Abstract: A community-based system and method for providing automatic discounting of a purchase is described. A database containing a plurality of items for purchase and a plurality of discounts associated with the items is provided. A search query is received from a user using a networked device, and items responsive to the search query are transmitted to the device for display. The device is then usable to select one or more displayed items. Corresponding discounts are automatically associated with the selected items, and when purchase of the item is completed, the associated discounts are applied in a paperless manner. Concurrent with the discount feature, users are permitted to create customizable user accounts, through which favorite items and groupings of items can be uploaded, flagged, stored, and shared with other users. User accounts are usable for tracking of demographic information, communication with other users, and providing automatic notifications based on user-selected preferences.

Abstract: A method to promote use of one communication service by associating it with another service and offering incentives to use the first service in return for use of the second service. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and methods to mutually satisfy a consumer with a discount and a vendor with a minimum number of sales by establishing a tipping point associated with an offer for a good or service. If the tipping point is met, the sale of the good or service is executed and the consumer is charged and receives an indication of the discounted sale, such as a certificate. If the tipping point is not met, the discount offer is abandoned and the consumer is not charged. Once the tipping point is established, the vendor receives a payment, even before the consumer uses the certificate.

Abstract: A system for targeted offers to at least one mobile user includes a data collection system configured to collect information relating to the at least one mobile user's interests, a profiling engine configured to profile the at least one mobile user according to a plurality of classification groups based on the collected information of the data collection system, a matching engine configured to map the at least one mobile user profile received from the profiling engine to at least one service profile, and an offer manager configured to offer at least one service to the at least one mobile user based on the mapping received from the matching engine and a trigger received from the data collection system.

Abstract: A database system and method for ordering marketing events for offering to a candidate. The database system comprises a database manager software application, a first database structure storing a first list identifying marketing events, and a second database structure storing a second list of candidates. The database manager software application is stored on a computer readable medium. The database manager software application comprises an optimization tool. Each marketing event from the first list comprises a marketing offer and an identified channel means for communicating the marketing offer. The optimization tool is for optimizing and sorting, the marketing events from the first list for a first candidate from said second list.

Abstract: A conditional e-coupon distribution method distributes e-coupons predefined by sellers to mobile users only if the number of mobile users requesting such e-coupons equals or exceeds a threshold. The method receives a request to browse e-coupons from a mobile user. The method receives the location of the mobile user and determines a plurality of sellers local to the mobile electronic device and a plurality of corresponding e-coupons available from the local sellers. The method receives a request for a particular e-coupon from a seller and authorizes the provision of said e-coupon to the mobile user. At the end of a processing cycle, the mobile user receives the requested e-coupon if all conditions, such as a period of time and threshold, have been met. A computer-usable medium having computer-readable program code embodied therein allows for storage of the method.

Abstract: A system and method for improving advertising response rates by allowing an electronic advertising content to be stored, retrieved, shared, and manipulated by individual users, while enabling the accurate recordation of accounting information associated with the electronic advertising content.

Abstract: System and method for providing value to both buyers and businesses. Businesses provide value to buyers by providing a searchable database containing member businesses and their products and services. Businesses also provide discounts and specials to buyers as an added incentive. Businesses are provided a means to display their goods and services to a targeted group of motivated buyers searching within the system of the present invention, wherein discounts and specials influence a buyer to transact with a member business rather than a non-member business. The searchable database of the present invention may provide results for buyer search requests pertaining to local zip codes of member businesses, product or service categories, product or service descriptions, and the like. Member businesses may be required to maintain a minimum level of incentives available to member buyers, such as offering at least one buy one get one free offer to member buyers.

