Abstract:
A system, method, and apparatus for providing promotions. The system receives a user-initiated request for a transaction and obtains, from a storage device of the system, information identifying one or more past purchases or present purchases of the user. The system determines, based on the information, a promotion to present to the user, and determines a promotional identifier associated with the promotion. The system outputs, with machine readable information, the promotional identifier to the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/301,947, entitled “SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING RETURNS ON REBATED ITEMS AT A POINT-OF-SALE,” which has a PCT filing date of May 22, 2007 and entered the national stage on Aug. 5, 2010. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/802,364, which was filed on May 22, 2006, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/847,187, which was filed on Sep. 26, 2006. The entire contents of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    For several years, manufacturers and retailers, particularly in the technology industry, increasingly have offered rebated items. Manufacturers appreciate the opportunity the rebate practice offers to promote their products, and retailers benefit because rebates draw people into their stores. However, these benefits are somewhat mitigated by the fact that consumers often experience the rebate process as both frustrating and time-consuming. This frustration is often directed towards the retailer as the responsible party when, in fact, the manufacturer is usually the issuer of the rebate. Retailers are increasingly subjected to bad public relations because of this misconception. 
         [0003]    PLUSNET MARKETING (PNM) is a Wilmington, Del. based fulfillment house and consultant on business services to pharmacy chains, grocers and similar retailers. PLUSNET MARKETING is a leader in advanced fulfillment systems and had operated an earlier conventional “mail in” rebate redemption system based on conventional inputs of UPC, proof of purchase and consumer information. As an improvement over such conventional mail-in programs, PNM has developed and implemented a patented system which allows a consumer to redeem his rebate in as little as two weeks, all without sending in a receipt or barcode. Currently PNM has its technology in COMPUSA, RITE AID, HAPPY HARRY&#39;S DRUG STORE and some other retailers. PNM launched its improved rebate program in COMPUSA on Sep. 25, 2005, and has since saturated the entire chain of 250 stores. STAPLES, and its fulfillment company PARAGO, are also currently operating a similar system. 
         [0004]    The fulfillment system now used by PNM, according to its U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0210481 (the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference), may generally be described by the following process steps: 
         [0005]    (1) a consumer purchases a product and receives receipt with a corresponding serial number; 
         [0006]    (2) the consumer accesses a designated site of a global computer information network. Such as the Internet; 
         [0007]    (3) the consumer enters and transmits (i) a serial number of the product and (ii) the consumer&#39;s personal information; 
         [0008]    (4) a rebate fulfillment administrator receives electronic data transfer of purchase data records from point-of-sale (POS) system; 
         [0009]    (5) the fulfillment administrator (i) associates each stored data record with a purchase data record, (ii) validates the rebate claim, and (iii) confirms that the claim is not fraudulent; and 
         [0010]    (6) the fulfillment administrator transfers the cash value of the rebate claim to the consumer. 
         [0011]    PLUSNET MARKETING systems are further described in its U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,365, U.S. Publication No. 2004/0125514 and U.S. Publication No. 2002/0161641, the entirety of each being incorporated by reference. These disclosures cover improvements on conventional rebate systems, which speed and simplify the redemption process as well as encourage e-filing via the retailer&#39;s website, which in turn, provides exposure to promotions and customer directed information. Key features of the PNM&#39;s disclosed systems include a transaction code that consumers submit to the fulfillment center which is generated at the POS. The code is used to initiate a rebate claim, rather than uniform product code (UPC) and proof of purchase sales receipts, as with conventional rebate systems. A purchase record is also generated by the retailer&#39;s POS, including all items purchased, units, price and product code, date, time and place of purchase together with the unique transaction code. The retailer electronically transfers this data to the fulfillment center. 
         [0012]    In PNM&#39;s disclosed systems, rebate claims can include a multitude of different rebate eligible items, can be submitted electronically via the Internet (via the retailer&#39;s or fulfillment center&#39;s web site or the like), by phone or by paper copy. Claims are filed after purchase and redemption sequentially follows claim filing. This facilitates cumulative rebate programs. Claims can be paid by multiple means such as check payment, store credit, loyalty card, and promotions premiums. 
         [0013]    Retailers using PNM&#39;s system as implemented display an icon on their receipts indicating which rebated items are eligible for electronic submission. Currently their implemented service is limited to retailer rebates. 
