Server for providing e-commerce platform service for providing product sponsorship to content creator and operating method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed is a platform server comprising: a communication device; a memory storing one or more instructions; and a processor for executing the one or more instructions stored in the memory. The processor executes the one or more instructions to: determine at least one content producer that is to receive a sponsorship of a supplied product supplied by a supplier among a plurality of content producers; provide content produced about the supplied product by the at least one content producer to at least one seller selling the supplied product; and when the supplied product is sold through an online shop of the at least one seller, distribute a designated proportion of the sales price of the sold product to the at least one content producer. Various other embodiments as understood from the specification are also possible.

Description

A server and its operating method that provides an e-commerce platform service that sponsors products to content creators.

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to platform service technology for providing an e-commerce environment.

[0002] Advances in information and communication technology have led to the development of e-commerce, which involves building online marketplaces to sell products. Initially, online commerce involved sellers directly opening online shopping malls, listing products, and visitors accessing the online shopping malls to purchase them. However, intermediary shopping malls emerged, connecting sellers and buyers. These convenient sales and purchasing services led to the development of large-scale shopping malls (e.g., Auction, 11st, Gmarket), leading to explosive growth in the e-commerce market. Since then, various forms of e-commerce have emerged, including social commerce leveraging social networks (e.g., Tmon, WeMakePrice) and incorporating innovative offline distribution and logistics services (e.g., Coupang), further fueling this explosive growth. These large-scale e-commerce platforms (e.g., large intermediary platforms, social commerce, etc.) are generating significant revenue for users, especially sellers.

[0003] Recently, a new type of e-commerce market has been actively forming that utilizes the channels of influential individuals (e.g., influencers, celebrities, etc.) on social network services (SNS) (e.g., Facebook, Instagram) and individual media services (e.g., YouTube, TikTok), or the strong personal networks of communities of people with similar personal interests.

[0004] However, even when selling products through leading e-commerce platforms, sellers must cover the initial costs of marketing (e.g., creating product description pages, advertising, etc.) and distribution. Since these platforms primarily rely on user commissions, the scale of the platform can impose high commissions on users, especially sellers. Furthermore, price competition among multiple sellers within the platform can lower seller margins, potentially leading to a decline in product quality and potentially damaging impacts on buyers and, ultimately, the platform itself. Even if platform operators and a small number of sellers generate significant profits, this concentrated revenue structure can stagnate or even degrade the platform ecosystem. Furthermore, large e-commerce platforms, which primarily focus on product sales intermediation, face the challenge of attracting new users from key players in the newly formed e-commerce market, such as influencers and communities, through social networking services (SNS) and online communities.

[0005] Furthermore, existing platform services require users to personally search for creators to produce promotional content. Even if they do find a creator, commissioning the content itself is often expensive, or payment is often conditional on sales. This limits the ability of smaller businesses, in particular, to produce content with high promotional impact. Furthermore, content creators who aren't well-known can struggle to secure requests, often leading to unreasonable compensation. Furthermore, created content is often used in a uniform manner, such as by attaching it to product descriptions, making it difficult to evaluate the promotional impact of the content.

[0006] Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention aim to provide an e-commerce platform service that connects users who wish to request the production of promotional content for a product with producers, promotes sales of the product by utilizing the produced content in various ways, and evaluates the contribution of participants in product sales and provides appropriate compensation.

[0007] According to one embodiment disclosed in the present document, a platform server comprises: a communication device; a memory storing one or more commands; and a processor executing the one or more commands stored in the memory; wherein the processor, by executing the one or more commands, determines at least one content creator among a plurality of content creators to be sponsored with a product supplied by a supplier, provides content of the product supplied produced by the at least one content creator to at least one seller selling the product supplied, and, when the product supplied is sold through an online shop of the at least one seller, distributes a specified percentage of the sales price of the product sold to the at least one content creator.

[0008] And, the processor can determine at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supply product based on the history information of the content creator's previously produced content by executing the one or more commands.

[0009] In addition, the processor may determine, by executing the one or more commands, a content creator who has a history of creating content for a product included in the same category as the product to be sponsored as at least one content creator to be sponsored for the product to be sponsored.

[0010] Additionally, the processor may determine a ranking of the plurality of content creators by executing the one or more commands, and determine a content creator within a specified ranking as at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supply product.

[0011] In addition, the processor may determine the ranking of the plurality of content creators based on at least one of the number of times the previously produced content has been used in the seller's online shop and the sales amount of the product used, by executing the one or more commands.

[0012] In addition, the processor may determine the ranking of the plurality of content creators based on at least one of the number of times the previously produced content has been used in the seller's online shop and the sales amount of the product used, by executing the one or more commands.

[0013] In addition, the processor, by executing the one or more commands, can cause new content creators who have produced a specified number or less of content among the plurality of content creators to be included in the specified ranking at a specified rate, and the processor, by executing the one or more commands, can cause new content creators who have produced a specified number or less of content among the plurality of content creators to be included in the specified ranking at a specified rate.

[0014] In addition, the processor, by executing the one or more commands, receives sponsorship condition information of the supplied product from the supplier terminal, provides the sponsorship condition information to the at least one content creator, and, when receiving a user input accepting the sponsorship condition from the content creator terminal, requests the supplier to sponsor the supplied product to the at least one content creator, requests the at least one content creator to create content of the sponsored supplied product, and provides the content of the sponsored supplied product, which is created in response to the request for content creation, to the at least one seller.

[0015] In addition, when receiving content produced in response to a request for content production from the content producer terminal, registering the received content in a content DB, and receiving a request for provision of the registered content from a seller terminal, the registered content can be uploaded to the sales page of the online shop of at least one seller.

[0016] Additionally, the sponsorship terms information may include information on whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the figures required to distribute the sales proceeds.

[0017] Additionally, the processor may determine the specified ratio based on the contribution of the at least one content creator to the sale of the supplied product by executing the one or more commands.

[0018] Additionally, the processor may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the sales of a plurality of sellers selling the supplied product by executing the one or more commands.

[0019] Additionally, the processor may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the path taken to access the online shop where the supplied product is sold by executing the one or more commands.

[0020] In addition, the content produced above can be provided to a buyer through a space that can identify at least one content creator, and when the buyer accesses an online shop where the product is sold through the content of the space, a specified weight can be given to the contribution of the at least one content creator.

[0021] In addition, the processor, by executing the one or more commands, registers at least one supply product including the supply product of at least one supplier including the supplier in a supply product DB, registers a plurality of sellers including the at least one seller in a seller DB in a hierarchical structure consisting of an upper seller and at least one lower seller subordinate to the upper seller, registers at least one sale product of a top seller of the hierarchy in a sale product DB, and the at least one sale product is at least one of the supply products registered in the supply product DB, creates an online shop for each of the plurality of sellers, and the online shop includes at least one of the registered sale products of the top sellers subordinate to the plurality of sellers, registers the plurality of content creators in a content creator DB, registers content created by the plurality of content creators in a content DB, and when a request for provision of the registered content is received from a seller terminal, uploads the registered content to the online shop of the at least one seller.

[0022] In addition, the processor, by executing the one or more commands, determines the specified ratio according to the contribution of the at least one content creator to the sale of the supplied product, and determines the contribution of the at least one content creator based on the sales of the lower sellers in the hierarchy. The processor, by executing the one or more commands, determines the specified ratio according to the contribution of the at least one content creator to the sale of the supplied product, and determines the contribution of the at least one content creator based on the sales of the lower sellers in the hierarchy.

[0023] A method for providing an e-commerce platform service according to an embodiment disclosed in this document may include the steps of: determining at least one content creator among a plurality of content creators to be sponsored with a product supplied by a supplier; providing content of the product supplied, produced by the at least one content creator, to at least one seller selling the product supplied; and, when the product supplied is sold through an online shop of the at least one seller, distributing a specified percentage of the sales price of the product sold to the at least one content creator.

[0024] A computer program according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document may include instructions for determining at least one content creator among a plurality of content creators to receive sponsorship of a product provided by a supplier; instructions for providing content of the product provided, produced by the at least one content creator, to at least one seller selling the product provided; and instructions for distributing a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the product sold to the at least one content creator when the product provided is sold through an online shop of the at least one seller.

