Dynamic gifting ecosystem for purchasing a gift

Abstract

A system for purchasing an electronic gift card includes an offer system for providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card to a first device. A delivery system displays an application on the first device to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card. A messaging system delivers the electronic gift card to a second device. The delivery system displays the application on the second device to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

Description

DYNAMIC GIFTING ECOSYSTEM FOR PURCHASING A GIFTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 605,988, filed December 4, 2023, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, gift cards can be purchased using web based devices or mobile devices. Often, the platform operating the purchasing device is not the same as the platform form operating the recipient device. This can cause compatibility issues when sending a gift from the purchasing device to the recipient device.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure includes one or more of the features recited in the appended claims and / or the following features which, alone or in any combination, may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a method for purchasing an electronic gift card includes providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card on a first device having a first device platform. The method also includes displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card. The method also includes delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device. The method also includes displaying the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

[0005] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method may also include delivering the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device. The method may also include displaying the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive the electronic gift card using the third device. The method may also include delivering areturn electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device. The method may also include displaying the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

[0006] Optionally, in the first aspect, at least one of the first device or the second device may include a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget. At least one of the first device or the second device may include a mobile device having messaging operations. The method may also include recognizing the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform. The method may also include recognizing the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform. The method may also include processing data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser. The method may also include altering the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform. The method may also include altering a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an ecosystem for purchasing an electronic gift card includes an offer system for providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card to a first device having a first device platform. A delivery system is provide for displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card. A messaging system is provided for delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device. The delivery system displays the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

[0008] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the messaging system may deliver the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device. The delivery system may display the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive theelectronic gift card using the third device. The messaging system may deliver a return electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device. The delivery system may display the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

[0009] Optionally, in the second aspect, at least one of the first device or the second device may include a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget. At least one of the first device or the second device may include a mobile device having messaging operations. The delivery system may recognize the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform. The delivery system may recognize the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform. An analytics system may be configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser. The delivery system may alter the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform. The delivery system may alter a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a dynamic delivery system for delivering gift cards is configured to recognize a purchasing device platform of a purchasing device utilized to purchase a gift card. The system is also configured to display an application on the purchasing device in a format recognized by the purchasing device platform. The system is also configured to deliver a message to a recipient device, wherein the message contains a gift card purchased on the purchasing device, and wherein the recipient device operates on a recipient device platform. The system is also configured to recognize the recipient device platform of the recipient device. The system is also configured to display the application on the recipient device in a format recognized by the recipient device platform so that the recipient can utilize the recipient device to retrieve the message containing the gift card.

[0011] In some embodiments of the third aspect at least one of the purchasing device or the recipient device may include a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget. At least one of the purchasingdevice or the recipient device may include a mobile device having messaging operations. The system may be further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the purchasing device and display the application on the purchasing device in the format recognized by the purchasing device platform. The system may be further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the recipient device and display the application on the recipient device in the format recognized by the recipient device platform. The system may be further configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser. The system may be further configured to alter the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform. The system may be further configured to alter a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the capabilities to enable a purchase of a gift card are built in a manner which allows building once, but dynamically streamed and adapted to any form factor of the device from a web to mobile native depending on the device on which the capability is invoked.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of disclosed embodiments, the adaptation of the such capabilities in mobile will not require the end user to download and install an application, but dynamically streamed and seamlessly rendered to the user, eliminating all the friction in the process and the need for installations, which is a key barrier for marketers.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the purchase and recipient experience capabilities are highly targeted to the user intent, and are built in a way to so as to require minimum amount of inputs, and even lesser amount of keyboard inputs (no-type, low- type), thereby achieving a very high degree of conversion of the marketer’s intent.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the aforesaid combination of techniques are encapsulated in the most foundational unit of web as links, and there by provide a more viral method of distribution of key capabilities allowing the capabilities to flow into all devices that accept and provide internet capabilities, thereby enabling a high degree of reach. This also allows the users to share these capabilities (ex: gifts) virally with each other through any channel that accepts links (sms, email, whatzapp, push notifications). The interrelationship and seamless convergence of these capabilities (ex: gift-> recipient experience^ regifting) enable more viral effects in the eco system.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, this foundational method of sharing through links allows these links to be translated and delivered in more advanced forms such as adlinks, quick response (QR) codes, email campaigns, affiliate widgets and links, providing more capability to marketers.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the system allows for white labeling the consumer experience to match the brand or retailers brand, there-by enabling marketers to leverage the consumer’s brand recognition, and there by allow a stronger brand adoption.

