Point Management Service System

Abstract

To provide a point management service system which enables a point imparting source salon to easily collect point capital.SOLUTION: In a point management service system 1, a point processing section 12 of a management server 10 performs point utilization processing on the basis of a first point value calculated using a first point conversion rate for the number of utilized points when a utilization destination of points is an imparting source salon, performs point utilization processing on the basis of a second point value calculated using a second point conversion rate lower than the first point conversion rate when the utilization destination of the points is a member store different from the imparting source salon, and performs return processing for imparting a valuable value defining a difference between the first point value and the second point value as an upper limit to the imparting source salon, and the imparting source salon can select whether to receive the valuable value in a return form of money or points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a point management service system to which salons such as esthetic salons or beauty parlors belong.

Background Art

[0002] When a customer purchases a service or product provided by a franchise store, a point service is widely practiced in which points corresponding to the purchase amount are given to the customer.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that points corresponding to the payment amount are issued to registered users who have reserved and used a beauty salon through a beauty salon reservation system. The user can use these points to use the beauty salon at a discounted price next time (paragraphs 0035, 0056, etc.). In the beauty salon reservation system described in Patent Document 1, a usage fee is billed to the beauty salon according to the amount paid by the user who reserved through the beauty salon reservation system (paragraphs 0054 to 0055).

[0004] Generally, the source of the points given to customers in the point service is often borne by the franchise side such as a beauty salon in the form included in the usage fee. Instead of bearing the source of point giving, the franchise store can obtain the effect of promoting the customer's repeat visit.

[0005] Furthermore, if the points are common points that can be used at stores other than the store where the points are given, the convenience of the customer is improved, so the appeal effect to the customer can be further enhanced. Non-Patent Document 1 describes a point service in which points given to a customer according to the fee of a service provided by a franchise salon can be used at other franchise salons.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Recruit ID Terms of Service: List of Point Accumulation and Usage Conditions," https: / / point.recruit.co.jp / doc / terms / pointlist2.html [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Incidentally, in point services where common points are awarded, when a customer pays part or all of the price with points at the time of payment, the point service management company pays the store where the points were used an amount of money equivalent to the number of points used. If the store that issued the points and the store where the points were used are the same, the issuing store can recover the points as sales revenue.

[0009] However, if a customer uses points at a store different from the store that issued them, the equivalent amount of money is paid to the salon where the points were used. In this case, there was a problem in that the funds borne by the issuing store were consumed at another store and did not contribute to the store's own sales.

[0010] The objective of this invention is to provide a point management service system that makes it easier for salons that award points to recover the funds used for those points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To solve the above problems, a point management service system is provided in which a management server, terminal devices used by multiple salons, and terminal devices used by salon customers are connected via a network, and points awarded by salons to salon customers are managed, wherein the management server comprises a database that stores information relating to customer-held points linked to the salon that awarded the points, and information relating to salon-held points that are refunded to the salon and accumulated as a result of salon customers using points, and a point processing unit that performs point awarding, usage, and refund processing in response to requests from any of the terminal devices, and the point processing unit determines that the point usage destination is the When the salon is the point-issuing salon, the point redemption process is performed based on a first point value calculated using a first point conversion rate for the number of points used. When the point redemption destination is a different merchant from the point-issuing salon, the point redemption process is performed based on a second point value calculated using a second point conversion rate lower than the first point conversion rate. In addition, a refund process is performed to the point-issuing salon, granting a value up to the difference between the first point value and the second point value. The point-issuing salon can choose whether to receive the value in the form of cash or points.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first point conversion rate is 1 yen per point and the second point conversion rate is 0.5 yen per point.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the affiliated salon is different from the granting salon.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that terminal devices used by wholesalers who supply products to salons are connected to the network, and that the management server comprises a product order site provision unit that provides a product order site for accepting orders for the products to the terminal devices of salon customers, and an order processing unit that receives orders from salon customers via the product order site and transmits the order information to the salon's terminal device and the wholesaler's terminal device, and that the wholesaler's terminal device performs a shipping process to ship the ordered products to the specified delivery address based on the order information received from the order processing unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the management server is equipped with a payment function for the purchase price of the goods, and the salon can use the salon's points to pay for the purchase price of the ordered goods. Preferably, the points processing unit performs a point redemption process to redeem the salon's points for part or all of the purchase price of the goods based on a point redemption request from the salon terminal device.

[0016] Furthermore, the customer's point information is stored in conjunction with the date and time of issuance, and the management server further comprises a point usage priority identification unit, which preferably identifies which points will be used preferentially based on the date and time of issuance when a salon customer uses points to pay for all or part of the price of goods or services. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] This invention makes it possible to provide a point management service system that makes it easier for salons that award points to recover the funds used for those points. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a point management service system in an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general flow of point refunds when points are used at a participating store different from the salon that issued them. [Figure 3]It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of point granting. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of return when points are used at the salon that grants them. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of return when the granting salon and the using salon are different. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the customer retention point information and the point use priority specifying section. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the point management service system of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of merchandise sales through a product ordering site.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] 〔Main Configuration of Point Management Service System〕 The point management service system 1 realizes a point management service for managing points granted to salon customers who use salons such as beauty salons or beauty parlors. In this specification, the “salon” includes various salons that provide care for the human body, such as nail salons, eyelash salons, makeup salons, osteopathic, chiropractic, and massage salons. Also, the franchise stores of the point management service may include stores in business formats other than salons. In this specification, cash, electronic money, bank transfer, gift certificates, credit cards, etc., excluding points, among the means used for settlement are collectively referred to as “cash, etc.”

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the point management service system 1 of this embodiment includes a management server 10, a salon terminal device 20, and a customer terminal device 30. The management server 10 is communicably connected to the salon terminal device 20 and the customer terminal device 30 via a communication network NW such as the Internet.

[0021] The salon terminal device 20 is a terminal device operated by the salon manager and / or staff to perform salon operations. The salon terminal device 20 may be a POS (Point of Sales) terminal device, a tablet terminal or smartphone terminal equipped with POS register functionality, or a personal computer.

[0022] The customer terminal device 30 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet used by salon customers. However, the customer terminal device 30 is not limited to portable terminal devices and may include a personal computer used by salon customers for online shopping at home.

[0023] The point management service system 1 may include a wholesaler terminal device 40. The wholesaler terminal device 40 is a terminal device such as a personal computer used by a wholesaler for wholesale sales operations. The wholesaler is a company that supplies goods to salons. The goods are cosmetics, hair care products, etc., that salons sell to salon customers at their physical or virtual stores. Embodiments in which the wholesaler terminal device 40 is connected to the management server 10 via a network NW will be described in detail later.

[0024] The management server 10 is a server used by a management company providing point management services to salons and customers. In this embodiment, the management server 10 includes a database 11 and a point processing unit 12. Hereafter, the database may be abbreviated as "DB".

[0025] (Database) In this embodiment, DB11 stores salon and staff registration information 111, which is the registration information of salons and salon staff that are affiliated with the point management service provided by the management company, and customer information 112 of salon customers that use the salons. The customer information 112 is stored in DB11 and is linked to the salons and / or salon staff registered therein.

[0026] DB11 stores customer point information 113 regarding points held by salon customers, and salon point information 114 regarding points held by salons.

[0027] The customer point information 113 in this embodiment includes customer identification information such as the salon customer's ID and name, point balance information, information on the date and time the points were awarded and the store from which they were awarded, history information regarding the awarding and use of points, and point expiration date information.

[0028] The salon point information 114 of the embodiment includes salon identification information such as the salon's affiliate ID and salon name, point balance information, history information regarding point refunds and usage, and point expiration date information.

[0029] Furthermore, it is preferable that DB11 stores product information 115 of the aforementioned products handled by the wholesaler. The wholesaler can input and edit the product information 115 from the wholesaler terminal device 40.

[0030] (Point volume) When the point processing unit 12 receives a point processing request from the salon terminal device 20 or the customer terminal device 30, it processes the point balance held by the salon and / or the salon customer based on the point processing request.

[0031] Examples of processes that the points processing unit 12 performs to increase or decrease the balance of points held by a customer include adding to the balance when points are awarded to a salon customer, and subtracting from the balance when a salon customer uses points.

[0032] Examples of processes by the points processing unit 12 to increase or decrease the balance of points held by the salon include adding points when points are refunded to the salon by the management company based on the point usage of salon customers, and subtracting points when the salon uses its own points to pay for purchases to wholesalers.

[0033] [Overview of the Point Management Service System] Next, with reference to Figure 2, an overview of the point management service system 1 will be described. Hereafter, the unit of point quantity may be referred to as P (points). As shown in Figure 2, the point management service system 1 awards a number of points to a salon customer based on a predetermined standard when the salon customer purchases a service or product from the salon and pays for it (in this example, 1000 points are awarded). The service refers to, for example, treatments provided by the salon. The product refers to, for example, hair care products or cosmetics sold by the salon at its physical or virtual store.

