Abstract: A method of providing a consumer with different transaction terms offers for performing a potential financial transaction. The method comprises identifying a potential financial transaction between a retailer and a consumer, identifying a plurality of payment methods which are available to the consumer for performing the potential financial transaction, acquiring a plurality of transaction terms offers for performing the potential financial transaction each using another of the plurality of payment methods, and outputting respective the plurality of transaction terms offers for presentation to the consumer.

Abstract: Method and system is disclosed for facilitating merchant-customer retail events using a financial transaction facilitation system. The system selectively registers merchant-vendors and system-users. Offers by merchant-vendors are purchased by system-users for redemption at selectable times and physical locations. The purchases are made using a third-party artificial currency system. Payment by the third-party artificial currency system is authenticated and applied to the merchant-vendor upon purchase confirmation and validation.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved cookieless ecommerce platform. The proposed approach involves receiving a confirmation of an order for the purchase of an item initiated by a platform member to a platform partner. The order includes at least one of an assigned e-mail address and a social community user id. The platform scans communications to/from the platform member to the partner to determine when a communication involves a request for an order, and based on the scanning, determines when a member is entitled to a cashback or similar reward.

Abstract: The current method allows for the operator of an online site or an actual store to profit by means of determining a using a sale-price determining mechanism. This mechanism utilizes concepts of a base price, a market price, and a sale price. If the sale price is below the base price, the purchaser is credited this amount. If the sale price is above the market price, the user is debited for the amount, which is then credited towards future purchases.

Abstract: Creation and placement of rewards associated with preferred payment types enables a merchant to incentivize a customer for selecting the preferred payment types. A number of payment types may be presented to a customer, where at least one payment type is a preferred payment type with an associated reward. The reward may be transmitted to the customer if the customer satisfies conditions for obtaining the reward. The conditions may include using the preferred payment type, applying for the preferred payment type, or making the preferred payment type the default payment type, among other possibilities.

Abstract: A method for account parallel processing used by an account processing center to process a request for account operation is disclosed. The method comprises: (1) categorizing accounts as high parallel occurrence accounts and common accounts; (2) when receiving the request from the client for processing operation of an account, firstly determining whether the account is a high parallel occurrence account; and if the account is a high parallel occurrence account, continuing to a step (3), otherwise, conducting a step (4); (3) if the account is locked, queuing a current operation to wait until implementation of the current operation; and (4) further determining, by the account processing center, whether the account is locked and outputting an error message when the account is locked, otherwise implementing the current operation. Such method provides more high quality services to the high parallel occurrence accounts.

Abstract: A system and method for mediating transactions among a plurality of social commerce businesses, which enable social commerce businesses to provide one large social commerce community and mediate transactions among the businesses to thereby provide a sound social commerce market in which the businesses compensate for weak points and achieve win-win results and enable transactions with overseas as well as domestic social commerce businesses. An embodiment of the transaction mediation computer converts specifications related to transactions to the format required by or suitable for a relevant social commerce businesses and provides the format such that transactions may be performed regardless of the nationality of the social commerce businesses, and accesses an electronic customs procedure computer and computers of domestic and overseas delivery companies so as to control the customs procedure and domestic and overseas delivery process.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention enable users to manage codes which may be redeemed for value. For example, some embodiments provide systems and methods for automatically identifying a code communicated to a user which is redeemable for value, and adding the code to an inventory maintained for the user. When the user later shops at a site which allows a code to be redeemed for value, some embodiments of the invention may automatically detect when the user has navigated to a page on the site which allows redemption of the code, and may make the user aware that the code may be redeemed on the page. If the user opts to redeem the code, the field on the page into which the code is to be input may be automatically identified, and the code may be automatically input into that field.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention may include methods and systems for conducting a transaction utilizing an indicia associated with goods or services, the indicia initially provided to an originating party by an originating merchant, but wherein the indicia may be used in a transaction at a providing merchant by an obtaining party, the transaction conducted amongst a central processor, one or more merchants that may include the originating merchant and the providing merchant, and one or more parties that may include the originating party and the obtaining party. The method may include steps such as: receiving the indicia from the providing merchant; determining whether the indicia is valid, the goods or services associated with the indicia, whether the providing merchant is the originating merchant, whether the obtaining party is the originating party, and determining a transaction price for the indicia.

Abstract: A price which is applied when a user who receives information of a product is assumed to order this product is provided. An information providing device acquires a quantity which the user is expected to order as to a product specified in response to a request from the user, acquires a price of the product for which sale is determined according to an order quantity corresponding to a sum of the acquired quantity and a quantity of the specified product ordered so far, from a combination of the price of the product and the order quantity, and outputs the acquired price.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention enable users to manage codes which may be redeemed for value. For example, some embodiments provide systems and methods for automatically identifying a code communicated to a user which is redeemable for value, and adding the code to an inventory maintained for the user. When the user later shops at a site which allows a code to be redeemed for value, some embodiments of the invention may automatically detect when the user has navigated to a page on the site which allows redemption of the code, and may make the user aware that the code may be redeemed on the page. If the user opts to redeem the code, the field on the page into which the code is to be input may be automatically identified, and the code may be automatically input into that field.

Abstract: A system to provide price adjustments based on indicated product interest includes reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a first product, reception of an indication from a customer of interest in a second product, determination of a price adjustment for the second product based on the indication of interest in the first product, and transmission of the price adjustment to the customer. By virtue of the foregoing features, a retailer may be willing to provide a price adjustment for the second product which would otherwise not be provided. Moreover, such a price adjustment may incent the customer to purchase the second product in a case that the second product would not otherwise be purchased, thereby potentially increasing a total profit received by the retailer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method that allow sellers to offer goods and services at prices that vary depending on what transpires during the event or service. The final price is determined after the event or service based on the occurrence of certain pre-selected attributes. Candidate attributes are potentially associated with the event or service but the outcome or occurrence of the attribute is not knowable by the buyer and seller with certainty at the time of the original purchase. Using the outcome-based pricing (OBP) and settlement system the seller can set prices to minimize significant deviation from a pre-determined revenue plan, or alternatively build-in an increase or even decrease in gross revenues. The present invention allows for the order, payment and final settlement of the purchase transaction, automatically. The preferred embodiment for the OBP pricing and settlement system is via a computer network that includes the Internet.

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: Processing of a transaction involving one or more third-parties and offers is described. Certain embodiments allow for suspending a received authorization request message which includes a transaction amount and a token mapped to a primary account number. One or more third-parties may be queried for an offer or discount eligible towards the transaction. The authorization request message may be adjusted to reflect one or more eligible offers from the one or more third-parties. The authorization request message may also be adjusted to replace the token with the mapped PAN. The authorization request message may then be sent to an issuer for further processing.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for determining click values are described herein. A method for determining click values may include processing transaction history records. These records may be related to transactions that are conducted between visitors and a website. The method may also include computing respective click values associated with different visitors, based on the transaction history records involving those visitors. These click values indicate a likelihood that the visitors may transact for particular goods or services offered through the website.

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 network transaction method is for consumers and users to trade a product via the internet. The network transaction method provides a must-buy or first-to-buy transaction mode and includes the steps of exhibiting product information to allow one of the consumers to select the product; generating a transaction webpage and a sign-in webpage according to the selected product to trade, and the sign-in webpage being provided for the users to sign in directly or push a post to recommend other users to sign in; using the sign-in action to change a transaction price of the product, such that the consumer can end the sign-in action according to the current transaction price or product information provided by the system automatically, and finally allow the consumer to close the transaction and make a payment for the product to be traded. In addition, a network transaction system is also introduced.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to performing transactions using a quick response (QR) code, and to directly purchasing items from a seller using a QR code. In one scenario, a computer system receives, from a purchaser, an indication of items that are to be purchased using a mobile wallet application, and determines a total price for those items. The computer system then receives a tokenized QR code that includes embedded account information for the purchaser. The computer system generates a second tokenized QR code that includes encrypted account information for the seller, along with encrypted account information for the purchaser and the determined total price for the items that are to be purchased, and sends the second tokenized QR code to a transaction processing node where the money is transferred. The computer system then receives an electronic receipt indicating that the money was transferred from the purchaser's account to the seller's account.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and program product for real time on-demand coupon delivery during shopping. Consumers use built-in cameras or NFC-reader functionalities of their mobile devices to act on the tags of products they are interested in. The coupon client applications in their mobile devices capture, save and process data in the tags of products, create requests for coupons, send requests with data in the tags of products to coupon servers, fetch responses from coupon servers, save coupons in their mobile devices, and present coupons for products during checkout.

Abstract: The present inventions provide an integrated, modular array of administrative and support services for electronic commerce and electronic rights and transaction management. These administrative and support services supply a secure foundation for conducting financial management, rights management, certificate authority, rules clearing, usage clearing, secure directory services, and other transaction related capabilities functioning over a vast electronic network such as the Internet and/or over organization internal Intranets. These administrative and support services can be adapted to the specific needs of electronic commerce value chains. Electronic commerce participants can use these administrative and support services to support their interests, and can shape and reuse these services in response to competitive business realities. A Distributed Commerce Utility having a secure, programmable, distributed architecture provides administrative and support services.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing a merchant to process third party closed-loop instruments (such as gift cards) as if the closed-loop instruments were open-loop instruments. A customer provides card data of a third party gift card to a merchant, e.g., online or in a merchant store, for the purchase of one or more items provided by the merchant. The merchant sends the gift card data to an intermediary that deducts at least a portion of the balance of the gift card. The intermediary sends an offer for the gift card to the customer. If the customer accepts the offer, then the merchant applies the offer towards the total purchase price of the one or more items.

Abstract: A system for combining a payment mechanism with an offer to a consumer is described. The system includes a virtual payment account number generation engine to generate virtual payment account numbers that can be used by a consumer in a payment transaction at a merchant, the virtual payment account number generation service also operable to take a portion of the virtual payment account number and send it as a checkout code to a consumer using the consumer's mobile device, and an offer generation engine used to set rules for an offer to be sent to consumers, create a fund for the offer, and determine individual consumer's eligibility for the offer. The offer is associated with the checkout code such that the offer is processed as part of the payment during the payment transaction using the virtual payment account number.

Abstract: A system of electronically requesting, generating and processing a coupon over a payment processing network is provided. During a sales transaction, a purchaser at a point of sale (POS) terminal provides a customer identifier using a card with a magnetic stripe which is read by a magnetic card reader and then transmitted across the payment processing network along with product identifiers on the products being purchased. The customer identifier includes a banking identification number (BIN) which is read by a first server in the payment processing network and then forwarded to a coupon server. The coupon server uses the customer identifier and product identifier to select any coupons that are available for use by the purchaser and transmits the coupons back to the POS terminal, where the coupons are applied to the sales transaction.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for managing business process messaging include receiving a business process message at a first node of multiple nodes in a distributed computing environment, the business process message comprising a message payload; correlating the business process message with a business process executing on one or more of the plurality of nodes in the distributed computing environment based on the message payload; identifying the one or more of the plurality of nodes in the distributed computing environment; providing the business process message to the identified one or more of the plurality of nodes; and mapping the message payload to the business process executing on the identified one or more of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: System and method for selling, configuring, installing, reconfiguring and servicing integrated voice/data communications systems are disclosed. An Internet/web based portal is provided to enable a high level of data to be easily collected. The portal guides the customer or sales persons in the collection of user requirements data indicative of the particular customer's hardware, telephony and network service requirements. Test of the data is performed, ensuring that all required data has been entered. The user requirements data is translated into configuration data in order to configure the system in a manner to satisfy the user requirements data. Configuration data resulting from a user requirements data entry and translation process is coupled with a hardware manufacturing process to produce an integrated system configured for the particular customer.

Abstract: A method for integrating television brand advertising with promotional marketing includes providing an image to be displayed in different television commercials for products from different advertisers, the image indicating a website; and providing at the website coupon offers for the products from the different advertisers. The image will alert a viewer of the television commercial that a special coupon offer is available at a website. The viewer will go to the website and be able to select from one or more coupon offers available to consumers in their market area. The consumer then prints the coupons, or adds credit to a coupon card, which is then redeemed at the retailer. The system allows for Point Of Sale (POS) redemption, or more traditional redemption through a coupon clearinghouse.

Abstract: Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network. In one embodiment, a Multi-Media Management and Streaming (MMMS) System may be configured or designed to provide online users with “location based” streaming radio functionality. Users from different geographic locations may access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to search for, create, and/or share customized streaming radio stations which may be configured to identify and play/stream music associated with one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events.

Abstract: Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network. In one embodiment, a Multi-Media Management and Streaming (MMMS) System may be configured or designed to provide online users with “location based” streaming radio functionality. Users from different geographic locations may access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to search for, create, and/or share customized streaming radio stations which may be configured to identify and play/stream music associated with one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a system, method, and device utilizes insignia such as electronic near field communication (e.g., NFC or RFID) tags or preprogrammed visual insignia (e.g., QR code or bar code) attached to or associated with physical products or service offerings and linked to an Internet-based user interface with a supporting database. In different embodiments, the present invention includes: a registration management component; an offer management component; a loyalty program management component, a referral management component; a purchase and service management component; a customer feedback component; and an interaction tracking component.

Abstract: An incentive option is presented in an e-commerce shopping cart that includes transaction information corresponding to a transaction. A user selection of the incentive option is received and a social media action option is presented. An indication of an available incentive associated with the social media action option. Upon receiving a user selection of the social media action option, a social media incentive service facilitates the social media action and application of the available incentive.

Abstract: Techniques for promoting products and services in an activity stream are presented. A message publishing module provides a means for specifying different member-interest buttons to be presented in connection with messages published to the activity or content streams of members of a social network service, where such messages relate to specific products and/or services of a company. The social network service detects which members interact or select the various member-interest buttons, and in connection with which specific products and services. This information is then provided to authorized administrators or representatives of the company, and made available as member-targeting criteria for targeting members with subsequent messages that may include promotional content (e.g., offers, coupons, etc.) for specific products and services.

Abstract: A coupon issuing system and a method for managing coupons used for purchasing items of goods. A coupon issuing device receives a request from a user for a coupon pertaining to purchasing an item of goods. The coupon issuing device issues to the user ticket information corresponding to the item. The ticket information includes a coupon identifier (ID) that identifies a coupon for purchasing the item, information pertaining to the user, and a current discount for discounting the item's purchase price. A coupon issuance control server receives notification that the user has exercised the coupon for purchasing the item. The coupon issuance control server transmits a calculated number of remaining exercisable coupons to an advertising contents management server to facilitate display of the number of remaining exercisable coupons to users requesting coupons for purchase of the item.

Abstract: A method and system include verifying credentials for gaining access to a transactional controller with the portable computing device. The transactional controller may receive a merchant identifier corresponding to a merchant and then it may compare the merchant identifier against loyalty account data stored in a database. The transactional controller may also receive product scan data and compare the product scan data against one of offer data and coupon data in a database. After these comparisons, any matches of product scan data to offer data or coupon data may be sent to the PCD and the POS controller. Similarly, any matches of the merchant identifier to loyalty account data may be transmitted to the POS controller. During or after the purchase transaction, a message may be generated by the transaction controller which lists one or more preferred payment options that may be selected using the PCD to complete a purchase.

Abstract: An approach is provided for logically connecting customer endpoint devices to transaction services. The customer endpoint devices perform a customer purchase transaction and require access to transaction services to process payments and benefits that may be available for certain items. The customer endpoint devices use a transaction connection mediator to isolate communications with the transaction services.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program are provided for providing a multi-merchant electronic shopping cart within a web browser. The shopping cart can be used at a plurality of unrelated merchant shopping sites and remains within the browser regardless of the displayed website. When a user selects the shopping cart, a user interface is displayed with information about a product on the website without navigating to a new webpage. If the product has options, the user is able to select for the options via the user interface. The user is also able to save products from a plurality of shopping sites to the shopping cart or purchase products from the shopping cart at one time. For each product to be purchased, a purchase transaction is conducted, on behalf of the user, with the merchant associated with the website from which the user added the product to the shopping cart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount Virtual Coupons™, rebate or gift certificates or the like which may be used on conjunction with a frequency card program or the like. Virtual Coupons™ may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out a list selected Virtual Coupons™ displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). When a product is purchased, the UPC code of the product may be compared electronically with a list of Virtual Coupons™ authorized for a particular consumer. An appropriate coupon discount may then be applied and the Virtual Coupon™ may be considered “redeemed”.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable media are described for facilitating management of vendor offers. In one embodiment, at least a portion of an electronic fundraising card is presented, for example, via a display screen of a mobile device. The electronic fundraising card includes a plurality of offers associated with a vendor that are accessible by a mobile device. Subsequently, an indication to utilize an offer provided on the electronic fundraising card is received. Upon redeeming the offer, an indication that the offer is unavailable is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for aggregating digital services in a bundle for a user. In accordance with one implementation, a method includes displaying, on a device of the user, a plurality of available digital services, the plurality of available digital services being implemented by more than one service provider. The method also includes receiving, from the user, a selection of a set of services from the plurality of available digital services. In addition, the method includes providing, by at least one processor, a bundle to enable the user to access and use the set of selected services.

Abstract: The system provides a probability of loan default to a purchaser to aid in purchase decision making and financial planning. A user creates an account with a purchasing system prior to purchasing a product and/or service. The user receives an indication of a purchasing transaction of a product by the user. Prior to completion of the purchasing transaction, the system performs an analysis of a loan default probability or financial condition of the user presented as an analysis. The system presents an interactive notice to the user indicating that the loan default probability or financial condition is above a threshold and receives from the user via the interactive notice one of an indication to complete or discontinue the purchasing transaction.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives an indication of acceptance by a customer of an offer for a subsidy from a second vendor (e.g., a subsidizing vendor). The offer may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for an item purchased from a first vendor and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. The customer is charged a second price for the items, which is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: Gift giving is disclosed, including: receiving a characteristic of an intended gift recipient and a gift amount; and generating a custom catalog of gifts that includes gift items selected based at least in part on the characteristic and the gift amount.

Abstract: The collection of voucher redemption information may reduce instances of redemption error or redemption fraud, which benefits both consumers and merchants. The collection of voucher redemption information may involve a service receiving a selection of a voucher for redemption from an application on an electronic device, in which the voucher was previously acquired by a consumer through a deal offered by a merchant. The service may subsequently direct the application to acquire a credential to complete the redemption of the voucher. In various instances, the credential may be a merchant confirmation credential of the merchant or a consumer redemption credential of the consumer. The service may receive the credential from the application on the electronic device, and store a record of the voucher redemption for the voucher in a voucher redemption database, in which the record includes the credential.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating bill payment functionality in mobile commerce. In one embodiment, a method can include receiving a transaction code at the mobile device; transmitting the transaction code to a merchant device for association with a transaction; receiving transaction information associated with a transaction based on the transaction code at the mobile device; displaying the transaction information at the mobile device; displaying at least one payment option at the mobile device; receiving a selection of one of the at least one payment option; transmitting the selected payment option and transaction information from the mobile device for approval of the payment of the transaction; receiving notification of approval of the payment at the mobile device; and receiving a payment completion code associated with the notification of approval, wherein the payment completion code is provided to the consumer on a bill associated with the transaction.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing a user to access a coupon. In one approach, a social network coupon platform receives a request to display coupon data regarding a particular coupon that is provided by a coupon provider, wherein a user that is registered with a social network provider initiated the request. In response to receiving the request, sending the coupon data is sent form the social network coupon platform to be displayed to the user. Profile data that includes profile information of the user is received at the social network coupon platform from the social network provider. In response to receiving the profile data, the user is allowed access to the particular coupon.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates a purchase of a travel product. Upon receiving a commitment to purchase the travel product from a first supplier by a buyer, the system presents the buyer with a first upgrade option of a first premium travel product from a second supplier. If the buyer accepts the first upgrade option, the system processes the purchase with the first premium travel product. If the buyer declines the first upgrade option, the system processes the purchase with the travel product.

Abstract: A method and system for secure distribution and tracking of information and content of a third party via multiple social networks is described. The invention takes information and content marked to be promoted by a third party using an online application, and distributes and promotes the information to the social networks of everyone who is signed up as an ‘ambassador’ for that third party. When published, the information and content includes a personalized link associated with each ambassador to social network combination. Via the nature of social networks, this information is additionally redistributed into the users who are associated with those ambassadors in their social networks. As those users follow the personalized links back to the promoted information and content, the source ambassador to social network combination gets recorded and statistics about that user's viewing of the information and content are recorded.

Abstract: A disclosed example method involves generating a geographic-based consumption index for a product based on a first per-person sales volume of the product in a first cell of a plurality of geographic cells of a larger geographic area. The example method also involves generating a demographic-based consumption index for the product based on a second per-person sales volume of the product for a demographic group in the first cell. An advertisement to present to a person is selected based on an online web interest, a geographic location, and a demographic of the person and further based on the geographic-based consumption index and the demographic-based consumption index.

Abstract: A payment device, method, and apparatus configured to parse customer exclusive data from a payment device or financial transaction data.

Abstract: A network-based communication and information discovery solution that pertains to network-accessible resources and the use of interlinks among resources. In one embodiment, dynamic interlinking of resources is proposed, wherein the resources reside in a web-based system and are accessible via web-clients. The resources can be representable by an administrator in a graph-like structure interlinking the resources with each other and thus defining a navigation model. An extended navigation model can be implemented by a user-generated, personal or collaborative interlinking functionality.