AU2015202732A1 - A method for sale of beverages - Google Patents

Abstract

A METHOD FOR SALE OF BEVERAGES Abstract There is disclosed herein a method for sale of beverages where a vehicle operator requires fuel replenishment. A petrol bowser location (1) a point of sale device (2) is accessible to a consumer operating bowser (1). Prior to or upon initiation of or following completion of bowser operation, the consumer is able and authorised to activate device (2), which can be an electronic device such as a card reader, eftpos or other form of prepayment device, in order to initiate an order to a booth (3) proximate the service station. Sale device (2) allows the consumer to place an order for a beverage during bowser operation and either prepay for that order electronically at the device (2) or once refuelling is complete at a point of sale in a usual manner. h c e enters a service STEPt 3Vehicle ge reueed Teuch screen kiosk near the petrol bowser, Fuel customer places codeeP STEP 4 order by pressing a toucb screen. The orderiaseont to 'The kiosk the barista in the coffee - re whEe Vffee7 rdr Fuel customer goes im SITEP 5 ervlce / ga station and 4 pays fur faee ] Customer collects coffee that was ordered froii ca Ffe pod that is located In a car spot or in the service TEPstation The Barista received the order from coffee osR incated near bowser, Figure 1

Description

1 A METHOD FOR SALE OF BEVERAGES Field [0001] The present invention relates to methods of doing business and more particularly relates to a business system for promoting and selling beverages such as but not limited to coffee at motor vehicle service centres. More particularly the business system provides for the ordering and sale of coffee at the point of sale of fuel in a service station. The present invention further relates to coffee containing products and methods of marketing and selling same in a motor vehicle service station environment. The present invention further provides coffee products, methods of marketing coffee products, ad campaigns for promoting coffee products, methods of generating revenue from beverages including coffee products and the like sold through refueling stations. The present invention also provides a system which enables consumers to purchase a beverage or other product while in another location engaged in another activity. Background [0002] Coffee is a heavily consumed beverage that consumers demand in many circumstances including while in transit on the road. Coffee beverages are currently marketed according to a number of different models and through a variety of outlets. Traditionally good coffee is sold in specialist coffee outlets. In other models for sale of coffee and related beverages, consumers can purchase coffee during shopping in large stores such as IkeaTm and hardware stores. The business model in which coffee and a variety of other beverages can be made available while consumers are furniture or hardware shopping is well known. In each case however, there is no facility for the consumer to initiate a coffee purchase unless the consumer personally attends the in house coffee shop and orders from there. This requires the consumer to leave shopping or some other activity and suspend that to wait while coffee is prepared at another location. [0003] Currently there appears to be no business model which provides for the initiation of preparation and sale of coffee during or at a point of initiation of another consuming activity, such as, for example, at a petrol bowser.

2 [0004] There remains an ongoing need to improve the known methods and systems at service stations or the like to accommodate consumer need and particularly the need for 'on the run' beverage purchasing (such as coffee), at a fuel purchase location or the like. [0005] Typically, when a consumer enters a motor vehicle service centre, the consumer parks at a bowser of choice and then proceeds to fill the vehicle with fuel. Once filled, the consumer attends the point of sale and at that time can purchase other items offered for sale by the retailer which often include self-serve coffee, food, drinks, papers and vehicle accessories depending upon the scope of products offered for sale by a particular outlet. The standard of coffee quality is quite low and is no substitute for properly made high quality coffee. Service stations are not retail outlets at which consumers would wish to spend much time but periodic attendance is essential for motorists. This necessitates frequent visits to service stations which would be an ideal time for a coffee break but there is no opportunity at present to enable a consumer to order a high quality Barista made coffee from a service station during re fuelling. Refuelling is usually a chore that drivers wish to deal with quickly. On long trips purchase of fuel and beverages for the road go hand in hand. It is however a perfect opportunity to use time available during the time spent refuelling for purchasing other goods thereby saving overall time spent at the service station acquiring a coffee beverage separately. However, the driver does not wish to leave the car unattended during refueling. [0006] There is a need to address the aforesaid problems in order to increase consumer options and to provide an alternative to the known methods such that a consumer can save time at a refueling stop and obtain high quality beverages such as coffee. Object of the Invention [0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

