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 loyalty gateway (130) determines a. mobile device identifier of a customer based on transaction information obtained from a point of sale device (120) and searches a database (135) to determine whether the mobile device identifier is associated in the database (135) with multiple transaction instrument identifiers. If the mobile device identifier is associated with multiple transaction account identifiers, the loyalty gateway (130) communicates with a mobile device (110) of the customer to obtain from the customer a selection of one of the transaction instrument identifiers and applies a transaction instrument (115) corresponding to the selected transaction account identifier in payment for the transaction. Thereafter, the loyalty gateway (130) provides to the customer associated with the mobile device identifier a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for placing and collectively discounting purchase orders via a communications network. A collective discount platform, comprising engines and components, receives postponable purchase requests from client systems for an identified good with an undetermined transaction date. Once the postponable purchase requests meet an established criterion time constraints for receiving additional purchase requests are determined. When a time constraint is determined additional purchase requests may aggregate and discount the unit sale price for both postponable and additional purchase requests. When time constraints prohibit the aggregation of additional purchase requests individual payments are claimed from participating client systems.

Abstract: A system and method for providing purchase rewards to customers is disclosed. The system provides an online shopping interface through which users may purchase products from a plurality of online merchants. The user is awarded points based on the amount of money spent using the online shopping interface. The user is then able to redeem the points for use toward additional product purchases at a physical retailer location.

Abstract: An advertising system and method for providing a benefit to an advertiser offering cash back rewards for a transaction with a user is provided. The advertising system may include an advertisement registration information receiving unit configured to receive advertisement registration information of an advertisement, a benefit condition verifying unit configured to verify whether the advertisement meets a determined advertiser benefit condition based on the advertisement registration information, and a benefit providing unit configured to provide an advertiser benefit when the advertisement meets the advertiser benefit condition.

Abstract: A loyalty gateway (130) determines a mobile device identifier of a customer based on transaction information obtained from a point of sale device (120) and searches a database (135) to determine whether the mobile device identifier is associated in the database (135) with multiple transaction instrument identifiers. If so, the loyalty gateway (130) selects one of the multiple transaction account identifiers by applying a predefined rule and applies a transaction instrument (115) corresponding to the selected transaction account identifier in payment for the transaction and provides to the customer associated with the mobile device identifier a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase. The predefined rule may be based on, for example, a purchase amount, purchase date, product identifier or merchant identifier.

Abstract: A loyalty gateway (130) determines a mobile device identifier of a customer based on transaction information obtained from a point of sale device (120) and searches a database (135) to determine whether the mobile device identifier is associated in the database (135) with multiple transaction instrument identifiers. If so, the loyalty gateway (130) selects one of the multiple transaction account identifiers by applying a predefined rule and applies a transaction instrument (115) corresponding to the selected transaction account identifier in payment for the transaction and provides to the customer associated with the mobile device identifier a loyalty benefit such as a free item, a discount on a purchase, or loyalty points applicable to a purchase. The predefined rule may be based on, for example, a purchase amount, purchase date, product identifier or merchant identifier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for online marketing are disclosed that facilitate live social networking. Event hosts create offers to purchase participation in an event occurring on a predetermined date, at a predetermined time, in a predetermined location. The offers may be conditional upon a minimum number of purchases being made. Event offers are presented to a user based on user profile matching event target information, such as a demographic criteria. A user indicates a commitment to purchase, if the terms of the event are met The user's social network may be notified of the user's intent to participate in the event and offers extended for the individuals in the social network matching the event target information A breakdown of buyers may be provided to potential buyers.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.

Abstract: A method of passing and redeeming coupons via webpage accessed from mobile phone for facilitating the process of passing and redeeming coupons via a web page accessed from a mobile device. The method of passing and redeeming coupons via webpage acessed from mobile phone generally includes a method by which a Uniform Recourse Locator (URL) is electronically transferred to a mobile phone device for the purpose of allowing conditional access to coupons, premiums or discount offers.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.

Abstract: A customer loyalty and gifting service may reward customers who show or are expected to show frequent patronage to a provider of a good or service. A vendor of a good or service may create and provide an offer to one or more existing customers who may choose to purchase, redeem, and/or recommend the offer to other users in the network. The customer may also gift the purchased offer. A reward, such as loyalty points or stars, may then be awarded to the customer to encourage the customer for continued support and patronage. A reward may be redeemed for one or more prizes including gift cards, discounts, or other promotions and deals.

Abstract: An Internet business transaction processor of the present invention has a distributed processing architecture which allows the processing load to be distributed among multiple parallel servers. The transaction processor of the present invention provides a virtual store front utilizing “others people's warehouse” approach by using a dynamic distributor selection processing system to select among a plurality of distributors based on flexible rule-based algorithm.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described in which an appropriate pricing structure for a new design of a print product is identified by automatically comparing attributes of the print product design with attributes of existing print product designs which have assigned pricing structures. In one embodiment, the attributes are prioritized such that certain attributes are weighted more than other attributes when determining an appropriate price structure. If a match is not found, then the least significant attribute is removed from the set of search criteria and another search is performed. This process continues until an existing pricing structure of a print product which shares the most significant attributes of the new print product is identified. Once the pricing structure is identified, the designer has the option to modify the pricing structure and create a new pricing category, which is then stored in a database with other pricing categories.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an Internet user identity by cross-referencing and comparing at least two independent sources of information. A first geographical location of computer signature of an internet user is identified and the geographical location of a communication voice device of said internet user is identified to determine a second location. The first and second locations are compared for geographical proximity to confirm the identity of the internet user. Based upon geographical proximity of said locations, a score is assigned to the internet user, and access to a website is allowed or limited based upon said score. Alternatively, additional authentication information can be required or access can be terminated.

Abstract: A server facilitates a transaction between a first wireless device and a second wireless device. An identifier associated with the second wireless device has been sent to the first wireless device using a short range wireless connection; the server receives the identifier. The server then determines location information associated with both the first and said second wireless devices. If the location of the first and second wireless devices is appropriate for authorizing the transaction, the server then determines authentication information relating to the second wireless device. The server then provides authorization to the first or second wireless device to proceed with the transaction. The authorization may be based at least in part upon the identifier, the authentication information and the locations of said first and second wireless devices.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for generating a digital pass is disclosed. The method may comprise retrieving a plurality of identity attributes, and grouping a subset of identity attributes in the plurality of identity attributes to generate at least one digital pass. The method may further comprise grouping a subset of static identity attributes and a subset of dynamic identity attributes to generate a digital pass.

Abstract: A computer system is located at a retail premises for executing a point of sale transaction comprising: a point of sale terminal having an interface for receiving product data from at least one product purchased by a customer, the product data including a first price for the product; a processor arranged to execute a computer program which receives from the point of sale terminal first price data including at least said first price and second price data pertaining to the product, the second price data being from a remote source, compares the first price data with the second price data and issues a voucher request based on the comparison of the first and second price data; and a voucher issuing unit arranged to receive the voucher request and to automatically provide a voucher to the customer responsive to the voucher request.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method of influencing customer behavior. The customer is offered a price-per-unit (PPU) discount for fuel as a reward for performing a predefined action. A point-of-sale (POS) system at a merchant determines that the customer performed the predefined action, and stores the PPU discount and a customer identifier in a Discounts-Earned database. When the customer initiates a subsequent purchase of fuel, at the merchant or a different retail fueling merchant, a fuel dispenser controller retrieves the PPU discount from the database, discounts the posted price of the fuel by the PPU discount, and causes the dispenser to dispense fuel to the customer at the reduced price.

Abstract: A method for providing an enriched version of a creation, the method comprising: receiving a creation from an author, and storing the creation in a creation database; receiving through a computerized communication channel a suggested addition to the creation from one or more contributors and providing the suggested addition to the author; receiving approval for the suggested addition from the author, and storing the suggested addition in the creation database; displaying to a reader indications to the suggested addition; receiving a selection from a reader, the selection indicating a selected addition from the suggested additions; retrieving the creation and the selected addition from the creation database, and compiling an enriched version of the creation, the enriched version comprising the creation and the at selected addition, the enriched version adapted to be viewed on a reading digital platform; and providing the enriched version to the reader.

