The present invention generally relates to presentation instruments. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods and systems for including presentation instruments such as gift cards and other non-activated stored value cards in distribution materials such as postcards and magazines.
Stored value cards, such as gift cards, pre-paid metered accounts, and the like, are well-known for providing access to goods and services. For example, stored value, or gift cards, may be purchased from various merchants such as Target®, Wal-Mart®, Starbucks®, Sears®, Blockbuster®, Macy's®, Banana Republic®, and the like. The purchase and usage of financial presentation instruments has continued to increase in recent years to the point that the sale of stored value cards today is a multi-billion dollar industry.
Given this rise in popularity, alternative distribution methods are needed. Unfortunately, however, stored value cards are nearly equivalent to cash, and in some circumstances postal distribution can be risky. Thus, systems and methods are needed that enable safe distribution of stored value cards and other presentation instruments.
Further, it would be advantageous to be able to target market presentation instruments. It may make little sense to send a stored value card good for a specific retailer to a consumer who never patronizes that retailer. Thus, systems and methods are needed to more effectively target market stored value cards and other presentation instruments. Moreover, there continues to be a need for presentation instruments that can be used inexpensively and in mass quantity. There also continues to be a need for increasing the number of active presentation instruments in the market, and a need for more marketing opportunities for merchants and other businesses. There is also a need for additional distribution methods for presentation instruments, and for presentation instruments that provide expanded space for writing and graphics. The present invention provides solutions for at least some of these needs.
Systems and methods are provided to more effectively target market stored value cards and other presentation instruments. Moreover, such presentation instruments can be implemented inexpensively and in mass quantity. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of active presentation instruments in the market, and provide more marketing opportunities for merchants and other businesses. Improved distribution methods for presentation instruments are also provided.
In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing a postcard presentation instrument for use in a transaction. The method can include applying an information storage medium to a postcard to create a postcard presentation instrument, delivering the postcard presentation instrument to a destination via a distribution system, and settling a transaction involving the postcard presentation instrument. The postcard presentation instrument may be matched with a primary component. Relatedly, the primary component may be a magazine, a circular, a book, a newspaper, a value pack mailer, a periodical, a newsletter, a journal, or a mass mailer. In some embodiments, the postcard presentation instrument can be configured as a fold-over postcard presentation instrument. In some embodiments, the postcard presentation instrument can be placed between two pages of a magazine. Relatedly, the postcard presentation instrument can be affixed with a page of a magazine. In some embodiments, the postcard presentation instrument can be inserted into a value pack mailer.
In another aspect, embodiments include a method of providing a presentation instrument for use in a transaction, where the method includes matching the presentation instrument with a primary component, delivering the matched presentation instrument and primary component to a destination via a distribution system, and settling a transaction involving the presentation instrument. In some embodiments, the primary component includes a postcard, and the presentation instrument is attached with the postcard via a perforation. The postcard can be configured as a fold-over postcard. Relatedly, the primary component may be a magazine, and the presentation instrument can be placed between two pages of the magazine. In some instances, the distribution system can include a public postal system, a private postal system, a courier service, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the destination can be a newsstand location, a retail outlet location, a transportation system location, a sidewalk location, a post office box, a residential mailbox, a personal residence address, or a business address. In some instances, the presentation instrument can include a paper card stock material.
In another aspect, embodiments include a system for providing a postcard presentation instrument for use in a transaction. The system may include a processing system for applying an information storage medium to a postcard to create a postcard presentation instrument, and a host computer system that receives a request to activate the postcard presentation instrument. The system can include a distribution system that delivers the postcard presentation instrument from the processing system to a destination. In some embodiments, the system can include a settlement means that settles a transaction involving the postcard presentation instrument.
In another aspect, embodiments provide a presentation instrument assembly that includes a primary component, and a postcard presentation instrument removably matched with the primary component. The postcard presentation instrument can have an information storage medium, and the primary component may include a magazine or a book. In a further aspect, embodiments include a method for providing a presentation instrument for use in a transaction. The method can include associating a unique identifier with a user account, transmitting the unique identifier to a user computer via an electronic communication means. The unique identifier may be suitable for printing as a detectable symbol onto a presentation instrument. The method can also include reading the symbol to recognize the unique identifier, and settling a transaction involving the presentation instrument based on the unique identifier.
