Systems and methods for ordering and distributing incentive messages

• US 20030177067A1
• Filed: 02/19/2003
• Published: 09/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/15/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Western Union
• Original Assignee: First Data Corporation (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Karas, Peter M., Cowell, James E., Lyon, Karen, Demark, Michele
• Granted Patent: US 7,003,479 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/02 involving a neutral party, e.g. certification authority, notary or trusted third party [TTP]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/10 specially adapted for electronic funds transfer [EFT] systems; specially adapted for home banking systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0213 Consumer transaction fees
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0225 Avoiding frauds
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0236 Incentive or reward received by requiring registration or ID from user
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0239 Online discounts or incentives
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/12 Accounting
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/128 Check-book balancing, updating or printing arrangements

Abstract

Systems and methods associated with ordering, producing and/or distributing incentive messages. Systems can include means for receiving requests for incentive messages, for receiving payment for the incentive messages, and for transferring the incentive message to a receiver. Such incentive messages can include a trophy and a redemptive code.

Claims

1. A method for distributing an incentive message, the method comprising:

providing an incentive message, wherein the incentive message includes a trophy and a redemptive code, and wherein the trophy is detachable from the redemptive code;

receiving a request for the incentive message from a recipient point-of-contact;

receiving a payment for the requested incentive message; and

transferring the requested incentive message to the recipient point-of-contact.

2. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising:

receiving the redemptive code; and

providing a value at least in part based on the redemptive code.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the value is cash.

4. The method of claim 2, the method further comprising:

receiving a personal identification in relation to the redemptive code;

accessing an file associated with the redemptive code, wherein the file identifies at least one redeemer; and

comparing the at least one redeemer with the personal identification.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the trophy further includes a custom message field for accepting a customized message, the method further comprising:

receiving the customized message from the recipient point-of-contact; and

inserting the customized message in the custom message field.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the trophy further includes a signature field for accepting a signature, the method further comprising:

receiving the signature from the recipient point-of-contact; and

inserting the signature in the signature field.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the redemptive code is associated with at least one of:

a cash amount, and an item.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the trophy is of a size suitable for framing in frame selected from the group consisting of:

an eight inch by ten inch frame, a five inch by seven inch frame, and an eleven inch by fourteen inch frame.

9. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising:

displaying a data entry form to the recipient point-of-contact over a computer network, wherein the form includes one or more data entry fields for selecting a graphic image, a customized text, a signature, and a negotiable instrument.

10. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising:

displaying a preview of the incentive message over a computer network prior to distributing the requested incentive message.

11. An incentive message, the incentive message comprising a trophy and a redemptive code, wherein the trophy is displayable such that the redemptive code is not visible.

12. The incentive message of claim 11, wherein the redemptive code is associated with a file, and wherein the file indicates a value selected from a group consisting of:

a cash amount, and a merchandise item.

13. The incentive message of claim 12, wherein the redemptive code is further associated with at least one redeemer.

14. The incentive message of claim 13, wherein the at least one redeemer includes an entity that is authorized to use the redemptive code.

15. The incentive message of claim 11, wherein the trophy comprises a graphical image, and wherein the graphical image includes a logo associated with a recipient point-of-contact.

16. The incentive message of claim 15, wherein the trophy further includes a custom message provided by the recipient point-of-contact.

17. A method for distributing an incentive message, the method comprising:

distributing an incentive message, wherein the incentive message includes a trophy and a redemptive code, and wherein the trophy is detachable from the redemptive code;

wherein the distribution is performed by means selected from a group consisting of;

electronic mail, facsimile, and physical mail.

18. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising:

providing value upon presentation of the redemptive code.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the distribution is performed by electronic mail.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the distribution is performed by physical mail.