Information processing method and information processing system

Abstract

This aims to enhance the compatibility between BNPL transactions and recurring payments, lowering the barrier to regular purchases while increasing the LTV effect. [Solution] In electronic commerce using an information processing system where payment is made after obtaining the goods, there is an information processing method that allows switching the payment method to a recurring payment method after obtaining the goods, which determines whether or not to offer a discount on a recurring purchase using a first parameter for determining a discount offer pattern for a recurring purchase linked to a pre-stored recurring purchase item identifier, sends a medium to the consumer with access information, and when the switching process to a recurring payment method is performed via the access information, a discount is applied to the fixed price of the recurring purchase corresponding to the recurring purchase item identifier using a first discount amount.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to an information processing method and an information processing system. 【Background Art】 【0002】 In order to provide an information processing system, an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, and a program that can improve the convenience of procedures related to the settlement of the price or fee even in a situation where payment of the price or fee is not made in a physical store, the information processing system includes, instead of a merchant server that sells products or provides services, a proxy server that executes processing related to proxy settlement of the price accompanying the purchase of products by consumers or the fee accompanying the use of services, and a terminal device. The proxy server includes a control means that executes processing related to the output of a screen on which an input area for receiving an instruction related to settlement is presented, and an issuing means that issues access information for causing the terminal device to display the screen on which the input area is presented. This is known (Patent Document 1). 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-013845 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 In recent years, BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later), a payment service that means "buy now and pay later", has seen an increase in transactions using a mechanism where, even without a credit card or cash on hand, the price can be paid at a convenience store or bank after receiving the product. 【0005】 However, due to its payment method, BNPL does not necessarily lead to regular or repeat purchases. In particular, with convenience store payments, users have to go to the store by the payment deadline, which is inconvenient, and if they forget to pay, they may receive reminders. These experiences can be an obstacle to continued use, and as a result, it may not lead to regular purchases. Furthermore, since there is no mechanism to complete payments automatically like with credit cards or bank transfers, it is not compatible with subscription-based business models. Therefore, while BNPL with convenience store payments lowers the barrier to one-time purchases, it has the challenge of not easily leading to continuous use. 【0006】 Therefore, this disclosure aims to increase the compatibility between BNPL and payment methods that automatically bill in conjunction with credit or debit cards, or payments that are automatically debited monthly via bank transfer, thereby lowering the barrier to purchase and encouraging regular purchases. [Means for solving the problem] 【0007】 The information processing method disclosed herein is an information processing method that enables switching the payment method to a recurring payment method after obtaining the goods in an electronic commerce transaction using an information processing system where payment is made after obtaining the goods. The consumer device operated by the consumer sends order information, including the subscription product identifier, to the affiliated retailer server by ordering a subscription product corresponding to a predetermined subscription product identifier at the pre-discount price. The steps include: the affiliated retailer server obtaining a first parameter for determining a discount offer pattern for a subscription product associated with a pre-stored subscription product identifier using the received order information; The steps include: the merchant server sending a first message to the payment processor server, which includes at least a subscription product identifier and a first parameter; The payment processor server uses a first message to determine whether or not to offer a discount on the subscription product, and if so, to determine a discount offer pattern for the subscription product, including a first discount amount. When the payment processor server decides to make a discount offer, it sends to the merchant server a second message including the first discount amount, which includes access information accessible to a consumer device for switching to a recurring payment method, including at least a payment card, to which the discount offer with the first discount amount has been applied; The steps include: the affiliated retailer server using a second message to process a product shipment to send the consumer a medium to which access information has been assigned and a subscription product; The consumer performs a process of switching to a recurring payment method using access information and consumer device, The process includes the step of the payment service provider server performing a discount operation based on a first discount amount applied to the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, when a switch to a recurring payment method is performed via access information. [Effects of the Invention] 【0008】 This disclosure enhances the compatibility between BNPL transactions and recurring payments, lowering the barrier to regular purchases while increasing the LTV effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0009】 [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the service scheme related to the information processing method disclosed herein. [Figure 2] Network configuration diagram of the information processing system disclosed herein [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of a typical computing device 100 [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing that various data are pre-stored as data sources in the storage areas of the merchant server and payment processor server. [Figure 5] Sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. [Figure 6] Sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of a medium on which access information is carried. [Figure 8] A diagram showing an example of a medium on which access information is carried. [Figure 9] Sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0010】 <Overview of Information Processing Methods and Information Processing Systems> The information processing methods and information processing systems described in this disclosure will be explained below, with the use of diagrams. In short, this disclosure has developed a distinctive service scheme and a supporting information processing system to enhance the compatibility between BNPL and payment methods such as automatic billing linked to credit and debit cards, and automatic monthly withdrawals via bank transfer, thereby lowering the barrier to purchase and encouraging regular purchases. 【0011】 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a service scheme related to the information processing method disclosed herein, and the specific processing of the information processing system to realize this will be described later. Since Figure 1 is also a service scheme diagram of the so-called BNPL, it will be explained, including its basic aspects, in order to understand the invention. 【0012】 This service scheme involves consumers, participating retailers, payment processors, and collection agents. (1) Order and credit check Consumers place orders for products on the websites of affiliated retailers (EC stores) and select BNPL transactions such as "convenience store post-payment" as the payment method. The affiliated retailer transmits the order information to the settlement agent, and the settlement agent conducts a credit review of the consumer. Once the credit is approved, the retailer proceeds with the product shipment procedures. (2) Product Shipment The affiliated retailer entrusts a shipping company to ship the product to the consumer. The consumer receives the product, checks the contents, and will pay the price at a convenience store or the like at a later date. (3) Sending the Invoice The settlement agent sends the invoice (payment slip) to the consumer. This can be enclosed with the product in paper or electronic media or sent separately. The electronic media is not limited to email and can be a messaging app or a SNS app. (4) Payment by the Consumer (Collection Agency) The consumer takes the invoice and goes to a convenience store (collection agent) to pay the price in cash or by other means. The convenience store, as the collection agent, receives the price from the consumer and notifies the settlement agent of the information. (5) Settlement of the Price The convenience store (collection agent) remits the received price to the settlement agent. After that, the settlement agent settles with the affiliated retailer, and the affiliated retailer can recover the sales proceeds. 【0013】 This type of deferred payment system offers advantages to all four parties involved. For consumers, it provides peace of mind because they can pay after receiving the goods, and offers the convenience of being able to pay at any time, 24 hours a day, at a convenience store. For participating retailers, introducing deferred payment allows them to attract customers who do not have credit cards or prefer cash, leading to increased sales, while also allowing them to focus on sales activities with peace of mind by entrusting the risk of payment collection to the payment processing company. For payment processing companies, it provides revenue from fees for providing credit checks and billing / collection systems, as well as an opportunity to expand their business base in line with the growth of the e-commerce market. And for convenience stores, which act as payment collection agents, the increase in customers coming in to make payments creates a customer attraction effect, and they can expect increased sales from impulse purchases and revenue from payment collection fees, while also strengthening their role as a vital part of daily life. In this way, all four parties benefit and gain value. 【0014】 On the other hand, it has drawbacks for payments of recurring purchases and subscription-based consumption. Typically, with recurring purchases, payment by credit card has the effect of increasing the LTV (Life Time Value). Since LTV is calculated as the average purchase price × purchase frequency × duration of the subscription, it is clear that its value increases with recurring purchases. Therefore, when BNPL consumers make payments for recurring purchases, it is preferable for merchants and payment processors if they switch their payment method to a credit card after placing an order. To encourage such a switch, it is conceivable to include a payment method switch notification on the payment slip. 【0015】 However, BNPL consumers generally have no motivation to switch payment methods. This is because the ability to make payments without using credit cards or other payment methods is what motivates and benefits them to choose BNPL. 【0016】 Therefore, the inventors considered a mechanism to encourage BNPL consumers to switch to a payment method such as a credit card after placing an order. The information processing method and the specific configuration of the information processing system for this purpose are described below. 