[0025] According to the embodiments disclosed in this document, the e-commerce platform service provided through the platform server brings together suppliers, sellers, and content creators who distribute and sell products on a single platform service, enabling them to easily find experts outside their respective fields and collaborate to sell their products. Furthermore, the e-commerce platform service can reduce the risks that users who collaborate in selling products would otherwise face if they sold them on their own, allowing them to focus on their respective areas of expertise and excel. By distributing sales revenue based on their contribution to product sales, the service promotes further sales, increasing individual profits and fostering growth in their respective fields, creating a virtuous cycle. Furthermore, this virtuous cycle within the e-commerce platform service can prevent suppliers and sellers from suffering losses due to price wars in existing open markets and create a healthy market that provides buyers with high-quality products at reasonable prices.

[0026] Furthermore, the platform server's e-commerce platform service goes beyond simply providing a space for users to gather. It leverages the platform's database of registered content to connect users in need with content creators who can sponsor their products. This allows for the creation of highly effective content. Furthermore, by providing the created content to platform users through various channels, including content sharing services, the platform service can promote product sales. Furthermore, when a product created through sponsorship is sold, the e-commerce platform service uses sales information, including the sales channels, to evaluate the participant's contribution to the sale and distribute the sales proceeds according to a certain percentage. This allows even users with small businesses to easily commission content creation at a low cost, while lesser-known content creators can receive sponsorship and receive appropriate compensation for their content creation. Furthermore, by increasing the platform's overall sales and market size, more profits can be shared among participants.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an e-commerce environment according to various embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a platform server according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a seller hierarchy according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for requesting content creation on an e-commerce platform according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a product sponsorship process on an e-commerce platform according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating content produced through product sponsorship according to one embodiment being used on an e-commerce platform.

[0033] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a product is sold through content produced through product sponsorship according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sponsoring a product to a content creator according to one embodiment.

[0035] A platform server is provided, comprising: a communication device; a memory storing one or more commands; and a processor executing the one or more commands stored in the memory; wherein the processor, by executing the one or more commands, determines at least one content creator among a plurality of content creators to be sponsored with a product provided by a supplier, provides content of the product provided by the at least one content creator to at least one seller selling the product provided, and distributes a specified percentage of the sales price of the product sold to the at least one content creator when the product provided is sold through an online shop of the at least one seller.

[0036] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the present invention encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments. Furthermore, in order to more clearly explain the features of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain below will be omitted.

[0037] Meanwhile, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first" or "second," used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an e-commerce environment according to various embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, an e-commerce environment (10) may include a platform server (100), a supplier terminal (210), a seller terminal (220), a content creator terminal (230), and a buyer terminal (240). The platform server (100) may be connected to the supplier terminal (210), the seller terminal (220), the content creator terminal (230), and the buyer terminal (240) via a communication network.

[0040] The platform server (100) can provide e-commerce platform services through user terminals (210, 220, 230, 240). The e-commerce platform services can include services generally necessary for selling products online, such as product supply, sales, promotion, and purchase.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can provide the service necessary to supply platform products to the supplier through the supplier terminal (210).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register a supplier of a product to be sold through a supplier terminal (210) with the platform service. The supplier may, for example, be a person who supplies products to be sold on the platform service and delivers products sold by sellers. Accordingly, the supplier may be responsible only for product distribution and delivery, leaving the rest to other users. According to one embodiment, being registered with the platform service may be understood as being registered with the platform service as a participant performing a designated role. According to one embodiment, a supplier may be approved for registration based on designated criteria. The designated criteria may include criteria for assessing the reliability of the supplier, such as business period, capital size, sales volume, and brand value. According to one embodiment, a supplier may be approved based on strict (or high) criteria. Accordingly, products can be stably supplied on the platform by highly reliable suppliers.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can register a supplier's supply products with the platform service through the supplier terminal (210). According to one embodiment, product registration may be approved based on specified criteria. These specified criteria may include, for example, criteria that can predict product sales volume, such as product quality, consumer preference, brand involvement, market share, distribution margin structure, and availability of exclusive distribution. According to one embodiment, products may be approved based on strict criteria. Accordingly, products with high sales volume are registered, allowing users (e.g., sellers, content creators) who can contribute to product sales to participate more in the platform service, resulting in greater synergy.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a total solution necessary for supplying products through the supplier terminal (210). For example, the platform server (100) may provide a solution including services for registering and selling supplied products, and managing a community. Services for managing product sales may include, for example, services for providing sales information for registered supplied products, managing inventory of supplied products, and managing orders, delivery, and refunds. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide settlement information for products sold through the seller's online shop. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a solution necessary for supplying products through a GUI (Graphical User Interface).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can provide the seller with services necessary for selling products through the seller terminal (220).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register a seller with the platform service through the seller terminal (220). The seller may be, for example, a seller of a product registered with the platform service by a supplier. According to one embodiment, the seller may be structured in a hierarchy. The hierarchy may include, for example, an upper seller and sub-sellers subordinate to the upper seller. According to one embodiment, the sub-sellers subordinate to the upper seller may be subject to the upper seller in terms of products available for sale and sales conditions, and may be required to pay a portion of the sales amount to the upper seller as a commission. According to one embodiment, the seller may be approved for registration based on specified criteria. The specified criteria may be applied differently depending on the seller's stratum, for example. Top sellers may be approved for registration based on strict criteria similar to those for suppliers, such as sales volume, capital, and network size. Sub-sellers (e.g., second-tier sellers, third-tier sellers) can register with the platform service with the approval of their parent seller. This allows products registered with the platform service to be sold professionally and in a variety of ways across multiple online shops (or online shopping malls) under the direction of trusted, top-tier sellers.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can register a seller's sale products to the platform service through the seller terminal (220). For example, the platform server (100) can register the sale products of a top-tier seller. In other words, the platform server (100) can allow only the top-tier seller to apply for approval to sell new products. Sub-sellers of the top-tier seller, for example, cannot directly apply for approval to sell new products, but can select and sell products from among the top-tier seller's approved products. According to one embodiment, sale products can be approved based on specified criteria. The sale products can include criteria that determine whether the seller can sell the products professionally, such as the seller's area of ​​activity, capital size, existing sale products, and sales volume. According to one embodiment, the approval criteria for sale products can be high. Accordingly, products registered on the platform service can be delivered to buyers with high interest in the product through appropriate marketing methods by professional sellers, thereby generating high sales, thereby bringing high profits not only to suppliers but also to users who contributed to the product sales (e.g., sellers, content creators).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a solution for creating an online shop within the platform. For example, the platform server (100) may provide a function that allows setting up an online shop through drag-and-drop via a GUI without hard coding. Additionally, the platform server (100) may provide pre-made design templates. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register a seller's products for sale in the online shop. The products for sale may, for example, be products approved for sale by the seller. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may create an online shop requested by the seller. For example, the platform server (100) may create an online shop created by each seller. Each seller may create a separate online shop according to their own preferences. Accordingly, a buyer may selectively join an online shop that suits their preferences on the platform service and, as a member, purchase products registered in the online shop.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a sales service for products registered in a created online shop to users visiting the platform. For example, the platform server (100) may allow users who visit the platform directly to search for products through internal routes (e.g., search, visiting an online shop) and purchase the searched products. Information about products registered in the online shop may be prevented from being searched through portal services (e.g., Naver, Yahoo). This increases user loyalty to the platform service and prevents suppliers and sellers from suffering losses due to excessive price competition.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a comprehensive solution necessary for selling products through the seller terminal (220). For example, the platform server (100) may provide a solution including services for managing online shops, human resources, product registration, product sales, and online shop communities. Services for managing human resources may include, for example, services for managing subordinate sellers and members. Services for managing product sales may include services for providing sales information, ordering, delivery, and refund management for products being sold. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide settlement information for products sold through the online shop. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide status information for subordinate sellers subordinate to upper-level sellers in the hierarchy. The status information may include, for example, information on human resources, product sales, and communities. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a solution necessary for selling products through a GUI.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can provide a service required for content supply to a provider through a content creator terminal (230).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register a content creator with the platform service. The content creator may, for example, create content that helps sell products and provide the created content to suppliers and sellers. According to one embodiment, the content creator may be a professional directly or indirectly required to create content. The professional personnel may include, for example, a model, a hair and makeup artist, a stylist, a photographer, etc. Additionally, the model may be an influencer or celebrity on online social media.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a service that allows content creators to share content with platform users. For example, the platform server (100) may provide a content sharing service, or in other words, a social network service (SNS), that connects platform users to a social network. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register content creators' content with the platform service. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide the registered content to platform users through the content sharing service. The content shared through the content sharing service may be content for promoting products sold on the platform service. According to one embodiment, the content may include information (e.g., URL) about an online shop within the platform where the promoted product is sold. Accordingly, a purchaser may navigate to the designated shopping mall through the information and purchase the product. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can provide information about the participants involved in content creation (e.g., models, hair and makeup artists, stylists, photographers, etc.) along with the content. Accordingly, suppliers and buyers can easily identify not only the models but also all relevant stakeholders involved in content creation.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a service for connecting suppliers and sellers with content creators. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may connect suppliers and sellers who wish to commission the production of content for the promotion of a product with content creators. For example, the platform server (100) may connect not only models matching the image of a product, but also participants necessary for content production, such as hair and makeup experts and stylists, all at once. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may connect suppliers and sellers who wish to sponsor a product with content creators. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may connect content creators expected to produce content with high promotional effects with suppliers and sellers. For example, the platform server (100) may connect content creators expected to have high promotional effects based on sales of products with previously produced content.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide sponsored products to content creators. For example, the platform server (100) may provide sponsored products to content creators at the request of suppliers. According to one embodiment, suppliers may request the platform server (100) to sponsor a supplied product. The sponsorship may be, for example, for the purpose of creating promotional content for the supplied product. According to one embodiment, the promotional content may be for the purpose of promoting product sales within an e-commerce platform. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may determine a content creator to receive the sponsored supplied product. For example, the platform server (100) may determine a content creator suitable for creating content for the supplied product to be sponsored. According to one embodiment, the supplier may sponsor the supplied product to the determined content creator.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may receive content of a sponsored product from a content creator who has been sponsored by the product. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register the received content in a content database. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide the registered content to a seller selling the sponsored product. The provided content may be uploaded to the online shop of the seller who requested the provision, for example. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide the registered content through a social network service (SNS). For example, the platform server (100) may upload the registered content to a space (e.g., a web page) where the content creator can be identified.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of a product sold through the online shop of the seller providing the content to the content creator. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may determine the specified percentage based on the content creator's contribution to the sold product. The contribution may be determined, for example, based on the degree to which the content created by the content creator contributed to the sales of the product. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may determine the contribution based on product sales information. The sales information may include, for example, information on the sales volume of multiple sellers selling the sponsored product, the access path to the online shop where the sponsored product was sold, etc. Accordingly, the content creator may be compensated for the content creation.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide content creators with a comprehensive solution necessary for providing content through the content creator terminal (230). For example, the processor (130) may provide a solution including services for managing contracts, revenue, and settlement with suppliers and sellers. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide revenue information related to content creation. The revenue information may include, for example, information on the amount distributed based on the sale of sponsored products for which content was created. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a solution necessary for providing content through a GUI.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) can provide the buyer with services necessary for purchasing a product through the buyer terminal (240).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may register a buyer as a member in a seller's online shop. For example, the platform server (100) may register a buyer as a member in each seller's online shop.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may receive order and delivery information from a buyer who has purchased a product through an online shop. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide payment services to the buyer who has purchased the product. According to one embodiment, upon completion of payment, the platform server (100) may transmit order information to the supplier and seller. Accordingly, the supplier may deliver the ordered product to the buyer.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide a service for managing order status through a purchaser terminal (240). According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may provide order and delivery information for products purchased from an online shop. According to one embodiment, upon receiving order modification information, the platform server (100) may modify the order information based on the received modification information.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the manager of the platform server (100) can approve the registration of a platform service. According to one embodiment, the manager of the platform server (100) can approve the registration of a platform user. For example, the manager can approve the registration of a supplier and a seller. The seller for the registration approval may be, for example, a top-tier seller. According to one embodiment, the manager of the platform server (100) can approve the registration of a product. For example, the manager can approve the products supplied by a supplier and the products sold by a seller. The products sold may be, for example, products sold by a top-tier seller. According to one embodiment, the manager of the platform server (100) can access the platform server (100) through a separate terminal and approve the registration of a service.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the administrator of the platform server (100) can check status information for managing the overall status of suppliers and sellers. This status information may include, for example, sales information (e.g., sales information, settlement information, delivery information, etc.), settlement information, and order and delivery information. According to one embodiment, the administrator of the platform server (100) can check community information. This community information may include, for example, notices, FAQs, Q&As, reviews, etc. regarding online shops and products sold in the online shop.

[0065] In one embodiment, the administrator of the platform server (100) may register suppliers, sellers, and content creators introduced by a collector, following the procedures described above. In one embodiment, the collector, as a separate entity from the administrator, may play a role in attracting more users to the platform service.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may include not only computing modules necessary for providing e-commerce platform services, but also a database (DB) for data storage. In other words, the platform server (100) may include server configurations generally required for providing e-commerce services. According to one embodiment, the platform server (100) may analyze information stored in the database to provide useful information to service users. This useful information may include, for example, basic data useful for product supply, product sales, content creation, and product purchase, as well as processed data.

[0067] The supplier terminal (210) may be a supplier terminal for using the e-commerce platform service provided to the supplier from the platform server (100).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the supplier terminal (210) may receive information for managing product supply from the platform server (100). For example, the supplier terminal (210) may receive information for managing registration of supplied products, sales of supplied products, and communities of supplied products. According to one embodiment, the supplier terminal (210) may transmit information input from a supplier to manage product supply to the platform server (100). For example, the supplier terminal (210) may transmit application information for registering a new supplied product. In addition, the supplier terminal (210) may transmit information input from a supplier to manage ordering, delivery, and communities of supplied products. According to one embodiment, the supplier terminal (210) may provide information for managing product supply to a supplier through a GUI, and receive information necessary for managing product supply from the supplier.

[0069] The seller terminal (220) may be a seller terminal for using the e-commerce platform service provided to the seller from the platform server (100).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the seller terminal (220) may receive a service for creating a shopping mall provided by the platform server (100). The service for creating the online shop may include, for example, information necessary for creating the shopping mall through drag-and-drop using a GUI and providing a template. According to one embodiment, the seller terminal (220) may transmit information input by the seller to the platform server (100) to create an online shop. Accordingly, the seller's online shop may be created on the platform.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the seller terminal (220) may receive information for managing product sales from the platform server (100). For example, the seller terminal (220) may receive information for registering products for sale, selling products for sale, managing human resources, and managing the online shop's community. The human resources management may include, for example, managing sub-sellers and members. According to one embodiment, the seller terminal (220) may transmit information input from a seller to manage product sales to the platform server (100). For example, the seller terminal (220) may transmit an application for registering a new product for sale. The application for the new product for sale may be, for example, from a top-tier seller. In addition, the seller terminal (220) may transmit information input from a seller to manage ordering, delivery, and the community of supplied products. According to one embodiment, the seller terminal (220) can provide information for managing product supply to the seller through a GUI and receive information necessary for managing product sales from the seller.

[0072] The content creator terminal (230) may be a seller terminal for using the e-commerce platform service provided to the content creator from the platform server (100).

[0073] According to one embodiment, a content creator terminal (230) may receive a service from the platform server (100) that allows content to be shared with platform users. The service that allows content to be shared may be, for example, a social network service (SNS) that connects platform users to a social network. According to one embodiment, the content creator terminal (230) may transmit the content it has created to the platform server (100). Accordingly, the content creator's content may be shared on the platform.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the content creator terminal (230) may receive content creation request and sponsorship provision information from the platform server (100). For example, the content creator terminal (230) may receive sponsorship information at the request of a supplier. The sponsorship information may include, for example, sponsorship provision information for content creation of a supplied product. According to one embodiment, the content creator terminal (230) may transmit a response accepting the creation request and sponsorship provision to the platform server (100). Accordingly, a content creation or sponsorship contract may be concluded with the supplier or seller.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the content creator terminal (230) may receive information for managing content creation from the platform server (100). For example, the content creator terminal (230) may receive contract information, revenue information, and settlement information from the platform server (100). According to one embodiment, the content creator terminal (230) may provide the received information to the seller through a GUI and receive information necessary for managing content creation and sponsorship contracts from the content creator.

