Abstract: Methods for a buyer to receive a discount from a merchant or another member in a multi-merchant, multi-payer internet commerce platform in a social network. The methods relate to deals which include loyalty-based discounts, prepaid discounts and/or coupon discounts. A buyer may wish a deal form a selected merchant at a selected discount. Upon acceptance by the merchant, the deal is published and available to all members. Existing members may sponsor friends or businesses to become members of the internet commerce platform. New businesses listed on the internet commerce platform are subject to verification by current members entering business telephone numbers and determining if the entered numbers match. Further verification may include an interactive voice response test performed on the business manager's mobile telephone number.

Abstract: A system and methods for delivering targeted marketing offers to consumers during a session with an online (web-based) Internet portal, particularly suitable for online banking portals of financial institutions. An offer management system receives information corresponding to an advertising campaign of an advertiser corresponding to terms of a targeted marketing offer to be provided to a consumer accessing the online portal, and provides advertising campaign data corresponding to the targeted marketing offer and to an offer-triggering event to an offer placement system. An offer placement system receives the advertising campaign data, determines the occurrence of the offer-triggering event by a consumer during an online session with the online portal, and delivers information corresponding to the targeted marketing offer to the consumer.

Abstract: A content sharing system and a content sharing method of sharing contents following a free will of a user through belonging to a plurality of groups are disclosed. Identification information on each of one or more groups to which respective users belong is stored while associating it with identification information on the users. A download history of a content via user terminals by respective users is stored while associating it with the identification information on the users. A group or groups to which a user accessing via a user terminal belongs is/are determined. Whether a content already primarily downloaded by another user belonging to the determined group(s) exists is determined based on the download history and identification information. If the content already primarily downloaded by the another user exists, secondary download to the user terminal accessing the above-mentioned content is permitted.

Abstract: In one preferred form there is provided a computer implemented coupon system 100 for offering coupons 102 in connection with products and services 104. The system 100 includes a sale facility 106 adapted to allow individuals to purchase the coupons 102 online. The coupons 102 each provide a reduction in price associated with a specific product or service. The system 102 includes a communications facility for displaying, to the individuals, coupon information 110 associated with the coupons.

Abstract: A customer incentive reward card matching method that allows a merchant or affiliation of merchants to create incentive, retention,, and marketing methods for a customer by providing the customer with a reward card that has a matching value to the customer's initial purchase price. The reward card is designed to incentivize the customer to return to the merchant for future business and also generate profits for the merchant by charging premium prices for products and services, requiring minimum price purchases, charging a small administrative fee, and other prerequisites. The customer incentive reward card matching method further utilizes a point of sale device connected to a remote computer to download, view, analyze, edit, and process customer transaction history data.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed systems and methods for providing coupons on demand to a consumer, to make the process of offering coupons and redeeming coupons more efficient. Embodiments of such systems may include a server reachable by mobile telephones or other communication devices with a database of coupon information, with modules or software for entering and administering coupon information and monitoring activity of coupons and reporting it to merchants. A consumer may text a keyword to a dedicated address, requesting coupons related to the keyword, and a selection of coupons (if any are available) is returned. If any coupon(s) are desired, they are returned to the consumer's mobile communication device, and a fee is added to the consumer's bill for the mobile communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining relative business volume for a given time frame between a specific retail establishment and other comparable retail establishments. A database storing retail transactions for multiple retail establishments is accessed for data relating to retail transactions for a specific retail establishment. These transactions are for a specific time period in question. Retail transactions for other retail establishments that are comparable to the specific retail establishment are also retrieved for the same time period. These transactions for the other establishments are then aggregated to render the data anonymous. The aggregated data is then processed on a per-retail establishment basis and compared to the data for the specific retail establishment.

Abstract: A method of executing a transaction related to the purchase of fuel. A contract is entered into by a purchaser with a card service provider or financial institution for a certain amount of fuel at a fixed or capped price offered over a predetermined duration. The fuel is purchased from a retail merchant. A payment is made or received by the purchaser depending on the difference between a prevailing retail index price and the fixed or capped price. A premium may be paid for entering into a capped price arrangement. The fixed and capped prices may be related to a retail index price at or before the time the contract is entered into. In another embodiment, the method includes receiving retail price index data for fuel sales and determining fuel sale contract criteria, with a fuel sale contract proposed for a purchaser.

