Abstract:
In accordance with at least some embodiments, systems and methods provide for storing an indication of an initial purchase of a first new product from a supplier and by an initial purchaser and facilitating a provision to the initial purchaser of the second product by the supplier and a return of the pre-owned product from the initial purchaser to the supplier.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/907,915, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OFFERING MULTIPLE PRODUCTS”, filed Jun. 1, 2013, which itself is a continuation application that claims benefit and priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/263,942, filed Nov. 1, 2005 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,027 on Jun. 4, 2013, which itself is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/283,389, filed Apr. 1, 1999 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,077 on Jan. 17, 2006, which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/260,439, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESELLING A PREVIOUSLY SOLD PRODUCT”, filed Mar. 2, 1999 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,658,390 on Dec. 2, 2003. Each of the above-referenced applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a system and method for facilitating the transfer and tracking of a multiple number of products received by customers, and more particularly, to a system and method for a supplier to offer multiple new products to initial purchasers and multiple pre-owned products to subsequent purchasers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    There are numerous inefficiencies that hinder the sale of new and used products today. The inefficiencies affect various marketplace participants such as consumers of new products, consumers of pre-owned products, and product suppliers. The affects include: (i) reducing the ability of consumers of new products from readily disposing of previously purchased products so that they may obtain the newest products available on the market; (ii) impeding consumers of pre-owned products from having access to the widest selection and highest quality pre-owned products on the market; and (iii) impeding product suppliers from maximizing their resources. 
         [0004]    With respect to consumers of new products, a number of these consumers prefer to own products that incorporate the latest technology or the latest fashion. However, because manufacturers are continually introducing new products to the market that incorporate ever improved technology or fashion, products that are relatively new often become “outdated” within a few years or even a few months. 
         [0005]    In addition, other consumers of new products will purchase products that fulfill their immediate needs, but become inadequate to serve those needs after a relatively short period of time. As an example, consider a consumer who utilizes specialized software in their business. After a period of time, the manufacturer of the software will release new revisions of the software that incorporate important changes in functionality. For the software to operate properly, however, the software requires a computer with more memory or computing power. In order to remain competitive, the consumer is forced to purchase the new revision of the software and, consequently, must upgrade to a new computer system. Upgrading the computer system of even a small business can necessitate the spending of many thousands of dollars to purchase several personal computers, network hardware, and computer servers. 
         [0006]    Furthermore, consumers will often purchase new products that become unnecessary to them because of a change in their circumstances. For example, a consumer may initially purchase a riding lawn mower for maintaining the lawn of a particular property. Thereafter, the consumer may move to a residence having a smaller lawn or no lawn at all. In such a situation, the consumer may decide to sell the riding lawn mower. In this situation, the sale of the product is typically difficult to accomplish, and often results in the receipt of an unsatisfactory price for the product. 
         [0007]    To obviate the above-described problems confronting consumers of new products, such consumers may obtain new products through, for example, lease agreements. Lease agreements provide consumers the advantage of being able to return the product to the lessor after a predetermined amount of time. A disadvantage of lease agreements, however, is that they provide little flexibility to consumers. For example, the time period in which a consumer can ultimately purchase the product and the amount to be paid therefor are typically fixed. In addition, the consumer typically gains no equity in the product and, therefore, receives no “credit” for the product when it is returned to the lessor. 
         [0008]    An alternate way in which consumers of new products attempt to obviate the above-described problems is by finding purchasers for their pre-owned products so they can sell the unwanted products themselves. Thereafter, if consumers so choose, they can purchase a replacement product. A disadvantage of this alternative is that it is difficult to find purchasers that are willing and able to purchase pre-owned products. Yet another alternative is for consumers of new products to forego purchasing new products altogether and deal with their need in another way. Consumers can pay a service to perform the tasks that the new products would have performed. For example, a consumer may decide not to upgrade to a higher quality washer/drier because the initial cost is high. Instead he may opt to take clothing to a professional dry cleaner/launderer. Even though the professional service is more expensive in the long run, the consumer saves himself from the large initial cost. 
         [0009]    Consumers of pre-owned products often prefer to purchase pre-owned products because they either lack the need for the latest technology, they are thrifty, or they are unable to afford the higher costs associated with purchasing new products. As noted above, consumers of pre-owned products do not readily gain access to the widest selection and highest quality products on the market. Therefore, they do not get the best deals that would otherwise be available to them if they had such access. In addition, because of the present inefficiencies in transferring pre-owned products from their original owners to the consumers of pre-owned products, any warranty coverage that may be associated with a pre-owned product is significantly reduced or even lost altogether. 
         [0010]    Regarding retailers, although they are probably in the best position to penetrate the market for which they have products, they often fall short in maximizing the potential of this position. This is due in large part to their inefficient use of valuable information concerning their customers in their daily business operations. 
         [0011]    In an attempt to remedy some of the problems described above, Gateway 2000 (N. Sioux City, S. Dak.) has started a program entitled Your:)Ware sm . This program allows a consumer to purchase a new Gateway computer today and, after between two and four years, trade in the computer for credit toward another new Gateway computer. To qualify for the program, a customer must either commit to six months of Gateway&#39;s Internet service, add one or more extra software bundles, or finance the purchase through Gateway&#39;s financing plan. This approach is lacking in that it provides only a single two-year period in which a customer can purchase a new computer and trade in the old one. In addition, customers can buy and trade in only Gateway computers. 
         [0012]    Another system which may remedy some of the problems described above is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,265 to Woolston (“&#39;265 patent”). The &#39;265 patent discloses a method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for pre-owned and collectible goods. The method and apparatus includes a plurality of posting terminals networked with a consignment node. The consignment node includes a database of pre-owned goods. The system purports to allow the purchaser to purchase a pre-owned good, change the price of the good, and resell the good through the consignment node. The &#39;265 patent, however, does not provide an efficient system wherein consumers may readily dispose of previously purchased products so that they may obtain the newest products available on the market. 
         [0013]    An auction service that allows consumers to bid against consumers is the Internet site eBay™ operated by eBay, Inc. (San Jose, Calif.). The auctions in eBay™ last from three (3) to seven (7) days. Participants must register with eBay Inc. Just as traditional auctions operate, the auctioned item goes to the highest bidder. The highest bidder and the seller contact each other directly after the auction is over to finalize the purchase. The system provided by eBay′s™ is lacking because it also fails to provide an efficient system wherein consumers may readily dispose of previously purchased products so that they may obtain the newest products available on the market. In addition, because the consumers must contact each other to finalize the sale, eBay™ does not maintain control of the immediate transaction or any future transactions that evolve therefrom. 
         [0014]    The above described attempts fall short of eliminating the numerous inefficiencies in the marketplace that must be confronted by consumers of new products, consumers of pre-owned products, and suppliers of products. Thus, there is a need for a system and method that will solve the shortcomings of the prior art described above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    One aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for a supplier to offer multiple products to a first person. The system includes a memory for storing data relating to a first product that has been provided to the first person and data identifying the first person. The system also includes a processor that is in communication with the memory. The processor is programmed to store the data relating to the first product and the data identifying the first person in the memory; receive an inquiry relating to the first product from a second person; search the memory to determine whether the data relating to the first product is stored therein; and transmit an offer for a second product to the first person based on the data identifying the first person. 
         [0016]    The processor may be further programmed to receive data relating to an agreement between the supplier and the first purchaser, the agreement relating to the providing of the first product to the first person, wherein the agreement is selected from at least one of a lease agreement, a finance purchase agreement, and an outright purchase agreement. 
         [0017]    The processor may also be programmed to receive data relating to an agreement between the supplier and the first purchaser, which provides that the supplier is to offer the first person the second product. The agreement may provide a time period within which the supplier will transmit the offer for the second product to the first person. In addition, the agreement may provide a description of the second product that the supplier will offer. Furthermore, the agreement may provide that the first person will obtain the second product for an amount equal to a cost of the second product minus a fair market value of the first product, wherein the fair market value of the first product is determined by a third party. 
         [0018]    The data that relates to the first product may specify a manufacturer, physical characteristics, model, and product identifier of the first product. And the data identifying the first person may be selected from at least one of a name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, and/or product identifier of the first person. 
         [0019]    The processor may be further programmed to evaluate the availability of the first product. The availability of the first product may be affected by: (i) an agreement between the supplier and the first person that describes a time period within which the first person may be contacted in order to receive the offer; (ii) the availability, e.g., is the product ready to be delivered, of the second product; and/or (iii) the cost of the second product. 
         [0020]    Further features of the system and method of the subject invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    So that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use the system and method described herein, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a network enabling a supplier to offer a multiple of products to purchasers; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a server; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a sample table of data from an initial purchaser file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a sample table of data from a pre-owned products file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a sample table of data from an agreement terms file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a sample table of data from a new product file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a sample table of data from a subsequent purchaser file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a sample table of data from a sought-after product file arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart depicting a product cycle pursuant to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart depicting the logical flow of a subroutine enabling an initial purchaser to purchase a new product in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart depicting the logical flow of a subroutine enabling a subsequent purchaser to submit an inquiry for a pre-owned product and an offer to purchase a pre-owned product in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart depicting the logical flow of a subroutine for evaluating and processing the final sale of a new product to an initial purchaser and a pre-owned product to a subsequent purchaser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of a network enabling a supplier to offer a multiple of products, wherein a server supervisor operates a server. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Reference is now made to the accompanying Figures for the purpose of describing, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The Figures and accompanying detailed description are provided as examples of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
         [0036]    The present invention provides a novel and unique system and method for a supplier to provide a multiple number of new products to a first person. The present invention also provides a system and method for the supplier to provide a market for products that are in the first person&#39;s possession when he is interested in getting rid of them. Further, the present invention provides a convenient and efficient system and method for a second person to inquire about, and ultimately purchase, products owned by the first person. 