[0076] The buyer terminal (240) may be a buyer terminal for using the e-commerce platform service provided to the buyer from the platform server (100).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the purchaser terminal (240) can receive online shop information. According to one embodiment, the purchaser terminal (240) can transmit the consumer's order information. Accordingly, a product purchase can be made.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the user terminals (210, 220, 230, 240) may be general-purpose devices such as a desktop personal computer (PC), a laptop PC, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), etc. For example, the supplier terminal (210), the seller terminal (220), and the content creator terminal (230) may be electronic devices with relatively low portability such as a desktop PC or a laptop PC, and the buyer terminal (240) may be a smartphone (240b) as well as a desktop PC (240a) with low portability.

[0079] The above-described e-commerce environment (10) can provide an e-commerce platform service in which suppliers who supply products, sellers who create online shops to sell products, and creators who create content to promote products coexist on one platform, sell products to buyers, and share profits from product sales.

[0080] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a platform server according to one embodiment.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2, the platform server (100) may include a communication device (110), memory (120), and a processor (130). However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components. The platform server (100) may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, or may be implemented with fewer components.

[0082] The communication device (110) can communicate with an external device. For example, the communication device (110) can be connected to a network via a wired or wireless connection and communicate with the external device. Here, the external device may be a user terminal (e.g., the user terminals (210, 220, 230, 240) of FIG. 1).

[0083] The communication device (110) may include a communication module that supports one of various wired and wireless communication methods. The communication module may be a short-range communication module or a wired communication module.

[0084] The memory (120) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (SD, XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0085] The memory (120) can store at least one program for providing an e-commerce platform service in which users participate in product supply, product sales, content provision, and purchasing from the platform server (100). The at least one program stored in the memory (120) can be classified into multiple modules according to function.

[0086] The memory (120) may include a database (DB) for registering information on products, suppliers, sellers, content creators, and buyers. However, the DB may be implemented as a separate storage device outside the platform server (100) and connected directly or via a communication network.

[0087] The processor (130) controls the overall operation of the platform server (100) and may include at least one processor, such as a CPU. The processor (130) may include at least one specialized processor corresponding to each function, or may be an integrated processor.

[0088] The processor (130) may execute a program stored in the memory (120), read data or files stored in the memory (120), or store new files in the memory (120). In addition, the processor (130) may execute instructions stored in the memory (120). Accordingly, the processor (130) may perform the following operations.

[0089] The operation performed by executing the command of the processor (130) can be understood as the operation of the platform server (e.g., the platform server (100) of FIG. 1).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a supplier of a product to be sold on the platform service in a supplier database (DB) via a supplier terminal (e.g., the supplier terminal (210) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, registration in the DB may be understood as storing information on the target being registered. Furthermore, storing target information in the DB may be understood as registering the target in the platform service.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a supplied product in the supplied product database via a supplier terminal. The supplied product may be, for example, a supplier's product to be sold on a platform service.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a seller in the seller DB through a seller terminal (e.g., seller terminal (220)). For example, when registering multiple sellers in the seller DB, the processor (130) may register the sellers in the seller DB in a hierarchical structure consisting of a top seller and at least one subordinate seller subordinate to the top seller. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register the top seller of the hierarchy as a master seller in the seller DB, and register the subordinate sellers subordinate to the top seller as a manager seller and a general seller subordinate to the manager seller in the seller DB. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may grant the manager seller designated authority to manage the general sellers. The hierarchical structure will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a product for sale in the product database via a seller terminal. For example, the processor (130) may register a product for sale from a top seller in the product database. The product for sale may be, for example, at least one of the products registered in the product database. In other words, at least one of the products registered by the supplier may be selected and registered as a product for sale.

[0094] In one embodiment, the processor (130) may enable subordinate sellers subordinate to a top seller to sell products within the top seller's registered sales products. In other words, the products sold by the subordinate sellers are subordinate to the registered sales products of the top seller.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may create an online shop for each of a plurality of registered sellers via the seller terminal. For example, the processor (130) may create an online shop for a subordinate seller under a top-level seller. The created online shop may include, for example, at least one of the registered products of the top-level seller registered in the product sales database. Furthermore, an online shop for the top-level seller may be created in addition to the subordinate sellers.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may set a rate of return for distributing profits from products sold through seller terminals. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive information for setting a rate of return according to the seller hierarchy from the terminal of the top seller. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may set the rate of return of sellers in the hierarchy based on the received rate of return setting information. The set rate of return may be, for example, for distributing profits obtained by subtracting the supplier's supply price and the content creator's contribution from the product sales amount.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a content creator in a content creator DB through a content creator terminal (e.g., the content creator terminal (230) of FIG. 1). For example, the processor (130) may register multiple content creators in the content creator DB. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive application information for registration as a content creator from the content creator terminal. The application information may include, for example, information that can identify the content creator. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register a content provider based on the received application information. The content creator may, for example, be an expert directly or indirectly required to produce content.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide a service that allows content to be shared with platform users through a content creator terminal. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive content for promoting a product registered in at least one of a supply product database and a sale product database from the content creator terminal. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may register the received content in the content database. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide the content registered in the content database to platform users. For example, the processor (130) may provide the purchaser with content uploaded to a space that identifies the content creator through the purchaser terminal. The content may, for example, be requested by a supplier or seller through a platform service.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide a service that connects suppliers and sellers with content creators via a content creator terminal. For example, the processor (130) may request content creation for product promotion or connect content creators for product sponsorship. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may upload the connected content to the seller's online shop and provide it to users of the platform service. For example, the processor (130) may provide a product purchase page with uploaded content via a buyer terminal.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide recommendation information about content creators expected to have a high promotional effect through supplier terminals and seller terminals. The recommendation information may be provided based on information about previously produced content, for example.

[0101] In one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide a sponsored product to a content creator. For example, the processor (130) may provide a sponsored product to a content creator at the request of a supplier.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive a request from a supplier terminal to sponsor a product. The sponsorship may be, for example, for the purpose of creating promotional content for the product. According to one embodiment, the request for the product may include information regarding sponsorship conditions. The sponsorship conditions information may include, for example, whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the amount required to distribute the sales proceeds.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine at least one content creator to be sponsored with a supply product in response to the received request.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supplied product based on the history information of the previously produced content. For example, the processor (130) may determine a content creator who has a history of producing content for a product in the same category as the supplied product to be sponsored as at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supplied product. The category may be a concept that classifies products based on, for example, the type or purpose of the product. According to one embodiment, the category for determining the content creator may be determined based on the similarity of the conditions (or environment) for producing the content. For example, the categories may be divided based on the similarity of the production conditions (e.g., production environment, type of content, content content) of the content. The similarity of the production conditions may be identified, for example, through analysis of the previously produced content within an e-commerce platform. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may analyze the content registered in the content DB to confirm the production conditions of the content. In one embodiment, the processor (130) can update the categories for determining the content creator based on the identified conditions. According to one embodiment, content created within the platform is registered and managed in a content database, making analysis for determining the categories easier than on other e-commerce platforms.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the ranking of multiple content creators. For example, the processor (130) may determine the ranking of the multiple content creators based on at least one of the number of times the previously produced content has been used in the seller's online shop and the sales of the products in which the content has been used. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the ranking of the multiple content creators based on the history information of the previously produced content. According to one embodiment, since the history of content production and sales of products using the produced content is stored in the DB within the platform, the analysis for determining the ranking may also be easier than in other e-commerce platforms. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may ensure that new content creators who have produced a specified number of contents or less among the multiple content creators are included in the specified ranking at a specified rate. For example, the processor (130) may weight the evaluation scores of the content creators so that the new content creators are included at the specified rate. The above evaluation score may be, for example, a score calculated to evaluate content creators. In one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine at least one content creator within a specified ranking to receive sponsorship for the supplier's product.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide sponsorship condition information to at least one content creator determined above. The sponsorship condition information may include, for example, information regarding whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the amount required to distribute the sales proceeds. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive the sponsorship condition information from the supplier terminal. The sponsorship condition information may be included in a request for sponsoring the supplied product and received together, for example.