Other embodiments of the invention provide a method of including a gift card in a mailing to a customer. The method includes receiving a request to include gift cards in mailings to each member of a group comprising one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The method also includes preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the gift card and the gift card is inactive. The method further includes sending the mailing to the customer and receiving a request from the customer to activate the gift card. The request includes an identifier of the gift card and payment for an amount of value to be assigned to the gift card. The method further includes settling a transaction involving the gift card and a recipient of the gift card. The recipient and the customer are different.
In related embodiments, the value to be assigned to the gift card may be monetary value. The request may include criteria used to determine the group that includes one or more customers. Preparing the mailing may include applying the criteria to data stored at the host computer system to determine the group that includes the one or more customers. Receiving a request to include gift cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes the one or more customers may include receiving the request from a financial institution, retailer, client, and/or customer. The mailing may include an account statement, direct mailing, catalogue mailing, and/or account correspondence.
In other embodiments, a method of including a stored value card in a mailing to a customer includes receiving a request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The method also includes preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the stored value card and the stored value card is inactive. The method also includes sending the mailing to the customer and receiving a request from the customer to activate the card. The request includes an identifier of the card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the card.
In further embodiments, a method of including a gift card in a mailing to a customer includes receiving a request from the customer to include an inactive gift card in the mailing and preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the gift card and the gift card is inactive, The method also includes sending the mailing to the customer and receiving a request from the customer to activate the gift card. The request includes an identifier of the gift card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the gift card. In some embodiments, the request includes a request to send a plurality of gift cards. At least two of the plurality of gift cards may relate to different merchants. The method may include settling transactions with two different recipients of two different of the plurality of gift cards. Receiving a request from the customer to include an inactive gift card in the mailing may include receiving a request to include a card in each of a plurality of mailings.
In still further embodiments, a computer-readable medium has stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method of including a stored value card in a mailing to a customer. The method includes receiving a request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The method also includes preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the stored value card and the stored value card is inactive. The method also includes sending the mailing to the customer and receiving a request from the customer to activate the card. The request includes an identifier of the card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the card.
In still further embodiments, a method of including a stored value card in a mailing to a customer includes a step for receiving a request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The method also includes a step for preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the stored value card and the stored value card is inactive. The method also includes a step for sending the mailing to the customer and a step for receiving a request from the customer to activate the card. The request includes an identifier of the card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the card.
In some embodiments, a system for including a stored value card in a mailing to a customer includes mail processing equipment, a processor configured to control the mail processing equipment, and software that programs the processor to receive a request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The software also programs the processor to send control signals to the mail processing equipment to prepare the mailing. The mailing includes the stored value card and the stored value card is inactive. The software also programs the processor to receive a request from the customer to activate the card. The request includes an identifier of the card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the card. The request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group comprising one or more customers may include criteria used to determine the group comprising one or more customers. The system may include a data storage arrangement configured to store account information relating to the one or more customers. The software may also program the processor to apply the criteria to the account information to determine the one or more customers.
In some embodiments, a system for including a stored value card in a mailing to a customer includes means for receiving a request to include stored value cards in mailings to each member of a group that includes one or more customers. The group includes the customer. The system also includes means for preparing the mailing. The mailing includes the stored value card and the stored value card is inactive. The system also includes means for sending the mailing to the customer and means for receiving a request from the customer to activate the card. The request includes an identifier of the card and payment for an amount of monetary value to be assigned to the card. The stored value card may be a gift card, in which case the system may include means for settling a transaction involving the gift card and a recipient of the card. The customer and the recipient may be different.
