Electric couponing method and apparatus

Details Electric couponing method and apparatus Electric couponing method and apparatus

1995-06-16

1998-01-20

Hayes, Gail O.

395201, G06F15100

Patent

active

057108862

ABSTRACT:
A method and apparatus for distributing, generating, and redeeming discount coupons, rebate or gift certificates or the like tracks each coupon using a consumer ID number printed on the coupon. Coupons may be distributed electronically, for example, in the form of a diskette or CD-ROM software. Software on the diskette or CD-ROM may prompt a consumer to call a 1-800 number for a validation number or code. During the phone call, telemarketing personnel may request consumer demographic and or identification information which may be entered into a centralized database. Once the software is validated, a consumer may print out selected coupons displayed on a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Each coupon may be printed only a limited number of times. Each coupon may be imprinted with a consumer ID number, preferably in the form of a bar code. Once redeemed, consumer ID information and coupon information may be retrieved from coupons forwarded to a coupon clearing house. Accurate data may then be produced illustrating which consumers or groups of consumers are redeeming which coupons. Such data may be used for marketing purposes or to generated further diskettes for distribution targeting specific consumers or groups of consumers with specific classes of coupon offerings. The use of a consumer ID number on the coupon may reduce or prevent the fraudulent copying and redemption of coupons, as multiple redemptions of a single coupon by a consumer may be readily detected from data gathered at the brokerage clearing house.

REFERENCES:
patent: 5128752 (1992-07-01), Von Kohorn
patent: 5305195 (1994-04-01), Murphy
patent: 5305197 (1994-04-01), Axler et al.
patent: 5353218 (1994-10-01), DeLapa et al.
patent: 5502636 (1996-03-01), Clarke
"U.P.C. Coupon Code Guidelines Manual," Uniform Code Council, Inc. 8163 Old Yankee Road, Suite J, Dayton, OH 45458, pp. 1;30-39, Sep. 1994.
Advertisement: "Online Coupon Delivery" New York Times, Business Section, Jun. 21, 1995.
Brochure: "Coupons Online" A Division of Interactive Database Marketing Company. 271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1005, New York, NY 10016.
Fawcett, Adrianne Ward "Trading Scissors for Modems", Advertising Age, Jun. 6, 1995.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Electric couponing method and apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Electric couponing method and apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electric couponing method and apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-732442