[0107] According to one embodiment, upon receiving a user input from a content creator terminal accepting the sponsorship terms, the processor (130) may request the supplier to sponsor at least one content creator who has accepted the sponsorship terms. Accordingly, the supplier may sponsor the supplied product to the content creator in accordance with the request.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may request at least one content creator to create content for a sponsored product. For example, if the processor (130) confirms that the content creator has received a sponsored product, the processor (130) may request the content creator to create content for the product. Confirmation of sponsorship of the product may be achieved, for example, through user input received from the content creator terminal (e.g., a sponsorship confirmation input).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive content produced in response to a content production request from a content producer terminal. According to one embodiment, the processor (30) may register the received content in a content DB.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide content of a supplied product, produced by at least one content creator who has been sponsored by the supplied product, to at least one seller selling the supplied product. For example, when the processor (130) receives a request for provision of content of the supplied product from a seller terminal, the processor (130) may upload the content of the supplied product to the online shop of the seller who requested it. The registered content may be, for example, registered in a content database. According to one embodiment, the content of the supplied product may be uploaded to a sales space of the online shop. The sales space may be, for example, a page (or sales page) selling the product.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the sponsored product to at least one content creator when the sponsored product is sold through the online shop of the seller who provided the content.

[0112] In one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the specified ratio based on the contribution of at least one content creator to the sales of the supplied product. For example, if the content creator's contribution is high, the processor (130) may determine a ratio higher than the specified ratio. Additionally, if the content creator's contribution is low, the processor (130) may determine a ratio lower than the specified ratio.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the sales of products supplied by multiple sellers. For example, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of the content creator based on the difference in sales of the products supplied by the multiple sellers. The difference in sales of the products supplied may be, for example, a difference in sales depending on whether the content of the products supplied is used. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of the content creator to be high if the difference in sales is greater than a specified amount. For example, the processor (130) may determine the contribution to be high by assigning a weight to the specified value. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the contribution to be low if the difference in sales is less than the specified value. For example, the processor (130) may determine the contribution to be low by assigning a specified value. The specified value may be, for example, a value that is generally recognized by the content creator who created the content. In other words, the above-mentioned specified value may be recognized simply by creating content, regardless of the promotional effect of the content. In one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the content creator's step-by-step contribution through multiple intervals determined by multiple specified amounts.

[0114] In one embodiment, when determining a content creator's contribution based on the seller's sales, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the sales of lower-ranking sellers in a hierarchy of multiple sellers. For example, the processor (130) may determine a content creator's contribution based on the sales of the lowest-ranking seller in the hierarchy, whose primary role is to sell products. The lowest-ranking seller may be, for example, a general seller.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the path through which the purchaser accessed the online shop where the product was sold. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide the content of the content creator to the purchaser through a space where the content creator can be identified. The space where the content creator can be identified may be, for example, a page (or a content sharing page) where content provided through a social network service (SNS) can be shared. According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may determine the contribution of at least one content creator to be high if the purchaser accessed the online shop where the product was sold through the content of the space. For example, the processor (130) may determine the contribution to be high by assigning a weight to a designated value. The designated value may be, for example, a value that is basically recognized by the content creator who created the content.

[0116] According to one embodiment, information on the use of registered content, sales information based on product sales, and product sales routes are stored in a DB within the platform, so analysis for determining the contribution may be easier than on other e-commerce platforms.

[0117] In one embodiment, the numerical value required to determine a content creator's contribution may be determined by the supplier sponsoring the product. For example, the specified numerical value and weighting for determining the contribution may be determined by the supplier. Information regarding the numerical value may be included, for example, in the sponsorship terms and conditions.

[0118] Accordingly, content creators can receive compensation for contributing to the sales of sponsored products by creating content for them.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may provide the buyer with services necessary for purchasing a product through the buyer terminal (e.g., the buyer terminal (240) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the processor (130) may receive purchase information of the buyer who purchased the product from the buyer terminal. According to one embodiment, when payment is completed, the processor (130) may transmit the received order information to the supplier terminal and the seller terminal. For example, the processor (130) may transmit the received order information to the supplier terminal so that the supplier may deliver the product to the buyer.

[0120] Accordingly, the platform server (100) can provide a platform service for selling products online.

[0121] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a seller hierarchy according to one embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 3, multiple sellers (310) can be registered in a hierarchical structure consisting of upper sellers and lower sellers.

[0123] According to one embodiment, multiple sellers (310) may connect to a platform server (e.g., the platform server (100) of FIG. 1) via seller terminals (e.g., the seller terminal (220) of FIG. 1) to transmit and receive information for using platform services. The following actions (or operations) of multiple sellers (310) may be understood to be performed via the seller terminals.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the hierarchy of multiple sellers (310) may consist of a parent seller and subordinate sellers subordinate to the parent seller. The subordinate seller's subordination to the parent seller may mean that the subordinate seller's authority within the platform service is subordinate to the parent seller's authority. In other words, the subordination may mean that the subordinate seller's authority can be determined within the authority of the parent seller. The authority may, for example, relate to the scope of decisions that can be made when registering and selling products within the platform service, such as whether the seller is registered, the products for sale, and the terms and conditions of sale.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the hierarchy of multiple sellers (310) may be comprised of multiple layers. Each of the multiple layers may, for example, be sequentially subordinate to a higher layer. According to one embodiment, the hierarchy of multiple sellers (310) may be comprised of a master seller (311), a manager seller (313), and a general seller (315). In addition, the hierarchy of multiple sellers (310) may include three or more layers. For example, the hierarchy of multiple sellers (310) may register a manager seller (313) comprised of multiple layers.

[0126] In one embodiment, the master seller (311) may be the top seller in the hierarchy. In other words, the master seller (311) may not have any subordinate superior sellers.

[0127] According to one embodiment, a master seller (311) may register a product for sale on the platform service. The product for sale may be, for example, at least one of the supply products registered by the supplier on the platform service.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a master seller (311) can manage subordinate sub-sellers (or, manager sellers (313) and general sellers (315)).

[0129] According to one embodiment, a master seller (311) can determine whether to register a subordinate sub-seller (313, 315). For example, the master seller (311) can determine whether to register not only a directly subordinate manager seller (313), but also a general seller (315) indirectly subordinate through the manager seller (313).

[0130] In one embodiment, the master seller (311) may set the profit rate for sub-sellers (313, 315). The profit rate may be, for example, the ratio at which the profits from products sold by sub-sellers (313, 315) are distributed according to the hierarchy. In one embodiment, the sales proceeds of the products may be distributed to suppliers, sellers, and content creators. For example, the sales proceeds of the products may be distributed according to the contributions of the suppliers, sellers, and content creators to the product sales. In one embodiment, the profits distributed to sellers in the hierarchy may be the amount distributed to suppliers and content creators excluding the amount distributed to suppliers. The amount distributed to the suppliers may be, for example, the product supply price. The amount distributed to the content creators may be a compensation amount for content creation. In one embodiment, the compensation amount distributed to the content creators may be determined based on the degree to which the content they created contributed to product sales.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the master seller (311) can check the sales status, delivery status, and settlement status of the registered sub-sellers (313, 315).

[0132] According to one embodiment, a master seller (311) may create an online shop that he or she operates directly. The created online shop may, for example, register products sold by the master seller (311). According to one embodiment, the master seller (311) may sell products to buyers (320) through the created online shop.

[0133] In one embodiment, the master seller (311) may focus more on registering the products for sale and managing the subordinate sellers (313, 315) rather than directly selling the products to the buyers (320) through the online shop. In one embodiment, since the profits of the master seller (311) may be distributed from the sales profits of the subordinate sellers (313, 315) according to a set rate of return, the master seller (311) may focus on managing the products for sale and the subordinate sellers (313, 315) rather than directly selling the products. Accordingly, the master seller (311), as the top seller in the hierarchy, may perform the primary role of registering the products for sale and managing the subordinate sellers, thereby increasing the profits of not only himself but also the entire seller group centered around the master seller (311).

[0134] In one embodiment, the manager seller (313) may be an intermediate seller in a hierarchy. In other words, the manager seller (313) may have a superior seller who is subordinate to it and a subordinate seller who is subordinate to it.

[0135] According to one embodiment, a manager seller (313) can manage subordinate sub-sellers (or, general sellers (315)). According to one embodiment, the manager seller (313) can determine whether a general seller (315) is registered and check the sales status, delivery status, and settlement status of the general seller (315). In other words, the manager seller (313) can be granted specific authority to manage the general seller (315).

