Sales systems, sales methods, and programs

Abstract

We provide sales systems, sales methods, and programs. [Solution] A sales method executed by at least one processor includes: obtaining product data for one of several products from a database containing product data for several products; and transmitting purchase screen data to a purchase terminal operated by a purchaser, based on the product data for the one product, to display a purchase screen for purchasing the one product on the purchaser's terminal. If a product has a regular price, a base price, and a special price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section, a regular price, a second selection section, a base price, and a special price.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sales system, a sales method, and a program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] On EC (Electronic Commerce) websites that sell a plurality of products, various services are provided to improve convenience for consumers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing system capable of providing a regular product subscription service. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-76149 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] Consumers can save the trouble of repeatedly performing product purchase procedures by using a regular subscription service. Furthermore, if the price of a regularly subscribed product is discounted compared to the price at the time of normal purchase, consumers can enjoy economic benefits. However, when a single product has a plurality of purchase methods including normal purchase and regular subscription, or when a plurality of different prices are set for the product, there arises a problem that the configuration of a purchase screen for purchasing the product becomes complicated.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a sales system, a sales method, and a program that can provide an improved purchase screen for regular subscriptions. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0006] A sales system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one memory for storing a plurality of instructions, a database configured to store product data relating to a plurality of products, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the plurality of instructions to acquire product data for one of the plurality of products, and to transmit purchase screen data to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the one product based on the product data relating to the one product, and if the one product has a regular price for a one-time purchase, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price for subscriptions set relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price.

[0007] A sales system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises at least one memory for storing a plurality of instructions, a database configured to store product data relating to a plurality of products, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the plurality of instructions to acquire product data for one of the plurality of products, and to transmit purchase screen data to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the one product based on the product data relating to the one product, and if the one product has a regular price for a one-time purchase and a base price for repeated subscription purchases of the product, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting a subscription purchase, and the base price associated with the second selection section.

[0008] A sales method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes, at least one processor obtaining product data for one of a plurality of products from a database containing product data for a plurality of products, and transmitting purchase screen data to a purchaser terminal operated by a purchaser, based on the product data for the one product, to display a purchase screen for purchasing the one product on the purchaser terminal, wherein if the one product has a regular price for a one-time purchase, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price for subscriptions set relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing at least one processor to perform the following: obtain product data relating to one of a plurality of products from a database containing product data relating to a plurality of products; and transmit purchase screen data to a purchaser terminal operated by a purchaser, which allows the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the one product based on the product data relating to the one product, wherein, if the one product has a regular price for a one-time purchase, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price for subscriptions set relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection unit for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection unit, a second selection unit for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection unit, and the special price associated with the base price. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the sales system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is an example of the subscription settings screen displayed on the seller's terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating how to set up a subscription via the subscription settings screen shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates the situation when "Regular Purchase" is selected on the purchase screen for a special subscription product. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the purchase screen from Figure 4, but with the selection changed from regular purchase to subscription purchase. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the purchase screen from Figure 4, where the unit of volume has been selected using the selection button. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the purchase screen from Figure 5, where the unit of volume has been selected using the selection button. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the state when "Regular Purchase" is selected on the purchase screen for a basic subscription product. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the purchase screen from Figure 8, but with the selection changed from regular purchase to subscription purchase. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates a scenario where a regular purchase is selected on another purchase screen for a basic subscription product. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the purchase screen from Figure 10, but with the selection changed from regular purchase to subscription purchase. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an example of a typical product purchase screen. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an example of the cycle setting screen displayed on the purchaser's device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating the process of applying for a recurring purchase via the purchase screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating how the initial fee is determined when a subscription is applied for. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating the process for handling requests to cancel a subscription. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of the purchase screen in Figure 6 being modified. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] An example of a sales system 11, a sales method, and a program will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16. The present invention is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0012] [Sales System] The sales system 11 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "system 11") is configured to provide an EC website for transactions of a plurality of products. The EC website may be an EC website for one seller to sell a plurality of products; however, a case of a mall-type EC website where a plurality of sellers respectively list their own products for sale will be described below.

[0013] The system 11 may include a management server 20. The management server 20 is configured to accept registration of product information from a plurality of sellers. The product information includes information relating to one or more products to be sold on the EC website by each seller. The plurality of sellers are configured to communicate with the management server 20 via a network through seller terminals 30 respectively used by the sellers. The system 11 may include a plurality of seller terminals 30. For convenience, a case where the system 11 includes one seller terminal 30 will be described below.

[0014] The system 11 may include a web server 40 capable of communicating with the management server 20 via a network. The web server 40 is configured to perform processing related to product transactions on the EC website. A plurality of purchasers are configured to communicate with the web server 40 via a network through purchaser terminals 50 respectively used by the purchasers. The system 11 may include a plurality of purchaser terminals 50. For convenience, a case where the system 11 includes one purchaser terminal 50 will be described below.

[0015] The management server 20 may be implemented as a computer having, for example, at least one processor 21, at least one memory 22, and a communication interface (IF) 23. For convenience, the following description will explain an example in which the management server 20 has one processor 21 and one memory 22. The communication IF 23 enables communication with other devices via the network.

[0016] Memory 22 stores a program 24 and a database 25, which are executed by the processor 21. If the management server 20 has multiple memory locations 22, the program 24 and the database 25 may be stored in different memory locations 22. The program 24 includes applications and an operating system. The processor 21 implements various functions by executing multiple instructions contained in the program 24. The database 25 may include seller data for multiple sellers.

[0017] Seller data includes multiple seller datasets for each of multiple sellers. Seller data may also include product data for multiple products registered by each of the multiple sellers. Product data includes multiple product datasets for each of the multiple products.

[0018] For example, processor 21 executes multiple instructions to provide a web application (hereinafter referred to as the "registration application") for sellers to register product information. Hereafter, when processor 21 executes multiple instructions and performs some operation, it may be referred to as the management server 20 performing an operation.

[0019] The seller terminal 30 may be implemented as a computer comprising at least one processor 31, at least one memory 32, and a communication IF 33. The seller terminal 30 may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. For convenience, the following description will explain an example in which the seller terminal 30 comprises one processor 31 and one memory 32.

[0020] The communication IF33 enables communication with other devices via the network. The seller terminal 30 may include an input device 36 and an output device 37, or these may be connected externally. The input device 36 may include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device 37 may be, for example, a display. The seller terminal 30 may also be equipped with a touch panel, which is an input / output device.

[0021] When one seller accesses the management server 20 via the seller terminal 30, the management server 20 displays the login screen 12 of the registration application on the output device 37 (e.g., a display) of the seller terminal 30. Hereafter, displaying various screens on an output device 37 such as a display may simply be referred to as "displaying on the seller terminal 30." Each seller can use the functions of the registration application by registering as a user via the login screen 12 or by logging in after registration.

[0022] The web server 40 may be implemented as a computer comprising at least one processor 41, at least one memory 42, and a communication interface 43. For convenience, the following description will explain an example in which the web server 40 comprises one processor 41 and one memory 42. The communication interface 43 enables communication with other devices (e.g., a purchaser terminal 50 and a management server 20) via the network.

[0023] Memory 42 stores a program 44 and a database 45 executed by the processor 41. If the web server 40 has multiple memory locations 42, the program 44 and the database 45 may be stored in different memory locations 42. The program 44 includes an application and an operating system. The processor 41 implements various functions by executing processing based on the program 44. For example, the processor 41 executes multiple instructions to send and receive data to and from the purchaser terminal 50. Hereinafter, when the processor 41 executes multiple instructions to perform some operation, this may be referred to as the web server 40 performing an operation.

[0024] Database 45 may include product data relating to multiple products sold on the e-commerce site and seller data provided by the management server 20. Database 45 may also include buyer data relating to multiple buyers. The buyer data includes multiple buyer datasets for each of the multiple buyers. Each buyer data may include the corresponding buyer's purchase history on the e-commerce site.

[0025] System 11 may have a common database for use by the management server 20 and the web server 40 instead of databases 25 and 45. In this case, the management server 20 and the web server 40 do not need to have databases 25 and 45, respectively.

[0026] The buyer terminal 50 may be implemented as a computer comprising at least one processor 51, at least one memory 52, and a communication interface 53. The buyer terminal 50 may also be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. For convenience, the following description will explain an example in which the buyer terminal 50 comprises one processor 51 and one memory 52.

[0027] The communication IF 53 enables communication with other devices via the network. The purchaser terminal 50 may include an input device 56 and an output device 57, or these may be connected externally. The input device 56 may include, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and the output device 57 may be, for example, a display. The purchaser terminal 50 may also be equipped with a touch panel, which is an input / output device.

[0028] The web server 40 is configured to display the search screen 15, as exemplified in Figure 1, and the purchase screen 70 (see Figures 4 to 11, which also serves as the product sales screen) for the buyer to purchase products, on the display of the buyer terminal 50 operated by the buyer, based on the product data. Hereafter, displaying various screens on the display of the buyer terminal 50 may simply be referred to as "displaying on the buyer terminal 50".

[0029] The buyer can access the e-commerce site via the buyer terminal 50, search for products via the search screen 15, find desired products by product category, and purchase products via the purchase screen 70. The memory 42 may store display data for displaying multiple display elements on the search screen 15 and the purchase screen 70. These multiple display elements include, but are not limited to, images, text, input fields, and operation buttons that make up each screen.

[0030] The search screen 15 may include a login button 16. When a buyer operates the login button 16, the management server 20 displays a login screen for the buyer (not shown) on the display of the buyer's terminal 50. The buyer's login screen may, but is not limited to, be configured to require the buyer to enter a user ID and a login password. When a buyer logs into the EC site, the web server 40 may be configured to determine what to display on the buyer's terminal 50 based on the buyer data contained in the database 45.

[0031] [Subscription Settings] At least some of the products traded on e-commerce sites employ multiple purchase methods. These multiple purchase methods include regular purchases and subscription purchases. A regular purchase (single item sale) is a method where a product is purchased once in a single order, while a subscription purchase (regular sale) is a method where a product is repeatedly purchased in a single order.

[0032] A subscription can be described as a contract for pre-ordering a product to be purchased continuously at predetermined intervals. When a customer signs up for a subscription, the ordered product is delivered to them at predetermined intervals (hereinafter referred to as the "delivery cycle"), such as every month or every two weeks. In a subscription, the customer is usually notified of the next delivery date and the date and time when the delivery date can be changed, prior to each delivery. Then, in a subscription, payment for that delivery is made when the change date has passed and the predetermined payment deadline has arrived.

[0033] While subscription services generally involve the repeated delivery of the same product, they also include purchase methods where different products are delivered at each delivery cycle. In this type of purchase, for example, the seller may sell items such as flowers, food, or decorative items selected by the seller each month, or they may sell a DIY kit where parts delivered monthly can be combined over a year to create a single assembly product.

[0034] The delivery cycle for subscriptions may be set arbitrarily by the seller or buyer and may be changed at any time. For example, the seller or buyer may set the delivery frequency to once a week or twice a month, or set the delivery date to the 1st of each month, every Monday, or the first Monday of each month. Alternatively, the seller or buyer may specify any frequency or preferred delivery date.

[0035] The seller can set up a recurring purchase of a product by accessing the management server 20 from the seller terminal 30 and logging in via the login screen 12. In this disclosure, products that are sold on a recurring purchase basis are sometimes referred to as recurring purchase products. In contrast, products that are sold individually are sometimes referred to as regular products. The product data in this disclosure includes data regarding whether or not a recurring purchase setting has been set for recurring purchase products.

[0036] On e-commerce sites, a product may be sold both as a regular item and as a subscription item. In this disclosure, even if the product is the same, if it is sold using different sales methods, such as single item sales and subscription sales, they will be referred to as regular items and subscription items, respectively.

[0037] Figure 2 shows an example of a subscription settings screen 60 for setting up recurring subscriptions. The management server 20 is configured to display the subscription settings screen 60 on the seller terminal 30 used by the seller. Memory 22 may store display data for displaying multiple display elements on the login screen 12 and the subscription settings screen 60. Multiple display elements include, but are not limited to, images, text, input fields, and operation buttons that make up the subscription settings screen 60.

[0038] The subscription settings screen 60 includes, for example, a method setting field 61 for setting up subscriptions for one or more products. The method setting field 61 may include, for example, radio buttons or a dropdown list for selecting either "set up" or "do not set up" for subscriptions. Radio buttons and dropdown lists are examples of display elements.

[0039] The subscription setting screen 60 may include a price setting field 62 for entering the selling price of the product to be subscribed to. The price setting field 62 may be configured to read data for the regular sales of one or more products that the seller has registered in advance. The management server 20 may be configured to display a separate registration screen (not shown) on the seller terminal 30 for registering regular products to be sold on the e-commerce site.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 2, the product name (which may also be a product ID) and the regular purchase price (hereinafter referred to as the "regular price") are automatically loaded into the subscription settings screen 60. The pricing field 62 may be in a table format and may contain multiple setting rows corresponding to multiple variations of a single product by volume unit.

[0041] Each setting row may include a base price input field 63 for entering the subscription price (hereinafter referred to as the "base price") and a special price input field 64 for entering the initial subscription price (hereinafter referred to as the "initial price" or "special price"). The base price can also be considered the subscription price when the special price is not applied. For example, if the special price is the price at the time of the first purchase (initial price), the base price is the price at the time of the second and subsequent purchases.

[0042] The special price input field 64 may be activated to enable input when a base price is entered in the base price input field 63. The special price is, for example, a discounted price for the first purchase. Alternatively, or in addition to this, the special price may be a discounted price that applies to a set number of purchases. A set number of purchases may be, for example, once every 10 purchases, or the first set of purchases (for example, 3 purchases).

[0043] Multiple products sold on an e-commerce site may include one or more regular products and one or more subscription products. One or more subscription products may include one or more basic subscription products and one or more special subscription products. Subscription products have at least a base price. Basic subscription products have a regular price and a base price but no special price. Special subscription products have a regular price, a base price and a special price. Regular products have a regular price but no base price or special price. The product data includes one or more prices set for each of the multiple products, and the one or more prices include a regular price, a base price and a special price. Among the multiple products sold on an e-commerce site, there may be products that are not sold as regular products but only as subscription products.

[0044] The base price may be a discounted price lower than the regular price, and the special price may be a discounted price lower than both the regular price and the base price. Memory 22 may store a predetermined discount rate for the base price relative to the regular price (hereinafter referred to as the "base discount rate") and a predetermined discount rate for the special price relative to the regular price (hereinafter referred to as the "special discount rate").

[0045] The management server 20 may be configured to impose price restrictions based on a basic discount rate and a special discount rate, so that the basic price and special price are discounted prices relative to the regular price. The price-restricted basic price will be a discounted price that is discounted by the basic discount rate (e.g., 10%) or more relative to the regular price. The price-restricted special price will be a discounted price that is discounted by the special discount rate (e.g., 20%) or more relative to the regular price.

[0046] The base discount rate and the special discount rate may be different from each other. In other words, the upper limit of the base price (base price upper limit) and the upper limit of the special price (special price upper limit) may be different from each other. The lower limit of the base discount rate (base discount rate lower limit) and the lower limit of the special discount rate (special discount rate lower limit) may be different from each other. For example, the lower limit of the special discount rate may be greater than the lower limit of the base discount rate.

[0047] For example, if the regular price is 2000 yen, the minimum special discount rate is 20%, and the minimum basic discount rate is 10%, then the maximum basic price would be 2000 yen × 0.9 = 1800 yen, and the maximum special price would be 2000 yen × 0.8 = 1600 yen. In this case, the management server 20 will not allow a basic price higher than 1800 yen or a basic discount rate of less than 10%, nor will it allow a special price higher than 1600 yen or a special discount rate of less than 20%.

[0048] Each setting row may include a basic discount rate display unit 65 for displaying the basic discount rate and a special discount rate display unit 66 for displaying the special discount rate. The management server 20 may be configured to automatically calculate the discount rate of the entered value relative to the regular price when a basic price is entered in the basic price input field 63, and display it in the basic discount rate display unit 65. Similarly, the management server 20 may be configured to automatically calculate the discount rate of the entered value relative to the regular price when a special price is entered in the special price input field 64, and display it in the special discount rate display unit 66.

[0049] The subscription settings screen 60 may include a cycle setting field 67 for setting the delivery cycle. The cycle setting field 67 may be configured, for example, to set dates on a monthly basis or to set days of the week on a weekly basis, but is not limited to these.

[0050] The subscription settings screen 60 may include a cancel button 68 and a save button 69. If the seller operates the cancel button 68, the information entered on the subscription settings screen 60 is cleared without being saved. If the seller operates the save button 69, the management server 20 saves the information entered on the subscription settings screen 60 as subscription setting information for the corresponding product data to memory 22.

[0051] The management server 20 may impose price setting restrictions by displaying an error message and prompting the user to reconfigure the settings if the base price and special price do not meet the respective discount rates of the base discount rate and special discount rate. The error message may be displayed on the subscription settings screen 60 when the base price and special price are entered, or when the save button 69 is pressed. The error message may, for example, be "Please set the base price so that the base discount rate is 10% or more" or "Please set the special price so that the special discount rate is 20% or more," but is not limited to these.

[0052] [How to set up a subscription] Referring to Figure 3, the method for setting up a subscription via the subscription settings screen 60 will be explained. In step S10, the seller enters login information into the login screen 12 displayed on the seller terminal 30. The login information may be, for example, a login ID and password, but is not limited to these. The seller terminal 30 sends the entered login information to the management server 20.

[0053] When the management server 20 obtains login information, in step S20 it performs seller authentication based on the login information. Once the seller authentication process is complete, in step S21 the management server 20 retrieves the authenticated seller's product data from the database 25. The product data retrieved here includes a product list that the seller has registered in advance for sale on the e-commerce site. The product list includes a product ID (or product name) to identify one or more products, and the regular price of each product.

[0054] In step S22, the management server 20 sends subscription setting screen data and a product list to the seller terminal 30 to display the subscription setting screen 60. Upon receiving the subscription setting screen data and product list, the seller terminal 30 displays the subscription setting screen 60 on its display in step S11.

[0055] When the seller selects "Set" in the method setting field 61 on the subscription setting screen 60, the subscription setting is turned ON in step S12. Then, the seller terminal 30 sends setting information to the management server 20 indicating that the subscription setting has been turned ON.

[0056] When the management server 20 receives the configuration information, in step S23 it activates the base price input field 63, making it possible to input the base price. Then, in step S13, when the seller enters the base price into the base price input field 63, the seller terminal 30 sends the entered base price to the management server 20.

