System for concurrent optimization of business economics and customer value

Abstract

A computer-implemented system and method to provide options on products to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented system is operated that delivers to a customer an option to utilize up to n of m selected products, where m and n are whole numbers and n is less than or equal to m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen products, whereby after each of the n chosen products is defined, the customer can utilize said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store.

1 . A computer-implemented system to provide options on products, comprising:
 a. a data processor being adapted to deliver at least one conditional option to at least one customer that provides benefits to the company and to the customer upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined option-related contingent events;   b. a data processor being adapted to receive inputs from the customer regarding said option; and   c. a data processor being adapted to monitor post-sale occurrence of said option-related events and to automatically fulfilling the conditions of any related said option upon noting the occurrence of such an event.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least two of said data processors are a same processor. 
     
     
         3 . A computer-implemented method to provide options on products, comprising:
 a. delivering at least one conditional option to at least one customer that provides benefits to the company and to the customer upon the occurrence of at least one predetermined option-related contingent events;   b. the company interacting with the customer to offer at least said option and obtain customer purchase decisions for said offered option; and   c. monitoring for post-sale occurrence of said option-related events and upon noting the occurrence of such an event, automatically fulfilling the conditions of any related option purchased by the customer.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein at least two of said data processors are a same processor. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein at least one value option framework is created by collecting data on customer preferences and then assigning prices based on company business factors. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the price of an option is assigned when the option is offered to the customer. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 3  wherein offering the value options includes selectively offering value options after taking into account company business conditions. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said option offers a customer multiple options from which to select for personalized in the event of a disruption. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said options includes at least one practically constrained product. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said practically constrained product cannot be utilized fully. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 3  wherein said option includes upgrading from at least one pre-existing product to at least one higher ranked product. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the customer's selection of said higher ranked product confers upon the company a right to enforce a payment obligation on the customer if said higher ranked product becomes available for utilization. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the payment obligation is priced dynamically. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the payment obligation is determined by bidding from customers. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further including providing to the customer an opportunity to modify the price before a specified notification date. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the customer's selection of said higher ranked product requires the customer to indicate the price the customer is willing to pay for the utilization of said higher ranked product. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  further including providing to the customer an opportunity to modify the price before a specified notification date 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said payment includes a payment made to the company at a time the company delivers said option. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein whole or part payment is not be refundable even if said higher ranked product is not available for utilization. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the company may not exercise its right of enforcing the payment obligation upon the customer. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 11  wherein said product is a flight and includes at least one lower ranked cabin and at least one higher ranked cabin, said company is an airline and said upgrade is an upgrade from a lower ranked cabin to a higher ranked cabin.