Electronic Coupon System for Targeted Shopper Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers and manufacturers face challenges in influencing shoppers' purchasing decisions after a product has been purchased, as existing methods lack targeted and convenient ways to interact with shoppers post-purchase, with paper coupons being inefficient and non-specific.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a shopper profile, an out-of-store communication network with an Internet connection, and a wireless end device that scans product data, allowing for the collection of feedback and transmission of tailored influential messages, such as coupons and advertisements, to shoppers via their wireless end device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If paper coupons are distributed at the point of sale, then shoppers receive discount offers, but the coupons are easy to lose or damage and require shoppers to keep track of expiration dates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical paper coupons with electronic copies stored in a database and accessible through a communication device. The electronic coupon contains all necessary information (discount amount, expiration date, terms) in digital form, eliminating the physical vulnerabilities of paper coupons while maintaining the same functional value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical paper-based coupon system with an electronic information system. Instead of physical handling, storage, and tracking of paper coupons, the system uses electronic databases, wireless communication, and digital storage to manage coupons, eliminating the need for physical manipulation and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional paper coupons are used, then discount offers can be provided, but shoppers must plan trips to the store accordingly and cannot easily access coupons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent delivers electronic coupons to shoppers' communication devices in advance of their shopping trips. The system proactively provides coupon information before the shopper needs to visit the store, allowing them to plan trips more efficiently and access coupons immediately without needing to physically obtain them at the store.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the coupon delivery system from a single-location (in-store) model to a multi-location model by delivering coupons electronically to shoppers' devices. This adds the dimension of home/remote access to the traditional in-store coupon distribution, allowing shoppers to access coupons from any location with communication capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retailers provide volumes of information to influence shopper choice, then more promotional options are available, but shoppers are overwhelmed with misdirected, non-specific advertisements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring promotional information to each individual shopper's characteristics, purchase history, and preferences. Instead of broadcasting generic advertisements to all shoppers, the system customizes the content, timing, and delivery of promotional messages to match each shopper's specific needs and interests, making the information more relevant and easier to process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors shopper responses, purchase behavior, and engagement with promotional messages. This feedback is used to continuously refine and personalize future promotional communications, ensuring that shoppers receive relevant information rather than overwhelming volumes of misdirected advertisements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems herein relate to acquiring shopper insights from home product use and influencing shoppers to make additional future purchases of products. Further, the invention relates to electronically communicating with the shopper at the second moment of truth to provide the shopper with one or more influential messages including, but not limited to product information, e-coupons, discounts, surveys, ingredients, ingredient suggestions, recipe suggestions, entertaining, consumer reports, shopping list suggestions, wish list suggestions, and inventory list suggestions.