JP7588424B2 - Sales support system and sales support method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sales support system and a sales support method that support sales activities.

Conventionally, second-hand goods have been traded on the Internet. In second-hand goods transactions, in order to provide information about the goods to the buyer, it is necessary to prepare photos and videos of the goods to be sold, which places a heavy burden on the seller when listing the goods. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a used car sales support system that is easy for car dealers who sell used cars to use. In addition, Patent Document 2 discloses a car sales support system that can easily execute the buying and selling of cars by centrally managing the management history of cars. However, in both cases, when listing a used car, the dealer inputs all the information about the used car to be sold, and no consideration is given to the burden on the dealer when registering. Since sellers need to make the same preparations when listing goods that may not be sold and goods that may be sold, there is a demand for a system that allows them to easily list goods. There is also a demand for a sales support system that is easy for sellers and buyers to use.

JP 2018-18375 A JP 2021-177384 A

The present invention has been made to solve these problems. That is, the first object of the present invention is to provide a sales support system that can easily convey information about a product to a purchaser who wishes to purchase the product. The second object of the present invention is to provide a sales support system that is easy for sellers to use. The third object of the present invention is to provide a sales support system that is easy for purchasers to use.

The object of the present invention is to
[1] A sales support system comprising a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product, and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the sales support system comprising: a first input receiving means for receiving an input of identification information capable of identifying an attribute of the product at the seller terminal; an attribute identifying means for identifying an attribute of the product based on the identification information that has been input; and a first display means for displaying, at the buyer terminal, attribute information relating to the attribute of the product identified by the attribute identifying means;
[2] The sales support system described in [1] above, comprising: a second input receiving means for receiving, at a purchaser terminal, input of intention information regarding an intention to purchase the product, or a request for displaying additional information regarding the product; and a first information transmitting means for transmitting, to a seller terminal, information indicating that the input of intention information has been received, or that the acceptance of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that the request for displaying additional information has been received, or that the acceptance of the request for displaying additional information satisfies a predetermined condition;
[3] The sales support system according to [1] or [2] above, further comprising: a third input receiving means for receiving, at the seller terminal, input of additional information about the product; and a second information transmitting means for transmitting, to the buyer terminal, information indicating that the input of the additional information has been received;
[4] The sales support system according to [3], wherein the first information transmission means transmits information for inputting additional information about the product together with information indicating that the input of intention information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that a request for displaying additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request for displaying additional information satisfies a predetermined condition;
[5] A sales support system as described in any of [1] to [4], further comprising a third input receiving means for receiving input of additional information about the product at a seller terminal, and a viewing enabling means for making the inputted and accepted additional information available for viewing at multiple purchaser terminals.
[6] The sales support system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first display means displays price information relating to the price of the product;
[7] The sales support system according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the product is a vehicle, and the identification information is information regarding a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number;
[8] A server device in a sales support system having a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the server device comprising: a first input receiving means for receiving an input of identification information capable of identifying an attribute of the product from the seller terminal; an attribute identifying means for identifying an attribute of the product based on the input identification information received; and a first transmitting means for transmitting attribute information relating to the attribute of the product identified by the attribute identifying means to the buyer terminal;
[9] A seller terminal in a sales support system comprising a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the seller terminal comprising a first input receiving means for receiving input of identification information capable of identifying an attribute of the product, the sales support system comprising an attribute identifying means for identifying the attribute of the product based on the identification information that has been input, and a first display means for displaying, on the buyer terminal, attribute information relating to the attribute of the product identified by the attribute identifying means;
[10] A purchaser terminal in a sales support system comprising a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a purchaser terminal operated by a purchaser who wishes to purchase the product, the purchaser terminal comprising a first display means for displaying attribute information relating to product attributes, the sales support system comprising a first input receiving means for receiving input of identification information capable of identifying the product attributes at the seller terminal, and an attribute identification means for identifying the product attributes based on the identification information received as input, the attribute information displayed on the first display means being identified by the attribute identification means;
[11] A sales support method executed in a sales support system including a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the sales support method including a first input receiving step of receiving, at the seller terminal, an input of identification information capable of identifying an attribute of the product, an attribute identifying step of identifying an attribute of the product based on the identification information that has been input, and a first display step of displaying, at the buyer terminal, attribute information relating to the attribute of the product identified by the attribute identifying step;
[12] A sales support system comprising a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the system comprising: a first input receiving means for receiving input of product-related information at the seller terminal; a first viewing enabling means for making the input-received product-related information viewable at a plurality of buyer terminals; a second input receiving means for receiving input of intention information regarding an intention to purchase the product at the buyer terminal, or for receiving a display request for additional information regarding the product that is different from the information regarding the product; and a display control means for detecting whether the seller terminal has received the input of intention information or whether the input of intention information has been received in a predetermined manner. a sales support system comprising: an additional information transmission request receiving means for receiving an additional information transmission request indicating that a condition has been satisfied, or that a request for displaying additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request for displaying additional information satisfies a predetermined condition; a third input accepting means for accepting input of additional information at a seller terminal; an additional information storage means for storing information related to the product and the accepted additional information in association with each other, and a second viewing enabling means for making the accepted additional information available for viewing at a plurality of purchaser terminals, wherein after the additional information transmission request is received by the additional information transmission request receiving means, the third input accepting means accepts input of the additional information;
[13]
A server device in a sales support system having a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the server device comprising: a first input receiving means for receiving an input of product-related information from the seller terminal; a first viewing enabling means for making the input-received product-related information viewable on a plurality of buyer terminals; a second input receiving means for receiving an input of intention information regarding an intention to purchase the product from the buyer terminal or for receiving a display request for additional information regarding the product; and a notification means for notifying the seller terminal of the receipt of the intention information input or the receipt of the intention information input satisfying a predetermined condition. a server device comprising: additional information request sending means for sending an additional information request indicating that a predetermined condition has been satisfied, or that a request to display additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request to display additional information satisfies a predetermined condition; third input receiving means for receiving input of additional information from a seller terminal; additional information storage means for storing information related to the product and the accepted additional information in association with each other, and second viewing enabling means for making the accepted additional information available for viewing on a plurality of purchaser terminals, and after the additional information request sending means has sent the additional information, the third input receiving means receives the input of the additional information;
[14] A seller terminal in a sales support system having a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, the seller terminal comprising: a first input receiving means for receiving an input of information related to the product; an additional information transmission request receiving means for receiving an additional information transmission request indicating that an input of intention information has been received, or that the reception of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that a request for displaying additional information related to the product has been received, or that the reception of the request for displaying additional information satisfies a predetermined condition; and a third input receiving means for receiving the input of the additional information. a seller terminal comprising a first viewing enabling means for making the input-accepted information about the product viewable at a plurality of purchaser terminals, a second input accepting means for accepting, at the purchaser terminal, an input of intention information about an intention to purchase the product or for accepting a display request for additional information, an additional information storage means for storing the information about the product and the input-accepted additional information in association with each other, and a second viewing enabling means for making the input-accepted additional information viewable at a plurality of purchaser terminals, and after receiving an additional information transmission request by an additional information transmission request receiving means, an input of the additional information is accepted by a third input accepting means;
[15] A sales support method executed in a sales support system having a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a product and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the product, comprising a first input receiving step of receiving input of information related to the product at the seller terminal, a first viewing enabling step of making the input-received information related to the product viewable at a plurality of buyer terminals, a second input receiving step of receiving input of intention information related to an intention to purchase the product at the buyer terminal or receiving a display request for additional information related to the product, and a step of notifying the seller terminal that the input of the intention information has been received or that the input of the intention information has been received in a predetermined manner. a sales support method including an additional information transmission request receiving step of receiving an additional information transmission request indicating that a condition is satisfied, or that a request for displaying additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request for displaying additional information satisfies a predetermined condition; a third input accepting step of accepting input of additional information at a seller terminal; an additional information storing step of storing information related to the product and the accepted additional information in association with each other; and a second viewing enabling step of making the accepted additional information available for viewing at a plurality of purchaser terminals, wherein after the additional information transmission request is received at the additional information transmission request receiving step, the input of the additional information is accepted at the third input accepting step;
[16] A sales support system including at least one computer device, the sales support system including a fourth input receiving means for receiving input of a purchase time and a purchase price by a seller of a product to be sold, and a price calculation means for calculating a price to be used as a reference for determining the price of the product based on the purchase time and the purchase price of the product;
[17] The sales support system according to [16] above, further comprising: a change notification means for notifying the computer device of a change in the price calculated by the price calculation means over time after the input of the time of purchase of the product and the purchase price is accepted;
[18] A sales support method executed in a sales support system having at least one computer device, the sales support method including a fourth input receiving step of receiving an input of a purchase time and a purchase price of a commodity to be sold, and a price calculation step of calculating a price to be used as a reference for determining a price of the commodity based on the purchase time and the purchase price of the commodity;
[19] A sales support system comprising at least one computer device, the sales support system further comprising a benefit information storage means for storing benefit information for granting a benefit to a seller when the seller sells a product to a purchaser who wishes to purchase the product at a price lower than a base price of the product;
[20] A sales support method executed in a sales support system having at least one computer device, the sales support method including a benefit information storage step of storing benefit information for granting a benefit to a seller when the seller sells a product to a purchaser who wishes to purchase the product at a price lower than the purchase price of the product;
[21] A sales support system including at least one computer device, the sales support system including a fifth input receiving means for receiving input of information related to a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number of a vehicle, and a transportation cost calculation means for calculating transportation costs based on the information related to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or the vehicle identification number;
[22] The sales support system according to the above [21], further comprising a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a vehicle, a transportation cost calculation means capable of calculating transportation costs to be borne by the seller, and a second display means for displaying the calculated transportation costs to be borne by the seller on the seller terminal;
[23] The sales support system according to [21] or [22] above, further comprising: a sixth input receiving means for receiving input of the time of purchase and the purchase price by the seller of the vehicle to be sold; a price calculation means for calculating a reference price for determining the price of the vehicle based on the time of purchase and the purchase price of the vehicle; and a third display means for displaying the calculated reference price on the seller terminal;
[24] A sales support system according to any one of [21] to [23] above, comprising a purchaser terminal operated by a purchaser who wishes to purchase a vehicle, a transportation cost calculation means capable of calculating the transportation cost to be borne by the purchaser, an attribute specification means for specifying the attributes of the vehicle based on information related to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or chassis number, and a fourth display means for displaying, on the purchaser terminal, attribute information related to the specified attributes of the vehicle and the calculated transportation cost to be borne by the purchaser;
[25] A sales support method executed in a sales support system having at least one computer device, the sales support method including a fifth input receiving step of receiving input of information related to a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number of a vehicle, and a transportation cost calculation step of calculating transportation costs based on the information related to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or the vehicle identification number;
This can be achieved by:

