Abstract: An interface application enables a campaign manager to manage the transfer of virtual credits to a user upon completion of an action that benefits a provider of goods or services. The campaign manager provides a link to the provider of goods or services. When a user clicks through to this link, the interface application directs the user to perform the desired action. Upon completion of the action, the application deposits a credit to the user's virtual account. Because the virtual transaction is performed by the provided interface application, the logistics associated with launching and executing the campaign are low enough to facilitate hi-volume, low-cost incentive programs.

Abstract: Virtual goods, such as Facebook credits or Farmville animals, are offered as an incentive to acquire new customers or reacquire former customers. Using a simple click-through process, a customer may receive a given number of virtual credits, or a particular virtual item, upon satisfying a given requirement, such as a purchase above a given amount, a subscription to a mailing list, submission of a preference profile, and so on. Initial tests have indicated that a substantial number of customers prefer receiving such virtual items in lieu of a cash rebate or other cash-based discount, even when the actual cost associated with the virtual item is the same as, or lower than the amount of the cash-based discount. In a preferred embodiment, a third-party campaign manager facilitates the execution and management of the incentive campaign.