         [0037]    For the description that follows, the term “supplier” shall refer to a party who provides a product to a purchaser. The supplier may be, for example, a retailer, wholesaler, or manufacturer of goods or provider of services. Also, the term “initial purchaser” shall refer a party who obtains a new product from a supplier. In addition, the term “pre-owned product” shall refer to a product that is in the possession of the initial purchaser for a period of time. Further, the term “subsequent purchaser” shall refer to a party who obtains a pre-owned product. It should be noted that although product transfers from the supplier to the initial purchaser and from the supplier to the subsequent purchaser may include various types of agreements, for example, lease agreements and finance purchase agreements, product transfers will be described below as sales and purchases. Doing so simplifies the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0038]    In addition, the term “fair market value” shall refer generally to the price at which a product would sell for in an open market. Examples of terms synonymous with fair market value include actual cash value, actual value, cash market value, fair cash value, and reasonable market value. Still further, the “cost” of a product shall refer to the price a purchaser may pay for the product to acquire it, whether paying by, for example, cash or credit. 
         [0039]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar elements of the present invention, there is illustrated in  FIG. 1  a block diagram depicting a computer network system  10  for enabling a supplier to provide multiple products to purchasers. System  10  includes a server  12 , which is operated by a supplier  14  of certain types of products. The server  12  is a general-purpose network server who includes application programs and databases to support various transactions between the supplier  14  and the supplier&#39;s customers. The supplier may be a vendor of any number or type of consumer products, for example, computers, software, cars, books, camping equipment, etc. In addition, the supplier can be a supplier of various services, for example, equipment maintenance, security, cleaning services, etc. 
         [0040]    Linked to the server  12 , via network  24 , are one or more clients  16  operated by initial purchasers  18  and one or more clients  20  operated by subsequent purchasers  22 . For example, server  12  is linked, via network  24 , to client  16 ( 1 ) which is operated by initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) and to client  20 ( 1 ) which is operated by subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ). Clients  16  and clients  20  may comprise a conventional personal computer, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® microprocessor, or a Palm VII® wireless hand-held organizer by Palm Computing®. Clients  16  and  20  may be linked to the server  12  through any conventional networking  24  means. Those skilled in the art recognize that various embodiments of a network  24  means include, but are not limited to, a connection to the Internet via modems and Internet host, a direct Internet connection via routers, hard-wired point-to-point connections, radio communications, optical communications, and combinations of the aforementioned. 
         [0041]    An embodiment of the present invention includes initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) purchasing a first product from the supplier  14  and registering the purchase with the supplier  14 . As part of the purchase, initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) agrees to accept offers for a second new product in exchange for turning in the first new product. Alternately, the initial purchaser  18  may agree to turn in the first new product after an agreed upon or predetermined period of time. 
         [0042]    The information pertaining to this transaction is entered into a database in a memory (not shown) of the server  12 . 
         [0043]    The embodiment further includes the subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ) making an offer to or querying the database of the server  12  to determine if a pre-owned product, for example, the first product owned by the initial purchaser, matches a product he desires/needs. If a match is found between the desired/needed pre-owned product and, for example, the first product owned by the initial purchaser, and the predetermined period of time has passed, the supplier  14  may offer the initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) the second product. If the initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) accepts the offer, the initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) provides the pre-owned product to the supplier  14  and purchases the second product for, for example, the price of the second product minus the current fair market value of the pre-owned product. The subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ) then purchases the pre-owned product from the supplier  14 . The subsequent purchaser  22  may register the purchase of the first product with the supplier, as the initial purchaser  18  did. Further details of the above-described method and apparatus are provided below. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , server  12  is shown in communication with client  16 ( 1 ) operated by initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) and client  20 ( 1 ) operated by subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ) through network  24 . The server  12  includes a processor unit  46 , which executes application programs of the present invention. Processor  46  may comprise one or more conventional microprocessors, such as the Intel® Pentium II® microprocessor. Server  12  also includes a read only memory  48  (ROM) and a random access memory  50  (RAM), collectively referred to herein as memory. The ROM  48  may be used to store at least some of the program instructions of the application programs that are to be executed by the processor  46 , such as portions of the operating system. The RAM  50  is used for temporary storage of data. A clock circuit  52  provides a clock signal, which may be required for proper operation of the processor  46 . 