[0057] When the management server 20 receives the input value of the base price, in step S24 it calculates the base discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value of the base price relative to the regular price. Next, in step S25, the management server 20 sends the base discount rate calculated by the management server 20 to the seller terminal 30. In step S14, the seller terminal 30 displays the base discount rate on the base discount rate display unit 65.

[0058] In step S26, the management server 20 activates the special price input field 64, making it possible to input a special price. Then, in step S15, when the seller enters a special price into the special price input field 64, the seller terminal 30 sends the entered special price to the management server 20.

[0059] When the management server 20 receives the input value for the special price, in step S27 it calculates the special discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value for the special price relative to the regular price. Next, in step S28, the management server 20 sends the special discount rate it calculated to the seller terminal 30. In step S16, the seller terminal 30 displays the special discount rate on the special discount rate display unit 66.

[0060] In step S17, when the seller operates the save button 69, the seller terminal 30 sends the information entered on the subscription settings screen 60 as registration information to the management server 20. Upon receiving the registration information, the management server 20 determines in step S29 whether the input values ​​for the base price and the special price meet the specified price requirements.

[0061] The price requirements may include, for example, that the base price and the special price are discounted prices, each discounted from the regular price by the same or different specified discount rates. In this example, the price requirements are, but are not limited to, a base discount rate of 10% or more (a lower limit of 10% for the base discount rate) and a special discount rate of 20% or more (a lower limit of 20% for the special discount rate).

[0062] If step S29 is a positive result (Yes), the management server 20 proceeds to step S30 and updates the product data in the database 25 based on the entered registration information. More specifically, it adds the input values ​​for the base price and special price that meet the price requirements as the base price and special price, respectively, to the product data. This sets up a subscription for the product. In this way, sellers can set up their products as subscription products by entering the base price and special price on the subscription setting screen 60 via the seller terminal 30.

[0063] If the management server 20 updates the product data in the database 25, it may send the updated product data to the web server 40 at a predetermined time. The web server 40 then updates the product data in the database 45 based on the received product data. This allows customers to make recurring purchases of the corresponding products on the e-commerce site provided by the web server 40.

[0064] If step S29 is negative (No), the management server 20 proceeds to step S31 and sends error information to the seller terminal 30. Upon receiving the error information, the seller terminal 30 displays an error message on the subscription settings screen 60 in step S18.

[0065] Upon seeing the error message, the seller re-enters the base price and special price on the subscription settings screen 60 to meet the discount conditions indicated in the error message. This allows the management server 20 to restrict the pricing of the base price and special price to meet the specified discount requirements.

[0066] If the product data includes multiple datasets for each of the multiple products classified into multiple categories, the management server 20 may choose not to impose price restrictions on products in some of the specified categories, while imposing price restrictions on products in categories other than the specified categories.

[0067] For example, prior to determining the requirements in step S29, the management server 20 may determine whether the product displayed on the subscription setting screen 60 belongs to a specified category. If the product does belong to a specified category, the management server 20 may skip step S29 and proceed to step S30.

[0068] In this case, the category may coincide with the product category on the e-commerce site. The prescribed category is set based on the laws and regulations relating to the corresponding product, and the product data may include designation data indicating that the corresponding product belongs to the prescribed category. Products in the prescribed category that are not subject to price restrictions, i.e., where discounts are not required when setting up a subscription, include, but are not limited to, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and books.

[0069] [Purchase screen] The recurring purchase process on an e-commerce site will be explained with reference to the purchase screens 70 (70A to 70I) illustrated in Figures 4 to 12. Purchase screens 70A to 70I may include a product image 71 and a product title 72. The product image 71 and product title 72 are included in the product data.

[0070] The purchase screen 70 may have at least some differences in its display depending on whether or not a subscription is set and whether or not a special price is set. For example, Figures 4 to 7 illustrate the purchase screens 70A to 70D for special subscription products with an initial price set as a special price, Figures 8 to 11 illustrate the purchase screens 70E to 70H for basic subscription products without an initial price set, and Figure 12 illustrates the purchase screen 70I for a regular product without a subscription setting.

[0071] The purchase screens 70A to 70H for subscription products include a choice selection element 73, which is one of the display elements. The choice selection element 73 may include a first selection section 74a for selecting regular purchase and a second selection section 75a for selecting subscription purchase. The first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a are sets of display elements that can be selected alternately, and may be, for example, radio buttons or drop-down lists, but are not limited to these. For regular products that are not set to subscription, the choice selection element 73 is not displayed, as shown in the purchase screen 70I in Figure 12.

[0072] The first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a may be included in a first display area 74 for regular purchases and a second display area 75 for subscription purchases, respectively. The first display area 74 displays the regular price 74b associated with the first selection section 74a, and the second display area 75 displays the base price 75b associated with the second selection section 75a. In the case of special subscription products, the second display area 75 also displays a special price 75e associated with the base price 75b.

[0073] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the purchase screens 70A to 70D for special subscription products (discounted subscription products) with set regular prices, base prices, and special prices include a first selection section 74a, a regular price 74b associated with the first selection section 74a, a second selection section 75a, a base price 75b associated with the second selection section 75a, and a special price 75e associated with the base price 75b.

[0074] As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the purchase screens 70E to 70H for basic subscription products, which have a regular price and a base price but no special price, include a first selection section 74a, a regular price 74b associated with the first selection section 74a, a second selection section 75a, and a base price 75b associated with the second selection section 75a. In contrast, as shown in Figure 12, the purchase screen 70I for regular products, which have a regular price but no base price or special price, includes a regular price 74b but does not include the first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a.

[0075] In the second display area 75, the higher of the basic discount rate and the special discount rate may be displayed as the maximum discount rate, in conjunction with the second selection section 75a. The maximum discount rate (for example, 20%) may be displayed on the purchase screens 70A to 70H as part of a message 75d such as "Up to 20% OFF with a subscription."

[0076] If the e-commerce site participates in a loyalty program that uses points, the purchase screen 70 may include a display of bonus points awarded when a product is purchased. The purchaser may use the awarded bonus points to pay for purchases on the e-commerce site or at other physical stores participating in the same loyalty program, based on a predetermined conversion rule, for example, 1 point = 1 yen. The rules for awarding and using bonus points may be stipulated in the terms and conditions of the loyalty program (points program) to which the e-commerce site participates.

[0077] The display of bonus points may include the regular points (74c) displayed with the regular price of 74b, the base points (75c) displayed with the base price of 75b, and the special points (75f) displayed with the special price of 75e. The regular points (74c) and the base price of 75b may be different from each other, and the base points (75c) and the special points (75f) may be different from each other. The base points (75c) and the special points (75f) may be values ​​proportional to the base price and the special price, respectively (for example, 1% of the base price and the special price, respectively). For example, as a first-time service, the special points (75f) may be higher than the base points (75c).

[0078] The base points of 75c and the special points of 75f do not necessarily have to be proportional to the base price and the special price, respectively. For example, the special points of 75f may be the number of points that are proportional to the special price plus a predetermined number of bonus points (for example, 500 points).

[0079] The purchase screen 70 may include a quantity selection section 80 for selecting the purchase quantity of a single product. The quantity selection section 80 may also include a quantity input section 85 for entering the purchase quantity of a product. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the quantity selection section 80 may further include multiple selection buttons 82, 84, each indicating a different set of purchase quantity units. In this case, the product data may include information on one or more purchase quantity units set for each of multiple purchase methods (e.g., regular purchase and subscription purchase) for each of the multiple products.

[0080] Multiple selection buttons 82 may be provided to correspond to variations in the product's capacity unit, for example, and multiple selection buttons 84 may be provided to correspond to variations in the product's quantity unit, for example. As shown in the purchase screens 70G, 70H, and 70I in Figures 10 to 11, if there are no selectable quantity units for a product, only the quantity input unit 85 may be displayed as the quantity selection unit 80.

[0081] The variations in quantity units may differ between regular purchases and subscription purchases. For example, it may be possible to purchase in smaller units during a regular purchase than during a subscription purchase, and vice versa. In this case, if either the first selection unit 74a or the second selection unit 75a is selected, the selection buttons 82 and 84 corresponding to the quantity units that cannot be purchased may be displayed in an inactive state and unavailable for selection. In addition to this, or alternatively, if there is no stock of a product in a certain quantity unit, the corresponding selection buttons 82 and 84 may also be displayed in an inactive state and unavailable for selection.

[0082] When the first selection unit 74a is selected, the web server 40 may display the normal purchase price or stock status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit on the purchase screen 70, attached to at least one of the multiple selection buttons 84. For example, Figures 4, 6, and 8 show the state when the first selection unit 74a for normal purchase is selected. In this case, the selection button 84 indicating the quantity unit of "24 bottles" displays the normal price of that quantity unit "2000 yen" and "Stock: ○". Similarly, the selection button 84 indicating the quantity unit of "48 bottles" displays the normal price of that quantity unit "3300 yen" and "Stock: △".

[0083] Furthermore, the selection button 84 (shown by a dashed line) indicating the quantity unit of "72 bottles" displays the regular price (4400 yen), but is in an inactive state and cannot be selected. This indicates that there is no stock of the regular product sold in units of "72 bottles". Product stock can be indicated using expressions such as "In stock" (shown as "○" in the diagram), "Limited stock" (shown as "△" in the diagram), or "Out of stock" (shown as "Restocked" in the diagram), or the specific number of items in stock can be displayed.