Abstract: Programming a hidden area of a web page in the path of exit from the web page or browser, and activating a hyperlink to provide a user incentive to complete an online transaction when the user pointing device enters the hidden area and before a termination event. The hidden area can move with scrolling of the web page.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer system for determining an advertisement in response to an advertising opportunity, wherein the advertising opportunity is an opportunity to place the advertisement on a web page subsequent to a request for the web page by a browser. The computer system receives an indication of the advertising opportunity, and in response to receiving the indication, the computer system determines bids, wherein each bid is associated with an advertisement, selects one of the bids and places the advertisement associated with the selected bid on the web page.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for conducting transactions, such as electronic transactions over the internet. In one embodiment, an offer for a specified product or service is made by an online provider or retailer. The offer may be made in connection with certain preliminary or qualifying conditions being met. A customer may accept the offer by purchasing the good or service identified and then be provided with an incentive to publicize their purchase in an effort to get others to consider purchasing the item and also, possibly, participate in the incentive program. Certain parameters are monitored after an individual has purchased the product, and, eventually, a determination is made as to what type of reward the purchaser(s) will receive, if any. Any reward earned in accordance with the incentive program is then provided to the purchaser(s).

Abstract: A method of generating and redeeming a plurality of coupons includes generating a first coupon, generating a second coupon, distributing the first coupon to the first consumer, and distributing the second coupon to the second consumer. Generating a first coupon includes selecting a first group of offers from a plurality of offers such that the first group of offers is individually customized to the first consumer, and printing a first bar code identifying a first account and indicating that the first coupon relates to the first group of offers. Generating a second coupon includes selecting a second group of offers, and printing a second bar. Each of the plurality of offers is redeemable for a discount on a corresponding one of a plurality of products offered for sale, and the first group of offers differs from the second group of offers.

Abstract: A product level discount is managed during a transaction by receiving a transaction identifier associated with a transaction, where the transaction identifier comprises a transaction value, a customer account identifier, a merchant identifier, and a product identifier. A product identifier is assessed to determine whether the transaction qualifies for a rebate credit in accordance with a predetermined offer. A rebate credit value is based on the transaction information and the predetermined offer, and qualification may be determined based on at least one of the customer account identifier and the merchant identifier. The product identifier could be a SKU code, which may be the basis for qualifying for the rebate credit. A merchant associated with the merchant identifier, which is part of the transaction, does not need to be informed of the application of the rebate credit to the customer account, which occurs after completion of the transaction.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electronic platform where business credit can be created, affiliated, transmitted, redeemed and processed, etc. in connection with multiple redeemers. The present invention includes an electronic platform where business credit can be purchased, sold and/or gifted in connection with multiple redeemers. The present invention also includes an electronic platform where business credit can be accounted for, monitored, and organized, etc. Furthermore, the present invention provides the ability to redeem business credit (including store credit) in connection with multiple redemptions through multiple redeemers, via a single redemption apparatus (e.g., a smart card).

Abstract: Systems and methods for e-commerce promotional activities are provided via an analytics server, which provides real-time information concerning customer visits to an e-commerce Website to a merchant that operates the Website, for example via a dashboard or other user interface. The real-time information allows the merchant to monitor and optionally interact with customers visiting the Website, for example by offering customized promotions designed to influence purchasing decisions. Real-time telemetry concerning the customer visits is provided to the analytics server, which then presents the information in meaningful fashions via the dashboard or user interfaces for review by the merchant. Merchant responses to the information is facilitated via deal engines, recommendation engines, and other components, which may operate according to customized rule sets to implement merchant-desired promotions or policies.

Abstract: Provided are computer implemented methods and systems for facilitating mobile device payments using product scanning and wireless communication functionality of mobile devices. Using a mobile device, a customer may read product codes and receive product information, which may include a product price, a manufacture date, a manufacturing country, a quantity of products. When reading the product codes, the customer may be also provided with promotional offers and advertising material from a merchant, a mobile payment service provider, or a third party. Upon reading the product codes, the reading may be stored in a list on the mobile device. The user may further send a request to calculate a total price of the products read by the mobile device. The total price may be encoded in a code scannable by a merchant scanning device.

Abstract: A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services or events including plural electronic options with associated option fees for the goods or services or events. The plural electronic options include electronic option terms established by one or more suppliers who can supply the goods or services or events. The purchase of the electronic option is accepted according to electronic option terms established by the desired supplier. The option terms may vary greatly among the individual suppliers and no two suppliers may use the same option terms. The electronic option includes a personalized electronic coupon dynamically created by a server network device.

Abstract: A method of providing rewards to a user by storing, in a portable computing device, user profile data which may be accessed by a merchant terminal only if allowed by the user. A merchant terminal interacts with the portable computing device by accessing the user profile data from the portable computing device if allowed by the user, and providing the user with a reward in accordance with the user profile data allowed by the user to be accessed by the merchant terminal, wherein the merchant terminal provides a relatively greater reward to the user when the user allows relatively more user profile data to be accessed by the merchant terminal and a relatively lesser reward to the user when the user allows relatively less data to be accessed by the merchant terminal.

Abstract: A marketplace server and method for facilitating purchase transactions are provided. A marketplace server may include a routing engine configured to receive an order for goods from a first computing device associated with a first customer, with the order including a first delivery address of the customer. The routing engine also calculates a delivery route to the first delivery address. An offer engine is configured to create an offer for other goods. The offer includes a shipping incentive associated with a second delivery address of a second customer. The offer may be targeted to the second customer based on a proximity of the second delivery address to the delivery route. The offer engine sends the offer to a second computing device associated with the second customer. Upon receiving an acceptance of the offer from the computing device, the offer engine processes a purchase transaction for the offer.

Abstract: A system and method that facilitates e-commerce volume pricing is provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, the system includes an offers and orders component that receives and aggregates orders for a product from a plurality of buyers. The system also includes a logistics component that determines a shipping price for the product for a subset of the plurality of buyers. The shipping price is determined at least in part upon the subset of buyers sharing a shipping method. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided in which buyers within an aggregated purchasing group may be subject to different pricing structures for the same product.

Abstract: A search based call back request system enables a user to request a follow up contact from a seller. The system provides search functionality and stores seller information such that when search results appear for sellers that have requested to offer call back service to a buyer, the system formats the search results screen to include a call back request indicator for the seller. The system includes functionality for the user to enter custom call back data.

Abstract: A transaction processor can receive transaction information from a transaction between a customer and a merchant. The transaction information includes an account identifier associated with a financial account of the customer. The processor determines that the account identifier is associated with a fixed price futures contract. The transaction is completed at the current market price. Thereinafter, the processor can determine if the fixed price is lower than the current market price. If the fixed price is lower than the current market price, the process determines the difference in cost for the transaction if the fixed price were used. Then, the processor can create and send a resettlement transaction to the customer's account to reimburse the customer for the difference. As such, the customer receives a simple method for paying for commodities at a set price without having special payment instruments or special accounts.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a web listing using a mobile phone whereby a user, typically a business owner or a representative of the business, provides information/data associated with the business to a mobile application including an on-line directory service using a merchant mobile phone, or other mobile computing system, associated with the user and/or the business and/or a mobile application, and/or an SMS and/or another mobile communications network. The information associated with the business provided via the merchant mobile phone, or other mobile computing system, is then used by the on-line directory service to create an on-line presence for the business such as, but not limited to, an on-line web-listing for the business in the on-line directory that includes at least part of the information associated with the business provided via the merchant mobile phone, or other mobile computing system.

Abstract: A service provider system enables a subscriber to purchase services over a network from a service provider for the benefit of third parties located in different locations. The service provider system provides service flexibility by allowing parameters to be set, such as place and time of service delivery. Further, conditions allowing third-party recipients to change service parameters include delivery time and place, exchange of purchased service for another service, return of the purchased service, etc. Reporting options to both the subscriber and the third party can additionally be provided. Reporting messages or notifications may be sent to the purchasing subscriber to indicate which of the third parties had taken advantage of the purchased service, when and where the service was consumed, and/or what the actual cost of delivering the service was. The service provider system can also provide incentives for third parties to take advantage of the purchased service.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to internet based e-commerce and more particularly to connecting an electronic commerce application and an online social network. The methods and system described herein enables members of one or more online social network to get offers from an e-commerce application. The databases of online social network(s) can be accessible in conjunction with the e-commerce application. The members of one or more online social network get rewarded with incentives upon successful interaction with an interactive content provided by the e-commerce application.

Abstract: Example systems and methods of generating and providing personalized purchase offers based on item-level purchase data are presented. In one example, item-level purchase data from multiple sources for each of a plurality of users are aggregated. Offer data are received from offer providers. At least one user is selected to receive an offer targeted to the at least user based on the item-level purchase data and the offer data. The offer is transmitted to a communication device of the at least one user.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card.

Abstract: Embodiments of computer implemented systems and methods for providing discount offers via an internet directory interface are described. One example method includes receiving, from a user, via a user interface, a request to search for one or more discount offers associated with a product, the request being associated with search criteria, facilitating the search for the one or more discount offers through an integrated search engine based on the search criteria, providing search results, the search results including one or more discount offers for the one or more products, receiving, from the user, a selection of a product from the search results, the selection of the product including a product quantity, and providing the user with a specific discount offer for the product based on the selection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying promotions within an electronic social networking environment. Coupons or vouchers can be claimed by users of the social network. Upon redemption of the coupon or voucher, the systems and methods described herein can validate the coupon or voucher.

Abstract: A method for managing tokens is provided that is useful for offering and redeeming rebates on product purchases. A purchaser receives an unactivated token having a unique token identifier. The purchaser undertakes a first purchase transaction using a transaction system. The token identifier is recorded by the transaction system along with the transaction details, including any products for which a rebate is offered. The purchaser receives a receipt for the transaction including a transaction identifier. The purchaser accesses, for example, a home computer, to provide the transaction identifier and the token identifier to a token qualifying system. The token qualifying system analyzes the purchaser information, rebate criteria and transaction information received from the transaction system to qualify a purchase for a rebate. When qualified, the token qualifying system sends an indication to a token accounting system to activate the token by funding a token account.

Abstract: An electronic auction system which Includes a Central Auction Controller (CAC) that allows sellers to list items for auction and users to enter bids and rank srdorings Is disclosed. The CAC maintains a central database comprising a database of user information, a database of Items and bids and a database of vendor information. Administration of the system is accomplished via an I/O device and CPU and an optional e-mail processor allows automated messaging to users. This methodology allows users to effectively bid on a large number of mutually exclusive items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for merchants or vendors to contract with a company to accept a particular credit card, software application or gift card. The card or software application is linked to a proprietary software system that incorporates payment terminals. Consumer use the credit card or a software application on a computer device to purchase goods or services and the proprietary software randomly selects a predetermined percentage of the transactions at that merchant to be free of charge. Neither the consumer nor the merchant know when making the purchase which transaction will be free of charge.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of updating, by a mobile device (106), the value of a digital voucher having an initial value, comprising: receiving, by said mobile device from a remote server (102), said digital voucher having said initial value; receiving, by a processing unit of said mobile device, at least one input parameter; calculating, by said processing unit, a new value of said digital voucher based on said at least one input parameter; and displaying said new value on a display of said mobile device.

Abstract: An online reward exchange system and method of operation, which includes an exchange computer that interoperates via a computer network with user computers, reward point issuer computers, and merchant computers. The merchants' products may be purchased by a user by requesting an issuer(s) to redeem reward points in exchange for payment to the merchant for the product. The exchange computer is the gateway to the system and manages various transactions such as providing online product catalogs to users that list the merchants products, as well as displaying to the user the reward points he has available in his reward programs with the issuers. Once a user selects a desired product the exchange computer can mediate or manage the purchase transaction in which reward points are redeemed by the selected issuer and consideration is conveyed to the merchant in exchange for the merchant providing the product to the user.

Abstract: This invention discloses a novel system and method for implementing an electronic customer loyalty rewarding service that awards credits for continued patronage of a vendor, where the credits can be spent at the vendor or with other vendors that participate in the service.