[0034] Furthermore, points awarded to salon customers are not limited to those earned through purchase payments, but also include points awarded for new member registrations, referrals of friends and acquaintances, and participation in various campaigns.

[0035] Preferably, the point management service system 1 also provides a reservation service for accepting and managing salon reservations, and a retail service that allows customers to order products through virtual stores for each salon. Preferably, points can be awarded to salon customers for using the reservation service and for purchasing at the virtual stores.

[0036] In principle, the salon that provided the service or product to the customer shall bear the cost of awarding points to the customer. However, this is not limited to the salon, and it does not preclude the management company providing the point management service from bearing part or all of the cost of awarding points.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2(a), when a salon customer uses points awarded by Salon A at Salon A (the awarding salon), the management company refunds the awarding salon a sum of money corresponding to the number of points used. In this example, the management server 10 converts the number of points used, 1000P, to a first point value of 1000 yen based on a point conversion rate of 1 yen / 1P, and refunds 1000 yen to Salon A. Note that the specific number of the point conversion rate is not limited to this, and various rates can be set.

[0038] By the way, the points awarded in the point management service system 1 are common points that can be used at any participating store in the point management service. Salon customers can use the awarded points to pay for services at participating stores other than the salon that issued them.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2(b), when a salon customer uses points awarded by salon A at a different salon, salon B, a lower point conversion rate will be applied to the customer's points than the rate applied when using them at the salon that awarded them.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 2(b), the point conversion rate applied when a salon customer uses points at Salon B, a different affiliated store from the issuing salon, is 0.5 yen / 1 point. In this example, the management server 10 converts the 1000 points specified by the salon customer to a second point value of 500 yen and processes the point usage to pay for the service at Salon B. Note that the point conversion rate applied to usage at an affiliated store different from the issuing salon is not limited to this and can be any of the various rates.

[0041] Furthermore, the management server 10 calculates the difference between the first point value (1,000 yen) and the second point value (500 yen). In the example shown in Figure 2, the difference is 500 yen. In the point management service system 1 of the present invention, a value up to this difference is returned to Salon A.

[0042] At this time, Salon A can choose whether to receive the aforementioned value in the form of cash or points. The management server 10 executes a refund process to grant Salon A either cash or points according to Salon A's selection. In the example shown in Figure 2(b), 500 yen or 500 points, equivalent to the difference, are refunded to Salon A.

[0043] As a result, in point management service system 1, Salon A (the point-issuing salon) can recover at least a portion of the funds it has used to award points to its customers, even if those points are used at other participating stores. Furthermore, a higher point conversion rate at the point-issuing salon than at other participating stores provides a strong incentive for salon customers to use their points at the point-issuing store, contributing to an increase in the repeat customer rate.

[0044] Furthermore, from the perspective of Salon B (a different salon from the one that issued the points), the value of the points used by the customer is refunded in cash or other means by the managing company, and the remaining amount is received in cash or other means from the salon customer, so no burden is incurred.

[0045] Furthermore, in the point management service system 1, the issuing salon can choose whether to receive the aforementioned value in points or in cash. If the salon chooses to receive the aforementioned value in points, it can reduce or eliminate the transfer fees associated with receiving the aforementioned value, thereby suppressing the depreciation of the aforementioned value.

[0046] Thus, the present invention makes it possible to provide a point management service system 1 that makes it easier for salons that award points to recover the points' source funds.

[0047] Furthermore, it is preferable that salons can freely set the point accrual rate for salon customers within the legal limits. In the point management service system 1 of the embodiment, if the transaction value of the services provided is 1,000 yen or more, the salon can freely set the point accrual rate within the range of 2 / 10 of the transaction value, which is the upper limit of the restrictions based on the Premiums and Representations Act.

[0048] In conventional point management services for salons, the point accrual rate for salon customers was typically around 1-2% of the transaction value, and salons generally could not change the point accrual rate. With a point management service that allows salons to freely set the point accrual rate within legal limits, rather than having the management company uniformly determine the rate, salons can set higher point accrual rates than those offered by typical salon point management services.

[0049] If salons can freely set their point accrual rates, it becomes easier for salon customers to accumulate points and to increase their motivation to use those points. This makes it easier to increase the sales-boosting effect of point accrual on salons. Furthermore, in the point management service system 1 of the present invention, even points used at other stores are returned to the issuing salon as having monetary value, thus reducing the burden of point accrual on the issuing salon.

[0050] [Procedure for awarding points to salon customers] Next, referring to Figure 3, we will explain a specific example of the procedure by which points are awarded to salon customers when they pay part or all of the price of services and / or goods to the salon in cash or other means.

