WO2002021372A1 - Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces - Google Patents

Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002021372A1
WO2002021372A1 PCT/US2001/026850 US0126850W WO0221372A1 WO 2002021372 A1 WO2002021372 A1 WO 2002021372A1 US 0126850 W US0126850 W US 0126850W WO 0221372 A1 WO0221372 A1 WO 0221372A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bar code
address
mailing
discount coupon
coupon
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/026850
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas J. Cook
Original Assignee
United States Postal Service
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by United States Postal Service filed Critical United States Postal Service
Priority to US10/362,505 priority Critical patent/US20040039634A1/en
Priority to AU2001290584A priority patent/AU2001290584A1/en
Publication of WO2002021372A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002021372A1/en
Priority to US11/703,787 priority patent/US20070198351A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C3/00—Sorting according to destination
    • B07C3/18—Devices or arrangements for indicating destination, e.g. by code marks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
    • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
    • G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
    • G06K19/06018—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding
    • G06K19/06028—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking one-dimensional coding using bar codes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for assembling bulk mailing parcels, and, more particularly, for bulk mailing parcels containing one or more pieces to be returned to the sender, such as for example, discount coupons, post card orders, or responses to inquiries and the like.
  • a bulk mailing customer applies for a permit at the United States Postal Service (USPS) to have a bulk mailing approved, and then engages a printer, for example, to print and stuff pieces of mail parcels that are appropriately addressed to individual mailing addresses.
  • USPS United States Postal Service
  • a parcel includes discount coupons promoting a product or service, for example, the addressee may or may not use the coupons.
  • the coupons are used, they are ultimately returned to the bulk mailer or an agent of the bulk mailer to credit the retailer of the discounted goods or services. Because the conventional discount coupon contains no information as to the original bulk mailing parcel, the nature of the bulk mailing that contained the parcel, or the addressee of the parcel, subsequent bulk mailings must be made without benefit of information or complete analysis of prior mailings.
  • the invention comprises a method for assembling bulk mail parcels each containing at least one printed piece to be returned to the sender or the sender's designee.
  • the method comprises the steps of printing a bar code on each of the printed pieces to be returned for each of the respective parcels, the bar code containing information including at least the mailing address of the parcel, and reading the bar code upon return of the printed piece to obtain information about an addressee of the parcel.
  • the bar code on each of the printed pieces differs in appearance from other bar codes used on the parcel.
  • the advantages and purpose of the invention are attained by a method for distributing at least one discount coupon to promote the sale of goods or services, the method including the steps of obtaining the name and address of a person to receive the at least one discount coupon, placing a bar code on the at least one discount coupon representing an encoded version of the name and address of the person, and reading the bar code to confirm that the person has used the at least one discount coupon.
  • the coupon(s) may be distributed by mail or via the Internet and the address may be either one or both of a mailing address and an e-mail address.
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention
  • each printed piece of a bulk mail parcel to be returned to the sender or the sender's designee is printed with a bar code containing information including at least the mailing address of the parcel.
  • the printed piece is represented by a discount coupon 10.
  • the coupon 10 is printed with a postal numeric encoding technique (POSTNET) or Confirm® bar code 14 representing a coded version of the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 10 is to be mailed.
  • POSTNET postal numeric encoding technique
  • Confirm® bar code 14 representing a coded version of the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 10 is to be mailed.
  • the USPS bulk mailing customer acquires the necessary data base and coding software from the USPS for use by the customer's printer.
  • the mailing piece or pieces 10 can be printed concurrently with printing address labels or envelopes of the parcel containing the pieces 10.
  • the pieces 10 and mailing labels or envelopes can be printed separately and thereafter collated by reading the bar codes 14 on the pieces and like bar codes on the mailing labels or envelopes, using reverse lookup software also provided by the USPS.
  • an alternative mailing piece is represented by a discount coupon 20 that also includes the conventional coupon bar code 12.
  • the coupon 20 is printed with a universal product code (UPC) bar code 16 representing a coded version of the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 10 is to be mailed.
  • UPC universal product code
  • the style or format of the UPC bar code 16 differs from the POSTNET or Confirm® bar code 14 of Fig. 1 , it is coded to provide the same information.
  • a further alternative mailing piece is represented by a discount coupon 30.
  • a single coupon bar code 12a is modified so that it contains the same coded information as the conventional coupon bar code 12 of the previous embodiments, but, in addition, contains code representing the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 30 is to be mailed.
  • the bulk mailer initially mails the parcels containing the address coded pieces to random addresses or to every address in specific zip codes. If the recipients of the mailing use the address coded pieces, such as by using the exemplary discount coupons at a retail outlet, the retail outlet returns the used coupon to the bulk mailer or its designee to receive payment for the amount of the discount coupon, for example.
  • the bulk mailer may then read the address bar codes (14, 16, or 12a in the illustrated embodiments) and update its database for future bulk mailings.
  • discount coupons may be distributed via the Internet.
  • a person desiring to download a coupon would be required to supply either one or both of a mailing address and an e-mail address as directed by a monitor screen prompt or fill-in form.
  • Software then converts the supplied name and address to an encoded version represented by any one of the bar codes 12, 16, or 12a described above, and includes such a bar code on the downloaded coupon.
  • the bar code is read to confirm such use and the name and address of the person may be added to the vendor's database.