A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the several drawings to refer to similar components. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
According to embodiments of the invention, stored value cards or other presentation instruments are mailed to potential customers for activation and use. In some embodiments, the presentation instruments comprise gift cards that the customer activates and presents to a recipient. The recipient thereafter may use the card for purchases of goods and services. It is appreciated that a presentation instrument can be any of a variety of transaction instruments, including credit cards such as VISA®, MasterCard®, and American Express®, debit cards such as ATM cards, bank cards, prepaid phone cards, airline cards, frequent buyer cards, casino cards, hotel room door access cards, insurance cards, library cards, discount cards, membership cards, entertainment cards, travel cards, supermarket check-out cards, retail store charge cards, gift cards, calendar cards, prepaid debit cards, restaurant tip cards, driver's licenses or other identification cards, various stored value cards, or any other type of financial, healthcare, or transaction presentation instrument, and the like. Exemplary presentation instruments are further discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/971,303 filed Oct. 3, 2001 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-003800US), Ser. No. 10/421,604 filed Apr. 22, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-038000US), Ser. No. 10/922,815 filed Aug. 19, 2004 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-044520US), and Ser. No. 11/155,323 filed Jun. 17, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-061900US), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
As used herein, the term “stored value card” or “presentation instrument” encompasses a presentation instrument that has a pre-determined amount of monetary value or unique identifier associated with it. The value may be physically encoded on the card or may be stored in a database that is accessed through a network when the card is presented for use to determine whether the card has sufficient value for the specific use. The card typically will have an information encoding region on it, which may be a magnetic stripe, a bar code, a “chip,” a radio frequency identification tag (RFID), or any other information encoding region. The term “card” is to be interpreted broadly so as to include fobs and such devices that interact with point-of-sale equipment to settle a transaction. The terms “stored value card” and “presentation instrument” are often used interchangeably throughout the instant disclosure.
In some embodiments, the stored value cards are placed into mailings by a mail processor. Here, the terms “processor” or “processing system” encompasses any entity that assembles mailings, and also encompasses any entity that assembles distribution materials such as presentation instruments and primary components which may include gift cards, magazines, circulars, newspapers, and the like, and which can be distributed via any of a variety of distribution systems. The terms can also emcompass entities which match presentation instruments with primary components. In some embodiments, the processor issues credit cards and other presentation instruments on behalf of its clients. The clients may be retailers, financial institutions, and the like. The presentation instruments may be: general use, network-branded credit cards (e.g., MASTERCARD®, VISA®, and the like); closed loop, private label credit cards (J.C.PENNEY'S®, TOYS-R-US®, STARBUCKS®, and the like); co-branded cards issued jointly by a retailer and a financial institution; co-branded cards issued jointly by two or more retailers; debit cards; gift cards; and the like. The processor also may settle transactions using the cards, send statements to the account holders, maintain the accounts of the account holders, and provide many other services for its clients.
In a specific embodiment, the stored value cards are gift cards. The cards may have no value or may have a predetermined value. In either case, however, the cards are not activated (i.e., “dead” cards). In the process of sending correspondence to the customers (i.e., account holders) of its clients (i.e., card issuers), a processor may insert dead gift cards in the mailings. Any of a number of different entities may cause the gift cards to be included in mailings. For example, a customer may specifically request a gift card for a particular merchant to be mailed to him along with his statement for a credit card of the merchant. In some embodiments the customer may access a web site and schedule gift cards for specific merchants at regular intervals or to correspond with events, such as his child's birthday, and the like. A client of the processor may request gift cards to be mailed to its customers along with their statements. The request may be based on criteria. For example, the client may request that every customer who has made a purchase at a specific retailer within the past six months receive a gift card for that retailer. Other criteria may relate to holidays, events specific to individual customers, a customer's creditworthiness as embodied in a FICO score, and many other criteria.
In some embodiments, a retailer may target market customers by sending gift cards via the processor. The retailer may have a credit card that the processor administers, in which case the retailer may use its own mailings to deliver the gift cards. In other embodiments, the retailer partners with a financial institution or other client of the processor to use its customer base and mailings to deliver the cards. In embodiments such as these, the retailer may be partly or exclusively a catalog retailer, and the mailing may include a catalog. Many other examples are possible.
Once a customer receives a card, the customer typically activates the card. This may involve calling an IVR (i.e., interactive voice response) unit, logging onto a web site, calling a live agent, visiting a merchant, or the like. The customer provides information that identifies the card and a payment method. In embodiments that do not have a pre-established value associated with the card, the customer also provides an amount to load onto the card.
In some embodiments, the customer may present the card to a recipient who then may use the card for purchases of goods or services up to the pre-established amount or the amount loaded by the customer. Transactions involving the card may be settled by the processor. In some embodiments the recipient may add value to the card.
Having described the present invention generally, attention is directed to
The system 100 includes a host computer system 102. The host computer system 102 may include, for example, server computers, personal computers, workstations, web servers, and/or other suitable computing devices. The host computer system 102 includes application software that programs the host computer system 102 to perform one or more functions according to the present invention. For example, application software resident on the host computer system 102 may program the host computer system 102 to selectively include stored value cards in mailings to customers. The host computer system 102 may include one or more of the aforementioned computing devices, as well as storage devices such as databases, disk drives, optical drives, and the like. The storage device may include solid state memory, such as RAM, ROM, PROM, and the like, magnetic memory, such as disc drives, tape storage, and the like, and/or optical memory, such as DVD. The host computer system 102 may be fully located within a single facility or distributed geographically, in which case a network may be used to integrate the host computer system 102. Many other examples are possible and apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.
In a specific embodiment, the host computer system includes a mainframe that maintains presentation instrument accounts and, in combination with a financial transaction processing network, settles transactions in which the presentation instruments are used.
A processing system 103 is associated with the host computer system. The processing system 103 is responsive to the host computer system and performs such functions as: embossing presentation instruments; enclosing the presentation instruments in mailings to customers or otherwise matching presentation instruments with distribution materials such as postcards and magazines; printing and mailing statements to customers; including inserts and other items in mailings to customers; preparing and mailing other correspondence to customers; and the like. The processing system 103 will be explained in more detail hereinafter with respect to
The system 100 also includes a communication network 104. The network 104 may be the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network, any combination of the foregoing, or the like. The network 104 may include both wired and wireless connections, including optical links. In some embodiments, the network 104 includes a financial transaction processing network. Through the network 104, client computers 106, customer computers 108, retailer computers 110, and the like communicate with the host computer system 102.
The client computers 106, customer computers 108, and retailer computers 10 each may be any device capable of interacting with the host computer system 102 through a communication link, such as the network 104. For example, the client computers 106, customer computers 108, and retailer computers 10 may be personal computers, workstations, servers, and/or the like. Among other things, through the network 104, the client computers 106, customer computers 108, and retailer computers 110 access web pages at the host computer system 102.
The system 100 also includes point-of-sale devices 112 through which customers may settle transactions a merchant locations using the presentation instruments described herein. The transactions then may be processed through the network 104, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
The system 100 also includes an interactive voice response (IVR) unit 114, in communication with the host computer system 102, through which customers may activate stored value cards. The system 100 also includes a live agent response unit 116 for the same purpose.
Thus, when a customer receives a stored value card and wishes to activate it, the customer may use his customer computer 108 to access a web server associated with the host computer system 102 and provide appropriate information for activating the card. Alternatively, the customer may use a telephone to access either the IVR 114 or the live agent response unit 116 to activate the card. The web server, IVR, or the agent obtain the required information from the customer and create an account at the host computer system by creating a record that relates to the card on a database at the host computer system. Thereafter, transaction requests using the card that are processed via the network 104 use the stored information to settle the transaction. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that it is not necessary for transactions using the card to be settled using the network 104. The system may be used to distribute stored valued cards that are settled on other networks.
Turning now to
System 200 includes a series of stations adapted to produce an envelope stuffed with a desired number of primary components and/or inserts. In some embodiments, system 200 may be adapted to match a presentation instrument with a primary component. System 200 can either receive folded primary components and/or inserts from a folding system, or can include printing and/or folding capability incorporated into the system. For example, system can include printing capability to print a logo on a card stock material, applicating capability to apply a magnetic stripe to the card stock material, and perforating capability to perforate an area of the card stock material corresponding to a presentation instrument. In the case shown in
The primary components (not shown) travel down a belt 212 and are stacked in a stacking unit 214. The primary components are then sequentially drawn from stacking unit 214 into unit 216. In one case, unit 216 includes a bar code reader for reading a bar code or other identification mark on the primary component. The bar code may, for example, identify which inserts are to be later matched up with the primary component. In another case, unit 216 also reads a number, such as a three digit number, associated with the primary component to facilitate proper matching with a card type insert having a corresponding number.
In one case, the primary component is transferred from unit 216 into unit 218. A card type insert is received from unit 220 and matched with the corresponding primary component in unit 218. In one case, the card type insert is glued, placed in slots or otherwise affixed to the primary component in unit 218. In a similar case where the primary component includes a magazine, for example, a card type insert can be inserted between the pages of the magazine. The mated card primary component and card are transferred to unit 219. If a processing error has occurred, unit 219 deflects the card and card primary component into a bypass tray or receiving area 217. Processing errors may include, for example, mismatched cards and card primary components, and the like. If no error has occurred, unit 219 deflects the card and card primary component into a folding unit 221. As previously noted, the folding unit can be implemented separately. From the folding unit, the primary component and associated card can be forwarded a card detection assembly, that when an error is detected, such as too many cards or a missing card(s), the primary component is transferred to a bypass tray or receiving area in the direction shown by arrow 223. Transfer may occur along a conveyor belt, a track, or the like.
In one particular case, system 200 operates to place card type inserts in primary components, but is not used for processing further paper inserts. In this case, the primary component and associated card type insert(s) are passed down conveyor 222 in the direction of arrow 223, and removed from system 200. The primary components may, if desired, be transported to an envelope stuffing apparatus, a mail room or the like. In another case, system 200 operates to place paper insert sets with primary components, but not card type inserts. In yet another case, system 200 operates to place both card and paper type inserts with primary components. In such cases, if the card detection assembly does not indicate an error, primary components are then passed to a paddle wheel assembly 224 to continue processing. The paddle wheel 224 operates to place the primary component and card type insert(s) on a track or conveyor belt 230. The primary components proceed down belt 230, passing under a second paddle wheel assembly 226. In one case, second paddle wheel assembly 226 places a second insert on top of the primary components as they pass underneath. For example, the second insert may be an advertisement, additional information pertinent to the recipient or the like.
As shown in
In some embodiments, printer 260 is not included as all inserts are provided from pre-prepared inserts loaded into one or more insert bays or holders 228 that can be loaded with a variety of inserts. Alternatively, both printed and pre-prepared inserts can be included. The matched insert sets and primary components proceed along a track or conveyor belt 230, passing under one or more insert bays 228.
Insert bays 228 contain inserts, such as paper advertisements, catalogs, and informational inserts. These inserts may be added to a particular recipient's stack of primary components and/or card type inserts passing beneath on belt 230. Inserts contained within bays 228 may be selectively chosen based upon a number of criteria, including customer interest and other factors. For the system 200 shown in
In one case, the primary components traverse along belt 230 positioned underneath bays 228. In one case, belt 230 provides continuous, fluid movement of the statements. In another case, belt 230 provides incremental movement of the primary components, with each primary component stopping below each bin 228. Inserts desired to be matched with a particular recipient's primary component are pulled from bays 228 and placed atop the recipient's statement. Upon reaching the end of belt 230, the stack of primary components and associated inserts being sent to the recipient are transferred to unit 232 for insertion into an envelope.
The now stuffed envelope, containing a particular recipient's primary component, printed paper inserts, pre-prepared inserts, and/or card type inserts is sent to an envelope sealing unit 234. Envelope sealing unit 234 sprays a mist of water or other fluid on the envelope flap and proceeds to seal the moistened flap. Unit 234 further flips the stuffed envelope over to expose the envelope front. In one case, envelopes processed through system 200 are windowed envelopes, with information printed on the primary component or other insert exposed through the envelope window. The envelopes proceed into one or more diverters 236. Diverters 236 may divert stuffed envelopes for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, additional processing errors, and envelopes requiring special or additional handling. In one case, at least one diverter 236 is used for stuffed envelopes to be sent by overnight courier, such as Federal Express. In another case, at least one diverter is used to receive envelopes intended to be sent by airmail, or the like. Envelopes intended for standard mail delivery, such as by the U.S. Postal Service First Class Delivery, are put past diverters 236 along belt or track 237 and proceed to a first postage meter 238. First postage meter 238 applies a one ounce postage to envelopes requiring only a single ounce of postage. Envelopes proceed to a second postage meter unit 241, in which a second ounce of postage is applied. Alternatively, the entire two ounce postage is applied in second postage meter station 241, with the envelope passing first postage meter station 238 without receiving postage. The envelopes have now been properly stuffed, sealed, and postaged and proceed to an output station 242. The envelopes then may be received from output station 242 for delivery to the intended customers.
System 200, in one case, includes one or more controllers 240 for monitoring and/or controlling the process through system 200. The controller may receive instructions and commands from the host computer system 102 of
Thus, in a specific embodiment, the primary items discussed here may be statements and the inserts may be gift cards. In another specific embodiment, the primary components may be gift cards and the inserts may be catalogs. Many other examples are possible and apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.