[0018] Additional features, which alone or in combination with any other feature(s), such as those listed above and those listed in the claims, may comprise patentable subject matter and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the embodiments as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0019] The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system for purchasing a gift card.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method for purchasing a gift card.

[0022] FIGs. 3-12 illustrate a plurality of screens for purchasing a gift card with an application.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an application screen for purchasing a gift card, wherein the screen enables a user to select from a plurality of gift cards, wherein the screen further enables the user to select a monetary amount of the gift card.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a view of an application screen having a slider that enables a user to alter a monetary amount of the gift card.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a view of an application screen having a pop up keyboard that enables a user to manually enter a receiver or recipient name, a receiver or recipient email, and a receiver or recipient phone number.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a view of an application screen that enables a user to select an occasion for purchasing the gift card, wherein the screen further includes a selectable icon for completing the purchase of the gift card.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a view of an application screen that enables a user to enter a purchaser phone number and email.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a view of an application screen that enables a user to alter the contact information used for purchasing the gift card.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a view of an application screen that enables the user the alter a payment method for the purchase of the gift card.

[0030] FIG. 10 is a view of a gift card purchase confinnation screen.

[0031] FIG. 11 is a view of an application screen that enables a user to manage the application.

[0032] FIG. 12 is a view of a message sent to the recipient of the gift card, wherein the message includes a link for the gift card.

[0033] FIGs. 13-15 illustrate a plurality of screens for purchasing a gift card through a messaging operation of a device. It will be appreciated that several of the screens used in the method shown in FIGS. 3-12 can also be used in the method shown in FIGs. 13-15.

[0034] FIG. 13 is a view of a message screen that enables a user to select from a plurality of gift cards, wherein the screen also enable the user to select a monetary amount of the gift card.

[0035] FIG. 14 is a view of a message screen that includes icons to enable the user to alter the monetary amount of the gift card.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a view of a message screen that includes a pop up keyboard that enables the user to manually enter a message to send with a link to the gift card.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 1 a system 10 for purchasing a gift card includes web capabilities 12 and mobile capabilities 14. That is, the gift card is capable of being purchased with a web device, for example, quick response (QR) codes, ad units, affiliate links, or UI widgets, or with amobile device, for example, messaging operations, iPhone® operating system (IOS), or Android®. Each of the web capabilities 12 and mobile capabilities 14 includes device security to protect the user from viruses, etc. The web 12 or mobile device 14 is utilized to select a link that opens an application for purchasing the gift card. Link wrap technology 16 recognizes the platform being utilized by the device 12, 14 and displays an application 18 for purchasing the gift card in a format recognized by the device 12, 14.

[0039] The purchaser utilizes the application 18 in the correct format to purchase the gift card. In some embodiments, the application 18 includes bot detection 20 to determine that a real person is purchasing the gift card. In some embodiments, data related to the gift card purchase is transferred to an analytics system 22 for data processing that determines future offers for the purchaser. The purchase request 24 is sent to an ordering platform 26 that includes a payment system 28 and a risk engine 30 for processing the request. Upon approval, the payment is completed by a global catalog 32 that communicates with various systems for payment processing.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, a purchaser 50 selects a link from a device 12, 14 to purchase a gift card. A delivery system 52 recognizes the platform of the device 12, 14 and displays an application 70 in a format that corresponds to the platform. In some embodiments, the delivery system 52 virally alters the application to correspond to the format of the platform. That is, the delivery system 52 alters the code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of the platform. The purchaser 50 utilizes the application to generate the gift 54. The gift 54 is deliver to an application 58 of a recipient 60, in an embodiment where the recipient has the application 58 downloaded on their device, the recipient device. The recipient 60 utilizes the application 58 to retrieve and redeem the gift card. In another embodiment, the gift 54 is delivered as a message generated by a messaging delivery layer 56. Upon receiving the message, the message is displayed in a format recognized by the platform of the recipient device. That is, the delivery system 52 virally alters the application to correspond to the format of the recipient device. The recipient 60 utilizes the message to retrieve and redeem the gift card.