Abstract

A method of tracking parcels and assembling bulk mail parcels using barcodes.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION MARKETING BAR CODE METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF PROMOTIONAL PIECES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [01] The present application claims priority based on 35 U.S.C. § 119 based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/229,603, filed September 5, 2000, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
[02] The present invention relates to a method for assembling bulk mailing parcels, and, more particularly, for bulk mailing parcels containing one or more pieces to be returned to the sender, such as for example, discount coupons, post card orders, or responses to inquiries and the like. Description of the Related Art
[03] Currently, a bulk mailing customer applies for a permit at the United States Postal Service (USPS) to have a bulk mailing approved, and then engages a printer, for example, to print and stuff pieces of mail parcels that are appropriately addressed to individual mailing addresses. When a parcel includes discount coupons promoting a product or service, for example, the addressee may or may not use the coupons. When the coupons are used, they are ultimately returned to the bulk mailer or an agent of the bulk mailer to credit the retailer of the discounted goods or services. Because the conventional discount coupon contains no information as to the original bulk mailing parcel, the nature of the bulk mailing that contained the parcel, or the addressee of the parcel, subsequent bulk mailings must be made without benefit of information or complete analysis of prior mailings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [04] The advantages and purpose of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purpose of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. [05] To attain the advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a method for assembling bulk mail parcels each containing at least one printed piece to be returned to the sender or the sender's designee. The method comprises the steps of printing a bar code on each of the printed pieces to be returned for each of the respective parcels, the bar code containing information including at least the mailing address of the parcel, and reading the bar code upon return of the printed piece to obtain information about an addressee of the parcel. Preferably, the bar code on each of the printed pieces differs in appearance from other bar codes used on the parcel. [06] In another aspect, the advantages and purpose of the invention are attained by a method for distributing at least one discount coupon to promote the sale of goods or services, the method including the steps of obtaining the name and address of a person to receive the at least one discount coupon, placing a bar code on the at least one discount coupon representing an encoded version of the name and address of the person, and reading the bar code to confirm that the person has used the at least one discount coupon. The coupon(s) may be distributed by mail or via the Internet and the address may be either one or both of a mailing address and an e-mail address. [07] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [08] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,
[09] Fig. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention; [10] Fig. 2 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention; and [11] Fig. 3 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of a discount coupon representing a mailing piece used in the practice of the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [12] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. [13] In accordance with the present invention, each printed piece of a bulk mail parcel to be returned to the sender or the sender's designee is printed with a bar code containing information including at least the mailing address of the parcel.
[14] In Fig. 1 of the drawings, the printed piece is represented by a discount coupon 10. In addition to a conventional coupon bar code 12, the coupon 10 is printed with a postal numeric encoding technique (POSTNET) or Confirm® bar code 14 representing a coded version of the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 10 is to be mailed. [15] To print the bar code 14 on the pieces of a bulk mailing parcel, in this instance, the discount coupon 10, the USPS bulk mailing customer acquires the necessary data base and coding software from the USPS for use by the customer's printer. The mailing piece or pieces 10 can be printed concurrently with printing address labels or envelopes of the parcel containing the pieces 10. Alternatively, the pieces 10 and mailing labels or envelopes can be printed separately and thereafter collated by reading the bar codes 14 on the pieces and like bar codes on the mailing labels or envelopes, using reverse lookup software also provided by the USPS.
[16] In Fig. 2 of the drawings, an alternative mailing piece is represented by a discount coupon 20 that also includes the conventional coupon bar code 12. In this embodiment, the coupon 20 is printed with a universal product code (UPC) bar code 16 representing a coded version of the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 10 is to be mailed. Although the style or format of the UPC bar code 16 differs from the POSTNET or Confirm® bar code 14 of Fig. 1 , it is coded to provide the same information.
[17] In Fig. 3, a further alternative mailing piece is represented by a discount coupon 30. In this embodiment a single coupon bar code 12a is modified so that it contains the same coded information as the conventional coupon bar code 12 of the previous embodiments, but, in addition, contains code representing the mailing address of a person to whom a parcel containing the coupon 30 is to be mailed.
[18] In practicing the method of the present invention, the bulk mailer initially mails the parcels containing the address coded pieces to random addresses or to every address in specific zip codes. If the recipients of the mailing use the address coded pieces, such as by using the exemplary discount coupons at a retail outlet, the retail outlet returns the used coupon to the bulk mailer or its designee to receive payment for the amount of the discount coupon, for example. The bulk mailer may then read the address bar codes (14, 16, or 12a in the illustrated embodiments) and update its database for future bulk mailings. Once they build a database of those active clients using their product or service identified by address coded bar code, the bulk mailer will no longer be required to send out as many random address mailings or blanket every address in specific zip codes, since the updated database will include only those active clients using their product or service identified by address bar code. As a result, mailing costs are substantially reduced, since future mailings will be made only to individuals who have responded in the past, and are thus likely to respond to such future mailings.
[19] In another embodiment of the invention, discount coupons may be distributed via the Internet. In this embodiment, a person desiring to download a coupon would be required to supply either one or both of a mailing address and an e-mail address as directed by a monitor screen prompt or fill-in form. Software then converts the supplied name and address to an encoded version represented by any one of the bar codes 12, 16, or 12a described above, and includes such a bar code on the downloaded coupon. Upon use of the downloaded coupon, the bar code is read to confirm such use and the name and address of the person may be added to the vendor's database.
[20] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for assembling bulk mail parcels each containing at least one printed piece to be returned to the sender or the sender's designee, the method comprising the steps of: printing a bar code on each of the printed pieces to be returned for each of the respective parcels, the bar code containing information including at least the mailing address of the parcel; and reading the bar code upon return of the printed piece to obtain information about an addressee of the parcel.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bar code including the mailing address on each of the printed pieces is an address bar code that differs in appearance from other bar codes used on the parcel.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the address bar code is a POSTNET or Confirm® bar code.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the address bar code is a universal product bar code
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the bar code including the mailing address on each of the printed pieces is a single coupon bar code that includes the mailing address.
6. A method for distributing at least one discount coupon to promote the sale of goods or services, comprising: obtaining the name and address of a person to receive the at least one discount coupon; placing a bar code on the at least one discount coupon representing an encoded version of the name and address of the person; and reading the bar code to confirm that the person has used the at least one discount coupon.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one discount coupon is distributed by mail.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the address is a mailing address.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one discount coupon is distributed via the Internet.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the address is at least one of a mailing address and an e-mail address.
PCT/US2001/026850 2000-09-05 2001-08-30 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces WO2002021372A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/362,505 US20040039634A1 (en) 2001-08-30 2001-08-30 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces
AU2001290584A AU2001290584A1 (en) 2000-09-05 2001-08-30 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces
US11/703,787 US20070198351A1 (en) 2001-08-30 2007-02-08 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US22960300P 2000-09-05 2000-09-05
US60/229,603 2000-09-05

