NZ579049A - A Cash Reward Loyalty, Multi Level Advertising and Marketing System - Google Patents

Abstract

A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system is disclosed. The system includes at least one point of sale (POS) terminal for reading and transmitting information indicative of card details, sales or purchase amounts, and transaction type and receiving processed information back from operators' applications The system facilitates communications between the at least one point of sale terminal, a cash rewards financial account associated with the system, an operators' funds pool, and consumer card accounts. Each consumer card account includes a rewards balance indicative of the balance of financial amounts transferred to and from the cash rewards financial account which is associated with the consumer. During a rewards receiving operation, the system transfers an offered rewards amount received by the consumer at a POS terminal to the rewards financial account when the product is purchased. During a cash rewards redeeming operation, the system transfers at least a proportion of the respective cumulative financial amount associated with a consumer and corresponding to a selected rewards amount received by the at least one point of sale terminal, from the rewards financial account to a merchant financial account associated with a merchant of a product. The rewards balance amount is in the form of cash in local currency. The system calculates, processes and rewards the consumers in real time, and makes payouts of rewards to consumers in cash, paying into the consumer personal private bank account upon maturity. The system also allows merchants and businesses participating in a campaign to have web presence and allows merchants to advertise.

Description

579049 579049 A Cash Reward Loyalty, Muiti Level Advertising and Marketing System The invention According to the invention, A Cash Reward Loyalty, Mufti Level Advertising and Marketing System, providing Cash Rewards to Consumers Loyalty account using Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale, with plastic electronic security cards, Smart Cards and online methods. The inventions allows real time instant Cash Rewards, with the true meaning "Cash". The invention includes ability to use Merchants Point of Sale Hardware, in conjunction with the Operators Software and Hardware, allowing the Consumer to have a Cash expense account, notwithstanding, controlling Consumers Cash Rewards and Purchases, or Transaction limits. The invention allows for both goods and services provided by Merchants, Businesses and Tradespersons alike. This invention allows; I. Advertising II. Residual Income III. Instant Cash Rewards IV. Setting up of Sales Structures V. Commission Payouts Multi Level VI. Payment of Rewards in Real Time VII. Uncleared Funds and its Management Vill. Giving out printed records at Point of Sale.

IX. Cash Rewards Payout using real Cash into Personal Accounts X. Use of Rewards Cards without any registration for collecting Cash XI. Issuing of EFTPOS CARDS and SMART CARDS, to Consumers and Members of the Public, for the purposes of Cash Rewards.

Under the invention presented herein, consumers are presented a Loyalty Rewards Card (EFTPOS CARD) in advance or upon registering online where consumers can create an account. The Loyalty Rewards Card can be used without an account and does not require registration. The consumer can register their card online to check account balances on that card account. A consumer can have more than one card. A consumer can swipe the rewards card at any participating Merchant or Business at their point of sale, whereby the consumer would receive the cash reward through our 2 579049 electronic funds transfer in real time. The consumer can then use their card at any Merchant and pay for goods using the cash rewards gained in their card account. Upon a consumer reaching a value of required rewards amount (maturity), (which may change from time to time), a consumer can request that amount of the cash rewards to be credited to their Personal Bank Account. The consumer account is adjusted accordingly during this payout.

The system also allows for Advertising Online, whereby a Merchant or Business can advertise its Business, Products and Services, using online tools provided, and also use the Operators Marketing campaign to promote its Business.

Background of the Invention Rewarding and Advertising systems for encouraging repeat Consumer purchase have a long commercial history and vary in complexity from the offer of a discount to sophisticated systems and Marketing Strategies. The purpose of all such rewards systems and Strategies are to provide the Consumer with an incentive to purchase goods and/or service from a particular Business or Merchant by providing the Consumer with a reward each time the Consumer purchases goods and/or services from the Merchant or Business.

Generally, most rewards systems operate by providing Consumers registered with the system with a card which serves to identify the Member and thereby identify the account to which points are to be allocated as a result of a purchase.

The Consumers receive, in general by Post or Electronic Mail, information, which identifies the items and/or services available to the Consumers together with an indication as to the amounts or rewards gained.

Instead of offering items and/or service to the Consumers, some rewards systems offer vouchers for use with specific stores and/or shopping complexes.

Some rewards systems also provide Consumers with points to be later converted to Cash. Upon this Conversion, the Consumers are then rewarded with a Cheque in the post (only redeemable at selected retailers) or predetermined goods items are placed on offer to choose from. In most cases, there are qualifying time constraints and expiry dates, applying some pressure on Consumers to act sooner than later.

However, a disadvantage of some rewards systems known here is that it is necessary for Consumers to redeem rewards by applying for the desired item or service in advance, generally in writing. This is not only cumbersome, but time consuming for the Consumers, considering todays technological growth. The systems are also of limited appeal to Consumers as only a preset range of goods and/or services which have been selected by Operators of the systems or Merchants and Businesses are available to the Consumers. 3 579049 The systems also suffers from relatively large administration costs because they carry out periodic mailing to Members of printed statements and catalogues of the available items and/or services.

It has also been published in articles, that 30% to 40% of Consumers miss out on redeeming such points or rewards due to its cumbersome nature. Reward Companies have (in the past) closed down, with over a Million Dollars in unclaimed rewards.

Definition Words and expressions in this specification have the meanings respectively set out after them in this "definition" section and shall be read and construed in accordance with those meanings ■'Product" Product is used in a broad sense to mean any form of goods or services provided by a Merchant or a Business for sale or hire or engagement at a published or established Place.

"Consumer" is a person or company that has received a Cash Rewards Card and intends to use it for collecting rewards in the system and is entitled to receive Cash reward on ail purchases made at any any accredited Merchant of the rewards system.

"Payout" is the amount paid out in Cash to any Consumer, into that Consumers Personal Bank Account.

"Advertisement" is used in a broad sense to mean any form of advertising carried out online or off line in connection with this invention.

"Sales Commission" is a Commission structure for Sales persons associated within this invention.