Abstract: A value management system which facilitates substantially real-time exchange of loyalty value during transactions. The value management system includes an exchange computer for acting as an intermediary between a loyalty member computer and a loyalty system on behalf of a loyalty member. The exchange computer is for storing login information of the loyalty member, for accessing a loyalty account of the loyalty member within the loyalty system using the login information, for determining a loyalty value associated with the loyalty account, for performing a transaction with the loyalty member involving a change in the loyalty value in exchange for other value, and for charging a fee from the loyalty member in return for the transaction.

Abstract: A Tradesman's Purchase system is operated by a bank or credit issuing authority that issues a Tradesman's purchasing credit unique ID# to qualifying tradesman selected from the group consisting of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, mechanics, repair shop professionals, contractors, or related construction or trade companies and professions upon payment of an initiation fee and payment of periodic maintenance fees. The unique ID# provides pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses. The unique ID# is linked to the tradesman's name, business, professional status, license number and biometric data including palm print, finger print, iris print and voice print. Professional purchases by the tradesman are tracked by the system, analyzed and reported to sponsoring manufacturers of goods, jobbers or wholesalers for a fee.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as contributions are disclosed. In an aspect, “points” or “miles” created through various existing affinity programs prevalent in the credit card and airline industries can be redeemed as (nonprofit) donations. Typically, such reward, award or bonus “points” or “miles” have been redeemed for free or discounted rewards such as airline tickets, hotel room stays, restaurant vouchers or other goods and services. However, millions of vested affinity points or miles are left unused (i.e., unredeemed). The present invention allows a consumer who holds such points or miles to link to a nonprofit organization allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such organizations.

Abstract: A method for distribution of advertising that includes combining an audio data file that produces an advertising message when processed with a data file that produces a performance of a musical composition when processed. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of music which includes providing a server connected to a computer network, permitting message data files to be provided for a fee paid by the party providing the message, purchasing rights to multimedia data files from owners of such rights and making available to end users data files comprising a message and a licensed multimedia file by a connection to the network server. Preferably the method provides a multimedia file that comprises a musical composition. An especially preferred embodiment provides a multimedia data file that is an MP3 file comprising a musical composition.

Abstract: A method of conducting retailing promotions uses a computerized retailing promotion system communicating with client devices operated by a plurality of consumers and merchants over a communications network.

Abstract: A method for assigning an interchange rate to a financial transaction is provided. The method uses at least one input device in communication with an interchange database. The financial transaction is initiated by a cardholder using a card over a card interchange, the card having been issued by an issuer bank. The method includes the steps of storing issuer data within the interchange database, the issuer data including whether the issuer bank has entered into a special relationship with the interchange.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for remunerating endorsers of a digital artistic product online, and of tangible products sent to purchasers, such as a video, image, or music production. An endorser of a product is compensated for recommending the product which the endorser has purchased to other users. A portion of the revenue generated either on the digital music product, or the on other products, resulting from the recommendation of the endorsers is paid to the endorser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for merchant's benefit-focused electronic coupon distribution business. The invention provides an online platform connecting merchants to targeted consumers without sales people. The online platform provides merchants with profile pages where the merchants can manage and sell coupon offerings. Consumers can search and purchase one-time use coupons based on the coupon offerings. Each one-time use coupon carries unique identification number and code, and the coupon is tracked to provide information back to registered merchants. This invention minimizes the risk and marketing promotion cost by shifting the burden of marketing cost to the consumers' side. Instead of paving for marketing costs upfront, merchants receive micropayments from consumers through coupon offerings and selling one-time use coupons. This invention creates a get-paid-to-participate-marketing for merchants, and ways to access more discounts from more local businesses for consumers.

Abstract: This invention enables people from the at-home viewing or listening audience of any television or radio broadcast to talk with each other to discuss the program's content on the telephone at any time before, during or after a show. In addition to discussion forums based on broadcast and print media content, the system provides premium priced telephone access to people with specific expertise, e.g., sports stars, politicians and a host of other specialists. Income is earned on a per-minute or flat-rate basis and billed to the caller primarily via credit card or their phone bill. Revenue can be derived from the sale of advertisement, e.g., mentions of the sponsor over the telephone during the initial greeting and within conferences, as well as from the licensing of the service to media networks as a value added service.

Abstract: Wireless-enabled mobile communication devices and network nodes are configured for participation in wireless, location-based e-commerce activities. Consumers using mobile communication devices in the vicinity of physical retail locations receive opportunities to engage in e-commerce, using their mobile communication devices, with merchants operating the physical retail locations. In an exemplary e-commerce transaction, a wireless communication session is established between a mobile communication device and a wireless network access node, which may be associated with a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) or a wide-area network (“WAN”). Via the wireless communication session, a consumer receives a virtual retail experience associated with the physical retail location, and an exchange of consideration between the consumer and the merchant entity is arranged. In exchange for consideration from the consumer, the consumer receives commodity.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture for interacting with a multiple criteria buying and/or selling system to conduct business electronically. In particular, the architecture can include a dynamic discount card that includes an information access component for receiving information. In addition, the dynamic discount card can include a presentation component for displaying information to a user via the dynamic discount card.

Abstract: An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration. A manufacturer, such as an automobile manufacturer, can offer incentives direct to its consumers and enter into an electronic dialogue with its customers to help drive profits and sales in the most efficient manner.

Abstract: A subscriber-based sales leads exchange system and method for efficiently maximizing revenue to lead sellers and for providing high quality, temporally relevant sales leads to lead buyers based on a transaction between a lead seller and a customer of said lead seller.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for processing closed loop cards/codes. The method includes identifying a closed loop card/code having associated money in an account, receiving a confirmation of an amount of money in the closed loop card/code account, presenting an owner of the closed loop card/code with the amount of money in the closed loop card/code account and an offer to pay an offer amount for the closed loop card/code, receiving an indication that the owner accepts the offer, receiving the amount of money from the closed loop card/code account, and paying the owner the offer amount. Payment can be on an open loop card/code, cash, automated clearing house (ACH) to bank, check, merchant credit, or bill pay. The method can include generating a new closed loop card/code associated with the amount of money. The new closed loop card/code can be sold to another user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for processing closed loop cards/codes. The method includes identifying a closed loop card/code having associated money in an account, receiving a confirmation of an amount of money in the closed loop card/code account, presenting an owner of the closed loop card/code with the amount of money in the closed loop card/code account and an offer to pay an offer amount for the closed loop card/code, receiving an indication that the owner accepts the offer, receiving the amount of money from the closed loop card/code account, and paying the owner the offer amount. Payment can be on an open loop card/code, cash, automated clearing house (ACH) to bank, check, merchant credit, or bill pay. The method can include generating a new closed loop card/code associated with the amount of money. The new closed loop card/code can be sold to another user.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting revenue-generating transactions by creation and dissemination of a pooled profit-sharing incentive among users of a social network or other online community.

Abstract: An online system presents remote users with static incentives, dynamic incentives and the ability to create and submit customizable incentives related to goods or services of interest to the user. By using the incentive delivery system, the user can research goods or services of interest and in an interactive fashion create an incentive package most desirable to the user and submit same to a central location. The systems performs decisioning routines on submitted incentive requests and makes such requests available for review. Ultimately, the submitted requests may be accepted or rejected or a counter-incentive may be issued to the user for consideration.

Abstract: A universal rewards system for consolidating reward and bonus programs across a series of programs in which a consumer participates. The system includes at least one computer having a computer-readable medium with program instructions stored thereon to cause the processor to receive data streams regarding participating merchants, determine and/or identify qualified transactions, identify appropriate rewards/bonuses, and identify participating consumers, generate data regarding the qualified transactions and the appropriate rewards/bonuses, and transmit information regarding the qualified transactions and issuance of the appropriate rewards/bonuses. The system also includes an identification device for distribution to the participating consumers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging all or a portion of the credit card discount fee or debit card discount fee (or other type of card, e.g., smart card, discount fee) to the consumer, customer, end user, credit card owner, or debit card owner, thereby reducing or eliminating the cost of the discount fee to the merchant upon a transaction initiated at the merchant location, are disclosed herein. With the cost of the discount fee to the merchant reduced or eliminated, embodiments disclosed herein allow the merchant to choose to optionally provide benefits, incentives, prizes, discounts (e.g., on services or goods), and/or a game of chance where the consumer, customer, end user, credit card owner, or debit card owner is capable of winning prizes, benefits, incentives, and/or discounts for the consumer, customer, end user, credit card owner, or debit card owner with any portion or all of the discount rate amount saved by the merchant.

Abstract: Internet, web-based platform that offers low cost advertising venue for companies and a convenient shopping venue for customers. The system includes storage capacity to store information on purchased and redeemed coupons, and includes logic to analyze the effectiveness of a marketing campaign based on statistical analysis of redeemed coupons relative to purchased coupons. One embodiment includes a system capable of automatically comparing and analyzing the customers' stored preferences with posted coupons, and automatically sending a listing of coupons that match the customer's preference by email, text message, or by any commercially available communication mode. Another embodiment includes a coupon sales revenue sharing function between the web site and the matched coupon company that credits both the web site's account and the company's account for each coupon sold, where the company's shared revenue portion can be limited.