【0017】 Figure 2 shows a network configuration diagram of the information processing system disclosed herein. In Figure 2, the information processing system 1000 may include a consumer device 100 operated by consumers purchasing goods, connected via a network NW; a member store server 200 of businesses such as e-commerce shops that are members of the system; a payment service provider server 300 mainly used as a server for managing this system; a payment collection agent server 400 that handles payment collection such as convenience store post-payment; a carrier server 500 of a carrier that delivers goods from member stores to consumers; and a payment company server 600 of a card issuer for payment cards. 【0018】 Furthermore, information communication between the affiliated retailer server 200 and the payment processor server 300 may be conducted via message exchange through the first API 310 and the second API 320. 【0019】 The above names are for the purpose of understanding the invention and can also be interpreted as the first computing device 100, the second computing device 200, the third computing device 300, the fourth computing device 400, the fifth computing device 500, and the sixth computing device 600, respectively. 【0020】 These consumer devices 100, merchant servers 200, payment processor servers 300, collection agents servers 400, carrier servers 500, and payment company servers 600 may be connected to each other via a network NW. Examples of such networks NW include the internet and VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). 【0021】 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a typical computing device 100. The configuration of the following computing devices is basically common to the consumer device 100, merchant server 200, payment processor server 300, collection agent server 400, carrier server 500, and payment company server 600 described above, so a description of the hardware configuration of these other computing devices will be omitted from here on. 【0022】 The computing device 100 comprises a communication interface 111, an input interface 112, an output interface 113, a processor 114, memory 115, and storage 116. The computing device 100 is provided as a computing resource for realizing the functions described herein. It may be provided as a physical device or as a virtual device. 【0023】 The communication interface 111 is a component that allows the computing device 100 to send and receive data with other external devices. The communication method may include both wired and wireless communication. 【0024】 The input interface 112 is an interface for receiving instructions and data from the user or an external device. For example, devices such as a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, and camera may be connected. In particular, in the case of a consumer device 100, the computing device may be a smartphone or other device, and it is necessary to have the function of obtaining a URL from a two-dimensional code captured by the camera. For example, if the two-dimensional code image is converted into a string of characters by the camera function of a smartphone and a two-dimensional code recognition application, and the string of characters is determined to be a URL, then it is possible to access it over the network using this URL. 【0025】 The output interface 113 is a component for the computing device 100 to provide processing results and information to the user or an external device. Examples include a display, speaker, and printer. 【0026】 The processor 114 is a processing unit that comprehensively controls the operation of the computing device 100, and can be composed of one or more processor units. The processor 114 is realized by a central processing unit (CPU) that performs general-purpose arithmetic processing, a graphics processing unit (GPU) specialized for image processing and parallel computing, a neural processing unit (NPU) or tensor processing unit (TPU) optimized for artificial intelligence processing, or a combination thereof. 【0027】 The processing performed by processor 114 may be executed as parallel processing by multiple processor units, or each process may be assigned to a different processor unit and executed in a distributed manner. Each processor can operate independently, and it is not necessary for one processor to execute multiple tasks sequentially. This improves processing efficiency and load balancing. The type and configuration of processor 114 are appropriately selected according to the application and purpose of the computing device 100. 【0028】 The processor 114 executes programs temporarily stored in memory 115 and performs various arithmetic operations and control. Specifically, programs stored in storage 116 are loaded into memory 115, and the processor 114 executes them, thereby controlling the operation of the entire computing device 100. Memory 115 is a high-speed accessible volatile memory that temporarily stores programs and data necessary for processing by the processor 114. 【0029】 Storage 116 is a storage device for long-term storage of data and programs. Specific examples include non-volatile memory and hard disk drives. Storage 116 includes a data area and a program area, as shown below. 【0030】 The data area stores application data and operating system data. Application data includes information related to the applications used by the user. Operating system data, on the other hand, includes information that supports the basic operation of the entire system. 【0031】 The program area records application programs and the operating system. Application programs are software for performing specific tasks, while the operating system is the basic software that manages the resources of the computing device 100. 【0032】 These components work together to realize the functions expected of the computing device 100. 【0033】 Returning to Figure 2, the first API 310 is an API (Application Programming Interface) for registering order information, and for example, the request message from the merchant server 200 to the payment processor server may include the customer identifier of the consumer, the subscription product identifier of the subscription product, a first parameter for determining the discount offer pattern of the subscription product associated with the pre-stored subscription product identifier, a second parameter regarding the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, and a third parameter which is a subscription identifier for the subscription product corresponding to the same subscription product identifier assigned to each customer identifier. 【0034】 Furthermore, the second API 320 is an API for acquiring data to be printed or written on payment slips, invoices, etc., and may include, for example, in the response message from the payment service provider server 300 to the merchant server 200, access information for switching to a recurring payment method that the consumer can access using the consumer device 100, a first discount amount, a second discount amount, and a fourth parameter which is an invoice category that determines whether or not to display access information accessible to the consumer device 100 for switching to a recurring payment method that offers a discount on the invoice. 【0035】 Information exchanged between each server and computing device, including the data described above, may be stored in the merchant server 200 and the payment processor server 300. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing that various data, including the data described above, are pre-stored as data sources in the storage areas of the merchant server 200 and the payment processor server 300. 【0036】 In Figure 4, the following may be predetermined and stored: a customer ID as a customer identifier that can individually identify a consumer as a customer; a product ID as a subscription product identifier that can individually identify a subscription product; an offer pattern as a first parameter for determining the discount offer pattern of a subscription product associated with the subscription product identifier; the number of times a subscription product has been purchased as a second parameter, which is the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier; a subscription ID as a third parameter, which is a subscription identifier that can identify that the same customer is regularly purchasing the same subscription product; a first discount amount indicating the discount amount at the time of the initial offer; and a second discount amount indicating the discount amount at subsequent transactions. 【0037】 Customer identifiers can individually identify consumers as customers. For example, direct identifiers include name, date of birth, address, telephone number, email address, membership number, account number, contract number, point card number, external linked IDs related to social login and single sign-on, government-issued IDs such as My Number, driver's license number, and passport number, payment-related numbers such as credit card numbers (PANs), and biometric information such as facial images, voiceprints, and fingerprints. However, since some of these should be legally protected as personal information, they may be selected as appropriate as needed. 【0038】 Examples of subscription product identifiers include the product name, model number, and codes indicating that a product has the same name and model number and is a subscription product. Subscription products do not necessarily have to be products intended for continuous purchase; they simply need to be "products that can be purchased regularly" and it is sufficient to indicate that they can be purchased regularly. In other words, a subscription can be something like a "monthly subscription plan" where transactions are automatically conducted at regular time intervals, or it can be something where transactions are conducted at irregular time intervals in response to consumer requests, such as placing orders whenever stock runs out. 【0039】 The first parameter, the offer pattern, can be a numerical parameter, such as 1, 2, or 3, each assigned a predetermined role. For example, a value of 1 means a discount offer is made at the first discount amount, a value of 2 means no discount offer is made, and so on. These numbers contribute to determining the discount offer pattern. 【0040】 The second parameter is the number of times a subscription product is purchased, which is the number of shipments of the subscription product and is defined, for example, by a number. The second parameter may also be used when irregularly determining the first discount amount, which will be discussed later. 【0041】 A third parameter, the subscription identifier, is a subscription ID that identifies the same customer and the same subscription product. Even if the subscription product is the same, different customers will be assigned different subscription IDs. When this third parameter is set, it helps determine if an order by the same customer for the same subscription product is a repeat transaction. 【0042】 Recurring payment information, which shows the history of recurring payments, indicates whether or not a recurring payment has been approved using the recurring payment method described later. Recurring payment information may be stored associated with the customer ID, subscription product ID, and subscription ID. If a recurring payment has been approved, it helps determine if a repeat transaction occurs when the same customer orders the same subscription product. 【0043】 The first discount amount is the specific discount amount used when making a discount offer, and is stored separately from the first parameter, based on a prior agreement between the merchant and the payment processor. The discount amount may be determined and stored for each subscription product ID. As will be described later, the first discount amount may be varied according to the second parameter. 【0044】 The second discount amount is the specific discount amount used when making a re-transaction. It is stored separately from the first discount amount, and is a predetermined amount agreed upon in advance between the participating retailer and the payment processor. The discount amount may be determined and stored for each subscription product ID. 