[0136] In one embodiment, a manager seller (313) can create an online shop that it operates directly. In one embodiment, the manager seller (313) can sell products within the registered sales product list of the master seller (311). In one embodiment, the manager seller (313) can sell products to buyers (320) through the created online shop.

[0137] In one embodiment, the manager seller (313) may focus more on managing the subordinate general sellers (315) rather than directly selling products to buyers (320) through the online shop, just like the master seller (311). In one embodiment, since the manager seller's (313's) profits can be distributed from the general sellers' (315's) sales profits according to the set rate of return of the master seller (311), the manager seller (313) may focus more on managing the general sellers (315) rather than directly selling products. Accordingly, the manager seller (313), as an intermediate seller in the hierarchical structure, may perform the main role (or, intermediate manager role) of managing the general sellers (315), thereby increasing the profits of not only himself but also the entire seller group centered around the master seller (311).

[0138] In one embodiment, the general seller (315) may be the lowest seller in the hierarchy. In other words, the general seller (315) may not have any subordinate sub-sellers.

[0139] According to one embodiment, a general seller (315) can create an online shop in which at least one product of a master seller (311) is registered. According to one embodiment, the general seller (315) can sell products within the registered product list of the master seller (311). According to one embodiment, the general seller (315) can sell products to buyers (320) through the created online shop.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the general seller (315) may focus more on selling products directly to buyers (320) through the online shop, unlike the upper sellers (311, 313). According to one embodiment, the general seller (315) may select at least one product to sell in his or her online shop among the products registered by the master seller (311). For example, the general seller (315) may select products that he or she can sell professionally or that have a high sales rate when sold together. The products that have a high sales rate when sold together may be products that visitors to the online shop are likely to purchase together, for example. According to one embodiment, the general seller (315) may set the design of the online shop in which the selected products will be sold. For example, the general seller (315) may set the layout of the online shop and the content included in the configuration (e.g., product categories, lists, descriptions, etc.). Accordingly, the general seller (315) can perform the main role of selling products as the lowest seller in the hierarchy.

[0141] According to one embodiment, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds to content creators based on their contribution. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine a content creator's contribution based on information about the sales of multiple sellers. For example, the platform server may determine a content creator's contribution based on the difference in sales of multiple sellers based on whether the content is available. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine a content creator's contribution based on the sales of a general seller (315). According to one embodiment, as described above, due to the nature of the hierarchical structure, the primary role of a general seller (315) may be to sell products. Accordingly, differences in sales due to differences in how products are sold, such as whether the content is available, can be clearly identified in the sales of general sellers (315). On the other hand, Master Seller (311) and Manager Seller (313) focus on roles other than product sales, and sales may fluctuate for reasons other than the sales method (e.g., negligence in product sales management). Therefore, differences in sales based on the promotional effect of content may not be clearly identified. In one embodiment, since seller roles are clearly divided according to the hierarchy, analyzing the effectiveness of content may be easier than on other e-commerce platforms.

[0142] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a process for requesting content creation on an e-commerce platform according to one embodiment.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 4, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) can connect a content creator (410) to a supplier (420) on an e-commerce platform (400).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the platform server may provide content produced by a content creator (410) to platform users through a content sharing service (401). For example, the platform server may provide the produced content through a space that can identify the content creator (410). The space that can identify the content creator (410) may be, for example, a content sharing page of the content creator on a social network service (SNS). According to one embodiment, the platform server may connect the content creator (410) to the supplier (420) for content production of the supplied product through a relay service (403). The connected content creator (410) may be determined, for example, based on the selection of the supplier (420) or on previously produced content.

[0145] According to one embodiment, in step (a), a content creator (410) may upload content created to a content sharing service (401). The uploaded content may be, for example, content previously created at the request of another provider.

[0146] According to one embodiment, in step (b), the supplier (420) can check the content (401_1) of multiple content creators through the content sharing service (401). According to one embodiment, the supplier (420) can select one (401_1a) of the multiple contents. According to one embodiment, the supplier (420) can check the page (401_3) where the selected content (401_1a) is uploaded. The page (401_3) provided to the supplier (420) may include, for example, information about the content (401_3a). According to one embodiment, the information about the content (401_3a) may include information about the content creator (410) and products related to the content. The information about the content creator (410) may include, for example, information about not only the models appearing in the content, but also staff who participated in the content production, such as hair and makeup experts, stylists, and photographers. Information about products related to the content may include sales information for the products included in the content (e.g., information about online stores selling the products). In one embodiment, the products included in the content may be products sponsored for the production of the content.

[0147] In one embodiment, in step (c), the supplier (420) may request a connection with a content creator (410) who will produce promotional content for the supplied product through the relay service (403). For example, the supplier (420) may request a connection with the content creator identified in step (b). The request may include, for example, information regarding production conditions. In one embodiment, the supplier (420) may request a connection with a content creator without designating a specific content creator. In one embodiment, if the specific content creator is not designated, the platform server may determine a content creator (410) to recommend to the supplier (420) based on the previously produced content. For example, the platform server may determine the content creator based on the sales of the product of the previously produced content. In one embodiment, the platform server may additionally perform a process for obtaining the supplier's (420's) approval for the determined content creator (410).

[0148] According to one embodiment, in step (d), the platform server may transmit the request of the supplier (420) to the content creator (410). For example, the platform server may transmit the production conditions included in the request of the supplier (420) to the content creator (410).

[0149] In one embodiment, in step (e), the content creator (410) may respond to the request of the provider (420) via the relay service (403). For example, the content creator (410) may respond by agreeing to the terms and conditions for producing the content.

[0150] According to one embodiment, in step (f), the platform server may transmit the response from the content creator (410) to the supplier (420). For example, the platform server may transmit a response agreeing to the request for content creation for the supplied product to the supplier (420). Accordingly, the content creator (410) and the supplier (420) may be connected to each other, communicate with each other on the e-commerce platform (400), and cooperate in the creation of content for the supplied product.

[0151] According to one embodiment, if the content creator (410) does not agree to the content production conditions, the platform server may perform a communication process to coordinate the content production conditions between the content creator (410) and the supplier (420). For example, the platform server may transmit the content creator's (410) revised production conditions to the supplier (420) and transmit a response from the supplier (420) agreeing to the production conditions to the content creator (410). Accordingly, the process of producing content between the content creator (410) and the supplier (420) under the revised conditions may proceed.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the relay service (403) connecting the content creator (410) may be performed by not only the supplier (420) but also the seller. The seller, like the supplier (420), may request a connection with the content creator (410) to create content for the product being sold. However, due to the nature of the e-commerce platform service provided through the platform server, requests may be made more frequently through the supplier (420).

[0153] Accordingly, content produced through a relay service (403) on an e-commerce platform (400) can be provided not only to sellers selling the supplied products, but also to other users through a content sharing service (401).

[0154] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a product sponsorship process on an e-commerce platform according to one embodiment.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 5, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) can provide a product supplied by a supplier (510) to a content creator (520) as a sponsored product on an e-commerce platform (500) (e.g., e-commerce platform (400) of FIG. 4).

[0156] According to one embodiment, in step 511, the supplier (510) may register the supplied product on the e-commerce platform (500). The registered supplied product may be, for example, a product to be sold on the e-commerce platform (500).

[0157] In one embodiment, at step 513, the supplier (510) may set whether to sponsor the registered supply product. For example, the supplier (510) may set a sponsorship for at least one supply product that requires content creation. The supply product for which the sponsorship has been set may be provided to the content creator (520) as a sponsored product, allowing the content creator (520) to create content for the supply product. In one embodiment, the sponsorship setting for the supply product may be a form of a request for sponsorship of the supply product.

[0158] In one embodiment, at step 515, the supplier (510) may set sponsorship conditions for the product for which the sponsorship has been established. The sponsorship conditions may include, for example, information regarding whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the amount required to distribute the sales proceeds. In one embodiment, the sponsorship conditions may be included in the sponsorship request and set together with the sponsorship status.

[0159] According to one embodiment, in step 501, the platform server may match a supplier (510) with a content creator (520). For example, the platform server may determine at least one content creator (520) to be sponsored with the product provided by the supplier (510) based on the history information of the content already produced. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine a content creator who has a history of producing content for a product in the same category as the product to be sponsored as at least one content creator (520) to be sponsored with the product provided. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine a ranking of the determined plurality of content creators, and determine a content creator within a designated ranking as at least one content creator (520) to be sponsored with the product provided. According to one embodiment, the platform server may provide the sponsorship condition information set in step 515 to the determined at least one content creator (520).

[0160] In one embodiment, at step 521, the content creator (520) may check the sponsorship terms of the supplier (510) matched by the platform server and accept the sponsorship of the supplied product. Information about the content creator (520) who accepted the sponsorship may be transmitted, for example, to the supplier (510) who requested the sponsorship. In one embodiment, the content creator (520) may receive the sponsored product from the supplier (510).

[0161] According to one embodiment, in step 523, a content creator (520) may create content for the sponsored product. The content may include, for example, images (e.g., photos, videos) that can promote the product.

[0162] According to one embodiment, in step 525, the content creator (520) can register the created content on the e-commerce platform (500).

[0163] In one embodiment, at step 503, the platform server may provide the registered content to a seller (530) selling the supplied product. For example, the platform server may provide the registered content at the request of the seller (530).

[0164] According to one embodiment, in step 531, the seller (530) may register products to be sold in the online shop. For example, a top-tier seller may register products to be sold in the online shops of itself and its subordinate sub-sellers. According to one embodiment, the seller (530) may create an online shop to sell the registered products. The online shop may, for example, include individual pages for selling at least one product.

[0165] In one embodiment, at step 533, the seller (530) may select content registered on the e-commerce platform (500) to sell a product using the content of the product for sale. The registered content may be, for example, content created through sponsorship of the product registered as the product for sale. In one embodiment, the selected content may be uploaded to an online shop. For example, the content may be uploaded to the product sales page.

[0166] In one embodiment, at step 535, the seller (530) may sell the product through an online shop. For example, the seller (530) may sell the product through a sales page of the online shop that includes the product content.

[0167] In one embodiment, at step 505, the platform server may distribute the sales proceeds of the sold product. For example, the platform server may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the sold product to the content creator (520). The sales proceeds may include, for example, amounts to be distributed to the supplier (510) and the seller (530). In one embodiment, the platform server may determine the specified percentage based on the contribution of the content creator (520) to the sold product. The contribution may be determined, for example, based on sales information of the product.

[0168] Accordingly, the supplier (510) can sponsor a supply product to a content creator (520) to produce content for the supply product, and provide the produced content to the seller (530).

[0169] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing content produced through product sponsorship according to one embodiment being used on an e-commerce platform.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 6, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) can register content (601) produced through product sponsorship to an e-commerce platform (600) (e.g., e-commerce platform (500) of FIG. 5).

[0171] In one embodiment, the platform server may sponsor a golf wear top to a content creator (610). In one embodiment, the platform server may determine a content creator who has created content in the same sportswear category as the golf wear top as the content creator (610) to receive the golf wear top sponsorship. The determined content creator (610) may, for example, be a content creator whose previously created sportswear content is frequently used in an online shop or whose product for which the content was created has high sales. In one embodiment, the content creator (610) may create content (601) for the sponsored golf wear top.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the platform server may upload the produced content (601) to a space (611) that can identify the content creator (610). For example, the platform server may upload the content (601) on golf wear to a content sharing page (611) of the content creator (610) on a content sharing service (e.g., the content sharing service (401) of FIG. 4). The content sharing page (611) of the content creator (610) may include, for example, a plurality of contents (613) of the sportswear category previously produced by the content creator (610).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the platform server may register content (601) uploaded to the space of the content creator (610) in the online shop of the seller (620). For example, the platform server may upload content (601) on golf wear to the sales page (621) of the supplied product in the online shop. The uploaded content (601) may be provided, for example, with multiple reference images of the product. According to one embodiment, the platform server may upload the registered content (601) at the request of the seller (620) selling the supplied product.

[0174] Accordingly, buyers can check the content uploaded on the product's sales page and purchase the product.

[0175] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a process in which a product is sold through content produced through product sponsorship according to one embodiment.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 7, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) can sell products through content (701) registered in an e-commerce platform (700) (e.g., e-commerce platform (600) of FIG. 6).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the platform server may provide content from multiple content creators to platform users through a content sharing service (710). For example, the platform server may provide the content to a purchaser. According to one embodiment, the platform server may provide the purchaser with a content sharing page (711) where content (711a) for golf wear is uploaded, based on the purchaser's selection. According to one embodiment, the platform server may provide information (711b) about the content along with the content (711a) for golf wear. According to one embodiment, the information (711b) about the content may include information about the content creator and related products. The information about the related products may include, for example, information about an online shop selling golf wear worn by a content model, including sponsored golf wear. According to one embodiment, the information about the online shop may include link information (e.g., address information of the online shop).

[0178] In one embodiment, the purchaser may navigate to the online shop (720) of a seller selling golf wear tops through the sales information. For example, the purchaser may navigate to a sales page (721) for golf wear tops. In one embodiment, the sales page (721) for golf wear tops may include content (721a) for golf wear tops. The content (721a) for golf wear tops on the sales page (721) may be displayed in parallel with other images, for example, to describe the product. In one embodiment, the purchaser may purchase the product through the sales page (721).

[0179] According to one embodiment, when a golf wear top is sold through an online shop (720) where the content (721a) for the golf wear top is uploaded, the platform server may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds to the content creator. The specified percentage may be determined, for example, based on the content creator's contribution to the sales of the golf wear top. The contribution may be determined, for example, based on sales information for the golf wear top. According to one embodiment, the platform server may evaluate the content creator's contribution highly when the content creator accesses the seller's online shop (720) through the golf wear content (711a) on the content sharing service (710). The contribution may be evaluated higher, for example, than when the purchaser directly visits the online shop (720) where the golf wear content (721a) is uploaded through a different route and purchases the golf wear top.

[0180] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sponsoring a product to a content creator according to one embodiment.

[0181] In one embodiment, at step S810, a platform server (e.g., platform server (100) of FIG. 1) may receive a request to sponsor a product. The sponsorship may be, for example, for the purpose of creating content for the product. In one embodiment, the request for the product may include information regarding sponsorship conditions. The sponsorship conditions information may include, for example, information regarding whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the amount required to distribute the sales proceeds.

[0182] In one embodiment, at step S820, the platform server may determine a content creator to be sponsored with the supplied product. In one embodiment, the platform server may determine at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supplied product based on the history information of the content already produced. For example, the platform server may determine a content creator who has a history of producing content for a product included in the same category as the supplied product to be sponsored as at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supplied product. In one embodiment, the platform server may determine a ranking of a plurality of content creators. For example, the platform server may determine a ranking of a plurality of content creators based on the history information of the content already produced. In one embodiment, the platform server may determine a content creator within a specified ranking as at least one content creator to be sponsored with the supplier's supplied product.

[0183] In one embodiment, at step S830, the platform server may provide sponsorship terms and conditions information to the determined content creator. The sponsorship terms and conditions information may be included, for example, in a request to sponsor a product.

[0184] In one embodiment, at step S840, the platform server may request at least one content creator who has accepted the sponsorship terms to create content for the sponsored product. In one embodiment, upon receiving user input accepting the sponsorship terms, the platform server may request the supplier to sponsor at least one content creator who has accepted the sponsorship terms. In one embodiment, the platform server may request at least one content creator to create content for the sponsored product.

[0185] In one embodiment, at step S850, the platform server may receive content produced in response to the content production request. In one embodiment, the platform server may register the received content in the content database.

[0186] According to one embodiment, at step S860, the platform server may provide the registered content to a seller selling the sponsored product. For example, upon receiving a request to provide content for a supplied product, the platform server may upload the content of the supplied product to the online shop of the requesting seller.

[0187] According to one embodiment, in step S870, when a sponsored product is sold through an online shop, the platform server may distribute a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the product to the content creator. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine the specified percentage based on the contribution of at least one content creator to the sales of the supplied product. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine the contribution of the content creator based on the difference in sales of the supplied product from multiple sellers. According to one embodiment, the platform server may determine the contribution of at least one content creator based on the path through which the supplied product was accessed to the online shop where the supplied product was sold. For example, if the online shop where the supplied product was sold was accessed through content in a space that can identify the content creator, the platform server may highly evaluate the contribution of at least one content creator.