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sales support system that can easily convey information about a product to a purchaser who wishes to purchase the product. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sales support system that is easy for sellers to use. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sales support system that is easy for purchasers to use.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sales support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a seller terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a sales support process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a simplified registration process according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a second calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a notification process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third calculation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an additional registration process according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a purchasing process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment as long as it does not go against the spirit of the present invention. The following description of the effects is one aspect of the effects of the embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to those described here.

The sales support system of the present invention can be used in transactions of mobile objects such as used cars and movable property such as used goods, as well as transactions of real estate such as used condominiums, and transactions of services themselves. Examples of used goods include industrial products, generators, books, home appliances, clothing, furniture, cosmetics, precious metals, stationery, computer peripherals, game software, DVDs, and the like. The following mainly describes the case where a seller uses a used car sales service, but the system can also be applied to, for example, not only vehicles such as automobiles, but also light vehicles such as bicycles, construction machinery such as forklifts, backhoes, and wheel loaders, agricultural machinery such as tractors, and ships such as ferries and cargo ships. Goods that are the subject of transactions are collectively called products.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sales support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the sales support system is composed of a seller terminal 1, a server device 2, a purchaser terminal 3, and a communication network 4. The seller terminal 1, which is operated by a seller such as a dealer of used cars, can communicate with the server device 2 via the communication network 4. The sales support system may also be composed of multiple seller terminals operated by multiple different sellers. Note that a seller here refers to a person who has the intention to sell a product, regardless of the actual sales record of the product.

The purchaser terminal 3 operated by the purchaser can be connected to the server device 2 via the communication network 4. The sales support system may be composed of multiple purchaser terminals 3 operated by multiple different purchasers. Note that a purchaser here refers to a person who has the intention to purchase a product, regardless of whether they have actually purchased a product.

The seller terminal 1 and the purchaser terminal 3 are not particularly limited as long as they are computer devices having a display screen and an input section. The seller terminal 1 and the purchaser terminal 3 may be stationary and installed in a company office or the like, or may be portable and can be carried by the user when traveling. Examples of the seller terminal 1 and the purchaser terminal 3 include conventional mobile phones, tablet terminals, smartphones, and desktop and notebook personal computers. In addition, although not shown, the sales support system may have an administrator terminal operated by an intermediary who acts as an intermediary between the seller and the purchaser. The administrator is responsible for the operation of the sales support system and the work related to the transportation of the used cars sold and purchased.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a seller terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seller terminal 1 includes a control unit 11, a main memory 12, a storage unit 13, an input device 14, a display device 15, and a communication interface 16, all of which are connected by a bus.

The control unit 11 is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit 11 executes programs stored in the storage unit 13 and controls the seller terminal 1. For example, a RAM is used as the main memory 12. The main memory 12 is a work area for the control unit 11. The storage unit 13 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 11 performs calculations based on the programs and data read from the main memory 12, and data input via the input device 14.

The display device 15 has a display screen. The control unit 11 outputs a video signal for displaying an image on the display screen according to the result of the calculation process. Here, the display screen may be a touch panel equipped with a touch sensor. In this case, the touch panel functions as the input device 14. The seller terminal 1 also has a camera, and the camera can function as the input device 14.

The communication interface 16 can be connected to the communication network 4 wirelessly or via a wired connection, and can transmit and receive data to and from the server device 2 or the purchaser terminal 3 via the communication network 4. Data received via the communication interface 16 is loaded into the main memory 12, and is processed by the control unit 11.

The buyer terminal 3 has the same configuration as the seller terminal 1, and includes, for example, a control unit, a main memory, a storage unit, an input device, a display device, and a communication interface, each of which is connected by an internal bus.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server device 2 includes a control unit 21, a main memory 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication interface 24, all of which are connected by a bus.

The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU and ROM, and executes programs stored in the storage unit 23 to control the server device 2. The control unit 21 also has an internal timer that measures time. The main memory 22 is the work area of the control unit 21. The storage unit 23 is a memory area for saving programs and data. The control unit 21 reads out the programs and data from the main memory 22, and performs calculations based on information received from the seller terminal 1 or the purchaser terminal 3.

In addition, in an embodiment of the present invention, distributed ledger technology using blockchain may be adopted instead of the server device 2. In other words, various information in the sales support system of the present invention may be managed using distributed ledger technology. The blockchain network may be constructed as a private network or as a public network. By managing information using distributed ledger technology, it is possible to maintain the reliability of information and ensure the traceability of products.

[Sales Support Processing]
First, the sales support process in the sales support system will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the sales support process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Details of each process included in the flowchart will be described later. The order of each process constituting the following flowchart is not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate, and is in no particular order as long as no contradiction or inconsistency occurs in the process content. Also, some of the processes constituting the flowchart may not be executed.

First, the seller logs into the sales support system by accessing the server device 2 via a web browser. The seller may log into the sales support system by starting an application program (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated app) downloaded to the seller terminal 1 and accessing the server device 2. Then, a simple registration process is performed to register simple registration information for the vehicle to be sold (step S1). Registering simple registration information is also called simple registration. When simple registration is performed, the listing of the product is completed, and the simple registration information can be viewed at the seller terminal 1, the purchaser terminal 3, and the administrator terminal that use the sales support system. In other words, by accessing the website of the sales support system operated by the administrator, the simple registration information can be viewed at terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple purchasers, or multiple administrators. In the simple registration process, the seller inputs the chassis number written on the vehicle inspection certificate as an identification number. The seller may also input the planned selling price of the vehicle to be sold. In addition, in the simplified registration process, a first calculation process for calculating the book value of the vehicle for sale and/or a second calculation process for calculating the transportation costs to be borne by the seller may be performed. In the embodiment of the present invention, "simplified registration information" refers to information required for simplified registration when listing a product and information registered in simplified registration. Simplified registration information includes vehicle information and price information. It is preferable that the information required for simplified registration is set by the administrator. "Price information" refers to information entered by the seller as the planned selling price of the vehicle.

Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, the price that serves as a reference for determining the price of a vehicle for sale is called the "first price." The price that serves as a reference for determining the price of a vehicle is the value of the asset recorded in the ledger, and refers to the book price or asset recorded price. The book price or asset recorded price is also called the book value, book value, or book value of the vehicle. The value of the vehicle at the time of calculation can be evaluated by recording depreciation, etc. from the purchase price. The transportation costs borne by the seller are called the "second price." The transportation costs borne by the purchaser are called the "third price." Generally, when a used vehicle sold by a seller is shipped overseas, the transportation costs for transporting the used vehicle to a port in the seller's home country are borne by the seller, and the transportation costs from the port in the seller's home country to the overseas purchaser's pick-up location are borne by the purchaser. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transportation cost of transporting a used car to a port in the home country is the "second price," and the transportation cost from the port in the home country to the overseas buyer's pick-up location is the "third price," but the "second price" and "third price" are not limited to this and may be changed as appropriate. When the buyer pays the transportation cost, only the "third price" is incurred. Also, when the seller pays the transportation cost depending on the contract, the "second price" is incurred.

When the process of step S1 is performed, a notification process is executed (step S2). When the simplified registration process is executed, the purchaser displays the simplified registration information of the vehicle on the purchaser terminal 3. At this time, a third calculation process may be performed to display a third price on the purchaser terminal 3. If the purchaser wishes to purchase the vehicle or to view additional information on the vehicle, the purchaser inputs this information on the purchaser terminal 3. When the server device 2 receives this information, the server device 2 transmits a notification to the seller terminal 1, and the seller terminal 1 is notified that the purchaser has input a request to purchase the vehicle or to view additional information on the vehicle. Note that the desire to purchase the vehicle is referred to as intention information regarding the intention to purchase the product, and the desire to purchase the vehicle is referred to as a display request for additional information on the product. In addition, hereinafter, the desire to purchase the vehicle and/or the desire to view additional information on the vehicle is referred to as a request to send additional information. The request to send additional information can be said to be a request to the seller to send information necessary for the decision to purchase the vehicle, which is the product. The request to send additional information may be sent by pressing a button such as "Like!", "Favorites", "Receive registration notification", "View later", or "Save". Vehicles for which these buttons have been pressed may be stored in the server device 2 or the purchaser terminal 3, and the purchaser terminal 3 may display a list of vehicles for which the same type of button has been pressed.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a notification may, for example, be sent to an email address registered in the sales support system or sent to the messenger function of the sales support system. If a dedicated app has been downloaded, when a notification is sent to the messenger function within the dedicated app, a display indicating that a notification has been received may be displayed on the icon of the dedicated app installed on the seller terminal 1 or the buyer terminal 3.

In step S2, the seller who received the notification performs the additional registration process by inputting additional information about the vehicle (step S3). When the seller terminal 1 accepts the input of additional information about the vehicle and transmits it to the server device 2, the additional information is registered in the server device 2. Registering additional information is also called additional registration. Then, the server device 2 transmits a notification that the additional information has been registered to the purchaser terminal 3 that transmitted the additional information transmission request. The registered additional information can be viewed from the purchaser terminal 3 that received the notification. In addition, the additional information can be viewed on the seller terminal 1, purchaser terminal 3, and administrator terminal that use the sales support system. In other words, by accessing the website of the sales support system operated by the administrator, the additional information can be viewed on terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple purchasers, or multiple administrators. "Additional information" is information different from the simplified registration information regarding the product that has been simply registered, and refers to information required for additional registration when listing the product, and information registered in additional registration. In addition, the additional information can be, for example, information about the product, and can also be said to be attribute information different from the attribute information of the product identified from the identification information described below. The additional information can be thought of as detailed information about the product. It is preferable that the information required for additional registration is set by the administrator. Products that have been registered using simplified registration may be treated as products that have been temporarily listed, and products that have been additionally registered may be treated as products that have been officially listed.

When a purchaser purchases a specified vehicle, a purchase process is executed (step S4). When the selection of the vehicle to be purchased is accepted at the purchaser terminal 3, a purchase request is sent to the server device 2. The server device 2 sends a purchase notification to the seller terminal 1 and the administrator terminal, and also sends billing information to the purchaser terminal 3. When the purchaser makes payment, this is notified to the seller terminal 1 and the administrator terminal, and the procedure for purchasing the vehicle proceeds.

The sales support process ends with steps S1 to S4. The seller may omit the notification process in step S2 and execute the processes from step S3 onwards. Also, the seller may execute the process of step S3 immediately after the process of step S1. Also, the buyer may execute the purchase process of step S4, omitting the process of step S3, the processes of steps S1 and S2, or the processes of steps S2 and S3. Also, the process of step S2 may be executed after step S3, or the order of steps S2 and S3 may be reversed.

[Simple registration process]
Next, the simplified registration process (step S1) in the sales support system will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the simplified registration process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. First, a seller who wishes to put up a used car on the sales support system logs into the sales support system by accessing the server device 2 via a web browser from the seller terminal 1. The sales support system may start a dedicated application downloaded to the seller terminal 1 and access the server device 2 to log into the sales support system.

Next, the seller inputs the chassis number (also called the body number or frame number) written on the vehicle inspection certificate of the used vehicle to be put up for sale as an identification number into the seller terminal 1 (step S11). The chassis number is an identification number unique to a vehicle that is stamped on the chassis of a motorized bicycle or automobile. The chassis number is written on the vehicle inspection certificate. The seller can take a picture of the chassis number written on the vehicle inspection certificate with the camera of the seller terminal 1 and import the chassis number as letters and numbers using OCR (Optical Character Recognition). The seller can also take a picture of the chassis number stamped on the frame of the vehicle with a camera and import it as letters and numbers representing the identification number using OCR. The seller may also directly input the chassis number into the seller terminal 1. For example, it can be directly input using a keyboard or a software keyboard. If the vehicle inspection certificate is an IC card, the chassis number may be read using a card reader. Here, in this embodiment, the chassis number has been described as a specific example, but it is not limited to the chassis number, and any identification number unique to a vehicle and capable of identifying the vehicle will suffice. For example, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number, also called a serial number) can be used as the identification number. In this embodiment, an identification number that has the function of identifying the attributes of a vehicle, such as a chassis number or a VIN, is called identification information, a vehicle identification number, or a moving body identification number. A vehicle identification number or a moving body identification number is an identification number unique to a moving body, and is recorded somewhere on the moving body. For example, it is recorded by stamping on the frame of the moving body, or by storage processing in a computer device within the moving body, such as an engine control unit (ECU).

