SYSTEMS AND METHODS WHEREIN A SECURITY DEPOSIT FACILITATES A TRANSACTION IN WHICH A BENEFIT IS APPLIED IN EXCHANGE FOR PERFORMANCE OF A TASK
First Claim
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1. A method of facilitating a transaction between a customer and a merchant, comprising:
- arranging, via a processing device, for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer, the task being associated with a party other than the merchant;
arranging for the customer to provide a security deposit; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task, wherein the transaction comprises a sale by the customer of at least one of;
(i) an item;
(ii) a product; and
(iii) a service.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided wherein a security deposit is used to facilitate a transaction with a customer. It is arranged for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer. For example, a subsidy provider may offer to apply a subsidy amount to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of the task by the customer. It is also arranged for the customer to provide a security deposit. Based on the performance of the task by the customer, it is arranged for the security deposit to be returned to the customer.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of facilitating a transaction between a customer and a merchant, comprising:
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arranging, via a processing device, for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer, the task being associated with a party other than the merchant;
arranging for the customer to provide a security deposit; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task, wherein the transaction comprises a sale by the customer of at least one of;
(i) an item;
(ii) a product; and
(iii) a service.
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2. A method of facilitating a transaction between a customer and a merchant, comprising:
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arranging, via a processing device, for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer, the task being associated with a party other than the merchant;
arranging for the customer to provide a security deposit; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task, wherein the security deposit comprises an item owned by the customer.
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3. A method of facilitating a transaction between a customer and a merchant, comprising:
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arranging, via a processing device, for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer, the task being associated with a party other than the merchant;
arranging for the customer to provide a security deposit; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task, wherein the security deposit comprises an interest a customer has in an item.
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4. A method of facilitating a transaction between a customer and a merchant, comprising:
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arranging, via a processing device, for a benefit to be applied to the transaction in exchange for a future performance of a task by the customer, the task being associated with a party other than the merchant;
arranging for the customer to provide a security deposit; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task, wherein the security deposit comprises a right the customer has to receive a payment.
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5. A method, comprising:
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determining a transaction associated with a customer;
displaying, via a touch screen interface, a menu listing a plurality of benefits available for application to the transaction, wherein each of the plurality of benefits is associated with a requirement that the customer perform a task;
receiving, from the customer, an indication of a selection of one of the listed plurality of applicable benefits;
arranging for the customer to provide payment of a security deposit;
applying, after the receiving, the selected one of the listed plurality of applicable benefits to the transaction; and
arranging for the security deposit to be returned to the customer based on the performance of the task - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification