Abstract: Sales promotion device which provides campaign information receives access from a terminal device of an introducer who participated in a campaign to a campaign participation registration site, generate campaign participation information on which a campaign ID, a parent ID assigned to the introducer, and points assigned to the introducer are corresponded. When introduction information is received from the terminal device of the introducer, another user belonging to an SNS group which is the same as the introducer is treated as an introduced person, a child ID assigned to the introduced person or a user ID of the SNS is written in the campaign participation information, and introduction information is distributed to the terminal device of the introduced person. When the introduced person participates in the campaign, the promotion device writes points assigned to the introduced person in the campaign participation information, and adds introduction points to the introducer's points.

Abstract: A method and associated systems for rewarding online advocates. The invention identifies a primary advocate as a person or entity that endorses or advocates a product or service. The invention then automatically detects, tracks, and analyzes characteristics of the advocate's act of advocating the product or service to recipients. The invention also tracks the primary advocate's conversions, which occur when the primary advocate's act of advocating influences a recipient into advocating a product or service. The invention then automatically rewards the primary advocate as a function of characteristics of the primary advocate's influence and of the primary advocate's ability to convert recipients.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating the referrals of items provided by a network-based publication system are described. In some example embodiments, the methods and systems may provide a mechanism to receive referrals from viewers of items (e.g., viewers of product description information associated with items available for purchase) and/or surface items that have been referred to other viewers looking to purchase items via the network-based publication system.

Abstract: A commission program can include an asymptotic component when calculating compensation for distributors. An asymptotic leg can extend to infinity without exceeding a target percentage. A distributor can be compensated based on selected distributors in the compensated distributor's downline. Recurring non-contiguous inclusion of distributors can be applied. A random component can be incorporated into the compensation program. The program can include innovative techniques going beyond conventional systems to better provide a balance between distributor motivation and sustainability of the program.

Abstract: In a direct marketing environment, a compensation method for calculating compensation of a distributor entails utilizing multiple compensation systems in serial with each other, such that a first distributor of a direct marketing company may receive compensation under a first compensation system as well as compensation under one or more additional compensation systems, and wherein providing compensation under at least one of the compensation systems occurs without regard to whether compensation was provided under another compensation system.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include, for example, a system for managing endorsements for products is disclosed that identifies a person of influence, and determines that the person of influence has identified a product provided by a merchant in a digital communication. The system may dynamically generate an endorsement deal communication including an offer to the person of influence to endorse the product, and provide the endorsement deal communication to the person of influence. The system may receive a response to the endorsement deal communication indicating an acceptance by the person of influence to endorse the product. The system may generate an endorsement communication including a product identifier identifying the product, an endorser identifier identifying the person of influence, and a link to an online location. The system may publish the endorsement communication electronically, after which is determines compensation for the person of influence.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for social shopping networks. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing rewards to a user and a customer via a social shopping game platform associated with a networking Web site includes the steps of receiving registration information for the user; receiving product information of at least one product from a merchant; enabling the user to create a user's personal store, wherein the user's personal store displays the product information of the at least one product; enabling a customer of the networking Web site to purchase the at least one displayed product from the merchant; and distributing the rewards to the user and the customer for their activities, such as, if the customer makes a purchase from the merchant after visiting the user's store displaying the at least one product.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for facilitating selection of dating partners in at least one social network including connections among a plurality of users. The method includes a first user browsing through visible user profiles, the first user identifying a second user in the visible user profiles, the first user and second user connected to each other via a third user in the at least one social network and the first user sending an introduction request to the third user for introduction with the second user by paying a first amount of virtual currency from user account associated with the first user. Thereafter, the third user performing one of introducing the first user to the second user to earn a second amount of virtual currency and choosing to keep the introducing request for themselves by paying a third amount of virtual currency.

Abstract: Real-time interactive broadcast sessions for client devices include: for each client device in the interactive broadcast session, configuring downstream video and audio ports for the interactive broadcast session between a central controller and the client device; receiving from each client device a selected broadcaster corresponding to a broadcaster flow control signal; in response to receiving the selected broadcaster from each client device, sending video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster to each client device over the interactive broadcast session; receiving a request from a given client device on the interactive broadcast session to interact with the selected broadcaster; configuring upstream and downstream video ports for one-to-one video chat session between the central controller and the given client device; and sending the video and audio streams of the given client device, and the video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster, to each client device over the interactive broadcast se

Abstract: A platform service that is used by an application may be linked to an advertising service. A cost of using the platform service may be reduced based on the linking.