         [0045]    A video monitor  54  is in communication with the processor  46  via a video driver  56  for conveying information to, for example, a server operator. While the video monitor  54  is typically a cathode ray tube (CRT), other types of video display devices, including liquid crystal displays, light emitting diodes, and thin film transistor panels, may be used as well. An input device  57  is in communication with the processor  46  to enable the server operator to enter data into the server  12 . Any of a wide variety of input devices would be suitable for this purpose, including, for example, keyboards, mice, and touch screens. The server  12  further includes a communication port  58  which enables the processor  46  to communicate with devices external to the server  12  (e.g. client  16 ( 1 ) and client  20 ( 1 )) through the network  24 . 
         [0046]    The processor  46  stores information to, and reads information from, a storage device  59 . The storage device  59  has database files  60  stored thereon including an initial purchaser file  61 , pre-owned product file  62 , agreement terms file  63 , new product file  64 , subsequent purchaser file  65 , and a sought-after product file  66 . In addition, the storage device  59  includes application programs  70  stored thereon including an initial purchaser originating subroutine  71 , subsequent purchaser inquiry and offer subroutine  72 , and the final sale subroutine  73 . The application programs  70  retrieve data from the database files  60  as necessary to perform the transactions described herein. While  FIG. 2  depicts database files  60  and application programs  70  of particular types, those skilled in the art will recognize that various other types of files and application programs may be created that conform to the present invention. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3 through 8  illustrate sample tables for organizing the data stored in the database files  60  ( FIG. 2 ). The database files  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 ,  65  and  66  are described in detail below and depicted with exemplary entries in the accompanying figures. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of the database files presented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored representations of information. A number of other arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown. Similarly, the illustrated entries of the database files represent exemplary information, and those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries can be different from those illustrated herein. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a sample initial purchaser table  80  is illustrated, which includes sample data from the initial purchaser file  61  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Table  80  includes information about initial purchasers  18  collected at the time each initial purchaser  18  registered a sale with the supplier  14 . This would typically occur when an initial purchaser  18  purchases a new product from the supplier  14 ; however, an initial purchaser  18  may purchase a new product from a third party and, thereafter, register the sale with the supplier  14 . 
         [0049]    The initial purchaser table  80  includes records (3R1 through 3R4) for each initial purchaser  18 . A purchaser identifier field (field 3C1) is included in table  80 . The purchaser identifier 3C1 uniquely identifies an initial purchaser  18 . Each record 3R1 through 3R4 further includes a field for the name of each initial purchaser (field 3C2), and fields for each initial purchaser&#39;s address (field 3C3), telephone number (field 3C4), e-mail address (field 3C5), preferred method for being contacted (field 3C6), agreement term codes (field 3C7), and the date of purchase of the new product (field 3C8). As will be become more apparent below, identifying each initial purchaser  18  by a unique identifier facilitates anonymity between initial purchasers  18  and subsequent purchasers  22 . 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a sample pre-owned product table  82  is illustrated, which includes sample data from the pre-owned product file  62  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Table  82  includes information about the products that were purchased and are presently in the possession of the initial purchasers  18  listed in table  80 . Each record 4R1 through 4R4 includes a field for the purchaser identifier (field 4C1) that uniquely identifies the initial purchaser of the product identified in each record of the pre-owned product table  82 . The initial purchaser identifiers of the table  82  correspond to the initial purchaser identifiers of the table  80 . The pre-owned product table  82  further includes a field for the make (field 4C2), model (field 4C3), year (field 4C4), and various attributes (field 4C5) of each product. Also, a field is included (4C6) indicating the approximate date that a product is likely to be available for purchase. Using purchaser identifiers enables the supplier  14  to correlate the records in the initial purchaser table  80  with the records in the pre-owned product table  82  while preventing the subsequent purchasers  22  from learning the identity of the initial purchasers  18  associated with each product. 
         [0051]    More specifically, initial purchaser “3CI” is presently in possession of a 1998 SAAB 9-5 4R1 and initial purchaser B. Willis “3CI” is presently in possession of a 1997 SAAB 9-3 SE 4R2. The pre-owned products table  82  is viewable by subsequent purchasers  22  on clients  20  that are linked to server  12 . This allows the subsequent purchasers  22  to determine the types of products that will be available and when each particular product will become available. Referring to  FIG. 5 , a sample agreement terms table  84  is illustrated and includes sample data from the agreement terms file  63  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). The table  84  correlates agreement term codes, for example, “A”, “B”, “C”, etc., which identify exemplary standard terms that initial purchasers  18  may agree to with the supplier  14 . As described above when describing the initial purchaser table  80 , each initial purchaser  18  has one or more agreement term codes correlated with their record (3C7). 
         [0052]    The agreement terms table  84  includes a field for the agreement term code (5C1) and a field for the corresponding agreement terms (5C2). Each agreement term record 5R1 through 5R9, therefore, includes an agreement term code and an agreement term. The agreement term records are categorized by their type. In the embodiment illustrated, there are two agreement terms categories—“time period”, and “product information”. The “time period” category indicates the time period after which the supplier  14  is to contact the initial purchaser  18 . The “product information” category indicates the information that the supplier  14  is to provide the initial purchaser  18  after the indicated “time period”. Various other categories can be included. 
