Smart Packaging Tag for Post-Purchase Upsell via Mobile Scan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems and methods for selling products and services fail to provide timely and convenient opportunities for customers to purchase follow-on products or services after they have left the retail store or used a product, limiting the ability to upsell related offerings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing smart packaging with embedded technology that collects information from multiple providers to offer targeted and customized upsell recommendations to customers via their electronic devices, allowing seamless purchases of related products or services without requiring a return to the original e-commerce platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional retail sales methods are used, then customers can purchase products in-store, but opportunities to sell follow-on products after customers leave the store are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes connections between products and related follow-on products in a database before customers make purchases. When a customer scans a product tag, the system instantly retrieves pre-configured related product information, enabling immediate upsell opportunities without requiring customers to return to the store or website.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tag intermediary device attached to products that contains identification information. This tag acts as a mediator between the physical product and the digital upsell system, allowing the customer's mobile device to automatically retrieve and display related product information without requiring direct connection to the retailer's systems.
2Ease of operation
If customers are directed back to the e-commerce platform to purchase follow-on products, then sales can be completed, but convenience is reduced and payment friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the product information display and purchase functionality into a single integrated interface on the customer's mobile device. The tag scanning application combines product identification, related product display, and purchase completion in one seamless workflow, eliminating the need to switch between applications or websites.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables customers to complete purchases autonomously through their mobile devices without requiring assistance from store staff or navigation to external platforms. The self-service capability allows customers to scan tags, view recommendations, and complete transactions independently, significantly improving convenience and reducing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If smart packaging technology is implemented, then upsell opportunities can be extended post-purchase, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive, disposable tags that can be attached to products during manufacturing or packaging. These simple tags contain basic identification information and are designed to be low-cost, single-use components that enable sophisticated upsell functionality without requiring expensive, complex smart packaging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic smart packaging systems with a simplified information-based approach using mobile device cameras and tag recognition software. Instead of embedding complex electronics in packaging, the system uses optical scanning and software-based product identification, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus where information relating to products and services offered by various providers may be offered for sale to customers via computing devices owned by those customers. Products and services offered to a particular customer may be related to a product previously purchased by that customer or be related to a product that a customer has access to. In certain instances, a product that a customer has access to may include a tag, such as a circuit, a chip, or printed matter that may provide information to an electronic device of a customer. After the customer's device received the information provided by the product tag, other products or services related to the tagged product may be received by the customer device.