[0051] (Steps S1, S2) The salon customer receives a treatment service at the salon and pays for it at the salon's cash register. In the example shown in Figure 3, the salon customer pays for the entire treatment service fee in cash (e.g., electronic money) using the customer terminal device 30. Payment can be made according to a known procedure. Note that the payment made in steps S1 and S2 is not limited to the treatment fee at a physical store, but may also be the price of goods purchased at a physical or virtual store.

[0052] (Step S3) The salon awards a predetermined number of points to the salon customer based on the payment amount in Step S2. At this time, the salon A terminal device 20A sends a customer point award request to the management server 10. The customer point award request includes information such as the salon's identification information and the number of points to be awarded.

[0053] In addition to points based on the amount paid by the salon customer, points may also be awarded for other reasons, such as referring a friend or registering as a new member. In this example, the salon customer will be awarded 1000 points.

[0054] (Step S4) When the management server 10 receives a customer point grant request, the point processing unit 12 performs the point granting process for the salon customer. Specifically, the point processing unit 12 adds 1000 points to the salon customer's point balance and updates the customer point information 113. In this point granting process, the identification information of the granting salon, the number of points granted, the date and time of granting, and other information are linked and stored in the DB 11.

[0055] (Step S5) Next, the management server 10 sends a payment request to the salon A terminal device 20A at a predetermined timing for the source of the points awarded to the customer.

[0056] (Step S6) Salon A processes the transfer of points in response to the point fund payment request in Step S5. In this example, 1,000 yen in points funds is paid for 1,000 points awarded to the salon customer.

[0057] [Procedure for refunding points to salons when customers use their points] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain an example of the procedure for refunding points to Salon A when a salon customer uses points at Salon A. In this example, the points used by the salon customer are the 1000 points that Salon A awarded to the salon customer in steps S3 to S4 of Figure 3. In other words, this explains the flow of point refund to the point-issuing salon when the salon that issued the points and the salon where the points were used are the same.

[0058] (Step S7) As shown in Figure 4, Salon A uses the Salon A terminal device 20A to present the price of the service or product to the salon customer (3000 yen in this example).

[0059] (Step S8) Here, the salon customer can choose a payment method for the presented price. In this example, the available payment methods are payment by cash or points. In the example shown in Figure 4, although not shown in the illustration, a salon customer who wishes to pay by points can check their point balance by displaying the point management screen on the customer terminal device 30. In this embodiment, if the point balance is equal to or greater than the number of points that can be used (e.g., 100 points), points can be used for at least a portion of the payment.

[0060] Salon customers can check the number of points they have that can be used for payment on the points management screen, and can also check the point conversion rate. The point conversion rate is the conversion rate between points and currency. Salon customers send a request to display the point conversion rate from the customer terminal device 30 to the management server 10.

[0061] (Step S9) Upon receiving a request to display the point conversion rate, the management server 10 refers to the information of the issuing salon associated with the points that have been instructed to be used, and determines whether the issuing salon and the salon to which the points are used match. If the issuing salon and the salon to which the points are used match, the process proceeds to step S10; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2-4 shown in Figure 5.

[0062] (Step S10) In the example shown in Figure 4, all of the customer points that the salon customer instructed to use were previously awarded by Salon A, and the awarding salon and the salon where the points were used are the same. The management server 10 displays a predetermined first point conversion rate on the display of the customer terminal device 30. At this time, it is preferable to also display the point value calculated based on the first point conversion rate. In this example, the first conversion rate is 1 yen / 1 point.

[0063] (Step S11) The salon customer, having confirmed the point conversion rate, indicates their intention to use all of their points (1000P) to pay for the service. In this example, 1000P is converted to 1000 yen (the first point value), so the salon customer pays the remaining 2000 yen to the salon in cash or other means.

[0064] (Step S12) In order to pay 1,000 yen of the price with points, the salon customer operates the customer terminal device 30 to display the customer identification code linked to their customer point information 113 on the screen of the customer terminal device 30. The customer identification code may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code, for example.

[0065] (Step S13) The salon staff reads the customer identification code displayed on the customer terminal device 30 using the salon A terminal device 20A.

[0066] (Step S14) The salon staff member uses the salon A terminal device 20A to send a point redemption request to the management server 10, which includes the customer identification code and the number of points to be used.

[0067] (Step S15) When the server 10 receives a point redemption request from the salon A terminal device 20A, the point processing unit 12 performs the redemption process using the customer's points. Specifically, the point processing unit 12 deducts 1000 points from the salon customer's point balance and updates the customer's point information 113. In this point redemption process, the identification information of the salon used, the number of points used, the date and time of use, and other information are linked and stored in the DB 11.