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/703,787 Division US20070198351A1 (en) 2001-08-30 2007-02-08 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002021372A1 true WO2002021372A1 (en) 2002-03-14

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/026850 WO2002021372A1 (en) 2000-09-05 2001-08-30 Marketing bar code method for distribution of promotional pieces

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2001290584A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002021372A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8401976B2 (en) 2004-06-22 2013-03-19 The United States Postal Service Method and system for providing a barcode image over a network

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5761648A (en) * 1995-07-25 1998-06-02 Interactive Coupon Network Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates
US5812991A (en) * 1994-01-03 1998-09-22 E-Stamp Corporation System and method for retrieving postage credit contained within a portable memory over a computer network
US5917925A (en) * 1994-04-14 1999-06-29 Moore; Lewis J. System for dispensing, verifying and tracking postage and other information on mailpieces

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5812991A (en) * 1994-01-03 1998-09-22 E-Stamp Corporation System and method for retrieving postage credit contained within a portable memory over a computer network
US5917925A (en) * 1994-04-14 1999-06-29 Moore; Lewis J. System for dispensing, verifying and tracking postage and other information on mailpieces
US5761648A (en) * 1995-07-25 1998-06-02 Interactive Coupon Network Interactive marketing network and process using electronic certificates

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8401976B2 (en) 2004-06-22 2013-03-19 The United States Postal Service Method and system for providing a barcode image over a network
US10325191B2 (en) 2004-06-22 2019-06-18 United States Postal Service Method and system for providing a barcode image over a network

Also Published As

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