SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CROWDSOURCING, SELECTING, TRANSACTING GIFTS AND FINANCIAL DISCOUNTS IN PHYSICAL STORES AND E-COMMERCE ENVIRONMENTS

• US 20130290172A1
• Filed: 02/20/2013
• Published: 10/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Alex Mashinsky
• Original Assignee: Alex Mashinsky
• Inventors: Mashinsky, Alex
• Application Number:
  US13/772,312
• Publication Number:
  US 20130290172A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/39
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/102 Bill distribution or payments
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/12 specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/28 Pre-payment schemes, e.g. "pay before"
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/38 Payment protocols; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/384 using social networks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/387 Payment using discounts or coupons relating to marketing G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/405 Establishing or using transaction specific rules
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/00 Commerce
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/00 Finance; Insurance; Tax strategies; Processing of corporate or income taxes

Abstract

A computer system and software enabling a method for assisting users who are members of a group in identifying trending items and making purchases using selected forms of payment over the Internet on web sites, mobile devices and in physical store locations from trusted vendors to locate and to take advantage of special rates and promotions that may be offered to certain users under specific circumstances. The system enables users, buyers and their social circle of friends of gift givers to identify, curate, manage and purchase gifts & services and take advantage of digital gift cards, credit cards & coupons to get the best price.

Claims

1. A computer implemented method for enabling users and merchants to accept payments from third party holders of financial credits such as gift cards and coupons comprising the steps of:

receiving, by a server having a processor and a memory, an image file of a gift card or coupon of a first user, identification of the gift card or coupon, and an issuing party of the gift card or coupon card;

processing by the server the image file and validating the issuing party and balance on the credit card or coupon with the issuing party;

indicating by the server to the first user the balance on the credit card or coupon; and

transferring by the server an amount from the credit card or coupon of the first user to an account of a second user and debiting the amount on the credit card or coupon with the issuing party.