Attention is directed to
Attention is directed to
The method begins at block 402. At this location, a request is received at a host computer system to include stored value card inserts with one or more mailings. The host computer system is operated by a processing entity (“processor”). The request may originate from a client of the processor (e.g., card issuer), a retailer, a customer of the processor's client, or other entity. In most embodiments, however, the entity for whose benefit the mailing is prepared allows the insert to be included in the mailing, either for a fee or in cooperation with the requesting entity.
The request may come in any of a number of forms. The requesting entity may use a network, such as the network 104 of
At block 404, the mailing is prepared. This may involve using the processing system 103 of
Once the customers have been identified, processing equipment, such as that described with respect to
At block 406, an activation request is received. A customer contacts the host computer to request activation of a card. The customer may contact the host computer system via a network and interact with a web server. In other embodiments, the customer contacts an IVR or a live agent and activates the card. In some embodiments, activating a card comprises establishing an account and storing a record of the account at the host computer system. The activation request may include an amount of value to be assigned to the card, since some cards do not have predetermined value.
At block 408, transactions involving the card are settled. This would be the case if the processor that issues the card also settles transactions using the card, which is not necessarily the case. Transactions involving the card may be settled by another processor's network.
In a specific embodiment of the foregoing method, a retailer (Toys-R-Us®, for example) partners with a financial institution (Chase®, for example) to provide its customers with a co-branded gift card that may be used for purchases at Toys-R-Us® stores or for Toys-R-Us® merchandise ordered via a catalog or an electronic storefront (i.e., web site). The financial institution happens to be the card issuer for the retailer's private label card. The financial institution instructs the entity that processes its credit card transactions (“processor”) to, with each customer's account statement, send a gift card to each of its customers who have purchased at the retailer in the last 12 months. The financial institution further asks that customers living in a zip code more than 50 miles from a location of the retailer also receive a catalog of the retailer. The processor prepares the mailings and distributes the cards. Thereafter, the processor may receive requests to activate the cards, in which case, the processor receives payment and establishes the related accounts. In this embodiment, the processor also processes transactions involving the gift card. Thus, when a recipient of the card uses the card, the processor settles the transaction.
In addition to approaches that insert a presentation instrument in a primary component, or otherwise provide a matched presentation instrument and primary component, the present invention also provides embodiments where the primary component is synonymous with the presentation instrument. For example,
Another embodiment of a presentation instrument provided by the present invention is illustrated in
Still another embodiment of a presentation instrument provided by the present invention is illustrated in
A matched presentation instrument and primary component may also be matched with additional types of primary components, such as a magazines. As seen in
In the embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments, a customer will receive a matched primary component and presentation instrument 916 at destination 920; and then submit a request to host computer system 930 activate presentation instrument 914. Such a request can be made via any of a variety of communication modalities, including telephone 922, Internet 924, facsimile, postal or courier service, and the like. Often, such a request will be accompanied by a payment or promise of payment from the customer. Host computer system 930 can then associate an activated status or value amount with the unique identifier that is stored on an information storage medium of presentation instrument 914. Once activated, presentation instrument 914 may be used by the customer to settle a transaction. In some embodiments, presentation instrument 914 may be activated prior to matching with primary component 912. In some embodiments, presentation instrument 914 may be activated after subsequent to matching with primary component 912, but prior to distribution to destination 920. Activation may be effected by any of a variety of entities, including a customer, a card issuer, a retailer, a distributor, a financial institution, a primary component manufacturer, or any entity or person or combination thereof associated with the primary component or the presentation instrument. In some embodiments, one or more of these persons or entities may pre-load a presentation instrument with a currency amount or some other indication of value that can be exchanged or presented for a good or service.
Often, such settlements are conducted via an instrument reader 940 which can communicate with host computer system 930. Settlement may also occur via telephone, Internet, or via any other suitable communication modality. In some embodiments, the customer may give or sell the activated presentation instrument 914 to a recipient, who can then use presentation instrument 914 to settle a transaction. For example, a customer may retrieve a matched magazine and gift card 916 (e.g. Starbucks® gift card matched with People® magazine) from a backseat pocket of an airplane during a flight. The customer may then dial a host computer system 930 telephone number which is printed on gift card 914, enter a unique identifier or activation code associated with gift card 914, and submit a request to activate gift card 914. The customer may then present the activated gift card 914 to a recipient, who may use activated gift card 914 to purchase a product or service, or to settle a transaction. In some embodiments, the customer may use activated gift card 914 to purchase a product or service, or to settle a transaction. Advantageously, presentation instrument activity can generate large amounts of useful marketing data. Host computer system 930 may be configured to store, track, or otherwise analyze activation activity or presentation instrument usage. For example, host computer system 930 may collect data related to the date, location, nature, and value of a transaction settled with a presentation instrument. Host computer system 930 may also collect data related to the date, location, nature, and value associated with activation and instrument loading. Host computer system 930 may analyze the efficiency and consumer or recipient usage associated with certain distributions systems, presentation instruments, and primary components.
In some cases, multiple copies of a presentation instrument may be matched with a primary component. Each of these presentation instruments may include an information storage medium containing the same unique identifier, such that each card may be used in connection with a single account associated with the unique identifier. Thus, a customer may use one of the cards to activate the account with a certain monetary value, and then provide card copies to several recipients who may then use the cards to settle transactions against the account. Likewise, a card recipient may use the card to further load value onto the account.
A system embodiment for providing a presentation instrument for use in a transaction is illustrated in
In some embodiments, a presentation instrument may be fabricated from a paper card or plastic stock, or another material that is sufficiently thin and flexible such that it may not be optimally suitable for scanning by some standard card swipe readers. Advantageously, the present invention provides an instrument holder or sleeve that may be used with such instruments. As seen in
Another embodiment of a holder provided by the present invention is shown in
In some instances, host computer 1510 may transmit unique identifier 1512 directly to printer 1530 without transmitting the identifier to user computer system 1520. Thus, printer 1530 may be part of, or may be remote from, user computer system 1520. User account 1514 may be activated or loaded with a monetary value amount, or both, at the time printed presentation instrument 1542 is printed with detectable symbol 1542. Optionally, such activating, loading, or both, may occur prior to printing, or subsequent to printing. For example, in some embodiments, a user or customer will print printed presentation instrument 1540, and then submit a request to host computer system 1510 activate or load presentation instrument 1540. Such a request can be made via any of a variety of communication modalities, including telephone 1580, Internet 1570, facsimile, postal or courier service, and the like. Often, such a request will be accompanied by a payment or promise of payment from the customer or user. Host computer system 1510 can then associate an activated status or value amount with the unique identifier, which corresponds to detectable symbol 1542 which is printed on presentation instrument 1540. Activation may be effected by any of a variety of entities, including a customer, a card issuer, a retailer, a distributor, a financial institution, a primary component manufacturer, or any entity or person or combination thereof associated with presentation instrument 1540. In some embodiments, one or more of these persons or entities may pre-load a presentation instrument with a currency amount or some other indication of value that can be exchanged or presented for a good or service. In some embodiments, printed presentation instrument 1540 is printed on paper, card stock, or the like. In related embodiments, printed presentation instrument 1540 may be exchanged for a replacement instrument 1550 comprising plastic or some other durable material. Replacement instrument 1550 may be provided by, for example, a retailer or other commercial outlet or vendor. Replacement instrument 1550 may include a magnetic stripe having a code that corresponds to unique identifier 1512. Replacement instrument 1550 can then be processed in activation, loading, settlement transactions and the like, in lieu of printed presentation instrument 1540.
Typically when printed presentation instrument 1540 is proffered to a merchant in a transaction, the instrument is swiped or otherwise presented to an instrument reader 1560. In some cases, printed presentation instrument 1540 may be coupled with a holder as shown in
Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. The present invention encompasses systems which can carry out the methods described herein, and similarly encompasses methods for which the systems described herein may be used. Additionally, a number of well known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art know how to arrange computing devices into a network and configure communication among them. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/959,637 filed Oct. 5, 2004 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-058100US), and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/855,867 filed May 26, 2004 (Attorney Docket No. 020375-049900US), the entire disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10959637 | Oct 2004 | US |
Child | 11357717 | Feb 2006 | US |
Parent | 10855867 | May 2004 | US |
Child | 11357717 | Feb 2006 | US |