Abstract: A system for attracting new customer comprises providing a coupon to an existing customer, the coupon identifying only the customer and when that coupon is redeemed by a second customer, the first customer receives value.

Abstract: A content delivery system includes: a profile module configured to determine a profile; a current location module, coupled to the profile module, configured to calculate a current location associated with the profile; and a content generation module, coupled to the additional location module, configured to generate a contextual content based on the profile and within a geofence of the current location for displaying on the device, the geofence is for connecting a device to another device.

Abstract: The proposed embodiment provides a method and system for social collaboration and providing curated content for decision-making. The method includes creating a list for purchasing product(s) by a user and sharing the list with a plurality of users. Further, the method includes receiving product suggestions and curated content associated with the products from the plurality of users/sources, adaptively displaying the curated content to the user for decision-making, and allowing the user to purchase the product(s) based on the decision-made.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating a value exchange transaction are provided. A plurality of identifiers to be associated with a user account that is accessible via the wallet application is received by a networked system from a wallet application on a mobile device. In response, access is provided to a plurality of values corresponding to the received plurality of identifiers. The plurality of values includes monetary values and non-monetary values.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure comprises providing an item containing a unique identifier to seller of the item where the unique identifier identifies at least the location and purchaser or user of the item, receiving information about at least the location and use of the item from the purchaser or user of the item, providing the purchaser or user of the item with one or more offers or incentives that are specifically tailored to the individual purchaser or user based on the location and use information received from the purchaser or user of the item and providing the seller with a monetary incentive or reward whenever the seller sells the item or the purchaser or user accepts one or more offers or incentives that are specifically tailored to the individual purchaser or user based on the location and use information received from the purchaser or user of the item.

Abstract: A system and method that makes information available to participants of electronically mediated social networks that is provided by other parties is provided. The social network receives information about an entity, concept, vendor, service or good. A credentialed and authorized user of the associated account is enabled to both (a.) post this information and (b.) select rules that permit or deny access by other parties to the posted information according two or more alternative access permissions or permission profiles. The system enables informational posts to be made accessible to other social network accounts of that have been generally authorized a selected level of information access permission, such as a friend account status or a linked account status. A scope of search might be extended to a second or additional separation levels, such as friends of friends, or two or more degrees of linked connectivity.

Abstract: A method and system for user-directed donations from a company to a charity in which an affiliate company agrees to donate a percentage of each transaction with a registered user to one or more charities selected by the user. The user may also select a percentage of each donation which is to be donated to each of its selected charities. The user conducts the transaction with a personal payment account, which is any form of payment which is not specific to a single company or related group of companies. In this way, the user may conduct business with substantially any business and generate donations which the user directs, so long as the business is an affiliate.

Abstract: A website accessible via a network to a first plurality of registered users is maintained, wherein the first plurality of registered users comprises a second plurality of paying members and a third plurality of non-paying members. Registration information indicating that a person has registered, status information indicating whether the person has registered as a paying member or a non-paying member, and referring member identification information identifying a particular one of the first plurality of users as a member who referred the person, is received. Referring member status information indicating whether the particular one of the first plurality of users is a paying member or a non-paying member is examined. A sum is paid to the particular one of the first plurality of user based on the status information and the referring member status information.

Abstract: Tracking, and possibly rewarding or incentivizing those who drive traffic includes causing sharing actions via social networking or media platforms to register such actions with a tracking server. Sharing may be via sharing widgets, posting on Web pages, and/or copying and pasting URLs. The effectiveness of the tracking may be tracked, including over generations. Incentives may be based on effectiveness of sharing actions, for example number of clicks, or social and actual revenue generated. Incentives may include access through a pay wall Website or free or discounted access to content, products, or services.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the invention relate to directly distributing an offer from a merchant to a user based on a relationship established via the Internet. More specifically, the user can request and/or accept a relationship with an entity in which such relationship is leveraged by the merchant to either directly communicate an offer to such user and/or directly communicate an offer to such user and one or more relationships associated with such user. Moreover, based on the one or more relationships redeeming or using the offer, the user can be provided with a specific offer and/or an offer customizable to his or her preferences within one or more guidelines from the merchant.

