A REFERRAL METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electronic commerce and more specifically to information processing methods for marketing and selling goods using third parties to convene the sale.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Traditional advertising techniques include print and television advertising. The Internet had already overtaken television as the largest advertising market. Websites often include banner or pop-up ads. Social networking sites don't always have ads. In exchange, products have entire pages and are able to interact with users. Television commercials often end with a spokesperson asking viewers to view the product website for more information. Print ads are also starting to include barcodes or other identifiers on them. These barcodes can be scanned by cell phones and computers, directing viewers to the product website. Advertising is beginning to move viewers from the traditional outlets to the electronic ones.

[0003] According to some research, 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family more than all other forms of marketing. The same study found that less than half of all customers consider traditional paid advertising to be credible. Not only that but 43% of consumers are more likely to buy a new product when learning about it on social media and 77% of consumers are more likely to buy a new product when learning about it from friends or family.

[0004] Therefore, it would be an advantage to merchants as well as customers if a mechanism were provided that allowed a customer to more easily leverage recommendations from friends and family and an advantage to merchants allowing more effective marketing to potential customers.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to a referral method, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a referral method to allow merchant to sell items with the assistance of associates, the method comprising: a) providing an electronic system that includes an associate enrolment system which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates that recommend items from a catalogue of items offered by the merchant and refer customers to the merchant in exchange for compensation;

b) in response to a submission to the enrolment system by a user, assigning an associate identifier to the user and recording the associate identifier within a computer memory; c) providing to the user, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the user's associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant and/or administrator in a request message;

d) receiving a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier generated by a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue of the merchant provided to the customer by an associate in conjunction with a recommendation of the item;

e) extracting the associate and item identifiers from the message;

f) transacting a sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer; g) using the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and

h) determining and recording within a computer memory compensation for the associate for the sale.

[0008] In an alternative aspect the present invention resides in an Internet-based referral method to allow merchant to sell items with the assistance of associates, the method comprising: a) providing a Web site system that includes an associate enrolment system which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates that recommend items from a catalogue of products offered by the merchant and refer customers to the merchant in exchange for compensation;

b) in response to a submission to the enrolment system by a user, assigning an associate identifier to the user and recording the associate identifier within a computer memory; c) electronically providing to the user, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the user's associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant and/or administrator in a request message;

d) receiving a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier and extracting the associate and item identifiers from the message, the request message generated by a computer of a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue of the merchant provided to the customer by an associate in conjunction with a recommendation of the item;

e) transacting a sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer; f) using the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and

g) determining and recording within a computer memory compensation for the associate for the sale.

[0009] In another alternative aspect the present invention resides in a method of selling items with the assistance of associates, the method comprising: a) providing a Web site system that includes a catalogue of items and item components and provides services for allowing customers to electronically purchase the items and items made from item components;

b) providing an associate enrolment system which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates that design items from item components and select and recommend items from the catalogue and refer customers to the Web site system in exchange for compensation;

c) in response to a submission to the enrolment system by a user, assigning an associate identifier to the user and recording the associate identifier within a computer memory; d) electronically providing to the user, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the user's associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant and/or administrator in a request message;

e) receiving a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier and extracting the associate and item identifiers from the message, the request message generated by a computer of a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue and provision by the customer of the associate identifier; f) transacting a sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer through the Web site system including provision of the item to the customer;

g) using the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and

h) determining and recording within a computer memory, compensation for the associate for the sale, once the sale has been completed.

[0010] The compensation will normally be recorded against each associate's unique profile or identifier in order that each associate can see (and access for use or redemption) their own compensation that has been earned. The compensation may take any form and be redeemable in virtually any form, both monetary, exchangeable tender or services.

[0011] Generally the method of the present invention will be implemented using a computer network involving a number of computer devices, each preferably having a processor with memory storing instructions. The method will preferably operate from an administrator server having access to the network although the method may require that a client computer install a smaller, less complex computer program in order to interface with the software operating on the administrator server with a primary software component residing on the administrator server. The processor and memory of each computer stores and processes instructions which when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform operations including particularly exchange of information between the client computer and the administrator server in order to provide an updated displayed image having various action buttons to allow a user to navigate as required and to perform tasks within the framework of the method.

[0012] Examples of computer device that can be used in the present invention include desktop computers, laptop computers or portables but in particular tablets and smartphones.

[0013] Preferably the method of the present invention will include a computer program preferably embodied in a computer readable medium adapted to perform the method utilising electronic networking media. The computer program will typically be run or executed on a computer or network of computers.

[0014] The client computer will preferably generate and display an interface allowing client interaction with the administrator server over a computer network such as the Internet.

Preferably, the generated and displayed interface will be updated according to instructions issued from the administrator server in line with the selections made or information entered by the users of the interface. This may involve the generation in display of alternative or additional interfaces and/or parts of generated and displayed interfaces.

[0015] Typically, the administrator of the system and method will operate from a domain or web address. There may be different domains or web addresses for different portions of the system. For example, the ordering portion of the system will typically operate from the merchant domain and preferably, a different domain or web address operated by the system administrator will be provided in order to access the associate enrolment system and the associate interface.

[0016] There are typically a variety of members of the system of the present invention and a variety of different categories of members including the administrator, one or more merchants, one or more associates, and one or more customers. Each of these different groups will typically have a unique profile containing information which is stored on or in a respective database. For example, normally a merchant database will be provided, in which each of the merchants which are members of the system will typically have a unique profile which contains information about that particular merchant. Each associate and each customer will also preferably have their own unique profile containing information about the particular associate and particular customer in at least one associate database and it least one customer database respectively. The nature and extent of the information in the profiles can differ depending upon the category of the member. The administrator and/or administrator server preferably has access to all of the databases and can exchange information with all of the databases.

[0017] The method and system of the present invention include an associate enrolment system which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates to recommend items from a catalogue of items offered by the merchant and refer customers to the merchant in exchange for compensation.

[0018] As mentioned above, the associate enrolment system will typically operate on one or more interfaces generated and displayed on a client computer display allowing the client to interact with the administrator server. Importantly, the generated and displayed interface will preferably allow the client, which at this time is a candidate associate, to make selections and enter information which will then be conveyed in a unique associate profile to the administrator server for approval.

[0019] The generated and displayed interface on the associate enrolment system will allow input of information by a candidate associate to allow the system administrator to verify the data entered and to vet the candidate associate, before allowing the candidate associate to join the system as an associate (premoderation). Alternatively, the system administrator may allow membership on application and then undertake the vetting process afterward (post moderation). The input of information will normally be a complex electronically. It may be accomplished using any format or entry method. Typically, the input of information will be accomplished through a combination of selection from one or more available options in relation to particular types of information, as well as free-form entry of information, such as via text input.

[0020] For a candidate associate, the generated and displayed interface on the associate enrolment system may allow the use or entry of demographic and/or identifying information from an alternative system such as for example networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln or any other system that may already have demographic and/or identifying information entered and saved therein. Usually, the candidate associate will use the associate enrolment system to request information from the alternative system for verification and/or use in the present system.

[0021] This will normally be accomplished by allowing the associate enrolment system to request information from the alternative system using the login information of the candidate associate which the candidate associate has already set up, on the alternative system. It is particularly preferred that the associate enrolment system generates an interface which allows identification of the particular alternative system and also entry of login information for that particular alternative system.

[0022] An initial interface is produced and displayed when the associate enrolment system is opened. A login prompt is produced and displayed as a displayed image on the display of the candidate associate computer including at least one action button. The preferred login prompt allows a user to use login details that the candidate associate has developed for another application or use. For example, the candidate associate may use a Facebook or Twitter account login or similar in order to access the system of the present invention. Normally, once the candidate associate has been approved as an associate of the system of the present invention, details of the associate login will be stored in the candidate associate profile in the at least one associate database and as a login request is received, the administrator server will typically ensure that the login details supplied, match those of a associate before allowing access to the system and the databases on the system. There may be a further layer of authorisation matching provided requiring that the IP address or other unique identifier may need to match the login details as well before allowing access.

[0023] In practice, once an associate or candidate associate selects which of the alternative system account logins that they wish to use, a login screen allowing input or selection of the desired login information into an input template and which also prompts input of the login information, followed by submission to the alternative system for validation. This will normally be a two-part process in which the associate or candidate associate will normally select the desired login type, if permitted, followed by entry of the particular identification information and password, followed by the submission step. Upon submission, the entered details will be checked against those in the alternative system for authorisation and if authorised, the associate or candidate associate will be allowed access to the information stored on the alternative system which can then be used to authenticate associate identity.

[0024] In response to a submission to the associate enrolment system by a candidate associate, and following the confirmation by the administrator that the candidate associate has been approved as an associate, the administrator will preferably assign a unique associate identifier to the associate and record the associate identifier in an associate database within a computer memory accessible by the administrator server. This assignment process can be accomplished automatically by a software process.

[0025] Therefore, once the candidate associate has been allowed as an associate of the system of the present invention, the administrator server will typically create a login request each time any user requests access to the system which is then sent via a communications pathway to the client computer into which information is entered and submitted to the administrator server, where upon the administrator server checks the databases for a match and allows access to the system as an associate if the match occurs with details in the associate database and denies access to the system is matched is not occur. The same type of process is preferably provided for all members of the system with the access determined by matching details in a profile on one or more of the databases.

[0026] Once a candidate associate has requested access to the system as an associate and the administrator has approved their membership of the system as an associate, the associate can then access the associate portion of the system of the present invention using their login details. Entry of the appropriate login details will typically produce a home interface for each associate on an associate computer.

[0027] The home interface will preferably allow the associate to control the aspects of their recommendations and their particular associate information stored within their unique associate profile within the system Normally, the home interface will be provided with a number of action "buttons" or delineated and identified areas or portions of the interface which, when selected by an input device appropriate to the particular associate computer, causes the processor of the associate computer to initiate instructions to adjust the interface appearance and/or generate a new interface.

[0028] Importantly, the interface will preferably allow updating or editing of the associate's settings or information which in turn allows input from the associate and submission of any changes or updates to the administrator server. The interface will also preferably allow an associate to add one or more new items to their recommendations.

[0029] The interface will also preferably allow an associate to select from items contained in a catalogue of items provided by one or more merchants and/or allow selection of particular item components in order to create a bespoke item. This option may allow creation of a bespoke item or may allow the associate to rename one or more existing items provided by a merchant as desired by the associate. This allows the associate degree of personalisation of a more or less standard product offered by a merchant.

[0030] The interface may allow the associate to create or attach images of an item to a profile through the interface in order to allow visual identification of an item to members of the system. The images may be of any type for example they may be photographs but could also be a mock up or generated image based on the item or components or even a caricature or similar. Further, the interface will preferably provide statistics for each item recommended by the associate, preferably in real time, to allow associate to track which of their recommended item is performing well and which are performing not so well. This will typically allow the associate to adjust their recommendations as desired in order to maximise compensation from their recommendations.

[0031] The administrator server may impose rules on the associate interface for example, there may be limits on the number of items or the number of types of items that can be recommended by a particular associate. There may be a tiered system of limits with higher ranked associates (or associates having greater compensation from their recommendations) possibly having access to recommend a different or expanded set of items. Normally, an associate rank will be based on a quantitative basis such as dollars of sales of recommended items or the number of items purchased by customers on the associate recommendation or any other measurable category. This, together with the compensation will preferably spur the associate on to increase their rank thereby increase the value to the merchant as well as to the associate.

[0032] The associate interface will typically allow an associate to easily identify compensation which has been earned and preferably also allow an associate to redeem compensation through the interface. Normally, a variety of forms of redemption will be provided for such as the redemption of cash, vouchers, discounts and the like, with any one or more merchants which are members of the system. Potentially, the compensation may be expanded to cover merchants which are not merchant members of the system. The compensation may include allowing an associate with an enhanced functionality with the system so the compensation may include enhanced advertising opportunities such as banner advertising, free or discounted advertising or access to services.

[0033] The associate interface will also preferably allow an associate to control the recommendations that they make. For example, the interface may allow the associate to control the mode of recommendation (for example electronic or physical recommendations) as well as control the particular vehicle used for dissemination of the recommendation. For example, the associate may recommend items through email to one or more customers or alternatively, the associate may create a website that potential customers can view or still further, the associate may recommend items through a networking site such as Facebook, Twitter or Linkedln for example. The associate interface will typically allow the associate to upload or create recommendation material such as videos, pictures, flyers or other publications that allow a user to showcase their recommendation.

[0034] The system administrator will also provide to the associate, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the unique associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant in a request message. These instructions will typically form the basis of an order which is placed by a customer with a merchant. Preferably, the administrator will provide the instructions to the associate and the associate will normally recommend items from the merchant in such a way as to make the provision of the unique associate identifier and the identifier of a recommended item to the merchant easy for the customer.

[0035] There are two alternative configurations which may be preferred in this particular aspect. Firstly, the creation of the identifier of recommended item may include or embed the unique associate identifier. Alternatively, the unique associate identifier may be separated from the identifier of a recommended item (because multiple associates may recommend the same particular item from a merchant) and the system of the present invention may require the provision of the identifier of a recommended item to the merchant with the unique associate identifier or alternatively, the merchant may be provided with the identifier of the recommended item and unique associate identifier may be transmitted to the administrator of the system. Of course, in situations where the merchant and the administrator of the system are the same party, then the provision of the unique associate identifier and the identifier of the recommended item at the same time is generally preferred. The provision of the identifier of the recommended item allows merchant to fill the order of the customer and the identifier of the recommended item together with the unique associate identifier allows the administrator to track the associate activities as well as calculate the appropriate compensation.

[0036] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the merchant and the

administrator of the system are the same party. Preferably, the merchant/administrator will operate an electronic interface which allows customers to order items from the merchant. The electronic ordering interface will typically be available over a network of computers by any one or more customers. Typically, electronic ordering systems of this type will also require a customer login which allows a customer to order items and have a particular customer profile including identifying information and payment information saved in a unique customer profile saved on the customer database. This will preferably allow customers to order quickly and easily and not require input of large amounts of information each time they order.

[0037] It is possible that associates within the system are also customers within the system and therefore, the same login information may be provided to an associate which can be used when the associate chooses to function as a customer within the system.

[0038] Where a customer accesses the electronic ordering interface, the customer may order one or more items and then be prompted to login before checking out, or alternatively, the customer can login initially, then place an order before checking out. Of course the process can be implemented without requiring the customer to login to the system of the present invention but the ordering process may require a login.

[0039] The login process will typically be similar to any login process. The login can use login details which are particular to the system of the present invention or alternatively, a customer may use login details which have been set up for an alternative system but which have been recognised by the current system as authorised to provide access.

[0040] Typically, the ordering interface will be provided at a different portal or the interface will be different to the associate interface. Preferably, a search facility will be provided to allow a customer to search for a particular item. Search parameters can include item types, item components or if the customer is a more advanced user used to ordering upon recommendations of one or more associates, the search parameters may include a particular associate name or identifier.

[0041] Generally, when a customer identifies a particular item in which they are interested, the customer can request information about the particular item from the merchant database. Typically, an image of the item will be displayed together with a description of the item and/or item components.

[0042] Importantly, the customer may be able to view the items directly on the merchant site or interface or on an alternative site or interface. If the items are perused on an alternative site or interface, then an electronic link will normally be provided to the merchant site so that ordering is preferably accomplished through the merchant site.

[0043] Information or further detail on a particular item may be available through selection of the item including the item identifier, the recommending associate, the recommending associate identifier and/or an item description. Other information may be available through selection of an item such as a customer rating, or a ranking of the item by popularity with other customers in terms of sales or the like. The rating or ranking can be provided in a qualitative manner such as total dollars of that particular item sold or using a star rating or some other mechanism for indicating a rank or rating.

[0044] Further, a qualitative feedback identification may be provided such as a comments section where previous customers can provide comments on their experience with one or more particular items in which a potential customer is interested. Where a comments section is provided, it is preferably updated in real time. The comment section may provide comments about items or more preferably, items which have been recommended by particular associates which are also recommending the item which is currently viewed by the potential customer.

[0045] The order interface will allow a customer to add one or more items to their order using an "order" or similar type of button on the electronically produced and displayed interface.

[0046] Advertising may be provided on the order interface. The one or more items may be advertised and/or a message from the merchant or administrator advising or giving the customer an opportunity to become an associate within the ambit of the system, may be presented.

[0047] When a customer submits an order through the interface, this will typically send a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier generated by a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue of the merchant provided to the customer by an associate in conjunction with a recommendation of the item.

[0048] This will typically allow the merchant/administrator to identify the particular item which has been ordered so that the merchant can fill the order but also so that the merchant can identify the associate which recommended that particular item which has been ordered. In order to determine the compensation are linked to the associate in relation to the sale of the item, the system of the present invention will typically extract the associate and item identifiers from the message. These particular identifiers will have to be provided to the administrator which may or may not be the merchant as well.

[0049] Once the order has been received by the merchant and filled, the merchant conducts the actual sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer. Within the context of the present invention, and when the invention is particularly applied to a food or beverage provision merchant, this will typically involve the pickup or delivery of the food or beverage by the customer with the accompanying payment. Importantly, until the payment has actually been received by the merchant, the compensation will not actually be provided to the associate. This will typically help to limit orders of items which are not actually paid for as the compensation should only accrue to the associate once the item has actually been paid for.

[0050] The system of the present invention will then use the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and determine and record within a computer memory, compensation for the associate for the sale.

[0051] Other updates may also be triggered by the compensation determination such as leader board updates for example or updates to the associate profile showing the ranking of the associate and/or any of the measurements which will be adjusted by the sale of items.

[0052] In this regard, various achievements can be signified on the associate interface (and these achievements may be signalled in any search of viewing of the associate profile by a customer). With each completed sale of an item, this information will typically be updated in the associate database and updating the information in the associate database will also preferably update the associate profile. The updates will all preferably take place substantially in real time and any updates will preferably be available on the associate interface to be seen by the particular associate.

[0053] Typically, the administrator controls access to the system and particularly, access to the associate database as well as vetting any bespoke items that are created by an associate (or customer) within the associate database before allowing access by customers to that bespoke item or associate profile through a customer portal, however accessed.

[0054] As mentioned above, the administrator of the system may be the merchant or alternatively may be a third party offering an administrator service to one or more merchants. Preferably, the administrator allows information exchange between the merchant system and the administrator servers. A particular area or portion may be provided for different merchants. For example, a geographic limitation may be provided for different merchants even if provided within the same administrator network. This will allow different stores operating under the same brand to sell similar items, but to allow customers to know which of the stores to collect the item from or from which the item will be delivered.

[0055] In order to achieve this, the merchant system may receive information from the administrator server and provide information to the administrator server about the location of customers and/or associates.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a customer will preferably view items on an interface which is remote from the merchant ordering interface and particularly, an interface which identifies the particular associate providing the recommendation. Selection of an item for ordering will typically divert the customer to the merchant website so that the customer can complete the order through the merchant interface. This will typically require a submission in confirmation process and it is the submission in confirmation process that will preferably capture the associate identifier and the item identifier and send this information to either the merchant and/or the administrator for storage and processing.

[0057] Therefore, according to the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, normally the method will involve three different categories of party including customers, associates, merchants and an administrator but of course, the administrator can be a merchant as well. Normally, the administrator obtains information from the associate about their

recommended items, as well as personal information. The merchant typically has access to customer information and provides an interface for customers to order items. The administrator preferably provides the merchant with information about the associate recommendations for display on the merchant website. The associate may provide alternative advertisement in any form with the associate identifier and item identifier, to the public with an electronic link to redirect any customers or potential customers to the merchant's site to actually order the items.

[0058] In a particularly preferred configuration, the associate will provide recommendations to their friends and family, normally via a social networking sites such as Facebook and in this way, the associate will be able to leveraged their good standing with their friends and family to earn compensation when their friends and family purchase an item recommended by the associate from the merchant.

[0059] Recording and administrative functions to enable the system and method of the present invention to function will normally be accomplished by the system administrator who will normally exchange information with the merchants, the associates and potentially even with customers.

[0060] It is clear that whilst the computer implemented system of the present invention is described in that context, the methodology of the present invention can easily be implemented in a non-electronic or non-computer implemented manner. For example, an associate may join the system and be provided with a unique identifier and may have their recommendations provided with a unique identifier and then these two unique identifiers can be provided to third parties in any form such as for example through the distribution of a paper flyer or pamphlet with the unique identifiers present thereon. The methodology of the present invention will then still be followed when the customer orders a recommended item and users the unique identifiers provided by the associate as a part of the order. This can be through an electronic ordering system such as a website for example or alternatively, the customer may simply telephone the merchant and provide the unique identifiers, provided that the merchant has the ability to use the unique identifiers, particularly the item identifier in order to identify the particular item required by the customer in order to fill the order. The merchant may then enter the unique identifiers into the administrator server which will allow the methodology to be implemented.

[0061] Associates may also have the ability to donate their earnings to a charity. This works by having the associate select from a preferably pre-defined list of charities and identify a quantum of their earnings to be automatically donated to the selected charity(ies). Each order then preferably splits the total earnings between the associate and the charity, based on the value selected

[0062] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0063] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0065] Figure 1 is a pictorial representation of an upper portion of associate interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a pictorial representation of an associate interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 is a pictorial representation of a login interface for an associate interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 4 is a pictorial representation of an associate homepage interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 5 is a pictorial representation of an alternative associate homepage interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6 is a pictorial representation of an ordering interface available on a merchant website according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 7 is a second pictorial representation of the ordering interface illustrated in Figure 6 showing selections available.

[0072] Figure 8 is a pictorial representation of an alternate ordering interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 9 is a pictorial representation of an upper portion of an information interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 10 is a pictorial representation of the entirety of the information interface illustrated in Figure 9.