Abstract: Advertising is displayed in conjunction with web pages and other HTML-rendered information by splitting a display area into frames, so that requested content appears in one frame and one or more advertisements appear in other frames, respectively. By displaying advertisements in frames that are at the same logical layer as the web pages that induced the advertising, the functionality of the presentation resides in native HTML code, making it much more difficult to block the advertisement. An exchange server provides frame generation data to the HTML-rendering device. The device can directly obtain requested content and associated advertisements from respective domains, or the data can be indirectly provided through the exchange server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing an electronic coupon service using a communication network, including: requesting a purchase for the electronic coupon product registered in an electronic coupon service-providing server via a purchaser terminal; enabling the electronic coupon service-providing server to generate first contract information containing a purchaser and a first contract number, using the electronic coupon service provider as a seller; and enabling the electronic coupon service-providing server to generate second contract information containing a second contract number, using the place at which the electronic coupon is used as a seller, and using the electronic coupon service provider as a purchaser, wherein said second contract information contains said first contract number.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for initiating and/or conducting a transaction that is associated with at least two corresponding declarations of intent, in particular a payment transaction, between at least two transaction parties via a processing unit (3), in which payment transaction at least one of the transaction parties uses a land line telephone or mobile telephone (1, 2) or a mobile communications device for transmitting data. The method is characterized by the transmission of data to the processing unit by at least two transaction parties within a limited time frame, and by the fact that the initiation of the data transmission of these transaction parties is effected actively by the transaction parties and not by the processing unit (3), while the data transmitted during initiation contain features that enable correlating the declarations of intent with one another.

Abstract: The online coupon distribution system and method distributes discount coupons through a website. The website is designed and constructed to include a “trifold” process that blends discount coupon purchasing with cost effective advertising and charitable contributions into a powerful web presence. The process is called cooperative couponing. The system sells coupons and allocates generated revenue among merchants, a website principal, and a designated charity. The website identifies local merchants in a geographic area. Coupons are electronically distributed on a daily basis. The website features target goal coupons, two subsidiary coupons providing discounts, and five additional weekly merchant coupons strategically placed on the website. The website permits website users to designate a charitable contribution to a charity of their choice based on their coupon purchase.

Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a computer-based method for tracking Internet-related revenue, including: recording, in an Internet-based system, a sign obtained from a business entity; correlating a first item purchased through the system with the sign; and compensating the business entity for the purchase of the first item. The registering, correlating, and compensating are performed by at least one specially programmed general-purpose computer. In some aspects, the sign is regarding an offer to sell a second item. In some aspects, the second item is real estate.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating the redemption of affinity reward points as political contributions are disclosed. In an aspect, “points” or “miles” created through various existing affinity programs prevalent in the credit card and airline industries can be redeemed as political donations. Typically, such reward, award or bonus “points” or “miles” have been redeemed for free or discounted rewards such as airline tickets, hotel room stays, restaurant vouchers or other goods and services. However, millions of vested affinity points or miles are left unused (i.e., unredeemed). The present invention allows a consumer who holds such points or miles to link to a political campaign, political party or political action committee allowing excess points to be converted into cash donations to such political campaigns, political parties or political action committees.

Abstract: A method for implementing an advertising campaign to sell alcoholic beverages can include receiving, at a computing device, a request from a user for a tracking code associated with a purchase of an alcoholic beverage. The method an also include generating the tracking code, and sending, by the computing device, the tracking code to the user. The method can further include receiving confirmation of the purchase of the alcoholic beverage, and providing an incentive to the user for the purchase.

Abstract: An online coupon distribution method includes creating, at a coupon distribution server and for a sold goods coupon, a pair of a code number and an authentication key which are stored in a coupon database. The code number is sent to a wireless communication terminal and the authentication key is sent to the wireless communication terminal using a callback short message service (SMS). When the sold goods store coupon is used at a goods store terminal, the code number is sent from the goods store terminal to the coupon distribution server. The coupon distribution server receives the authentication key sent from the wireless communication terminal through a callback SMS, and compares the received code number and authentication key with the code number and authentication key stored in the coupon database. The coupon distribution server sends an authentication result to the goods store terminal where the goods store coupon is used.

Abstract: A method of determining a commission comprises providing a plurality of selectable variables. The plurality of variables are associated with an asset. A commission associated with a sale of the asset based at least partially on a selection of at least one variable from the plurality of variables is calculated. Calculating the commission includes assigning a value to each variable selected from the plurality of variables.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a recurring lottery sustainable by a sustaining pool is claimed and described. In the method of the present invention, a drawing is held. Winners of the drawing receive a jackpot and are required to transfer part of the jackpot to a sustaining pool. Any given jackpot is drawn partially or entirely from the sustaining pool. The system includes one or more electronic devices and may be used to carry out the method.

Abstract: A proof-of-performance verification system may include a receipt processing facility that receives a receipt image, wherein the receipt processing facility optionally enhances the receipt, converts the receipt image to text, and matches the text to a product or service description in accordance with a terminology database, a proof processor that electronically matches a user-selected reward offer against the product or service description to facilitate offer redemption, and at least one of a payment facility that distributes the offer redemption funds and a rewards facility that communicates incentive rewards to a central location. Related user interfaces, applications, and computer program products are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming linking customers with product and or service providing entities comprising: establishing a coordinator; posting by at last one of an event host or a sponsor at least one of descriptors of an event to be staged by the event host or offerings by the sponsor; and fitting the event host with one or more sponsors.

Abstract: The home viewing of movies currently being shown in one or more theaters is facilitated. Facilitating home viewing of first-run, feature length movies may increase the amount of money earned during the theatre run of the movies. For example, this may enable users that would not be able to view movies in the theatre, and/or that would not be willing to view at least some of the movies in the theatre, to purchase the ability to view the movies.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the field of creating incentives for the completion of the design of integrated electronic circuits (chips). Modern chip design use sophisticated computer aided design software (CAD tools). Typically, CAD tools are sold or rented with pricing schemes that restrict the number of copies and usage of the software and are accompanied by a time-based maintenance charge. These pricing schemes do not encourage cooperation and business efficiency. In one embodiment of the invention, a CAD tool vendor receives two payments, one for access to the technology, providing unlimited usage and copies of the software, and a second payment when the technology produces a useful result. This connects vendor payment to the success of the customer. The vendor finds it advantageous to create tools that are easy to learn, easy to use, and with all the necessary functionality.

Abstract: A discounted coupon card for use by a consumer and methods for using the same are disclosed and described herein. The card comprises two sides and is about the size of a standard credit card. One side of the card includes a sponsoring theme or advertising. The opposite side of the card includes a magnetic strip that includes electro-magnetic data corresponding to the merchants and the purchase incentives and indicia identifying the merchants and purchase incentives or discounts. The magnetic strip is adapted to be read by a magnetic strip reader and the data on the strip can be transmitted to a computer network to provide instant and future discounts for advertised goods or services from a plurality of businesses.

Abstract: A library of available incentive programs is established for an agricultural product. Input is accepted from an agricultural producer or a crop planner to facilitate tailoring the library of incentive programs to the requirements (e.g., needs, objectives, and resources) of a particular producer. The library of available incentive programs is searched based upon the accepted input to select a tailored list of candidate incentive programs from the library. Information on the tailored candidate incentive programs is made accessible to the agricultural producer. The agricultural producer may select a preferential incentive program between or among the candidate incentive programs. Further, the producer may readily seek financing via electronic communications to purchase or otherwise conduct a transaction under the preferential incentive program. If the producer applies for a financial product for financing the transaction under the preferential incentive program, the previously gathered input (e.g.

Abstract: Accordingly some embodiments, a merchant server receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant of a purchase of at least one item from a first merchant. The customer agrees to participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant in exchange for having the subsidy applied against the purchase from the first merchant. In one embodiment, after selling the at least one item to the customer, the merchant server determines that the customer did not participate in an additional transaction with the second merchant as the customer agreed to, and assesses a penalty against the customer.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic commerce (e-commerce) 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: [Purpose] To provide an advertisement with viewer's high interest and publishes a highly effective advertisement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dispensing coupons in response to a purchase request for a requested good or service received from a consumer. A processing system executes a coupon dispensing application to manage the dispensing of coupons. The coupon dispensing application communicates with a coupon management system to identify available coupons for the requested good or service in response to the purchase request. The coupon dispensing application may also communicate with a benefit provider system to determine a benefit amount provided to the consumer for the requested good or service. The coupon dispensing application determines a payment amount for the requested good or service based on an available coupon, a determined benefit amount, and/or a purchase amount for the requested good or service.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow for rewarding customer loyalty, such as rewarding members of a fitness club for longevity of membership to the fitness club. A method of an embodiment includes storing information about a customer who is scheduled to be charged payment amounts that are specified by a payment plan. The method further includes receiving, by a server computer over a network from a client computer, a request to enroll the customer in a payment reducing plan. Also, the method further includes automatically reducing, by the server computer, the payment amounts charged to the customer over time in accordance with a payment reduction schedule for the payment reducing plan while the customer remains enrolled in the payment reducing plan.