Patent application title: SEND2MOBILE+ PREMIUM
Inventors:
Jeffrey N. Dinardo, Jr. (North Babylon, NY, US)
Jeffrey N. Dinardo, Sr. (Islip, NY, US)
IPC8 Class: AG06Q3002FI
USPC Class:
Class name:
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Patent application number: 20150242897
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a short message service (SMS),
multi-media message service (MMS), and enhanced messaging service (EMS)
based platform creating interactive communication and a reverse marketing
system, which provides merchants, retailers, and/or sellers the means to
rapidly and effectively communicate with their respective customers or
customer base. The system represented by this invention provides
customers with the means to directly and rapidly communicate their
comments, concerns, product specific inquiries, offers and counter-offers
to merchants, retailers and sellers concerning specific products,
appearing on specific product pages of the merchant, retailer and/or
sellers' website or e-commerce site from the customer's mobile device.
The present system further enables the merchant, retailer and/or seller
to rapidly and directly respond to the customers' product specific
inquiries, comments, concerns and offers by SMS, MMS or EMS text message
containing the information requested and containing an embedded buy now
link. The embedded buy now link enables the customer to purchase the
chosen product and/or service directly from the SMS/MMS/EMS text message
by connecting to any mobile wallet residing on the buyer's mobile device
or by connecting directly to the merchant and/or retailer's mobile
e-commerce checkout page.Claims:
1. A web-based reverse marketing and communication system comprising: an
e-commerce server configured to: receive customer identification
information and a customer's mobile number from the customer's computing
device via an e-commerce website; register the customer identification
and customer's mobile number; receive a customer's selection of a keyword
or description of a product or service provided on the e-commerce website
from the customer's computing device; determine the product or service
the customer is searching for; receive a customer selection of a
predetermined event associated with the product or service provided
identified in the search and located on the e-commerce website; generate
a text message indicating that the predetermined event has occurred if
the e-commerce server determines that the predetermined event has
occurred; and send the text message to the customer's mobile number; and
a mobile device associated with the customer's mobile number and
configured to: receive the text message; and receive user input to
perform an operation in response to the received text message.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the text message is a Short Message Service (SMS) message.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the text message is a Multi-media Message Service (MMS) message.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the text message is an Enhanced Message Service (EMS) message.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the e-commerce server sends the text message to the mobile device via an SMS aggregator server.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operation is sending a second text message to the e-commerce server in response to the received text message.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is one or more of a change in price of an item, updated information on an item, new availability of an item, an offer to accept a bid on an item, a notice that an item is sold.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is an offer to share the total cost of an item among multiple parties related to the customer.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the e-commerce website includes a drop down menu on each product page including a plurality of predetermined events from which a customer can select the predetermined event.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the message from the customer's computing device is received via the e-commerce website.
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the message from the customer's mobile device is received via an SMS aggregator server to an e-commerce database server.
12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the response from the customer's mobile device is a payment for the item via the customer's mobile wallet contained within the customer's mobile device.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the response from the customer's mobile device is a payment for the item via the e-commerce website checkout page.
14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the text message sent to the customer's mobile phone is also sent to third party mobile phones selected by the customer to receive the text message.
15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the response to the text message sent is a payment via mobile wallet or the e-commerce checkout page, by the customer and by the other third parties designated by the customer to receive the offer to share the purchase price of the item.
16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the text message sent to the customer's mobile device is an offer for auction of an item or service and contains a starting bid for the auction.
17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the response by the customer to the auction text message is a counter-offer and new bid amount sent from the customer's mobile device to the auction website e-commerce server via an SMS aggregator server.
18. The system according to claim 1, wherein a computer program is embodied in the e-commerce server, the computer program including instructions that, when executed, perform a method of identifying and storing the text messages sent from and received by the e-commerce server.
19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer program includes instructions that, when executed, perform a method of identifying and storing responding text messages containing instructions by customer to purchase an item via mobile wallet.
20. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer program includes instructions that, when executed, perform a method of identifying and storing responding text messages containing instructions by customer to purchase an item via the e-commerce checkout page.
21. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer program includes instructions that, when executed, perform a method of display of all text message data collected by the computer program on a display screen in the administration area of the e-commerce website.
22. The system according to claim 18, wherein the computer program includes instructions that, when executed, perform a method to export all or portions of the text message data collected by the computer program to a third party server.
Description:
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates to an interactive marketing, information and payment system by which businesses, institutions and organizations can market to and electronically communicate information to a highly selected and targeted, voluntarily opted-in group of customers. The customers can then communicate with and respond directly to the businesses, institutions and organizations by, for example, requesting specific product information; defining terms under which the customer will be willing to purchase the particular goods or services; redeeming coupons and loyalty rewards or electing to purchase items immediately from an SMS/MMS text response. The invention uses an SMS (short message services)/MMS (multimedia messaging services) platform sending SMS/MMS text messages to smartphones; iPhones; iPads; tablets; Android type mobile devices and other similar mobile devices capable of receiving SMS/MMS text or instant messages.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] This Section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light only; and not as admissions of prior art.
[0005] Currently, there exists the ability to display short text messages ("SMS") and multimedia image messages ("MMS") on mobile phones, smartphones, iPhones, Android phones, iPads, mobile tablets, and other mobile devices capable of receiving short message and multimedia message services.
[0006] This present invention envisions the use of SMS and MMS messaging services as a means of interactive direct marketing; advertising of goods and services; notification of events; communication of alerts; notification of special offers and sales; coupon and other promotional campaigns; near real-time online live auctions; and the means to make immediate payments via embedded link within the SMS/MMS text message.
[0007] Available statistics within the mobile marketing industry evidence that the average mobile phone user looks at their mobile phone 150 times a day. The same survey indicates that 95% of SMS messages are read in the first 5 minutes after receipt and that the average redemption rate for mobile coupons and other loyalty promotions is at 20%. With the significant growth of the mobile phone and mobile device market and with the general acceptance and common use of both SMS and MMS messaging, there is a defined opportunity for the use of the technology represented by this present invention.
[0008] It is crucial to understand that the present invention utilizes what is commonly referred to in the mobile marketing industry as an "opt-in" service and so it is the mobile phone user who expressly agrees with, consents to and initiates the service represented by this invention. In this way, the present invention is truly user friendly and welcomed by the user population. Unsolicited SMS/MMS messages, commonly referred to as "spam" are highly regulated and are generally looked upon as a nuisance in the mobile marketing industry. Therefore, the "opt-in" embodiment of the present invention, effectively and legally overcomes that negative factor and "spamming" issue.
[0009] As compared to other types of direct marketing systems such as direct mailers; e-mail advertising systems and telephone solicitations, the SMS/MMS messaging system embodied by this present invention provides the customer with a quick and simple method of response and encourages an interactive communication between the customer and the merchant utilizing SMS/MMS messaging over their mobile phones or SMS/MMS enabled mobile devices. Typical mobile phone users are in constant possession of their mobile phones as they go about the business of their day. The SMS/MMS message, which arrives on their mobile phone or mobile devices therefore, will be most likely attended to in the first 5 minutes after receipt and can be responded to in a quick and simple manner; for example by clicking a link to redeem a coupon; make a reservation; confirm an appointment; make a bid at auction or even make an immediate purchase using the customer's own existing mobile wallet or other payment system.
[0010] The SMS/MMS interactive marketing, information and payment system made possible by this present invention is: (i) first and foremost "permission based", that is that the SMS/MMS message will only be sent to customers who have previously voluntarily "opted-in" to request such SMS/MMS messages; (ii) second, a mass communication marketing tool because of the high percentage of consumers which currently use mobile phones or mobile devices to shop online; (iii) third, near real-time interactive communication tool since SMS/MMS messages can be sent in a matter of seconds or can even be programmed to be delivered at the exact time and date to be most likely to be read or seen by the consumer; and (iv) fourth, an innovative, effective marketing and communication platform allowing the merchant and the consumer to interact via SMS/MMS messaging on a host of issues and topics and concerns regarding products and services.
SUMMARY
[0011] The present invention is a Short Message Service ("SMS"); Multimedia Messaging Service ("MMS"); and Enhanced Messaging Service ("EMS") web based interactive information and reverse marketing system, which provides the Merchant with a means to rapidly and effectively communicate with its customer base. The present system anticipates a voluntary and express consent customer opt-in, by which the customer provides its mobile telephone number to the Merchant and requests that the Merchant forward SMS/MMS text alerts concerning certain customer identified products and/or services. In this way, the Merchant is notified directly by the customer, exactly what product(s) are of interest to the customer and under what circumstances the customer would most likely purchase the product(s). The present invention called the Send2Mobile+Premium system provides this valuable Merchant/Customer reverse marketing interaction ability and several other specific features as described below.
[0012] The Send2Mobile+Premium System is specifically developed for use with and embedded on, websites; e-commerce sites, and social media sites (for example Facebook; Twitter; etc.) and can be activated by a prior opted-in user/customer when the user/customer is logged on to the respective Send2Mobile+Premium enhanced site. The Send2Mobile+Premium system is a unique web-based interactive and reverse marketing system utilizing an SMS/MMS/EMS text platform.
[0013] The user/customer, by clicking on the S2M+Premium icon, which will be embedded in the social media cluster of icons on each product or landing and product page of the respective Send2Mobile+Premium enhanced site, will then be requested, via a pop-up window, to enter one or more of the user/customer's mobile device telephone numbers and asked to check whether or not the user/customer expressly consents to receive SMS (Short Message Service) MMS(Multimedia Messaging Services) and/or EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service)text alerts. Also the user/customer will be asked if he/she would like to use the "Let Me Know" function of Send2Mobile+Premium system. If the user/customer selects "yes", the user/customer will be prompted to enter a keyword for the product or service for which the user/customer would request to receive either SMS, MMS or EMS text alerts. For example, the user/customer can request an SMS, MMS or EMS text alert about a particular product concerning a drop in price; a different color or model; when the product is back into stock or is offered in a newer version, etc . . . Once that product information is available or once the product event inquired about takes place, the Merchant by using the Send2Mobile+Premium system, then notifies the user/customer by either SMS, MMS or EMS text alert and offers the user/customer the option to immediately purchase the product upon receipt of the SMS, MMS or EMS text alert, by using a "Buy Now" option embedded in the text alert, which connects to the user/customer's mobile wallet of choice.
[0014] When the user/customer clicks on the "Buy Now" embedded link in the SMS, MMS or EMS text alert, the user/customer will be immediately connected with either: (i) the user/customer's integrated mobile wallet system currently residing on the user/customer's mobile device for immediate payment processing; or (ii) the Checkout page of the respective Merchant's mobile app or e-commerce site. Payment is then processed and an electronic receipt is sent to the user/customer's mobile device.
[0015] The Send2Mobile+Premium's system also offers the Merchant the option of connecting to an integrated analytics program embedded within the Send2MobilePremium's system; or connecting to any third party analytics program of the respective Merchant's choice.
[0016] With either option, the Send2Mobile+Premium's system captures the data regarding the SMS, MMS or EMS text alerts sent and feeds the captured data to the chosen analytics program, thereby enabling the respective Merchant to accurately gauge the effectiveness of the Send2Mobile+Premium system's SMS/MMS/EMS text alerts and "Let Me Know" function including but not limited to the most accurate resulting conversion rates.
[0017] The Send2Mobile+Premium's system also incorporates a multiple party purchase option which is termed the "Share with Friends" function. This function permits the User/customer to share the cost of the purchase price of the respective product or service with a select group of friends. For example, in the case of purchasing tickets for a sporting or entertainment event, the User/customer can elect to send an SMS, MMS or EMS text alert to the User's friends to alert them of the ticket purchase and request that they purchase their respective tickets at the same time. This eliminates the problem of one person having to pay for multiple tickets for friends and seek reimbursement at a later time. The Share with Friends function works equally well to share the cost of payment for any product or service.
[0018] The Send2Mobile+Premium's system incorporates a unique function termed "Let Me Know". "Let Me Know" is the first of its kind interactive SMS/MMS/EMS reverse marketing program, which allows for true interactive communication between merchant and customer concerning specifically customer identified products and/or services. In this way, it is the customer who identifies to the merchant, the exact product desired and under what specific circumstances the customer is ready to make the purchase. This is truly the essence of reverse marketing, which eliminates any merchant guesswork as to his customer's needs and desires.
[0019] On a site enhanced by the Send2Mobile+Premium system, once opted-in, as previously explained, the customer will be asked whether or not it chooses to use the "Let Me Know" function. If the customer responds "yes", the customer will be requested to identify the product by keyword search; or will have been brought to a specific product page by clicking upon a snippet embedded in the merchant's website or blog. Upon entering the keyword in the merchant's e-commerce search bar, a search will be prompted for that particular product from the merchant's internal database. Once identified, either by keyword search or by snippet choice, the merchant's database will pull up the product page and the customer can select the "Let Me Know" icon on that specific product page and activate the function which will prompt a drop down menu of choices. The customer can then select, for example, from among a plurality of Let Me Know drop down choices: (1) when the price drops, (2) when the item is back in stock, (3) when a newer model is available, or (4) when the item comes in a different color or size etc. The Send2Mobile+Premium system will allow the respective merchant to customize the drop down choices from a plurality of choices that the customer can choose.
[0020] Once the customer selects the specific information request about the specific product, from among the drop down menu choices, the Send2Mobile+Premium system will save the customer's request to the merchant's database and the customer will be selected by the S2m+Premium system to receive an SMS/MMS/EMS text alert at the customer's previously opted-in mobile number, when said product information becomes available. The SMS/MMS/EMS text alert received by the customer will contain an embedded "Buy Now" option permitting the customer to immediately buy the identified product right from the SMS/MMS/EMS text alert via customer's previously integrated mobile wallet or by transfer to the merchant's checkout page at its respective website or mobile app.
[0021] The Send2Mobile+Premium system also permits for the immediate electronic transfer and subsequent download of products purchased by the customer via the Send2Mobile+Premium system by using either an integrated mobile wallet or the mobile payment option on the merchant's e-commerce or mobile app. This option is particularly relevant in the purchase, for example, of tickets to a sporting or entertainment event or some educational seminar products or e-books, e-periodicals and e-magazines, by allowing the purchase to be immediately scanned or viewed on the customer's mobile device.
[0022] On any type of "brokerage" sites for example real estate; ticket brokers; and auction sites, the Send2Mobile+Premium system functions to create a "live auction" feel to the process by speeding up the transfer of information, via SMS/MMS/EMS text alerts between the buyer and seller. Utilizing the SMS/MMS/EMS text alert platform, the Send2Mobile+Premium system permits a unique interactive exchange between buyer and seller allowing for up to-date changes in bids, price, counter-offers, delivery terms, etc.
[0023] The Send2Mobile Premium system provides a gamification aspect to live auction websites and e-commerce sites heretofore ignored in the online brokerage/auction industry. The Send2Mobile Premium system will allow for last minute sales previously left unaddressed and untapped because of the time constraints and limitations within the current online information, marketing and purchasing process utilizing the much slower e-mail platform. By utilizing the SMS/MMS/EMS platforms, Send2Mobile+Premium effectively speeds up the bidding process so that live auctions are now possible and secure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of the system creating a customer initiation of the Let Me Know search process.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the system creating a merchant initiation of the Let Me Know search response process.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the customer web-based opt-in form used for verification and authentication.
[0027] FIG. 4 shows an example of a drop-down box that is used with the Let Me Know search process. The drop down box can contain a plurality of options determined by the merchant or service provider and appearing on the landing page and each product page of the enabled website or e-commerce site. The drop down box can appear in the social media section of the web page or at any other chosen location on the web page.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a system created to initiate SMS/MMS/EMS text messages to multiple recipients. The SMS/MMS/EMS text messages received by the multiple recipients contain an embedded link permitting each of the individual recipients to pay a portion of the purchase price of the product or service chosen.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a system for mobile payment from a SMS/MMS/EMS text message embedded link through either the customer's mobile wallet residing on the customer's mobile device or through the merchant's mobile website checkout page.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a representative session server and database server for collecting and storing analytic information from the web-based reverse marketing text messaging platform system, which can be retrieved by the merchant and used in-house or transmitted to a third-party analytics firm.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of an auction website server, central router and SMS/MMS/EMS aggregator that is used to implement a system to create a web-based live auction process between buyer and seller in near real time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a system for creating a web-based 1.1 keyword search for a product or service within the SMS/MMS/EMS interactive reverse marketing system known as Send2Mobile+and Let Me Know 1.2. The customer from the landing page or any product page of a Send2Mobile enabled website or e-commerce site opts-in to the Send2Mobile+system 1.3 and the customer's opt-in information FIG. 3 is stored on the customer data base server 1.4. After the opt-in is complete, customer is taken to the search field page 1.6, and the customer enters the description of the product and/or service the customer is searching 1.5, 1.6 and submits the search 1.5. The customer is then taken to the search results page for particular product and/or service 1.7, which contains a drop down box 1.8. The drop down box FIG. 4 contains a plurality of inquiries and the customer chooses from among the drop down choices, what the customer wants to know directly from the merchant 1.8 and submits the inquiry 1.9. The customer's inquiry is then forwarded to and stored on the database server 1.10.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a system for creating a web-based response to the customer's inquiry submitted 1.9 through the Send2Mobile+interactive reverse marketing system. The customer's inquiry has been stored in the data base server of the merchant 1.10 and can be viewed by the merchant in the website or e-commerce site administration area 2.1. Once the merchant has determined the response to the customer requested information or once the customer chosen event has occurred 2.2, the response information is forwarded back to the database server and paired to the original customer inquiry and customer opt-in information. The response information is then forwarded from the data base server 2.3 to a central router with the customer's opted-in mobile telephone number 2.4. The central router the forwards the information and customer mobile telephone number to an SMS/MMS/EMS aggregator 2.5. The SMS/MMS/EMS aggregator 2.5 forwards the information via SMS/MMS/EMS text message to the customer's opted-in mobile telephone device 2.6. The text message response from the merchant contains the product or service information requested by the customer and also an embedded "buy now" link, 2.6, 6.6, which enables the customer to click on the link 2.6 and be connected to the customer's mobile wallet 6.7 or to the merchant's checkout page 6.8 for immediate payment for the product or service requested.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a detailed illustration of the web based customer opt-in information form, which gathers the necessary information on the customer's mobile phone number 3.3 and the customer's e-mail address 3.4. The opt-in form also provides a link to the Let Me Know search 3.7. The customer fills out the required information on the form, submits it 3.9 and then receives a verification code on the customer's opted-in mobile device 3.10. The customer is then required to enter the verification code received 3.10 into the opt-in form FIG. 3 and submit again to verify the registration and opt-in have been completed successfully. All of the customer's information is then stored in the merchant's data base server 1.4.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an illustration and example of the drop down box, which appears on the landing page and every product or services page of a merchant's Send2Mobile+enabled website or e-commerce site 1.8. The drop down box can contain a plurality of choices, events, inquiries or options from which the customer can choose to inquire about and request of the merchant to be alerted with the merchant's response via SMS/MMS/EMS text message 1.9. The customer's inquiries are then forwarded back to the merchant's database server 1.4 and are matched to the customer's prior opted-in information for later contact when the merchant either obtains the requested information or when the customer chosen event occurs FIG. 2. The drop down box can appear in the social media area of a product page or at any other chose location on the merchant's product pages.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of a system which uses the SMS/MMS/EMS text message platform communicating through a central router and SMS gateway aggregator with a computer based server to create the ability for multiple parties to share in the purchase of a single product or service. The customer identifies a product or service on a merchant's website or e-commerce site enabled by the Send2Mobile system. The customer clicks on the Send2Mobile icon contained on the landing page and each product and/or service page 5.1. Upon clicking the icon, a pop-up screen appears offering the customer the choice of entering other mobile devices to be contacted with the product and/or service information and the purchase price 5.2. The mobile device information entered by the customer onto the pop-up form 5.2 is transmitted to and stored in the merchant's database server 5.3. The server then transmits the text message information and mobile device telephone numbers of the other parties to a central router 5.4, which transmits the same information to an SMS aggregator 5.5. The SMS aggregator then transmits the SMS/MMS/EMS text message containing the product and or service information, purchase price and embedded link to purchase to the mobile devices of other parties chosen by the customer 5.6. Once received, the other parties have the option, by choosing the buy now option embedded in the text message, to share in the payment of the purchase price of the product or service described in the text 5.7.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a system which uses the SMS/MMS/EMS text message platform communicating through a central router and SMS gateway aggregator with a computer based server to create the ability for the customer to pay for a product or service through an SMS/MMS/EMS text message embedded with a "buy now" link, which connects to either the customer's mobile wallet residing on the customer's mobile device or with the merchant's mobile website checkout page.
