Timothy Chad Allen

US Patent:

8160938, Apr 17, 2012

Filed:

May 29, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/129327

Inventors:

Timothy E. Allen - Raleigh NC, US
John R. Mattox - Raleigh NC, US
Darryl L. Pierce - Raleigh NC, US

Assignee:

Red Hat, Inc. - Raleigh NC

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 267

Abstract:

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for automatic bid solicitation during a transaction process, in which a user's checkout basket is automatically transmitted to a set of vendors for potential bids based on the user's selected items. The user can select products or services for purchase from an original Web site or vendor. Upon receipt of those selections, a transaction server can identify vendors who wish to receive notification of a pending purchase of particular items. The set of selections can be transmitted to participating vendors to determine a bid on the same or related goods or services. A vendor may wish, for example, to bid to offer after-market support or supplies for a printer or other pending hardware purchase. The user can view the additional bid items in a bid dialog, make selections from those options, and incorporate options of their choosing in the finalized transaction.

US Patent:

20090276323, Nov 5, 2009

Filed:

May 2, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/114586

Inventors:

Timothy E. Allen - Raleigh NC, US
John R. Mattox - Raleigh NC, US
Darryl L. Pierce - Raleigh NC, US

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 26

Abstract:

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for generating a synchronous sales stack for a customer dialog. A user can visit a Web site and load selections into a checkout basket to prepare to purchase desired products and/or services. The user can select a live chat feature, which invokes an instant message, audio or video dialog with a sales representative. The sales representative can initiate a synchronous sales stack with the user, by which the user and sales representative can share a common view of purchase selections and potential alternatives or add-ons to the selections, as they are made. The customer and sales representative can continue their dialog as possible selections are explored, and the resulting sales stack is updated in real-time. When the user is satisfied with their selections, the sales stack can be stored as the customer's finalized checkout basket and the transaction can be completed.