Authors:
Julio Reynaga, Jorge Aragon, Javier Del Moral, Antonio Hernandez
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a process where the Retailer tracks non-catalog items searched by customers. Understanding the customer needs will help management to decide if it is worth adding that item.
Background:
What happens when a customer does not find the product he or she is looking for? Not the non-stocked product, but the product the supermarket does not include in their catalog. Is the supermarket losing more than just a single product sale? If the customer likes a specific brand, they will become loyal to another chain if that brand/product is available elsewhere and then the loss is a customer, not just the profit for that product. In some places, the customer is asked by the cashier if they found everything they needed and if the customer responds the product name is written in a notebook. What is done with that information? How does the supermarket decide to add a product to their catalog?
Description:
We are proposing an environment where the Retailer tracks non-catalog items searched by customers. Understanding the customer needs will help management to decide if it is worth adding that item.
The different components are:
- A kiosk at the store.
- A screen button on the self-checkout.
- A website.
- The store app.
- Paper slips (non-preferred, but also an option)
- A centralized database to analyze trends.
On all the entry options, the customer can type a product description and an AI search will provide different options for the customer to select. If the customer identifies with a loyalty card, they can receive coupons for further use at the store. The Retailer can analyze these searches and decide whether they need to add any items.
Functionality on the different channels is very similar:
1. The customer types the product description and a search button.
2. AI aided, the search returns with different options of products based on the search.
3. The customer selects the product he/she is looking for.
4. If the item is available, the location is indicated (store, section, aisle)
5. The customer can add a loyalty number and the search will be attached to the profile.
6. Rewards, as coupons or points can be added to the customer account or printed on a kiosk.
7. Result is a database that the store chain can mine to aid decisions.
Additional functionality can be:
1. Offer the customer a similar option which is available at the store, maybe with a discount.
2. Reply to the customer when the product is available and where.
3. Send advertisement of similar products.
TGCS Reference 1999