[0188] According to one embodiment, steps S810 to S870 may be implemented by a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium and configured to be executed by one or more processors. The computer program may include an instruction set implemented in a programming language for steps S810 to S870.

[0189] The e-commerce platform service provided through the platform server (100) according to the various embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 8 allows suppliers, sellers, and content creators to distribute and sell products to come together on a single platform service, enabling them to easily find experts outside their own fields and collaborate to sell products. Furthermore, the e-commerce platform service can reduce the risks that users who collaborate in selling products would otherwise face if they sold the products on their own, allowing them to focus on their respective areas of expertise and do their best. Furthermore, by distributing sales revenue according to the proportion of their contribution to product sales, it can further promote product sales, increase individual profits, and create a virtuous cycle in which each user thrives in their respective fields. Furthermore, this virtuous cycle of the e-commerce platform service can prevent damage to suppliers and sellers caused by price competition in existing open markets and create a healthy market that provides buyers with high-quality products at reasonable prices.

[0190] Furthermore, the e-commerce platform service of the platform server (100) does not simply provide a space where users can gather, but rather, by utilizing the database of content registered on the platform, it connects users in need of content creation with content creators suitable for content creation through a relationship of sponsorship of products, thereby enabling the creation of content with high promotional effectiveness and promoting product sales by providing the created content to platform users through various channels, including content sharing services. Furthermore, when a product created through content creation through sponsorship is sold, the e-commerce platform service evaluates the participant's contribution to product sales using sales information, including the sales channel through which the product was sold, and distributes the sales proceeds at a certain rate based on that evaluation. This allows even users with small businesses to commission content creation without burden and at a low cost, and even lesser-known content creators to receive sponsorship and receive appropriate compensation for creating content. Furthermore, by increasing the sales of the entire platform and the size of the market itself, more profits can be shared among participants.

Claims

1. Communication device; memory for storing one or more instructions; and a processor that executes one or more instructions stored in the memory; The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, Register the supplier's products to be sold on the e-commerce platform service in the supplier product DB, Registering multiple sellers in a seller DB in a hierarchy consisting of a top seller and at least one subordinate seller subordinate to the top seller, wherein the subordinate seller is subordinate to the top seller in the hierarchy among the top sellers to which the products to be sold and the sales conditions of the products are subordinate, Register at least one sales product of the above top seller in the sales product DB, and the at least one sales product is at least one of the supply products registered in the supply product DB, Create an online shop for each of the plurality of sellers, and the online shop includes at least one of the registered sales products of the top-level seller to which each of the plurality of sellers is dependent, Register multiple content creators in the content creator DB, Register the content produced by the above multiple content creators in the content DB, Based on the history information of the content already produced, at least one content producer who is to receive sponsorship of a product supplied by a supplier registered in the product supply DB is determined among a plurality of content producers registered in the content producer DB, and the content already produced is content registered in the content DB. Providing the content of the above-mentioned supplied product, produced by at least one content creator, to at least one seller registered in the seller DB selling the above-mentioned supplied product, A platform server that distributes a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the sold product to the at least one content creator when the above-mentioned supplied product is sold through the online shop of the at least one seller.

2. In paragraph 1, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that determines at least one content creator to receive sponsorship for the above-mentioned supplied product as a content creator who has a history of producing content for a product included in the same category as the above-mentioned supplied product.

3. In paragraph 1, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, Determine the ranking of the above multiple content creators, A platform server that determines at least one content creator within a specified rank to be sponsored with the above-mentioned supply product.

4. In paragraph 3, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that determines the ranking of the plurality of content creators based on at least one of the number of times the previously produced content has been used in the seller's online shop and the sales amount of the products used in the content.

5. In paragraph 3, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that ensures that among the above multiple content creators, new content creators who have created a specified number of contents or less are included in the specified ranking at a specified rate.

6. In paragraph 1, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, Receive sponsorship condition information for the above supplied product from the supplier terminal, Provide the above sponsorship terms and conditions information to at least one content creator; Upon receiving a user input accepting the sponsorship conditions from the content creator terminal, request the supplier to sponsor the supplied product to at least one content creator, Requesting at least one content creator to create content for the above sponsored product; A platform server that provides content of the sponsored supply product produced in response to a request for production of the above content to at least one seller.

7. In paragraph 6, Receive content produced in response to a request for content production from the content producer terminal; Register the above received content in the content DB, A platform server that, upon receiving a request for provision of the registered content from a seller terminal, uploads the registered content to the sales page of at least one seller's online shop.

8. In paragraph 6, The above sponsorship conditions information includes information on whether the sponsored product is provided free of charge and the figures required to distribute the sales proceeds, which is provided by the platform server.

9. In paragraph 1, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that determines the specified ratio based on the contribution of at least one content creator to the sale of the above-mentioned supply product.

10. In paragraph 9, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that determines the contribution of at least one content creator based on the sales of multiple sellers selling the above-mentioned supplied products.

11. In paragraph 9, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that determines the contribution of at least one content creator based on the path taken to access the online shop where the above-mentioned product is sold.

12. In paragraph 11, Providing the above-mentioned produced content to the purchaser through a space that can identify at least one content creator, A platform server that assigns a specified weight to the contribution of at least one content creator when the purchaser accesses an online shop where the product is sold through the content of the space.

13. In paragraph 1, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, A platform server that, upon receiving a request for provision of the registered content from a seller terminal, uploads the registered content to the online shop of at least one seller.

14. In paragraph 13, The processor, by executing one or more of the instructions, Determine the above specified ratio based on the contribution of at least one content creator to the sale of the above supplied product, A platform server that determines the contribution of at least one content creator based on the sales of lower sellers in the above hierarchy.

15. In the operating method of a server providing an e-commerce platform service, Step of registering the supplier's products to be sold on the e-commerce platform service in the supplier product DB; A step of registering multiple sellers in a seller DB in a hierarchical structure consisting of a parent seller and at least one subordinate seller subordinate to the parent seller, wherein the subordinate seller is subordinate to the top seller in the hierarchy among the parent sellers to which the products for sale and the sales conditions of the products depend; A step of registering at least one sales product of the above top seller in a sales product DB, wherein the at least one sales product is at least one of the supply products registered in the supply product DB; A step of creating an online shop for each of the plurality of sellers, wherein the online shop includes at least one of the registered sales products of the top-level seller to which each of the plurality of sellers is dependent; Step of registering multiple content creators in the content creator DB; A step of registering content produced by the above multiple content creators in a content DB; A step of determining at least one content creator to be sponsored with a supply product of a supplier registered in the supply product DB among a plurality of content creators registered in the content creator DB based on the history information of the previously produced content - the previously produced content is content registered in the content DB -; A step of providing the content of the supplied product, produced by at least one content creator, to at least one seller registered in the seller DB selling the supplied product; and A method of operating a server, comprising: a step of distributing a specified percentage of the sales price of the sold product to the at least one content creator when the supplied product is sold through the online shop of the at least one seller; 16. A computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium and configured to be executed by one or more processors, wherein the computer program comprises: A command to register the supplier's products to be sold on the e-commerce platform service in the supplier product DB; A command to register multiple sellers in a seller DB in a hierarchy structure consisting of a parent seller and at least one subordinate seller subordinate to the parent seller, wherein the subordinate seller is subordinate to the top seller in the hierarchy among the parent sellers to which the products for sale and the sales conditions of the products depend; A command to register at least one sale product of the above top seller in the sale product DB - wherein the at least one sale product is at least one of the supply products registered in the supply product DB - ; A command for creating an online shop for each of the plurality of sellers, wherein the online shop includes at least one of the registered sales products of the top-level seller to which each of the plurality of sellers is dependent; Command to register multiple content creators in the content creator DB; A command to register content produced by the above multiple content creators in the content DB; A command for determining at least one content creator to receive sponsorship of a product supplied by a supplier registered in the product supply DB among a plurality of content creators registered in the content creator DB based on the history information of the content already produced - the content already produced is content registered in the content DB -; A command to provide the content of the supplied product, produced by at least one content creator, to at least one seller registered in the seller DB selling the supplied product; and A computer program comprising: a command for distributing a specified percentage of the sales proceeds of the sold product to the at least one content creator when the supplied product is sold through the online shop of the at least one seller;

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