Abstract: Finding a best price available for a selected product, computed including all relevant factors available to the search engine. Searching separately for the product by price, and concurrently, searching for any available coupons or other discounts available for that product from the seller. When obtaining price information, querying for relevant information relating to purchase decisions. Obtaining relevant information from third-party sources. When obtaining discount information, querying for relevant information relating to applicability of that discount. Matching price information with coupon information for each selected requested product, and computing an effective price to the potential buyer. Aggregating the information it obtains, and presenting that aggregated information. Filtering or sorting those results. Maintaining separate pricing information for each product, uniquely identified by a code, in a database entry. Maintaining separate information for each discount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating a sale offer over an electronic network (such as the Internet). The method and apparatus may be used with a commercial sale system designed to increase the revenue income of Web site by offering, at a substantially discounted or virtually free basis, one more goods and/or services to visitors of the Web site. According to the features of the invention, the seller (who may be the owner or co-owner of the Web site) transmits a sale offer on the Web site for a high quality good or service, wherein the good or service can be purchased for free or a cost near to zero. The seller may make the offer visible and available to a number of perspective buyers, who are connected at that very moment to the Web site. According to an additional aspect of the invention, the sale offer may be available for only a very limited amount of time (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for organizing and growing an online or otherwise dynamically accessible distributed marketplace for goods and services offered either at a particular location, or at a particular time, or available in certain quantity, or exhibiting some or all of the above characteristics. One such system comprises means for posting in real-time vendor offers to an online database based on the at least one parameter, means for identifying a location of a consumer based on a consumer action at the host site, means for generating relevant offers based on the consumer action or location, wherein the offers are viewed through the host site, means for accepting the offers by the consumer through the host site, means for processing revenue and means for distributing revenue wherein the database dynamically communicates with a plurality of host sites at any given time and generates relevant offers for a plurality of consumers on the plurality of host sites at any given time.

Abstract: A product sampling system including a sample code associated with a product sample, and a plurality of sample units provided to a retail location at no cost to the retail location, each sample unit including an indicia indicative of the sample code. The system further includes a database including identification data associated with loyalty members, software for reading the indicia from the sample units at the retail location and debiting a sample price associated with the sample units, and software for indentifying one or more consumers presenting the sample units at the retail location as being loyalty members based on the identification data. The system further includes software for crediting a price reduction equal to the sample price to each consumer identified as being a loyalty member, and for crediting the sample price to the retail location for each of the consumers not identified as being a loyalty member.

Abstract: A method and system for targeting incentives. Incentives are selectively sent to user terminals based on a user classification. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system defines matches between a user classification and an incentive. User data is collected from a plurality of sources. A system according to the present invention classifies a user and sends the incentive to the user if a match has been defined between the user classification and the incentive.

Abstract: System and methods for transaction processing using a rewards account are described. The method may include: receiving a transaction containing a transaction type, formatting a message based on the transaction type and sending the message. The method may alternately include, receiving a transaction message and processing a transaction based on a transaction type contained within the transaction message. The system may include one or more software modules performing the following functions: receiving module to receive transactions, transaction processing module to parse the transaction and determine a transaction type, message processing module to format a transaction message based on the transaction type, and a user interface module to provide a user interface to a customer.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) methods for the use of systems and media platforms, for use with both mobile and non-mobile systems, to deploy virtual advertising and promotion via the use of electronic coupons, and more particularly a method and system for creating, deploying, transferring, clearing, managing, redeeming and reporting on the use of electronic coupons or virtual electronic rebates (VeeBates) and permitting individuals and groups within one or more social communications networks to participate in and transmit information to others about their activities related to the virtual advertising, incentives, redemption and promotion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for altering behavior in a variety of applications include recording information associated with an event related to a particular activity or field, determining a status of the event in connection with a rewards algorithm, calculating reward information in accordance with the rewards algorithm, and storing the calculated reward information. A recipient is notified in accordance with a notification algorithm of the calculated reward information. Incentives may be provided for participation in services plans, including professional services plans such as legal plans, adoption and use of types of funds, accounts and funds transfers, use of online services, and numerous other services. Rewards include the receipt of professional services and membership in services plans. Incentives for entering into transactions include offering of related services, including identity theft related services for events related to the transaction.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving input to enroll a patient in a program of an administrator, where the program is directed to a cosmetic medication administrable to the patient by a prescriber. The method also includes receiving recordation of an administering or intended administering of the medication to the enrolled patient by the prescriber, where recordation of the administering or intended administering initiates a request for a rebate on a price of the medication. Further, the method includes processing the request to determine an amount of the rebate, returning a response to the request including an indication of the amount of the rebate, and remitting the rebate amount to the patient.