3 Summary [0008] In attempting to ameliorate or eliminate the prior art problems identified above, and to provide an alternative to known business systems, the present invention at least in a preferred embodiment seeks to provide a method of marketing beverages during refuelling at a motor vehicle refuelling/filling station. [0009] At least in a preferred embodiment, the present invention, seeks to increase the sale of coffee, increase the revenue of a service station and increase the availability and convenience of beverages during refueling or other car maintenance and to reduce the time spent in doing this at such establishments. [0010] In one broad form the present invention comprises: a business system for vending barista made coffee in a vehicle service station upon actuation of a bowser, the system comprising the steps of, providing at or near a bowser location an order station for transmission of order data; providing at the order station a first receiving station for receiving and processing data transmitted from the bowser location; upon actuation of the bowser, initiating activation of the first receiving station for transmission of data to a remote receiving station; transmitting an order from the first receiving station at the order station to the remote receiving station concurrent with the actuation of the bowser; providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a coffee beverage ordered and prepared during re fuelling. [0011] In its broadest form the present invention comprises: a business system for vending a beverage in a vehicle service station via a fuel bowser location, the system comprising the steps of: providing at or near the bowser location an order station for transmission of order data; providing at the order station a first receiving station for receiving and processing data transmitted from the bowser location; initiating activation of the first receiving station for transmission of order data to a remote receiving station; 4 transmitting an order from the first receiving station at the order station to the remote receiving station; providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a beverage ordered and prepared during vehicle re fuelling at the service station. [0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the system the beverage is coffee. According to one embodiment, the ability of a consumer to make a purchase is initiated by actuation of a bowser such that an order can be transmitted once re fuelling has commenced or at the conclusion of re fuelling. According to one embodiment the data receiving station comprises a data reader or equivalent device which receives data from the consumer related to the purchase of a beverage. The data reader is preferably triggered by actuation of a bowser nozzle which enables a consumer to order a beverage during re fuelling and once refuelled to pay for the fuel and for the coffee beverage. [0013] According to one embodiment the consumer swipes a credit card to be read at the data receiving station. The data receiving station can be established so that its actuation is contingent upon a consumer purchasing fuel. While at a bowser the consumer if wishing to purchase coffee or other beverage enters the order request at the bowser via a speaker or key pad. The purchase data is transmitted to a data receiver associated with a beverage vendor. The beverage vendor is preferably located at the service station or at least within a reasonable distance from the payment location at the service station for attending to payment of fuel costs. [0014] In another broad form the present invention comprises: a method for marketing, promotion and selling of a coffee beverage at a vehicle refuelling outlet, the method comprising the steps of. a) activating a purchase of fuel at a fuel bowser; b) allowing a consumer to initiate a purchase of a coffee beverage via an order station at or near a bowser location; c) effecting data input related to purchase of the coffee beverage into a first receiving station at the order station; d) inputting data for transmission of order data; e) transmission of order data to a remote receiving station; f) processing the order data at said remote receiving station 5 g) providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a coffee beverage ordered and prepared during re fuelling. h) completing transaction for payment of coffee and fuel at a point of sale. [0015] Preferably, the coffee purchase is actuated at the commencement, during or at the termination of a fuel purchase. [0016] The present invention at least in a preferred embodiment provides an alternative to the known prior art and the shortcomings identified. The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying representations, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawing [0017] The present invention will now be described according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment and with reference to the accompanying illustration, wherein: [0018] Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of the business system according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed Description [0019] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment. The examples referred to herein are illustrative and are not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the invention. While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be appreciated that these are capable of modification, and therefore the disclosures herein are not to be construed as limiting of the precise details set forth, but to avail such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the description. Although the method and apparatus aspects of the invention will be described with reference to their 6 application to motor vehicle service stations networks, it will be appreciated that the invention has alternative applications. [0020] According to a preferred embodiment, when a vehicle operator requires fuel replenishment, there is provided at a petrol bowser location 1 a point of sale device 2 which is accessible to a consumer operating bowser 1. Prior to or upon initiation of or following completion of bowser operation, the consumer is able and authorised to activate device 2, which can be an electronic device such as a card reader, eftpos or other form of prepayment device, in order to initiate an order to a booth 3 proximate the service station. Sale device 2 allows the consumer to place an order for a beverage during bowser operation and either prepay for that order electronically at the device 2 or once refuelling is complete at a point of sale in a usual manner. [0021] According to a preferred embodiment, booth 3 is a coffee making station with a barista filling orders placed at the device 2 and received at a receiving station 4. According to one model of the business system according to the invention, the Barista is an independent coffee vendor with a License to operate from the premises of the motor vehicle service station. In an alternative embodiment the barista is an employee of the service station. In a further embodiment, the barista is a franchisee with a license to operate on the premises of the service station. [0022] Order data from a consumer is sent via the order device 2 which comprises but is not limited to a speaker which enables the consumer to speak direct with the booth 3. Alternatively, orders may be placed by use of entry codes for particular beverages which are transmitted electronically to the booth 3. In an alternative embodiment the order passes via a remote receiving station such as may be located at a main point of sale and is then upon payment transmitted to the booth 3. An order device is either integrated with the bowser or adjacent the bowser so that the order device whether it is hand or voice operated, is preferably in easy reach of the consumer during refuelling. Other forms of purchase initiation are feasible such as a motor vehicle activating a pressure switch to enable a consumer to have access to purchasing at the service station.