Abstract: A method of generating a fixed-price variable-offer multi-tier thread generator may include receiving, a by a computer processor(s), at least a fixed price, a thread expiration criteria and specification for at least two offerings for the fixed price. Each of the at least two offerings correspond to one of at least two tiers of offerings, where the fixed price entitles a first member and any subsequent members on a thread to redeem a qualified offer associated with a qualified tier, in exchange for paying the fixed price, upon the occurrence of at least one thread expiration criteria. The at least one product or service offerings the thread qualifies for, upon the occurrence of the at least one thread expiration criteria, may be dependent upon a total number of members, including the first member who starts a thread from the thread generator and any subsequent members who join the thread and who have agreed to pay the fixed price.

Abstract: An information dissemination method and apparatus facilitates transmission of information to primary receivers and re-transmission to secondary receivers using native mobile devices, without necessarily depending on friends lists or the internet. The chain of transmission “links” can be tracked and logged, and users in the chain can be rewarded for participating. The information, referred to as “germs,” can be generated, propagated and spread in a viral manner, wherein the germs are filtered and exchanged among users in close proximity, within a pre-registered user group, or through the internet. Embodiments can be used for one-to-one and one-to-many communications in the social media, advertising, and/or security industries, and do not require client-users to know each other or be on friends lists.

Abstract: An affiliate system according to the embodiment acquires an introduction request including information on a product or service that a user of a first terminal decides to introduce to a user of a second terminal among products or services purchased or used by the user of the first terminal, selects from among users of respective second terminals, the user of the second terminal who is associated with the user of the first terminal and who visits a purchase site or use site of the product or service specified in the introduction request, and notifies introduction information corresponding to the introduction request to the second terminal of the selected user. If the user of the second terminal purchases or uses the product or service on the basis of the introduction information, a reward is provided to the user of the first terminal.

Abstract: The presented invention is a method for an advertising sponsor user, using a client computer, or mobile device to be able to register, login and create zip code related local sponsor advertisements, with small advertisements for creating interest in the offers, that link to bigger advertisements with an embedded shopping cart. When a user creates the advertisements, they can upload their images, and create their type for the offers in the same interface form and the advertisements are instantly created and able to be published immediately throughout a network. Utilizing zip codes allows the system to use an intelligent smart decision engine, to make decisions of where advertisements and campaigns should be displayed as related to registered users locations. Also past performance and past advertisement information is utilized by the present invention to make appraisal value judgments as to the value of advertisements for sale, and campaign values for sale.

Abstract: A technique for generating links to a web page by: presenting a web page; defining one or more other web pages to include a link to the presented web page; and placing a link on at least one of the other web pages linking to the presented web page. A prompt for an acceptance of the link may be presented to the other web pages whereby a link is not added until the corresponding acceptance of the link is received.

Abstract: A campaign offers and rewards system includes a receipt intelligence engine with receipt processing that extracts information from a receipt, including information about items purchased based on a receipt from at least one of a shopping trip and an electronic receipt from an online or offline transaction. An analytics engine includes data intelligence coupled to the receipt processing and performs analysis of the receipt. The system is configured to be coupled to a mobile device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to business methods and systems for retail marketing, and specifically to Retail Customer Referral Compensation Programs for using Performance-Driven criteria to award Production Points for determining a Referring Customer's position in a Performance-Driven Floating Matrix compensation and matching bonus plan in a retail marketing organization.

Abstract: A buyer-seller matching system that uses incentives to verify commissions from matching the buyer with a seller. An item locator system that comprises a repository of information about items for purchase may be provided over a network for users to access information about items for purchase. Along with each item, the system presents an incentive that may be realized if that item is purchased from a designated third party seller. The user then executes the purchase with the seller, who pays the system the agreed upon fee and also issues a certification of purchase to the buyer. The user may then take the certification of purchase back to the central repository to redeem the incentive. The item locator system then checks to verify that it has received a fee or commission from the seller for bringing the seller a buyer of the item. The fee or commission may be based on the price of the item, such as if the item is a new house for sale and the seller is a new house builder.