"Card Rewards Commission" is a predetermined percentage Commission paid out to Sales persons on every Cash reward gained by the Consumer.

"Uncleared Funds" is used to identify any funds that are held in trust until clearance due to ambiguities.

"Cash Rewards" and terms "Reward" and "Rewards" is a term with its meaning Cash Rewards. This is a unit of value which notionally corresponds to a Monetary amount and which is received as a reward by a Consumer as a consequence of an act of purchasing a product or a service from a participating Merchant or Business. "Cash Rewards" is used with its true meaning, being Cash, a Dollar In Reward Is a Dollar in cash, a Cent in Reward is a Cent in Cash.

"Maturity" this is a term to establish the collected Cash amount, reaching its payout amount, allowing the Consumer to make a request for payout. 4 579049 "Residual Income" is term used for continuous ongoing income paid out to Salespersons, from established ongoing business.

"Purchase by Consumer" is a purchase made in real time by the Consumer from a selected participating Merchant or Business, using the Cash Rewards collected by that Consumer.

"Real Time" is the instantaneous time when a Cash Reward is paid out to a Consumers Account upon their purchases from a Merchant or Business, and upon payment of such reward it is ready and available for the Consumer to spend that Amount at the next purchase immediately.

"Merchant" Is a seller, retailer, wholesaler, service provider or professional practitioner or any Business participating in this Campaign.

"EFT" The term EFT refers to 'electronic funds Transfer'.

"PGS" The term POS refers to "point of sale".

"EFTPOS" The term EFTPOS refers to "electronic funds transfer at point of sale".

"EFTPOS CARD" Means a Plastic Card equipped with magnetic strip storing informations on the magnetic strip, programmed for collection and transmission of data from the Merchants terminal to the Operators Software and/or Central Hub, for purpose of any Cash Rewards Systems, that its given out to consumers, that its of ISO Standards, this includes any smart card, that includes a chip to perform similar or same duties.

"Card" Means a Consumers Card, in some cases baring the Consumers name, a Sixteen digit identification number and equipped with a magnetic strip, and or a smart chip, programmed for the collection and transmission of data through the Operators dedicated terminal.

'Terminal" Means the Merchants dedicated terminal, programmed to send and receive electronic data to and from the operators data host and the Consumers EFTPOS Card.

"Online Transaction" means a transaction made online using a Personal Computer, by a Participating Business resulting a Reward paid out to the Consumer, without the use of a physical card swipe.

"Online Transaction Record" means a transaction record, available for viewing or print, for the Consumer or the Businesses and Merchants participating in this Campaign.

"Operator" means the Organization running the Cash Rewards System, and controls both Consumers and Merchants and businesses alike. 579049 "Receipts" means a receipt printed for the Consumer advising of transaction activity and or balance at the Point of Sale, upon redeeming or during a rewards receiving transaction in conjunction with Cash Loyalty System.

"VPN Connection" means a virtual private network connection.

Summary of the Invention The system in accordance with the present invention makes it possible to open up to Consumers a substantial, unlimited, freely available choice of reward products, Businesses and Merchants on which to expend rewards together with advertising campaigns promoting Businesses and Merchants Profiles and Products with descriptions, prices, pictures, galleries, communication methods, whilst at the same time offering the opportunity of eliminating the need for catalogues, rewards statements (hard copy), inventories of merchandise, storage, administration and related facilities. This allows the system to offer lower costs to participating Merchants and increase the value of rewards to Consumers. In particular forms, information of account balances and items of transaction statements can made available in a user friendly format with accurate accountability online. The invention allows the Consumer to acquire Rewards in real time, eliminating waiting time to claim their rewards that the Consumer has ownership of. This further allows the Consumer to shop better by identifying Products and Service online, with pictures and prices. It further allows the Consumer to directly contact the Business or Merchant with enquires. The invention ailows the Consumer, flexibility of not having to give out personal details, and not have to register, but still collect rewards and spend likewise, whereby Consumers get receipts at every Reward gain, advising them of the amount of Reward they have acquired at that purchase. The invention also allows the Consumer to use the Loyalty EFTPOS Card at Participating Merchants or Businesses, and purchase goods of their choice with their acquired rewards and spend using the card iike any other EFTPOS card with Cash it its account.

According to the present invention, there is provided a rewards system for rewarding Consumers custom and loyalty, said system including: at least one point of sale terminal for receiving information indicative of the information on the EFTPOS Card and transmitting appropriate data to the Operators system indicative of a reward. communication means for facilitating communications between at least one point of sale terminal, associated with the rewards system, and at least one Merchant financial account associated with a Merchant; and a plurality of Consumer accounts, each Consumer account being associated with a Consumer; said system being arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer a financial amount corresponding to an offered rewards amount received by the at least one point of sale terminal or Online Transaction to said rewards Merchant or Business Account 6 579049 when said products or service is purchased by a Consumer, and to associate said transferred financial amount with the Consumer; user account including a rewards balance amount indicative of the balance of financial amounts transferred to and from said Operators Pool Account and associated with the Consumer; and said system being arranged, during a rewards redeeming operation, to transfer at least a proportion of the respective cumulative financial amount associated with a Consumer and corresponding to a selected Cash rewards amount received by the Consumer at least one point of sale terminal or online transaction from the Operators Pool Account to a Merchant or Business financial account associated with a Merchant of a product or service when the product or service is purchased from the Merchant or Business by the Consumer.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer said financial amount corresponding to a prior arranged amount from a financial account of the seller of the product to said Operators Pool Account.

The rewards system is arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount corresponding to a prior arranged amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount from the Merchant or Business bank account to said Operators Pool Account.

The rewards system is arranged, during a rewards redeeming operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount corresponding to the exact sale amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount from the Operators Pool Account to the Merchant or Business financial account.

The rewards system is arranged to deduct from the rewards balance amount associated with a Consumer, a rewards amount corresponding to the financial amount transferred from the Operators Pool Account to the Merchant or Business financial account as a result of buying a product or service by the Consumer during a rewards redeeming operation.

