The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 13, 2012
Filed:
Feb. 02, 2009
Edward J. Shoen, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Samuel J. Shoen, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Srinivasan Venkataraman, Phoenix, AZ (US);
John Anthony Kestner, Tempe, AZ (US);
Edward J. Shoen, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Samuel J. Shoen, Scottsdale, AZ (US);
Srinivasan Venkataraman, Phoenix, AZ (US);
John Anthony Kestner, Tempe, AZ (US);
U-Haul International, Inc., Phoenix, AZ (US);
Abstract
Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the 'do-it-yourself' moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and 'prepays for' the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code. The code is given to the vendor upon completion of service or delivery of the good to the customer's satisfaction. The vendor accesses the online marketplace and enters the confirmation code to activate a payment for the service or good.