Abstract: A system is connected for communication over a communication network with a plurality of provider entity processors for managing referral fees. The system includes a processor configured to store information associated with referral fee rights including rights of a first provider entity to receive referral fees for referral fee generating activities performed by one or more users that have been referred by the first provider entity to one or more second provider entities. The processor receives a request from the first provider entity to sell defined referral fee rights. The processor calculates a buy-out price associated with the defined referral fee rights and communicates the calculated price to the first provider entity. The processor receives information from the provider entity regarding whether or not the provider entity accepts the calculated buy-out price.

Abstract: An information providing device can provide an arrangement, in addition to conventional affiliate programs, through which affiliators or the like can get rewards. In the information providing device, when a user of a terminal device specifies an advertisement display area, a partial area including a position specified in the advertisement display area is specified such that a reward is paid to the user allocated to the partial area.

Abstract: Generating a commission for a passport photo provider by identifying a group of people that are about to travel in the near future, providing the customers with an incentive to purchase a travel service and a token to identify the passport photo provider, the customer purchasing a travel service, and the travel service provider transmitting a commission to the passport photo provider. The incentive is a discount on a travel service, such as travel insurance. The token is a uniform resource locator (URL) with a file path on the end for identifying the source of the incentive or a coupon code. The token and the incentive are printed on a brochure that also contains passport photos. If the customer makes a subsequent purchase of travel services, the passport photo provider receives an additional commission.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for receiving user input to categorize user submissions in a social media setting is described.

Abstract: A billing statement according to one aspect of the invention includes a description of a transaction and an offer pointer associated with the transaction, wherein the offer pointer includes information that may be used to review an offer. In one example of this aspect, a telephone number or a hyperlink is provided adjacent to a total amount owed listed on a statement (e.g., an electronically-displayed billing statement). The offers reviewed may be customized, for example, based on details of the transaction such as the product purchased or the amount of the purchase, the identity of the consumer, and/or on other data.

Abstract: A business method and system for executing the method that involves gathering merchandise orders at a show in the home of a hostess. The method compiles the merchandise orders while maintaining a relationship between each individual order and information pertaining to the guest making the order. The guest information maintains an association with the order throughout the method such that each order made at the show may be individually packaged and labeled, obviating the need for the hostess to sort the ordered items upon receiving them from a warehouse.

Abstract: A method for managing the sale of goods and services includes coupling at least one good or service to a first hyperlink associated with the first vendor and the at least one good or service. A database tracks and stores the purchase of the at least one good or service coupled to the first hyperlink and generating a second hyperlink corresponding to the good or service as well as to both the first vendor and the first buyer, and supplying the second hyperlink to the first buyer. The first buyer may display the second hyperlink to a plurality of additional buyers, and, when each of the plurality of additional buyers conducts a transaction using the second hyperlink to purchase the at least one good or service from the first vendor, the purchase is recorded in connection with the additional buyers, the first vendor and the first buyer.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for providing a user tailored service using a social network service. The method includes at a user terminal, receiving a transaction approval message from a credit card company server when a customer uses a credit card, and obtaining purchase information of the customer based on the received transaction approval message, and forming a social network for sharing the purchase information of the customer with predetermined persons having a social relationship, wherein the predetermined persons include friends, family members, and colleagues of the customer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the product pricing system in e-commerce using the internet, comprises a sale condition management module receiving a sale condition information entered from a seller that includes a lowest set price, a customer price and a prepared number of a product, wherein the lowest set price for a product is determined according to whole sale of the prepared number of a product; a purchase condition management module generating purchase group information by counting a purchased number for each bid price through a product bid price and a purchased number of a product entered from a customer; a status management module generating discount information according to a purchased number of a product based on the sale condition information, and generating varying price information by adding the discount information and the purchase group information; and a pricing module generating a pricing information by setting a price of the product, wherein the price of the product set at the value where the purchase gr

Abstract: A method of automating aspects of charging and receiving payments in exchange for access to a user's content on a collaboration system configured for use on a server accessible by a network such that paid access can be readily established without requiring the independent integration of payment receipt and tracking software by the user and without requiring the user to determining software compatibility of the same for use on the server.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving an indication that a user selected social network data that is displayed, on a client device, concurrently with offer data that indicates a coupon offer; wherein prior to receiving the indication, the user of the client device is incapable of accessing the coupon offer; in response to receiving the indication that the user selected the social network data, allowing the user to access the coupon offer, and causing a message to be sent to each user of a plurality of users that are identified, in a social network, as connected to the user, wherein the message includes data about the coupon offer or a coupon provider that initiated the coupon offer; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for rewarding subscribed users who invite other users to a business establishment. On receiving an indication that a subscribed user of a social group is at a business establishment, a message is sent to a plurality of users of the social group announcing that the user is at the business establishment. On receiving one or more signals, within a predetermined period, that one or more of the plurality of users entered into a purchase transaction with the business establishment, an offering is sent to the subscribed user.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of receiving, with a processing device of a commerce server, a shopping list containing a plurality of items from a primary consumer. The method also includes the step of controlling, with the processing device, a display of an electronic computing device of a secondary consumer to display the shopping list. The method also includes the step of receiving, with the processing device, a coupon list containing one more coupons from the secondary consumer wherein each of the one or more coupons corresponds to one of the plurality of items on the shopping list. The method also includes the step of transmitting, with the processing device, a message containing the coupon list to the primary consumer.

Abstract: A system for implementing a referral program includes a referral tracking system capable of tracking referrals of users from participant sites to a merchant site, and capable of determining whether such referrals result in purchases. The referral program participants may select particular catalog items to recommend, and may provide encoded links on their sites to the corresponding catalog pages of the merchant site. The system may include a report generation system that provides the participants with activity reports regarding the referral and purchase activity attributable to such links.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a system, method and computer program for enabling local or regional merchants to participate in an automated cause marketing (ACM) program. The ACM program that may provide benefits to several parties involved in fundraising for one or more supported organizations, including one or more supported organizations, advertising providers, merchants, and individuals. Merchants are able to access enhanced analytics regarding their transactions with members and non-members of the ACM program and can use these registration enhanced analytics to realize an increased number of or revenue from transactions with members. The present invention also teaches a system and method for enabling advertising providers to acquire and analyze data associated with consumers-merchant transactions. The present invention provides the above advantages optimally using a mobile device.

Abstract: A method of organizing revenues for user shares of information regarding applications configured for use on a server hosted collaboration system accessible by a network.

Abstract: A method of organizing revenues for user shares of information regarding applications configured for use on a server hosted collaboration system accessible by a network.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a method of validating an electronic incentive provided to users is provided. An electronic incentive can be distributed to a first user. The electronic incentive provides a first discount amount for an item or service. A first indication that the electronic incentive has been redeemed at a merchant point of sale terminal can later be received. Validation may then occur to ensure that the electronic incentive referred to in the first indication is the electronic incentive distributed to the first user. Then, the first discount amount can be dynamically altered into a second discount amount different than the first discount amount, so that a redemption of the electronic incentive by the first user provides a discount equal to the second discount amount.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing social media referrals based rewards to a customer. The systems and methods may provide incentives to customers of financial-service providers (“FSP”) based on their referrals to the FSP. Customer referrals may be determined for the customer by gathering data regarding referrals received from messages distributed by the customer via social media. Based on the referrals, an amount of rewards may be provided for business transactions initiated by the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for processing shopping information. The shopping information, which pertains to an item purchased by a user, is read from a mobile device, and was scanned by the mobile device from an item tag attached to the item. The item relates to another user. A set of affiliates is determined from analysis of the shopping information. Each affiliate is entitled to receive a reward due to purchase of the item.

Abstract: A communication terminal uses an application to request that an administrative server provide an invitation code. The administrative server generates and transmits an invitation code that is unique to the communication terminal and that can be used for a plurality of applications used for invitation code requests. The communication terminal discloses the invitation code that was transmitted, and also discloses application information, and when other communication terminals use the application to designate the invitation code, the administrative server grants benefits to the communication terminal according to an invitation number that is the number of communication terminals that have designated the invitation code.