At least one terminal or Online Transaction is also arranged to receive Consumer Card information indicative of the identity of a Consumer Card, the user accounts are arranged to store Consumer identification information, should the Consumer choose to register, the rewards system is arranged to compare the received Consumer identification information with the stored Consumer identification information. Preferably, at least one terminal is also arranged to receive a PIN number, the user accounts are arranged to store PIN numbers and associate each PIN number with a user account, and the rewards system is arranged to verify the identity of the Consumer by matching the received PIN number with the stored PIN number. That at least one terminal or Online Transaction is preferably also arranged to transmit payment information from a Consumer and the rewards system is arranged to forward the payment information to a 7 579049 financial institution associated with the Operator for the purposes of carrying out electronic payment for a reward or payment of a product.

The financial control means is arranged to coordinate transfer of financial amounts between the Operators Pool Account and the Merchant or Businesses financial (bank) account.

The Consumers Pool Account preferably includes Consumers reward amount in cash attributable to Consumers associated with the rewards systems, and a system financial account including information indicative of a financial amount attributable to all participants of the rewards system.

The rewards system is preferably arranged such that, during a rewards receiving operation, a proportion of said financial amount transferred to the Operators Pool Account is transferred to the Operators own financial account as and administration fee, and the remainder of said Operators Pool Account is maintained and attributable to Consumers Fund Pool associated with the rewards in Cash.

The rewards system is preferably arranged such that, subscriptions and miscellaneous payments from Merchants, Salespersons, Businesses, payable to the Operator, are transferred to the Operators Pool Account.

The rewards system preferably also includes a database application arranged to store the Consumer, Merchants/Businesses, Sales/Administration accounts information.

The customer application, the funds management application may be accessible using a point of sale terminal, a telephone or an Internet enabled computing device.

The communications network preferably includes a first communications network arranged to carry communications signals between at least one terminal and the Central Hub, and a second communications network arranged to carry communications signals between the Central Hub, the Operators Pool Account and the Merchant financial accounts. In a preferred embodiment, that at least one point of sale terminal includes a card reading device arranged to cooperate with an identification card so as to retrieve Member identification information from the identification card, should the Consumer have registered.

That at least one point of sale terminal may be an EFTPOS type terminal, a PCPOS type terminal or an Internet enabled computing device.

According to the latter aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of Advertising Online, said method including the steps of: providing at least one Website Portal for the Merchant; 8 579049 Allowing Merchants and Businesses participating in the campaign, means to have Web presence on the World Wide Web, in conjunction with this campaign and advertise as follows : I. That the Merchant or Business, can advertise thier Business : II. Address and Contacts Details III. Make a profile page, with Picture uploads IV. Be able to write unlimited text for Profile detailing V. Upload Pictures of store, business, associated lines Vi. Display products pictures, descriptions, prices, sizes and any associated informations VII. Have a login and password to enable management of their own site VIII. Display their Website link, so Consumers can visit their website if they wish IX. Have built in account reports, when logged in X. Ability to edit any information, delete and update products XI. Ability to run a Reward for a Consumer Allowing Consumers to browse the site freely without having to login or register and have facility as follows : I. User friendly search, keywords or category searches II. Contact Businesses or Merchants using the site III. Be able to register, have username and passwords for login IV. Check Reward Transactions in real time V. Receive Cash Rewards in Real Time.

Vi. Check Rewards Balances with accuracy VII. Contacts to the Operator VIII. Terms and Conditions 9 579049 Allowing the Operator to use applications that provide the following, along with features mentioned herein this entire document; In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a rewards system which rewards Consumers of the system for using Merchants as their Merchants of preference for the purchase of product or service; The system comprises one or more Consumers and one or more Merchant or Business; and wherein a Merchant or Business issues Cash to the benefit of a Consumer at the time the Consumer purchases a product or service from the Merchant or Business.

The Operator effectively funds the Rewards that represent the Cash reward from the Merchant or Business at the time of purchase of the product.

Preferably the product provided by a Merchant or Business is at a published or established price. The Member has the freedom to purchase any product or service displayed or advertised for sale by the Merchant by using rewards system.

Preferably every redemption transaction is treated as a normal Sale Transaction by the Merchant or Business, paid in cash using the Consumers Rewards account in the Operators Pool of funds.

Preferably the Consumer comprises a person who has chosen to become associated with the system and is entitled to receive rewards for purchases made by the Consumer from any Merchant or Business participating within the system.

Preferably each Merchant or Business participating within the system is entitled to provide and redeem Consumers Cash Rewards as a result of purchase of a product or service.

In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided an electronic transaction terminal adapted to process transactions; in conjunction with software of the Operator. In addition to the above wherein the software system will have both a local and a wide area network base to answer adequate reporting and management function requirements with the ability for user reporting and query development.

In yet a further broad from, the Operator is a registered issuer of EFTPOS CARDS and SMART CARDS, to Consumers and Members of the Public, for the purposes of Cash Rewards. The Operator can also distribute Cards and EFTPOS Cards to Public for the purposes of the Cash Rewards System.

There will be high Security and fault tolerance, line system maintenance, which makes way for minimal staffing and management requirements, which are pivotal to the commercial integrity and returns of the program. 579049 In yet a further broad form of the invention there is provided a media for use with the above rewards system wherein the media includes a storage element for storage of identity of Consumers.

Decscription of an Embodiment of the Present Invention In a broad sense, the present invention relates to a Cash Rewards Advertising and Marketing system which operates such that during a rewards receiving operation, a financial amount in Cash Rewards corresponding to a proportion of the purchase price of a product is transferred to a Consumers Cash rewards account when a product is purchased. During a rewards redeeming operation, at least a proportion of the amount in the Consumers Pool Account relating to the Consumer in particular is transferred to a Merchant account when a product is purchased.

In this way, not only may rewards be received at a point of sale as part of an act of purchasing a product, but rewards may also be redeemed at a point of sale as part of an act of purchasing a product. This is possible since the rewards received correspond to a financial cash amount, the correspondence known to the Consumer at time and place of purchase or redemption.