Abstract: A user is rewarded for actions performed within an entertainment system. Digital content is provided to a client device over a network. Data is then received from the client device over the network. The received data represents an input from a user of the client device in response to the digital content provided to the client device. A value associated with the input from the user is determined. An account balance associated with the user is adjusted by a quantity of credit tokens. The quantity of tokens is determined by the value associated with the input from the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a space and all necessary procedures enabling visitors to create, distribute, aggregate, exchange, return, donate, verify, redeem, account and clear different kinds of incentives by commonly available means and tools, where the specific commodity (promotional programs) is exchanged for special consideration.

Abstract: In an aspect there is provided a method. The method may include generating, at a processor, a campaign including an offer and a referral, the offer and the referral included in a widget; and providing, at the processor, the widget including the offer and the referral to one or more media types including a social network. The method may also include creating campaigns through rules based interaction of target end-users, real time analytics (which may include the identification of influencers), and dynamic updates of in-flight campaigns. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.

Abstract: A conditional e-coupon distribution method distributes e-coupons predefined by sellers to mobile users only if the number of mobile users requesting such e-coupons equals or exceeds a threshold. The method receives a request to browse e-coupons from a mobile user. The method receives the location of the mobile user and determines a plurality of sellers local to the mobile electronic device and a plurality of corresponding e-coupons available from the local sellers. The method receives a request for a particular e-coupon from a seller and authorizes the provision of said e-coupon to the mobile user. At the end of a processing cycle, the mobile user receives the requested e-coupon if all conditions, such as a period of time and threshold, have been met. A computer-usable medium having computer-readable program code embodied therein allows for storage of the method.

Abstract: A method of defining an earnings profile and a reward profile for loyalty reward program for a credit card issuer for a plurality of participants. A survey to gather data related to the loyalty reward program earning types and the loyalty reward types is defined and response data related to the survey is collected from the plurality of participants. One or more segments of participants are identified as a function of the collected data. The collected data is further analyzed to determine the reach, frequency, and overlap of the loyalty reward program earning types for the identified segments and to determine preference shares for participants within the segments. At least one of the defined loyalty reward program earning types of the loyalty reward program is selected for the earnings profile of the loyalty reward program based on the determined reach, frequency, and overlap of the loyalty reward program earning types viewed in a first user interface.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing customer-specific information involving a) obtaining customer identification information for identifying a customer to be served at the weigh station; b) storing a plurality of customer profiles for a plurality of customers wherein each customer in the plurality of customers has an associated customer profile; and, c) when the customer is in the plurality of customers, retrieving the associated customer profile for the customer using the customer identification information and providing associated customer-specific information based on the associated customer profile to a weigh station display.

Abstract: Providing for network-based management of dynamic mobile coupons (DMCs) employed in mobile device-related commerce is described herein. Management can include mitigating processing load involved in processing dynamic characteristics of a set of DMCs, facilitating post-transaction evaluation of DMCs, or facilitating a virtual shopping experience in conjunction with redeeming DMCs in a mobile-commerce environment. Communicative association between a mobile device and network components can be implemented to leverage data collected by the mobile device with communication and processing capabilities of the network. Dynamic DMC states are determined from the collected data, which are implemented to facilitate the mobile-commerce. The disclosure provides an integrated mechanism for efficient utilization of DMCs to enhance user experience and satisfaction with mobile commerce.

Abstract: A method for storage and distribution of electronic publications by content creators and online publishers with referral-based commissions utilizes a repository of products and an associated delivery system. An invitor registers with the system and provides referral addresses to the system, which sends an electronic invitation to use the system to the addresses. The recipients can use the system to purchase electronic publication products and/or to sell their own electronic publication products. Commissions are provided to the invitor based on purchases by the recipients of the invitations and/or based on sales of products on the system by recipients of the invitations.

Abstract: A system for advertising to an end user in a computer network is provided. The system includes a server configured to transmit instructions to a client application to display an advertisement and a call-to-action for a reward in proximity to each other. The system is further configured to receive a response to the call-to-action for a reward from the user, and to transmit instructions to the client application to display an indication of a reward. A reward log database is provided in communication with the server. The reward log database is configured for logging the response to the call-to-action for a reward from the user. Methods for advertising and conveying a message, and a client application program product are also provided.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine the effects of trade promotions on subsequent sales are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining a plurality of decremental effect factors, each corresponding to a respective one of a plurality of weeks, wherein at least some of the decremental effect factors are indicative of a downward trend in sales of a product that was under a promotion condition during a first one of the plurality of weeks. The example method also includes determining a plurality of decremental effect terms, each decremental effect term equal to the product of a corresponding coefficient multiplied by a corresponding one of the decremental effect factors, and determining a pantry loading effect term based on the plurality of decremental effect terms. Further, the example method includes determining a pantry loading incremental sub-volume based on the pantry loading effect term, and generating a report including the pantry loading incremental sub-volume.

Abstract: A method and system for gathering and reporting data associated with a cardholder's use of a prepaid debit card is described. One embodiment receives primary personal data associated with the cardholder in connection with the issuance to the cardholder of the prepaid debit card; causes a financial institution to issue the prepaid debit card; causes a card fulfillment process to be performed; causes the prepaid debit card loaded with a predetermined monetary value to be distributed to the cardholder; receives secondary personal data associated with the cardholder; processes one or more transactions initiated by the cardholder with the prepaid debit card; correlates, in a computerized data processing system, the primary and secondary personal data with transactional data associated with the one or more transactions to generate correlated data; and grants an authorized entity access to at least a portion of the correlated data on an aggregated and non-personally-identifiable basis.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to process transactions in a networked communication system, including cash back rebate eligible transactions. Some embodiments provide for distributed risk analysis of transactions, such as to provide for a probability analysis of transaction completion at a payment server. The payment server then makes a recommendation for reward timing or payout of a cash back reward.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the disclosure provides a method to publish campaign data in an electronic environment. The exemplary method includes querying a database to select campaign metadata ready to publish to a target channel system and determining a plurality of value users as a subset of all end users. The value users are determined so that one or more coupons are automatically generated and distributed to each of the value users. A value of the coupon is based on a set of pre-defined criteria including a volume of business generated by the value user or how negatively impacted the value user was based on a negative purchase experience (e.g., product not as described or never received). The target channel system is selected from a plurality of channel systems based on a target indicating attribute of the campaign metadata. The packaged campaign metadata is transferred to the target channel system.

Abstract: A business method for promoting goods and services of providers includes the steps of designating a group of targeted recipients, and storing demographics information of each recipient in an electronic database. A plurality of direct mail items including provider promotions is generated, and each marked with a machine-readable ID code unique to each of the recipients. The direct mail items are sorted by their respective ID codes into cooperative mail packages, each mail package containing multiple items with common ID codes. The mail packages are then forwarded to respective recipients. After redemption of a direct mail item by a recipient, the ID code is read and electronically linked with the recipient's demographics information contained in the electronic database. A report is generated based on the direct mail items redeemed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for validating, redeeming, and financially settling paper coupons coded with a GS1 barcode and 8110 Application Identifier comprises a real time network through which a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal communicates directly to, or through a POS controller, with an Intelligent Clearing Network (ICN) server. One or both of the POS terminal and POS controller are installed with a ICN POS data bridge which stores computer code. The ICN server is configured to run a real time application while in communication with the POS terminal, wherein the POS terminal transmits paper coupon data elements read from the GS1 barcode and other consumer transaction information including universal product codes purchased, and transaction details to the ICN server via the network.

