Abstract: Methods and packaging for point-of-sale (“POS”) activation and subsequent registration of products. Prior to POS activation, the product is unactivated and cannot be used. Machine-readable activation at POS is disclosed such as a data-encoded activation strip, readable by a magnetic or optical scanner, or such as integrated circuit card (“ICC”) technology. Prior to POS activation, and preferably obscured from view, the package has a personalized identification number (“PIN”), such as alphanumeric characters with a scratch-off coating or peel-off label, or the PIN may be only readable by a magnetic or optical scanner, or may be encoded onto computer media, or may be data encoded within an ICC element. After activation, the product is registered with a registration database, whereby the PIN, and perhaps other information, is provided by the user over a communications channel, enabling the product to be utilized.