[0084] When the second selection unit 75a is selected, the web server 40 may display the price or stock status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit for recurring purchases on the purchase screen 70, attached to at least one of the multiple selection buttons 84. For example, Figures 5, 7, and 9 show the state when the second selection unit 75a for recurring purchases is selected. In this case, the selection button 84 indicating the quantity unit of "24 bottles" displays the initial price of "1600 yen" and "Stock: ○" for that quantity unit. Similarly, the selection button 84 indicating the quantity unit of "48 bottles" displays the initial price of "2640 yen" and "Stock: △". The price displayed on the selection button 84 may be the base price.

[0085] Furthermore, the selection button 84 (shown by a dashed line) indicating the quantity unit of "72 bottles" does not display a price and is in an inactive state (shown by a dashed line) where it cannot be selected. In this case, the absence of a price display indicates that there is no subscription product set up to be sold in units of "72 bottles". The information displayed in conjunction with the selection button 84 may be either the price or the stock status, or at least one of the price or stock status may be displayed outside the selection button 84.

[0086] In Figures 5, 7, and 9, the inactive selection button 84 displays an indication that there is no stock (shown as "×" in the figures), but this could be a different indication, such as "Not set". Alternatively, when the second selection unit 75a is selected, the selection button 84 for quantity units for which subscription products are set may be displayed, while the selection button 84 for quantity units for which subscription products are not set may be hidden.

[0087] As shown in Figures 6 to 9, the quantity selection unit 80 may include quantity display units 81 and 83 that show the quantities corresponding to the selected selection buttons 82 and 84 from among a plurality of selection buttons 82 and 84. By default, the selection buttons 82 and 84 are displayed as unselected, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, and in this case, "Unselected" may be displayed in the quantity display units 81 and 83, as shown in Figures 4 to 5.

[0088] When a product has variations in the number of purchase units, the purchase price of a single product changes depending on the purchase unit. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the quantity display units 81 and 83 are not selected, the regular price 74b, base price 75b, and special price 75e may be displayed as a price range from the lower limit price to the upper limit price corresponding to the purchase unit. The display of the regular price 74b, base price 75b, and special price 75e may change to a display of the price corresponding to the purchase unit of the selected selection button 82 or 84 when one of the multiple selection buttons 82 or 84 is selected, as shown in Figures 6 to 9.

[0089] When the regular price of 74b, the base price of 75b, and the special price of 75e are displayed as a price range, the regular points of 74c, the special points of 75f, and the base points of 75c may also be displayed as numerical ranges corresponding to the price range. The display of the regular points of 74c, the special points of 75f, and the base points of 75c may change to the number of points for the price corresponding to the selected selection button 82,84 when one of the multiple selection buttons 82,84 is selected.

[0090] As shown in Figures 4, 6, 8, and 10, when the first selection unit 74a is selected, the purchase screens 70A, 70C, 70E, and 70G may display an "Add to Cart" button 76 for adding the selected regular product to the shopping cart and a "Purchase" button 77 for proceeding with the purchase. The purchase screen for regular products 70I also includes an "Add" button 76 and a "Purchase" button 77, similar to the purchase screens 70A, 70C, 70E, and 70G.

[0091] Even for subscription products, if you select the first selection section 74a and make a regular purchase, the same purchase procedure as for regular products will be followed. For example, when the purchase button 77 is pressed, a purchase procedure screen (not shown) for the purchase procedure will be displayed. When the purchaser completes the prescribed procedure on the purchase procedure screen, the purchase procedure for the product will be completed.

[0092] The purchase screens 70A, 70C, 70E, and 70G shown in Figures 4, 6, 8, and 10 respectively change to the purchase screens 70B, 70D, 70F, and 70H shown in Figures 5, 7, 9, and 11, respectively, when the selection is changed from the first selection unit 74a to the second selection unit 75a. When the second selection unit 75a is selected, the purchase screens 70B, 70D, 70F, and 70H display an application button 78 for applying for a recurring purchase, instead of the add button 76 and the purchase button 77.

[0093] The web server 40 may be configured to display the subscription explanation on the purchase screen 70 when the second selection unit 75a is selected, but not to display the subscription explanation on the purchase screen 70 when the first selection unit 74a is selected. For example, when the second selection unit 75a is selected, the explanation 79 about the subscription delivery cycle may be displayed, for example, in the second display area 75, as in purchase screens 70B, 70D, 70F, and 70H. The explanation 79 may be hidden on purchase screens 70A, 70C, 70E, and 70G.

[0094] Alternatively, explanatory text 79 may be displayed on purchase screens 70A, 70C, 70E, and 70G, in addition to purchase screens 70B, 70D, 70F, and 70H. The subscription explanation is not limited to explanatory text 79 about the delivery cycle, but may also include, for example, an explanation of the subscription system, the rules for applying the initial price, or an explanation about canceling the subscription contract.

[0095] Figure 13 illustrates the cycle setting screen 90 that appears when a purchaser clicks the application button 78. The cycle setting screen 90 may include a start date setting field 91 for setting the first delivery date and a cycle setting field 92 for setting the delivery cycle. The cycle setting field 92 displays the cycles set by the seller in the cycle setting field 67 of the subscription setting screen 60 (see Figure 2) for selection.

[0096] The cycle setting screen 90 may further include a time setting field 93 for setting the delivery time and an explanatory text 95 about the subscription contract. Purchasers of subscription products can specify the start date of the subscription, the purchase cycle, and the delivery date and time through the display elements of the cycle setting screen 90 (start date setting field 91, cycle setting field 92, and time setting field 93).

[0097] The cycle setting screen 90 may include a "Next" button 94 to proceed with the procedure. When the purchaser operates the "Next" button 94, the purchase procedure screen (not shown) is displayed, similar to when the purchase button 77 is operated during a normal purchase. When the purchaser completes the prescribed procedures on the purchase procedure screen, the subscription contract is completed.

[0098] [How to purchase subscription products] Referring to Figure 14, the method for purchasing subscription products via the purchase screen 70 will be explained. The purchaser accesses the search screen 15 displayed on the purchaser terminal 50, operates the login button 16, and enters login information via the login screen (not shown) in step S50. The purchaser terminal 50 sends the entered login information to the web server 40.

[0099] When the web server 40 obtains login information, in step S40 it performs authentication of the buyer based on the login information. Once the buyer authentication process is complete, in step S41 the web server 40 obtains the authenticated buyer's buyer data from the database 45. The buyer data obtained here includes the buyer's purchase history on the e-commerce site. The purchase history includes the subscription history of subscription products. The subscription history may, but is not limited to, include a list of one or more subscription products that the buyer has purchased so far, and the corresponding subscription application date, delivery date, payment date, and purchase price.

[0100] In step S42, the web server 40 sends search screen data to the buyer terminal 50 to display the search screen 15. In step S51, the buyer terminal 50 displays the search screen 15 on its display. In step S52, when the buyer enters the desired search word into the search screen 15, the buyer terminal 50 sends the search word to the web server 40.

[0101] In step S43, the web server 40 performs a product search on the product data in the database 45 based on the search word and sends the search results to the buyer terminal 50. In step S53, the buyer terminal 50 displays the search results on its display. In step S54, when the buyer selects one subscription product from the search results, the buyer terminal 50 sends the selection result to the web server 40.

[0102] When the web server 40 receives the selection result, in step S44, it retrieves the product data of the selected subscription product from the database 45. Subsequently, in step S45, the web server 40 calculates the number of points awarded for each subscription product purchase based on the purchaser data and product data.

[0103] The web server 40 calculates the number of points based on the terms and conditions of the loyalty program to which the e-commerce site belongs. For example, based on the terms and conditions, points may be awarded for a product at a predetermined percentage (e.g., 1%) of the purchase price. In addition, depending on various campaigns, the multiplier for awarded points may be increased or additional points may be added for campaigns that correspond to at least one of the products, buyers, sellers, or periods.

[0104] For example, points may be awarded at different rates or multipliers for regular products and subscription products, or at different rates or multipliers for the first purchase of a subscription product and for subsequent subscriptions. For example, to promote the sale of subscription products, the number of points awarded for the first purchase may be set to be higher than the number of points awarded for subsequent purchases. In addition, points may be awarded at different rates or multipliers for basic subscription products and special subscription products (especially when sold at the basic price, not a special price).

[0105] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the web server 40 calculates the number of points so that the points are multiplied by 10 times, 10 times, and 5 times respectively for the regular price of 2,000 yen, the special price (initial price) of 1,600 yen, and the base price of 1,800 yen, based on a predetermined percentage of 1%. As a result, the purchase screen 70C displays the regular points (74c), which is 200 points (10 times 1% of the regular price of 2,000 yen), the special points (75f), which is 160 points (10 times 1% of the initial price of 1,600 yen), and the base points (75c), which is 90 points (5 times 1% of the base price of 1,800 yen).

[0106] The web server 40 calculates the normal points, basic points, and special points, and in step S46, sends purchase screen data for displaying the purchase screen 70, along with the data for the corresponding subscription product, to the purchaser terminal 50. In step S55, the purchaser terminal 50 displays the purchase screen 70 on its display. Here, the purchaser selects the second selection section 75a on the purchase screen 70, and then, if necessary, selects the selection buttons 82 and 84, before operating the application button 78. As a result, in step S56, the subscription application information is sent from the purchaser terminal 50 to the web server 40. Upon receiving the application information, the web server 40 performs the fee determination process in step S60.

[0107] Next, we will explain the fee determination process with reference to Figure 15. If a special subscription product has an initial price lower than the base price as a special offer, there is a possibility that a buyer may repeatedly sign up for and cancel the subscription, thereby making multiple purchases at the low initial price. Such behavior is undesirable for sellers who set a low initial price to encourage subscriptions. Therefore, the web server 40 determines the initial price of the subscription before the buyer proceeds with the purchase of the special subscription product via the purchase screen 70, so that the initial price is applied to each buyer only for a specified number of times (for example, once).

[0108] In the price determination process, first, in step S61, the web server 40 determines whether or not an initial price is set as a special price for the subscription product that has been applied for. If an initial price is not set (step S61: No), the web server 40 proceeds to step S65 and determines the base price as the initial price. If an initial price is set (step S61: Yes), the web server 40 proceeds to step S62 and retrieves the purchaser's subscription history.

[0109] In step S63, the web server 40 determines, based on the purchaser's subscription history, whether the purchaser has previously purchased the same special subscription product at the initial price. If there is no history of an initial purchase at the initial price (step S61: No), the web server 40 proceeds to step S64 and determines the initial price as the initial fee.

[0110] On the other hand, if there is a history of an initial purchase at the initial price (step S63: Yes), the web server 40 proceeds to step S65 and determines the base price as the initial fee. In other words, since this purchaser purchased this special subscription product at the initial price, canceled the subscription, and then applied for a subscription again, the initial price is not applied, and the base price is applied from the beginning. Once the initial fee is determined in steps S64 and S65, the web server 40 terminates the fee determination process.

[0111] After determining the initial fee through the fee determination process, the web server 40 sequentially displays the cycle setting screen 90 and the purchase procedure screen on the purchaser's terminal 50. Then, the web server 40 completes the subscription contract procedure in response to the purchaser's actions via the cycle setting screen 90 and the purchase procedure screen.

[0112] Furthermore, if a special subscription product has an initial price lower than the basic fee as a special price, it is undesirable for the seller if a buyer signs up for a subscription and then cancels it after the first purchase but before the second purchase. Therefore, the web server 40 may be configured to execute the subscription cancellation process shown in Figure 16 when it receives a subscription cancellation request from a logged-in buyer. In this case, it is advisable to present the buyer in advance on the subscription purchase procedure screen or another screen a cancellation policy stating that the subscription cannot be canceled until the second purchase is completed.

[0113] As shown in Figure 16, when the web server 40 receives a request to cancel a subscription, in step S71 it retrieves the subscription history of the purchaser who made the cancellation request. In the following step S72, the web server 40 determines whether the purchase made immediately before the cancellation request was at the initial price. If the web server 40 determines that the purchase made immediately before was at the base price and not the initial price (step S72: No), it proceeds to step S74 to perform the cancellation procedure and terminates the process.

[0114] On the other hand, if the previous purchase was at the initial price (step S72: Yes), the web server 40 proceeds to step S73. In step S73, the web server 40 displays a hold message to the purchaser terminal 50 indicating that the cancellation procedure is on hold, and terminates the process without proceeding with the cancellation procedure. The hold message may also include an explanation that, based on the cancellation policy, cancellation is not possible immediately after the initial purchase.

[0115] In step S73, the web server 40 may either put the cancellation procedure on hold so that it automatically cancels after the second purchase, or it may cancel the cancellation request. If the cancellation procedure is put on hold, the hold message may be something like, "Your subscription will be canceled after the second purchase is completed," or if the cancellation request is canceled, it may be something like, "Please submit a cancellation request again after the second purchase is completed."

[0116] [Effects of this disclosure] If a product has a subscription setting enabled, the web server 40 displays the regular price and the base price for the subscription on the purchase screen 70, attached to the first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a, respectively. Furthermore, if a special price, such as a discounted initial price, is set for the subscription product, the web server 40 displays the special price attached to the base price on the purchase screen 70. In this way, the web server 40 can change the purchase screen 70 depending on whether or not a subscription setting is enabled for the product.

[0117] Therefore, even if a buyer hasn't decided whether to make a one-time purchase or a subscription, they can search for products from the search screen 15 and view the purchase screen 70 for the desired product. The buyer can then view the purchase screen 70 and choose between a one-time purchase or a subscription, referring to the regular price, base price, and special price.

[0118] If a product has multiple purchase quantity units, the web server 40 displays the regular price, base price, and special price as a price range on the purchase screen 70. When a purchase quantity unit is selected by operating the selection buttons 82 and 84, the web server 40 changes the display of the price range to display the price corresponding to the selected purchase quantity unit. Therefore, even when a product has multiple variations in purchase quantity units, and each purchase quantity unit has a corresponding regular price, base price, and special price, the web server 40 can clearly display these multiple prices.

[0119] When a customer subscribes to a recurring purchase, they need to follow a different procedure than for a regular purchase, such as setting the delivery cycle on the cycle setting screen 90. In this regard, the web server 40 selectively displays either the purchase button 77 or the application button 78 depending on the selection status of the alternative selection element 73. Therefore, customers can apply for both regular purchases and recurring purchases, which have different procedures, through a similar user interface.

[0120] [Effects of this disclosure] According to this disclosure, the following effects can be achieved. (1) On the purchase screen 70, the purchaser can select between a regular purchase and a subscription purchase using the first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a, respectively. The purchase screen 70 also displays the regular price 74b, the base price 75b, and the special price 75e, according to the pricing of the product, attached to the corresponding first selection section 74a or second selection section 75a. By displaying multiple sales methods and multiple prices for one product on a single purchase screen 70 in this way, an improved purchase screen 70 for subscription purchases can be provided.

[0121] (2) If multiple purchase quantity units are set for product 1, the regular price 74b, base price 75b, and special price 75e will each be displayed on the purchase screen 70 within a price range from the lower limit to the upper limit corresponding to the purchase quantity unit. Therefore, multiple prices can be displayed clearly on the purchase screen 70.

[0122] (3) On the purchase screen 70, the price range display changes to a display of the price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit when the selection buttons 82 and 84 are selected. Therefore, the price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit can be clearly displayed on the purchase screen 70.

[0123] (4) The seller can set the base price and special price via the subscription settings screen 60. The management server 20 also restricts the price setting via the subscription settings screen 60 so that the base price and special price are discounted prices compared to the regular price. This encourages sellers to set subscription products at a discounted price that is more advantageous than regular products. As a result, it becomes possible to uniformly set a minimum discount rate for subscription products on an e-commerce site where multiple products are sold.

[0124] (5) In an e-commerce site that handles products in multiple categories, it is possible to set discounted prices for subscription products or not set discounted prices depending on the category. (6) When the seller enters the base price and special price on the subscription setting screen 60, the management server 20 automatically calculates the discount rate (base discount rate and special discount rate) relative to the regular price for each input value and displays it on the subscription setting screen 60. This allows the seller to set the base price and special price while checking the discount rate relative to the regular price.

[0125] (7) The purchase screen 70 displays the maximum discount rate for each of the multiple discounted prices shown on the purchase screen 70. This allows sellers to effectively promote the discounted prices they have set for subscription products on the purchase screen 70.

[0126] (8) On the purchase screen 70, the base price 75b is accompanied by the base points 75c, and the special price 75e is accompanied by the special points 75f. Therefore, the buyer can easily check the number of points to be earned corresponding to the multiple prices on the purchase screen 70.

[0127] (9) If multiple purchase quantity units are set for a single product, the number of points earned corresponding to the regular price 74b, the base price 75b, and the special price 75e can be displayed as a numerical range from the lower price to the upper price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit. The number of points shown as a numerical range on the purchase screen 70 will change to the number of points corresponding to the purchase quantity unit when the selection buttons 82 and 84 are selected. Therefore, the number of points corresponding to the purchase quantity unit can be clearly displayed on the purchase screen 70.

[0128] (10) When a cancellation request is made, the web server 40 will proceed with the cancellation procedure if the most recent purchase was not at the initial price, but will postpone the cancellation procedure if the most recent purchase was at the discounted initial price. This prevents repeated purchases at the discounted initial price by repeatedly subscribing to and canceling regular purchases.

[0129] (11) When a customer applies for a subscription to a subscription product with a discounted initial price, the web server 40 determines whether the customer has previously made an initial purchase at the initial price. If there is no history of an initial purchase, the web server 40 accepts the subscription application at the initial price. However, if there is a history of an initial purchase at the initial price, the web server 40 accepts the subscription application at the base price from the start. This prevents customers from repeatedly purchasing at the discounted initial price by repeatedly applying for and canceling subscriptions.

[0130] (12) The web server 40 displays the explanatory text 79 on the purchase screen 70 when the second selection section 75a is selected, while hiding the explanatory text 79 when the first selection section 74a is selected. Therefore, the purchase screen 70 is simplified when the purchaser tries to make a regular purchase, while the necessary explanatory text 79 is displayed when the purchaser tries to make a recurring purchase, thereby helping the purchaser understand.

[0131] (13) On the purchase screen 70, if the first selection section 74a is selected, the web server 40 displays the regular price and stock status corresponding to each of the multiple selection buttons 84, while if the second selection section 75a is selected, it changes the price and stock status displayed on those selection buttons 84 to the price and stock status for regular purchases. By changing the display of the selection buttons 84 in this way, information can be efficiently displayed on a limited number of display elements.

[0132] (14) When a purchaser selects a subscription product, the web server 40 can display a choice selection element 73 on the purchase screen 70 based on the subscription settings included in the product data. This allows the purchaser to select between a regular purchase and a subscription by operating the first selection unit 74a or the second selection unit 75a on the purchase screen 70.

[0133] (15) The web server 40 can retrieve a price of 1 or more set for each product from the product data and display it on the purchase screen 70. This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0134] [Example of changes to the purchase screen] Figure 17 shows a modified version of the purchase screen 70C in Figure 6, which is purchase screen 70C2. This modified version relates to the display when one of the first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a is selected, and certain selection buttons 82 and 84 are selected.

[0135] When a purchase method is selected by the alternative selection element 73 and a purchase quantity unit is selected by the selection buttons 82 and 84, the web server 40 retrieves information from the product data about one or more purchase quantity units set for each of the multiple purchase methods for each of the multiple products. At this time, if the selected purchase quantity unit is not set for the selected purchase method, the web server 40 may change the selected selection buttons 82 and 84 to an inactive state where they cannot be selected. Also, if the selected purchase quantity unit is not set for a purchase method other than the selected purchase method (e.g., regular purchase) (e.g., subscription purchase), the web server 40 may change the unselected selection section (e.g., second selection section 75a) to an inactive state where it cannot be selected.

[0136] For example, on the purchase screen 70C2 for the product (natural water) shown in Figure 17, if the first selection section 74a is selected and one selection button 82 (capacity: 285ml) is selected, the web server 40 obtains one purchase quantity unit (capacity: 285ml) corresponding to one selection button 82 in the purchase method (regular purchase) corresponding to the first selection section 74a. Subsequently, the web server 40 obtains information on multiple purchase quantity units (capacity: 285ml and 555ml) set for that product (natural water). Then, based on the obtained information, the web server 40 determines whether the selected purchase quantity unit (capacity: 285ml) is set in the purchase method (subscription purchase) corresponding to the second selection section 75a that was not selected. If there is no setting for capacity: 285ml in the subscription purchase, the web server 40 changes the display of the second selection section 75a to an inactive state where it cannot be selected (shown as a dashed line and grayed out in Figure 17). In this example of modification, the selection button selected to choose the purchase quantity unit may be selection button 84.

[0137] By changing the display element to an inactive state where it cannot be selected, users can easily identify the purchase quantity units that are not available for that product. [Example of changes to the subscription settings screen] The subscription settings screen 60 may display data for multiple products. In this case, each of the multiple setting rows may correspond to a different product. Furthermore, the seller may be able to enter or edit the regular price on the subscription settings screen 60.

[0138] [Example of changing special prices] The special price does not have to be a discount from the base price. For example, if the first purchase or a specified number of purchases includes a larger quantity or a more expensive product than in subsequent purchases, the special price may be higher than the base price.

[0139] [Example of changes to the point calculation timing] The number of points for a given price may be calculated in advance by the web server 40 or the management server 20 and stored in memory 42 as part of the product data. In this case, the web server 40 may retrieve the number of points stored in memory 42 instead of calculating the number of points in step S45.

[0140] [Example of changing product details selection] The purchase screen 70 may include a product details selection section for selecting a product type, either in place of or in addition to the quantity selection section 80. The product type may, for example, be a selection of variations in the color, pattern, size, or shape of the product. In this case, the product details selection section may include multiple selection buttons corresponding to the product variations. These product variations may have different regular prices, base prices, and special prices, as well as different numbers of points awarded as purchase benefits.

[0141] [Example of changes to the purchase screen for subscription products] The web server 40 may display the same add button 76 on the purchase screen 70 when the second selection section 75a is selected as it does when the first selection section 74a is selected. Multiple subscription items are added to the cart by operating the add button 76 for each of the multiple subscription items. In this case, the web server 40 may perform the application procedure for multiple subscription items at once. If the application button 78 is operated after multiple subscription items have been added to the cart, the web server 40 may display the cycle setting section, including the start date setting field 91, the cycle setting field 92, and the time setting field 93, for each of the multiple subscription items on the cycle setting screen 90.

[0142] [Example of changes to the pricing process] The pricing process may use the base price as the initial price if the number of initial purchases of a subscription product at the initial price by the purchaser exceeds a predetermined number. The predetermined number of purchases in this case may be arbitrarily set by the seller or the operator of the e-commerce site. Furthermore, the predetermined number of purchases that serves as the threshold may be reset at predetermined intervals. For example, if the predetermined number of purchases is 2 and the predetermined period is 1 year, the web server 40 may set the initial price as the initial price for the current purchase (the second purchase) if the purchaser has made one purchase at the initial price within the past year, and set the initial price for the current purchase (the third purchase) as the base price if the purchaser has made two purchases at the initial price within the past year. The predetermined period during which the threshold number of purchases is reset is not limited to 1 year and may be arbitrarily set by the seller or the operator of the e-commerce site.

[0143] [Examples of changes to the sales system] The sales system 11 may be implemented as a sales system for subscription products that does not handle regular products for regular purchases, but only sells subscription products. In this case, the multiple selection element 73 included in the purchase screen 70 may be used to make other selections, such as selecting a subscription method or a subscription product, instead of selecting between regular purchase and subscription. For example, the multiple selection element 73 may be used to select two or more purchase quantity units, or to make any selection such as delivery frequency, purchase product, or purchase method variations.

[0144] In this case, the recurring sale may include a subscription service, and the alternative selection element 73 may be used to select a recurring purchase or subscription service for purchasing a specified product. Alternatively, the alternative selection element 73 may be used to select between a recurring purchase with a limited term and a continuous recurring purchase with no expiration date. In such modified examples, the purchaser can select the assigned options on the purchase screen 70 using the first selection section 74a and the second selection section 75a, respectively.

[0145] Such a sales system includes at least one memory for storing multiple instructions, a database configured to store product data relating to multiple goods or services, and at least one processor. The system comprises, and the at least one processor executes the plurality of instructions, To acquire the product data for one of the aforementioned multiple products or services, Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, purchase screen data is transmitted to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. It is configured to do the following: If a first price for purchasing the aforementioned product 1 by a first method and a second price for purchasing the aforementioned product 1 by a second method are set, the purchase screen may include a first selection section for selecting the first method, the first price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the second method, and the second price associated with the second selection section.

[0146] Here, "commercial goods" refers not only to physical goods but also to goods including services. If the alternative selection element 73 includes three or more selection sections (a first selection section, a second selection section, and a third selection section), and a third price is set for purchasing the first product by a third method, the purchase screen may further include the third selection section for selecting the third method, and the third price associated with the third selection section. On the other hand, if there are no options for the purchase method, the purchase screen 70 does not need to include the alternative selection element 73.

[0147] [Examples of changes to flowcharts and configuration diagrams] The flowcharts and configuration diagrams of this disclosure illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of the apparatus, system, method, and program according to embodiments of this disclosure. Each step included in these flowcharts and each component included in the configuration diagrams may correspond to a part of a program containing one or more instructions for realizing a logical functional unit. In other embodiments, some of the illustrated steps may be omitted, other steps may be included, the order of the steps may be different, or some steps may be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, a flowchart described as a series of actions may be divided into several parts and executed, or multiple flowcharts may be executed sequentially or in relation to each other. Also in other embodiments, some of the illustrated components may be omitted, other components may be included, or the arrangement of components may be changed. Furthermore, the functions realized by these steps and components may be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0148] [Examples of changes to the sales system] The web server 40 may be configured to accept registration of product information from multiple sellers in place of the management server 20. In this case, system 11 does not need to have a management server 20. Alternatively, the management server 20 may be configured to provide the e-commerce site in place of the web server 40. In this case, system 11 does not need to have a web server 40. Thus, system 11 may be implemented as a single server (e.g., a computer) or distributed across multiple devices (e.g., computers) or subsystems that collaborate to execute programs.

[0149] The statement "at least one processor executes multiple instructions to perform the specified operation" means that if system 11 comprises multiple servers 20, 40, at least one processor among servers 20, 40 executes the corresponding instructions. If system 11 is implemented by a single server, it means that at least one processor on that server executes the corresponding instructions. In other words, "at least one processor" may be multiple processors 21, 41, or at least one processor 21, or at least one processor 41. Similarly, if terminals 30, 50 execute part of an instruction, "at least one processor" may include processors 31, 51. Multiple instructions executed by one or more processors may be stored in the memory (memories 22, 32, 42, 52) of the server that has the processor executing them.

[0150] [Example of memory modification] The memory included in the apparatus of this disclosure is a computer-readable storage medium, including non-transitory computer-readable medium. The memory may include, but is not limited to, ROM, hard disks, storage, removable media, flash memory, memory sticks, optical media, magneto-optical media, and CD-ROMs.

[0151] [Example of processor change] One or more processors included in the apparatus of this disclosure may include, but are not limited to, a CPU (central processing unit), a GPU (graphics processing unit), an APU (accelerated processing unit), an NPU (Neural network Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.

[0152] [Example of network changes] Communication between multiple devices or systems may be carried out via one or more communication networks in accordance with well-known communication protocols. The communication network may be, but is not limited to, an intranet, the internet, a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless network, a wired network, a virtual network, a software-defined network, or any other type of network, or a combination thereof.

[0153] [Example of changing the communication interface] A communication interface (IF) enables one device to communicate with other devices via a communication network. The communication interface may be, but is not limited to, a LAN (Local Area Network), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other wireless communication interfaces.

[0154] The embodiments and modifications described above are listed below. [1] At least one memory that stores multiple instructions, A database configured to store product data related to multiple products, At least one processor, The system comprises, and the at least one processor executes the plurality of instructions, To obtain the product data for one of the aforementioned multiple products, Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, purchase screen data is transmitted to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. It is configured to do the following: If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price set for subscriptions relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. Sales system.

[0155] [2] In the aforementioned purchase screen, at least one of the regular price, the base price, and the special price is displayed as a price range from a lower price to an upper price corresponding to the purchase quantity. The sales system described in [1] above.

[0156] [3] The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The at least one processor is configured to change the display of the price range to a display of the price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit of the selected selection button when one of the plurality of selection buttons is selected. The sales system described in [2] above.

[0157] [4] The at least one processor is configured to impose price restrictions such that the base price and the special price are discounted prices relative to the regular price. The aforementioned pricing restriction applies if the at least one processor is The method involves transmitting subscription setting screen data to the seller's terminal used by the seller of the product mentioned in item 1, wherein the subscription setting screen allows input of the base price and the special price. To obtain the input values ​​for the base price and the special price for the subscription setting screen, The determination of whether the input values ​​for the base price and the special price satisfy the price requirements, wherein the price requirements are that the base price and the special price are each discounted prices obtained by discounting the regular price at the same or mutually different specified discount rates, The process includes adding the input value of the base price and the input value of the special price to the product data as the base price and the special price, respectively, if the price requirements are met, while sending error information to the seller's terminal if the price requirements are not met. The sales system described in any of the above [1] to [3].

[0158] [5] The aforementioned product data includes multiple product datasets for each of multiple products classified into multiple categories, The at least one processor is configured to not impose the price setting restrictions on products in some of the specified categories among the plurality of categories, but to impose the price setting restrictions on products in categories other than the specified categories. The sales system described in [4] above.

[0159] [6] The aforementioned at least one processor, To calculate the basic discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value of the base price relative to the regular price, The aforementioned basic discount rate will be displayed on the subscription settings screen, To calculate the special discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value of the special price relative to the regular price, The special discount rate mentioned above will be displayed on the subscription settings screen, Further including, The sales system described in any of the above [4] to [6].

[0160] [7] The at least one processor is configured to display the maximum discount rate on the purchase screen, The maximum discount rate is the higher of the following two discount rates: the basic discount rate, which is the discount rate of the base price relative to the regular price, and the special discount rate, which is the discount rate of the special price relative to the regular price. A sales system as described in any of the above [1] to [6].

[0161] [8] The aforementioned purchase screen includes a display of bonus points awarded when purchasing the product described in item 1 above, The display of the aforementioned bonus points includes the number of basic points displayed in conjunction with the basic price and the number of special points displayed in conjunction with the special price, and the number of basic points and the number of special points are different from each other. The sales system described in any of the above [1] to [7].

[0162] [9] When the aforementioned base price and special price are displayed as a price range from a lower price to an upper price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit, the aforementioned base points and special points are displayed as a numerical range corresponding to the corresponding price. The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The at least one processor is configured to change the display of the numerical range to the number of points associated with the price corresponding to the selected selection button when one of the plurality of selection buttons is selected. The sales system described in [8] above.

[0163]

[10] At least one of the above-mentioned at least one memory stores a purchaser dataset relating to the purchaser who regularly purchased the above-mentioned product 1, The aforementioned purchaser dataset includes the purchaser's subscription history, The aforementioned special price is an initial price that is lower than the aforementioned base price. The aforementioned at least one processor, To receive a request from the aforementioned purchaser to cancel the subscription of the aforementioned product 1, To obtain the aforementioned purchaser's recurring purchase history, Based on the aforementioned subscription history, it is determined whether the purchase made immediately prior to the cancellation request was at the initial price. If the most recent purchase was not at the initial price, the cancellation procedure will be initiated; however, if the most recent purchase was at the initial price, the cancellation procedure will be suspended. Configured to perform, The sales system described in any of the above [1] to [9].

[0164]

[11] At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores a purchaser dataset relating to the purchaser, The aforementioned purchaser dataset includes the purchaser's subscription history, The at least one processor is configured to determine the initial fee for a subscription when the purchaser makes a subscription to the product 1 via the purchase screen. Determining the initial fee is done by at least one processor, If the aforementioned product 1 has an initial price set as a special price that is lower than the base price, then, based on the subscription history, it is determined whether the number of initial purchases of product 1 by the purchaser at the initial price exceeds a specified number. This includes determining the initial price as the initial fee if the initial purchase history does not exceed the specified number of times, while determining the base price as the initial fee if the initial purchase history exceeds the specified number of times. The sales system described in any of the above [1] to

[10] .

[0165]

[12] At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores display data for displaying multiple display elements on the purchase screen. The aforementioned multiple display elements include a description of the subscription service, The at least one processor is configured to display the subscription explanation on the purchase screen when the second selection unit is selected, while not displaying the subscription explanation on the purchase screen when the first selection unit is selected. The sales system described in [1] to

[11] above.

[0166]

[13] The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The aforementioned at least one processor, When the first selection unit is selected, the purchase screen displays the price or stock status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit, associated with at least one of the multiple selection buttons, When the second selection unit is selected, the purchase screen is configured to display the price or inventory status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit when making a recurring purchase, associated with at least one of the multiple selection buttons. The sales system described in [1] to

[12] above.

[0167]

[14] The aforementioned product data includes information on one or more purchase quantity units set for each of the multiple purchase methods for each of the multiple products, The aforementioned multiple purchase methods include the regular purchase selected by the first selection unit and the recurring purchase selected by the second selection unit, The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The aforementioned at least one processor, When one of the first selection unit and the second selection unit is selected, and one of the multiple selection buttons is selected, the system obtains a purchase quantity unit of 1 corresponding to the one selection button in the purchase method corresponding to the selected one selection unit. Based on the information of the one or more purchase quantity units, it is determined whether there is a setting for the one purchase quantity unit in the purchase method corresponding to the other of the first and second selection units. If there is no setting for the purchase quantity unit in the purchase method corresponding to the other selection unit, the display of the other selection unit is changed to an inactive state where selection is not possible. Configured to perform, The sales system described in [1] to

[13] above.

[0168]

[15] The aforementioned product data includes data related to subscription settings set for one or more subscription products among the multiple products for which the base price is set, At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores display data for displaying multiple display elements on the purchase screen. The aforementioned display element includes an alternative selection element, The alternative selection element includes the first selection unit and the second selection unit which can be selected alternatively. Displaying the purchase screen includes, if the recurring purchase setting is configured for the 1 product, displaying the alternative selection element on the purchase screen. The sales system described in any of the above [1] to

[14] .

[0169]

[16] The aforementioned multiple products, Basic subscription products for which the above-mentioned regular price and base price are set but the above-mentioned special price is not set, Special subscription products with the aforementioned regular price, base price, and special price set, This includes regular products for which the aforementioned regular price is set but for which the aforementioned base price and the aforementioned special price are not set, The aforementioned product data includes one or more prices set for each of the plurality of products, The above-mentioned prices include the regular price, the base price, and the special price, The aforementioned at least one processor, From the memory, obtain the price of 1 or more set for the 1 item selected by the purchaser via the purchaser terminal, Display the acquired price of 1 or more on the purchase screen, Configured to perform, The sales system described in any of the above [1] to

[15] .

[0170]

[17] At least one memory that stores multiple instructions, A database configured to store product data related to multiple products, At least one processor, The system comprises, and the at least one processor executes the plurality of instructions, To obtain the product data for one of the aforementioned multiple products, Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, purchase screen data is transmitted to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. It is configured to do the following: If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase and a base price for repeated subscription purchases of the product, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription purchase, and the base price associated with the second selection section. Sales system.

[0171]

[18] At least one processor, From a database containing product data for multiple products, retrieve product data for one of the multiple products, This includes transmitting purchase screen data to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser, based on the product data relating to the aforementioned product 1, so as to display a purchase screen for purchasing the aforementioned product 1 on the purchaser terminal. If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price set for subscriptions relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. Sales method.