As an integral part of the invention, the Operator runs several applications and processors with relation to the rewards receiving operation, allowing the Rewards to be paid in Real Time. The Rewards are in Cash, and always in the Local Currency. The measure of the Rewards are Dollar for Dollar, and cents per cents, A Dollar Received in Rewards is a Dollar in Cash.

In addition to this, the Operator has a Payout system. This Allows the Operator to make Bulk payments (Payouts) of the Cash Rewards gained by any Consumer, paid into a Consumers Personal Bank Account upon maturity. Maturity is measured by Payout amounts the Operator sets from time to time.

The Invention has within said system, all reward mentioned or referred to herein, are of Monetary Value being cash in the local currency, such system arranged, to calculate, process and reward the Consumers in Real Time, with Real Cash, being local currency, Dollar for Dollar and cent for cent.

The Invention has application arranged such that, subscriptions and miscellaneous payments from Merchants, Salespersons, Businesses, payable to the Operator, are transferred to the Operators Pool Account.

The Invention has a monitoring application, and can hold funds, making reward funds 'uncleared funds' due to any ambiguities, or suspicions. This fund can be on hold for a period until such time as the Operator sees fit. 11 579049 The Invention wherein the system is arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer said financial Cash amount corresponding to the offered rewards amount from a financial account of the Merchant of the product to said rewards financial account, wherein said predetermined financial amount is expressed in Cash dollars, The Invention is also arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer said financial Cash amount corresponding to the offered Cash rewards amount from a financial account of a Merchant or Operators Funds Pool to said Cash rewards financial account.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system is arranged, during a Cash rewards receiving operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount corresponding to the offered Cash rewards amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount to said Cash rewards financial account.

The invention is also arranged, wherein the rewards system is arranged, during a rewards redeeming operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount from the Cash rewards financial account to the Merchant financial account.

The Invention is also arranged, whereby at least one terminal is also arranged to receive Card identification information indicative of the identity of a Consumer or Rewards Card, the Consumer accounts are arranged to store Consumer identification information, and the Cash Rewards system is arranged to compare the received Consumer identification information with the stored Rewards Card information and Consumer identification information, wherein the financial control means is arranged to coordinate transfer of financial amounts between the rewards financial account and the Merchant financial accounts.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the rewards financial account includes a Consumers Cash reward account, Consumers associated with the rewards system, and a system financial account including information indicative of a financial amount attributable to operators of the rewards system, and further including a database application arranged to store the Consumer accounts and Card Informations and not limited to Merchant accounts and Financial Applications.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash Rewards system further includes a customer application arranged to receive requests from the at least one terminal and to generate reports in response to the requests, each said report being generated on the basis of user entered criteria and including information indicative of at least one Consumer, at least one Merchant and/or transactions between at least one Consumer, at least one Merchant and the Cash rewards system; a funds management application arranged to manage the financial amount in the Cash rewards financial account. 12 579049 The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Consumer application, the funds management application and/or the Merchant application may be accessible using a point of sale terminal, a telephone or an Internet enabled computing device, and further includes a controller arranged to coordinate functions in the Cash rewards system. The Invention is also arranged, wherein the communications network includes a first communications network "arranged to carry communications signals between the at least one terminal and the Central Hub, and a second communications network arranged to carry communications signals between the Central Hub, the rewards financial account and Merchant financial accounts.

The invention is also arranged, wherein at least one point of sale terminal includes a card reading device arranged to cooperate with a Reward Card so to retrieve Card Identity information from the Rewards Card, and further includes least one point of sale terminal is an EFTPOS type terminal, a PCPOS type terminal or an Internet enabled computing device, further including application wherein said Consumer can purchase goods by part payment with Cash Rewards and part payment in currency to the value of the product.

The Inventions is also arranged for receiving at a point of sale terminal information indicative of Rewards Card information, Terminal information, Time stamp, Transaction type (purchase or reward), and total purchase or reward amount but not limited to and providing communications means for facilitating communications between at least one point of sale terminal, a rewards financial account associated with the rewards system, and at least one Merchant financial account associated with a Merchant The Invention is also arranged that during a rewards redeeming operation, transferring at least a proportion of the respective cumulative financial amount associated with a Consumer and corresponding to a selected rewards amount received by the at least one point of sale terminal from the rewards financial account to a Merchant financial account associated with a Merchant of a product when the product is purchased from the Merchant by the Consumer; and wherein each said rewards balance amount is in the form of Cash, representing a financial amount and further arranged that during a rewards redeeming operation, ensuring that the rewards are paid in real time while any rewards paid is Cash matching Local Currency Dollar for Dollar, cent for cent.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Consumer has the freedom to purchase any product or service displayed or advertised for sale by the Merchant whilst using Cash Rewards Card, and further arranged for Merchants to purchase subscriptions from the Operator.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Consumer comprises a person who has chosen to use the Cash Rewards Card (whether registered or not) and is entitled to receive a Cash Reward for purchases made by the Consumer from any Merchant Business associated and participating within the system. 13 579049 The invention is also arranged, wherein the predetermined financial amount is applied to both a Cash Rewards receiving transaction and a Purchase transaction between the Consumer and the Merchant, and further, wherein the predetermined financial Cash Reward amount is set by the operator of the system.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Operator can run subscriptions, and charge Merchants and Consumers a processing fee for EFTPOS Transactions in association with the Cash Rewards System.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Operator can issue EFTPOS Cards in compliance with recognized standards and or be an EFTPOS Card Issuer using ISO standards, to any Consumers with relation to Cash Rewards, in yet a further broad form, the Operator is a registered issuer of EFTPOS CARDS and SMART CARDS, to Consumers and Members of the Public, for the purposes of Cash Rewards. The Operator can also distribute Cards and EFTPOS Cards to Public for the purposes of the Cash Rewards System.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Operator can determine any Reward 'uncleared funds', and not release funds to the Consumer for a period of time due to ambiguity or any suspicions.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes a sales Management System, allowing tiered commission system paid to Sales staff. The Commission is paid on ongoing Business of the Operator, a proportional amount is paid to salespersons on the Merchants or Businesses that Salesperson signs up.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes a Payout system. This includes a system allowing the Operator to make Bulk payments of the Cash Rewards gained by any Consumer, paid into a Consumers Personal Bank Account upon maturity. The maturity amount is set by the Operator at its discretion.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems whereby a Consumer can use the Rewards Card, and receive Rewards, and to redeem Rewards without having to register or give out details to any parties.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems whereby the Operator can debit the Consumer accounts periodically for fees and associated matters.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems allowing Merchants and Businesses participating in the campaign means to have Web presence on the World Wide Web, in conjunction with this campaign and advertise as follows: I. That the Merchant or Business, can advertise their Business; 14 579049 II. Address and Contacts Details III. Make a profile page, with Picture uploads IV. Be able to write unlimited text for Profile detailing V. Upload Pictures of store, business, associated lines Vi. Display products pictures, descriptions, prices, sizes and any associated informations VII. Have a login and password to enable management of their own site VIII. Display their Website link, so Consumers can visit their website if they wish IX. Have built in account reports, when logged in X. Ability to edit any information, delete and update products Xi. Ability to run a Reward for a Consumer.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems allowing the Operator to advertise using the words 'Cash Rewards' with its true meaning of cash, payable in Cash payouts. Special attention has been given to this word for the true meaning of the word, and special consideration have been made to ensure that the Consumer was not bound restricted to only spending their rewards within the participating Merchants, instead, conditions have been made within applications to allow Consumers to make request for Cash, and the Operator would make Payouts into the Consumers Private Bank Account, thus keeping alive the true meaning of the word 'Cash Rewards'.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems allowing Advertising Campaign, the system has inbuilt Mailing system to mail promotional, news, and relational materials to its Consumer, Merchants, and any Staff as it sees fit.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems allowing Cash rewards paid to the Consumers Card account in real time, instantaneously, when a purchase is made from a Merchant or Business.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the Cash rewards system includes systems allowing receipts printed at the Point of Sale, for the purposes of the Consumer, receiving Cash Rewards using the Cash Rewards System.

