Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium are disclosed for advertising and completing a transaction using a credit card or a debit card. The method includes receiving situation information at a device, based on the situation information, transmitting an advertisement to the device, associating an advertisement with an identification card such as a debit card, credit card, student ID card, biometric data, or club card, and receiving an indication of a purchase associated with the advertisement and completed using the card. The disclosure enables a user to receive an advertisement on a device such as a mobile device and then make a purchase decision based on that advertisement in a normal fashion or transparent to the user and sales clerk, without the use of coupons, special codes or any other additional and annoying requirements for making the purchase. The user only needs to use an appropriate identification card.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a batch of transaction data. The transaction data is transmitted from a computer operated by or on behalf of a merchant. The transaction data relates to a plurality of purchase transactions performed at the merchant. The transaction data includes purchased item data that identifies at least some items purchased in the purchase transactions. The transaction data includes for each purchase transaction a respective payment card account number that identifies a respective payment card account to which the purchase transaction in question was charged. The method further includes identifying, from the transaction data, ones of the purchase transactions that qualify for customer rebates.

Abstract: A subsidy and payment system dynamically determines a consumer's subsidy entitlement status and calculates a customized subsidy applicable to purchase of subsidized goods based on the consumer's authenticated government-endorsed identity. The subsidy and payment system additionally facilitates electronic payments from the consumer and subsidy rebates to the consumer in connection with the purchase of subsidized goods based on the authenticated government-endorsed identity without requiring additionally information or actions from the consumer.

Abstract: An on-line frequency award program is disclosed. A user may access the program on-line and may browse a product catalog for shopping. The user may electronically place an order, upon which the program automatically checks the user's credit and electronically issues a purchase order to the supplying company. The program also calculates award points, updates the award account of enrolled users, and communicates that number of awarded points to the user. Enrolled users may browse through an award catalog and electronically redeem an amount of awarded points towards an award. The program then electronically places an award redeeming order with the fulfillment house and updates the user's award account.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for processing funds in distribution environments such as internet-based postage distribution environments. In exemplary embodiments, incentive programs are administered and managed within the system. These incentive programs can include discount programs, rebate programs and revenue sharing programs.

Abstract: A method and system for using a rebate card are disclosed. The method may comprise initiating a purchase transaction for one or more products at a point of sale, determining whether the purchase transaction qualifies for a rebate, determining a rebate value based on the purchase transaction and the rebate, activating a rebate value in a rebate card account associated with a rebate card based on the determining action, and delivering the rebate card to a customer of the one or more products during the purchase transaction.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prescription drug discount via a cellular message on a cellular carrier network includes capturing a prescription token in a memory of a cellular device. The cellular device processes the prescription token to sending a message artifact as a cellular message, such as SMS message, over a carrier network to a discount service computer. The discount service computer receives and parses the message artifact, and reconstructs the prescription token. The discount service computer includes an eligibility database of prescription drug patients, cell numbers, and prescription drug identities. The prescription token is matched to a record of the eligibility database, if any exist, and otherwise a corresponding record is generated for the prescription token. The discount service computer accesses a discount database to retrieve a discount coupon relevant to the record of the eligibility database and the prescription drug identity from the prescription token.

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methodologies are provided that facilitate negotiating discount offers. Mobile devices are equipped to detect product identification data from a barcode or RFID tag. The product identification data can be wirelessly transmitted to a discount negotiator which calculates a discount offer for the product and sends a discount offer back to the mobile device while the customer is considering whether to purchase the product. The discount negotiator calculates the discount offers based on a set of rules which may account for one or more factors, including the expiration date of a product, the quantity being purchased, product bundling, and/or the like.

Abstract: A merchant server of a first merchant receives an indication of items that a customer is to purchase via a web site. The indication may be, for example, a signal indicating that the customer is ready to “check out” his shopping cart of items on the web site. In response, the merchant server provides an offer for a subsidy from a second merchant. The offer is provided before the items are purchased, and thus the offer is not provided unless and until the customer has manifested an intent to make a purchase from the first merchant. A response is received from the customer. If the response indicates acceptance of the offer, then the subsidy is applied to the items purchased. For example, the total price paid for the items may be reduced, or the items may even be provided to the customer without charge. In exchange, the customer agrees to participate in a transaction with the second merchant. For example, the customer may be required to switch service providers (e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a controller receives information relating to customer activity with a first vendor (e.g., via a Web page that a customer accesses). The controller further receives an indication of items the customer desires to purchase, the items having an associated total price. The controller determines, based on any of various criteria, whether to provide an offer for a subsidy based on the information relating to customer activity. The offer for a subsidy is from a second vendor (a subsidizing vendor), and may define, for example, a reduction in the price charged for the item and an obligation for the customer to fulfill in exchange for the subsidy. If the customer accepts the offer, he is charged a second price for the items. The second price is less than the total price, and may even be zero.

Abstract: A system and method for providing incentives within a retail environment by selecting a cross-merchandising incentive to be provided with a product at a specialty department location and printing a coupon reflecting the defined cross-merchandising incentive on a label that is to be affixed to the product. The coupon is provided to a shopper at a point after the shopper has selected the specific product and before a point of sale.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for determining optimal sales rebate rates. Historical data, including sales data, price data, and rebate data are received, along with ongoing current data from current rebate transactions. Changes across the spectrum of data are determined and calculations are used to obtain an optimal sales rebate rate for one of more products or services utilizing statistical models, including but not limited to, a linear rebate rate model and a logarithmic-linear rebate rate model for one or more products or services. A mathematical analysis determines the appropriate model to use to obtain the optimal sales rebate rate. The optimal sales rebate rate may be applied to computing or non-computing environments, in whole or as a combination of both computing and non-computing environments.

Abstract: A vending machine capable of refilling used ink cartridges as well as dispensing filled ink cartridges is closed. The vending machine includes at least one cartridge receptacle for receiving an ink cartridge, a user interface, a display unit, a nozzle health check module, a printhead servicing module, an ink reservoir, an ink refilling unit, a compartment containing new ink cartridges, a compartment containing filled, second-hand ink cartridges, and a recycle compartment for receiving discarded ink cartridges. The user is presented by the display unit with the option of (a) refilling a used cartridge, (b) purchasing a filled cartridge, or (c) returning a used cartridge in exchange for a purchase rebate or a discount voucher. When the user selects the option of refilling, the vending machine executes a refilling subroutine which includes checking the nozzle health.

Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a method of tracking purchases for a consumer using a unique identifier associated with the consumer. The method includes receiving first itemized data and the unique identifier from a first merchant system of a first merchant, where the first itemized data includes each item purchased in a first transaction associated with the consumer. The method further includes receiving second itemized data and the unique identifier from a second merchant system of a second merchant, where the second itemized data includes each item purchased in a second transaction associated with the consumer. The method further includes storing the first itemized data and the second itemized data based on the unique identifier to obtain aggregated itemized data, where the aggregated itemized data is categorized at an item level.

Abstract: Handling electronic coupons includes accessing information indicating association of an electronic coupon with an account of a user that identifies multiple retail entities associated with the user. Information indicating association of electronic coupons with the user's account may be transmitted to respective computer systems associated with the multiple retail entities. The computer systems may associate electronic coupons with the user such that the user may redeem the electronic coupons at a retail store upon presentation of a user identifier. When the user redeems an electronic coupon, cancellation information for the electronic coupon may be transmitted to the computer systems of other retail entities associated with the user. Receipt of the cancellation information may cause the respective computer systems to cancel the redeemability of the electronic coupon such that the user is prevented from redeeming the electronic coupon at a retail store associated with the corresponding retail entity.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates employing an online auction in which a coupon is fairly administered. An online auction environment that can employ an auction to identify a fair market value of at least one of a good or a portion of a service, wherein the auction can receive at least one bid from a bidder with a coupon and a bidder without a coupon. A randomizer component that can select one of a collection of bidders having coupons or a collection of bidders not having coupons based on a randomizing technique, wherein the online auction environment can identify an auction winner as a highest bidder within the selected collection, the highest bidder provides a highest bid from both the collection of bidders having coupons and the collection of bidders not having coupons.

Abstract: Transaction auditing involving the provision of payment from a third-party to a transaction party is facilitated. In accordance with one or more example embodiments, a transaction auditing approach involves processing payment from a third party to one of a buyer and seller involved in a transaction to which the third-party payment is applicable. When an auditing criterion is met, such as when the buyer and seller agree to contract terms or when the buyer pays the seller, payment from the third party is authorized and processed based on the authorization.

Abstract: The invention provides efficient and convenient rebate systems and methods which facilitate application of the value of a rebate redeemed by a purchaser to additional purchases by the purchaser prior to termination of a rebate redemption session.

Abstract: A computer system and method for managing customer rewards, such as automobile rebates, incentives, money back, and percentage rates. The system accesses a manufacturer data processing system that includes a reward information associated with a product, determines whether a reward is available for a product from the reward information, and notifying a customer when the reward is available. The system may also claim the reward.

Abstract: A method for guaranteeing a consumer a best price on an item purchased from a vendor in a consummated final first transaction, the method including, in certain aspects, including determining a refund due to insure that a consumer receives the benefit of a later better price, and displaying the refund amount, individually or publicly, and, in one particular aspect, displaying a total amount for a plurality of such refunds.

Abstract: Providing traceability in a Virtual Business Object (VBO) may include generating a VBO comprising components and actions that may be performed using the VBO, attaching traceability information regarding an avatar to the VBO and providing the VBO to the avatar. Also, a network entity configured to access a virtual world environment may include a network interface configured to provide access to the virtual world environment and a controller configured to perform a transaction with an avatar in the virtual world environment, generate a Virtual Business Object (VBO) related to the transaction, attach traceability information regarding the avatar to the VBO, and provide the VBO to the avatar.

Abstract: A computer system for a pricing and auction process allows private enterprise firms to establish an individual price for each consumer paying in to support delivery of the same units of a public good. The process solicits bids from individuals who value a public good, while reducing each individual's incentives to free ride, thereby increasing their incentives to bid or offer a payment that approaches their full value for each, successive unit of the good. Examples include farmers selling the services of land for wildlife habitat, farmers altering production processes to reduce pesticides and nutrients and increase local water quality, particularly during transition from technologically intensive farming to organic farming, or businesses established to help neighborhoods and communities become carbon neutral in a global economy. The process benefits profit or non-profit organizations supporting conservation such as wetland and salt marsh restoration or restoration of endangered species habitat.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems to process transactions in a networked communication system, including cash back rebate eligible transactions. Some embodiments provide for distributed risk analysis of transactions, such as to provide for a probability analysis of transaction completion at a payment server. The payment server then makes a recommendation for reward timing or payout of a cash back reward.

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

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for emulating a private label network over an open network where settlement occurs at varying discount rates with one or more merchants or providers. A computer implemented method and system for settling a transaction at a discount rate may include receiving an authorization record for the transaction initiated by a customer over an open payment network; identifying payment plan data associated with a transaction; creating a settlement record based at least in part on the authorization record and the payment plan data; determining a discount rate for the settlement record; and settling with a provider for the transaction at the discount rate.

Abstract: A business derives its cost to pay accounts payable (AJP) with a corporate card versus other payment methods. The business identifies each merchant to whom the business owes AJP who but does not accept the corporate card. A weighting factor is derived for each such merchant from costs of paying with and without the corporate card, as well as from its history of past payments to the merchant. The benefit to the business is derived, using the corresponding weighting factor, for each such merchant in paying the corresponding AJP to the merchant with the corporate card. Where the benefit exceeds a predetermined threshold, information is sent to each such merchant sufficient for the merchant to receive payment of the corresponding AJP with the corporate card.

Abstract: A method for providing an one account gift card for purchases of goods and/or services by establishing the account at a merchant based on a user's input, and enabling the account to be accessed by the beneficiary with the use of a financial card subject to the terms and conditions of the merchant: The consumer is then able to use the available funds in the account towards purchases of services and/or goods at the merchant. One car, one account, all funds from multiple people=one account gift card.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a payment incentive for distributing digital files over a network are provided. The method and system allow a publisher, distributor(s), and/or users to receive a payment incentive for downloading digital files on the Internet. The present disclosure creates a method and system where every party along the distribution chain will have an incentive for further distribution of the digital content file. The method includes the steps receiving by a server of a file agent at least one digital content file from a content provider; presenting the at least one digital content file for purchase; downloading the at least one digital content file to at least one user for a transaction amount; distributing a first distribution amount of the transaction amount to the content provider; and distributing a second distribution amount of the transaction amount to the at least one user.

Abstract: The invention is a method for using a payment and inspection service to purchase merchandise on an online sale website. A buyer or seller can select using a payment and inspection service. The buyer pays the payment and inspection service, which holds the payment. The seller ships the item to a store where the payment and inspection service is located. The buyer goes to the store and while being monitored, the buyer inspects the merchandise. Preferably, the buyer is monitored by a camera surveillance system with a video record stored on a computer system. If the buyer accepts the item, he leaves the store with the item and the service releases the payment to the seller less any fees owed. If the buyer does not want to accept the item, he rejects the item, which is then repacked and returned to the seller, and the service refunds the payment, less any fees owed back to the seller.

Abstract: A virtual card engine stored on memory executable via at least one processor for managing two or more virtual cards is provided. The virtual card engine including a value modification module configured to modify value data corresponding to at least a first virtual card based on user input, send a request to an associated card service provider to modify value data in a corresponding provider-side associative card profile, and present the first virtual card on a display of a mobile computing device to initiate a virtual card transaction between the virtual card engine and the card service provider.

Abstract: A method for promoting recycling from a fund established with revenue generated from the sale of environmental and/or power generation attributes by an entity producing renewable energy. The method comprises providing a point system by which a recycling consumer is credited for recycled materials collected. Further, the method provides for a reward system for redemption of points accumulated by the recycling consumer, the reward system including redeemable fund certificates drawn against the fund. The method further includes collecting recyclable materials from the recycling consumer and crediting an account in the name of the recycling consumer based on the quantity and/or quality of the recyclable material collected. Then the method provides for awarding fund certificates to the recycling consumer upon the accumulation of a sufficient point level.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for facilitating a transaction between a subscriber and a vendor through an intermediary may include: receiving, at the intermediary, personal information from the subscriber to establish a user account; storing the personal information for subsequent access; receiving a request from the subscriber to access the user account, upon which the subscriber's identity is verified by the intermediary against the personal information; the intermediary entering into a transaction with the vendor on behalf of the subscriber based on the subscriber's instruction once the subscriber's identity is successfully verified; and notifying the subscriber upon completion of the transaction. Importantly, the transaction is completed without disclosing the subscriber's personal information to the vendor. As such, the consumer remains anonymous with respect to the vendor.

Abstract: A centralized server managed by an employer receives reports of renewable energy generation from many remote generation sites belonging to its employees, and then summarizes and details the generation for certification by a certifying standards process. Renewable energy power generation monitors are placed at independent remote locations owned by the employees that collectively report to the server any fractional units of renewable energy power generation represented in aggregate by particular REC's traded on the e-trading platform. And, an ad-hoc sellers consortium automatically aggregates fractional and small units of REC's into marketable lots according to individual preferences of participating small sellers, and the marketable lots of REC's are offered for sale on the e-trading platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and article of manufacture for processing electronic rebates are disclosed. In one embodiment, a purchase identifier is linked to a purchase of a product. The purchase identifier is listed on a receipt upon the purchase of the product or contained in an electronic mail message sent to an electronic mail address accessible using a user computer system. Information is then received via a network from a user of the user computer system to complete a rebate claim for the purchased product. The received information is verified to determine whether the purchase identifier was provided. The rebate claim is granted if the received information is verified as correct.

Abstract: A method is provided. The method includes recording transaction information for a consummated transaction related to a purchase of an item or service at a computer, the transaction information including information identifying a consumer; monitoring, by the computer, an incentive to purchase the item or service for a predetermined time period after purchase of the item or service by the consumer; comparing, by the computer, the incentive to the transaction information during the predetermined time period to determine if the incentive was offered as part of the consummated transaction; and if the incentive was not offered as part of the consummated transaction, duplicating, by the computer, the incentive for the consumer after the consummated transaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for funding a college education by accumulating and managing merchant rebates. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for enrolling and registering members in an organization through the organization provision of topical information and materials, useful links to, and information on, Internet and non-Internet based merchants, related to a college education. In particular, the present invention relates to facilitating retail transactions between an organization registered members and selected merchants who offer rebates on the transactions between themselves and the organization members so that the rebates are accumulated and provided for funding a college education.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention advantageously provides rebates in association with purchases. These rebates are then automatically apportioned and distributed into various accounts, such as charitable and investment accounts, in accordance with the purchaser's directives.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed relate to the buying and selling of products. More particularly, the systems and methods relate to providing all buyers with the cost savings benefit of economies of scale. Economy of scale benefits involve unit (product) cost reductions which result from increasing total unit output, or sales. Typically, as a seller sells more of a unit, the cost per unit will eventually decline. Such a system discourages initial buyers and rewards later buyers. The present systems and methods can provide economy of scale benefits to all buyers and sellers of products.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate to systems and methods for distributing incentives to encourage subsequent action. In one embodiment, a method to facilitate encouraging consumer behavior can be provided. The method may include electronically identifying a consumer to be a recipient of an incentive device by a marketing system, wherein the incentive device is associated with a marketing campaign defining at least one predefined activity to be performed by the consumer prior to activating the incentive device, and wherein the incentive device has inherent value that is available for redemption upon activation. The method may further include storing consumer data associating the consumer with the incentive device in the marketing system. In addition, the method may include distributing the incentive device to the consumer in an inactivated state, and electronically activating the incentive device only upon receipt of an indication that the consumer has satisfied the at least one predefined activity.

Abstract: A method of rewarding consumers for the purchase of companion animal products is provided. The method can include providing a pet product for purchase, providing a procedure whereby a purchaser can identify the purchase of the product, providing a rebate to the purchaser, whereby the rebate is usable for a discount on a pet product or service. In one embodiment, the discount is usable for a discount on pet insurance.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing an electric vehicle charging transaction. A set of principals associated with the electric vehicle charging transaction is identified. Electric vehicle charging information is retrieved from a set of sources. An energy transaction plan is generated using the electric vehicle charging information. A charging phase of the electric vehicle charging transaction is initiated for an electric vehicle connected to a charging station in accordance with the energy transaction plan. The charging phase comprises at least one of charging the electric vehicle with electricity, storing electricity in an electric storage mechanism associated with the electric vehicle, and removing electricity from the electric storage mechanism to de-charge the electric vehicle. In response to completion of the charging phase, the process then settles the financial obligations of a subset of principals in accordance with the energy transaction plan.

Abstract: A reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card is provided that is tied either electronically or physically with a loyalty program, a bonus point program or reward program. The card includes machine readable indicia thereon that allows the card to be linked with a cash balance that resides on the card itself or in an account that is tied to the card. Another feature of the transaction card is that it is tied either electronically or physically to a loyalty program. In one embodiment the card is a reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card that both allows the customer to complete a purchase transaction without the need for cash while also including a customer loyalty code. In another embodiment, the card is tied to a points or bonus rewards system. In a further embodiment, the reloadable prepaid electronic transaction card is used to provide rebates for purchases, such as fuel purchases.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating an on-line purchase of at least one item on behalf of a consumer are disclosed. A consumer may shop and purchase at least one item on a consolidated shopping (CS) website displaying one or more items available for purchase on one or more different merchant websites. The CS website provides consumers with advanced searching that takes into consideration a personal profile of the consumer, the consumer's previous shopping history, transactional data relating to a group of similar consumers, and the like. A host computer providing the CS website may access a merchant website selling the requested item, and order the requested item on behalf of the consumer, and charging a transaction fee, listing fee, receiving a rebate and/or offering a rebate for performing such. One embodiment allows a consumer to purchase/order multiple items from multiple websites in a single purchase request to the CS website.

Abstract: Some example embodiments described herein relate a system and method for utilizing an electronic payment system to implement rebate programs. The system includes a communication module that receives at an electronic payment system a request from a first party for making a rebate payment to a second party. The system further includes a processor that is connected to the communication module and a transaction module that deposits the rebate payment into an account of the second party that exists with the electronic payment system after receiving instruction from the processor. The method includes receiving a request at an electronic payment system for a first party to make a rebate payment to a second party and using the electronic payment system to make the rebate payment into an account of the second party that exists with the electronic payment system.

Abstract: Tools for improving interactions between promoters and consumers of products. These tools can enable promoters of products to employ more effective promotional programs, and consumers to receive promotional information about products of interest, while avoiding the excessive overload of information about promotions that are not of interest. Some such tools can enhance consumer satisfaction with—and, correspondingly, consumer participation in—promotional programs by allowing consumers to tailor the discount programs to their preferences, by analyzing consumer behavior and tailoring promotions accordingly, and/or by providing cross promotions of complementary products. Some of the tools can provide substantial savings, in both costs and natural resources, as well as provide a more satisfying experience for consumers, by substantially reducing, or even eliminating, excessive use of paper for promotional programs and transaction receipts.

Abstract: A line of credit optimized for a retailer and attached to a customer account at a financial institution is established for a customer of the retailer. A financial institution computer determines whether to advance funds through the line of credit for a transaction, then advances funds in one or more preselected loan increments to the customer account, up to a total available line of credit for the customer. The financial institution computer decrements the total available line of credit by the amount provided for the customer transaction and by a predetermined customer fee for each of the loan increments. The computer determines a value of a retailer fee to be paid by the retailer, involving a predetermined amount for each of the loan increments. The customer fee amount can be zero or discounted for customer transactions with the retailer. The retailer fee can be a rebate to the customer.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating a transaction between at least one user, at least one merchant, at least one associate is provided. The method includes the steps of the associate processing device transferring into the user processing device a first merchant link for a first merchant Web site on a first merchant processing device. The first merchant link is framed with associate information. The user selects the first merchant link. The associate processing device transfers into the user processing device information regarding a first product from the first merchant Web site. The user selects the first product to purchase. The user provides purchase information for purchasing the first product. The user processing device transfers the purchase information to the associate processing device. The associate processing device adds promotional information to the purchase information responsive to the user identification value.