Methods and systems for combining online orders with additional purchases

Various examples of methods and systems for combining online order with additional purchase during pickup of the online order are described. In one implementation, a method may receive a first order to purchase at least a first item from a user via a first channel. The method may also receive a second order to purchase at least a second item from the user via a second channel different from the first channel. The method may further process the first order and the second order in a single transaction.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for combining an online order with an additional purchase into a single transaction.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing trend of online shopping, a brick-and-mortar merchant that operates a number of physical stores to sell products and services may also utilize the Internet as an additional avenue to sell the products and services. For example, in addition to its existing physical stores, a merchant may also operate an electronic commerce (e-commerce) website through which consumers can purchase one or more of the products and services offered by the merchant.

In some cases, a consumer may place an order for a product or service via the website of the merchant, and the consumer still needs to visit one of the physical stores of the merchant to either pick up the product or receive the service purchased online. Upon arriving at the physical store to pick up the product or receive the service, the consumer may need to wait for an amount of time for the purchased product or service to be prepared or collected for delivery to the consumer. Besides, while at the physical store, if the consumer decides to purchase one or more additional products and/or services, this in-store purchase and the previously-made online order may be treated by the merchant as two separate transactions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “a user” means one user or more than one users. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” “one example,” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, databases, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it should be appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The flow diagrams and block diagrams in the attached figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flow diagrams or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flow diagrams, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flow diagram and/or block diagram block or blocks.

FIG. 1is a diagram depicting an example computing environment100in which example embodiments may be implemented. In example computing environment100, a brick-and-mortar merchant that operates a number of physical stores (including a physical store170) to sell products and services may also allow online shopping of its products and services by online shoppers (herein interchangeably referred to as users), e.g., a user105using a user device110, at an e-commerce website hosted on a web server140via a network120. Example computing environment100may also include a transaction server130in which embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented so that transaction server130is configured to combine an online order with an additional purchase, made by user105during pickup of the online order, into a single transaction. For example, transaction server130may be configured to perform operations of each of example processes300,400and500described below. Transaction server130may be communicatively connected to a database150via network120or a local area network. In some embodiments, database150may be an integral part of transaction server130. Database150may record, store or otherwise contain therein data associated with a set of products and/or services that are available for sale at the e-commerce website hosted on web server140and can be picked up at physical store170. Although one web server140is shown inFIG. 1, some embodiments may use multiple web servers140to implement an e-commerce website.

Physical store170may be located at a location or premises160operated by, rented by, owned by or otherwise associated with the merchant. As shown inFIG. 1, within premises170there are also a gas station190and a kiosk180. In some embodiments, both kiosk180and gas station190are operated by or otherwise associated with the merchant. Both kiosk180and gas station190are in a close proximity of physical store170. In some embodiments, kiosk180and gas station190are physically separated. Alternatively, kiosk180may be installed next to a gas pump of gas station190. In other embodiments, kiosk180may be implemented in a gas pump of gas station190. Physical store170may include one or more computing devices (not shown) that are communicatively connected to network120. User device110, transaction server130, web server140, the one or more computing devices at physical store170, kiosk180and one or more gas pumps of gas station190may be communicatively connected to each other via network120.

When user105visits premises160to pick up an order placed online, e.g., via user device110, user105may also purchase some gasoline for a car115at gas station190. For example, in one scenario, user105may first visit the e-commerce website of the merchant hosted on web server140to place an online order via user device110and, at a later time, drive to premises160to pick up one or more products or receive one or more services purchased in the online order, e.g., through a drive-through lane associated with or next to physical store170. Kiosk180may be disposed at location of premises160such that, upon arriving at premises160, user105may first encounter kiosk180before reaching physical store170and/or gas station190. Kiosk180may be a check-in point for user105to inform staff at physical store170of their arrival, e.g., for the purpose of picking up the online order. Upon receiving the indication of the arrival of user105, a question may be presented to user105via kiosk180to see whether user105may be interested in purchasing one or more items, e.g., gasoline, in addition to the one or more items of the previously-placed online order. In response, user105may provide an indication, e.g., via kiosk180, of their interest in purchasing one or more items in addition to the one or more items of the online order.

Using gasoline at gas station190as an example, user105may purchase gasoline at gas station190in addition to the one or more items of the online order for which user105comes to physical store170to pick up. Embodiments of the present disclosure may treat the online order and the later-placed order for one or more additional items by user105as a single transaction and process the two orders together in a single transaction.