The Invention is also arranged, wherein the at least one terminal is also arranged to receive a PIN number, the Consumer accounts are arranged to store PIN numbers and 579049 associate each PIN number with a Consumer account, and the rewards system is arranged to verify the identity of the Consumer by comparing the received PIN number with the stored PIN number.

The Invention for this purpose, also operates a Sales Management System, allowing tiered commission system paid to Sales staff. The Commission is paid on ongoing Business of the Operator, a proportional amount is paid to salespersons on the Merchants or Businesses that Salesperson signs up.

The Invention is aiso an Advertising Campaign for Merchants with relation to Cash Rewards, Rewards in Real Time, Cash Rewards with the true meaning of Cash, run subscriptions, and charge Merchants and Consumers a processing fee for EFTPOS Transactions.

Within its Advertising Campaign, the system has inbuilt Mailing system to mail promotional, news, and relational materials to its Consumer, Merchants, and any Staff as it sees fit.

The Invention also has inbuilt systems allowing the Operator to issue EFTPOS Cards in compliance with standards, to any Consumers or the general public in relation to Cash Rewards.

The Invention also has inbuilt systems allowing the Consumers a secure Login area, allowing Consumers to check their Rewards Account Balance.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings; Referring to the drawings, in Diagram 1 there is shown a rewards system (reference numeral 1), 1. Which includes user interface devices in the form of point of sale terminals and processing units. The point of sale terminals generally are of any suitable type capable of acting as an interface between a Member and the Central Hub (figure 5) and, in particular, the type capable of receiving reward information and Reward Card information at a point of sale, and capable of forwarding the processed information and Reward Card informations to the Central Hub. 2. in (reference numeral 2), the PC POS is a similar processor as reference numeral 1, the PC POS terminal is arranged to receive Rewards Card information indicative of the identity of Card Number, to receive information indicative of the rewards amount applicable for a purchase, to forward the processed information to the processing Central Hub. However, it will be understood that although the EFTPOS and PC POS terminals are arranged to facilitate electronic payment of a product, this is not an essential requirement of the invention, and other methods of payment are aiso applicable, such as payment by cash or credit card. 16 579049 3. In (reference numeral 3), the Voiceover Internet Protocol, requires a Phone System, running Internet Protocol and a Voice recognition software, that can identify Voice, and send transmissions to the Central Hub. 4. In (reference numeral 4), the PC World is the Consumers accessing the Website remotely to search, check deals, products etc, and login to check or print transactions records or account balances.

. In (reference numeral 5), the Central Hub, is a Centra! processing Network, where all EFTPOS transactions come into initially. This is deemed to be a Private and Secure Network. 6. In (reference numeral 6), this is a firewall setup up using SSL Security, and securely terminates VPN Connections, and protects the dedicated server (figure 20) from Hackers using Brut force and other known means. This uses a dedicated private line, from the Central Hub to the dedicated server, and works using approved NZ Standards. 7. In (reference numeral 7), this is a firewall setup up using SSL Security, and protects the dedicated server (figure 20) from Hackers using Brut force and other known means. This uses a dedicated private line, from itself to the dedicated server, and works using approved NZ Standards. 8. In (reference numeral 8), the Web Application, is the Website, that is fully equipped with its own inbuilt search, and advertising for Businesses, allows Consumer and Merchant Logins. 9. In (reference numeral 9), the Commission Management Application, is an application dedicated to work out figures and conversions, for Sales persons commissions. In its other role, it also holds balances for Sales persons, matching their records to be precise and specific. This application also pays Sales persons commissions on daily rewards collected, as a residual income.

. In (reference numeral 10), the Banking Application, is a Private and Secure Banking Application, that allows Transactional schedules to be processed at the Bank progressively. 11. In (reference numeral 11), the Consumers Funds Pool, Manages and stores balances of Consumers unused rewards. Consumers rewards gained are immediately transferred into this Pool for safekeeping until Consumers choose to redeem the rewards by Purchasing using their Cards. 12. In (reference numeral 12), the Finance Management Application, manages monetary values with accuracy, in all aspects, and transfers appropriate funds into appropriate Pools with appropriate Consumer records attached to each amount. It also manages Payouts, in events where the Operator (under its terms and conditions) pays out Cash Amounts collected, into the Consumers Private Bank Accounts. 17 579049 13. In (reference numeral 13), the Network, is the Operators Private Network filtering and networking Fund Pools, with high speed microprocessing applications between transactions. 14. In (reference numeral 14), the Operators Funds Pool, is where the Operator stores surplus funding to fulfil! Cash Rewards paid in real time, and fund it until settlement.

. In (reference numeral 15), the Funds Management Application, is a fast processing monetary application, that ensures accuracy, and payments to Merchants and Businesses in events of sales, whereby a Consumer pays using the Rewards Card. 16. In (reference numeral 16), the Consumer Application, is designed to keep records of registered Consumers and all Rewards Cards in the Market, registered and unregistered. It also monitors and keeps full records of unregistered Cards, as all registered or unregistered Cards are active from day one, and can collect Rewards. It also keeps records of any Rewards collected together with merchant details together with full logs of Terminal identity, time stamps, amounts alike. 17. In (reference numeral 17), the Merchant Application is similar to Consumer Application, only that it keeps all records of Merchants and Businesses. 18. In (reference numeral 18), the Salesperson Application, stores records of Salespersons, all their activities, and monitors appointment schedules and reminders. It also prepares schedules online for their accounts, does mail outs to Sales, and receives new applications for new Merchants or Businesses within its own in house system. 19. In (reference numeral 19), the Database, keeps records and Identities of associated Consumers, Merchants, and visitors.

. In (reference numeral 20), the Dedicated Server, this provides a platform for the Website, and various other applications using its space, and processing unit. It protects software applications from harm, and uses a hard drive to keep information. 21. In (reference numeral 21), the Secure Software, this is a custom designed software capable of multilevel transactions that allows the Operations to execute numerous applications and tasks simultaneously. In cases of Real Time Rewards, the operations would not work without this software. This software uses numerous platforms and several scripting languages with an array of codes. 22. Moving to Diagram 2, (reference numeral 22), this is when a consumer finds it attractive and has intentions to use their Rewards Cards with a purchase for a Reward. 18 579049 23. In (reference numeral 23), Consumer makes payment, using methods acceptable to the Merchant as dictated in the broader market. 24. In (reference numeral 24), the consumer or the Merchants attendant, rings the total sale amount on the EFTPOS Terminal then, engages it for rewards collection, then swipes the card through the card reader for response.

. In (reference numeral 25), upon the swipe as per (reference numeral 24), the reward is processed and paid, in Real Time, immediately upon that swipe, (provided the card is legitimate and bears its identifying security features) into the Consumers Rewards Account. This amount is then available for the Consumer to use at any time. 26. In (reference numeral 26), during and immediately upon completion of actions of (reference numeral 25), a receipt is printed for the Consumer, bearing the exact amount of Cash Rewards gained in Dollar Value due to that purchase in particular. 27. In (reference numeral 27), following actions of (reference numeral 26), the transaction is then closed, and VPN Connection, terminated. 28. In (reference numeral 28), this is when a consumer finds it attractive and has intentions to use their Rewards Cards with a purchase for a Reward at a Merchant or Business without an EFTPOS Terminal 29. In (reference numeral 29), Consumer pays using acceptable methods.

. In (reference numeral 30), Consumer advises their Rewards Cards Number (Sixteen Digits, displayed on the face of the card), to the attendant. 31. In (reference numeral 31), the business attendant logs into the Website, submits the Rewards Card Number, together with the total purchase amount, and runs an online transaction whereby, this information is intercepted by the appropriate application and a Cash Rewards is paid to the Consumers Card account in Real Time available for immediate use. 32. In (reference numeral 32), a Cash Rewards is paid into the Consumers Card Account immediately. 33. In (reference numeral 33), a Transaction Log is created for both, the participating Business, and the Consumer, and upon login, both can view or print details of this transaction and check what amount of Cash was gained in Rewards.

Referring to the drawings, in Diagram 3 there is shown a Purchase system (reference numeral 34), 19 579049 34. In (reference numeral 34), Consumer shops and negotiates on a products for purchase, and has intentions to use their Rewards Card for payment. . in (reference numeral 35), Consumer decides to pay for the goods using the Rewards Card. 36. in (reference numeral 36), Merchant runs the POS and EFTPOS with total purchase amount, and swipes Consumer Rewards Card to accept payment. 37. In (reference numeral 37), A Pin Number may be requested by the Terminal in some cases, but not all. This is at the discretion of the Operator, and may change from time to time, as per its Terms and Conditions of use. 38. In (reference numeral 38), a message is generated, "ACCEPTED" or "DECLINED". This message identifies whether the Monetary Transaction has taken place or not The Message can be on the EFTPOS Terminal screen or a receipt with the message printed on. 39. In (reference numeral 39), if message "ACCEPTED", is printed, the purchase is paid for, and the Consumer account is debited in Real Time. The funds from the Consumer Card Account has been deducted and transferred. 40. In (reference numeral 40), a receipt is aiso printed, (foilowing successful actions of (reference numeral 39)) from the Terminal for the Consumer, with the Debited Amount. 41. In (reference numeral 41), in the event of "DECLINED", the purchase is unpaid for and the Consumer Card Account is not Debited. There could be numerous reasons for this, from damaged or mutilated Cards to insufficient funds in the Account Holders Account. 42. In (reference numeral 42), following actions of (figure 41), a receipt is printed from the Terminal for the Consumer advising "insufficient funds". At this stage, the Consumer may choose to pay with other acceptable methods, but will still be able to swipe that same card, and collect Rewards on that particular purchase. 43. In (reference numeral 43), should a Consumer know in advance, the balance of their Card Account, and there is a shortfall on any purchase, they can use the known balance to pay for goods, and top up the rest of the purchase price with an alternative payment, fn addition to this, the Consumer, can still swipe the Rewards Card a further time upon the completion of this purchase, to gain rewards on that particular purchase.

Operation of the rewards system will now be described in relation to a rewards receiving operation wherein a Member of the rewards system receives Cash rewards as a result of purchasing a product. 579049 The rewards system includes a first communications network which may be any communications network suitable for carrying communications signals between the point of sale terminals and the Central Hub. In this example the first communications network is arranged to carry communications signals from a variety of user interface devices, such as EFTPOS terminals, PCPOS terminals, telephones and Internet enabled personal computer devices. However, it will be understood that in practice several communications networks may be utilized for carrying communications signals between the user interface devices and the Central Hub, each communications network being specific to particular communications signals from a particular user interface device. The EFTPOS terminal at Merchant end is arranged to receive Rewards Card Information to receive information indicative of the Sales and Purchase amounts applicable for a purchase or sales, to forward the received information to the Central Hub. in this embodiment, a Consumer Card is identified at the point of sale by virtue of a Cash Rewards Card issued to the Consumer by Operators of the rewards system, the card containing identification information unique to itself. For example, the card may be of the type including a magnetic strip for identification, that its ISO approved and bears a Unique Bin Number of the Card Issuer or the card may be of the type known as "smart cards" and which include an integrated circuit for identification. Of course, in order for the point of sale terminals to be able to receive this information from the Cash Reward cards, the point of sale terminals would be provided with card reading devices.

However, although not ideal, it will be understood that the use of identification cards is not an essential requirement of the invention and Consumers could be identified merely by manually communicating the appropriate identification information to a representative of a Merchant at the point of sale.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The Cash Rewards Systems sophisticated software can be applied to electronic transaction systems as currently available at point of sale terminals in many shopping outlets.

Claims (47)

1. A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system comprising: at least one point of sale terminal for reading and transmitting information indicative of card details and sales amounts or purchase amounts and transaction type, (for example reward collect or make payment) and receiving processed information back from operators' applications while the system is using communications means for facilitating communications between the at least one point of sale terminal, cash rewards financial account associated with the system, an operators' funds pool, and consumer card accounts, and together with any processing applications, whereby the 21 579049 said system being arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer a financial amount corresponding to an offered rewards amount received by the consumer at at least one point of sale terminal to said rewards financial account when the said product is purchased by a consumer, and to transfer financial amount to the consumer; each consumer card account including a rewards balance indicative of the balance of financial amounts transferred to and from said cash rewards financial account and associated with the consumer; said system being arranged, during a cash rewards redeeming operation, to transfer at least a proportion of the respective cumulative financial amount associated with a consumer and corresponding to a selected rewards amount received by the at least one point of sale terminal, from the rewards financial account to a merchant financial account associated with a merchant of a product when the product is purchased from the merchant by the consumer; and wherein each said rewards balance amount is in the form of cash, being local currency; said system being arranged, to calculate, process and reward the consumers in real time, with real cash, being local currency; said system being arranged to make payouts of rewards to consumers in cash, using monetary value and crediting/paying into the consumer personal private bank account upon maturity.

2. A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer said financial amount corresponding to the offered rewards from a financial account of the merchant of the product to said rewards financial account.

3. A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said financial amount is expressed in monetary value.

4. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of claim 3 wherein cash rewards can be paid into consumers' personal nominated bank account.

5. A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system as claimed in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.

6. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system arranged, during a rewards receiving operation, to transfer said financial amount corresponding to the offered cash rewards amount from a financial account of a merchant or operators' funds pool to said cash rewards financial account. 22 579049

7. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and claim 6 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system is arranged, during a cash rewards receiving operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount corresponding to the offered cash rewards amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount to said cash rewards financial account.

8. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged during a rewards redeeming operation, to calculate the appropriate financial amount, and to transfer the appropriate financial amount from the cash rewards financial account to the merchant financial account.

9. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged to deduct from a rewards balance account associated with a consumer, a cash rewards amount corresponding to the financial amount transferred from the rewards financial account to the merchant financial account as a result of purchasing a product by the consumer during a rewards redeeming operation.

10. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged that at least one point of sale terminal is also arranged to receive card identification information indicative of the identity of a consumer or rewards card, the consumer card account are arranged to store consumer identification information, and the system is arranged to compare the received consumer identification information with the stored rewards card information and consumer identification information.

11. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of claim 10 wherein the at least one terminal is also arranged to receive a pin number, the consumer card account is arranged to store pin number and associate each pin number with a consumer account, and the rewards system is arranged to verify the identity of the consumer by comparing the received pin number with the stored pin number.

12. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of claim 11 wherein at least one terminal is also arranged to receive payment information from a consumer and the rewards system is arranged to forward the payment information to operators funds pool and consumer fund pool associated with the consumer for the purpose of carrying out electronic payment for a product.

13. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged to coordinate transfer of financial amounts between the rewards financial account and the merchant financial account.

14. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged that rewards financial account 23 579049 includes a consumers cash reward account, consumers associated with the rewards system, and a system financial account including information indicative of a financial amount attributable to operators of the rewards system.

15. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged such that, during a rewards receiving operation, a proportion of said financial amount transferred to the rewards financial account is transferred to the system financial account as an administration fee, and the remainder of said financial amount transferred to the rewards financial account is transferred to the consumers cash reward account and associated with a consumer.

16. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged to receive requests from the at least one terminal and to generate reports in response to the requests, each said report being generated on the basis of user entered criteria and including information indicative of at least one consumer, at least one merchant and/or transactions between at least one consumer, at least one merchant and the system; a funds management application arranged to manage the financial amount in the cash rewards financial account.

17. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged to further include a database application arranged to store the consumer accounts and card Information.

18. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged with a consumer application, the funds management application and/or a merchant application that may be accessible using a point of sale terminal, a telephone or an Internet enabled computing device.

19. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system includes a controller arranged to coordinate functions in the system.

20. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged with communication means including a first communications network arranged to carry communications signals between the at least one terminal and the centra! hub, and a second communications network arranged to carry communications signals between the central hub, the rewards financial account and merchant financial accounts.

21. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged with at least one point of sale terminal includes a card reading device arranged to cooperate with a reward card so to retrieve card identity information from the rewards card. 24 579049

22. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of claim 21 wherein at least one point of sale terminal is an eftpos type terminal, a pcpos type terminal or an internet enabled computing device.

23. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged allowing the consumer to purchase goods by part payment with cash rewards and part payment in currency to the value of the product.

24. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 6 to 7 wherein the system is arranged allowing cash reward expiry.

25. A method of rewarding consumer loyalty, said method including the steps of: providing at least one point of sale terminal; receiving at a point of sale terminal information indicative of rewards card information, terminal information, time stamp, transaction type, and total purchase or reward amount and providing communications means for facilitating communications between at least one point of sale terminal, a rewards financial account associated with the rewards system, and at least one merchant financial account associated with a merchant; and a website portal for merchants to login and submit rewards card information, together with sales amounts, providing a plurality of consumer accounts, each consumer account being associated with a consumer; during a rewards receiving operation, transferring a financial amount corresponding to an offered cash rewards amount received by at least one point of sale terminal to said rewards financial account when said product is purchased by a consumer associating said transferred financial amount with the consumer or rewards card; each consumer account including a cash rewards balance amount indicative of the balance of financial amounts transferred to and from said rewards financial account and associated with the consumer or reward card; during a rewards redeeming operation, transferring at least a proportion of the respective cumulative financial amount associated with a consumer and corresponding to a selected rewards amount received by the at least one point of sale terminal from the rewards financial account to a merchant financial account associated with a merchant of a product when the product is purchased from the merchant by the consumer; and wherein each said rewards balance amount is in the form of cash, representing a financial amount; 25 579049 during a rewards redeeming operation, ensuring that the rewards are paid in real time while any rewards paid is cash matching locai currency.

26. A cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24, when not dependent on claim 5 wherein the system allows its users to login remotely using Internet to check balances and transaction records.

27. The cash reward loyalty, multi ievel advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24, when not dependent on claim 5 wherein the system allows the consumer freedom to purchase any product or service displayed or advertised for sale by the merchant whilst using cash rewards card using this system.

28. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 27, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein every redemption transaction is treated as a normal buy transaction where cash rewards are earned according to the usual cash award rules set by the operator within the system.

29. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 28, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the consumer comprises a person who has chosen to use the cash rewards card (whether registered or not) and is entitled to receive a cash reward for purchases made by the consumer from any merchant business associated and participating within the system of this invention.

30. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 29, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein each merchant appointed is entitled to provide and redeem consumers cash as a result of purchase of a product or service.

31. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 30, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein a predetermined financial amount is expressed in dollars or the present local currency set by the operator of the system.

32. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 31, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein a predetermined financial amount is applied to both a cash rewards receiving transaction and a purchase transaction between the consumer and the merchant using the system.

33. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 32, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the predetermined financial cash reward amount is set by the operator of the system.

34. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 33, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein 26 579049 the operator can run subscriptions, and charge merchants and consumers a processing fee for eftpos transactions in association with the system.

35. The cash reward loyaity, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 34, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the operator can issue eftpos cards in compliance with recognized standards and or be an eftpos card issuer using iso standards, to any consumers with relation to cash rewards and the operator is a registered issuer of eftpos cards and smart cards, to consumers and members of the public, for the purposes of cash rewards, the operator can also distribute cards and eftpos cards to public for the purposes of the system.

36. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 35, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the operator can determine any reward unavailable funds, and not release funds to the consumer for a period of time due to ambiguity or any suspicions.

37. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 36, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes a sales management system, allowing tiered commission system paid to sales staff, while the commission is paid on ongoing business of the operator, a proportional amount is paid to salespersons on the merchants or businesses that salesperson signs up within the system.

38. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 37, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes a payout system allowing the operator to make bulk payments of the cash rewards gained by any consumer, paid into a consumers personal bank account upon maturity. The maturity amount is set by the operator at its discretion.

39. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 38, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allowing merchants and businesses participating in a campaign means to have web presence on the world wide web, in conjunction with this campaign the system allow merchants to advertise as follows: I. That the merchant or business, can advertise their business II. Address and contacts details uploads III. Make a profile page, with picture uploads IV. Be able to write unlimited text for profile detailing 27 579049 V. Upload pictures of store, business, associated lines VI. Display products pictures, descriptions, prices, sizes and any associated informations VII. Have a login and password to enable management of their own site VIII. Display their Website link, so consumers can visit their website if they wish IX. Have built in account reports, when logged in X. Ability to edit any information, delete and update products XI. Ability to run a reward for a consumer.

40. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 39, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allowing the consumers a secure login area, allowing consumers to check their rewards account balance.

41. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 40, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allowing advertising campaign, the system has inbuilt mailing system to mail promotional, news, and relational materials to its consumer, merchants, and any staff as the operator sees fit.

42. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 41, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allowing online transactions, treated identical to transactions conducted using eftpos terminals.

43. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 42, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allowing receipts printed at the point of sale, for the purposes of the consumer, receiving cash rewards using the system.

44. The cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 43, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems allows for advertising online, whereby a merchant or business can advertise the 28 579049 business, products and services, using online tools provided, and also use and operators marketing campaign to promote its business.

45. The cash reward loyaity, multi levei advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 44, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems arranged such that, subscriptions and miscellaneous payments from merchants, salespersons, businesses, payable to the operator, are transferred to the operators pool account.

46. The cash reward loyaity, multi ieve! advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 45, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems whereby a consumer can use the rewards card, and receive rewards, and to redeem rewards without having to register or give out details to any parties.

47. The cash reward loyalty, multi ievel advertising and marketing system of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 24 and 26 to 46, when not dependent on claim 5 and 25 wherein the cash reward loyalty, multi level advertising and marketing system includes systems whereby the operator can debit the consumer accounts periodically for fees and associated matters. 29