Abstract: A method on a server for managing sales activities and group buying offers for a plurality of users over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes receiving sales transaction data from the users, receiving recruit enrollment data from the users, processing the sales transaction data and the recruit enrollment data to generate aggregate data pertaining to sales, transmitting the aggregate data to the users, receiving a group buying offer, transmitting the group buying offer to the users, receiving acceptances of the group buying offer, calculating a number of acceptances of the group buying offer, effectuating a sale of the product or service of the group buying offer to each of the users who accepted the offer, if the number of acceptances of the group buying offer is greater than a minimum number, and attributing a particular sale to a recruiter, so as to award a commission.

Abstract: Promoting on-line advertisements in a social network context includes steps of: selecting a parameter on whose value to base a discount to an on-line user; selecting a discount level to use; incentivizing advertisement sharing behavior of the on-line user by offering the discount level to the user along with the on-line advertisement association with the discount; computing a value of the discount; and providing the discount value to the on-line user.

Abstract: A web based referral network system and method for tracking and rewarding multiple levels of referrers so that a seller can efficiently reach buyers for his products and service. This system is based on a system generated URL that tracks the deal ID and one or more referrers. Referrers disseminate this URL to their network through email or social networks. The system credits the referral amount to the referrers when the deal is purchased and the goods/services are acquired by the buyer. Also provided is a method and system for reducing the purchase price of the good/services in proportion to the number of entities referred by the referrer.

Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for rewarding presence include detecting a presence of a mobile phone within an enclosed space, transmitting information relating to the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space to a server computer, wherein the server computer processes an award for the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space, wherein the award is associated with a user account associated with the mobile phone; and receiving from the server computer information relating to the award.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed at a computer of a central depository of information related to referrals. A merchant account is created for each of multiple merchants. A list of one or more items available for referral is displayed, wherein each item is a product offered by one of the merchants or associated with one of the merchants. A first message is received from a referring party, which may be a referring user or a referring site, indicating that the referring party desires to refer a selected item from the list. A referring party account is created for the referring party. A referral hyperlink is created. The hyperlink is configured to route a referred user, upon activation of the hyperlink, to the central depository. The referral hyperlink includes first data identifying the selected item.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is performed at a computer of a merchant. A list of one or more items available for referral is displayed. Each item is a product offered by the merchant or associated with the merchant. A first message is received from a referring party indicating that the referring party desires to refer a selected item from the list. A referring party account is created at the computer of the merchant, for the referring party. A referral hyperlink is created for referral of the selected item. The referral hyperlink includes first data identifying the selected item.

Abstract: A first referral hyperlink, corresponding to a referral of a product offered by or associated with a merchant, is received from a first party. The first referral hyperlink is parsed into data elements including a referring user identifier, and at least one of a merchant identifier and a central depository identifier. Format instructions are received from the merchant or a central depository of referral information, specifying a predetermined hyperlink format for embedding data related to the referring site within a hyperlink. An identifier is created, which is configured to identify the referring site, a payment depository for processing fees payable to the referring site, a posting fee rate, or a discount made available by the referring site. In accordance with the format instructions, a second referral hyperlink is generated, having embedded therein the identifier and at least one of the parsed data elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which enable a consumer to accept a promotional offer for a credit card-based reward program without having to supply a credit card number at the time of acceptance. For example, after acceptance, a credit card number associated with the consumer may be retrieved from an entity to which the consumer previously supplied it, such as a publisher (e.g., e-commerce website), and the retrieved number may then be used in relation to the reward program.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to popularity indicators, influence measures, and purchase incentives. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to assessing and communicating the popularity or relative popularity of objects such as songs, books, documents, pictures, web links, comments, authors, artists, creators, based on either the number of user profiles with whom an object or a reference to an object was shared on one or more social network(s) by web users, or on the number or percentage of social network connections who acted on such a referral. It also relates to measuring the influence of a web user (or group thereof) with regard to a particular object or set of objects by using the number of user profiles with whom the web user (or group thereof) shared the object(s) or a reference(s) thereto on one or more social network(s), and offering commercial incentives based on that measure.

Abstract: A user of an interactive medium may select advertising for display on the user's avatar, property, or other user-associated environment. The invention presents one or more advertisements to the user and allows the user to select at least one advertisement to display. The user may also choose a location for displaying the selected advertisement. The invention presents the selected advertisement to other users of the interactive medium. The invention tracks these presentations or displays and rewards the original user based on the presentation. The tracking data may also be used to bill the advertiser or optimize the process of selecting and displaying advertisements.

Abstract: Social networking site where the user selects advertising material that is shown on their personal section. The user enters favorites, and stored promotional information associated with those favorites is shown to the user. The user selects which of the stored promotional material will be shown on their personal part of their site. The material can be logos or videos, for example.

Abstract: Merchants within close proximity to each other are “affiliated” with other by distance. A consumer making a first purchase at a first affiliated merchant is provided coupons or other incentives to make a second purchase with one or more other affiliated merchants. The consumer may pre-pay for the second purchase at the first affiliated merchant. A payment provider may debit an account of the first affiliated merchant the amount of the second purchase minus any amount due to the first affiliated merchant as a result of the second purchase. An account of the second affiliated merchant offering the incentive may be credited accordingly. The consumer and/or the affiliated merchant offering the incentive may be notified so that the consumer can simply go to the affiliated merchant to pick up the purchase, such as by showing proof of purchase or an identifier.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate electronic commerce by designating an initiator of a sale of an item that is advertised by a merchant at an offering price on an Internet web site. One embodiment comprises detecting performance of designated activities by associates of the initiator via the web site. Responsively to each performance an exclusive offer of the item for sale is made to the initiator at a progressively marked-down price. Another embodiment comprises progressively marking down the advertised price of items upon performance of designated activities by users of the web site and progressively marking up the price upon each purchase of one of the items by the users.

Abstract: Some described embodiments provide for selecting (e.g., by a server computer from a plurality of transaction records), a transaction record associated with a financial account of an account holder. In one example, the transaction record includes an indication of an amount due, by the account holder, for a previous purchase completed by the account holder with a first merchant. Some embodiments provide further for generating a billing statement for the account holder, the billing statement including an indication of the amount due by the account holder for the previous completed purchase and an indication of an acquisition offer, in which the acquisition offer comprises a promise from a second merchant to pay at least a portion of the amount due by the account holder, and transmitting the billing statement to the account holder.

Abstract: Methods for providing a payment account enabling an accountholder of the account to obtain discounts on purchases made at point of sale terminals of a plurality of different merchants and to pay for the purchases with the provided account. Methods further include providing an accountholder of the payment account an online user-account that enables the accountholder to access websites corresponding to the plurality of different merchants and to obtain a discount on each online purchase made at said websites by virtue of said access to a website at which said online purchase is made from said online user-account. The methods further include providing payment accounts to persons sponsored by the accountholder and to individuals sponsored by such sponsored persons and paying commissions to the accountholder based upon purchases made at point of sale terminals of the plurality of different merchants by persons or individuals within such a sponsored network.

Abstract: An initiator computing device may acquire a digital coupon having a first value. The initiator computing device may share the digital coupon with a recipient computing device. An advertisement server may be notified that the initiator computing device has shared or has an intent to share the digital coupon with the recipient computing device. The advertisement server may calculate a second value associated with the digital coupon and assign the second value to the digital coupon responsive to the initiator computing device sharing the digital coupon with the recipient computing device. Further, the advertisement server may receive logging information associated with sharing the digital coupon. The logging information can facilitate monitoring the influence of the digital coupon.

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: Advertising rewards and referrals are described, including detecting an interaction with an advertisement, recording the interaction, the interaction including an input being provided in response to the advertisement, generating a reward for the interaction, the reward being an action taken to provide a benefit in response to the interaction, analyzing data associated with the advertisement, the data including a plurality of documented interactions, and providing a result from analyzing the data.

Abstract: A method on a server for managing discount offers for a plurality of users over a communications network. The method includes receiving a discount offer, wherein a discount offer comprises at least a product or service description, an initial price, a discount price less than the initial price, a minimum number of acceptances and a time deadline, and transmitting the discount offer to the plurality of users. The method further includes receiving acceptances of the discount offer, and executing a preliminary credit card authorization transaction for each acceptance received, at the initial price. The method further includes calculating a number of acceptances, detecting the time deadline, and effectuating a sale of the product or service at the discount price to each user that accepted, if the number of acceptances is greater than or equal to the minimum number of acceptances, including executing a final credit card authorization transaction.

Abstract: A method for administering a rewards program including receiving information relating to a purchase transaction between a purchaser and a seller, the information including at least a purchase amount, an identity of the purchaser and an identity of the seller. The method includes calculating or receiving information relating to a shared price concession, wherein the shared price concession is a portion of the purchase price, wherein the seller receives or retains the purchase amount less the shared price concession. The method further includes applying a first predetermined percentage to the shared price concession to determine a first portion thereof to be distributed to the purchaser and applying a second predetermined percentage to the shared price concession to determine a second portion thereof to be distributed to a referrer of the purchaser.

Abstract: A method on a server for managing discount offers for a plurality of users over a communications network. The method includes receiving a discount offer, wherein a discount offer comprises at least a product or service description, an initial price, a discount price less than the initial price, a minimum number of acceptances and a time deadline, and transmitting the discount offer to the plurality of users. The method further includes receiving acceptances of the discount offer, and detecting attainment of a predefined time before the time deadline. The method further includes decreasing the minimum number of acceptances by a numerical decrement, if the number of acceptances is less than the minimum number of acceptances at the predefined time before the time deadline, and re-transmitting the discount offer with a decreased minimum number of acceptances to the mobile computers of the plurality of users.

Abstract: An information providing device which provides screen data including an advertisement display area, to a terminal device through a network, acquires posting information registered in a site on the network, and specifies a commercial transaction target based on the acquired posting information. The information providing device calculates the degree of attention of the commercial transaction target specified based on the acquired posting information, and determines the commercial transaction target which is an advertisement display target, based on the calculated degree of attention.

Abstract: A mobile data service platform, system and method for providing value-added services are disclosed. The method includes: firstly, receiving service information parameters of recommendation or gift transmitted by an operator portal (Portal), establishing the recommendation or gift relationship according to the parameters, and informing receiving users of the recommendation or gift; secondly, receiving the charging request transmitted by a service server after the service server receiving a service request of the recommendation or gift initiated by the receiving user; thirdly, charging the recommendation or gift service initiated by the receiving user according to the credit status of the paying user; finally, updating, according to the established relationship of the recommendation or gift, the credit value of the initiating user after completing the charging.

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: Offers are distributed by providing a plurality of offers to a first user and directing the first user to distribute the offers to selected additional users. The plurality of offers may be customized by the system based on the first user's previous interactions with the system, and may be further customized by the first user before sending the offers to the selected additional users. The additional users may include any user including known and/or unknown users and/or contact in the first's user networks including business and/or social networks. The system may also track and store information relating to the distribution, access, and redemption of the offer by the first user and the selected additional users and provide additional incentives based upon the access and redemption, and based upon interactions between the first user and the selected additional users.

Abstract: Offers are distributed by providing a plurality of offers to a first user and directing the first user to distribute the offers to selected additional users. The plurality of offers may be customized by the system and may be further customized by the first user before sending the offers to the selected additional users. The additional users may include any user including known and/or unknown users and/or contacts in the first's user networks including business and/or social networks. The system may also track and store information relating to the distribution, access, and redemption of the offer by the first user and the selected additional users and provide additional incentives based upon the access and redemption, and based upon interactions between the first user and the selected additional users. The system may further distribute restricted offers to selected users, and/or allow selected users to share restricted offers with additional users.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for providing telecommunication services based on customer groups. A customer group is offered a service plan that provides an incentive to early subscribers in the form of a more attractive pricing plan (i.e., discounts). For example, a particular subscriber may be provided a discount for each customer in the group who becomes a subscriber after the particular subscriber. The discounts and pricing plan may also be based, at least in part, on the total number of customers in the group that become subscribers. Further, in order to reduce customer churn, customer discounts or other incentives may be applied toward the end of a subscription plan period. Further, subscriber discounts and/or credits may be banked in a subscriber account.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system of calculating a sales commission using a transformation coefficient in on-line by reflecting sales of members receiving sales commissions and new sales of sub-members, and a record medium thereof. Members receive sales commissions based on members' own sales, so that old sub-members as well as new members actively sell commodities. The property of the tree to which the members belong is more increased, so that the members have reliability and affection for a company. The revenue of the members is more increased, and a company attempts to increase sales and members. A company determines sales commissions paid to members at a constant commission payment rate for the sales of the members without being affected by the enlargement of an organization due to the increase of the members and the amount of sales.

Abstract: An online community for users of a financial services product, such as credit card users, and various features of such communities. For example, the members can share profits based on community performance, provide feedback and vote on ways to improve the financial services product experience, and help one other when possible. The online community can provide status indicators corresponding to members' engagement within the online community, publish the profit and loss statement of the financial services product associated with the community, provide a decline process that facilitates approval to the community for customers with improving credit, link members' deposits to provide a higher interest rate, automatically transfer balances between banks, and pay referral fees to the community.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a user enters a code received at a point of sale identifying a node on a social network representing the point of sale. Upon entering the code into a mobile application, the application requests the user to identify other users that referred the user to the point of sale. Upon selecting one or more referrers, the social networking system applies one or more policies to the selected referrers. In particular embodiments, the social networking system integrates with online merchants, and prompts a user to select users or nodes that referred the user to the site or the specific product. In particular embodiments, the social networking system tracks the value of every single transaction, and may generate a list of the top ten value generators for a given node.

Abstract: A user of an interactive medium may select advertising for display on the user's avatar, property, or other user-associated environment. The invention presents one or more advertisements to the user and allows the user to select at least one advertisement to display. The user may also choose a location for displaying the selected advertisement. The invention presents the selected advertisement to other users of the interactive medium. The invention tracks these presentations or displays and rewards the original user based on the presentation. The tracking data may also be used to bill the advertiser or optimize the process of selecting and displaying advertisements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving and apportioning fees in an online environment comprising a plurality of user accounts of an organization. According to a first step, the organization receives a first payment, which includes one portion for hosting the first user account, a second portion for credits that may be used for online activity, and a third portion for first user discounts that may be used to recruit additional users. In a next step, the organization receives a second payment from a second user recruited by the first user. In an additional step, the organization automatically credits the first user's account in an amount equal to the first user discount redeemed by the second user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for presenting a plurality of video content in an online environment accessible by a plurality of users. According to a first step, the organization accesses a plurality of content from one or more content providers. In a next step, the organization receives a flowchart for navigating a plurality of playback sequences. The flowchart includes media content modules capable of accessing the content and decision modules for selecting a subset of media content modules. In an additional step, the organization presents a graphical representation of the playback sequences. In a further step, the organization uses a content ranking engine for delivering at least a portion of the playback sequences.

Abstract: An electronic affiliate marketing system is disclosed that functions as a social networking affiliate advertising rewards (SNAARE) system in which rewards are provided to affiliates for selectively referring potential customers including social networking contacts, to a merchant's web site that allows the affiliate to selectively push multiple offers from one or multiple merchants and/or advertising/marketing firms (i.e., Groupon, Living Social, Amazon, etc. . . . ) to multiple parties and be paid rewards for all referrals that are derived from the initial referral. The electronic affiliate marketing system may optionally include a rating system for rating various parties based upon their previous purchasing history.

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 selling method and system that allows individuals or groups to interactively select associate products and services with their online presence in exchange for the online service, as part of an online service, or for some reward, monetary or otherwise. Individuals or groups select products and services from a pool of partner e-commerce retailers or import them from their purchasing histories based on personal preference and may use them as a means of expression for their online audience as part of an online service. This provides e-commerce retailers with self-selected targeted marketing and referral selling to affinity groups, the online version of word of mouth selling. E-commerce retailers share revenue and pay for referrals that occur via this word of mouth selling framework. Online services that have any form of user identity within the context of a larger audience may utilize this form of user based referral selling as a revenue generating tool.

Abstract: A system for rendering content according to availability data for at least one item includes a server to receive a content request from a user and, in response, to retrieve requested content. A rendering engine coupled to the server identifies at least one rule associated with the content and concerning the item. A rules engine coupled to the rendering engine generates at least one availability request corresponding to the rule and concerning the item. The rules engine receives the availability data for the item, retrieves additional content according to the availability data for the item, and communicates the additional content to the rendering engine for incorporation into the requested content. The rendering engine renders the requested content, including the additional content concerning the item. The server communicates the rendered content to the user to satisfy the content request.

Abstract: A method on a server for managing sales activities and group buying offers for a plurality of users over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes receiving sales transaction data from the users, receiving recruit enrollment data from the users, processing the sales transaction data and the recruit enrollment data to generate aggregate data pertaining to sales, transmitting the aggregate data to the users, receiving a group buying offer, transmitting the group buying offer to the users, receiving acceptances of the group buying offer, calculating a number of acceptances of the group buying offer, effectuating a sale of the product or service of the group buying offer to each of the users who accepted the offer, if the number of acceptances of the group buying offer is greater than a minimum number, and attributing a particular sale to a recruiter, so as to award a commission.

Abstract: A method on a server for managing sales activities and group buying offers for a plurality of users over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes receiving sales transaction data from the users, receiving recruit enrollment data from the users, processing the sales transaction data and the recruit enrollment data to generate aggregate data pertaining to sales, transmitting the aggregate data to the users, receiving a group buying offer, transmitting the group buying offer to the users, receiving acceptances of the group buying offer, calculating a number of acceptances of the group buying offer, effectuating a sale of the product or service of the group buying offer to each of the users who accepted the offer, if the number of acceptances of the group buying offer is greater than a minimum number, and attributing a particular sale to a recruiter, so as to award a commission.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may operate to create, distribute and redeem offers on a mobile platform. In various embodiments, an indication to purchase an offer for a product or service provided by a second user may be received from a mobile device corresponding to a first user. The offer may be previously presented to the user via the mobile device. A voucher for the product or service may be transmitted to the mobile device in response to the indication. A request to redeem the voucher may be received from the mobile device. The request may include an identification code. The identification code may be compared with a shop identification code identifying the second user. An indication of redemption of the voucher may be provided to a computing device corresponding to the second user upon determining that the identification code received from the mobile device matches the shop identification code.

Abstract: An assignment system and method for generating content creation requests or “assignments” and targeting assignments to content contributors. The assignment system is part of a content distribution system that aggregates, manages, and distributes/syndicates multimedia content that is generated by content contributors. As part of the acquisition of content, the assignment system may compensate the content contributors for the content that they provide to the system. The assignment system generates assignments that are likely to result in content that will be of interest to content consumers. The assignment system targets the generated assignments to content contributors that are well-suited to generate content that will be successful among a target audience. The assignment system notifies those contributors of available assignments and allows contributors to claim assignments to fulfill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain methods and systems for promoting the sale of goods and services. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, such methods generally comprise the steps of (1) selling a first good or service to a customer for a discounted price that is less than a standard price, (2) establishing a sales goal (which represents an amount of desired sales of a second good or service to customers during a promotional period), and (3) issuing a credit to, or receiving a payment from, each participating customer based on a level of success achieved towards the sales goal. The invention provides that the extent to which the sales goal is achieved depends on the aggregate sales of the second good or service to the public at large, and is not dependent upon the sales or activity of any single customer.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for making a product recommendation that pays cash or non-cash awards to a network of tip sharers/providers. The system may be used to increase traffic to a business by sharing recommendations, which may include discounts or other exclusive offerings, to network connections that may be interested in buying a product or service, or engaging in any activity, of the business. A user of the system shares a tip or recommendation with their friend, this friend becomes a customer after making use of the tip, and a fee paid by the business is used to pay cash incentives to the individual who provided the tip and/or the customer who purchased the product based upon the tip. Additional embodiments are also described for sharing cash incentives with a greater network of individuals including those that invite others to join the tip sharing system.

Abstract: The system operates through a computer platform connected to an internet social network. A user can share information about an item through the network by providing it to the platform using a communications device connected to the network. If a similar or identical product corresponding to the item is available for purchase through the system, a link is created between the item and the product and the item is shared on the platform in digital media, such as an image of the item, selected by the sharing user. Other users can access the platform through the network using a communications device, view the image of the shared item, and purchase the available product. The sharing user is rewarded for sharing the item, regardless of whether or where the product is purchased. Both the sharing user and the purchasing user are rewarded if the product is purchased using the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile device including: a power receiver for wirelessly coupling with a power transmitter to receive power wirelessly from the power transmitter; and a function that automatically initiates upon the power receiver wirelessly coupling with the power transmitter. Also provided is a transmitter apparatus including a power transmitter for wirelessly coupling with a power receiver in a mobile device to provide power wirelessly to the power receiver, wherein, upon the power receiver wirelessly coupling with the power transmitter, data is transferred between the power transmitter and the power receiver and a function of the mobile device automatically initiates. The mobile device and transmitter apparatus together form a system for operating the mobile device. Methods and computer-readable media storing executable application programs associated with the system are also provided.

Abstract: A system and related methods for a proprietary system, or a business or merchant, to track purchases by customers, and associate those purchases with one or more other customers who referred, directly or indirectly, the purchasing customer to that business or merchant. The purchasing customer also may be rewarded for purchases made by other customers that the purchasing customer has referred to the business or merchant, directly or indirectly, through social media sites or networks.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for implementing personalized targeting via electronic coupons, providing aggregate cap control of electronic coupons, implementing viral marketing using electronic coupons, and performing real time processing of electronic coupons.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and/or a system of incentive through relaying a geo-spatially aware advertisement to proximate peers is disclosed. In one aspect a method includes receiving through a multimedia device a media data from an advertisement server that is customized based on a set of characteristics associated with a present location of the multimedia device that nearly simultaneously communicates an information presented on the multimedia device through a transmission module of the multimedia device to a plurality of external observers via a wireless display device communicatively coupled to the multimedia device. The wireless display device is separate from the multimedia device. The method also includes providing a consideration proportional to a value of targeting in a particular geospatial area to an owner of the multimedia device through a payment module of the advertisement server.

Abstract: A system and method for providing mobile vouchers are provided. The mobile voucher system facilitates merchant auto-scaling in which the system is able to scale and acquire merchants. The mobile voucher system also facilitates consumers who can create their own deals/vouchers using the mobile voucher system. The mobile voucher system also facilitates consumer referral rewards where consumers can earn reward points for the purchasing activity of friends in their online social networks.

Abstract: A method of verifying the identify of an affiliate enrolled in an affiliate program of a merchant and then transmitting information between the affiliate and the merchant is provided. The method relies on embedding a unique identification code in a sub-domain portion of a domain name. Once an identification process has been completed, a server-to-server exchange of information is able to freely continue throughout a shopping session and even beyond checkout to easily handle post transaction changes, returns, cancellations, modifications, shipment notifications, status notifications, and the like.