Advantageously, the ability to allow users who have placed online orders to order one or more additional items when a user comes to a physical store to pick up the item(s) of a previously-placed online order saves time for the user. For example, when user105awaits staff of physical store170to prepare, collect and deliver the one or more items of the online order, user105may simultaneously add gasoline to car115. From the perspective of the merchant, such ability may help increase total sales revenue and improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

User device110may be a mobile device such as a smartphone, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computer, a desktop computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), an internet appliance, a server or any other computing device configured with a network connection. Each of web server140and transaction server130may include one or more servers or any suitable computing device configured with a network connection. Each of transaction server130and web server140may be operated by the merchant or a respective service provider. In some embodiments, transaction server130and web server140may be implemented together in one or more servers or computing devices.

Network120may include wired and/or wireless networks that enable communications between the various networked devices associated with example computing environment100, such as user device110, transaction server130, web server140, one or more computing devices of physical store170, and kiosk180. Network120may include a variety of different networked devices that are of different types and families. In some embodiments, network120may include one or more local area networks (LANs), one or more wide area networks (WAN), one or more mobile telephone networks (MTNs), and/or other types of networks, possibly in conjunction with one another, to facilitate communication among the various networked devices ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 2is a block diagram depicting an embodiment of a transaction server200configured to combine online orders with additional purchases. Transaction server200may perform various functions related to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, transaction server200may be implemented in or as transaction server130ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, transaction server200may be implemented as one or more computing devices that cooperatively implement the functions described herein. Transaction server200may include a communication module202, one or more processors (shown as a processor204inFIG. 2), and a memory206. Communication module202may allow transaction server200to communicate with other networks, systems, servers, computing devices, etc. Processor204may execute one or more sets of instructions to implement the functionality provided by transaction server200. Memory206may store the one or more sets of instructions executable by processor204as well as other data used by processor204.

Transaction server200may also include a receiving module208, a user interface module210and a transaction module212. Each of receiving module208, user interface module210and transaction module212may perform one or more functions under the control of processor204. For example, under the control of processor204, each of receiving module208, user interface module210and transaction module212may perform one or more operations of each of example processes300,400and500described below. Although receiving module208, user interface module210and transaction module212are depicted inFIG. 2as discrete modules separate from the processor204, in various implementations one or more of receiving module208, user interface module210and transaction module212may be integral part of processor204. For simplicity, a task or function performed by any of receiving module208, user interface module210and transaction module212may be described as if such task or function is performed by processor204.

Receiving module208may be configured to receive online orders for purchase of products and services that can be picked up and/or received at physical store170. For example, receiving module208may receive a first order for at least a first item placed by user105via the e-commerce website associated with the merchant and hosted on web server140. Receiving module208may also be configured to receive an indication, from each user, of a selection by the user of one of the physical stores owned by, operated by or otherwise associated with the merchant for pickup of the one or more items of an online order placed by the user. For example, receiving module208may receive a first indication that indicates a selection user105of a physical store associated with the merchant, e.g., physical store170, for pickup of the first order. Receiving module208may be further configured to receive an indication, from each user, that indicates the arrival of the user at a location associated with a physical store which was selected by the user as the physical store where the user will pick up the online order. For example, receiving module208may receive from kiosk180a second indication made by user105at kiosk180that indicates arrival of user105at premises160.

User interface module210may be configured to provide a choice to the user for the user to place a second order to purchase at least a second item, such as one or more products and/or services available for sale at physical store170. For example, user interface module210may cause kiosk180to present a question, whether by either or both visual and audio means such as through a display panel and/or one or more speakers of kiosk180, to user105to see if user105would like to purchase gasoline at gas station190. User interface module210may also be configured to receive a response from the user in response to the question. For example, user interface module210may receive via kiosk180an indication from user105, e.g., by vocal response, entry of textual response on a touch sensing display or keyboard, or gesture or facial expression captured by a camera of kiosk180, whether or not user105is interested in purchasing gasoline for car115. User interface module210may be also configured to provide to the user an acknowledgement of the payment for the single transaction in response to receiving the indication of the payment. For example, user interface module210may cause kiosk180to display a message, whether visually or audibly, to user105that the payment for the single transaction has been received. A receipt may, for example, be printed at kiosk180or a gas pump of gas station190for user105to keep.

Receiving module208may be additionally configured to receive the second order for at least the second item. For example, if user105indicates at kiosk180an interest in purchasing gasoline at gas station190for car115, receiving module208may receive, via kiosk180, an order for gasoline from user105.

Transaction module212may be configured to process the first order and the second order as a single transaction. For example, in the case that user115also purchases gasoline at gas station190while waiting to pick up the one or more items of the online order previously placed, transaction module212may process the online order and the purchase of gasoline in a single transaction. Transaction module212may, for example, charge a credit card or debit card of user105, whether already on file in a record kept by the merchant or swiped by user105at kiosk180or gas station190, once for both the online order and the purchase of gasoline. Accordingly, user105may receive one receipt for both the online order and the purchase of gasoline, and may see one entry in a credit card or debit card statement for the online order and the purchase of gasoline.

Transaction module212may also be configured to collect payment for the single transaction via a payment method associated with user105. For example, transaction module212may contact a bank associated with the credit card or debit card used by user105to charge a corresponding amount to an account of user105at the bank. Transaction module212may be further configured to receive an indication of payment by the user for the single transaction. For example, transaction module212may receive an indication from gas station190or a bank associated with the credit card or debit card used by user105that a payment is made by user105for the single transaction.

FIG. 3is a flowchart diagram of an example process300for combining online orders with additional purchases. Example process300may include one or more operations, actions, or functions such as310,320and330. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Example process300may be implemented by one or more processors including, for example, processors of transaction server130and/or transaction server200. For illustrative purposes, the operations described below are performed by one or more processors of transaction server130and/or processor204of transaction server200. Each of transaction server130and transaction server200may be referred to as a computing device herein.

At310, one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a first order to purchase at least a first item from a user via a first channel.

At320, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a second order to purchase at least a second item from the user via a second channel different from the first channel.

At330, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may provide a confirmation of a single transaction including the first order and the second order. For example, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may cause kiosk180to display a confirmation, e.g., an invoice, to user105that both the first order and the second order are combined into a single transaction.

In at least some embodiments, in receiving the first order via the first channel, example process300may involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving the first order from a website associated with a merchant. In at least some embodiments, the first item may include an item offered for sale online at a website associated with the merchant.

In at least some embodiments, in receiving the second order via the second channel, example process300may involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving the second order from a kiosk associated with a merchant. In at least some embodiments, the second item may include gasoline offered for sale at a physical store associated with a merchant. In some embodiments, the first order and the second order are received at different times and on different dates.

In at least some embodiments, example process300may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200informing the user of availability of at least the second item via the second channel.

In at least some embodiments, example process300may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving an indication of receipt of a payment from the user in a single transaction for the first order and the second order.

FIG. 4is a flowchart diagram of another example process for combining online orders with additional purchases. Example process400may include one or more operations, actions, or functions such as410,420and430. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Example process400may be implemented by one or more processors including, for example, processors of transaction server130and/or transaction server200. For illustrative purposes, the operations described below are performed by one or more processors of transaction server130and/or processor204of transaction server200. Each of transaction server130and transaction server200may be referred to as a computing device herein.

At410, one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a first order for at least a first item from a user via a website associated with a merchant.

At420, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a second order for at least a second item from the user via a kiosk located proximate a physical store associated with the merchant.

At430, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may process the first order and the second order in a single transaction.

In at least some embodiments, the first item may include an item offered for sale online at the website and available for pickup at the physical store associated with the merchant.

In at least some embodiments, the second item may include gasoline offered for sale at a gas station proximate the kiosk.

In at least some embodiments, example process400may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving an indication by the user that indicates arrival of the user at the kiosk.

In at least some embodiments, example process400may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200collecting payment for the single transaction via a payment method associated with the user.

In at least some embodiments, example process400may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200informing the user of availability of at least the second item via the second channel.

In at least some embodiments, example process400may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving an indication of payment by the user for the single transaction. Example process400may additionally involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200providing to the user an acknowledgement of the payment for the single transaction in response to receiving the indication of the payment.

FIG. 5is a flowchart diagram of yet another example process for combining online orders with additional purchases. Example process500may include one or more operations, actions, or functions such as510,520,530,540,550and560. Although illustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided into additional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Example process500may be implemented by one or more processors including, for example, processors of transaction server130and/or transaction server200. For illustrative purposes, the operations described below are performed by one or more processors of transaction server130and/or processor204of transaction server200. Each of transaction server130and transaction server200may be referred to as a computing device herein.

At510, one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a first order for at least a first item placed by a user via a website associated with a merchant.

At520, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a first indication that indicates a selection by the user of a physical store associated with the merchant for pickup of the first order.

At530, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive a second indication that indicates arrival of the user at a location associated with the physical store.

At540, in response to receiving the second indication, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may provide to the user a choice to place a second order to purchase at least a second item.

At550, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may receive the second order for at least the second item.

At560, the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200may process the first order and the second order in a single transaction.

In at least some embodiments, the location associated with the physical store may include a kiosk operated by the merchant in a proximity of the physical store. In at least some embodiments, the second item may include gasoline offered for sale at the location associated with the physical store.

In at least some embodiments, example process500may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200receiving an indication of payment by the user for the single transaction.

In at least some embodiments, example process500may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200providing to the user an acknowledgement of the payment for the single transaction in response to receiving the indication of the payment.

In at least some embodiments, example process500may further involve the one or more processors of transaction server130or transaction server200collecting payment for the single transaction via a payment method associated with the user.

Although the present disclosure is described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, which are also within the scope of this disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.