Abstract: A promotional data delivery system and method are disclosed by which promoters input to a host computing system their preferred consumer criteria and define their promotional materials, customers provide profiling information and select promotional materials, and a host relates the data pertaining to the promoters and customers to provide or otherwise communicate, preferably in tangible form such as paper via mail or parcel delivery services, promotional information including coupons particularly targeted for and/or selected by the prospective customers.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of provides customers access to incentive deals. The method includes maintaining a database of customer prospect accounts associated with customer prospects. Each of the customer prospect accounts includes customer data associated with the customer prospect. A plurality of incentive deals are registered in an incentive deal database. Each incentive deal is associated with incentive deal identifying data and predetermined customer prospect eligibility criteria. The customer data is traversed against the predetermined customer prospect eligibility criteria. A description of one or more incentive deals for which the customer prospect is eligible are identified to the customer prospect on a user terminal based on results of the traversing step.

Abstract: A method is provided for generating an electronic coupon comprising generating coupon identification data; generating coupon metadata; and generating the electronic coupon based on the coupon identification data and based on the coupon metadata. Further, a coupon holding device is provided including a coupon receiving unit configured to receive a first electronic coupon; a coupon metadata generation unit configured to generate coupon metadata for the first electronic coupon; and a coupon generation unit configured to generate a second electronic coupon based on the first electronic coupon and the coupon metadata.

Abstract: The system evaluates a set of incentives based upon a variety of factors and/or predetermined rules and consumers are provided incentives when they satisfy one or more criteria of making payments for their transaction accounts. The one or more criteria include making an early payment, paying more than a minimum amount due, and making the payment through an automatic payment scheme. If a received payment satisfies one or more predefined criteria, one or more incentives are selected for the consumer, tracked, and provided to the consumer. The system analyzes payment information to determine attributes and positive (desirable) behavior and provides incentives to the consumer based on such positive behaviors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of consumer modelling for sales' promotions, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of points of sale, providing a plurality of computer devices respectively adapted to analyse consumer behaviour and deliver data based thereon to a point of sale, and providing a device associated with an individual point of sale of the plurality thereof for providing at least promotional material to a consumer making a sales' transaction at any individual point of sale. Thus, in the drawings, there is shown a point of sale location (1) which includes a scanner (2) of data relating to goods purchased by a consumer, not shown, a printer (3) for the transaction, a point of sale screen (4) at a point of sale transaction device (5) and a dedicated printer device (6).

Abstract: A method and system for providing a payment incentive for distributing digital files over a network are provided. The method and system allow a publisher, distributor(s), and/or users to receive a payment incentive for downloading digital files on the Internet. The present disclosure creates a method and system where every party along the distribution chain will have an incentive for further distribution of the digital content file. The method includes the steps receiving by a server of a file agent at least one digital content file from a content provider; presenting the at least one digital content file for purchase; downloading the at least one digital content file to at least one user for a transaction amount; distributing a first distribution amount of the transaction amount to the content provider; and distributing a second distribution amount of the transaction amount to the at least one user.

Abstract: System and method of creating, managing, validating, associating and redeeming electronic coupons are disclosed. An electronic coupon system is capable of creating, delivering and distributing coupons to at least one user. The system is also capable of identifying, verifying and associating the coupon with the user, and further allowing the coupon to be redeemed by the user at a third-party vendor.

Abstract: An advertising distribution system mediates and distributes advertising opportunities, especially insertions of ads on web pages, according to advertisers' representative targeting profiles. The number and characteristics of future ad impressions is forecast. A portion is allocated to guaranteed-delivery advertiser contracts and the remainder is offered on a spot market. A division between guaranteed and spot market allocations is sought to maximize revenue, taking into account a value associated with meeting the advertisers' representative profiles. The value of representativeness can be inferred from the marginal revenue of a spot market sale, and optionally weighted. The guaranteed and spot market revenues for all possible efficient allocations produces a curve. An operating point on the curve is determined by selecting a weighting factor or selecting a proportion of total revenue that shall be attributable to representativeness.

Abstract: A system and method for anticipating consumer behavior and determining transaction incentives for influencing consumer behavior comprises a computer system and associated database for determining cross time correlations between transaction behavior, for applying the function derived from the correlations to consumer records to predict future consumer behavior, and for deciding on transaction incentives to offer the consumers based upon their predicted behavior.

Abstract: An ATM network is coupled to a data warehouse. Information about transactions, the timing of transactions and advertisements displayed on or near ATM terminals in the network are stored in the data warehouse. Complex queries performed on the data warehouse are then used to provide information about the effectiveness of advertisements displayed on or near the ATM terminals and also to enable choices of subsets of the terminals to be made to provide information about suitable subsets for advertising placement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for waiving at least a portion of a service fee. The apparatus and methods may involve providing a check card to a customer and determining whether the customer is using the check card sufficiently to warrant waiving the fee or a portion of the fee. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods may involve enrolling the customer in a check card program. The customer may select alerts regarding check card usage. The check card issuing entity may monitor the usage to reduce the risk of unauthorized use.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards enabling product and/or service providers to maximize sales of products, services, and content to their existing customers. In one embodiment, a process, apparatus, and system are directed towards optimizing a selection of offers for any customer touch-point to ensure the provider delivers the best offer to the right customer at the most appropriate time. Offers are optimized not only according to a customer's interests and preferences but also according to revenue and profitability potential using predictive analytics.

Abstract: Apparatus and article of manufacture for processing electronic rebates are disclosed. In one embodiment, a purchase identifier is linked to a purchase of a product. The purchase identifier is listed on a receipt upon the purchase of the product or contained in an electronic mail message sent to an electronic mail address accessible using a user computer system. Information is then received via a network from a user of the user computer system to complete a rebate claim for the purchased product. The received information is verified to determine whether the purchase identifier was provided. The rebate claim is granted if the received information is verified as correct.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes recording transaction information for a consummated transaction related to a purchase of an item or service at a computer, the transaction information including information identifying a consumer; monitoring, by the computer, an incentive to purchase the item or service for a predetermined time period after purchase of the item or service by the consumer; comparing, by the computer, the incentive to the transaction information during the predetermined time period to determine if the incentive was offered as part of the consummated transaction; and if the incentive was not offered as part of the consummated transaction, duplicating, by the computer, the incentive for the consumer after the consummated transaction.

Abstract: A data processing system for monetizing referring hyperlinks from source websites to target websites, wherein the source website owners and target website owners are not associated in business relationship related to referrals. One data processing system comprises a dedicated network server comprising a monitoring module arranged to monitor and record activation of the referring hyperlinks; a benefit value evaluation module, arranged to assign a suggested value to the referring hyperlinks based on predefined rules that relate to the activation of the referring hyperlinks; characteristics of the target websites and the source websites; and statistical data relating to past activation of the referring hyperlinks and related transferred benefit values, and a benefit transaction network platform arranged to support transferal of benefits from the target website owners to the source website owners. The suggested value is used to estimate and recommend the benefit values.

Abstract: A method of increasing customer loyalty and sales with a merchant includes providing a carrier to obtain demographic and contact information about a customer and enter the customer as a participant in a rewards program. This carrier also grants the loyalty program permission to market to them through any contact means they are given. The customer information is matched with a participant number. Promotional materials are sent to the participant wherein the promotional materials include a participant identifier and a promotional code wherein the promotional material is presented to a merchant to obtain points in the rewards program based upon the participant's activity with the merchant such that a card is not required to participate in the rewards program. The results of all marketing is analyzed to determine future customized marketing to target existing and potential customers with similar demographic profiles as merchants existing best customers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a software facility is provided that uses a qualitative description of a subject offering to automatically prescribe both (1) a total budget for marketing and sales resources for a subject offering and (2) an allocation of that total budget over multiple spending categories—also referred to as “activities”—in a manner intended to optimize a business outcome such as profit for the subject offering based on experimentally-obtained econometric data.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided to compensate an agent in exchange for the agent's intent in transacting with a service platform. Compensation can be effected in online and offline domains, and intent can be conveyed online or offline. Compensation is funded through advertisement spending, and advertisement impressions facilitate compensation delivery. The service platform that compensated the agent extracts intent through explicit or implicit expressions which can be collected online or offline. Offline expressions can be delivered through wearable indicia. Compensation can be delivered wirelessly offline or online to a device operated by the agent. Agent and agent's device(s) registration afford service platform to deliver adaptive compensation customized to the agent, and advertisement(s) with format and content optimized for the agent's device.