[0172]

[19] At least one processor, From a database containing product data for multiple products, retrieve product data for one of the multiple products, Based on the product data relating to the aforementioned product 1, the purchase screen data for displaying the purchase screen for purchasing the aforementioned product 1 on the purchaser's terminal is transmitted to the purchaser's terminal operated by the purchaser, If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price set for subscriptions relative to the base price, then the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. A program to execute. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 11...Sales system, 12...Login screen, 15...Search screen, 16...Login button, 20...Management server, 21...Processor, 22...Memory, 23...Communication interface, 24...Program, 25...Database, 30...Seller terminal, 31...Processor, 32...Memory, 33...Communication interface, 36...Input device, 37...Output device, 40...Web server, 41...Processor, 42...Memory, 43...Communication interface, 44...Program, 45...Database, 50...Purchaser terminal, 51...Processor, 52...Memory, 53...Communication interface, 56...Input device, 57...Output device, 60...Subscription setting screen, 61...Method setting field, 62...Price setting field, 63...Basic price input field, 64...Special price input field, 65...Basic discount rate display section, 66...Special discount rate display section, 67...Cycle setting field, 68...Can Cell button, 69...Save button, 70, 70A, 70B, 70C, 70D, 70E, 70F, 70G, 70H, 70I...Purchase screen, 71...Product image, 72...Product title, 73...Multiple selection element, 74...First display area, 74a...First selection area, 74b...Regular price, 74c...Regular points, 75...Second display area, 75a...Second selection area, 75b...Base price, 75c...Base points 75e...Special price, 75f...Special points, 76...Add button, 77...Purchase button, 78...Application button, 79...Description, 80...Quantity selection section, 81...Quantity display section, 82...Selection button, 83...Quantity display section, 84...Selection button, 85...Quantity input section, 90...Cycle setting screen, 91...Start date setting field, 92...Cycle setting field, 93...Time setting field, 94...Button, 95...Description.

Claims

1. At least one memory that stores multiple instructions, A database configured to store product data related to multiple products, At least one processor, The system comprises, and the at least one processor executes the plurality of instructions, To obtain the product data for one of the aforementioned multiple products, Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, purchase screen data is transmitted to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. It is configured to do the following: If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price set for subscriptions relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. Sales system.

2. In the purchase screen, at least one of the regular price, the base price, and the special price is displayed as a price range from a lower price to an upper price corresponding to the purchase quantity. The sales system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The at least one processor is configured to change the display of the price range to a display of the price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit of the selected selection button when one of the plurality of selection buttons is selected. The sales system according to claim 2.

4. The at least one processor is configured to impose price restrictions such that the base price and the special price are discounted prices relative to the regular price. The aforementioned pricing restriction applies to at least one processor, The method involves transmitting subscription setting screen data to the seller's terminal used by the seller of the product mentioned in item 1, wherein the subscription setting screen allows input of the base price and the special price. To obtain the input values ​​for the base price and the special price for the subscription setting screen, The determination of whether the input values ​​for the base price and the special price satisfy the price requirements, wherein the price requirements are that the base price and the special price are each discounted prices obtained by discounting the regular price at the same or mutually different specified discount rates, The process includes adding the input value of the base price and the input value of the special price to the product data as the base price and the special price, respectively, if the price requirements are met, while sending error information to the seller's terminal if the price requirements are not met. The sales system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned product data includes multiple product datasets for each of multiple products classified into multiple categories, The at least one processor is configured to not impose the price setting restrictions on products in some of the specified categories among the plurality of categories, but to impose the price setting restrictions on products in categories other than the specified categories. The sales system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned at least one processor, To calculate the basic discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value of the base price relative to the regular price, The aforementioned basic discount rate will be displayed on the subscription settings screen, To calculate the special discount rate, which is the discount rate of the input value of the special price relative to the regular price, The special discount rate mentioned above will be displayed on the subscription settings screen, Further including, The sales system according to claim 4.

7. The at least one processor is configured to display the maximum discount rate on the purchase screen, The maximum discount rate is the higher of the following two discount rates: the basic discount rate, which is the discount rate of the base price relative to the regular price, and the special discount rate, which is the discount rate of the special price relative to the regular price. The sales system according to claim 1.

8. The purchase screen includes a display of bonus points awarded when purchasing the product described in item 1 above. The display of the aforementioned bonus points includes the number of basic points displayed in conjunction with the basic price and the number of special points displayed in conjunction with the special price, and the number of basic points and the number of special points are different from each other. The sales system according to claim 1.

9. When the aforementioned base price and special price are displayed as a price range from a lower price to an upper price corresponding to the purchase quantity unit, the aforementioned base points and special points are displayed as a numerical range corresponding to the corresponding price. The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The at least one processor is configured to change the display of the numerical range to the number of points associated with the price corresponding to the selected selection button when one of the plurality of selection buttons is selected. The sales system according to claim 8.

10. At least one of the above-mentioned at least one memory stores a purchaser dataset relating to the purchaser who regularly purchased the above-mentioned product 1. The aforementioned purchaser dataset includes the purchaser's subscription history, The aforementioned special price is an initial price that is lower than the aforementioned base price. The aforementioned at least one processor, To receive a cancellation request for the regular purchase of the aforementioned product 1 from the aforementioned purchaser, To obtain the aforementioned purchaser's recurring purchase history, Based on the aforementioned subscription history, it is determined whether the purchase made immediately prior to the cancellation request was at the initial price. If the most recent purchase was not at the initial price, the cancellation procedure will be initiated; however, if the most recent purchase was at the initial price, the cancellation procedure will be suspended. Configured to perform, The sales system according to claim 1.

11. At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores a purchaser dataset relating to the purchaser, The aforementioned purchaser dataset includes the purchaser's subscription history, The at least one processor is configured to determine the initial fee for a subscription when the purchaser makes a subscription to the product 1 via the purchase screen. Determining the aforementioned initial fee is done by at least one processor, If the product in item 1 has an initial price set as a special price that is lower than the base price, then, based on the subscription history, it is determined whether the number of initial purchases of the product in item 1 at the initial price by the purchaser exceeds a specified number. This includes determining the initial price as the initial fee if the initial purchase history does not exceed the specified number of times, while determining the base price as the initial fee if the initial purchase history exceeds the specified number of times. The sales system according to claim 1.

12. At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores display data for displaying multiple display elements on the purchase screen. The aforementioned multiple display elements include a description of the subscription service, The at least one processor is configured to display the subscription explanation on the purchase screen when the second selection unit is selected, while not displaying the subscription explanation on the purchase screen when the first selection unit is selected. The sales system according to claim 1.

13. The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The aforementioned at least one processor, When the first selection unit is selected, the purchase screen displays the price or stock status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit, associated with at least one of the plurality of selection buttons, When the second selection unit is selected, the purchase screen is configured to display the price or inventory status for the corresponding purchase quantity unit when making a recurring purchase, associated with at least one of the plurality of selection buttons. The sales system according to claim 1.

14. The product data includes information on one or more purchase quantity units set for each of the multiple purchase methods for each of the multiple products. The aforementioned multiple purchase methods include the regular purchase selected by the first selection unit and the subscription purchase selected by the second selection unit, The aforementioned purchase screen includes multiple selection buttons, each representing a different unit of purchase quantity. The aforementioned at least one processor, When one of the first selection unit and the second selection unit is selected, and one of the multiple selection buttons is selected, the system obtains one purchase quantity unit corresponding to the one selection button in the purchase method corresponding to the selected selection unit. Based on the information of the one or more purchase quantity units, it is determined whether there is a setting for the one purchase quantity unit in the purchase method corresponding to the other of the first and second selection units. If there is no setting for the purchase quantity unit in the purchase method corresponding to the other selection unit, the display of the other selection unit is changed to an inactive state where selection is not possible. Configured to perform, The sales system according to claim 1.

15. The aforementioned product data includes data related to subscription settings set for one or more subscription products among the multiple products for which the base price has been set. At least one of the aforementioned at least one memory stores display data for displaying multiple display elements on the purchase screen. The aforementioned display element includes an alternative selection element, The alternative selection element includes the first selection unit and the second selection unit which can be selected alternatively. Displaying the purchase screen includes, if the at least one processor has the subscription setting applied to the product 1, displaying the alternative selection element on the purchase screen. A sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The aforementioned multiple products, Basic subscription products for which the above-mentioned regular price and base price are set but the above-mentioned special price is not set, Special subscription products with the aforementioned regular price, base price, and special price set, This includes regular products for which the aforementioned regular price is set but for which the aforementioned base price and the aforementioned special price are not set, The aforementioned product data includes one or more prices set for each of the plurality of products, The above-mentioned price 1 or more includes the regular price, the base price and the special price, The aforementioned at least one processor, From the memory, obtain the price of 1 or more set for the 1 item selected by the purchaser via the purchaser terminal, To display the acquired price of 1 or more on the purchase screen, Configured to perform, A sales system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. At least one memory that stores multiple instructions, A database configured to store product data related to multiple products, At least one processor, The system comprises, and the at least one processor executes the plurality of instructions, To obtain the product data for one of the aforementioned multiple products, Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, purchase screen data is transmitted to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. It is configured to do the following: If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase and a base price for repeated subscription purchases of the product, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription purchase, and the base price associated with the second selection section. Sales system.

18. At least one processor, From a database containing product data for multiple products, retrieve product data for one of the multiple products; This includes transmitting purchase screen data to the purchaser terminal operated by the purchaser, based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, so as to display a purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser terminal. If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscriptions of the product, and a special price set for subscriptions relative to the base price, the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. Sales method.

19. At least one processor, From a database containing product data for multiple products, retrieve product data for one of the multiple products; Based on the product data relating to the product in item 1, the purchase screen data for displaying the purchase screen for purchasing the product in item 1 on the purchaser's terminal is transmitted to the purchaser's terminal operated by the purchaser, If the aforementioned product 1 has a regular price for a one-time purchase of the product, a base price for repeated subscription purchases of the product, and a special price set for subscription purchases relative to the base price, then the purchase screen includes a first selection section for selecting the regular purchase, the regular price associated with the first selection section, a second selection section for selecting the subscription purchase, the base price associated with the second selection section, and the special price associated with the base price. A program to execute.

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