[0038] The customer chooses a product or service page from the merchant's Send2Mobile system enabled website or e-commerce site 6.1. Upon clicking the Send2Mobile icon, which appears on the landing page and on every product and/or service page, the customer causes a drop down box to appear on the computer screen 6.2. The drop down box can contain a plurality of choices, events, inquiries, or options FIG. 4. The customer chooses from among the choices in the drop box and submits the choice to the merchant 6.2. The customer's prior acquired information and mobile telephone number FIG. 3 are stored in the merchant's database server 6.3 and are matched with the customer's drop box choice for later response by the merchant.
[0039] The merchant, through his website administration 2.1 views the customer's drop down box choice and responds for example, immediately upon accumulating the information requested by the customer or when the event the customer chose occurs, by sending an SMS/MMS/EMS text message response with the information and an embedded link to purchase, through the database server to a central router 6.4. The central router then transmits the merchant's SMS/MMS/EMS text message response and embedded link to purchase to an SMS aggregator 6.5. The SMS aggregator then transmits the merchant's SMS/MMS/EMS text message response and embedded link to purchase to the customer's telephone number for the customer's mobile device 6.6. The customer, upon receiving the merchant's SMS/MMS/EMS text message response with an embedded link to purchase, then chooses to purchase by opening the link and connecting to the customer's mobile wallet residing on the mobile device or by connecting with the merchant's mobile website checkout page and making the purchase 6.8.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a system for the creation, storage and publication of analytical information concerning the SMS/MMS/EMS text messages, which are generated and processed by the merchant through the merchant's Send2Mobile+enabled website or e-commerce site 7.1. The system is equipped with pre-determined attributes and criteria for tracking certain data relating to the SMS/MMS/EMS text messages generated by the merchant, for example percentage of text opened, percentage of text replied to, percentage of text resulting in conversions to sales, and percentage of purchases by mobile wallet. The raw data is collected and stored on the merchant's database server 7.2. By use of pre-determined API interface, 7.3 the raw data is scrubbed and transmitted as customized data to the merchant's administration server 7.4 which then transmits the data to the merchant's administrative area for the respective website or e-commerce site 7.6. The data can be retrieved by the merchant after the merchant logs in to the secure administrative area 7.5 and through the administrative area interface, accesses the customized data stored on the application server 7.4. The merchant then has the option through the application server, to either generate in-house reports or export the data to a third-party analytics firm for review.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of a system which creates a web-based live auction environment between a buyer and a seller using an SMS/MMS/EMS platform for the near instantaneous transmission of bidding information and bid price and counter-offers. The buyer opts-in to an auction website or e-commerce site enabled by the Send2Mobile+system and a pop-up form appears for buyer to enter its identification information, mobile telephone number and choice enter in to the system in order to bid in the auction 8.1. The buyer's information is stored in the auction website server, where it is matched with the particular product to be auctioned 8.2.
[0042] The auction website server sends the bid information as a SMS/MMS/EMS text message through a central router 8.3, which transmits the SMS/MMS/EMS text message to an SMS aggregator 8.4. The SMS aggregator matches the incoming SMS/MMS/EMS text message to the particular seller's pre-registered mobile number for receiving bids 8.4 and sends the SMS/MMS/EMS text message with the bid information and first bid to the seller's mobile phone 8.5. The seller receives the bid information and first bid and either accepts the bid or sets a counter-offer bid price and responds to buyer's firs SMS/MMS/EMS text message by transmitting the responding text message through the SMS aggregator 8.4. The SMS aggregator then transmits the seller's response text to the buyer's mobile device 8.6, creating the auction loop of buyer/seller SMS/MMS/EMS text message communication. Buyer and seller continue to interact in near real time, until a final bid is accepted and the item is purchased at auction.
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