Method for processing digital rebates and coupons
First Claim
1. A method for processing retail price reductions in connection with the purchase of merchandise comprising:
- providing a data center for processing price reductions;
the data center including at least one computer;
notifying consumers of the availability of a price reduction for the merchandise;
the price reduction being in the form of a discount or a rebate;
receiving queries from a consumer regarding the price reduction;
obtaining authorization from the consumer to debit or charge an account for the purchase of the merchandise;
issuing to the consumer a digital certificate from the computer reflecting the price reduction; and
charging, debiting or receiving payment from the consumer for the merchandise less the price reduction upon presentation of the digital certificate to the retailer for the purchase of the merchandise.
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Accused Products
Abstract
There is provided a method for processing retail price discounts or rebates in connection with the purchase of merchandise. A data center is provided for processing discounts or rebates. The data center has at least one (1) computer to perform at least a portion of the processing. Consumers are notified of the availability of a discount or rebate for the merchandise. Consumers query the data center regarding the availability of the discount or rebate. The data center obtains an authorization from the consumer to debit or charge an account for the purchase of the merchandise. The data center issues a digital certificate from the computer reflecting the discount or rebate. The consumer'"'"'s account is charged or debited or the consumer pays for the price of the merchandise less the discount upon presentation of the digital certificate to the retailer for the purchase of the merchandise.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method for processing retail price reductions in connection with the purchase of merchandise comprising:
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providing a data center for processing price reductions;
the data center including at least one computer;notifying consumers of the availability of a price reduction for the merchandise;
the price reduction being in the form of a discount or a rebate;receiving queries from a consumer regarding the price reduction; obtaining authorization from the consumer to debit or charge an account for the purchase of the merchandise; issuing to the consumer a digital certificate from the computer reflecting the price reduction; and charging, debiting or receiving payment from the consumer for the merchandise less the price reduction upon presentation of the digital certificate to the retailer for the purchase of the merchandise. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for processing retail price reductions in connection with the purchase of merchandise comprising:
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notifying consumers through media of the availability of a price reduction for the merchandise; receiving queries at a processing center from consumers regarding the price reduction;
the processing center including at least one computer;issuing a digital certificate to the consumer from the computer reflecting the price reduction; and charging, debiting or receiving payment from the consumer for the price of the merchandise less the discount upon presentation of the digital certificate to a retailer for the purchase of the merchandise.
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16. A method for processing retail price reductions in connection with the purchase of merchandise comprising:
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providing a data center for processing price reductions;
the data center including at least one computer;notifying consumers of the availability of a price reduction for the merchandise;
the price reduction being in the form of a discount or a rebate;receiving queries by the data center from a consumer regarding the price reduction; obtaining authorization from the consumer to debit or charge an account for the purchase of the merchandise; issuing to the consumer a digital certificate from the computer reflecting the price reduction; setting a predetermined time period for the consumer to present the digital certificate to the retailer in order for the consumer to obtain the price reduction; informing the retailer to hold the merchandise for the consumer for the predetermined time period; and charging, debiting or receiving payment from the consumer for the price of the merchandise less the price reduction and less a fee paid to the data center upon presentation of the digital certificate to the retailer for the purchase of the merchandise.
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Specification