Next, the first calculation process and/or the second calculation process are performed (step S12), and the first price and/or the second price are displayed on the seller terminal 1 (step S13). Here, the first price is the book value of the vehicle for sale, and the second price is the transportation cost borne by the seller, so the seller can determine the planned selling price of the vehicle to be put up for sale based on these prices. When the seller inputs the planned selling price of the vehicle into the seller terminal 1 (step S14), the vehicle identification number and the planned selling price are transmitted from the seller terminal 1 to the server device 2 (step S15). The vehicle identification number and the planned selling price are received by the server device 2 (step S16).

The server device 2 identifies vehicle information based on the identification number received in step S16 (step S17). The identified vehicle information and the planned selling price are registered as simplified registration information (step S18). After steps S11 to S18 are completed, the simplified registration process ends. Note that steps S12 to S14 may be omitted from the simplified registration process.

When the simple registration information is registered, the vehicle is treated as an exhibited product in the sales support system. In other words, the registered simple registration information is treated as exhibited product information. The exhibited product information can be viewed on all terminals operated by sellers, buyers, or administrators who use the sales support system. In other words, by accessing the sales support system website operated by the administrator, the product information can be viewed on terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple buyers, or multiple administrators. "Product information" is information about the exhibited product, and includes simple registration information and/or additional information. The seller, buyer, and administrator can view the registered simple registration information of the vehicle. Note that the planned selling price entered in step S14 is the planned selling price and may be different from the actual selling price. In addition, editing or correction may be performed after the simple registration process is performed. Similarly, the simple registration information may be configured to be edited or corrected after the simple registration process is performed, and the information identified by the identification number may be made unchangeable.

In the identification of vehicle information in step S17, the vehicle's chassis number is used to identify the vehicle's attribute information as vehicle information. The vehicle's attribute information refers to information about the vehicle, such as the vehicle model, grade, vehicle overall length, overall width, overall height, ground clearance, year of manufacture, country of manufacture, manufacturer, steering wheel position, exterior color, engine displacement, etc. The chassis number is determined according to certain rules and includes the above-mentioned vehicle attribute information. For this reason, the server device 2 is caused to store a database for identifying the vehicle's attribute information from the chassis number in advance. For example, the first digit of the chassis number indicates the country of manufacture, and the second digit indicates the manufacturer. Therefore, the database stores the relationship between the chassis number and the vehicle's attribute information identified by the chassis number, such as "America" if the first digit is "1" and "Canada" if the first digit is "2". This is also referred to as storing the chassis number and the vehicle's attribute information included in the chassis number in association with each other.

Therefore, vehicle attribute information such as the vehicle model, grade, overall length, overall width, overall height, ground clearance, year of manufacture, country of manufacture, manufacturer, steering wheel position, exterior color, engine displacement, etc. can be identified from the chassis number, and this information is registered as simplified registration information in step S18. Note that the calculated first price and/or second price may be stored in association with vehicle information, but it is preferable that this information, as simplified registration information, is not made publicly available.

Note that "attribute information" refers to information that indicates the attributes of a product. The attribute information may be stored in association with an identification number. "Vehicle information" refers to information about a vehicle. The vehicle information includes the attribute information of the vehicle and may also include an image of the vehicle. The image of the vehicle can be displayed as a thumbnail image of the product put up for sale in the sales support system. Among the vehicle attribute information, attribute information required for simplified registration includes, for example, the vehicle model, grade, year of manufacture, steering wheel position, and exterior color. Furthermore, attribute information required for price calculation in the second and third calculation processes described below includes, for example, the overall length, overall height, and minimum ground clearance of the vehicle.

If the chassis number stamped on the actual vehicle frame is photographed by the camera in step S11, then identification of the vehicle owner may be completed in step S18. The chassis number is stamped in a position that is difficult to see from outside the vehicle. Therefore, in order to photograph the chassis number, it is necessary to open the hood or open the door with a key and lift up the seat. For this reason, it is possible to determine that the person who can photograph the chassis number is the owner of the vehicle. Also, if the chassis number is input from the vehicle inspection certificate in step S11, then information about the vehicle owner recorded on the vehicle inspection certificate may be stored in the server device 2 in step S18.

As described above, a seller can simply input the vehicle's identification number and estimated selling price, and list the vehicle as a commodity in the sales support system without having to input specific attribute information of the vehicle to be listed, lowering the hurdle for listing the commodity at the time of sale. Note that the identification of the vehicle's attribute information by the identification number can be performed by the seller's terminal, the purchaser's terminal, or the server device.

[First calculation process]
Next, the first calculation process (step S12) in the sales support system will be described with reference to Fig. 6, which is a flowchart showing the first calculation process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The seller inputs the purchase year (also called the purchase time) and purchase price for the vehicle for which simplified registration is being performed into the seller terminal 1 (step S21). At this time, it is preferable to input the useful life. The purchase time and purchase price are transmitted from the seller terminal 1 to the server device 2 (step S22), and the server device 2 receives the purchase time and purchase price (step S23). The server device 2 calculates a first price (step S24). The calculated first price is transmitted from the server device 2 to the seller terminal 1 (step S25), and the seller terminal 1 receives the first price (step S26). The first calculation process is completed through the processes of steps S21 to S26.

The calculation of the first price in step S24 is performed by storing in advance in the server device 2 a formula for the straight-line method or declining balance method used in general depreciation cost calculations. Specifically, in the straight-line method, the first price is calculated assuming that the amount of depreciation expense is the same every year in principle. The first price is calculated by multiplying the purchase price by the depreciation rate of the straight-line method. In the straight-line method, the first price is calculated by multiplying the undepreciated balance by the depreciation rate of the declining balance method. When inputting in step S21, either the straight-line method or the declining balance method may be selected, or which calculation method to use may be registered in advance in the server device 2. In addition, a formula for calculating the tax on the vehicle may be stored in the server device 2, and the first price may be the price calculated by the straight-line method or the declining balance method plus or minus the tax.

The calculated first price is preferably stored in the server device 2. In addition, if the price calculated in the first calculation process changes over time, the change may be notified to the seller terminal 1 that calculated the first price. The seller who operates the seller terminal 1 that receives the notification can execute the first calculation process again and edit the planned selling price with reference to the first price. In addition, the notification may be able to display the changed first price.

In step S13, by displaying the calculated first price, the seller can decide on a planned selling price with confidence, even if the price is lower than the purchase price. In addition, the seller can easily confirm the first price, which is the book value that reflects depreciation, and can input an appropriate planned selling price.

In addition, from the attribute information of the vehicle specified by the identification number, multiple prices of vehicles with the same or similar attribute information that have been simply registered and/or additionally registered in the sales support system may be extracted, and their average price may be displayed as the reference price. Also, transaction records of vehicles with the same or similar attribute information that have been simply registered and/or additionally registered in the sales support system may be extracted, and their average price may be displayed as the sales price at which a sale is likely to be completed. Furthermore, if the planned sales price entered by the seller is higher or lower than a specified amount based on the displayed reference price, etc., a display may be displayed on the seller terminal 1 prompting the seller to confirm the amount before sending in step 15. The reference price, etc. may be displayed on the buyer terminal 3. For vehicles for which the simple registration information or additional information is being viewed, the reference price, etc. can be displayed as described above.

[Second Calculation Process]
Next, the second calculation process (step S12) in the sales support system will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second calculation process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that processes similar to those described above may be omitted as appropriate. The following mainly describes a form in which a dealer in Japan sells a vehicle.