7 [0023] One advantage of the business system according to an embodiment of the invention is that time is saved by ordering and preparing a beverage during re fuelling so that the beverage is ready for collection when payment is required for fuel. [0024] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an illustrative layout of the business system method according to a preferred embodiment including a method for marketing, promotion and selling of a coffee beverage at a vehicle refuelling outlet, comprises the following steps. Step 1 shows a vehicle fuel gauge on empty indicating vehicle refuelling is required. Step 2 depicts a vehicle service and refuelling station. Step 3 shows a customer engaged in refuelling in the usual manner. At this point and as shown in step 4 the consumed has an option of ordering a beverage such as but not limited to a coffee beverage. [0025] The system allows for activation of a touch screen kiosk once a fuel bowser is activated. According to one embodiment the beverage purchase kiosk is not triggered by actuation of the bowser with its operation independent of the bowser. In another embodiment actuation of the kiosk is contingent upon actuation of the bowser. The latter would be used in a case where a proprietor wishes to limit purchase of coffee beverages to purchasers of fuel. When the kiosk is activated by a consumer, the consumer can then purchase a coffee beverage. Preferably, the kiosk is activated by a touch screen allowing the consumer to purchase an order which is then sent to a barista who is preferably on the same site as the service station. In step 5 the consumer attends the point of sale to pay for the fuel and any other products including confectionary or beverages purchased at the kiosk/order station located in the airport. The consumer then picks up the beverage from a booth that is located in a car location or elsewhere either in the service station premises or nearby. [0026] According to one embodiment the consumer is able to place an order when a fuel bowser is activated. According to an alternative embodiment the consumer is able to initiate an order at the bowser but independent of whether or not the bowser has been activated. Preferably there is a voice or hand operated input device which allows a consumer to place an order which goes directly or indirectly to a beverage pod or booth at which a person files an order. While the consumer is refuelling the order is filled and is ready for collection and payment at the time of completion of refuelling.

