GM. This is Needs to Exist (aka NTE), giving you a startup idea that’ll make companies close — business that is.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today.

• Daily Idea - Virtual Sales Team Support

• Patents - RFID in Retail

Daily Startup Idea

Virtual Deal Closers

The One Liner

Virtual sales teams to close your e-commerce leads faster.

The 140 character tweet (or X) version

E-commerce businesses are missing out on sales. A skilled virtual sales team can help close your leads faster over the phone, boosting conversions without the extra effort!

The Longer Story Version - That You Will Maybe Read

A customer is browsing your site, captivated by the idea of owning an at-home sauna. They’ve read all the reviews and are almost ready to click "buy," but they hesitate. Something’s holding them back—maybe it’s the cost, maybe it’s installation concerns. Luckily, your website has a phone number right there for those very moments.

The customer dials, and that’s when the virtual sales team steps in. They pick up the call with a friendly, knowledgeable approach. No hard sell, just helpful answers to all those lingering questions. They reassure the customer about installation, highlight the health benefits, and mention the convenient payment plans.

With their doubts eased and all questions answered, the customer feels confident and ready to move forward. They thank the sales rep, hang up, and finally click "buy." Thanks to the virtual team’s expertise, another lead is closed, and your e-commerce business just gained a happy new sauna owner.

Needs To Exist Pro

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Patent Corner

Patents can highlight unexploited innovations and identify unmet market needs, serving as a rich source of inspiration for startup concepts.

In this section, we’ll explore some of these opportunities

IBM - US Patent 11651664

This patent, granted to IBM, covers a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to improve self-checkout processes in retail environments. The technology aims to accurately identify which items a customer has purchased and which they haven't, reducing errors and improving the overall shopping experience.

How it works:

• Enter Checkout Zone: RFID antennas detect items in your cart as you approach the self-checkout.

• Automatic Item Detection: The system identifies all items using RFID tags, regardless of their placement.

• Purchase Differentiation: AI sorts items into purchased vs. unpurchased categories, catching any discrepancies.

• Minimizing Errors: The system reduces errors like double charging or missed items by processing data in real-time.

• Seamless Checkout: You complete payment smoothly, with no need for manual scanning, making the process faster and more accurate.

Brainstorm ideas based on this:

• Autonomous Checkout Kiosks: Build self-checkout kiosks integrating AI and RFID.

• Real-Time Inventory Management: Automate stock tracking through AI-enhanced RFID systems.

• Customer Behavior Insights: AI analysis of shopping patterns for personalized marketing.

• Mobile Apps: Apps for customers to track purchases in real-time.

One More Meme