AU2018101874A4 - Method and system for online shopping - Google Patents

Abstract

An online shopping system and method are provided, and a method for determining a shipping cost, that enables shipping costs to be quickly and accurately determined in complex scenarios. The online shopping method includes: receiving an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made; retrieving shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company; automatically determining a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination. RECEIVE LIST OF GOODS RETREIVE SHIPPING RULES 1 r315 SPLIT GOODS ACCORDING TO TYPE BASED UPON SHIPPING RULES ALLOCATE GOODS TO BOXES BASED UPON TYPE OPTIMIZE ALLOCATION OF GOODS TO BOXES DETERMINE SHIPPING COST BASED UPON OPTIMIZED ALLOCATION Figure 3

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to online shopping, and in particular, although not exclusively, to accurate determination of shipping costs in online shopping.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] Many retailers are transitioning from offline (i.e. bricks and mortar) retail, to online retail, as the threshold moving to online retail is generally low and the potential customer base is generally large. While such online retail initially served local markets, it is now feasible to target overseas markets online.

[0003] One such example is the international trade from Australia to China, due to the huge demand for Australian products, such as milk, health care products and cosmetics, from Australia. Several businesses have even started which act as a purchase agent, purchasing products in Australia, and shipping the products directly to customers in China at a profit.

[0004] While there are great opportunities in selling such products online, both for retailers and purchase agents, there are several logistical challenges in providing such services. In particular, Chinese customs has very complex rules regarding what can be shipped together and in what amounts, particularly directly to consumers. As a result, it is difficult to accurately calculate shipping costs.

[0005] In many cases, shipping costs are manually calculated, which is both labour intensive and prone to human error. Furthermore, as it takes time to manually calculate shipping costs, transactions are unable to be finalised immediately. As an illustrative example, it would generally take at least five to ten minutes to accurately calculate appropriate shipping configurations and the appropriate cost for an experienced professional.

[0006] A further problem with manually calculating shipping costs in such circumstances is that Chinese customs rules change often, and it is time consuming for retailers and purchase agents to stay up to date with the customs rules.

[0007] Accordingly, many retailers and purchase agents are instead coarsely estimating costs based upon weight and/or volume alone, and deliberately overestimating shipping costs to protect their profits. While such systems may be fast, they are not accurate. As a result of the necessary overestimation of costs, shipping can become expensive, which in turn can reduce sales.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 [0008] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved methods and systems for online shopping.

[0009] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0010] The present invention is directed to methods and systems for online shopping, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0011] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an online shopping method including:

receiving an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made;

retrieving shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company;

automatically determining a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination.

[0012] Advantageously, the method enables shipping costs to be quickly and accurately determined in complex scenarios, such as when items are associated with complex shipping rules or conditions, and as such, can be provided to customers as they are placing an order. The method also reduces human error associated with manual determination of shipping costs.

[0013] Preferably, the electronic record defining the potential online order is generated in a virtual shopping cart. Suitably, the electronic record includes a plurality of item entries. The plurality of entries may include at least two item types.

[0014] Preferably, the shipping rules include limits regarding how many items of a particular type may be packaged together in a single parcel. The limits may include a first limit for when goods of only a single type are in a parcel, and a second limit when goods of multiple types are in the parcel.

[0015] The rules may define what product types may be mixed in a single parcel.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 [0016] Preferably, the method includes provide the shipping cost to a customer of the potential online order. The method may include enabling the customer to place the potential order, using the determined shipping combination.

[0017] Preferably, the method includes outputting details of the determined shipping combination, to enable the customer to see how the items are distributed among the parcels, and thus the basis for the delivery cost.

[0018] The method may include enable the customer to finalise the order based upon the determined shipping combination. Once finalised, the shipping details may be provided to the merchant. Shipping labels and instructions may be automatically generated.

[0019] The method may include selecting a transport company at least in part according to shipping cost associated with the determined shipping combination.

[0020] The parcels may comprise boxes. The items may comprise goods, such as consumer goods.

[0021] The at least two parcels may be shipped to the customer independently of each other.

[0022] The shipping cost may be determined in part according to shipping destination information.

[0023] The shipping rules may be associated with a shipping destination.

[0024] The shipping rules may be associated with a transport company.

[0025] The shipping rules may be associated with a purchase country.

[0026] The shipping rules may include product specific shipping rules.

[0027] The shipping cost may be determined according to one or more of: weight, parcel (box) size, parcel composition, and customs tax.

[0028] The shipping cost may be determined by looping through all of the goods in each parcel, to collect weight data for the individual goods, which are combined to form a total weight of the parcel.

[0029] The step of automatically determining a valid shipping combination may include initially sorting the items based upon type, and allocating the items to the parcels based upon the type and shipping rules associated with the type. The method may include subsequently

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 optimising the allocation of goods to parcels by utilising empty space in one parcel to fill items of another parcel.

[0030] The method may include iteratively allocating the items to parcels.

[0031] The method may enable online shopping with a plurality of different merchants.

The method may include centrally maintaining the shipping rules for the plurality of merchants, to enable the rules to be updated once for the plurality of merchants.

[0032] The method may include receiving a request for review of the shipping information by the customer, and forwarding the shipping information to a customer consultant for review. The customer consultant may manually modify the shipping cost, distribution of goods into parcels, or any other aspect of the shipping details, goods distribution or shipping fees.

[0033] The rules may be defined to comply with Chinese customs regulations.

[0034] In another form, the invention resides broadly in an online shopping system including a processor, a data interface coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory including instruction code executable by the processor for:

receiving, on the data interface, an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made;

retrieving, on the data interface, shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company;

automatically determining, by the processor, a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining, by the processor, a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination.

[0035] In yet another form, the invention resides in a method for determining a shipping cost of a plurality of items, the method including:

receiving an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made;

retrieving shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company;

automatically determining a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination.

[0036] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0037] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0038] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates an online shopping system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot of a virtual shopping cart screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a method of determining shipping cost information, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot of a shipping details screen of the system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot of a rules (template) administration screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic of a server illustrating functional modules thereof and their interrelationship, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and [0045] Figure 7 illustrates a method for online shopping, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0047] Figure 1 illustrates an online shopping system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The online shopping system 100 enables consumers to purchase goods, particularly from overseas, while enabling accurate freight calculations to be made in or near real time. In particular, the system 100 takes into account rules associated with each types of goods, such as customs requirements, to ensure that freight calculations are based upon an appropriate distribution of items (goods) to parcels (boxes).

[0048] Initially, a customer 105 connects to a remote server 110 using a computing device 115, such as a laptop or personal computer. The customer 105 retrieves an online store associated with one or more merchants 120, and selects goods (products) 125 for purchase. The online store is generally provided as a Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) website with which the customer 105 may interact, but may take any suitable form, including an application (app) on a smartphone.

[0049] When the customer 105 selects goods 125 for purchase, identifiers associated with the goods 125 are placed in a virtual shopping cart, which may be reviewed and updated, and from which shipping costs may be accurately calculated. The virtual shopping cart includes quantities associated with the goods 125, to enable bulk purchases to be made.

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a screenshot 200 of a virtual shopping cart screen of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The virtual shopping cart screen includes a plurality of goods entries 205, each corresponding to one of the goods 125 of the system 100. Each of the plurality of goods entries 205 is associated with a goods description (e.g. Karicare 1 (birth to 6m) 900g), a quantity, a price per unit, and a total price for the quantity of units.

[0052] The virtual shopping cart further includes a sub-total element 210, defining a subtotal for all ofthe goods 125 in the selected quantities, excluding shipping. The quantities may be edited using buttons associated with the quantities, and the sub-total element 210 is automatically updated to reflect the updated quantities.

[0053] Finally, the virtual shopping cart includes a calculate shipping button 215, to enable the customer 105 to calculate shipping for all goods 125 in the virtual shopping cart. Upon selection ofthe calculate shipping button 215, details of the goods 125 are provided to a shipping calculation module 110a, together with shipping destination information (e.g. the address to which the goods 125 are to be sent). The customer 105 may be prompted to enter shipping

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 destination information at this stage (e.g. a shipping address), or shipping destination information may be associated with the customer using a customer account.

[0054] Upon receipt of the details of the goods 125 and the shipping destination information, the shipping calculation module determines shipping costs according to one or more rules 110b, as outlined below. The rules relate to customs and shipping rules, and define how many items of a particularly type of goods 125 may be packed together, as well as any other requirements on the shipping.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates a method 300 of determining shipping cost information, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Initially, a list of goods is received in step 305. The goods correspond to the goods 125 in the virtual shopping cart, and may be received as an electronic list of items in the form of a plurality of item identifiers with associated quantity data.

[0057] At step 310, a plurality of shipping rules are retrieved. The shipping rules include product type specific rules relating to packaging, such as how many products of a particular type may be shipped together in a box. As the plurality of shipping rules are retrieved each time the method 300 is performed, the method 300 ensures that up-to-date rules are used.

[0058] At step 315, the list of goods is sorted according to good type, the good types defined by the shipping rules. The step comprises looping over each of the types of goods in the shipping rules, and placing goods of that type from the goods list into a sub-list associated with that type. This results in a plurality of sublists for each type of goods. These sublists may then be joined to form a sorted list.

[0059] Examples of types of goods may including infant formula, foods, and cosmetics. Generally, however, types would be chosen at a level of granularity that corresponds to one or more customs requirements, such as rules issued by Chinese customs, shipping requirements or the like.

[0060] At step 320, the goods are initially allocated to shipping boxes according to their type and the shipping rules. In particular, a list of empty boxes is first generated, and each sub-list is separately processed such that products in the sub-lists are assigned to one or more new boxes until all goods are allocated to a box. The number of boxes used will depending on the quantity limit per box of that type and any other requirements of the shipping rules.

[0061] As an illustrative example, 6 bags of milk powder may need to be assigned to two boxes, even though they would physically fit in a single box, because Chinese customs rules

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 limit the quantity of milk powder in a box to three units. The result of step 320 is an initial allocation of goods to boxes.

[0062] At step 325, the allocation of goods to boxes is optimised. In particular, the step loops through each box, and analyses whether any of the boxes have extra space left to combine with other boxes. In such case, boxes are combined where possible.

[0063] When looping through the boxes, any space left in each box is compared to the contents of other boxes, and if the space left in a box is equal to or larger than the contents of another box, and if combining the boxes would not break the shipping rules, the boxes are combined. If, on the other hand, combining the boxes would exceed a limit associated with the shipping rules, the goods in the first box are split, and are used to fill part of the second box. The remaining goods are then compared to the other boxes, until a box is found in which the remaining goods fit without exceeding any limits provided by the rules, or until all boxes have been considered. This process may be repeated multiple times.

[0064] As a result, the quantity of boxes is reduced and wasted space in boxes is reduced, which in turn minimises shipping costs.

[0065] At step 330, a shipping cost is determined based upon the allocation of goods to boxes. In particular, the weight, box size, box composition (including goods quantity), and the customs tax is determined for each box, and is used to determine the total shipping cost.

[0066] This may be performed by looping through all of the goods in each box, to collect size and weight data for the individual goods, which are combined to a total weight for each box. These steps may be performed using one or more lookup tables, such as a lookup table associating a particular product (good) with a weight, and a lookup table associating a particular box weight with a cost.

[0067] This shipping information is then provided to the customer 105 in a shipping details screen. This data for each box in the list is output, providing full transparency to the customer 105 regarding distribution of the boxes.

[0068] Figure 4 illustrates a screenshot 400 of a shipping details screen of the system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The shipping details screen includes a plurality of box entries 405, each including one or more goods entries 410. Each goods entry 410 is associated with one of the goods 125, and includes an associated quantity. The box entries 405 each include an associated weight (i.e. a weight of each box), and a delivery cost associated with the box.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 [0070] The shipping details screen enables the user to see how their goods are distributed among the boxes, and the reasons for the delivery cost.

[0071] The shipping details screen may include further details, such as estimated arrival date for each box, further details associated with each of the goods, or any other suitable information.

[0072] The shipping details screen may be combined with the shopping cart screen, and may be configured to automatically generate shipping costs as items are entered into the shopping cart or updated.

[0073] The shipping details screen includes a finalise order button 415, which enables the customer 105 to finalise the order, including shipping. Once finalised, the shipping details are provided to the merchant, and shipping labels and instructions may be automatically generated.

[0074] A transport company may be selected for transporting the goods at least in part according to shipping cost associated with the determined shipping combination. This is particularly useful as different shipping companies may have complex fee schedules, based upon number of parcels, weight and volume, for example, and shipping costs may change significantly when products are split into multiple boxes.

[0075] In particular, costs may be determined for a plurality of transport companies based upon the determined shipping combination, and one or more of the transport companies may be selected according to cost. This may include selecting a transport company for transportation of the parcels, or potentially different transport companies for each of the parcels.

[0076] In case the customer 105 does not agree with the goods distribution, e.g. if there appears to be an error in size in relation to one of the goods, or the transport company chosen, the customer 105 may request review ofthe shipping information by selecting a request review button 420.

[0077] In such case, a customer consultant 130, who is connected to the server 110 using a computing device 115 may receive an alert based upon the request for review, and review the shipping information. The customer consultant may modify the shipping cost, distribution of goods into boxes, or any other aspect of the shipping details, goods distribution or shipping fees.

[0078] This may be performed as the customer 105 is still online (i.e. in near real time), or at a later time, from which the customer may log back in to complete his or her order.

[0079] Finally, the shipping details screen includes a return to cart button 425, which

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 enables the customer to return to the virtual shopping cart, and potentially add more items, or adjust items, based upon the shipping information. E.g. if shipping is too expensive, the customer 105 may reduce the number of items purchased. Alternatively, if a box appears to be able to contain another item, the customer may add the other item to the list, and re-calculate shipping.

[0080] As outlined above, the system relies on rules to generate the distribution of goods in boxes, to comply with Chinese customs regulations. An administrator 135, who is connected to the server 110 using a computing device 115, is able to enter rules and maintain the rules. As such, when the customs rules change, they may be updated in one place immediately.

[0081] To set up the rules, the administrator 135 will need to understand the shipment rules for the delivery service provider, which will generally include the following information for each type of good: 1. Other types of goods that this type of goods can mix with; 2. A maximum quantity of this type of goods per box when the box is filled only with this type of goods; 3. A maximum quantity of this type of goods per box when the box is mixed with other types of goods; and 4. Delivery cost information (e.g. customs tax).

[0082] Figure 5 illustrates a screenshot 500 of a rules (template) administration screen, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rules administration screen may be used to generate a new rule, or to update an existing rule.

[0083] The rules administration screen includes a template name field 505, to enable the administrator 135 to enter a name associated with the rule (template). The rules administration screen further includes a customs tax field 510, a max amount per box (mixed) field 515, and a max amount per box (same) field 520, to enable the administrator to enter details of any customs tax and limits on numbers of items in the box when mixed with other items, or when the goods are shipped on their own (i.e. all items in the box are of the same type).

[0084] The rules administration screen further includes a fee calculation unit field 525, and an associated fee per unit field 530, to enable the administrator 135 to enter details regarding fee calculation units (e.g. 1kg, 500g), and an associated fee per unit ($6.50).

[0085] The rules administration screen includes a remote areas field 535, which enables the administrator 135 to enter details of remote areas (e.g. names thereof) which are then displayed as remote area entries 540. As such, the user is able to specify multiple remote areas by defining multiple remote entries 540. Furthermore, a remote area surcharge field 545 is provided, enabling the administrator 135 to enter details of a surcharge provided in relation to each of the entered remote areas.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 [0086] The rules administration screen includes a minimum package value for free delivery field 550, which enables the administrator 135 to enter a minimum value from which shipping is provided free of charge. Finally, the rules administration screen includes an allowable types mixing field 555, which enables the administrator 135 to enter details of types of goods which are then displayed as type entries 560. As such, the user is able to specify multiple allowable types, much like how multiple remote areas may be defined.

[0087] Any other suitable rules may be added to the rules administrations screen, e.g. by updating a global template. Furthermore, different templates for creating rules may be provided for different jurisdictions, or for different sub-categories of goods (e.g. food items).

[0088] Similar rules may be created for determining shipping costs with transport companies, to enable the system to compare costs of the different transport companies for different shipping combinations, as outlined above.

[0089] The system administrator 135 generally maintains the system by adding, editing and deleting distribution type rules, and also by associating goods to a defined type. For example, when the customs rules change, the administrator 135 will edit the distribution type rules to match the updated customs rules. Similarly, when a new item is offered for sale, the administrator 135 will associate the item with rules based upon a category of the product (e.g. milk powder, cosmetics, healthcare products, etc.).

[0090] The server 105 comprises a plurality of different modules, in addition to the shipping calculation module 110a, to enable the server to provide the above functions. Figure 6 illustrates a schematic ofthe server 105 illustrating functional modules thereof, and their interrelationship.

[0091] The server 105 includes an online shopping module 605, which provides online shopping functionality to customers, such as the customer 105. The online shopping module 605 may enable the customers to select items for purchase, which are places in a virtual shopping cart ofthe system.

[0092] The online shopping module 605 is coupled to the shipping calculation module 110a, to enable the list of goods of the virtual shopping cart to be provided to the shipping calculation module 110a, to enable shipping costs to be accurately determined.

[0093] The server 105 further includes a product management module 610, which is coupled to the online shopping module 605 and the shipping calculation module 110a, to enable definition of and management of products. The online shopping module 605 offers the products managed by the product management module 610 for sale, and the shipping calculation module

2018101874 30 Nov 2018

110a uses the details of the products to estimate shipping.

[0094] The product management module 610 may include details of the products, such as names, descriptions, photographs or other images, as well as categorisation of products, such as product type, as well as price information.

[0095] The product management module 610 is further coupled to a rules management module 615, which in turn is coupled to the shipping calculation module 110a. The rules management module 615 enables an administrator to enter shipping rules associated with certain product types, such as how many items of a particular type may be entered into a single box, or what types of goods may be shipped together in a single parcel.

[0096] The product management module 610 and the rules management module 615 are connected, to enable products to be associated with rules. When a new product is entered, it may be associated with a predefined product type in relation to which one or more rules exist.

[0097] As outlined above, the shipping calculation module 110a is coupled to the product management module 610, the online shopping module 605, and the rules management module 615. This enables the shipping calculation module 110a to take details of the potential order by the customer from the online shopping module 605, product details relating to the products of the potential order from the product management module, and rules relating to the shipping of the products from the rules management module, to in turn enable accurate estimation of shipping costs. As outlined above, this can include comparing multiple transport companies to determine a lowest shipping cost.

[0098] Finally, the server 105 includes an order processing module 620, coupled to the shipping calculation module 110a, the product management module 610 and the online shopping module 605. The order processing module 620 finalises orders from the customers, based upon shipping information from the shipping calculation module 110a, and product information from the online shopping module 605 and the product management module 610.

[0099] The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the server 105 may have other modules, such as customer management modules, to provide additional functionality required for online shopping.

[00100] Figure 7 illustrates a method 700 for online shopping, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method 700 may be similar or identical to the methods performed by the system 100.

[00101] Initially, a list of goods is received from a customer in step 705. The goods

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 correspond to the goods 125 in the virtual shopping cart, and relate to an order that has not yet been placed.

[00102] At step 710, a plurality of shipping rules are retrieved, which include product type specific rules relating to the shipping of the products, such as how many products of a particular type may be shipped together in a box.

[00103] At step 715, the goods are allocated to boxes based upon the shipping rules. The items may be allocated iteratively to boxes. As an illustrative example, the goods may be initially allocated to boxes based upon their type, and then reallocated based upon an amount of free space in one or more boxes.

[00104] At step 720, a shipping cost is determined based upon the allocation of goods to boxes. This may include retrieving data associated with each of the items, such as weight data, determining a box weight based upon the retrieved data, and determining a cost for each box at least in part based upon the box weight. This may also include determining a cost for each of a plurality of transport companies and selecting a transport company at least in part based upon cost.

[00105] At step 725, the shipping cost is provided to the user, together with the shipping information (e.g. the box allocation). This enables the customer to see how their goods are distributed among the boxes, and the reasons for the delivery cost. As such, full transparency is provided to the customer.

[00106] At step 730, an order confirmation is received by the customer, e.g. through selection of a “finalise order” button, once the shipping costs and details have been reviewed and accepted.

[00107] At step 735, the goods are shipped according to the box allocation. Shipping labels and packing instructions may be automatically generated to assist in the shipping process.

[00108] While the above embodiments have focused on international shipping while taking into account customs rules when determining costs, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the method and systems may be adapted for use locally, or to take into account other types of rules or requirements.

[00109] As an illustrative example, the embodiments could be modified to calculate accurate delivery costs for special or complex situations, like delivery of large items of furniture, many small items, or any other suitable scenario.

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 [00110] According to certain embodiments, the system may include merchant management functionality, such as functions to enable merchants to automatically calculate goods and services tax (GST), profit, customs tax, and the like. This functionality may be location specific (e.g. specific to the location of the seller or goods).

[00111] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention enable online customers to easily shop online with accurate, fair and cost effective delivery charges that are provided in a cost effective manner, at or near real time.

[00112] Merchants are able to improve their work efficiency by utilising automated systems to calculate delivery fees, without compromising on shipping cost, or cutting corners and overestimating shipping charges. This in turn increases customer experience, and reduces human error.

[00113] In certain embodiments, the method takes less than a second to determine shipping cost, which in turn enables the shipping costs to be provided to customers in or near real time.

[00114] Advantageously, the methods and systems described above enable shipping rules to be updated once centrally for a plurality of merchants, which in turn reduces the risk of out of date rules being used, and increases efficiency.

[00115] While the above description uses the words “shipping”, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the goods may be transported by any suitable means, including by sea, by air, by road, or a combination thereof.

[00116] Furthermore, when the description uses the word “rules”, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the rules need not define what is allowed or forbidden, but may define thresholds above or below which customs duty becomes payable, or other preferential conductions may apply. In particular, the rules may be defined to minimise or reduce tolls or tariffs.

[00117] Yet further again, the term shipping costs may encompass direct freight costs, as well as indirect freight costs, such as tolls or tariffs, surcharges, additional delivery charges and the like.

[00118] Finally, the methods and systems described herein are particularly targeted towards online shopping by consumers, but may also include resellers or those purchasing bulk goods for purposes other than their own use.

[00119] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its

2018101874 30 Nov 2018 derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00120] Reference throughout this specification to One embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00121] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. An online shopping method including:

receiving an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made;

retrieving shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company;

automatically determining a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic record defining the potential online order is generated in a virtual shopping cart, and includes a plurality of item entries, the plurality of entries including at least two item types.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the shipping rules include limits regarding how many items of a particular type may be packaged together in a single parcel.

4. The method of claim 1, further including: providing details of the determined shipping combination to a customer associated with the potential online order, to enable the customer to see how their items are distributed among the parcels, and thus the basis for the delivery cost.

5. A method for determining a shipping cost of a plurality of items, the method including:

receiving an electronic record defining a potential online order including a plurality of items, the electronic record received prior to the potential order being made;

retrieving shipping rules associated with a plurality of item types, the shipping rules defining different shipping rules for different item types based upon at least one of: rules defined by a customs agency, and rules defined by a transport company;

automatically determining a valid shipping combination of the plurality of items according to rules, the valid shipping combination including at least two parcels; and determining a shipping cost according to the valid shipping combination.