         [0053]    An example of the use of the agreement terms table  84  follows. Referring to  FIGS. 3-5 , initial purchaser “C1I” has agreed to terms “A” and “J” with the supplier  14 , as illustrated by field 3C7 in record 3R1 of  FIG. 3 . Terms “A” and “J” provide that the supplier  14  is to contact initial purchaser “C1I” “anytime” with information on a new product that is the next year of the same make and model of the pre-owned product initial purchaser “C1I” currently owns, as indicated by record 5R1 and record 5R7 of  FIG. 5 . Therefore, because initial purchaser “C1I” currently owns a 1998 SAAB 9-5 as indicated by record 4R1 of  FIG. 4 , the supplier  14  may call him when the 1999 model becomes available. At that time, initial purchaser “C1I” may be obligated by the agreement with the supplier  14  to purchase the 1999 SAAB 9-5. 
         [0054]    Another example of the use of the agreement terms table  84  follows. With continued reference to  FIGS. 3-5 , initial purchaser “C2I” has agreed to terms “D” and “L” with the supplier  14 , as indicated by record 3R2 of  FIG. 3 . Terms “D” and “L” provide that the supplier  14  is to contact initial purchaser “C2I” “1½ years” after the purchase of the pre-owned product that the initial purchaser currently owns (5R2), i.e., after Nov. 12, 1998, with information on a new year product of a different make and model, as indicated by records 5R1 and 5R9. The make and model of the product can also be specified in the agreement. Therefore, because initial purchaser “C2I” currently owns a 1997 SAAB 9-3 SE as indicated in record 4R2 of table  82 , the supplier  14  may call after Nov. 12, 1998 and offer him, for example, a 1998 Lexus 300. At that time, initial purchaser “C2I” may be obligated to purchase the 1998 Lexus 300. This may depend on the earlier agreement between the initial purchaser and the supplier  14 . 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a sample new product table  86  is illustrated and includes sample data from the new product file  64  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Table  86  includes information about new products that are available for purchase. The information may be supplied by the supplier  14 . The new product table  86  is viewable by initial purchasers  18  operating clients  16  that are linked to server  12  via network  24 . This enables initial purchasers  18  to determine the new products that are available for purchase. Each record 6R1 through 6R5 of table  86  includes a field indicating the number of products that are available, for example, “in stock”, and ready to be purchased (field 6C1). The new product table  86  further includes fields for the make (6C2), model (6C3), year (6C4), and multiple fields for the various attributes (6C5) of each product. Referring to  FIG. 7 , a sample subsequent purchaser table  88  is illustrated and includes sample data from subsequent purchaser file  65  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Table  88  includes information about subsequent purchasers  22  that have inquired as to the availability of particular pre-owned products. 
         [0056]    The subsequent purchaser table  88  includes a record for each subsequent purchaser (records 7R1 through 7R4). Each record 7R1 through 7R4 further includes a field for the name of each subsequent purchaser (field 7C2), and fields for each subsequent purchaser&#39;s address (field 7C3), telephone number (field 7C4), e-mail address (field 7C5), and preferred method for being contacted (field 7C6). Each record 7R1 through 7R4 includes a subsequent purchaser identifier field (7C1) The subsequent purchaser identifier 7C1 uniquely identifies the subsequent purchaser that inquired as to the availability of a pre-owned product. For a similar reason to that delineated above in the description of the unique initial purchaser identifiers (3C1), identifying each subsequent purchaser  22  by a unique subsequent purchaser identifier facilitates anonymity between initial purchasers  18  and subsequent purchasers  22 . 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , a sample sought-after product table  90  is illustrated and includes sample data from sought-after product file  66  stored in storage device  59  ( FIG. 2 ). Table  90  includes information on the products that subsequent purchasers  22 , which are identified in the subsequent purchaser table  88 , have inquired about. The subsequent purchaser identifiers of table  90  correspond to the subsequent purchaser identifiers of table  88 . In addition, the sought-after product table  90  is viewable by initial purchasers  18  operating clients  16 , which are linked to server  12  via network  24 . This enables initial purchasers to better understand the market for their pre-owned products. 
         [0058]    Each record 8R1 through 8R4 includes a field for the subsequent purchaser identifier (field 8C1). Using subsequent purchaser identifiers allows the supplier  14  to correlate the records in the subsequent purchaser table  88  with the records in the sought-after product table  90  while preventing the initial purchasers  18  from learning the identity of the subsequent purchasers  22  associated with each sought-after product. The sought-after product table  90  includes a field for the make (field 8C2), model (field 8C3), year (field 8C4), and various attributes (field 8C5) of each sought-after product. From the above it is readily understood, for example, that record 8R1 indicates that subsequent purchaser “7C1” is seeking an evil blue 1998 SAAB 9-5 and that record 8R2 indicates that subsequent purchaser “C25” is seeking a blue 1997 SAAB 9-3 SE. 