[0068] (Step S16) Next, the management server 10 executes a remittance process to Salon A for the refund associated with the use of points at a predetermined timing. As a result, Salon A completes the collection of the full amount that it presented to the salon customer in Step S7.

[0069] [Refund procedure when the issuing salon and the salon where the voucher is used are different] Next, referring to Figure 5, we will explain an example of a refund procedure for the salon that issued the points and the salon where the points were used, when the issuing salon and the salon where the points were used are different.

[0070] Figure 5 shows the transaction flow following the point accrual transaction shown in Figure 3. In the example shown in Figure 5, the points used by the salon customer are the 1000 points that Salon A accrued to the salon customer in steps S3 to S4 of Figure 3. In other words, Figure 5 shows an example of point reimbursement to Salon A and Salon B when a salon customer uses points accrued by Salon A at Salon B. Note that explanations may be simplified in parts that are similar to the flow when the accruing salon and the using salon are the same.

[0071] (Step S2-1) As shown in Figure 5, the Salon B terminal device 20B displays the price of the service or product to the salon customer (3000 yen in this example).

[0072] (Step S2-2) The salon customer checks the points management screen to see if they have a point balance that can be used for payment. If they have a point balance that can be used, the salon customer sends a request to the management server 10 from the customer terminal device 30 to display the point conversion rate, and can check the point conversion rate at the store where they will be using the points.

[0073] (Step S2-3) When the management server 10 receives a request to display the point conversion rate, the point processing unit 12 refers to the information of the issuing salon associated with the points that have been instructed to be used and determines whether the issuing salon and the salon to which the points are used match. If the issuing salon and the salon to which the points are used match, the process proceeds to step S10 in Figure 4; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S2-4 shown in Figure 5.

[0074] (Step S2-4) If the salon from which the points were issued is different from the salon to which they are used, the management server 10 displays a second point conversion rate, which is lower than the first point conversion rate in step S10 of Figure 4, on the display of the customer terminal device 30. In this example, the second point conversion rate is 0.5 yen / 1 point. That is, 1000 points held by a salon customer can be used at salon A to pay for a price equivalent to 1000 yen, which is the first point value, but if used at salon B, it will be depreciated to the equivalent of 500 yen, which is the second point value.

[0075] (Step S2-5) In this example, the salon customer wants to use the points at Salon B even if their value is reduced, for example, because the points are about to expire, and expresses their intention to use 1000 points as part of the payment. As mentioned above, the second point value is equivalent to 500 yen, so the salon customer pays 2500 yen in cash and 1000 points for the billed amount of 3000 yen.

[0076] (Step S2-6) In order to pay with points, the salon customer operates the customer terminal device 30 to display the customer identification code linked to their customer point information 113 on the screen of the customer terminal device 30. The customer identification code may be, for example, a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0077] (Step S2-7) The staff of Salon B use the Salon B terminal device 20B to read the customer identification code displayed on the customer terminal device 30.

[0078] (Step S2-8) The staff of Salon B use the Salon B terminal device 20B to send a point redemption request to the management server 10, which includes the customer identification code and the number of points to be used.

[0079] (Step S2-9) When the management server 10 receives a point redemption request from the salon B terminal device 20B, the point processing unit 12 performs the redemption process using the customer's points. Specifically, the point processing unit 12 deducts 1000 points from the salon customer's point balance and updates the customer's point information 113.

[0080] (Step S2-10) Salon A selects the form of the refunded value, either cash or points, and notifies the management server 10 of its selection.

[0081] The timing of selecting the reward method is not limited to the time series shown in Figure 5, but can be done at any stage before the refund process in step S2-12. For example, Salon A may select the reward method when joining the point management service and register it with the management server 10. Furthermore, if Salon A wishes to change the selected reward method, it can do so through a prescribed procedure.

[0082] (Step S2-11) At a predetermined timing, the management server 10 calculates the amount of value to be refunded to Salon A based on the point usage of the salon customer in Step S2-5. The management server 10 in this embodiment calculates the difference between the first point value based on the first point conversion rate (1,000 yen in this example) and the second point value based on the second point conversion rate applied in Step S2-4 (500 yen in this example).

[0083] The management server 10 calculates the value to be refunded to Salon A based on predetermined criteria, with the difference being the upper limit. In the example shown in Figure 5, the value to be refunded to Salon A is 500 yen or 500 points, which corresponds to the difference.

[0084] (Step S2-12) The management server 10 processes a refund to Salon A, paying the aforementioned value in points or money, according to Salon A's choice. A prescribed fee may be deducted at this time.

