Patent ID: 7058581
Filing Date: 2006-06-06
Classification: G06Q,G07F

Abstract:
1. A product distribution and return system, comprising: a vending machine configured to dispense media products; a product dispersed from the vending machine in one location, the product being one of said media products; a return mailer dispersed with the product, wherein the return mailer is also a product case, the product returnable in the return mailer to a return center, the return center being in another location, and a label comprising an address of the return center and having an amount of postage sufficient to mail the product to the return center; a database with information associated with the product, wherein said label is configured for being attached to the return mailer for returning the product tot the return center or alternatively being attached to a second return mailer if the product is not returned to the return center; wherein a transaction identifier alerts the return center that the pre-paid package is returned; wherein a product rental fee is defined in a set of product rental terms, further wherein the product rental fee includes fees for non-compliance with the product rental terms; wherein the return center determines compliance or non-compliance with the product rental terms, further wherein an additional charge is posted to a consumer account or a future credit to a consumer account is canceled for non-compliance with the product rental terms; wherein the product rental terms include terms related to a specified return date and product condition; and wherein the database contains information specifying at least four of the product rental terms selected from the group consisting of transaction identifier, product title, product dispense date, specified return date, product condition, product rental fee and product purchase price.