【0045】 A fourth parameter may be stored that determines whether or not to display access information accessible to the consumer device 100 in order to switch to a recurring payment method that offers a discount on the invoice. In the case of a repeat transaction, since there is no need to offer a discount, this fourth parameter can be used to determine whether or not to print a discount offer on the invoice in order to avoid unnecessarily damaging the customer's perception. 【0046】 Figure 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. This workflow is realized by the operation of computing devices such as consumer device 100, merchant server 200, payment processor server 300, collection agent server 400, carrier server 500, and payment company server 600, as well as the operation of the first API 310 and the second API 320. 【0047】 This information processing system is intended for use in electronic commerce, also known as BNPL, where payment is made after the goods are received. 【0048】 In the sequence diagram shown in Figure 5, the implementation process is carried out by the consumer device 100, the affiliated retailer server 200, and the payment processor server 300. However, for the sake of understanding the invention, these are represented as personified consumers, affiliated retailers, and payment processors, respectively. Furthermore, entities not involved in the main information processing process are omitted. 【0049】 In step S100, the consumer device 100 operated by the consumer sends order information, including the subscription product identifier, to the affiliated retailer server 200 by ordering a subscription product corresponding to a predetermined subscription product identifier at a fixed price. The order information may include transaction ID, payment amount, order date, purchaser information, payment type, delivery address information, etc. 【0050】 For example, suppose an online shop offers a service where customers can purchase various types of bath salts each month for a fixed monthly fee through a BNPL (Business Necessary Purchase) transaction. A customer, a consumer, is interested in a subscription plan that delivers about five types of bath salts each month for a fixed monthly fee of 2,000 yen, and accesses the website using a web browser accessible on consumer device 100. On the "Bath Salt Subscription" page of the website, the consumer clicks the order button for the specified plan. The order information transmitted at this time may include a customer ID, email address, SNS account, fixed price, and subscription product identifier, which can be used as the consumer's customer identifier. In this way, the consumer can take the first step towards starting a subscription. 【0051】 Next, in step S110, the affiliated retailer server 200 uses the received order information to obtain a first parameter for determining a discount offer pattern for a subscription product associated with at least a pre-stored subscription product identifier. It may also obtain a second parameter relating to the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, a customer identifier for the same consumer, and a third parameter which is a subscription identifier relating to the subscription purchase of the subscription product corresponding to the same subscription product identifier. 【0052】 For example, the affiliated retailer server 200 uses order information to retrieve offer patterns corresponding to the stored subscription product identifiers. It also retrieves information such as the number of times the subscription product has been purchased and the subscription ID, if available. 【0053】 In step S120, the merchant server 200 sends a first message to the payment processor server 300 containing at least a subscription product identifier and at least a first parameter, as well as other first parameters. The first message exchange may be performed by a pre-configured first API 310. The first message may further include a second parameter relating to the consumer's customer identifier and the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier. The first message may further include a third parameter, which is a subscription identifier for a subscription product that corresponds to the consumer's customer identifier and the subscription product identifier. 【0054】 In step S125, the payment processor server 300 may perform a credit check as a BNPL transaction. This is because the transaction may be conducted as a BNPL transaction without being switched to a recurring payment method. Although details of the credit check in a BNPL transaction are omitted here, the payment processor server 300 may perform an automatic check based on the stored program and information such as the buyer (customer ID), shipping address, product details, and purchase amount included in the order information, and immediately determine and output a conclusion to the credit check, such as check pending, check OK, check in progress, or check NG, using a predetermined algorithm. 【0055】 Subsequently, the payment processor server 300 uses the first message to decide whether or not to offer a discount on the subscription product. 【0056】 In step S130, the payment processor server 300 refers to the first parameter. For example, if the first parameter, which is an offer pattern included in the first message, is predetermined to be one in which no discount offer is made, then no discount offer is made. In other words, it is acceptable to encourage a switch to a recurring payment method without making a discount offer. Depending on the nature of the product, not making a discount offer may contribute to improving the user experience. If it is decided not to make a discount offer, a fourth parameter indicating that no discount offer will be presented may be associated with the third parameter and stored or updated. 【0057】 In step S133, if the first parameter is predetermined to be used for a discount offer, the first discount amount for the discount offer is determined. The discount amount, which is the first discount amount, is stored in the payment service provider server 300 in association with the subscription product ID, and the payment service provider server 300 may determine the discount amount according to the stored discount amount. 