         [0059]    It is noted that although automobiles are used in describing the tables illustrated in  FIGS. 3-8 , those skilled in the art will recognize that any other type of product, service, and combinations thereof, can be used to practice the invention described herein. In addition, various other agreement terms can be agreed to, for example, certain financial terms, product categories from which a purchaser must select a product, time limits within which an initial purchaser  18  must purchase a product, etc. 
         [0060]    The following figures describe the various processes of the present invention. As described herein, the steps performed by supplier  14  may be performed by or in conjunction with server  12 . Similarly, the steps performed by initial purchaser  18  may be performed by client  16  and the steps performed by subsequent purchaser  22  may be performed by client  20  as practicable. 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , a flow chart illustrates an embodiment of the method of the present invention. Initially, at subroutine  71 , an initial purchaser  18 ( 1 ) queries a supplier  14  about a particular type of new product. The supplier  14  processes the query in accordance with the desires of the initial purchaser  18 . If acceptable, the initial purchaser  18  purchases the product and registers with the supplier  14 . Registration information may include financing terms. For example, a supplier may offer to extend the number of payments that a purchaser might make on a subsequent item purchased the same as for the initial item purchased, but not increase the amount he must pay. Or the supplier may offer to keep the number of payments for a subsequent purchase the same as for the initial purchase, but increase the payment amount. The initial purchaser may make an offer to the supplier that the supplier may accept, reject or counter offer. The registration information is entered into the initial purchaser table  80  ( FIG. 3 ) and pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0062]    Thereafter, at subroutine  72 , a subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ) queries the supplier  14  about the availability of a particular type of pre-owned product or queries with an offer for a pre-owned product or the available price for a particular type of a product. The subsequent purchaser  22  may query the supplier via client  16 . The supplier  14  searches the pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ) via server  12 . If a match is made between the subsequent purchaser&#39;s query and a product in the pre-owned product table  82 , the supplier  14  via server  12  generates and forwards an offer to the initial purchaser  18  of the pre-owned product that includes an offer for the initial purchaser  18  to purchase a second new product. At subroutine  73 , the supplier  14  pursues a final agreement with the initial purchaser  18  to return the pre-owned product and purchase the second new product and a final agreement with the subsequent purchaser  22 ( 1 ) to purchase the pre-owned product. 
         [0063]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a flow chart illustrates the steps of subroutine  71  wherein an initial purchaser ( 18 ) queries the supplier  14  about a product. At step  100 , the initial purchaser  18  operating client  16  electronically accesses the files of the supplier server  12  via network  24  and browses new product table  86  ( FIG. 6 ) to view various types of new products carried by the supplier. The initial purchaser  18  then queries the supplier  14  for a particular product. The query is essentially an offer to purchase a particular product from the supplier and includes basic personal information about the initial purchaser, a description of the product the initial purchaser desires to purchase, and the price therefor. 
         [0064]    At step  102 , the supplier  14 , upon receipt of the initial purchaser&#39;s query, provides the initial purchaser  18  a selection of agreement terms from the agreement terms table  84  ( FIG. 5 ). The offer may be tailored to fit the particular initial purchaser&#39;s needs based on, for example, the personal information initially submitted by the initial purchaser, historical data accumulated through prior dealings with the particular initial purchaser or with initial purchasers sharing a similar background, etc. 
         [0065]    At step  104 , the supplier  14  receives from the initial purchaser  18  a response to the offer and determines whether the terms were accepted. If the terms were not accepted by the initial purchaser  18 , then the supplier  14  processes a sale of the product to the initial purchaser  18  in a conventional manner at step  108 . 
         [0066]    If the terms were accepted by the initial purchaser  18 , then, at step  106 , the supplier  14  processes the sale in accordance with the terms accepted by the initial purchaser  18 . At step  110 , the supplier  14  records the information about the initial purchaser  18  and the agreement in the initial purchaser table  80  ( FIG. 3 ) and records the information about the product in the pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a flow chart illustrates the steps of subroutine  72  wherein a subsequent purchaser  22  queries a supplier  14  about the availability of a pre-owned product. At step  200 , the subsequent purchaser  20  electronically accesses via network  24  the files of the supplier  14  on the server  12  and browses pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ). The subsequent purchaser  22  then submits a query to the supplier  14  for a pre-owned product. The query is essentially an offer to purchase a particular pre-owned product from the supplier  14  and includes basic personal information about the subsequent purchaser  22 , a description of the pre-owned product that the subsequent purchaser  22  desires to purchase, and the price therefor. 