[0041] In some embodiments, the recipient 60 can forward the gift 54 to a third party as a message generated by the messaging delivery layer 56. Upon receiving the message, the message is displayed in a format recognized by the platform of the third party device. That is, the delivery system 52 virally alters the application to correspond to the format of the third party device. The third party utilizes the message to retrieve and redeem the gift card. In some embodiments, therecipient 60 can send another gift 62 back to the purchaser 50 as a message generated by the messaging delivery layer 56. Upon receiving the message, the message is displayed in the format recognized by the platform of the purchaser device. That is, the delivery system 52 virally alters the application to correspond to the format of the purchaser device. The original purchaser utilizes the message to retrieve and redeem the gift 62. In some embodiments, the system 10 sends promotional offers 64 to the purchaser after the purchase and delivery of the gift 54.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, a purchaser with an iPhone clicks on a gifting link and the click is evaluated by the delivery system 52, which displays the Apple version of the AppClip to the purchaser. After making the purchase, the purchaser can give the gift to a recipient who owns an Android device. The recipient, an Android user, clicks the gift link that they were sent over the message. Upon clicking the link, the delivery system 52 recognizes that the device is an Android and displays the gift view native experience. The determination of the experience is done based on various device signals that received by the system 10 as part of the request, which helps with tailoring the experience per the device and configuration.

[0043] In some embodiments, the dynamic delivery system 52 alters the code and the data stream of the application to display a native application in a simulation on at least one of the purchaser or recipient device. Accordingly, at least one of the purchaser or recipient can experience the gift card purchasing and / or retrieving experience of the native application without the native application being downloaded to the purchaser or recipient device. In such an embodiment, the simulation of the native application is utilized to purchase and / or retrieve the gift card.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 3, an application screen 100 is configured to be displayed on a purchasing device for purchasing a gift card using the purchasing device. The screen 100 display a plurality of gift cards 102 that are available for purchase. While FIG. 3 illustrates four gift card options, it will be appreciated that any number of gift card options are capable of being displayed on the screen 100. For example, in some embodiments, a user is able to scroll on the screen 100 to choose from any number of gift card options. The screen further enables the user to select a monetary amount 104 of the gift card. In some embodiments, a user input enables the user to enter any monetary amount for any of the gift cards. For example, in some embodiments, upon clicking one of the gift card options, the user is presented with an editable field within which the user can enter any monetary value using the purchasing device.

[0045] FIGs. 4-6 illustrate a gift screen 150 that is populated upon selecting one of the gift card options. In the illustrative embodiment, gift card 1 has been selected. A slide bar 152 is provided to adjust a monetary value of the gift card by moving the slider 154 to the left or right, wherein moving the slider 154 to the left decreases a monetary value of the gift card and moving the slider 154 to the right increases the monetary value of the gift card. In some embodiments, a total value of the gift card is limited. In other embodiments, the total value of the gift card is unlimited. As set forth above, in some embodiments, an editable filed is provided to enter any monetary value.

[0046] Editable fields 160 are provided to enter a recipient name, recipient email address, and a recipient phone number. Clicking on the editable fields 160 causes a keyboard 162 to be displayed for entering the relevant information. Optionally, an occasion for the gift card is selectable from a catalog 164 of occasions. An editable field 166 enables the user to enter a personal message to the recipient. After entering the data required to send the gift card, the user agrees to the terms and conditions by clicking a box 170 and submits the request for the gift card by clicking the purchase link 172.

[0047] Upon clicking the link 172, a purchase screen 200 appears on the purchasing device to enable the user to enter a purchaser phone number and email, as well as a payment method. Upon clicking the contact box 202, a contact screen 204, shown in FIG. 8, enables the user to alter the phone number and email address of the user purchasing the gift card. Upon clicking the payment method box 206, a payment method screen 208, shown in FIG. 9, enables the user to alter the payment method for purchasing the gift card. In the illustrative embodiment, the payment method screen 208 enables the user to select a credit card or debit card for the payment method. In other embodiments, a bank account or other payment method is linkable to the system 10. Referring back to FIG. 7, upon confirming the user contact information and payment method, the user selects the payment button 220 to complete the transaction. FIG. 10 illustrates a gift card purchase confirmation screen 250. The screen 250 enables the user to share the transaction by clicking the share button 252. Upon completion of the transaction, the user selects the OK button 254. FIG. 11 illustrates a message 300 sent to the recipient of the gift card on the recipient device. The message 300 includes a link 302 to access and download the gift card. FIG. 12 illustrates an application settings screen 350 that enables a user to manage the application.

[0048] FIGs. 13-15 illustrate a plurality of screens for purchasing a gift card through a messaging operation of a device. It will be appreciated that several of the screens used in the method shown in FIGS. 3-12 can also be used in the method shown in FIGs. 13-15. FIG. 13 illustrates a message screen 400 that enables a user to select from a plurality of gift cards 402. In some embodiments, the message screen 400 enables the user to scroll through any number of gift cards 402. A particular gift card 402 is selected by clicking on the gift card 402. The screen also enables the user to select a monetary amount 404 of the gift card 402. Upon selecting a gift card 402, a message screen 450, shown in FIG. 14, is provided to enable the user to alter the monetary amount 404 of the gift card 402 using plus an minus icons 410 and 412. In some embodiments, a slider is provided for altering the monetary amount of the gift card 402. FIG. 15 illustrates a message screen 500 that includes a pop up keyboard 502 to enable the user to manually enter a message to send with a link to the gift card 402. The gift card 402 is sent to the recipient device as a text message and includes any additional messages entered in the screen 500.

[0049] Embodiments of the invention can be described with reference to the following numbered clauses:

[0050] 1. A method for purchasing an electronic gift card, the method comprising: providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card on a first device having a first device platform, displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card, delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device, and displaying the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

[0051] 2. The method of clause 1, further comprising: delivering the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and displaying the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive the electronic gift card using the third device.

[0052] 3. The method of clause 1, further comprising:delivering a return electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and displaying the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

[0053] 4. The method of clause 1, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

[0054] 5. The method of clause 1, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

[0055] 6. The method of clause 1, further comprising recognizing the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform.

[0056] 7. The method of clause 1, further comprising recognizing the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform.

[0057] 8. The method of clause 1, processing data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

[0058] 9. The method of clause 1, further comprising altering the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0059] 10. The method of clause 9, further comprising altering a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0060] 11. A system for purchasing an electronic gift card, the system comprising: an offer system for providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card to a first device having a first device platform, a delivery system for displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card, anda messaging system for delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device, wherein the delivery system displays the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

[0061] 12. The system of clause 11, wherein: the messaging system delivers the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and the delivery system displays the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive the electronic gift card using the third device.

[0062] 13. The system of clause 11, wherein: the messaging system delivers a return electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and the delivery system displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

[0063] 14. The system of clause 11, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

[0064] 15. The system of clause 11, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

[0065] 16. The system of clause 11, wherein the delivery system recognizes the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform.

[0066] 17. The system of clause 11, wherein the delivery system recognizes the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform.

[0067] 18. The system of clause 11, further comprising an analytics system configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

[0068] 19. The system of clause 11, wherein the delivery system alters the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0069] 20. The system of clause 19, wherein the delivery system alters a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0070] 21. A dynamic delivery system for delivering gift cards, the system configured to: recognize a purchasing device platform of a purchasing device utilized to purchase a gift card, display an application on the purchasing device in a format recognized by the purchasing device platform, deliver a message to a recipient device, wherein the message contains a gift card purchased on the purchasing device, wherein the recipient device operates on a recipient device platform, recognize the recipient device platform of the recipient device, and display the application on the recipient device in a format recognized by the recipient device platform so that the recipient can utilize the recipient device to retrieve the message containing the gift card.

[0071] 22. The system of clause 21, wherein at least one of the purchasing device or the recipient device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

[0072] 23. The system of clause 21, wherein at least one of the purchasing device or the recipient device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

[0073] 24. The system of clause 21, wherein the system is further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the purchasing device and display the application on the purchasing device in the format recognized by the purchasing device platform.