【0058】 Furthermore, the payment processing server 300 may determine the first discount amount according to the first and second parameters. 【0059】 For example, if a consumer has previously purchased a subscription product through a BNPL transaction, the discount amount may be set to increase with the number of previous purchases. 【0060】 In step S135, the payment service provider server 300 generates access information accessible to the consumer device 100 for switching to at least a recurring payment method, including a payment card, to which the discount offer with the first discount amount has been applied. Specifically, this is a two-dimensional code that can generate a URL, as will be described later. 【0061】 In step S140, if the payment processor server 300 decides to make a discount offer, it sends a second message to the merchant server 200 that includes at least access information accessible to a consumer device for switching to a recurring payment method, including a payment card, and a first discount amount. The second message may also include a fourth parameter, which is an invoice category that determines whether or not to display access information accessible to a consumer device 100 for switching to a recurring payment method that offers a discount on the invoice. The second message exchange may be conducted using a pre-configured second API. 【0062】 In step S150, the affiliated retailer server 200 uses the second message to perform a product shipping process to send the consumer a medium to which access information has been assigned and a subscription product. Specifically, the purpose of this step is to deliver the consumer the medium to which access information has been assigned, which is contained in the second message obtained by the second API. 【0063】 For example, if the goods are delivered to the consumer by physical delivery, an invoice, delivery note, or similar document is included with the goods. The delivery itself is initiated by sending delivery information to the carrier's server 500. If the goods are in electronic format, the information is transmitted via the network. Therefore, the important thing in step S150 is to deliver the medium with access information to the consumer. 【0064】 Furthermore, if the fourth parameter is referenced and it is determined that a discount offer is not necessary, then the carrier managing the warehouse that holds the goods in stock, and the payment processor that may issue invoices electronically, do not need to include a discount offer on the invoice. 【0065】 Figure 6 is a continuation of Figure 5 and similarly serves as a sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. 【0066】 In step S200, the consumer uses access information and consumer device 100 to switch to a recurring payment method. If the consumer does not switch, the payment will be made separately to a payment collection agent, similar to a BNPL transaction. 【0067】 Recurring payment methods refer to any payment method that includes recurring payments by payment cards, including credit cards or debit cards, or direct debit (automatic account withdrawal), and more specifically, recurring payments by payment cards, and more preferably, recurring payments by credit cards. 【0068】 Figure 7 shows an example of a medium carrying access information. In this figure, medium M1 is, for example, a statement (a document equivalent to an invoice) printed on paper. This statement contains an offer that a predetermined discount will be applied if the customer switches to credit card payment. A two-dimensional code is also included as access information A1. By using the camera function of consumer device 100 to photograph the two-dimensional code, the consumer obtains a URL, accesses this URL, and enters the information necessary for credit card registration, thereby enabling the switch to credit card payment. 【0069】 Figure 8 shows an example of a medium carrying access information. In this figure, medium M2 is, for example, email. This email contains an offer that a predetermined discount will be applied if the customer switches to credit card payment. Access information A2 is provided, which is a link that can be accessed by touching or clicking to access a predetermined URL. Note that the electronic medium is not limited to email; it may also be a messaging app or a social networking app. The consumer can switch to credit card payment by operating consumer device 100 and accessing this URL. 【0070】 It's worth noting that BNPL users may not necessarily switch to a recurring payment method with the initial offer. However, simply being aware of such offers can motivate them to consider using a recurring payment method for their next purchase. 【0071】 Returning to Figure 6, in step S210, the payment agent server 300 performs a discount process based on a first discount amount applied to the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier (for example, the list price, fixed price, manufacturer's suggested retail price, and not only the regular transaction price determined by each participating retailer) when the switching process to the recurring payment method is performed via access information. Note that the discount process and the discounted price only need to be performed at the time of recurring payment, so they may be performed after the offer pattern has been determined. 【0072】 In step S220, the payment processing server sends a credit request to the payment company server 600 with the discounted price. Specifically, this involves the credit check, review, and approval process of the payment company, such as a credit card company, so only an overview is provided. 【0073】 In step S230, the payment company server 600 performs a review. 【0074】 In step S240, the payment company server 600 performs the approval. 【0075】 In step S250, the payment processor server 300 stores the records approved by the payment company server 600. For example, if recurring payment records are stored for a predetermined periodic ID, subsequent payments become possible, and a decision on whether to re-transaction becomes possible. 