CA2359088A1 - Online rental/purchase reward system - Google Patents
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- CA2359088A1 CA2359088A1 CA 2359088 CA2359088A CA2359088A1 CA 2359088 A1 CA2359088 A1 CA 2359088A1 CA 2359088 CA2359088 CA 2359088 CA 2359088 A CA2359088 A CA 2359088A CA 2359088 A1 CA2359088 A1 CA 2359088A1
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- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
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Abstract
A method of using the Internet to promote the completion of deferred customer contracts is disclosed. Prizes are randomly awarded when a customer selects a proposed contract, but cannot be redeemed until the contract has been entered into. A
method of using randomly generated prizes to increase the traffic generated at a number of participating web sites is also disclosed. The method also permits the consolidation, exchange and redemption of incentive awards from different award programs.
method of using randomly generated prizes to increase the traffic generated at a number of participating web sites is also disclosed. The method also permits the consolidation, exchange and redemption of incentive awards from different award programs.
Description
ONLINE RENTAL/PURCHASE REWARD SYSTEM
Technical Field The invention relates to the field of the promotion of the sale or renting of goods or services using the Internet and more particularly to a reward system for promoting such sales or rentals.
Background Art Currently reward systems such as frequent flyer points or "air miles" are used to promote sales of goods and services. According to these systems, all purchases made by a particular credit card, for example, will attract reward points.
While such systems promote the use of that particular credit card, they do not promote the purchase of one merchant's goods or services over those of another. Coupon systems are common to promote particular goods, and some retail or other services have their own promo-tional rewards system. In some cases the rewards are points towards purchase of other parties' goods or services, or the goods or services themselves. Such systems are expensive and difficult to administer, particularly for small businesses.
Currently many businesses advertise their goods and services over the Internet and increasingly such goods and services can be purchased over the Internet.
Systems have been developed to encourage potential customers to view advertisements over the Internet by providing incentives which can be redeemed for cash. See for example United States patents no. 5,855,008 and 5,794,210 issued December 29, and August 11, 1998 respectively to Cybergold, Inc. Such systems do not necessarily require purchase of the goods or services for the customer to qualify for the reward.
Also such systems may require the provision of personal information, which may be objectionable to some customers. Also, such systems lack a random lottery or prize aspect which would otherwise make the system more interesting and attractive to customers.
There is therefore a need for an online reward system which has a random lottery aspect and which encourages sale of goods and services.
Technical Field The invention relates to the field of the promotion of the sale or renting of goods or services using the Internet and more particularly to a reward system for promoting such sales or rentals.
Background Art Currently reward systems such as frequent flyer points or "air miles" are used to promote sales of goods and services. According to these systems, all purchases made by a particular credit card, for example, will attract reward points.
While such systems promote the use of that particular credit card, they do not promote the purchase of one merchant's goods or services over those of another. Coupon systems are common to promote particular goods, and some retail or other services have their own promo-tional rewards system. In some cases the rewards are points towards purchase of other parties' goods or services, or the goods or services themselves. Such systems are expensive and difficult to administer, particularly for small businesses.
Currently many businesses advertise their goods and services over the Internet and increasingly such goods and services can be purchased over the Internet.
Systems have been developed to encourage potential customers to view advertisements over the Internet by providing incentives which can be redeemed for cash. See for example United States patents no. 5,855,008 and 5,794,210 issued December 29, and August 11, 1998 respectively to Cybergold, Inc. Such systems do not necessarily require purchase of the goods or services for the customer to qualify for the reward.
Also such systems may require the provision of personal information, which may be objectionable to some customers. Also, such systems lack a random lottery or prize aspect which would otherwise make the system more interesting and attractive to customers.
There is therefore a need for an online reward system which has a random lottery aspect and which encourages sale of goods and services.
Disclosure of Invention The invention therefore provides a method of using a global computer network to promote the completion of deferred sales, rental or service contracts between customers and providers by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, the Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning the deferred sales, rental or service contracts to the customers; and the secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of the sales, rental or service contracts, the prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing the prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
1 S b) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of a selected sales, rental or service contract and associating the prize selection with a prize code when the customer selects that deferred sales, rental or service contract;
c) storing the prize code in the memory means;
d) comparing the prize code to a prize code communicated by one of the providers upon completion of the contract;
e) redeeming the prize associated with the prize code if a matching prize code is located in the memory means.
The invention further provides a method of using a global computer network to promote the sale of goods or services by participating web sites over the global computer network by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, the Internet accessible server being adapted t~ interactively display information concerning prizes t~ the customers; and the secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of the sale, the prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of the prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) the participating web sites generating a first prize code when a sale is made to a customer at the participating web site;
c) communicating the prize code to the prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection redeemable at one of the participating web sites, weighted to the value of the sale and associating the prize selection with a second prize code;
e) storing the second prize code in the memory means;
f) communicating the prize selection to the customer;
g) redeeming the selected prize associated with the prize code at the participating web site, or adding the value of the prize to the customer's account, at the customer's option.
The invention further provides a method of using a global computer network to promote the loyalty of customers to participating merchants through a plurality of incentive awards programs comprising: a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server, the Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information to the customers and adapted to maintain a user account for each customer for each incentive awards program; b) providing to each customer a system user identification and secure password; and c) providing means to the customer to access the customer's user accounts and consolidate incentive awards from two or more incentive awards programs. The method may provide that the Internet accessible server maintains an account of consolidated incentive awards and said incentive awards from two or more incentive awards programs are consolidated in the consolidated system awards account. The method may also provide that the Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to convert incentive awards in the customer's account from one incentive award program to incentive awards in a different incentive award program.
The method may also provide that the Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to exchange incentive awards in the customer's account for incentive awards in another customer's account. The Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to redeem incentive awards in the customer's account for merchandise or services.
_ 4 _ Brief Description of Drawings In drawings which disclose a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer network for carrying out the invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a variation of the method of the invention;
and Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the method of point consolidation according to the invention.
Best Models) For Carrying Out the Invention A. Deferred Purchases With reference to Figure l, a web site 10, for example www.onlinerents.com, consists of a web server 12, comprising web server 14 accessible to the Internet. Web site 1.0 maintains a list of properties for rent, for example rental apartments owned by third party customers of the web site who pay a monthly fee to list a property on the web site. Web server 12 also includes a secure server 16 including random prize generating software, account information, historical data storage etc. and which is protected from the Internet access by firewall 20 but can communicate with server 12 as well as a bank computer 24 by telephone line to approve e-commerce transactions. Firewall 20 reduces the possibility that hackers can access the prize selection process or alter account information. Web site 10 also stores a database of rental properties, including digital photographic images of the property, rental rate, address and a description of the property. A number of potential users/customers have access to the Internet network 30 via remote client terminals 22 using available Internet browser software.
The onlinerents.com server 12 supports the web site accessible t~ the potential customers over the Internet, conducts the transactions with the rental property owners, the prize selection, verification and distribution. A user/renter at terminal 22 accesses the web site 10 by pointing his or her browser at the web site URL, e.g.
www.onlinerents.com. Rental property owners contact the web site online or by email to provide the rental property information and digital photos, and to pay for the service online by e-commerce transaction, although other methods of payment could be used.
The web site organizes the rental property data so that the user will be presented with a graphical and interactive interface which permits the user to search and review the details and photographs of the different rental properties available on the web site. The web site also displays advertising.
The user/renter first accesses the www.onlinerents.com web site and searches for an appropriate property by rental raters, location etc. Once the user/renter locates and selects a suitable rental property, the web site asks the renter to enter his/her name, address, email address and telephone for purposes of awarding a prize and the renter verifies the entered information and agrees to the terms of the prize program. The web site secure server 16 then runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize is weighted appropriately to the less valuable prizes. The web site then informs the renter of the prize that will be awarded to him/her on the renting of the property and a code # is provided to identify the prize transaction. The prize is redeemable for a limited period, say, 1 month. To redeem the prize, it is necessary for the renter to enter into a rental agreement with the rental property owner, at which time the rental property owner informs the web site, by email or otherwise, of the prize code # and the fact that the property has been rented. The web site then verifies that the code has not expired and, if not, sends the selected prize to the renter by mail, or the web site can provide a new code # to the renter by means of which the prize can be redeemed online from an online retailer. If no response from the rental property owner is received in the one month time period, the code expires and the prize cannot be redeemed.
A renter is limited to one prize selection per property. However to make the system more attractive, a single renter could enter prize selections for up to three different properties, in an attempt to obtain the best prize available should he/she rent one of the properties. After three prize selections within a given time period (e.g. two weeks) the renter will be cut off from further prize selections regardless of the property selected.
In order to make the system work financially, the average prize value is set as a percentage of the fee charged by the web site to the rental property owner, e.g.
up to 25%, with many prizes worth less and a few prizes worth much more. The system thus not only encourages renters to visit the site to view properties, and thus attracts more interest to the listed properties for the rental property owner, but also encourages the completion of the rental transaction. In addition to working for rental situations, the system also works in situations where the service cannot be immediately purchased over the Internet, but requires further contact between service provider and customer before a transaction is completed, for example home painting or renovations where a quote would be required, or could be used where the web site customer wants to ensure personal contact from the potential customer, say in a real estate or time share sale situation.
As a variation on the system, the renter can apply for a future rental option by means of which the renter enters certain criteria, such as location and monthly rental price, and each time a rental property is placed on the system matching those criteria a prize is selected and the renter is notified by email of the property and the potential prize, with a link to the site to complete the forms for prize redemption.
The present invention can also apply where the customer accesses the web site of the source of the products or services which are subject of a deferred purchase.
For example a restaurant might display its menu over an Internet web site which is accessed by potential customers. The customer selects items from the menu for purchase and enters the selection. The customer is then asked to provide his/her name, address, phone and email, and to verify same. The restaurant web site then communi Gates with the www.skyprize.com web site secure server 16 which determines that the named person is qualified to receive a prize (i.e. has not exceeded the maximum number of prize requests, to avoid abuse of the system) and runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize is weighted appropriately to the value of the selected meal. The skyprize.com web site then communicates to the restaurant customer the prize information and a code number. If the customer purchases the meal within a maximum period of time, the customer provides the code number to the restaurant and the restaurant communicates the fact of the purchase and code number to the web site 10. The web site may send the redeemed prize in the mail or alternatively could send the prize information by return e-mail to the restaurant for immediate redemption, as might be the case in the event of a coupon for a free food item or meal discount. In this case the skyprize.com web site may charge participating web sites a flat fee in addition to a usage fee to cover the cost of prizes.
_7_ Direct Purchases According to a second variant of the invention, a prize is awarded automatically each time a purchase of goods or services is made over the Internet. In this case, there are a plurality of participating web sites, each offering to sell goods or services to customers. The skyprize.com server 12 again supports the web site also accessible to the potential customers over the Internet, conducts the transactions with the customers, the prize selection, verification and distribution. Customers 22 access one of the participating third party web sites at which the customer purchases goods or services. Each time such a purchase is made, the customer is given a unique Skyprize code number by the vendor web site, and is instructed to access the skyprize.com web site to check for his/her prize. The customer then enters the code number on the skyprize web site and the web site secure server 16 runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize of a particular value is weighted appropriately to the value of the item purchased.
The prize consists of a dollar value for redemption at one of the participating web sites, or a specific prize from one of the participating web sites with an equivalent dollar value, or a "grand prize" offered by, and supplied by, the skyprize.com web site. The randomly generated prize is then associated with a Skyprize code number. If the customer accesses the skyprize.com web site, the web site then informs the customer of the exact prize. The customer is then taken to a page to enter personal information, i.e. name and mailing address for prize delivery purposes. Each of the participating web sites is obliged to redeem such prizes. Thus the customer can access the participating web site and enter the Skyprize code to redeem the prize.
In an off-line variant of this method, the merchant can provide to the customer who has purchased goods a card of the "scratch-and-win'°
variety having a Skyprize code number concealed on it which the customer then scratches to learn the code and enters the code at the skyprize.com web site to obtain the prize, as above.
The customer will be given an option to open an account ("Skyprize card°') with the skyprize.com web site so that prizes can be accumulated for their dollar value.
Whenever a prize is awarded, the customer is given the option of redeeming the prize or adding the dollar value to its Skyprize card account which can be used as credit for purchases at any one of the participating web sites. In another variant a customer who shops at a certain minimum number of participating merchants, either offline or online, - g -can be given a prize code. Or prize codes can be awarded to individuals who respond to a on-line, email or off-line advertising campaigns, whether by attending a store, demonstration, test drive, open house or promotional presentation, or by purchasing goods or services after seeing an advertisement, or to individuals who participate in surveys or focus groups, whether on-line or off-line.
An advantage of this system is that the participating web sites benefit twice from the activity. First, customers are attracted to the site because of the Skyprize benefits. Secondly, customers who were attracted to other sites are brought to the site to redeem prizes awarded for purchases made at the other sites. In the latter case the customer might not otherwise have visited the site in question. Another advantage to the participating web sites is that they obtain the advertising benefits immediately but pay for these benefits, by prize redemptions gradually at a later date.
The system can also be used in connection with transportation services such as taxis, limousines, busses, etc. Participating transport companies will post their price list for different transportation services on the skyprize.com web site.
Customers who access the site and ultimately contract with the transport company for the service are provided with the Skyprize reward as above, to encourage customers to use the system, and where again the value of the prize will be proportional to the value of the service purchased. According to one variant, since transportation services generally have excess capacity at certain off-peak times, a potential customer can make an offer for a particular transportation service on-line, at a discount to the listed price, by depositing the amount of the offer at the skyprize.com website by credit card.
The offer is then displayed, or emailed directly to the transport companies who can provide the service. If the offer is accepted, the Skyprize web site is so informed by the transport company, either online or offline. If the offer is not accepted within a certain time the customer is so informed. Where the offer is accepted, the customer is provided a confirmation code, eg. by email. The transport company obtains payment from the skyprize.com web site, or directly from the customer, and the customer receives its prize code when the service has been performed. The use of a wireless Internet access such 3~ as a cellular telephone is particularly useful for obtaining taxi services in this way.
Similarly, the Skyprize system can be used in conjunction with other incentive systems or loyalty programs such as air miles, ClickmilesT~, and CybergoldT"'' cash. For example, operators of other incentive systems may provide the opportunity to their customers to redeem points or miles through the Skyprize system. A
customer is permitted to redeem a predetermined number of points/miles for a Skyprize prize of a predetermined level. Redemption can be done through the incentive provider, or directly at the Skyprize web site. The customer is provided, for example by the incentive provider, with a Skyprize code number in exchange for a predetermined number of points/miles and is instructed to access the skyprize.com web site to check for his/her prize. The customer then enters the code number on the Skyprize web site, and completes a form setting out the customer identification and number of points/miles redeemed, for verification purposes. The web site secure server 16 runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize of a particular value is weighted appropriately to the number of points/miles redeemed.
The prize may consist of a dollar value for redemption at one of the participating web sites, or a specific prize from one of the participating web sites with an equivalent dollar value, or a "grand prize" offered by, and supplied by, the skyprize.com web site. Or the prize itself can be more points, miles or other incentives. The randomly generated prize is then associated with a Skyprize prize code number. If the customer accesses the skyprize.com web site, the web site then informs the customer of the exact prize. The customer is then taken to a page to enter personal information, i.e. name and mailing address for prize delivery purposes. Each of the participating web sites is obliged to redeem such prizes. Thus the customer can access the participating web site and enter the Skyprize prize code to redeem the prize. The prize may be actual dollars also, so that in effect the customer can exchange incentive points or miles for money.
This system can be used to purchase music, videos etc. digitally by downloading, by making the downloading of music or video a selected prize. As in the system above a customer obtains a prize code either by redeeming incentive points or as a merchant reward. Upon being informed of the nature and magnitude of the prize, the customer is given a choice of selecting the downloading of particular music or video products, or may decide to add the prize to its Skyprize account.
Again, if the customer has opened a Skyprize card account with the skyprize.com web site, the prizes redeemed for incentive points can be accumulated for their dollar value. Whenever a prize is awarded, the customer is given the option of redeeming the prize or adding the dollar value to its Skyprize card account which can be used as credit for purchases at any one of the participating web sites. The Skyprize account can keep track of different incentives such as points or miles as well as dollar value, so that a customer can use the Skyprize account to consolidate different incentives, and different Skyprize members can exchange awards with other members through their accounts. For example one member may require more of a certain type of points to obtain a desired gift and can exchange points of another type, or dollar equivalent in its Skyprize account, with another member who has the desired points.
The Skyprize web site can assist members in matching up with others having the target incentives.
Fig. 4 illustrates how the invention can be utilized to encourage customer loyalty to a merchant by allowing customers to apply points accumulated from purchases at that merchant to other incentive programs, to use points accumulated from other incentive programs to redeem merchandise from that merchant, or to exchange points with or buy and sell points with other members of the incentive system. A
customer is provided a system code number associated with a particular merchant in exchange for visiting that participating merchant and joining that merchant's incentive system, for example by being provided with a system card bearing the number. This may be done online, in-store at a customer service booth or an in-mall terminal, by telephone and may require a purchase either on-line or in-store or may be established as a promotional feature with free points used as an incentive. The customer then accesses the system web site, skyprize.com, again on-line, at in-store terminals or by telephone, and is instructed to set up a system account which assigns a card number/Llser ID to the customer and allows the customer to select a secure password/PIN number. For future transactions, the customer is able to visit the system web site and carry out transactions by entering the User ID and password. The customer may link different incentive systems to the skyprize system by obtaining a system code number from other incentive systems which will allow the customer to consolidate his/her points from different incentive systems. The customer's points totals from different incentive systems will then be linked to the skyprize system web site and the customer will be able to access point totals from the different incentive programs through his/her system account. The system can be set up so that the different incentive points are automatically consolidated into the skyprize system points, or the customer may have an option to retain the various points within their respective categories. In the latter case the customer may be provided the option to exchange or convert points between the different systems at exchange or conversion rates which may vary from time to time. Conversion of points from one award system to another can be arranged automatically, say every month.
Similarly the customer may be given the option of exchanging points with other member accounts at ______ _. __ _ _ ~.w.x._ . .~.~. ,~.~~~.-:q;.:.~~, rates of exchange which can be variable and set by the customers themselves.
The customer can check his/her using password identification on-line, by telephone, at in-store terminals or customer service centres or a store may provide in-store receipts showing point totals.
Similarly the customers may buy points from the incentive programs or other members or sell points back to the incentive programs or other members at rates which are fixed from time to time or negotiated at the time of sale. Points which are consolidated on the skyprize system may be redeemed for gifts or gift certificates on the skyprize system from an on-line catalogue, or the customer may exchange the points for randomly generated prizes as described above. Customers can purchase points for cash if the point total is too low to acquire a gift. Redemption of points for merchandise may be done on-line, in-store through participating merchants or by telephone. If done on-line, digital products can be obtained in exchange for points by downloading.
As a further option, customers could donate points to a selected charity by accessing their system account on-line, in-store or by telephone. As in the previous examples, the incentive value of the system can be enhanced by providing members with points in exchange for participating in surveys, focus groups, product demonstrations and contests. Also higher levels of membership can be purchased or achieved through using the system ("Gold", "Platinum" etc). which will provide the user bonus awards when purchases are made. The previously described method of encouraging purchases through deferred or direct random prizes as described above can also be incorporated into this system, however the aforementioned point consolidation system will be useful and encourage customer purchases at participating merchants without the need for randomly generated prizes also.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example, while access to the Internet has been described through computer terminals, wireless access through mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants is also possible.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, the Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning the deferred sales, rental or service contracts to the customers; and the secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of the sales, rental or service contracts, the prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing the prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
1 S b) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of a selected sales, rental or service contract and associating the prize selection with a prize code when the customer selects that deferred sales, rental or service contract;
c) storing the prize code in the memory means;
d) comparing the prize code to a prize code communicated by one of the providers upon completion of the contract;
e) redeeming the prize associated with the prize code if a matching prize code is located in the memory means.
The invention further provides a method of using a global computer network to promote the sale of goods or services by participating web sites over the global computer network by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, the Internet accessible server being adapted t~ interactively display information concerning prizes t~ the customers; and the secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of the sale, the prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of the prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) the participating web sites generating a first prize code when a sale is made to a customer at the participating web site;
c) communicating the prize code to the prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection redeemable at one of the participating web sites, weighted to the value of the sale and associating the prize selection with a second prize code;
e) storing the second prize code in the memory means;
f) communicating the prize selection to the customer;
g) redeeming the selected prize associated with the prize code at the participating web site, or adding the value of the prize to the customer's account, at the customer's option.
The invention further provides a method of using a global computer network to promote the loyalty of customers to participating merchants through a plurality of incentive awards programs comprising: a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server, the Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information to the customers and adapted to maintain a user account for each customer for each incentive awards program; b) providing to each customer a system user identification and secure password; and c) providing means to the customer to access the customer's user accounts and consolidate incentive awards from two or more incentive awards programs. The method may provide that the Internet accessible server maintains an account of consolidated incentive awards and said incentive awards from two or more incentive awards programs are consolidated in the consolidated system awards account. The method may also provide that the Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to convert incentive awards in the customer's account from one incentive award program to incentive awards in a different incentive award program.
The method may also provide that the Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to exchange incentive awards in the customer's account for incentive awards in another customer's account. The Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each customer to redeem incentive awards in the customer's account for merchandise or services.
_ 4 _ Brief Description of Drawings In drawings which disclose a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer network for carrying out the invention;
Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the method of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a variation of the method of the invention;
and Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the method of point consolidation according to the invention.
Best Models) For Carrying Out the Invention A. Deferred Purchases With reference to Figure l, a web site 10, for example www.onlinerents.com, consists of a web server 12, comprising web server 14 accessible to the Internet. Web site 1.0 maintains a list of properties for rent, for example rental apartments owned by third party customers of the web site who pay a monthly fee to list a property on the web site. Web server 12 also includes a secure server 16 including random prize generating software, account information, historical data storage etc. and which is protected from the Internet access by firewall 20 but can communicate with server 12 as well as a bank computer 24 by telephone line to approve e-commerce transactions. Firewall 20 reduces the possibility that hackers can access the prize selection process or alter account information. Web site 10 also stores a database of rental properties, including digital photographic images of the property, rental rate, address and a description of the property. A number of potential users/customers have access to the Internet network 30 via remote client terminals 22 using available Internet browser software.
The onlinerents.com server 12 supports the web site accessible t~ the potential customers over the Internet, conducts the transactions with the rental property owners, the prize selection, verification and distribution. A user/renter at terminal 22 accesses the web site 10 by pointing his or her browser at the web site URL, e.g.
www.onlinerents.com. Rental property owners contact the web site online or by email to provide the rental property information and digital photos, and to pay for the service online by e-commerce transaction, although other methods of payment could be used.
The web site organizes the rental property data so that the user will be presented with a graphical and interactive interface which permits the user to search and review the details and photographs of the different rental properties available on the web site. The web site also displays advertising.
The user/renter first accesses the www.onlinerents.com web site and searches for an appropriate property by rental raters, location etc. Once the user/renter locates and selects a suitable rental property, the web site asks the renter to enter his/her name, address, email address and telephone for purposes of awarding a prize and the renter verifies the entered information and agrees to the terms of the prize program. The web site secure server 16 then runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize is weighted appropriately to the less valuable prizes. The web site then informs the renter of the prize that will be awarded to him/her on the renting of the property and a code # is provided to identify the prize transaction. The prize is redeemable for a limited period, say, 1 month. To redeem the prize, it is necessary for the renter to enter into a rental agreement with the rental property owner, at which time the rental property owner informs the web site, by email or otherwise, of the prize code # and the fact that the property has been rented. The web site then verifies that the code has not expired and, if not, sends the selected prize to the renter by mail, or the web site can provide a new code # to the renter by means of which the prize can be redeemed online from an online retailer. If no response from the rental property owner is received in the one month time period, the code expires and the prize cannot be redeemed.
A renter is limited to one prize selection per property. However to make the system more attractive, a single renter could enter prize selections for up to three different properties, in an attempt to obtain the best prize available should he/she rent one of the properties. After three prize selections within a given time period (e.g. two weeks) the renter will be cut off from further prize selections regardless of the property selected.
In order to make the system work financially, the average prize value is set as a percentage of the fee charged by the web site to the rental property owner, e.g.
up to 25%, with many prizes worth less and a few prizes worth much more. The system thus not only encourages renters to visit the site to view properties, and thus attracts more interest to the listed properties for the rental property owner, but also encourages the completion of the rental transaction. In addition to working for rental situations, the system also works in situations where the service cannot be immediately purchased over the Internet, but requires further contact between service provider and customer before a transaction is completed, for example home painting or renovations where a quote would be required, or could be used where the web site customer wants to ensure personal contact from the potential customer, say in a real estate or time share sale situation.
As a variation on the system, the renter can apply for a future rental option by means of which the renter enters certain criteria, such as location and monthly rental price, and each time a rental property is placed on the system matching those criteria a prize is selected and the renter is notified by email of the property and the potential prize, with a link to the site to complete the forms for prize redemption.
The present invention can also apply where the customer accesses the web site of the source of the products or services which are subject of a deferred purchase.