[0075] Figure 11 is a pictorial representation of an information interface with a pop-up suggesting enrolment as an associate according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 12 is a pictorial representation of an "add to order" interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 13 is a pictorial representation of a feedback interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 14 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate enrolment process according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 15 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate creating a recommendation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 16 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate redeeming compensation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 17 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate editing their settings according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 18 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate preparing a recommendation to be dispersed using a social media site according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 19 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with an associate uploading material to an associate interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 20 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved with becoming an associate through the order interface and providing associate advertising on the order interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 21 is a schematic illustration of the system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0086] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method and system of marketing and selling items with the assistance of associates to convene the sale is provided. [0087] Generally, the method of the present invention will be implemented using a computer network involving a number of computer devices, each having a processor with memory storing instructions. The system normally operates from an administrator server having access to the network although the method may require that a client computer install a smaller, less complex computer program in order to interface with the software operating on the administrator server. The processor and memory of the administrator server typically stores and processes instructions which when executed by the processor of the client computer, causes exchange of information between the client computer and the administrator server in order to provide an updated displayed interface having various action buttons to allow a user to navigate as required and to perform tasks within the framework of the method.

[0088] As such, the method of the present invention will typically include a computer program adapted to perform the method utilising electronic networking media. The computer program will typically be run or executed on a computer or network of computers.

[0089] The client computer will preferably generate and display an interface allowing a client interaction with the administrator server over a computer network such as the Internet. Preferably, the generated and displayed interface is updated according to instructions issued from the administrator server in line with the selections made, or information entered, by the users of the interface. This may involve the generation in display of alternative or additional interfaces and/or parts of generated and displayed interfaces.

[0090] Typically, the administrator of the system and method will operate from a domain or web address. There may be different domains or web addresses for different portions of the system. For example, an ordering portion of the system will typically operate from a merchant domain and preferably, a different domain or web address will be provided in order to access the associate enrolment system.

[0091] There are typically a variety of members of the system of the present invention including the system administrator, one or more merchants, one or more associates, and one or more customers. Each of these different groups will typically have a unique profile containing information which is stored on or in a respective database and which provides the members different functionality and different powers. For example, there will normally be provided a merchant database in which each of the merchants which are members of the system will typically have a unique merchant profile which contains information about that particular merchant. The one or more associates and the one or more customers will also preferably have their own unique profile containing information about the particular associate and particular customer in at least one associate database and it least one customer database respectively. The administrator server preferably has access to all of the databases and can exchange information with and between all of the databases.

[0092] The preferred system operates on a network 21, a very generic form of which is illustrated in Figure 21. The schematic illustrated therein includes an associate 50 with a device 22 adapted to access the network 21. An administrator server 23 or similar operated by the administrator of the system also has access to the network 21 to control the generation of the interfaces and the method of the invention.

[0093] A variety of other parties particularly friends 51 (friends who are connected on Facebook, for example) of the associate 50 on social network channels ("linked friends") also have access to the network 21 via personal computing devices of which both personal computers 52 and smartphones 53 could be used. The associate 50 can also disseminate recommendations to groups 55 of users who may or may not be linked friends, for example through a purpose- created website directed at the public at large. The personal computers 52 and smartphones 53 can receive recommendations from the associate 50 and can also access the merchant ordering interface through an ordering server 53. Communications pathways 24 are provided between the different devices which form the system.

[0094] The preferred methodology includes the steps of: a) providing a merchant Web site system that includes a catalogue of items and item

components and provides services for allowing customers to electronically purchase the items and items made from item components;

b) providing an associate enrolment system which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates that select and recommend items from the catalogue as well as design custom items from item components and then refer customers to the Web site system in exchange for compensation;

c) in response to a submission to the enrolment system by a user and upon confirming

membership to the system as an associate, assigning an associate identifier to the user and recording the associate identifier within a computer memory in an administrator portion of the system or on an administrator server;

d) electronically providing to the user, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the user's associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant in a request message; e) receiving a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier and extracting the associate and item identifiers from the message, the request message generated by a computer of a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue and provision by the customer of the associate identifier;

f) transacting a sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer

through the Web site system including provision of the item to the customer;

g) using the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and

h) determining and recording within a computer memory compensation for the associate for the sale, once the sale has been completed.

[0095] The associate enrolment system of the preferred embodiment is a subsystem which allows users to electronically apply to operate as associates that recommend items from a catalogue of items offered by the merchant and/or create custom items from item components. The associate then recommends the purchase of items from the catalogue or custom items to third parties and refers these parties as customers to the merchant in exchange for compensation.

[0096] The preferred form of the present invention is explained in the context of an online referral system for use in the home delivery or pickup (takeout) pizza industry.

[0097] As mentioned above, the associate enrolment system will typically operate on one or more generated and displayed interfaces on a client computer display allowing the candidate associate to interact with the administrator server. Importantly, the generated and displayed interface will preferably allow the candidate associate, to make selections and enter information which will then be conveyed in a unique associate profile to the administrator server and which will, once the associate has been granted associate status, form the basis for the associate to manage their interaction with the system.

[0098] One preferred form of the associate enrolment system is provided on an associate subsystem homepage, one form of which is illustrated in Figure 1. The generated and displayed interface on the associate subsystem homepage includes a generic header at the top together with a number of electronic links below that including "Home", "About", "Learn", "Earn", "Help", "Moguls", and "sign up". Each of these links one selected by a user, generates and displays an interface allowing different interaction by a particular user with the associate subsystem.