【0076】 Figure 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the processing workflow of the information processing method disclosed herein. This diagram shows the discount during re-transactions, so the other steps are the same as those described in Figure 5 and are therefore omitted. 【0077】 In step S300, similar to step S100, the consumer device 100 operated by the consumer sends order information, including the subscription product identifier, to the affiliated retailer server 200 by ordering a subscription product corresponding to a predetermined subscription product identifier at a fixed price. 【0078】 In step S310, similar to step S110, the affiliated retailer server 200 uses the received order information to obtain a first parameter for determining the discount offer pattern for the subscription product associated with the pre-stored subscription product identifier. If a third parameter is also set, the third parameter is also obtained at that time. 【0079】 In step S320, the merchant server 200 sends a first message to the payment processor server 300 that includes at least a subscription product identifier, a first parameter, and a third parameter. 【0080】 In step S330, if the payment processor server 300 finds that the first message contains a third parameter and has obtained recurring payment information indicating the history of recurring payments associated with the third parameter, it determines that it is a repeat transaction and decides not to send access information to the merchant server 200. At that time, a fourth parameter indicating that no discount offer will be presented may be stored or updated in association with the third parameter. 【0081】 The payment processor server 300 then determines the discount amount. If it has determined that this is a re-transaction, it may set a second discount amount equivalent to the discount amount for the re-transaction. 【0082】 In step S335, a recurring payment is executed based on the second discount amount. The recurring payment is the same as described above, so the explanation is omitted. 【0083】 In step S340, if it is a repeat transaction, no discount offer will be made according to the fourth parameter. The second message does not need to include access information and will be an exchange of information via an API to obtain data to be printed or included on a regular invoice, etc. 【0084】 In step S350, the affiliated retailer server 200 similarly processes the product shipment. 【0085】 As a result, the compatibility between BNPL transactions and recurring payments can be increased, lowering the barrier to regular purchases while enhancing the LTV effect. 【0086】 As described above, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the following embodiments may be adopted. 【0087】 [1] In electronic commerce using an information processing system where payment is made after the goods are obtained, there is an information processing method that allows the payment method to be switched to a recurring payment method after the goods are obtained, The consumer device operated by the consumer sends order information, including the subscription product identifier, to the affiliated retailer server by ordering a subscription product corresponding to a predetermined subscription product identifier at the pre-discount price. The steps include: the affiliated retailer server obtaining a first parameter for determining a discount offer pattern for the subscription product associated with a pre-stored subscription product identifier using the received order information; The steps include: the affiliated retailer server sending a first message to the payment processor server, which includes at least the subscription product identifier and the first parameter; The payment processor server uses the first message to determine whether or not to offer a discount on the subscription product, and if so, to determine a discount offer pattern for the subscription product, including a first discount amount. When the payment service provider server decides to make the discount offer, it sends to the merchant server a second message to the merchant server that includes access information accessible by the consumer device for switching to a recurring payment method, including at least a payment card, to which the discount offer with the first discount amount has been applied, and the first discount amount. The steps include: the affiliated retailer server using the second message to perform a product shipping process for shipping the medium to which the access information is assigned and the subscription product to the consumer; The steps include: the consumer using the access information and the consumer device to perform a switching process to the recurring payment method; The steps include: when the payment service provider server performs a switching process to the recurring payment method via the access information, it performs a discount process based on the first discount amount applied to the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier; Information processing methods including [2] The first message further includes a customer identifier of the consumer and a second parameter relating to the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, The payment processing server determines the discount amount according to the first parameter and the second parameter as described in [1], Information processing methods. [3] The first message further includes a third parameter which is the customer identifier of the consumer and the subscription identifier for the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, When the payment service provider server performs the switching process to the recurring payment method, it stores and sets the third parameter corresponding to the customer identifier of the consumer, associating it with recurring payment information indicating the history of recurring payments, and sends the third parameter to the merchant server. The payment processor server, if the first message contains the third parameter and the recurring payment information, determines that it is a retransaction and decides not to send the access information to the merchant server, as described in [1], Information processing methods. [4] If the payment processor server determines that it is a re-transaction, it obtains a second discount amount indicating the discount amount for the re-transaction, The method according to [3] includes the step of performing a discount by the second discount amount on the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, Information processing methods. 