Abstract: A method for use in marketing includes detecting, at the point-of-sale, a plurality of Uniform Product Codes associated with respective items purchased by a customer. The method also includes transmitting, on a substantially real-time basis, the plurality of Uniform Product Codes over the Internet to a remote computer connected to the Internet.

Abstract: A method for use in marketing includes detecting, at a remote computer, product purchase information of a plurality of retail stores. The product purchase information includes price information. The remote computer is located remote from the retail store. The method also includes receiving, at the remote computer, a shopping list of a customer. The shopping list includes at least one item. In response to receiving the shopping list, communication to the customer of price information associated with at least one item on the shopping list for the plurality of retail stores is initiated by the remote computer.

Abstract: A method for use in marketing includes detecting, at the point-of-sale, a plurality of Uniform Product Codes associated with respective items purchased by a customer. The method also includes transmitting, on a substantially real-time basis, the plurality of Uniform Product Code over the Internet to a remote computer connected to the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially processing each of a plurality of items in a customer order. The price of each item is accumulated after processing. A marginal discount associated with each item processed is generated. This marginal discount is generated in response to a signal that indicates the accumulated price exceeds a predetermined threshold. Unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially processing each of a plurality of items in a customer order. A marginal discount associated with each item is determined. All unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially receiving signals indicative of respective bar codes of a plurality of items in a customer order. The price of each item is accumulated. A marginal discount associated with each item processed is generated. This marginal discount is generated in response to a signal that indicates the accumulated price exceeds a predetermined threshold. Unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: The present invention includes automatic check reading techniques which enables the detection of a customer's checking account number on a check, regardless of the bank, bank branch or type of account. The customer identification code is automatically used to provide check verification as well as to provide various targeted marketing techniques based upon the customer's prior transactional history with the store.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for retail store marketing. A memory stores a database of existing customers of the retail store. The database includes a unique customer identification code for each customer. A memory stores a list of unique identification codes for prospective customers of the store who reside in a predetermined geographical area relative to the store. Circuitry compares the unique identification codes in the stored database of existing customers with the stored list of unique identification codes of prospective customers. Circuitry eliminates data from the list of prospective customers relating to the store's existing customers, such that a non-customer database is produced for use in marketing.

Abstract: A method for use in marketing includes receiving at a remote location through the Internet, substantially real-time product purchase information from a retail store in conjunction with an identification code of a customer purchasing the parts at a point-of-sale. The method also includes generating at the remote location an incentive to be communicated to the identified customer and initiating communication of data relative to the incentive to the identified customer at the point-of-sale.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for retail store marketing. A memory stores a database of existing customers of the retail store. The database includes a unique customer identification code for each customer. A memory stores a list of unique identification codes for prospective customers of the store who reside in a predetermined geographical area relative to the store. Circuitry compares the unique identification codes in the stored database of existing customers with the stored list of unique identification codes of prospective customers. Circuitry eliminates data from the list of prospective customers relating to the store's existing customers, such that a non-customer database is produced for use in marketing.

Abstract: The present invention includes automatic check reading techniques which enables the detection of a customer's checking account number on a check, regardless of the bank, bank branch or type of account. The customer identification code is automatically used to provide check verification as well as to provide various targeted marketing techniques based upon the customer's prior transactional history with the store.

Abstract: A system and method for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for customer promotion. A terminal enters a customer's identification code, along with customer transaction data, at the point-of-sale. A memory stores a database of previously entered customer identification codes and transactions data. Circuitry is provided for generating a signal representative of a customer's shopping history, wherein incentive coupons may be issued to customers in dependence upon the signal.

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially processing each of a plurality of items in a customer order. The price of each item is accumulated after processing. A marginal discount associated with each item processed is generated. This marginal discount is generated in response to a signal that indicates the accumulated price exceeds a predetermined threshold. Unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A method for customer promotion includes sequentially processing each of a plurality of items in a customer order. The price of each item is accumulated after processing. A marginal discount associated with each item processed is generated. This marginal discount is generated in response to a signal that indicates the accumulated price exceeds a predetermined threshold. Unapplied marginal discounts are accumulated for application to the customer order. A discount is applied to the customer order in response to a signal that is generated that indicates the accumulated discounts exceeds a predetermined minimum.