[0085] Furthermore, the management server 10 executes a transfer process to Salon B, the recipient of the points, for an amount equivalent to the second point value calculated based on the second point conversion rate. Salon B can recover the billed amount without any overpayment or underpayment by receiving 2,500 yen in cash from the salon customer and 500 yen from the management company for the 3,000 yen billed in step S2-1.

[0086] [Point Usage Priority Identification Department] As shown in Figure 6, the customer point information 113 in the embodiment is stored with the date and time of issuance and the number of points issued linked to each issuing salon. The management server 10 in the embodiment includes a point management screen generation unit 13, which can display a point management screen, summarized for each issuing salon, on the display of the customer terminal device 30 in response to a display request from the customer terminal device 30.

[0087] Preferably, the point management screen displays the point accumulation status for each salon, the expiration date of each point, the first point conversion rate, and the second point conversion rate. Based on the information displayed on the point management screen, salon customers can prioritize using points with older issuance dates or use points at the issuing salon in a way that maximizes the point conversion rate.

[0088] Preferably, the management server 10 further includes a point usage priority identification unit 14. In this embodiment, the point usage priority identification unit 14 refers to the customer's point information 113 and assigns usage priority in order from the oldest point accrual date and time.

[0089] The point usage priority identification unit 14 in this embodiment identifies which points should be used preferentially, in chronological order, based on the point issuance date and time information, when a salon customer uses points to pay for all or part of the price of goods or services. The point processing unit 12 then executes a process to consume points in order from the oldest issuance date and time, based on the usage priority set by the point usage priority identification unit 14.

[0090] The point usage priority identification unit 14 may use the point conversion rate along with the grant date and time as parameters for the usage priority and calculate the combination of point consumption that is most advantageous to the salon customer.

[0091] With the above configuration, in the point management service system 1 of this embodiment, even if points are used at other affiliated stores, at least a portion of the point source will be returned to the issuing salon. Furthermore, the ability of the issuing salon to select the return method improves convenience for the issuing salon.

[0092] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. The point management service system 1 of the second embodiment includes a wholesaler terminal device 40. The management server 10 includes a product order site provision unit 15, as shown in Figure 1.

[0093] The product order site provider unit 15 provides a product order site to the customer terminal device 30, which allows each salon participating in the point management service to sell products to its own customers. These products may include a variety of items such as cosmetics, hair care products, accessories, and daily necessities that wholesalers supply to participating salons.

[0094] The product ordering site in this embodiment is a website where customers can order listed products. Salon customers browse the product ordering site, select the products they wish to purchase, and place their orders online. In the point management service system 1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, a dedicated product ordering site (SA, SB, SC, SD) is provided for each participating salon. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the ordered products are delivered to the salon from the wholesaler based on the salon customer's specifications. Therefore, in this example, the salon customer receives the products and pays for them at the salon's storefront.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the wholesaler inputs, edits, and registers product information 115 using the wholesaler terminal device 40. The product order site provision unit 15 can post product information on the product order site based on the product information 115 and display it on the customer terminal device 30's display.

[0096] The product lineup displayed on the product ordering website may include products recommended by the managing company, or it may include products independently selected by the salon. In this embodiment, the products included in product information 115 are automatically displayed as the product lineup on the product ordering website.

[0097] Furthermore, the system could be configured to allow salons to select the categories of products they want to list on the product ordering site. This would allow salons to, for example, list cosmetics and hair care products on their site but not accessories, making it easier to reflect the salon's preferences in product sales.

[0098] In this embodiment, the obligation to pay for the purchase price of a product arises when a salon customer orders a product listed on the product ordering website. In other words, the salon does not have to bear any purchase obligations until the product is actually ordered, nor does it have to hold inventory itself. It should be noted that this is not limited to a configuration where the salon procures the product after the customer places an order; for example, it is possible to keep inventory of popular products at the salon store.

[0099] Furthermore, it is preferable that salons can use their points to pay for purchases to wholesalers. In the point management service system 1 of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the management server 10 provides the settlement service for the purchase price. The point processing unit 12 of the embodiment receives a request from the salon terminal device 20 to use salon points to pay for part or all of the purchase price and executes the point redemption process. The point redemption request may also be sent from the salon terminal device 20 to the management server 10 via the wholesaler terminal device 40.

[0100] As a result, in the point management service system 1 of this embodiment, salons can use the value they receive when points awarded to their customers are used at affiliated stores other than their own to pay off their accounts payable for goods, thereby increasing the convenience for the point-issuing salon in the point management service.

[0101] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, a salon customer makes a reservation at salon A using the customer terminal device 30, and the management server 10 manages the reservation. Based on the reservation, the salon customer visits salon A and receives treatment. At this time, the staff member in charge of the treatment can guide the salon customer to the salon's product ordering site SA and recommend the products listed there. During the treatment or after returning home, the salon customer can browse the product ordering site SA using the customer terminal device 30 and order any products they like from the product ordering site SA.

[0102] Order requests for products on the product ordering site SA are transmitted from the customer terminal device 30 to the management server 10. The order request includes at least information about salon A associated with the product ordering site SA, customer information that can identify the salon customer who placed the order, product information that can identify the ordered product, and delivery address information for the ordered product.

[0103] It is preferable that salon customers can specify Salon A as the delivery address for the products, in addition to their home address or work address. The embodiment shown in Figure 7 illustrates a case where a salon customer specifies Salon A as the delivery address for the ordered products. With this configuration, salon customers will visit Salon A to pick up the ordered products, which is likely to increase the chances of repeat visits to Salon A. In addition, it is more convenient for salon customers as they have more options for where to pick up their products.

[0104] The management server 10 in the second embodiment includes an order processing unit 16 that processes product orders via the product ordering site. The order processing unit 16 in this embodiment receives product purchase orders from salon customers via the product ordering site SA and transmits this order information to the salon terminal device 20 and the wholesaler terminal device 40.

[0105] When the wholesaler management device 40 receives order information from the order processing unit 16, the wholesaler ships the goods to the designated delivery address based on this order information. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, as described above, the delivery address is specified as salon A, so the wholesaler delivers the ordered goods to salon A.

[0106] Furthermore, salon customers can use the points they have accumulated to purchase products on the product ordering website. Traditionally, salons have wanted to use the points they award to their customers to attract repeat customers, but if the options for using the points are limited to treatment fees, or if the point accrual rate is low and it is difficult to accumulate points, it can be difficult to shorten the time between salon customers' return visits.

[0107] However, with a point management service system 1 that allows product sales on a product ordering website, the options for salon customers to use their points increase. Also, for example, if points are awarded at a high rate based on the treatment fee at salon A, salon customers will be more motivated to receive product suggestions from salon staff during their treatment and use the points awarded for the treatment fee to purchase products on the product ordering website. This makes it easier to convert the points awarded to salon customers into future sales in a short period of time.

[0108] Regarding product purchases on product ordering websites, similar to the payment of treatment fees, it is preferable that the point conversion rate on the product ordering website SA of the issuing salon (Salon A) differs from the point conversion rate on the product ordering websites of other participating stores (Salon B, Salon C, Salon D, etc.), and that the equivalent value is returned to Salon A.

[0109] This allows salons that issue points to create a point management service system 1 that makes it easier for them to recover the funds they incurred for issuing points. Furthermore, it strengthens the incentive for salon customers to use their points at the issuing salon.

[0110] [The process of selling products through a product ordering website] Next, we will explain an example of the flow of product sales through a product ordering website, referring to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows an example where a salon is specified as the delivery address for the ordered product.

[0111] (Step S3-1) Salon staff present the product ordering website to salon clients during treatments and suggest the products listed on the site.

[0112] (Step S3-2) After receiving a suggestion from the staff, the salon customer considers whether or not to purchase the product. If they do not purchase the product, they pay for the treatment and the session ends.

[0113] (Step S3-3) If the product the customer wishes to purchase is available for sale in the salon's inventory, the customer may choose to purchase it in-store. If the product is not in stock at the salon, the customer may order the product online through the product ordering website. This online order does not have to be placed in the salon; the customer may place it at home after returning from the salon.

[0114] (Step S3-4) Once the treatment for the salon client is complete, the salon staff will process the payment for the treatment.

[0115] (Steps S3-5, S3-6) The salon processes point accrual for salon customers based on the amount of treatment fees paid by the salon customers.

[0116] (Step S3-7) A point granting request is sent from the salon terminal device 20 to the management server 10.

[0117] (Steps S3-8, S3-9) When the management server 10 receives a point granting request from the salon terminal device 20, the point processing unit 12 executes a point granting process that increases the customer's point balance, and the salon customer receives the points.

[0118] (Step S3-10) The salon, at the request of the management company, performs a remittance process to send to the management company an amount equivalent to the source of the points awarded to the salon's customers. Note that the timing of the payment of the point source is not limited to the time series shown in Figure 8, and may occur before or after steps S3-11.