【0088】 The embodiments described in [1] to [4] above can be combined in any way. For example, one may combine all or some of the embodiments described in [1] with at least some of the embodiments of at least one invention described in [2] onwards. Alternatively, one may extract any configuration from the embodiments described in [2] to [4] and combine them with [1]. The applicant of this application intends to obtain rights to inventions that include these configurations. Furthermore, even if there are descriptions such as "in the case of" or "when," these do not mean that the configuration is limited to that case or time. These are merely examples of better configurations, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to configurations that do not fall under these cases or times. Also, the descriptions that are given in order are not limited to that order. Configurations with some parts deleted or the order rearranged are also disclosed, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them as well. [Explanation of symbols] 【0089】 1000 Information Processing Systems 100 Computing Devices (Consumer Devices) 111 Communication Interface 112 input interfaces 113 Output Interface 114 processors 115 memory 116 storage 200 affiliated retailer servers 300 Payment Processor Servers 310 First API 320 Second API 400 Payment Collection Agent Servers 500 carrier servers 600 Payment company servers NW Network M1 medium M2 medium A1 Access Information A2 Access Information

Claims

[Claim 1] In electronic commerce using an information processing system where payment is made after the goods are obtained, there is an information processing method that allows switching the payment method to a recurring payment method after the goods are obtained, The consumer device operated by the consumer orders a subscription product corresponding to a predetermined subscription product identifier at the pre-discount price, thereby transmitting order information including the subscription product identifier to the affiliated retailer server. The steps include: the member retailer server obtaining a first parameter for determining a discount offer pattern for the subscription product associated with a pre-stored subscription product identifier using the received order information; The steps include: the affiliated retailer server sending a first message to the payment processor server, which includes at least the subscription product identifier and the first parameter; The payment processor server uses the first message to determine whether or not to offer a discount on the subscription product, and if so, to determine a discount offer pattern for the subscription product, including a first discount amount. When the payment service provider server decides to make the discount offer, it sends to the merchant server a second message to the merchant server that includes access information accessible by the consumer device for switching to a recurring payment method, including at least a payment card, to which the discount offer with the first discount amount has been applied, and the first discount amount. The steps include: the affiliated retailer server using the second message to perform a product shipping process for shipping the medium to which the access information is assigned and the subscription product to the consumer; The steps include: the consumer using the access information and the consumer device to perform a switching process to the recurring payment method; The steps include: when the payment service provider server performs a switching process to the recurring payment method via the access information, it performs a discount process based on the first discount amount applied to the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier; Information processing methods including [Claim 2] The first message further includes a customer identifier of the consumer and a second parameter relating to the past purchase history of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, The payment processing server determines the first discount amount according to the first parameter and the second parameter, as described in claim 1. Information processing methods. [Claim 3] The first message further includes a third parameter which is the customer identifier of the consumer and the subscription identifier for the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, When the payment service provider server performs the switching process to the recurring payment method, it stores the recurring payment information indicating the actual recurring payment with respect to the third parameter corresponding to the customer identifier of the consumer, and stores the recurring payment information with respect to the third parameter, and stores the recurring payment information with respect to the third parameter, The payment service provider server, if the first message contains the third parameter and the recurring payment information, determines whether it is a retransaction and decides not to send the access information to the merchant server, as described in claim 1. Information processing methods. [Claim 4] If the payment processor server determines that it is a re-transaction, it obtains a second discount amount indicating the discount amount for the re-transaction, The method according to claim 3, comprising the step of performing a discount process on the pre-discount price of the subscription product corresponding to the subscription product identifier, by the second discount amount, Information processing methods.

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