The seller inputs the departure point and destination of the vehicle for which the simplified registration process is being performed into the seller terminal 1 (step S31). The departure point is the shipping point from which the vehicle is shipped when the used car is sold. The prefecture name or region name may be input, or a specific store address may be input. The destination is the destination to which the vehicle is delivered when the used car is sold. Since the second price is the transportation cost borne by the seller, if the destination is expected to be overseas, a port in Japan may be selected as the destination. In other words, the destination in the second calculation process may be the port closest to the departure point automatically input, or the purchaser may select any port. In addition to the departure point and destination, a stopover point may be selected. Note that if the destination is expected to be domestic, the second calculation process may be omitted, or any destination may be input to calculate the second price, or the domestic destination farthest from the departure point may be input to calculate the maximum cost related to transportation.

The seller terminal 1 transmits the departure point and destination to the server device 2 (step S32), and the server device 2 receives the departure point and destination (step S33). The server device 2 identifies the vehicle information from the identification number entered in the simplified registration process (step S34), and calculates the second price (step S35). The calculated second price is transmitted from the server device 2 to the seller terminal 1 (step S36), and the seller terminal 1 receives the second price (step S37). The second calculation process ends through the processes of steps S31 to S37.

In step S35, the second price is calculated based on the size of the vehicle determined from the specified vehicle information and the distance from the departure point to the destination. Examples of the size of the vehicle include the overall length, overall height, and minimum ground clearance of the vehicle. The second price can be calculated by previously storing in the server device 2 the transportation cost according to the size of the vehicle and the distance associated with each other. The size of the vehicle used to calculate the second price may be the information registered in the additional registration process. In other words, the second price is calculated based on the size of the vehicle determined from the attribute information and/or additional information and the transportation distance determined from the input of the departure point and destination of the seller and/or purchaser.

Specifically, if the overall length of the vehicle is 4.50 m, the transportation cost is stored as 1,600 yen per 10 km. If the overall length of the vehicle identified from the identification number is 4.50 m, the departure point is Tokyo, and the arrival point is Osaka, the calculated second price is 64,000 yen. The distance from the departure point to the arrival point can be identified from a database stored in the server device 2. The distance may be identified in conjunction with another map application. The distance from the departure point to the arrival point may be the straight-line distance from the departure point to the arrival point, or may take into account the actual transportation route. In addition, when a sea route is used, it is preferable to calculate the distance taking into account the route from the port of departure to the port of arrival.

The transportation cost according to the size and distance of the vehicle may be further stored in the server device 2 in association with the transportation method. Examples of the transportation method include land, sea, and air. It is preferable to specify whether the transportation method from the input departure point to the destination is land, sea, or air, or a combination of these. For the input route from the departure point to the destination, the transportation method can be specified according to the route, such as land from the departure point to point A, sea from point A to point B, and land from point B to the destination, and the second price can be calculated according to the distance of each route. The specified transportation method can be stored in the server device 2, for example, by selecting the sea route if the route includes the sea, and by selecting the land route otherwise. Also, if the route includes the sea, the sea route or air route may be selected, or the seller may input it in step S31. If a port is input for two or more of the departure point, destination, and intermediate point, the transportation method from port to port can be specified as the sea route.

In addition, since the actual shipping cost varies depending on the options of the vehicle being sold, it is preferable that the second price is displayed to the seller as a guideline amount. Also, in step S31, a display is displayed prompting the seller to input options for the used car, and the options may be input.

In step S13, the calculated second price is displayed, allowing the seller to determine the planned selling price by referring to the second price. This makes it possible to reduce unexpected expenses.

[Notification Processing]
Next, the notification process (step S2) in the sales support system will be described with reference to Fig. 8, which is a flowchart showing the notification process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A buyer who wishes to purchase a vehicle logs into the sales support system by accessing the server device 2 via a web browser from the buyer terminal 3. As described above, the sales support system may start a dedicated app downloaded to the buyer terminal 3 and access the server device 2 to log into the sales support system.

When a purchaser wishes to view the simplified registration information of a vehicle that has been simply registered, the purchaser operates the purchaser terminal 3 and transmits a request to transmit the simplified registration information of the used vehicle from the purchaser terminal 3 to the server device 2 (step S41). When the server device 2 receives the request to transmit the simplified registration information (step S42), it identifies the simplified registration information of the vehicle (step S43) and transmits the simplified registration information of the vehicle to the purchaser terminal 3 (step S44). When the purchaser terminal 3 receives the simplified registration information (step S45), the simplified registration information is displayed (step S46).

Next, a third calculation process is performed (step S47), and the third price is displayed on the purchaser terminal 3 (step S48). If the purchaser wishes to purchase the displayed vehicle or to view additional information about the vehicle, the purchaser terminal 3 accepts an input of a request to send additional information (step S49). The purchaser terminal 3 sends a request to send additional information to the server device 2 (step S50), and the server device 2 receives the request to send additional information (step S51). After step S51, the server device 2 sends a notification of the request to send additional information to the seller terminal 1 (step S52), and the seller terminal 1 receives the notification of the request to send additional information (step S53). The notification process is completed by steps S41 to S53. If the purchaser wishes to purchase the displayed vehicle, the above process may be omitted and the process of step S82 described below may be executed.

When the seller terminal 1 receives the notification of the additional information transmission request, the seller can know that the purchaser has made a request to transmit additional information. Here, the transmission of the notification of the additional information transmission request from the server device 2 to the seller terminal 1 in step S52 may be executed each time the server device 2 receives a request to transmit additional information from the purchaser terminal 3, or may be executed when the server device 2 receives additional information transmission requests from multiple purchaser terminals 3. In other words, when the server device 2 receives a request to transmit additional information a predetermined number of times, the server device 2 may transmit a notification of the additional information transmission request to the seller terminal 1. The predetermined number of times can be set appropriately by operating the seller terminal. Also, the predetermined number of times may be set for each vehicle to be put up for sale. Also, it may be set by operating the administrator terminal. Furthermore, when the server device 2 receives a request to transmit additional information a predetermined number of times, the server device 2 may notify the seller terminal 1 to perform the additional registration process described below. In other words, when a predetermined condition is met, the server device 2 may transmit a notification of the additional information transmission request to the seller terminal 1 in step S52.

The notification process may omit the processes of steps S47 and S48. When inputting the additional information transmission request in step S49, the purchaser may also input a question for the purchaser, the content of the photos to be registered in the additional registration process described below, a request for a reduction in the selling price, etc. Also, the purchaser may be able to enter a strong desire to purchase the vehicle and the degree of possibility of purchase. The question or request may be notified only to the seller terminal 1 of the vehicle, or may be freely viewable by other sellers, purchasers, or administrators in the sales support system. The question or request may be displayed in a chat format so that the seller and the purchaser can send messages to each other. Also, the number of times a request for additional information transmission has been sent for the vehicle may be displayed on a web page on which the simplified registration information or additional information of the vehicle is displayed. Also, the purchase history and the history of requests for additional information transmission may be viewable on the seller terminal 1 for the purchaser who sent the notified additional information transmission request.

Since the purchaser can know the number of times the notification of step S53 was received, the number of times a request to send additional information was sent, and/or requests from customers, etc., the purchaser can predict the possibility of selling the listed vehicle. In addition, the selling price of the vehicle can be changed according to the above-mentioned number of times and/or requests from customers. In addition, since the purchaser's requests can be known, additional information such as photos that are in demand can be effectively registered. Furthermore, for vehicles that are determined to have a low possibility of being sold, it can be determined not to execute the additional information registration process (step S3). Regardless of whether or not there is a possibility of selling, registering the same amount of information for all vehicles to be listed is a heavy burden for the seller. In one aspect of the present embodiment, a simplified registration process is once performed for the vehicles owned, and the additional information registration process can be executed only for vehicles that have the possibility of being sold, which motivates the seller to list more vehicles.

[Third Calculation Process]
Next, the third calculation process (step S47) in the sales support system will be described. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the third calculation process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same processes as those described above may be omitted as appropriate.

The purchaser inputs the destination when purchasing the vehicle viewed in the sales support system into the purchaser terminal 3 (step S61). The destination is the place where the purchaser wants the purchased vehicle to be delivered. It is preferable to input the name of a country or region as the destination. The destination is transmitted from the purchaser terminal 3 to the server device 2 (step S62), and the destination is received by the server device 2 (step S63). The server device 2 identifies the vehicle information from the sales support system (step S64), and calculates the third price (step S65). The calculated third price is transmitted from the server device 2 to the purchaser terminal 3 (step S66), and the purchaser terminal 3 receives the third price (step S67). Through the processing of steps S61 to S67, the third calculation process is completed.

In step S65, the third price is calculated from the size of the vehicle obtained from the specified vehicle information and the distance from the departure point to the destination, similar to the calculation of the second price. Note that since the actual transportation cost varies depending on the options of the used car being sold, it is preferable that the third price is displayed to the purchaser as a guideline amount. Note that the size of the vehicle used to calculate the third price may use the information registered in the additional registration process. In other words, the third price is calculated based on the size of the vehicle specified from the attribute information and/or additional information, and the transportation distance specified from the input of the departure point and destination of the seller and/or purchaser.

In step S48, the calculated third price is displayed, allowing the purchaser to make a decision regarding the purchase of the vehicle by referring to the third price.

[Additional registration process]
Next, the additional registration process (step S3) in the sales support system will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the additional registration process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention. The additional registration process in which the seller inputs additional information is preferably executed after a notification indicating that the input of the intention information or the display request for the additional information has been received from the seller terminal.

In step S53, the seller who received the notification of the request to send additional information logs into the sales support system, selects the vehicle for which to enter additional information, and enters the additional information of the listed vehicle into the seller terminal 1 (step S71). The seller terminal 1 transmits the additional information to the server device 2 (step S72), which receives the additional information (step S73). The server device 2 registers the additional information (step S74). The server device 2 transmits a registration notification indicating that the additional information has been registered to the buyer terminal 3 (step S75), which receives the additional notification (step S76). The additional registration process ends through the processing of steps S71 to S76.

The additional information input in step S71 is information that has not been input in the simplified registration information and is necessary for the decision to purchase the vehicle. For example, it is interior and exterior photos of the listed vehicle, videos, mileage, repair history, scratches, vehicle inspection period, etc. In addition, for example, information stored in a computer device in the vehicle such as an ECU may be input as additional information. Information stored in a computer device in the vehicle includes, for example, door opening and closing information, and repair history, etc. can be predicted from this information. The seller can also register information requested by the purchaser in the notification process described above. In addition, the seller can input the selling price of the vehicle. The selling price of the vehicle may be the same as the planned selling price, or it may be changed. At this time, the first calculation process may be executed to display the first price and use it as a reference for determining the price.

The notification of the request to send additional information in step S53 may include a link associated with a web page for inputting additional information about the vehicle. In other words, the notification may include information for inputting additional information about the product, along with information indicating the request to send additional information. The seller can use the link to access the web page of the sales support system that performs the process of S71.

In the registration of additional information in step S74, the server device 2 stores the simplified registration information registered in the simplified registration process in association with the additional information. Furthermore, once the additional information has been registered, the seller, purchaser, and administrator can view the simplified registration information and additional information for the vehicle by accessing the website of the sales support system operated by the administrator. In other words, the simplified registration information and additional information for the vehicle can be viewed not only on the purchaser terminal that sent the request to send additional information in step S50, but also on all terminals using the sales support system, that is, terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple purchasers, or multiple administrators.

After the additional information is registered in step S74, the purchaser can view the additional information about the vehicle in the sales support system. At this time, the processing of steps S47 and S48 may be executed, and the third price may be displayed on the purchaser terminal 3.

Here, additional information about the registered vehicle can be displayed on the purchaser's terminal, etc., but in addition to the photo of the vehicle registered by the seller, an image showing the shape and/or color of the vehicle when it was first sold can be extracted from images stored in the server device 2 or from the Internet, etc., and displayed. The image showing the shape and/or color of the vehicle when it was first sold can also be said to be an image showing the actual color of the vehicle. An image showing the actual color of the vehicle is, for example, an image of the vehicle provided by the manufacturer, or an image of a color sample. The image may be an image showing the entire vehicle, an image showing part of the vehicle, or an image showing only the color of the vehicle.

The image showing the actual vehicle color is identified from the vehicle model and/or vehicle color identified from the vehicle identification number in the simplified registration process. Or, in the additional registration process, it is identified from the vehicle model and/or vehicle color input by the seller terminal. When inputting the vehicle color, for example, when the seller selects the vehicle model, color information available in the vehicle model is displayed, and the seller selects a color system related to the vehicle from among the colors. Furthermore, a more specific vehicle color may be selected from the selected color system. Specifically, when the vehicle model is selected, options such as red, blue, yellow, gray, maroon, white, and black are displayed as color systems, from which the seller can select red as the color system. Furthermore, more specific colors such as Chinese red, ruby red, coral red, and rose red are displayed, and the color can be input by selecting the color related to the vehicle from among them. The vehicle color may be input by inputting the vehicle color code (also called color number). Additionally, the color to be input may be one type or multiple types, depending on the vehicle to be sold. From the input color, an image showing the actual vehicle color can be identified. This allows the purchaser to confirm the color of the vehicle that is actually being sold, although the color may look different from the actual vehicle color depending on the appearance of the photo registered in the additional registration process. Note that when the vehicle model and color of the vehicle can be identified from the vehicle identification number, an image of the vehicle or an image showing the vehicle color can be displayed when the simplified registration information is displayed in step S46.

The purchaser terminals 3 to which the registration notification is sent in step S75 may be all purchaser terminals 3 that have sent a request to send additional information, or only the purchaser terminals 3 that have sent a request to purchase the vehicle or to view additional information about the vehicle. Also, the configuration may be such that when a request to send additional information is sent, the notification is sent only to the purchaser terminals 3 that have input that a registration notification is required.

[Purchase process]
Next, the purchase process (step S4) in the sales support system will be described with reference to Fig. 11, which is a flowchart showing the purchase process in the sales support system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

When a purchaser wishes to purchase a vehicle, the purchaser selects the vehicle to be purchased at the purchaser terminal 3 (step S81). A purchase request is sent from the purchaser terminal 3 to the server device 2 (step S82), and the server device 2 receives the purchase request (step S83). Next, the server device 2 sends a purchase notification to the seller terminal 1 (step S84), and the seller terminal 1 receives the purchase notification (step S85). At this time, the server device 2 may send the purchase notification to the administrator terminal. Next, billing information is sent from the server device 2 to the purchaser terminal 3 (step S87), and the purchaser terminal 3 receives the billing information (step S87). The purchaser terminal 3 makes a payment based on the received billing information (step S88), and the purchase process ends.

In the purchase request in step S82, the destination of the vehicle to be purchased is input. A desired delivery date for the vehicle may also be input. In addition, before the purchase request is sent, an estimate of the costs related to the vehicle to be purchased, including the transportation costs to be borne by the purchaser, may be displayed.

When the process of step S88 is executed, the seller terminal 1 and the administrator terminal are notified that payment has been made. With this notification, the seller and administrator can proceed with preparations for shipping the purchased vehicle. Specifically, the administrator proceeds with arrangements for transporting the vehicle to the destination entered by the purchaser.

Here, in one aspect of the present invention, a configuration can be adopted in which a seller is given a privilege when the seller sells a vehicle to a buyer at a price lower than the base price of the vehicle. The "base price" is the base price of the product to be sold. For example, it may be the purchase price of the vehicle, or the average price of multiple prices of vehicles with the same or similar attribute information that are simply registered and/or additionally registered in the sales support system from the attribute information of the vehicle specified by the identification number of the vehicle to be sold, or the average price of those prices may be extracted from the transaction records of vehicles with the same or similar attribute information that are simply registered and/or additionally registered in the sales support system. In addition, the general auction market price may be used for the vehicle to be sold. Note that, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it is preferable to use the average price extracted from the system, the auction market price, etc., rather than the price input by the seller as the base price.

The granting of a special benefit to a seller means the transfer, loan, or exchange of a specific item or service. Specific special benefits include, for example, the granting of points or provisional points that can be used in the sales support system, discounts on the usage fee and brokerage fee for the sales support system, discounts on the shipping costs borne by the seller, displaying other vehicles sold by the seller in a way that makes them easier for buyers to view than vehicles of other sellers, the loaning of specific items, and the exchange of prizes. A special benefit may also be granted to a seller when the seller adds up to a specific amount to the book value of the vehicle and sells it to a buyer. The specific amount can be set to an amount obtained by multiplying a specific percentage by the amount obtained by subtracting the book value from the purchase price. The specific percentage may be changed depending on the number of years that have passed since the purchase.

This provides incentive for sellers to list their vehicles, since they can receive benefits even if they sell at a price lower than the purchase price. Also, when a sale is made at a price higher than the book value, they can receive benefits while still making a real sales profit.

In the above embodiment, the sales support system is mainly applied to the sale of used cars, and a configuration in which the chassis number is used as the identification number has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, when the sales support system is applied to the sale of products such as used goods, the product's barcode, manufacturing number, and serial code can be used as the identification number (identification information) instead of the chassis number. Since the product's barcode, manufacturing number, and serial code are determined according to certain rules, a database for identifying product attribute information from these identification numbers is stored in advance in the server device 2. The database stores the product's barcode, manufacturing number, and serial code in association with the product's attribute information identified by these. Also, a configuration in which the product's attributes are identified by inputting an image of the product from the seller terminal 1 and performing image recognition may be adopted.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the simplified registration process is mainly performed by inputting an identification number and a planned selling price to register simplified registration information, but the sales support system according to the present invention may be applied to a configuration in which the seller terminal 1 receives input of information capable of identifying attributes of a product and completes listing of the product based on the received information. Furthermore, the seller terminal 1 may receive input of information about the product (also called additional information) that is different from the information received in the simplified registration process, and store the received additional information in association with the product that has been listed. In the following description, when the above-mentioned process is performed, the description may be omitted as appropriate.

At this time, in the simplified registration process (step S1), the seller inputs information (also called product-related information) that can identify the product's attributes into the seller terminal 1 (step S11). The product-related information is attribute information that indicates the attributes of the product to be put up for sale, and includes the above-mentioned identification number. The product-related information is, for example, product name, product category, product condition, grade, size, manufacturing year, country of origin, manufacturer, color, and other product-related information. Note that the product-related information inputted into the seller terminal 1 in step S11 may not include an identification number. The product-related information inputted in step S11 may be information that can identify at least one product attribute. The product-related information inputted into the seller terminal 1 is transmitted from the seller terminal 1 to the server device 2 (step S15), and the server device 2 receives the information (step S16). The information is registered as simplified registration information in the server device 2 (step S18).

When the simplified registration information is registered, the product is treated as a listed product in the sales support system. In other words, the registered simplified registration information is treated as listed product information. Listed product information can be viewed on all terminals operated by sellers, buyers, or administrators who use the sales support system. In other words, by accessing the sales support system website operated by the administrator, product information can be viewed on terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple buyers, or multiple administrators.

In this embodiment, regardless of whether an identification number was input in step S11, the processes of steps S12 to S14 and the process of identifying product information based on the identification number in step S17 may be omitted as appropriate. At this time, if an identification number was input in step S11, the identification number is registered in the simplified registration information as product attribute information. Also, if an identification number was input in step S11, the processes of steps S12 to S14 and the process of step S17 may be executed. At this time, the product attribute information identified from the identification number and information about the product inputted at the seller terminal are registered as simplified registration information.

The seller may input the planned selling price along with the product attribute information and register it as simplified registration information on the server device 2. In addition, it is preferable that the minimum necessary information that the seller is required to input into the seller terminal 1 in the simplified registration process is set by an administrator. For example, the name of the product may be a required input item. In this case, if the name of the product is input into the seller terminal 1, it is registered as simplified registration information and treated as a listed product.

This allows sellers to complete listings by simply entering the minimum amount of information necessary about their products, lowering the barrier to listing products.

After the simple registration process (step S1) is performed, the notification process (step S2), additional registration process (step S3), and purchase process (step S4) described above are executed. As described above, once the additional information is registered (step S74), the seller, purchaser, and administrator can view the additional information for the product by accessing the website of the sales support system operated by the administrator. In other words, the additional information can be viewed not only on the purchaser terminal that sent the request to send additional information in step S50, but also on all terminals using the sales support system, that is, terminals operated by multiple sellers, multiple purchasers, or multiple administrators.

In step S53, the seller can determine whether or not to perform the process in step S3 depending on the number of times and content of the notification of the request to send additional information has been received. The notification of the request to send additional information in step S53 may be executed when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are met. This allows the seller to decide to register additional information for products that have been easily listed and have the potential to be sold, thereby reducing the effort spent on products with a low possibility of being sold. In addition, the seller can perform the easy registration process once for products they own, and then perform the additional information registration process only for products that have the potential to be sold, which motivates them to list more products.

"Additional information" refers to information about a product, which is attribute information different from the information about the product that has been accepted for input in the simplified registration process, and refers to information required for additional registration when listing a product, information registered in additional registration, or other information. Additional information is information necessary for the decision to purchase a product, and can also be considered detailed information about the product. Examples of attribute information about a product that has not been accepted for input in the simplified registration information include photos of the listed product from different angles, videos, and more detailed product descriptions. The seller can also register information requested by the buyer as additional information in the notification process. The seller can also enter the selling price of the product, or may enter a selling price that is changed from the planned selling price.

If the identification information specifying the attribute information of the product is not included in step S11, it is preferable that the third calculation process and the display of the third price in the notification process (steps S47 and S48) are not performed. Furthermore, the process of step S3 may be executed immediately after the process of step S1. Furthermore, the purchaser may execute the purchase process of step S4, omitting the process of step S3, the processes of steps S1 and S2, or the processes of steps S2 and S3. Furthermore, the process of step S2 may be executed after step S3, or the order of steps S2 and S3 may be reversed.

The sales support system may also be applied to the sale of services. In this case, in the simplified registration process, information capable of identifying the attributes of the service is input. Also, the service name and the estimated selling price may be input and registered as simplified registration information. When the simplified registration process (step S1) is performed, it is preferable that the above-mentioned notification process (step S2), additional registration process (step S3), and purchase process (step S4) are executed. In the additional registration process, a configuration may be adopted in which the seller terminal 1 accepts input of information about a service different from the information entered as simplified registration information, and the accepted information is stored in association with the service for which listing has been completed.

