Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method and system are presented for using the stock of one physical store, selected from among many physical stores, for the purpose of making a delivery of a product purchased through a virtual store. The appropriate physical store is selected based upon proximity to the customer and availability of the desired product as indicated by the computerized inventory maintained by the store. Once the store is selected and the customer selects local delivery, the order is sent to the store and a delivery request is sent to a local delivery service that services the store. Upon receipt of the order, delivery tags are printed at the store. An employee of the store pulls the desired products from the store's inventory and tags the products for delivery. The results of the employee's efforts are input into to the system of the present invention. If the products are successfully retrieved, then shipping details are received from the shipping service and communicated to the customer. The shipping service then picks up the products and completes the delivery. If the employee is unsuccessful in retrieving the products, this result is used to alter the stores computerized inventory, and, if possible, another store is selected. If no other local stores has the item in stock, the shipment is handled through the normal fulfillment processes of the virtual store.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim