Method For Re-Purposing A Shipping Box For Use As A Playhouse

Abstract

Methods and systems for enhancing engagement between a purchaser and a manufacturer of an article. The system includes a web portal configured to elicit information from the purchaser including customer profile information and conversion preferences, wherein the web portal is configured to: i) affix a customer code embodying the profile information to a shipping container and ship the container to the purchaser; ii) receive indicia of the customer code from the purchaser following receipt of the shipped container; and iii) create an on-line account for the purchaser based on the indicia.

1 . A method of converting a corrugated shipping container into a children's playhouse, comprising:
 establishing an electronic communication session between a consumer and a retailer in which the consumer orders a product and selects custom conversion features;   configuring a shipping container in accordance with the selected conversion features;   shipping the product to the consumer in the configured container; and   upon removal of the product from the container, converting the container into the playhouse according to the custom conversion features.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein establishing an electronic communication session comprises at least one of: i) logging onto a website; and ii) placing a telephone call. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the custom conversion features include at least two of size, color, aspect ratio, roof style, stencils, decals, windows, doors, puzzles, adhesive panels, and decorative features. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 attaching a customer code to the container prior to shipment; and   using the customer code to establish an on-line account.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the customer code comprises a quick response (QR) code. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising uploading a photograph of the converted container to the on-line account. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising providing the consumer with an incentive in exchange for uploading the photograph. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising using the incentive to purchase a second product and shipping the second product to the consumer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising printing instructions onto at least one of a first shipping container for the first product and a second shipping container for the second product, the instructions relating to mating the first and second shipping containers together. 
     
     
         10 . A method of converting a shipping box into a novelty item, comprising:
 receiving, from a consumer at a portal, information pertaining to a purchased article, conversion preferences, and a customer profile;   storing the information in a database;   configuring the shipping box in accordance with the conversion preferences;   adding a feature to the shipping box prior to shipping to facilitate the conversion;   applying a customer code to the shipping box, the customer code embodying the customer profile information; and   upon receipt of the shipping box by the consumer, using the customer code to establish an on-line account.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the customer code comprises a QR code. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein using the customer code comprises taking a photograph of the QR code. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the customer profile information comprises a consumer email address. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising sending a coupon to the email address. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising using the coupon to order a second article. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising shipping the second article to the consumer in a second box configured according to second conversion preferences. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising connecting the first and second boxes into an integrated assembly according to the second conversion preferences. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising uploading a photograph of the integrated assembly to a manufacturer website using the on-line account. 
     
     
         19 . A system for enhancing engagement between a purchaser and a manufacturer of an article, the system comprising a web portal configured to elicit information from the purchaser including customer profile information and conversion preferences, wherein the web portal is configured to:
 i) affix a customer code embodying the profile information to a shipping container and ship the container to the purchaser;   ii) receive indicia of the customer code from the purchaser following receipt of the shipped container; and   iii) create an on-line account for the purchaser based on the indicia.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the indicium comprises a data file sent from the purchaser using an electronic device to take a photograph of the customer code.