For example a restaurant might display its menu over an Internet web site which is accessed by potential customers. The customer selects items from the menu for purchase and enters the selection. The customer is then asked to provide his/her name, address, phone and email, and to verify same. The restaurant web site then communi Gates with the www.skyprize.com web site secure server 16 which determines that the named person is qualified to receive a prize (i.e. has not exceeded the maximum number of prize requests, to avoid abuse of the system) and runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize is weighted appropriately to the value of the selected meal. The skyprize.com web site then communicates to the restaurant customer the prize information and a code number. If the customer purchases the meal within a maximum period of time, the customer provides the code number to the restaurant and the restaurant communicates the fact of the purchase and code number to the web site 10. The web site may send the redeemed prize in the mail or alternatively could send the prize information by return e-mail to the restaurant for immediate redemption, as might be the case in the event of a coupon for a free food item or meal discount. In this case the skyprize.com web site may charge participating web sites a flat fee in addition to a usage fee to cover the cost of prizes.
_7_ Direct Purchases According to a second variant of the invention, a prize is awarded automatically each time a purchase of goods or services is made over the Internet. In this case, there are a plurality of participating web sites, each offering to sell goods or services to customers. The skyprize.com server 12 again supports the web site also accessible to the potential customers over the Internet, conducts the transactions with the customers, the prize selection, verification and distribution. Customers 22 access one of the participating third party web sites at which the customer purchases goods or services. Each time such a purchase is made, the customer is given a unique Skyprize code number by the vendor web site, and is instructed to access the skyprize.com web site to check for his/her prize. The customer then enters the code number on the skyprize web site and the web site secure server 16 runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize of a particular value is weighted appropriately to the value of the item purchased.
The prize consists of a dollar value for redemption at one of the participating web sites, or a specific prize from one of the participating web sites with an equivalent dollar value, or a "grand prize" offered by, and supplied by, the skyprize.com web site. The randomly generated prize is then associated with a Skyprize code number. If the customer accesses the skyprize.com web site, the web site then informs the customer of the exact prize. The customer is then taken to a page to enter personal information, i.e. name and mailing address for prize delivery purposes. Each of the participating web sites is obliged to redeem such prizes. Thus the customer can access the participating web site and enter the Skyprize code to redeem the prize.
In an off-line variant of this method, the merchant can provide to the customer who has purchased goods a card of the "scratch-and-win'°
variety having a Skyprize code number concealed on it which the customer then scratches to learn the code and enters the code at the skyprize.com web site to obtain the prize, as above.
The customer will be given an option to open an account ("Skyprize card°') with the skyprize.com web site so that prizes can be accumulated for their dollar value.
Whenever a prize is awarded, the customer is given the option of redeeming the prize or adding the dollar value to its Skyprize card account which can be used as credit for purchases at any one of the participating web sites. In another variant a customer who shops at a certain minimum number of participating merchants, either offline or online, - g -can be given a prize code. Or prize codes can be awarded to individuals who respond to a on-line, email or off-line advertising campaigns, whether by attending a store, demonstration, test drive, open house or promotional presentation, or by purchasing goods or services after seeing an advertisement, or to individuals who participate in surveys or focus groups, whether on-line or off-line.
An advantage of this system is that the participating web sites benefit twice from the activity. First, customers are attracted to the site because of the Skyprize benefits. Secondly, customers who were attracted to other sites are brought to the site to redeem prizes awarded for purchases made at the other sites. In the latter case the customer might not otherwise have visited the site in question. Another advantage to the participating web sites is that they obtain the advertising benefits immediately but pay for these benefits, by prize redemptions gradually at a later date.
The system can also be used in connection with transportation services such as taxis, limousines, busses, etc. Participating transport companies will post their price list for different transportation services on the skyprize.com web site.
Customers who access the site and ultimately contract with the transport company for the service are provided with the Skyprize reward as above, to encourage customers to use the system, and where again the value of the prize will be proportional to the value of the service purchased. According to one variant, since transportation services generally have excess capacity at certain off-peak times, a potential customer can make an offer for a particular transportation service on-line, at a discount to the listed price, by depositing the amount of the offer at the skyprize.com website by credit card.
The offer is then displayed, or emailed directly to the transport companies who can provide the service. If the offer is accepted, the Skyprize web site is so informed by the transport company, either online or offline. If the offer is not accepted within a certain time the customer is so informed. Where the offer is accepted, the customer is provided a confirmation code, eg. by email. The transport company obtains payment from the skyprize.com web site, or directly from the customer, and the customer receives its prize code when the service has been performed. The use of a wireless Internet access such 3~ as a cellular telephone is particularly useful for obtaining taxi services in this way.
Similarly, the Skyprize system can be used in conjunction with other incentive systems or loyalty programs such as air miles, ClickmilesT~, and CybergoldT"'' cash. For example, operators of other incentive systems may provide the opportunity to their customers to redeem points or miles through the Skyprize system. A
customer is permitted to redeem a predetermined number of points/miles for a Skyprize prize of a predetermined level. Redemption can be done through the incentive provider, or directly at the Skyprize web site. The customer is provided, for example by the incentive provider, with a Skyprize code number in exchange for a predetermined number of points/miles and is instructed to access the skyprize.com web site to check for his/her prize. The customer then enters the code number on the Skyprize web site, and completes a form setting out the customer identification and number of points/miles redeemed, for verification purposes. The web site secure server 16 runs a random prize generator program to select a random prize, whereby the likelihood of selecting a prize of a particular value is weighted appropriately to the number of points/miles redeemed.
The prize may consist of a dollar value for redemption at one of the participating web sites, or a specific prize from one of the participating web sites with an equivalent dollar value, or a "grand prize" offered by, and supplied by, the skyprize.com web site. Or the prize itself can be more points, miles or other incentives. The randomly generated prize is then associated with a Skyprize prize code number. If the customer accesses the skyprize.com web site, the web site then informs the customer of the exact prize. The customer is then taken to a page to enter personal information, i.e. name and mailing address for prize delivery purposes. Each of the participating web sites is obliged to redeem such prizes. Thus the customer can access the participating web site and enter the Skyprize prize code to redeem the prize. The prize may be actual dollars also, so that in effect the customer can exchange incentive points or miles for money.
This system can be used to purchase music, videos etc. digitally by downloading, by making the downloading of music or video a selected prize. As in the system above a customer obtains a prize code either by redeeming incentive points or as a merchant reward. Upon being informed of the nature and magnitude of the prize, the customer is given a choice of selecting the downloading of particular music or video products, or may decide to add the prize to its Skyprize account.
Again, if the customer has opened a Skyprize card account with the skyprize.com web site, the prizes redeemed for incentive points can be accumulated for their dollar value. Whenever a prize is awarded, the customer is given the option of redeeming the prize or adding the dollar value to its Skyprize card account which can be used as credit for purchases at any one of the participating web sites. The Skyprize account can keep track of different incentives such as points or miles as well as dollar value, so that a customer can use the Skyprize account to consolidate different incentives, and different Skyprize members can exchange awards with other members through their accounts. For example one member may require more of a certain type of points to obtain a desired gift and can exchange points of another type, or dollar equivalent in its Skyprize account, with another member who has the desired points.
The Skyprize web site can assist members in matching up with others having the target incentives.
Fig. 4 illustrates how the invention can be utilized to encourage customer loyalty to a merchant by allowing customers to apply points accumulated from purchases at that merchant to other incentive programs, to use points accumulated from other incentive programs to redeem merchandise from that merchant, or to exchange points with or buy and sell points with other members of the incentive system. A
customer is provided a system code number associated with a particular merchant in exchange for visiting that participating merchant and joining that merchant's incentive system, for example by being provided with a system card bearing the number. This may be done online, in-store at a customer service booth or an in-mall terminal, by telephone and may require a purchase either on-line or in-store or may be established as a promotional feature with free points used as an incentive. The customer then accesses the system web site, skyprize.com, again on-line, at in-store terminals or by telephone, and is instructed to set up a system account which assigns a card number/Llser ID to the customer and allows the customer to select a secure password/PIN number. For future transactions, the customer is able to visit the system web site and carry out transactions by entering the User ID and password. The customer may link different incentive systems to the skyprize system by obtaining a system code number from other incentive systems which will allow the customer to consolidate his/her points from different incentive systems. The customer's points totals from different incentive systems will then be linked to the skyprize system web site and the customer will be able to access point totals from the different incentive programs through his/her system account. The system can be set up so that the different incentive points are automatically consolidated into the skyprize system points, or the customer may have an option to retain the various points within their respective categories. In the latter case the customer may be provided the option to exchange or convert points between the different systems at exchange or conversion rates which may vary from time to time. Conversion of points from one award system to another can be arranged automatically, say every month.
Similarly the customer may be given the option of exchanging points with other member accounts at ______ _. __ _ _ ~.w.x._ . .~.~. ,~.~~~.-:q;.:.~~, rates of exchange which can be variable and set by the customers themselves.
The customer can check his/her using password identification on-line, by telephone, at in-store terminals or customer service centres or a store may provide in-store receipts showing point totals.
Similarly the customers may buy points from the incentive programs or other members or sell points back to the incentive programs or other members at rates which are fixed from time to time or negotiated at the time of sale. Points which are consolidated on the skyprize system may be redeemed for gifts or gift certificates on the skyprize system from an on-line catalogue, or the customer may exchange the points for randomly generated prizes as described above. Customers can purchase points for cash if the point total is too low to acquire a gift. Redemption of points for merchandise may be done on-line, in-store through participating merchants or by telephone. If done on-line, digital products can be obtained in exchange for points by downloading.
As a further option, customers could donate points to a selected charity by accessing their system account on-line, in-store or by telephone. As in the previous examples, the incentive value of the system can be enhanced by providing members with points in exchange for participating in surveys, focus groups, product demonstrations and contests. Also higher levels of membership can be purchased or achieved through using the system ("Gold", "Platinum" etc). which will provide the user bonus awards when purchases are made. The previously described method of encouraging purchases through deferred or direct random prizes as described above can also be incorporated into this system, however the aforementioned point consolidation system will be useful and encourage customer purchases at participating merchants without the need for randomly generated prizes also.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. For example, while access to the Internet has been described through computer terminals, wireless access through mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants is also possible.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
Claims (10)
1. A method of using a global computer network to promote the completion of deferred sales, rental or service contracts between customers and providers by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning said deferred sales, rental or service contracts to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sales, rental or service contracts, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of a selected one of said sales, rental or service contracts and associating said prize selection with a prize code when said customer selects said selected one of said deferred sales, rental or service contracts;
c) storing said prize code in said memory means;
d) comparing said prize code to a prize code communicated by one of said providers upon completion of said contract;
e) redeeming the prize associated with said prize code if a matching prize code is located in said memory means.
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning said deferred sales, rental or service contracts to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sales, rental or service contracts, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of a selected one of said sales, rental or service contracts and associating said prize selection with a prize code when said customer selects said selected one of said deferred sales, rental or service contracts;
c) storing said prize code in said memory means;
d) comparing said prize code to a prize code communicated by one of said providers upon completion of said contract;
e) redeeming the prize associated with said prize code if a matching prize code is located in said memory means.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising associating with said prize code a date, and rejecting said prize code when said date exceeds a pre-selected maximum.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising determining whether said customer has previously obtained a maximum number of prior prize codes within a pre-selected time period before issuing a new prize code and rejecting said customer if said maximum has been exceeded.
4. A method of using a global computer network to promote the sale of goods or services by participating web sites over said global computer network by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning prizes to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) said participating web sites generating a first prize code when a sale is made to a customer at said participating web site;
c) communicating said prize code to said prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale and associating said prize selection with a second prize code, said prize selection being redeemable at one of said participating web sites;
e) storing said second prize code in said memory means;
f) communicating said prize selection to said customer;
g) redeeming the selected prize associated with said prize code at said one of said participating web sites, or adding the value of said prize to said customer's account, at the customer's option.
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning prizes to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) said participating web sites generating a first prize code when a sale is made to a customer at said participating web site;
c) communicating said prize code to said prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale and associating said prize selection with a second prize code, said prize selection being redeemable at one of said participating web sites;
e) storing said second prize code in said memory means;
f) communicating said prize selection to said customer;
g) redeeming the selected prize associated with said prize code at said one of said participating web sites, or adding the value of said prize to said customer's account, at the customer's option.
5. A method of using a global computer network to promote the sale of goods or services through incentive awards programs by awarding randomly selected prizes, comprising:
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning prizes to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) said participating web sites generating a first prize code when an incentive award from said incentive award program is redeemed by a customer;
c) communicating said prize code to said prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale and associating said prize selection with a second prize code, said prize selection being redeemable at one of said participating web sites;
e) storing said second prize code in said memory means; and f) communicating said prize selection to said customer.
a) providing a prize-awarding web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server and a secure server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information concerning prizes to said customers; and said secure server being adapted to i) randomly generate a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale, said prize selection being associated with a prize code and ii) maintain a user account for storing accumulated values of said prize codes associated with a user name and address in memory means;
b) said participating web sites generating a first prize code when an incentive award from said incentive award program is redeemed by a customer;
c) communicating said prize code to said prize-awarding web site;
d) randomly generating a prize selection weighted to the value of said sale and associating said prize selection with a second prize code, said prize selection being redeemable at one of said participating web sites;
e) storing said second prize code in said memory means; and f) communicating said prize selection to said customer.
6. A method of using a global computer network to promote the loyalty of customers to participating merchants through a plurality of incentive awards programs comprising:
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information to said customers and adapted to maintain a user account for each said customer for each said incentive awards program;
b) providing to each said customer a system user identification and secure password;
c) providing means to said customer to access said customer's user accounts and consolidate incentive awards from two or more said incentive awards programs.
a) providing a web site accessible to customers on the Internet via a plurality of client terminals and comprising an Internet accessible server, said Internet accessible server being adapted to interactively display information to said customers and adapted to maintain a user account for each said customer for each said incentive awards program;
b) providing to each said customer a system user identification and secure password;
c) providing means to said customer to access said customer's user accounts and consolidate incentive awards from two or more said incentive awards programs.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said Internet accessible server maintains an account of consolidated incentive awards for each said and said incentive awards from two or more incentive awards programs are consolidated in said customer's consolidated system awards account.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein said Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each said customer to convert incentive awards in said customer's account from one incentive award program to incentive awards in a different incentive award program.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein said Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each said customer to exchange incentive awards in said customer's account for incentive awards in another customer's account.
10. The method of claim 6 wherein said Internet accessible server is adapted to permit each said customer to redeem incentive awards in said customer's account for merchandise or services.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2359088 CA2359088A1 (en) | 2001-10-15 | 2001-10-15 | Online rental/purchase reward system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2359088 CA2359088A1 (en) | 2001-10-15 | 2001-10-15 | Online rental/purchase reward system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2359088A1 true CA2359088A1 (en) | 2003-04-15 |
Family
ID=4170254
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2359088 Abandoned CA2359088A1 (en) | 2001-10-15 | 2001-10-15 | Online rental/purchase reward system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2359088A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8762160B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2014-06-24 | Amadeus S.A.S. | Purchaser value optimization system |
-
2001
- 2001-10-15 CA CA 2359088 patent/CA2359088A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8762160B2 (en) | 2005-03-23 | 2014-06-24 | Amadeus S.A.S. | Purchaser value optimization system |
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