[0119] (Steps S3-11, S3-12) The salon customer logs in to the product ordering site using the customer terminal device 30 and selects the products to purchase. At this time, the salon customer can select the delivery address and payment method for the ordered products (illustration omitted).

[0120] It is preferable that the delivery address for the product can be selected and specified from options such as the salon customer's home address or work address, the recipient's address, or the salon address (for in-store pickup). Furthermore, it is preferable that various payment methods be available for the product price, including payment at the salon, credit card payment, smartphone payment, bank transfer, cash on delivery, and convenience store payment. In this example, the salon customer has selected the salon as the delivery address and chosen to pay for the product at the salon upon receipt.

[0121] (Step S3-13) The salon customer sends an order request for the selected product to the management server 10.

[0122] (Step S3-14) The order processing unit 16 of the management server 10 transmits the product order information to the wholesaler terminal device 40 and the salon terminal device 20 in response to the received order request.

[0123] (Step S3-15) The wholesaler processes the shipment of goods using the wholesaler terminal device 40 in accordance with the received order information. In this example, the wholesaler delivers the goods to the salon linked to the product ordering site used by the salon customer.

[0124] (Step S3-16) The salon, having received the goods delivered from the wholesaler, uses the salon terminal device 20 to send a goods arrival notification to the customer terminal device 30.

[0125] (Step S3-17) Upon receiving the product arrival notification, the salon customer may visit the salon at any time to receive the product and pay for it at the store. The salon customer may use points to pay for the product. The flow of point usage and refund when the salon customer uses points to pay for part or all of the product is the same as shown in Figure 4, and is therefore omitted from Figure 8. If the salon customer does not use points to pay for the product, or if the points used do not cover the entire product price, the salon customer will pay all or part of the product price in cash or other means.

[0126] The present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be configured in various ways. For example, the management server 10 in the embodiment is equipped with a settlement function for the price of goods or services or purchase price, but the management server 10 and the settlement server may be provided separately. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Point Management Service System 10 Management Server 11 Databases 12-point processing unit 13. Point Management Screen Generation Unit 14. Point Usage Priority Identification Department 15. Product Ordering Site Provision Department 16 Order Processing 20 Salon terminal device 30 Customer terminal devices 40 Wholesaler Terminal Equipment

Claims

1. The management server, terminal devices used by multiple salons, and terminal devices used by salon customers are connected via a network. A point management service system that manages points awarded by a salon to its customers, The aforementioned management server A database that stores information about customer points linked to the salon that issued the points, and information about salon points that are returned to the salon and accumulated as a result of the salon customer's point usage, The system includes a point processing unit that performs point granting, redemption, and refund processing in response to a request from any of the aforementioned terminal devices, The aforementioned point processing unit is When the points are to be used at the aforementioned issuing salon, the point usage process is performed based on the first point value calculated using the first point conversion rate on the number of points to be used. When the point redemption destination is a different merchant from the issuing salon, the point redemption process is performed based on a second point value calculated using a second point conversion rate lower than the first point conversion rate, and a refund process is performed to the issuing salon, granting a value up to the difference between the first point value and the second point value. A point management service system that allows the issuing salon to choose whether to receive the aforementioned valuable value in the form of cash or points.

2. The point management service system according to claim 1, wherein the first point conversion rate is 1 yen per point and the second point conversion rate is 0.5 yen per point.

3. The point management service system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the affiliated store is a salon different from the aforementioned point-granting salon.

4. Terminal devices used by wholesalers who supply products to salons are connected to the aforementioned network. The aforementioned management server A product order site provision unit provides a product order site that accepts orders for the aforementioned products to the terminal devices of salon customers, The system includes an order processing unit that receives orders from salon customers via the aforementioned product ordering site and transmits the order information to the salon's terminal device and the wholesaler's terminal device, The point management service system according to claim 1, wherein the wholesaler's terminal device performs a shipping process to ship the ordered goods to a specified delivery address based on the order information received from the order processing unit.

5. The management server is equipped with a payment function for the purchase price of the goods, The salon is The salon's points can be used to pay for the purchase price of the ordered product, The aforementioned point processing unit is The point management service system according to claim 4, which performs a point redemption process to redeem part or all of the purchase price of the said goods using points held by the salon, based on a point redemption request from the salon terminal device.

6. The aforementioned customer point information is stored in conjunction with the date and time of issuance. The aforementioned management server It further includes a section for determining the priority of point usage. The aforementioned point usage priority identification unit is: A point management service system according to claim 1 or 4, which identifies which points to be used preferentially based on information about the date and time of issuance when a salon customer uses points to pay for all or part of the price of goods or services.

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