According to the present invention, since the attributes of a product are identified based on the identification information, the seller terminal can accept the input of identification information that can identify the attributes of the product, and the product to be put up for sale in the sales support system can be registered, lowering the hurdle of listing. Also, according to the present invention, attribute information related to the identified product attributes is displayed on the buyer terminal, and the buyer terminal accepts the input of intention information related to the intention to purchase the product, or accepts a request to display additional information about the product that is different from the attribute information, and transmits information to the seller terminal indicating that the input of intention information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that the request to display additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request to display additional information satisfies a predetermined condition, so that the seller can know the reaction from buyers to the product he has put up for sale. Also, since the seller can put up and sell products regardless of whether the buyer is located in Japan or overseas, the expansion of sales channels can be expected.

According to the present invention, the seller terminal accepts the input of additional information and transmits information to the buyer terminal indicating that the input of additional information has been accepted, so the buyer can know that additional information has been registered for a product in which the buyer is interested. Furthermore, according to the present invention, information indicating that the input of intention information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that a request to display additional information has been accepted, or that the acceptance of the request to display additional information satisfies a predetermined condition, is transmitted together with information for inputting additional information about the product, so the seller can smoothly input the additional information. Furthermore, according to the present invention, attribute information relating to the attributes of the identified product and price information relating to the price of the product are displayed on the buyer terminal, so the buyer can know the price of the product.

According to the present invention, by inputting the time of purchase and the purchase price of the product, a price that serves as a reference for determining the price of the product can be calculated based on the time of purchase and the purchase price of the product. Furthermore, according to the present invention, if the price calculated by the price calculation means changes over time, the change can be notified to the computer device. When setting the price of a product, it is possible to price it not only based on the purchase price but also based on a price that includes depreciation, so that accurate profits can be calculated. Furthermore, book value can be calculated without incurring extra costs by outsourcing complicated calculations.

According to the present invention, when a seller of a product sells a product to a buyer who wishes to purchase the product at a price lower than the purchase price of the product, bonus information for granting a bonus to the seller is stored, which motivates the seller to sell the product at a price lower than the purchase price. In addition, according to the present invention, transportation costs are calculated based on information related to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or vehicle identification number, so that the costs related to transportation can be easily understood when buying and selling a product.

According to the present invention, after receiving an additional information transmission request indicating that the seller terminal has accepted the input of intention information, or that the acceptance of the input of intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, or that the seller terminal has accepted a request to display additional information, or that the acceptance of the request to display additional information satisfies a predetermined condition, the seller terminal accepts the input of additional information, associates and stores the information about the product that has been accepted with the additional information that has been accepted, and makes the additional information that has been accepted viewable on multiple buyer terminals, so that information about the product can be easily conveyed to buyers who wish to purchase the product. Also, buyers can convey information they want to know about the product they want to purchase, or that they wish to purchase it. Also, sellers can grasp the reaction to the product they have put up and use it to decide the selling price, whether to continue the listing, etc. Also, accepting the input of information about the product completes the listing of the product, and furthermore, since information different from the information that has been accepted can be stored in association with the product that has been listed, sellers can easily list the product. Also, this leads to motivation to list more products.

1: Seller terminal 2: Server device 3: Purchaser terminal 4: Communication network
11: Control unit 12: Main memory 13: Storage unit 14: Input device 15: Display device 16: Communication interface
21: Control unit 22: Main memory
23: Storage unit 23: Communication interface

Claims (10)

A sales support system including a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a vehicle and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the vehicle,
a first input receiving means for receiving, at the seller terminal, input of information relating to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or the vehicle identification number of the vehicle being sold;
an attribute specifying means for specifying attribute information relating to attributes of the vehicle based on information regarding a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number when an input is received by a first input receiving means;
an attribute storage means for storing the attribute information identified by the attribute identification means;
a first display means for displaying the attribute information stored in the attribute storage means on the purchaser terminal when a transmission request for attribute information relating to attributes of the vehicle is made from the purchaser terminal ;
A price calculation means for calculating a price of the vehicle based on the specified attribute information;
Equipped with
Displaying the calculated price on the seller terminal and/or the buyer terminal;
Sales support system. A sales support system including a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a vehicle, a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase a vehicle, and a server device,
a first input receiving means for receiving, at the seller terminal, input of information relating to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or the vehicle identification number of the vehicle being sold;
an attribute specification means for specifying attributes of a vehicle in a server device based on information regarding a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number inputted and accepted at a seller terminal;
a first display means for displaying, at the purchaser terminal, attribute information relating to the attributes of the vehicle identified by the attribute identification means ;
A price calculation means for calculating a price of the vehicle based on the specified attribute information;
Equipped with
Displaying the calculated price on the seller terminal and/or the buyer terminal;
Sales support system. 3. The sales support system of claim 1, further comprising: a second input receiving means for receiving, at the purchaser terminal, input of intention information regarding an intention to purchase the vehicle; and a first information transmitting means for transmitting, to the seller terminal, information indicating that the input of the intention information has been received or that the reception of the input of the intention information satisfies a predetermined condition. a third input receiving means for receiving input of additional information about the vehicle at the seller terminal;
A second information transmitting means for transmitting information indicating that the input of the additional information has been accepted to the purchaser terminal;
4. The sales support system according to claim 3 , further comprising a viewing enabling means for enabling the inputted and accepted additional information to be viewed on a plurality of purchaser terminals. The sales support system of claim 3, wherein the first information transmitting means transmits information indicating that the input of the intention information has been accepted or that the acceptance of the input of the intention information satisfies a predetermined condition, together with information enabling access to a page for inputting additional information about the vehicle. 3. The sales support system of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a second input receiving means for receiving, at the purchaser terminal, a request to display additional information regarding the vehicle; and a first information transmitting means for transmitting, to the seller terminal, information indicating that the request to display the additional information has been received or that the reception of the request to display the additional information satisfies a specified condition. a third input receiving means for receiving input of additional information about the vehicle at the seller terminal;
A second information transmitting means for transmitting information indicating that the input of the additional information has been accepted to the purchaser terminal;
7. The sales support system according to claim 6 , further comprising a viewing enabling means for enabling the inputted and accepted additional information to be viewed on a plurality of purchaser terminals. The sales support system of claim 6, wherein the first information sending means sends information indicating that a request to display additional information has been received or that the reception of the request to display additional information satisfies a predetermined condition, together with information enabling access to a page for inputting additional information about the vehicle. A sales support method executed in a sales support system including a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a vehicle and a buyer terminal operated by a buyer who wishes to purchase the vehicle, comprising:
a first input receiving step of receiving, at a seller terminal, input of information relating to a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number of the vehicle to be sold;
an attribute specifying step of specifying attribute information relating to attributes of the vehicle based on information regarding a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number when an input is accepted in the first input accepting step;
an attribute storage step of storing the attribute information identified by the attribute identification step;
a first display step of displaying, on the purchaser terminal , the attribute information stored in the attribute storage step when a transmission request for attribute information relating to attributes of the vehicle is made from the purchaser terminal;
A price calculation step of calculating a price for the vehicle based on the identified attribute information;
having
Displaying the calculated price on the seller terminal and/or the buyer terminal;
Sales support methods. A sales support method executed in a sales support system including a seller terminal operated by a seller who sells a vehicle, a purchaser terminal operated by a purchaser who wishes to purchase the vehicle, and a server device, comprising:
a first input receiving step of receiving, at a seller terminal, input of information relating to a vehicle inspection certificate and/or a vehicle identification number of the vehicle to be sold;
an attribute specification step of specifying attributes of the vehicle in a server device based on information related to the vehicle inspection certificate and/or the vehicle identification number inputted and accepted at the seller terminal;
a first display step of displaying, at the purchaser terminal, attribute information regarding the attributes of the vehicle identified in the attribute identification step;
A price calculation step of calculating a price of the vehicle based on the identified attribute information;
having
Displaying the calculated price on the seller terminal and/or the buyer terminal;
Sales support methods.

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