Discount-instrument methods and systems
a technology of instruments and methods, applied in the field of discount instruments, can solve problems such as limiting the overall success of fundraising activities, and achieve the effect of reducing transaction costs and uniform cost reduction
Inactive Publication Date: 2008-04-17
FIRST DATA
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- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
The invention provides methods and systems for using discount instruments to offer customers discounts on goods and services. The discount instruments may be obtained through fundraising activities or other means. The methods involve extracting information from the discount instrument, such as an identifier or information relating to the discount arrangement, and using it to modify the transaction to apply the discount. The modification may include a uniform reduction in transaction cost or a full-cost deduction of at least one item. The methods may be implemented using a point-of-sale device or computer system with a processor and storage device. The technical effects of the invention include providing customers with a convenient way to receive discounts and increasing the efficiency of fundraising activities.
Problems solved by technology
A persistent problem faced by fundraising organizations is the need to find a fundraising program that is sufficiently appealing to raise the desired funds.
Both of these factors act to limit the overall success of the fundraising activity.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0017] Embodiments of the invention provide discount-instrument methods and systems, including usage validation and tracking capabilities. In some of the discussion that follows, examples of the use of such discount instruments is provided, for illustrative purposes, in the context of fundraising programs. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to fundraising applications and applies more generally to discount instruments regardless of how they may be obtained by customers. In some embodiments, the discount instrument may take the form of a plastic card similar in structure to a credit card or debit card. In fundraising applications, this card may be sold by individuals of a fundraising organization to customers, who may then use the card to obtain discounts on purchases of goods and / or services at one or more merchants. The card provides the customers with benefits in accordance with a specific discount arrangement, although this discount arrangement may...
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Methods and systems are provided to apply a discount to a transaction. An identifier is extracted from a discount instrument and is transmitted to a host system. A validation is received from the host system for the discount instrument and a cost of the transaction is reduced in accordance with a discount arrangement associated with the discount instrument.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This application relates generally to discount instruments. More specifically, this application relates to methods and systems for providing discount instruments that may be used in fundraising applications. [0002] There are many organizations that rely on fundraising drives or events to finance their operations. Common examples are seen in school groups, such as athletic and other types of clubs, that use fundraising techniques to finance the purchase of uniforms, equipment, and travel, among other expenses. These school groups may engage in fundraising activities regardless of their level, including elementary-school, secondary-school, and university-level groups. Moreover, fundraising activities are often used by other types of groups to finance their activities, including, for example, scouting and social organizations. While many such groups are children's groups, there are also adult groups that rely on similar fundraising activities for fina...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): G06Q40/00G06Q90/00G06Q30/02
CPCG06Q30/02G06Q30/0238G06Q30/0225
Inventor MCGEE, CHRISTOPHER R.SCHWANER, TANYABAUMGARTNER, DAVID
Owner FIRST DATA