US Patent:
20030195806, Oct 16, 2003
Inventors:
James Willman - Grand Rapids MI, US
Carol Passero - Springfield VA, US
Simon Boddy - Grand Rapids MI, US
James DeLapa - Grand Rapids MI, US
Assignee:
Ad Response MicroMarketing Corporation - Grand Rapids MI
International Classification:
G06F017/60
Abstract:
A manufacturer's ordering system provides manufacturers of packaged goods with analytical tools for conducting analysis on consolidated data of consumer purchase patterns. The consumer purchase data are consolidated by product categories and/or subcategories and/or freely defined geographical areas in which the manufacturer is interested. The manufacturer thus may specify coupon print content, audience selection criteria, geographical area and time frame for coupon distribution without the requirement of interaction with various print companies and sales representatives. The coupon discount value may be varied in accordance with the different groups of targeted customers. The promotional selections may be made via electronic media, such as a global computer network or internet connection, and may then be provided to a coupon distribution system via a similar connection. Preferably, the consolidated data are accumulated from point of sale devices at retail stores and preferably from kiosk usage at the store. Preferably, the data are continuously collected, such that the manufacturers base their promotional decisions on substantially real time data.