[0099] The associate subsystem homepage illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 also includes other interesting information for associate members including a "Featured Mogul" which will likely be on a random cycle through the associate profiles, a "Top Mogul" listing which identifies outstanding associate's performance, a "Leaderboard" of top recommendations as well as a tips section at the lower portion of the interface.

[00100] The associate enrolment system is accessible via the "Sign up" link and allows input of information by a candidate associate to allow the system administrator to verify the data entered and to vet the candidate associate, before allowing the candidate associate to join the system as an associate. The input of information will normally be accomplished electronically. It can be accomplished using any format or entry method. Typically, the input of information will be accomplished through a combination of selection from one or more available options in relation to particular types of information as well as free-form entry of information, such as via text input.

[00101] For a candidate associate, the generated and displayed interface on the associate enrolment system may allow the use or entry of demographic and/or identifying information from an alternative system such as for example networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln or any other system that may already have demographic and/or identifying information entered and saved therein. Usually, the candidate associate will use the associate enrolment system to request information from the alternative system.

[00102] This will normally be accomplished by allowing the associate enrolment system to request information from the alternative system using the login information of the candidate associate which the candidate associate has already set up on the alternative system. It is particularly preferred that the associate enrolment system generates an interface which allows identification of the particular alternative system and also entry of login information for that particular alternative system.

[00103] An initial interface is produced and displayed when the associate enrolment system is opened using the "Sign up" link on the associate subsystem homepage. A login prompt similar to that illustrated in Figure 3 is produced and displayed as a displayed image on the display of the candidate associate computer including action buttons to allow a user to use login details that the candidate associate has developed for another application or use. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the system allows use of an existing Dominos login or Facebook login to access the system of the present invention. Once the candidate associate has been approved as an associate of the system, details of the associate login will be stored in the associate profile in the at least one associate database and as a login request is received, the administrator server will ensure that the login details supplied match those of an associate within an associate profile before allowing access to the system.

[00104] In practice, once an associate or candidate associate selects which of the alternative system account logins that they wish to use, a login screen allowing input or selection of the desired login information into an input template and which also prompts input of the login information followed by submission to the alternative system for validation. This will normally be a two-part process in which the associate or candidate associate will normally select the desired login type, if permitted, followed by entry of the particular identification information and password, followed by the submission step. Upon submission, the entered details will be sent to the alternative system for authorisation and if authorised, the associate or candidate associate will be allowed access to the information stored on the alternative system.

[00105] The third option illustrated in Figure 3 is the "Get started as a new user" option. This requests basic identifying information be input into a number of entry fields in order to create a new associate profile. Once these details have been entered, the system may request further information for identification purposes and will typically also provide the candidate associate with the ability to begin creation of their associate profile which once approved by the system administrator, will be added to the associate network.

[00106] In response to a submission to the associate enrolment system by a candidate associate, and following the confirmation by the administrator that the candidate associate has been approved as an associate, the administrator will preferably assign a unique associate identifier to the associate and record the associate identifier within a computer memory accessible by the administrator server.

[00107] Therefore, once the candidate associate has been allowed as an associate of the system of the present invention, the administrator server will typically create an interface with a login request each time the associate requests access to the associate subsystem which is then sent via a communications pathway to the associate computer into which information is entered and submitted to the administrator server, where upon the administrator server checks the associate database for a match and allows access to the system if the match occurs and denies access to the system if a match does not occur.

[00108] Once a candidate associate has requested access to the system as an associate and the administrator has vetted the candidate associate and approved their membership of the system as an associate, the associate can then access the associate subsystem using their login details. Entry of the appropriate login details will typically produce a home interface for each associate on an associate computer of the form illustrated in Figure 4.

[00109] The associate homepage interface which will normally be unique for each associate based on their profile and accessed using their login details allows the associate to control the aspects of their recommendations and their particular associate information stored within their unique associate profile within the system. One form of an associate homepage interface is illustrated in Figure 5. This may be the associate homepage interface which is publicly accessible. It can be seen that this page only allows parties to view a brief introduction of the associate and interaction is limited to "Order" one of the recommendations of the associate and also to view their promotional video and images.

[00110] Once an associate logs into their profile, a more detailed version of an associate control interface is typically presented to the associate as illustrated in Figure 4. The associate interface illustrated in Figure 4 is provided with the information on the public profile page (illustrated in Figure 5) but also a number of action "buttons" or delineated and identified areas or portions of the interface which, when selected by an input device appropriate to the particular associate computer, causes the processor of the associate computer to initiate instructions to adjust the interface appearance and/or generate a new interface to allow the associate to control their profile. The illustrated action "buttons" include "Create a New Pizza", "Redeem Cash", "Edit Settings", "Connect Social Media", "Upload Pictures" and "Upload Video" buttons or links

[00111] Importantly, the associate control interface allows updating or editing of the associate' s settings or information which in turn allows input from the associate and submits any changes or updates to the administrator server. This occurs through the provision of the "Edit Settings" link on the left side of the associate control interface.

[00112] The interface will also preferably allow an associate to add one or more new items to their recommendations through the "Create a New Pizza" link. This will typically allow the user to rename an existing menu item to personalise the recommendation or alternatively, the associate may custom design a pizza from the available menu ingredients. This option may allow creation of a bespoke item or allows the associate to rename one or more existing items provided by a merchant as desired by the associate. This allows the associate degree of personalisation of a more or less standard product offered by a merchant.

[00113] The interface also allows the associate to create or attach images or video of an item to the interface in order to allow visual identification of an item or to create or attach other marketing images or video through the "Upload Images" and "Upload Video" links. These links will normally allow an associate to upload or create recommendation material such as videos, pictures, flyers or other publications that allow a user to showcase their recommendation.

[00114] Further, the interface provides statistics for each item recommended by the associate, more or less in real time to allow associate to track which of their recommended item is performing well and which are performing not so well. This will allow the associate to adjust their recommendations in order to maximise compensation from their recommendations. This information is illustrated in Figure 4 below the associate's name.

[00115] The administrator server will preferably impose rules on the associate interface for example, there may be limits on the number of items or the number of types of items that can be recommended by a particular associate, in the case of the interface illustrated in Figure 4, only four items are recommended.

[00116] Normally, an associate rank is based on a quantitative basis such as dollars of sales of recommended items or the number of items purchased by customers on the associate recommendation or any other measurable category. This, together with the compensation will preferably spur the associate on to increase their rank thereby increase the value to the merchant as well as to the associate.

[00117] The associate interface will typically allow an associate to easily identify

compensation which has been earned and through the "Redeem Cash" link on the left side also allow an associate to redeem compensation through the interface.

[00118] The associate interface will also preferably allow an associate to control the recommendations that they make as illustrated in the main portion of the interface shown in Figure 4 which identifies four pizzas that associate "Jane Citizen" is currently recommending, namely the "Surf&Spice", the "CitizenDuck", the "TrickyChicken" and the "MoreMeat" .

[00119] The interface may allow the associate to control the mode of recommendation (for example electronic or physical recommendations) as well as control the particular vehicle for dissemination of the recommendation. The associate may recommend items through email to one or more customers or alternatively, the associate may create a website that potential customers can view or still further, the associate may recommend items through a networking site such as Facebook, Twitter or Linkedln for example. It can been seen from Figure 4 that the names of the recommended pizzas are written with a hash mark, which allows real-time trending data to be maintained by providers such as Twitter and Facebook. [00120] The interface illustrated in Figure 4 also has particular action "buttons provided for each of the recommended pizzas. In addition to a rank and the number of pizzas sold, the action buttons well allow an associate to order a pizza through their own associate interface, edit the settings in relation to a particular recommendation, see statistics on the performance of each of their recommendations and also allow a promotion to be created for a particular

recommendation. These action buttons are illustrated beneath each particular recommendation.

[00121] As a part of the system of the preferred embodiment, the system administrator provides to the associate, instructions to be provided to a customer which include instructions as to how the customer should cause the unique associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant in a request message. These instructions will typically form the basis of an order which is placed by a customer with a merchant.

Preferably, the administrator will provide the instructions to the associate and the associate will normally recommend items from the merchant in such a way as to make the provision of the unique associate identifier and the identifier of a recommended item to the merchant easy for the customer. According to the preferred embodiment, the recommendation process will be set up in such a way that the customer will connect to the merchant ordering site through the associate profile or through a link provided by the associate that will automatically provide the unique associate identifier and an identifier of a recommended item to be transmitted to the merchant.

[00122] There are two alternative configurations which may be preferred in this particular aspect. Firstly, the creation of the identifier of recommended item may include or embed the unique associate identifier. Alternatively, the unique associate identifier may be separated from the identifier of a recommended item (because multiple associates may recommend the same particular item from a merchant) and the system of the present invention may require the provision of the identifier of a recommended item to the merchant with the unique associate identifier or alternatively, the merchant may be provided with the identifier of the recommended item and unique associate identifier may be transmitted to the administrator of the system.

[00123] Of course, in situations where the merchant and the administrator of the system are the same party, then the provision of the unique associate identifier and the identifier of the recommended item is generally preferred. The provision of the identifier of the recommended item allows merchant to fill the order of the customer and the identifier of the recommended item together with the unique associate identifier allows the administrator to track the associate activities as well as calculate the appropriate compensation. Normally, the merchant will have system administrator privileges. [00124] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the merchant and the

administrator of the system are the same party. Preferably, the merchant/administrator will operate an electronic ordering interface which allows customers to order items from the merchant. The electronic ordering interface will typically be available over a network of computers by any one or more customers. Typically, electronic ordering systems of this type will also require a customer login which allows a customer to order items and have a particular customer profile including identifying information and payment information saved in a unique customer profile saved on the customer database. This will preferably allow customers to order quickly and easily and not require input of large amounts of information each time they order. One example of a merchant electronic ordering interface is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8.

[00125] As will be clear from the preceding discussion, it is possible that associates within the system are also customers within the system and therefore, the same login information may be provided to an associate which can be used when the associate chooses to function as a customer within the system.

[00126] Where a customer accesses the electronic ordering interface, the customer can order one or more items and then be prompted to login before checking out, or alternatively, the customer can login initially then place an order before checking out.

[00127] The login process will typically be similar to any login process. The login can use login details which are particular to the system of the present invention or alternatively, a customer may use login details which have been set up for an alternative system but which have been recognised by the current system as authorised to provide access.

[00128] Typically, the ordering interface will be provided at a different website to the associate interface. A search facility will be provided to allow a customer to search for a particular item. Search parameters can include item types, item components, or if the customer is a more advanced user, used to ordering upon recommendations of one or more associates, the search parameters may include a particular associate name or identifier.

[00129] Generally, when a customer identifies a particular item in which they are interested, the customer can request information about the particular item from the merchant database. Typically, an image of the item will be displayed together with a description of the item and/or item components. This will occur with the items recommended by associates as well and one example if this detail page is illustrated in Figure 9.

[00130] Importantly, the customer may be able to view items recommended by one or more associates directly on the merchant site. Information or further detail on a particular item may be available through selection of the item including the item identifier, the recommending associate, the recommending associate identifier and/or an item description. Other information may be available through selection of an item such as a customer rating, or a ranking of the item by popularity with other customers in terms of sales or the like. The rating or ranking can be provided in a qualitative manner such as total dollars of that particular item sold or using a star rating or some other mechanism for indicating a rank or rating.

[00131] Further, a qualitative feedback identification may be provided such as a comments section where previous customers can provide comments on their experience with one or more particular items in which a potential customer is interested. Where a comments section is provided, it is preferably updated in real time. The comment section may provide comments about items or more preferably, items which have been recommended by particular associates which are also recommending the item which is currently viewed by the potential customer. This will preferably link to an associate profile and be viewable on an associate interface. An example of a customer feedback page is illustrated in Figure 13.

[00132] The preferred ordering interface as illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 allows a customer to add one or more items to their order using an "order" or similar type of button on the

electronically produced and displayed interface.

[00133] Advertising may be provided on the ordering interface such as that illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 and again in the detail page illustrated in Figure 9 which gives details on the associate and the recommended pizza but also provides a link to the marketing images and video uploaded by the associate.

[00134] The recommended items may be advertised in a banner and/or a message from the merchant or administrator advising or giving the customer an opportunity to become an associate within the ambit of the system may be presented. An example of an invitation issued to a customer, to become an associate, is illustrated in Figure 1 1.

[00135] When a customer submits an order through the interface, this will typically send a request message which contains an associate identifier and an item identifier generated by a customer in response to selection by the customer of an item from the catalogue of the merchant provided to the customer by an associate in conjunction with a recommendation of the item.

[00136] This will typically allow the merchant/administrator to identify the particular item which has been ordered so that the merchant can fill the order but also so that the merchant can identify the associate which recommended that particular item which has been ordered. In order to determine the compensation are linked to the associate in relation to the sale of the item, the system of the present invention will typically extract the associate and item identifiers from the message. These particular identifiers will have to be provided to the administrator which may or may not be the merchant as well.

[00137] Once the order has been received by the merchant and filled, the merchant conducts the actual sale of the item and/or other items of the catalogue with the customer. Within the context of the present invention, and when the invention is particularly applied to a food or beverage provision merchant, this will typically involve the pickup or delivery of the food or beverage by the customer with the accompanying payment. Importantly, until the payment has actually been received by the merchant, the compensation will not actually be provided to the associate. This will typically help to limit orders of items which are not actually paid for as the compensation should only accrue to the associate once the item has actually been paid for.

[00138] The system of the present invention will then use the associate identifier extracted from the request message to identify the associate; and determine and record within a computer memory, normally that of the system administrator, compensation for the associate for the sale.

[00139] Other updates may also be triggered by the compensation determination such as leaderboard updates for example or updates to the associate profile showing the ranking of the associate and/or any of the measurements which will be adjusted by the sale of items.

[00140] In this regard, various achievements can be signified on the associate interface (and these achievements may be signalled in any search of viewing of the associate profile by a customer). This will typically be accomplished using a set of standard icons or badges to signify different acheivments. With each completed sale of an item, this information will typically be updated in the associate database and updating the information in the associate database will also preferably update the associate profile. The updates will all preferably take place substantially in real time and any updates will preferably be available on the associate interface to be seen by the particular associate.

[00141] Typically, the administrator controls access to the system and particularly, access to the associate database as well as vetting any bespoke items that are created by an associate (or customer) within the associate database before allowing access by customers to that bespoke item or associate profile through a customer portal, however accessed.

[00142] As mentioned above, the administrator of the system may be the merchant or alternatively may be a third party offering an administrator service to one or more merchants. Preferably, the administrator allows information exchange between the merchant system and the administrator servers. A particular area or portion may be provided for different merchants. For example, a geographic limitation may be provided for different merchants even if provided within the same administrator network. This will allow different stores operating under the same brand to sell similar items, but to allow customers to know which of the stores to collect the item from or from which the item will be delivered

[00143] In order to achieve this, the merchant system may receive information from the administrator server and provide information to the administrator server about the location of customers and/or associates.

[00144] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a customer will preferably view items on an interface which is remote from the merchant ordering interface and particularly, an interface which identifies the particular associate providing the recommendation. Selection of an item for ordering will typically divert the customer to the merchant website so that the customer can complete the order through the merchant interface. This will typically require a submission in confirmation process and it is the submission in confirmation process that will preferably capture the associate identifier and the item identifier and send this information to either the merchant and/or the administrator for storage and processing.

[00145] Therefore, according to the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, normally the method will involve three different categories of party including customers, associates, merchants and an administrator but of course, the administrator can be a merchant as well. Normally, the administrator obtained information from the associate about their recommended item is as well is personal information. The merchant typically has access to customer information and provides an interface for customers to order items. The administrator preferably provides the merchant with information about the associate recommendations for display on the merchant website. The associate may provide alternative advertisement in any form with the associate identifier and item identifier, to the public with an electronic link to redirect any customers or potential customers to the merchant's site to actually order the items.

[00146] In a particularly preferred configuration, the associate will provide recommendations to their friends and family, normally via a social networking sites such as Facebook and in this way, the associate will be able to leveraged their good standing with their friends and family to earn compensation when their friends and family purchase an item recommended by the associate from the merchant. [00147] Records and administrative functions to enable the system and method of the present invention to function will normally be accomplished by the system administrator who will normally exchange information with the merchants, the associates and potentially even with customers.

[00148] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ' comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00149] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment' or ' an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.