8 [0027] According to one embodiment the data receiving station comprises a touch screen enabling a consumer to electronically select a beverage using codes or descriptions associated with the input device. In an alternative embodiment an order enabling step is swiping a credit card through a credit card reader. In another embodiments voice commands are used. [0028] The disclosure described herein according to a preferred embodiment provides a system for selling coffee products and methods for selling, promoting, and advertising coffee products at vehicle service stations. The disclosure provides a system and method for selling a coffee product by enabling a consumer to purchase a coffee beverage via a refuelling station in a service station so that the beverage is prepared during refuelling saving time for the consumer. This enables increased coffee consumption, promotion of coffee and time saving for the consumer. An advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides methods for selling marketing promoting coffee and other products at service stations or other retail outlets. Moreover, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides a method for increasing revenues from the sale of coffee products. Still further, an advantage of the present invention is that it provides improved methods for generating additional revenue at service stations. [0029] The invention in a further embodiment includes a transmitter and/or signage directing a user of the bowser to go to a web page or download an "app" on a mobile device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop or the like and place their order via the webpage or app. Payments could also be made by the mobile device or credit card with a chip or the like. Further, the coffee or drink station could be portable, such as on wheels or a trailer and moved about the service station or even parks, schools, car parks or the like. Persons could active the app and order and pay ahead using their mobile devices before arriving at the beverage or drink station. [0030] Throughout the specification a reference to a coffee beverage or product can be taken to mean a product based on coffee beans or coffee cherries and intended for oral consumption by a human or animal. A coffee product may e.g. be ground coffee beans, e, g, roast and ground coffee beans; soluble coffee; coffee bean extract; or a ready to drink coffee beverage. Coffee product includes hot beverages based on coffee, espresso, cappuccino and the like. A coffee product may be produced from green coffee beans, roasted coffee beans, or a combination of green and roasted coffee beans, and may comprise additional ingredients such as e.g. a creamer, milk, milk protein, milk fat, vegetable fat, vegetable protein, sugar, artificial sweetener, stabilizer, and/or other ingredients conventionally used as in coffee products. A variety of 9 advertising media for promotion of the business system can be utilized including, by way of example and not limitation, print, internet, television, radio, movies, and labelling. The beverage or drink station could serve all types of product. [0031] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages.

Claims (10)

1. A business system for vending barista made coffee in a vehicle service station upon actuation of a bowser, the system comprising the steps of, providing at or near a bowser location an order station for transmission of order data; providing at the order station a first receiving station for receiving and processing data transmitted from the bowser location; upon actuation of the bowser, initiating activation of the first receiving station for transmission of data to a remote receiving station; transmitting an order from the first receiving station at the order station to the remote receiving station concurrent with the actuation of the bowser; providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a coffee beverage ordered and prepared during re fuelling.

2. A business system for vending a beverage in a vehicle service station via a fuel bowser location, the system comprising the steps of: providing at or near the bowser location an order station for transmission of order data; providing at the order station a first receiving station for receiving and processing data transmitted from the bowser location; initiating activation of the first receiving station for transmission of order data to a remote receiving station; transmitting an order from the first receiving station at the order station to the remote receiving station; providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a beverage ordered and prepared during vehicle re fuelling at the service station.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, whereby the ability of a consumer to make a purchase is initiated by actuation of a bowser such that an order can be transmitted once refuelling has commenced or at the conclusion of refuelling.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the data receiving station comprises a data reader or equivalent device which receives data from the consumer related to the purchase of a beverage. 11

5. The system according to claim 4, whereby the data reader is triggered by actuation of a bowser nozzle which enables a consumer to order a beverage during refuelling and once refuelled to pay for the fuel and for the coffee beverage.

6. The system according to claim 1 or 2, whereby the consumer swipes a credit card to be read at the data receiving station.

7. The system according to claim 1 or 2, whereby the data receiving station is established so that its actuation is contingent upon a consumer purchasing fuel.

8. The system according to claim 1 or 2, whereby the beverage vendor is preferably located at the service station or at least within a reasonable distance from the payment location at the service station for attending to payment of fuel costs.

9. A method for marketing, promotion and selling of a coffee beverage at a vehicle refuelling outlet, the method comprising the steps of: a. activating a purchase of fuel at a fuel bowser; b. allowing a consumer to initiate a purchase of a coffee beverage via an order station at or near a bowser location; c. effecting data input related to purchase of the coffee beverage into a first receiving station at the order station; d. inputting data for transmission of order data; e. transmission of order data to a remote receiving station; f. processing the order data at said remote receiving station g. providing a collection point in communication with the remote data receiving station for collection of a coffee beverage ordered and prepared during refuelling. h. completing transaction for payment of coffee and fuel at a point of sale.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the coffee purchase is actuated at the commencement, during or at the termination of a fuel purchase. Adam Gilchrist Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON