Contingency Purchase Module for Group Buying Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online platforms lack an automated mechanism for users to jointly purchase items with others, splitting costs and scheduling usage, especially for deals with minimum purchase requirements or time-sensitive discounts, making it difficult for individuals to gather groups in time to take advantage of offers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows users to select and notify others to purchase the same item, completing the purchase transaction only when a minimum number of users agree, and optionally scheduling joint usage, utilizing a contingency purchase module and calendar coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single shopper makes a purchase to qualify for a discount, then the shopper can receive the coupon discount, but the minimum purchase amount exceeds what the shopper would like to spend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual purchases into a single group purchase transaction. Users form groups and pool their purchasing power to meet minimum purchase requirements for discounts, allowing each participant to qualify for discounts on smaller individual contributions while collectively achieving the minimum threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the total purchase amount into individual user contributions. Each user in the group commits to a portion of the minimum purchase amount, and the system tracks and aggregates these segmented contributions to determine when the collective group qualifies for the discount.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users wait to gather a group to take advantage of time-sensitive discounts, then more users can share the purchase, but the discount expires before the group is formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform preliminary actions by forming groups and committing to purchases in advance of the actual transaction. The system holds group purchase intentions and automatically executes the purchase when the minimum number of participants is reached, allowing users to prepare groups without waiting for the discount to expire.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic timing mechanisms where the system continuously monitors group formation progress against the discount expiration timeline. The purchase execution timing is dynamically adjusted based on when the minimum participant threshold is met, optimizing both group formation and discount utilization.
3Ease of operation
If users manually coordinate group purchases and scheduling, then friends can share purchases and split costs, but the coordination process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the system automatically handles group formation, participant coordination, cost splitting calculations, and purchase execution. Users simply indicate their interest in group purchases, and the system autonomously manages the coordination logistics, eliminating the need for manual back-and-forth communication and scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary platform that mediates between potential group members. The system manages group formation, tracks commitments, coordinates scheduling, and executes purchases, serving as an automated intermediary that simplifies the coordination process compared to direct manual negotiation between users.
4Productivity
If currently offered discounts have short expiration dates, then retailers can create urgency, but users cannot gather groups in time to make purchases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform preliminary group formation actions without immediately completing purchases. The system accepts and holds group purchase intentions, allowing users to gather groups in advance of the actual transaction, thereby reconciling the need for quick purchase completion with the time needed for group gathering.
Data Source
AI summary
Purchase order information associated with an item from a first user may be stored initially without completing a purchase transaction. In one aspect, the first user may be enabled to select one or more second users with whom to share the purchase. In another aspect, one or more second users may be given an opportunity to purchase the same instance of an item and share it. In response to determining that a minimum subset of the selected one or more users have indicated to purchase the item, the purchase transaction may be processed and completed. Completion of the purchase may be contingent on the selected one or more second users also purchasing the same item or the same instance of the item. An event may be optionally added to the users' calendars wherein they share the use of the item(s).