[0074] 25. The system of clause 21, wherein the system is further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the recipient device and display the application on the recipient device in the format recognized by the recipient device platform.

[0075] 26. The system of clause 21, wherein the system is further configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

[0076] 27. The system of clause 21, wherein the system is further configured to alter the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0077] 28. The system of clause 27, wherein the system is further configured to alter a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

[0078] Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to make the present disclosure in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, illustrative embodiment, proof, or finding. It should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably or preferred in the description above indicates that the feature so described can be more desirable, it nonetheless cannot be necessary and embodiments lacking the same can be contemplated as within the scope of the disclosure, that scope being defined by the claims that follow.

[0079] In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” “at least a portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used, the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. It should be understood that only selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all possible alternatives, modifications, aspects, combinations, principles, variations, and equivalents that come within the spirit of the disclosure as defined herein or by any of the following claims are desired to be protected. While embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same are to be considered as illustrative and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Additional alternatives, modifications and variations can be apparent to those skilled in the art. Also, while multiple inventive aspects and principles have been presented,they need not be utilized in combination, and many combinations of aspects and principles are possible in light of the various embodiments provided above.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for purchasing an electronic gift card, the method comprising: providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card on a first device having a first device platform, displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card, delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device, and displaying the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: delivering the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and displaying the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive the electronic gift card using the third device.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: delivering a return electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and displaying the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising recognizing the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising recognizing the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform.

8. The method of claim 1, processing data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising altering the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising altering a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

11. A system for purchasing an electronic gift card, the system comprising: an offer system for providing a link for purchasing an electronic gift card to a first device having a first device platform, a delivery system for displaying an application on the first device in a format recognized by the first device platform to enable a purchaser to purchase the electronic gift card, and a messaging system for delivering the electronic gift card to a second device having a second device platform, in response to the purchaser purchasing the electronic gift card on the application using the first device, wherein the delivery system displays the application on the second device in a format recognized by the second device platform to enable a recipient to receive the electronic gift card using the second device.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: the messaging system delivers the electronic gift card to a third device, in response to the recipient forwarding the electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and the delivery system displays the application on the third device in a format recognized by the third device to enable a third party to receive the electronic gift card using the third device.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein: the messaging system delivers a return electronic gift card from the second device to the first device, in response to the recipient purchasing the return electronic gift card on the application using the second device, and the delivery system displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform to enable the purchaser to receive the return electronic gift card using the first device.

14. The system of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first device or the second device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the delivery system recognizes the platform being utilized by the first device and displays the application on the first device in the format recognized by the first device platform.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the delivery system recognizes the platform being utilized by the second device and displays the application on the second device in the format recognized by the second device platform.

18. The system of claim 11, further comprising an analytics system configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the delivery system alters the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the delivery system alters a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

21. A dynamic delivery system for delivering gift cards, the system configured to: recognize a purchasing device platform of a purchasing device utilized to purchase a gift card, display an application on the purchasing device in a format recognized by the purchasing device platform, deliver a message to a recipient device, wherein the message contains a gift card purchased on the purchasing device, wherein the recipient device operates on a recipient device platform, recognize the recipient device platform of the recipient device, and display the application on the recipient device in a format recognized by the recipient device platform so that the recipient can utilize the recipient device to retrieve the message containing the gift card.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein at least one of the purchasing device or the recipient device includes a web device capable of displaying at least one of a quick response (QR) code, an ad unit, an affiliate link, or a user interface widget.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein at least one of the purchasing device or the recipient device includes a mobile device having messaging operations.

24. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the purchasing device and display the application on the purchasing device in the format recognized by the purchasing device platform.

25. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is further configured to recognize the platform being utilized by the recipient device and display the application on the recipient device in the format recognized by the recipient device platform.

26. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is further configured to process data related to the electronic gift card to determine future offers for the purchaser.

27. The system of claim 21, wherein the system is further configured to alter the application to correspond to the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein the system is further configured to alter a code and data stream of the application to present the application in the format of at least one of the first device platform or the second device platform.

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