as the season or an event. This also has the effect of saving the trouble of having to set up each time referral information is issued.

[0125] (Step S207) In the embodiment, the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued is set for each affiliated store 60. Also, in the embodiment, the affiliated store 60 can allocate the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued for its own store to staff members, and set the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued for each staff member. Note that this number of pieces of referral information that can be issued is the number of types of referral information that the affiliated store 60 can issue at the same time. More specifically, the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued refers to the upper limit of the types of referral information that can be displayed in the list of referral information related to the affiliated store 60 on the introducer's 70's My Page. The allocation setting of the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued can be done in advance at any timing.

[0126] 11 shows an example of a screen for setting the number of pieces of referral information that can be issued on the management screen of the store terminal device 20. In this example, the upper limit of 10 pieces of referral information that can be issued simultaneously by all affiliated stores 60 is set. The number of pieces of referral information that can be issued for each affiliated store 60 may be determined, for example, according to the fee plan for the referral service. The number of pieces of referral information that can be issued may also be increased as needed by the affiliated store 60 adding options associated with the fee plan.

[0127] In the example shown in Figure 11, the person in charge at the affiliated store 60 sets the number of referrals that can be issued for each staff member. Note that "store-wide" refers to referral information that is not linked to a specific staff member. For example, if the affiliated store 60 is a business that does not have a specific staff member, such as a restaurant or retail store, it issues referral information that is common to all stores. Also, even if the business is a beauty salon or other business that has a staff member system, it can issue referral information that is common to all stores as needed.

[0128] (Step S208) The affiliated store 60 selects the referral information to actually issue from the registered referral information. In an embodiment, the referral information is selected for each staff member. FIG. 12 shows an example of a selection screen for the referral information to be issued. In the example shown in FIG. 12, first, a selection is made for which staff member the referral information linked to is to be operated. When the selection button for staff member A is pressed on the selection screen in FIG. 12, the screen transitions to a staff-specific display screen shown in FIG. 13.

[0129] In the example of the staff-specific display screen shown in FIG. 13, a list of registered referral information linked to staff member A is displayed. The operator of affiliated store 60 presses the "Valid" button for the referral information they wish to issue, selects it, and then presses the issue button (not shown). The operator can select referral information linked to staff member A within the number of referral information that can be issued for staff member A, which was set in step S207. The referral information management unit 114 performs processing to enable the referral information specified by affiliated store 60 to be displayed on introducer 70's personal page. Note that if the number of referral information that can be issued is unlimited, step S207 may not be performed, and the process may proceed from step S206 to step S208.

[0130] (Step S209) The issued introduction information is displayed on the My Page of the introducer 70 and can be viewed. The introducer 70 transmits a My Page generation request to the service providing server 10 in order to display the My Page on the introducer terminal device 30.

[0131] (Step S210) The my page generation unit 115, which has received the my page generation request from the introducer terminal device 30, generates a my page corresponding to the introducer 70. The my page of the introducer 70 includes introduction information issued by the affiliated store 60 of which the introducer 70 is a store member.

[0132] (Introduced by the introducer) Next, with reference to FIG. 14, an example of the flow in which the introducer 70 introduces the affiliated store 60 to the introduced person 80 will be described.

[0133] (Step S211) The generated My Page is displayed on the screen of the introducer terminal device 30 operated by the introducer 70.

[0134] (Step S212) On the displayed My Page, the introducer 70 can view the introduceable store list screen MP1 shown in Fig. 15. On the introduceable store list screen MP1, the affiliated stores 60 for which the introducer 70 has registered as a store member are listed by store as introduceable stores.

[0135] As shown in Fig. 15, the introduceable store list screen MP1 of the embodiment displays a list of affiliated stores 60 for which the introducer 70 has registered as a store member and which are using the introduction service. In the embodiment, an introduction button MP11 is displayed in the column for the store that is currently issuing introduction information. The type of business of the affiliated store 60 is not particularly limited, and may be a beauty salon, a variety of beauty salons, a retail store, a restaurant, etc.

[0136] 15, the referrable store list screen MP1 may have a form for narrowing down the referrable stores using a pull-down menu. The referrable store list screen MP1 may also display the number of points that can be used at each store, the total number of referrals made at each store, etc.

[0137] The display of the introduceable store list screen MP1 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 15. For example, on a screen that displays a list of all affiliated stores 60 for which the introducer 70 has registered as a store member, the introduce button MP11 may be displayed in the column for the affiliated store 60 that uses the introduction service, and the introduce button MP11 may not be displayed in the column for the affiliated store 60 that does not use the introduction service.

[0138] (Step S213) When the introducer 70 selects the introduction button MP11 of the store (Store A) that he / she wants to introduce, a store-specific introduction information list screen MP2 is displayed. Fig. 16 shows an example of the store-specific introduction information list screen MP2.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 16, the shop-specific referral information list screen MP2 displays a list of referral information issued by shop A. In this example, the therapist for introducer 70 is staff member A, and introducer 70 and staff member A are associated with each other. Therefore, only the referral information linked to staff member A is displayed on the shop-specific referral information list screen MP2 shown in FIG. 16. However, this configuration is not limited to this, and all the referral information issued by shop A may be displayed on the shop-specific referral information list screen MP2. Furthermore, although all the referral information issued by shop A is displayed, the referral information linked to therapist A of introducer 70 may be preferentially displayed at the top.

[0140] The store-specific referral information list screen MP2 in the example shown in Figure 16 has an individual display area MP21 that displays a summary of each piece of referral information. The individual display area MP21 is generated depending on the number of pieces of referral information to be displayed. In the embodiment, the individual display area MP21 has a reward display area MP22 that displays a summary of the referral reward and a benefit display area MP23 that displays a summary of the usage benefit.

[0141] (Step S214) The introducer 70 looks at an overview of the introduction information and selects the introduction information to share with the introduced person 80. In the embodiment, the individual display area MP21 is provided with check buttons MP24 for specifying the introduction information to be shared with the introduced person 80. The introducer 70 can select multiple check buttons MP24. This allows multiple pieces of introduction information to be shared at once. There is no limit to the type or number of pieces of introduction information that the introducer 70 can share with others.

[0142] In addition, the store-specific referral information list screen MP2 of the embodiment is provided with a bulk selection button MP25 for selecting or deselecting all the check buttons MP24 at once, and a narrowing down condition setting button MP26 for narrowing down the referral information to be displayed. This makes it easy for the introducer 70 to select the referral information to share, even if a large amount of referral information for store A has been issued.

[0143] (Step S215) The introducer 70 shares the selected introduction information with the introduced person 80. In this embodiment, the store-specific introduction information list screen MP2 includes a sharing means selection button MP27 for selecting a sharing means for the introduction information selected by the introducer 70. Examples of the sharing means selection button MP27 include, but are not limited to, an SNS send button that enables SNS posting to an unspecified number of people, a QR code display button that generates a QR code including URL information of the presentation screen U1 of the introduced person (see FIGS. 18 and 19), and a copy button that copies the URL of the presentation screen U1.

[0144] When the introducer 70 selects the SNS send button, the screen transitions to an external SNS site, and a posting screen P1 is created (see FIG. 17). In this embodiment, the posting screen P1 automatically includes a transition link P11 that transitions to a presentation screen U1 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The introducer 70 can easily share the introduction information with an unspecified number of introduced persons 80 or introduced persons 80 who are friends on the SNS by adding appropriate posting text and images to the posting screen P1 and posting to the SNS.

[0145] In addition, the introducer 70 can share the introduction information with close friends or acquaintances by presenting or sending the generated QR code, or by sending a message including a URL obtained from the "Copy" button (the URL of a web page for the introduced person, such as the presentation screen U1).

[0146] (Acquisition of referral information by the referred person) When the introducer 70 selects one of the sharing means from the sharing means selection buttons MP27, the introduction information generation unit 113 in the embodiment generates a presentation screen U1 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) for the selected introduction information to be displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. When the introduced person 80 selects the URL shared by the introducer 70 in step S215, the presentation screen U1 for the shared introduction information is displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40. In the embodiment, when there is a plurality of pieces of shared introduction information, a plurality of presentation screens U1 are displayed consecutively on one page.

[0147] The introduced person 80 can bookmark or save the displayed presentation screen U1. The introduced person 80 may also save the presentation screen U1 as a screenshot. If the sharing method is a social networking service, the introduced person 80 may bookmark the post, or may search for and display the post in the store.

[0148] The presentation screen U1 is a web page that the introduced person 80 presents to the store staff. As shown in FIG. 18, the presentation screen U1 of the embodiment includes a summary display area U11 that displays a summary of the use benefits, a store visit processing code U12, and a button U13.

[0149] The overview display area U11 of the embodiment displays the details of the usage benefits set by the member store 60's staff member on the detailed settings screen D1, the expiration date of the usage, a message from the staff member, as well as information such as the store name and address of the member store 60, but is not limited to this.

[0150] The store visit processing code U12 in the example shown in Fig. 18 is a two-dimensional code, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 19, the store visit processing code U12 may be a code composed of a character string. The store visit processing code U12 is linked to at least information identifying the store that issued the referral information, information such as a usage benefit and a referral completion fee set in the referral information, and introducer identification information that identifies the introducer 70.

[0151] The button U13 is as explained in the section on the detailed setting screen D1 of the store terminal device 20, and so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0152] The presentation screen U1 of the embodiment further includes a share count display area U14. In the embodiment, the recommendation information generation unit 113 counts the cumulative number of times the sharing means selection button MP27 is pressed for the recommendation information, and displays this cumulative number as the number of likes. A high number of times the recommendation information is shared suggests that many existing customers are satisfied with the store's customer service, products, etc., and can be an indicator of high customer satisfaction.

[0153] It should be noted that the web page displayed on the introduced person terminal device 40 when the introduced person 80 selects the URL shared by the introducer 70 in step S215 is not limited to the presentation screen U1 including the store visit processing code U12. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which only summaries of the shared introduction information are displayed in a list, and when one of the introduction information is selected, the screen transitions to the presentation screen U1 for that introduction information.

[0154] (Store visit processing) Next, with reference to FIG. 20, an example of the flow of a store visit process when an introduced person 80 who has acquired referral information visits a store of an affiliated store 60 will be described.

[0155] (Step S301) When an introduced person 80 uses store A, for example, at the time of payment, the introduced person displays the presentation screen U1 on the introduced person terminal device 40 and presents the store visit processing code U12 relating to the introduction information that the introduced person wishes to apply to the staff of store A.

[0156] (Step S302) The staff member at store A reads or inputs the store visit processing code U12 using the store terminal device 20. The staff member opens the store visit processing screen from the management screen and reads the store visit processing code U12 (two-dimensional code) or inputs the store visit processing code U12 (character string).

[0157] (Steps S302-1 and S302-2) The store visit processing unit 116 verifies the read store visit processing code U12. If the verification is successful, the process proceeds to step S303. If the verification is unsuccessful, the process displays an error on the store terminal device 20 and returns to step S302.

[0158] (Step S303) If the store visit processing code U12 is successfully verified, the store terminal device 20 acquires the identification information included in the store visit processing code U12.

[0159] 22 and 23 show examples of identification information included in the processing code U12. In this embodiment, the store visit processing code U12 includes at least issuing member store information, benefit setting information, and introducer information. Examples of issuing member store information include the ID and name of the member store 60, the ID and name of the store, and, if linked to a staff member, the ID and name of the staff member.

[0160] Examples of setting information for benefits, etc. include the receiving URL of the person being introduced (in this embodiment, the URL of the presentation screen U1), the usage benefits set in the introduction information, expiration date, details of the reward for successful introduction, and notes.

[0161] Examples of introducer information include the ID and name of the introducer 70 who shared the introduction information.

[0162] It should be noted that the affiliated store 60 may set store membership registration for the introduced person 80 as a condition for applying for the usage benefit. In this case, if the introduced person 80 completes store membership registration at least before making a payment, the identification information will include introduced person information (such as the ID and name of the introduced person 80) (see FIG. 22). On the other hand, if the affiliated store 60 does not set store membership registration for the introduced person 80 as a condition for applying for the usage benefit, the identification information may not include introduced person information (see FIG. 23).

[0163] Here, we will explain an example of store visit processing when "visit and use after making a reservation" is set as a condition for granting a usage benefit to the introduced person 80. In this embodiment, when the staff member reads or inputs the store visit processing code U12 in step S302, a message prompting the staff member to check whether or not a reservation has been made is displayed on the store management screen.

[0164] At this time, the staff member may open the reservation management page from the management screen and check whether or not the introduced person 80 has a reservation. Also, if the cashier staff member knows whether or not there is a reservation, they may press the OK button to process it as having a reservation. Also, the introduced person 80 may confirm whether or not there is a reservation by showing the staff member a notification screen indicating that the online reservation has been completed.

[0165] In addition, if a reservation has been made using a reservation service provided by the service provider 50, the presence or absence of a reservation may be automatically determined through system cooperation. In this case, when the introduced person 80 makes a reservation, a cooperation code may be displayed on the presentation screen U1, and this cooperation code may be entered into the reservation page. In this way, if the reservation is a condition for applying the use benefit, it is confirmed that the reservation has been made, and then the process proceeds to step S304.

[0166] (Step S304) A selectable processing button is displayed on the store visit processing screen (not shown) of the store terminal device 20 that has acquired the identification information. In this embodiment, the store visit processing is completed by the store staff of store A pressing the processing button, which automatically executes the processing from step S305 onwards.

[0167] (Step S305) When the staff member of store A presses the processing button, an introduction establishment processing request is transmitted from the store terminal device 20 to the service providing server 10. The introduction establishment processing request includes the identification information acquired in step S303.

[0168] 20 and 21, when the service providing server 10 receives the introduction establishment processing request, the store visit processing unit 116 executes the introduction establishment processing. The introduction establishment processing of the embodiment includes an introduction reward granting processing (step S306-1) and a use benefit granting processing (step S306-2).

[0169] (Step S306-1) The store visit processing unit 116 performs processing to grant an introduction completion reward to the introducer 70. If the introduction completion reward is store-specific points, the store point processing unit 117 executes processing to grant store points to the introducer 70. If the introduction completion reward is affiliated store common points, the common point processing unit 12 executes processing to grant affiliated store common points to the introducer 70.

[0170] If the introduction completion reward is a coupon, the store visit processing unit 116 generates a coupon with the details set in the introduction information and executes processing to grant the coupon to the introducer 70. If the introduction completion reward is a product, the store visit processing unit 116 generates a product receiving coupon with the details set in the introduction information and executes processing to grant the coupon to the introducer 70.

[0171] (Step S306-2) If store membership registration of the introduced person 80 is set as a condition for receiving the usage benefit, the store visit processing unit 116 can perform processing to grant the usage benefit to the introduced person 80. If the usage benefit is store-exclusive points, the store point processing unit 117 executes processing to grant store points to the store member account of the introduced person 80. If the usage benefit is affiliated store common points, the common point processing unit 12 executes processing to grant affiliated store common points to the store member account of the introduced person 80.

[0172] If the use benefit is a coupon, the store visit processing unit 116 generates a coupon with the details set in the referral information and executes processing to grant the coupon to the store member account of the introduced person 80. If the use benefit is a product that can be picked up the next time the introduced person 80 visits the store, the store visit processing unit 116 generates a product pick-up coupon with the details set in the referral information and executes processing to grant the coupon to the store member account of the introduced person 80.

[0173] Furthermore, if the benefit is a discount, the store visit processing unit 116 may generate a discount coupon with the details set in the referral information and execute a process to grant the coupon to the store member account of the introduced person 80. This makes it possible to confirm that the introduced person 80 has registered as a store member, whether it is a discount for the current price or a discount for the next price.

[0174] (Step S307) If store membership registration for the introduced person 80 is not set as a condition for receiving the usage benefit, the introduced person 80 can receive the usage benefit without registering as a store member. If the usage benefit is a discount on the price, the staff will apply a discount on the treatment fee or product price at the time of payment. If the benefit is a coupon that can be used next time, the staff may hand the introduced person 80 a paper coupon. If the benefit is a product, the staff may hand the product to the introduced person 80.

[0175] (Step S308) The cumulative introduction number management unit 119 counts the number of introductions made by the introducer 70 and records the cumulative number of introductions made.

[0176] (Step S308-1) The cumulative introduction number management unit 119 determines whether or not the cumulative introduction number of the introducer 70 has achieved the condition set by the affiliated store 60 (for example, reaching a predetermined number).

[0177] (Steps S308-2, S308-3) If the cumulative introduction number management unit 119 determines that the cumulative number of introductions made by the introducer 70 has fulfilled the predetermined condition, it awards condition fulfillment points to the introducer 70 and holds the cumulative number of introductions made. If it determines that the cumulative number of introductions made by the introducer 70 does not fulfill the predetermined condition, it does not award points and holds the cumulative number of introductions made.

[0178] (Step S309) The aggregated data management unit 118 aggregates the identification information acquired in step S303 and the cumulative number of established referrals recorded in step S308. The aggregated data is used for the store management of the affiliated store 60.

[0179] As described above, in the embodiment, the service provider 50 provides the introduction system 1, but is not involved in the processing executed by the store management unit 11 except for maintenance work. The processing of the store management unit 11 in the embodiment is solely managed by each affiliated store 60.

[0180] 24 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the mechanism for providing referral rewards and usage benefits in the above-described embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, in the embodiment, the staff of the affiliated store 60 can automatically and reliably provide electronic rewards and benefits to the introducer 70 and the introduced person 80 with a simple operation such as reading the store visit processing code U12 and pressing the store visit processing button.

[0181] This has the advantage that users, the introducer 70 and the introduced person 80, can receive various benefits and rewards without fail. Another advantage is that the introduced person 80 can receive usage benefits without having to register as a member.

[0182] In addition, in the embodiment, the affiliated store 60 can freely select how to use the points given to the introducer 70 as a reward for completing the introduction. Examples of how to use the points include applying them to the price of goods or services of the affiliated store 60, exchanging them for goods worth the points, or converting them into cash (cash back) at a predetermined rate.

[0183] The present invention allows a store to freely and easily set the contents of the benefits to be given to the introducer and the introduced person when a referral is made, and provides a highly reliable and convenient referral system.

[0184] Although the present invention has been described above by taking the embodiments as examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be embodied in various forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 1. Referral System 10 Service provider server 11 Store Management Department 111 Staff Management Department 112 Membership Customer Management Department 113 Introduction Information Generation Unit 114 Referral Information Management Department 115 My Page Generation Unit 116 Store Visit Processing Department 117 Store point processing unit 118 Aggregation Data Management Department 119 Cumulative Referral Management Department 12 Common point processing unit 13 Storage section 20 Store terminal equipment 30 Introducer terminal device 40 Referred person terminal device NW Network 50 service providers 60 member stores 70 Referrers 80 Referees L1 Registered introduction information list screen L11 Add introduction information button D1 Advanced settings screen D11 1st area D111 Staff Selection Form D112 First image setting form D113 Reward Setting Form D114 Comment Setting Form D115 Referral Expiration Date Setting Form D12 2nd area D121 Second Image Setting Form D122 Comment Setting Form D123 Benefit Setting Form D124 Usage Expiration Date Setting Form D125 Link Setting Form D126 Button Settings Form MP1 Introduction available store list screen MP11 Referral Button MP2 Store information list screen MP21 individual display area MP22 reward display area MP23 Bonus display area MP24 Check Button MP25 Bulk Selection Button MP26 Filtering conditions setting button MP27 Sharing method selection button P1 Submission screen P11 Transition link U1 presentation screen U11 Overview display area U12 Visit processing code U13 button U14 Shared count display area

Claims

1. Multiple affiliated stores with physical stores, An introducer who is an existing customer of the physical store and has registered as a member of the physical store; An introduction system that provides an introduction service to an introduced person who is introduced to the physical store by the introducer, a member customer management unit that registers only customers who have used the physical store as store members; a referral information generation unit that displays a setting screen on the store terminal device of the affiliated store, allowing the affiliated store to freely set the type and content of the referral reward to be given to the introducer and the use benefit to be given to the introduced person, and generates referral information in accordance with the input content of the setting screen by the affiliated store; a my page generating unit that generates a my page in which only the introduction information issued by the affiliated store where the introducer is registered as a store member is displayed in a list for each store, and displays the my page on an introducer terminal device operated by the introducer; An introduction system comprising a store visit processing unit that executes at least the process of awarding the introduction reward when the introduced person presents a store visit processing code associated with the introduction information shared by the introducer at the physical store and the store visit processing is performed by the store terminal device.

2. The introduction system according to claim 1 , wherein the store visit processing unit executes the process of granting the use benefit in addition to the process of granting the introduction completion reward.

3. 3. The introduction system according to claim 1, wherein the type of the introduction reward is points or coupons, and the type of the use benefit is points, coupons, or products.

4. The setting screen includes a form for inputting an arbitrary URL, The introduction information generation unit The introduction system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the introduction information includes a button that specifies the URL as a redirect destination.

5. a storage unit that stores URLs that are not fraudulent redirect destinations as a whitelist; The introduction system according to claim 4 , further comprising an introduction information management unit that issues the introduction information when the URL is included in the whitelist.

6. the My Page generation unit generates the My Page including a sharing means selection button that allows the introducer to select a sharing means for the introduction information; 3. The introduction system according to claim 1, wherein the introduction information generating unit counts a cumulative number of times that the introducer has pressed the sharing means selection button, and generates the introduction information including an indication of the cumulative number of times.

Images