         [0068]    At step  202 , the supplier  14 , upon receipt of the subsequent purchaser query, searches the database files  60  to determine if the pre-owned product is available. More specifically, the supplier  14  searches the initial purchaser table  80  ( FIG. 3 ), the pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ), and the agreement terms table  84  ( FIG. 5 ) to determine if the pre-owned product that is sought by the subsequent purchaser  22  is listed, which initial purchaser  18  is presently in possession of the pre-owned product, and the terms of the agreement between the initial purchaser  18  and the supplier  14 . From the above, it is understood that the determination of whether a pre-owned product is “available” may require that a number of criteria are satisfied. 
         [0069]    At step  204 , if it is determined that there is a match, i.e., that the pre-owned product desired by the subsequent purchaser  22  is available, then, at step  206 , the supplier  14  records the information about the subsequent purchaser  22  in the subsequent purchaser table  88  ( FIG. 7 ) and records the information about the desired pre-owned product in the sought-after product table  90  ( FIG. 8 ). At step  208 , the supplier  14  generates and forwards to the initial purchaser  18  in possession of the pre-owned product an offer to purchase a second product and return the pre-owned product for a credit equaling its fair market value. The offer may also include terms wherein the initial purchaser  18  would agree to purchase a third product after a predetermined amount of time. It is foreseen that other terms can be incorporated into the offer and are considered to be a part of the present invention. 
         [0070]    If, at step  204 , it is determined that there is not a match, i.e., that the pre-owned product desired by the subsequent purchaser  22  is not available, then, at step  210 , the supplier  14  reports the results of the search to the subsequent purchaser  22  and queries whether the subsequent purchaser  22  desires to submit a second inquiry for a pre-owned product. At step  212 , if the subsequent purchaser  22  does not desire to submit a second query, then, at step  214 , the supplier  14  records the information about the subsequent purchaser  22  in the subsequent purchaser table  88  ( FIG. 7 ) and records the information about the desired pre-owned product in the sought-after product table  90  ( FIG. 8 ). If the subsequent purchaser  22  does desire to submit a second inquiry, then, at step  200 , the subsequent purchaser  22  may access the files of the supplier  14  on the server  12  and browse pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ), choose a different pre-owned product, and submit a second query to the supplier for the different pre-owned product, as described above. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , a flow chart illustrates the steps of subroutine  73  wherein a response to the offer provided to the initial purchaser  18  is evaluated and responded to accordingly. At step  300 , the supplier  14  receives the response from the initial purchaser  18  regarding the offer to purchase a second new product. The response is evaluated to determine whether or not the initial purchaser  18  accepts the offer. At step  302 , if the initial purchaser  18  does not accept the offer, the supplier  14  may then, at step  208  ( FIG. 11 ), generate and forward to the initial purchaser  18  a second offer including alternative terms that may be more appealing to the initial purchaser  18 . 
         [0072]    If, at step  302 , the initial purchaser  18  does accept the offer, the supplier  14  determines, at step  304 , the condition of the pre-owned product and its fair market value. In order to evaluate the fair market value of the pre-owned product, the supplier  14  may conduct the evaluation itself or have a third party determine the fair market value. For example, if the pre-owned product is an automobile or recreational vehicle, the supplier  14  may utilize the expertise of Kelley Blue Book, Inc. (Los Angeles, Calif.). As another example, if the pre-owned product is computer, musical, or audio equipment, the supplier  14  may utilize the services of Orion Research Corp. (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Alternately, the supplier  14  accepts offers from the subsequent purchaser  22 , and if the offer satisfies the initial purchaser and the supplier, the offer would stand as the fair market value for the item. 
         [0073]    At step  306 , the supplier  14  generates and forwards to the subsequent purchaser  22  an offer to purchase the pre-owned product from the supplier  14 . The supplier  14  includes with the offer the detailed report covering the condition of the pre-owned product. Providing this report enables the subsequent purchaser  22  to make an educated choice regarding whether to purchase the pre-owned product. 
         [0074]    If, at step  308 , the subsequent purchaser  22  does not accept the offer, the subsequent purchaser  22 , at step  310 , is given the opportunity to submit another query for a pre-owned product. If the subsequent purchaser  22  does desire to submit another query, then, at step  200  ( FIG. 11 ), the subsequent purchaser  22  accesses the files of the supplier  14  on the server  12  and browses pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ), chooses a different pre-owned product, and submits another query to the supplier for the pre-owned product. If the subsequent purchaser  22  does not desire to submit another query, then the subroutine  73  is ended. 
         [0075]    If, at step  308 , the subsequent purchaser  22  does accept the offer, the supplier  14 , at step  312 , completes the sale of the product with the initial purchaser  18  and completes the sale of the pre-owned product with the subsequent purchaser  22 . At step  314 , the supplier  14  updates the entries regarding initial purchaser  18  in the initial purchaser table  80  ( FIG. 3 ) and the pre-owned product table  82  ( FIG. 4 ). In addition, the supplier  14  updates the entries regarding the subsequent purchaser  22  in the subsequent purchaser table  88  ( FIG. 7 ) and the sought-after product table  90  ( FIG. 8 ). The updates reflect the above-described transaction. 
         [0076]    Although the subroutines disclosed herein are illustrated and described as having particular steps and particular sequences for the steps, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the subroutines may include additional/fewer steps and may be rearranged and still encompass the concepts taught by the present invention. For example, a query ( FIG. 11 , step  200 ) from a subsequent purchaser  22  may be received prior to recording relevant information about an initial purchaser  18  ( FIG. 10 , step  110 ). Also, the fair market value of a pre-owned product may be determined periodically after an agreement is made between an initial purchaser  18  and a supplier  14  instead of after an offer to purchase a second new product is accepted by an initial purchaser  18  ( FIG. 12 , step  304 ). 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in block diagram form and includes a network system  30 . The network system  30  includes server  34 , which is operated by a server supervisor  32 . The server  34  is a server substantially similar to server  12  described above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The server supervisor  32  may be, for example, an entity that is wholly dedicated to the operation of the server  34  of a World Wide Web site, or a creditor entity capable of providing loans to finance transactions conducted thereon, such as the server of a credit card issuing bank. 
         [0078]    Linked to the server  34  through network  24  are one or more clients  16  operated by the initial purchasers  18  and one or more clients  20  operated by the subsequent purchasers  22  as described above in  FIG. 1 . Also linked to the server  34  through network  24  are one or more clients  36  operated by retailers  38  and one or more clients  40  operated by wholesalers  42 . Clients  36  and  40  may link to the server  34  in any conventional manner. 
         [0079]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the server supervisor  32  may be an online web site that facilitates the sale of items, and is configured to sell products to initial purchasers, and receive requests for previously purchased items from subsequent purchasers  22 . The server supervisor  32  receives offers from potential subsequent purchasers for items previously sold to initial purchasers  18 . The server supervisor  32  contacts initial purchasers  18  with offers to use the above described purchase program to purchase a subsequent item. The initial purchaser must ship, deliver, or give over to a retailer  38  or a subsequent purchaser  22  the initially purchased item. He then receives a new item, either receiving a shipped item, or purchasing and picking up the item from a retailer  38  according the terms of the purchase program. This retailer may be the same entity that the initial purchaser  18  delivers or ships the initial purchase to, if he ships or delivers the initially purchased item to a retailer  38 . The subsequent purchaser  22  either receives or picks up the initially purchased item from an initial purchaser or the retailer an initial purchaser delivered or shipped the item to, and may register the item with the web site so that he may also receive offers to resell as apart of the purchase program. 
         [0080]    Including wholesalers  42  in the network system  30  provides substantial advantages to both the retailers  38  and the wholesalers  42 . For example, wholesalers  42  may provide retailers  38  updated information regarding price changes, new product models, and enhancements to existing or new models of products. Such Information may be stored in the new product field  64 . Wholesalers  42  may provide descriptions of features for new products, and upgrades for older ones to the retailer  38 . A computer software manufacturer, for example, might contact a retailer to provide him with information about features in the upcoming product line. The retailer  38  would use this information to entice initial purchasers  18  of compatible products to participate in the above described purchase program by notifying them of new products the manufacturer will be offering in the future. Retailers may in turn provide wholesalers with invaluable marketing information such as purchasing trends, and gathered demand for the upcoming products. 
         [0081]    Alternately, wholesalers  42  may interact directly with initial purchasers  18 , for example, by directly supplying them new products using the above described system and method. In addition, a manufacturer can act as a wholesaler and interact with the retailers  38  or interact directly with the initial purchasers  18 . 
         [0082]    In another embodiment of the present invention server supervisor  32  may be a credit card issuing bank, or a financing bank for suppliers of certain items. For example the server  32  may be the financing bank for a computer retailer  38 , which tracks initial purchasers  18  of computer hardware. When a subsequent purchaser  22  requests an item that the financing bank  32  has sold to an initial purchaser, the financing bank  32  contacts the initial purchaser  18  and offers another item to the initial purchaser according to the terms described in the above invention. 
         [0083]    It is clear from the foregoing disclosure that the present system and method for offering multiple products provides an advancement in the art of product acquisition and distribution. The system and method allows consumers of new products to possess products that incorporate the latest technology or the latest fashion or to possess products that fulfill their immediate needs. In addition, the system and method enables consumers of new products to readily dispose of products that they do not want because of a change in their circumstances. Also, the system and method allows consumers of pre-owned products to have access to a wide selection of high quality pre-owned products. Furthermore, the system and method allows suppliers of new and pre-owned products and services to maximize the unique position that they hold in the marketplace. 
         [0084]    While the invention has been described with respect to various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciated that various modifications, changes, and enhancements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.