         [0014]    Other proposed improvements to rebate programs have been described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,467,686; 6,450,407; 6,278,980; 6,039,244; 5,905,246 and 5,729,693. However, all such proposed and existing systems likewise involve a substantial delay between the time of purchase and the time in which payment can be requested and received by a consumer. Thus, manufacturers, retailers and the consumers would benefit greatly by further improvements to the rebate redemption process. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0015]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated promotion presentation system, method, and apparatus is disclosed for providing promotions. In an embodiment, the system (eg, computing device running an application) receives a user-initiated request for a transaction and obtains, from a storage device associated with the system, information identifying one or more past purchases or present purchases of the user. The system determines, based on the information, a promotion to present to the user, and determines a promotional identifier associated with the promotion. The system outputs, with machine readable information, the promotional identifier to the user. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment, the automated promotion presentation system is further configured to credit, in response to a request for a rebate, a value corresponding to the rebate onto a card stored by the system, and to dispense the card to a user. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment, the automated promotion presentation system is further configured to dispense, based on an ATM functionality, an amount of cash corresponding to another rebate. In an embodiment, the automated promotion presentation system is a kiosk. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the requested transaction is a rebate transaction. In an embodiment, the requested transaction is a request for a look-up or for a comparison of a product that can be purchased. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment, the automated promotion presentation system (e.g., computing device running an application) is configured to determine account information corresponding to an account of the user and to receive authentication information associated with the account of the user. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment, the promotional identifier is a promotional code. 
         [0021]    In an embodiment, the promotion corresponds to a user discount being offered by a retailer, or to an offering of the retailer. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the processing of the automated promotion presentation system is performed online by a computing device of the user running an application. In an embodiment, the step of determining the promotion is further based on a profile of the user. In an embodiment, product promotions are uploaded into an in-store or central data system. 
         [0023]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated promotion presentation system, method, and apparatus is disclosed for providing promotions. In an embodiment, the system (eg, computing device running an application) receives, at the automated promotion presentation system, a user-initiated request for information, where the request is received before a purchase transaction. The system determines, in response to the user-initiated request, a promotion to present to the user. The system receives, during the purchase transaction, a promotion identifier of the promotion that was presented to the user, and applies the promotion to the purchase transaction. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the promotion is associated with a purchase credit, and the step of applying the promotion comprises applying the purchase credit to the purchase transaction. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the system is configured to communicate with a processor that manages a database storing information identifying items having a promotion. 
         [0026]    In an embodiment, the step of presenting the promotion to the user comprises presenting the promotion identifier. 
         [0027]    In an embodiment, the purchase transaction occurs at a point of sale (POS) system that is integrated with the automated promotion presentation system. 
         [0028]    In an embodiment, the promotion is a rebate. 
         [0029]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated rebate machine and method is disclosed. In an embodiment, the automated rebate machine extracts rebate data directly from machine readable information after a point-of-sale (POS) system has generated a receipt for a purchase corresponding to the rebate data and has transferred the rebate data to the machine readable information. The machine receives from a database of a rebate offeror, data identifying current rebate offers. The machine determines, based on a comparison of the extracted rebate data and the data from the offeror database an amount due to the user and corresponding to the purchase. The machine credits the amount due to the user to a value stored on a card, where the card is provided to the automated rebate machine by a user or is stored by the automated rebate machine. 
         [0030]    In an embodiment, the machine readable information is a machine readable document that stores the rebate data, and the rebate data includes data used to validate a rebate claim. In an embodiment, the machine readable document is a physical card, and wherein the physical card is a card that stores a value identifying an amount of bonus points on the card, wherein the bonus points are redeemable for future purchases. In an embodiment, the automated rebate machine includes a card dispenser, and wherein the method comprises dispensing a physical card from the card dispenser after crediting the physical card with the amount due to the user. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, the automated rebate machine implements an automated teller machine (ATM) functionality that enables the machine to dispense a n amount of cash corresponding to a rebate amount. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment, the physical card is a credit card or a debit card, and crediting the rebate amount comprises crediting an account corresponding to the credit card or debit card. 
         [0033]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated rebate processing system and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, the automated rebate processing system (e.g, computing device running an application) determines, at the automated rebate processing system, account information corresponding to an account of the user. The system receives, from the user authentication information associated with the account of the user. The system outputs, to the user, a plurality of rebate redemption options, receives a selection of a rebate redemption option from among the plurality of rebate redemption options, and provides an amount due to the user via the selected rebate redemption option. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment, the step of determining account information comprises: receiving, at the automated rebate processing system, card information provided by a user; and extracting, based on the card information, the account information corresponding to the account of the user. In an embodiment the step of receiving card information comprises receiving, at the automated rebate processing system, insertion of a card storing the card information or comprises scanning of the card. 
         [0035]    In an embodiment, the selected rebate redemption option is an electronic fund transfer (EFT) option, and the providing step comprises providing the rebate amount to the account of the user via EFT. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, the authentication information includes at least one of a user ID and a user password. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, the automated rebate processing system includes a kiosk that is configured to receive the authentication information and to provide the rebate amount to the user. 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, the system extracts rebate data directly from a machine readable document after a point-of-sale (POS) system has generated a receipt for a purchase corresponding to the rebate data and has transferred the rebate data onto the machine readable document, wherein the rebate amount is based on the extracted rebate data. 
         [0039]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an application of the automated rebate processing system and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system (e.g, computing device running an application) receives a feed of rebate data from a rebate processor of a rebate offeror and storing the rebate data in a database. The system (e.g., computing device) receives, from a user, machine readable information that is associated with a rebate request, and the application extracts rebate data directly from the machine readable information. The system performs validation of the rebate request by comparing the rebate data in the database with the extracted rebate data. 
         [0040]    In an embodiment, the machine readable information associated with the rebate request is generated from a sales system having a network connection to a computer of the user. 
         [0041]    In an embodiment, the automated rebate processing system is integrated into an online data system. 
         [0042]    In an embodiment, the rebate data includes data necessary to validate the rebate request. The rebate validation data that is extracted can include a stock keeping unit (SKU) number, a date of purchase, a time of purchase, and a location of purchase. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the system further receives one or more additional rebate requests that are offered by the rebate offeror and performs validation on the one or more additional rebate requests. The system dispenses rebate funds corresponding to the rebate request and to the one or more additional rebate requests. After performing the validation on the rebate request and the one or more additional rebate requests, the system submits, in a single batch, the first rebate request and the one or more additional rebate requests to the rebate processor of the rebate offeror for payment of the dispensed rebate funds. 
         [0044]    In an embodiment, the feed of rebate data is a real-time feed, and the step of performing the validation of the rebate request comprises performing a real-time validation of the rebate request. 
         [0045]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated rebate processing system and method are presented. In an embodiment, the system (eg, computing device running an application) receives a rebate request from a user, and performs validation on the rebate request. The system submits, to a financial institution associated with the automated rebate processing system, a request to transfer funds for the rebate request from the financial institution to the user. The system submits, after the funds have been transferred to the user from the financial institution associated with the automated rebate processing system, a fund replenishment request to a rebate offeror associated with the rebate request. The fund replenishment request identifies a rebate amount corresponding to the rebate request. In an embodiment, the funds transferred to the one or more users is equal to the rebate amount corresponding to the rebate request minus a service fee. 
         [0046]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an automated rebate machine for handling reversal of a promotion-related transaction are disclosed. In an embodiment, the machine receives a rebate request for an amount due to a user. The machine receives account information associated with the user, and stores the account information. The machine electronically transfers an amount due to the user to an account identified by the account information. The machine subsequently receives, at the automated rebate machine, an indication that the purchase transaction is being reversed, and electronically collects the transferred amount from the account identified by the account information. 
         [0047]    In an embodiment, the machine receives the account information by extracting the account information from a debit card or credit card that is provided to the machine by the user. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the machine, in response to determining that the rebate request is validated, dispenses a new receipt to the user, where the new receipt indicates that the rebate request has been fulfilled. In an embodiment, machine receives the rebate request by receiving an inserted receipt that was generated by the purchase transaction before the dispensing of the new receipt. In an embodiment, the machine receives the rebate request by receiving a machine readable document that stores rebate validation data for the rebate request, and provides, on the machine readable document, an indication that the rebate request has been fulfilled. 
         [0049]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a rebate processor and a method for processing a rebate-related transaction are disclosed. In an embodiment, the rebate processor receives a rebate request associated with a purchase transaction. In response to determining that a rebate amount for the rebate request is transferred or is to be transferred to a user, the processor stores the rebate amount in a rebate report. The processor receives a request to reverse the rebate transaction. In response to receiving the request to reverse the purchase transaction, the processor searches for the stored rebate report to determine a purchase price and rebate amount associated with the purchase transaction. The processor deducts the rebate amount from the purchase price to calculate a return amount, and electronically transfers, to the user, an amount that is based on the return amount. 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, the processor further determines a service fee that was charged for the rebate request, and adds the service fee to the return amount, where the transferred amount equals the sum of the service fee and the return amount. 
         [0051]    In an embodiment, the processor further electronically transmits, to a rebate offeror, a request for reimbursement of the service fee. 
         [0052]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system and method for redeeming a promotion submitted at a location of a sale during the purchase of an item subject to a promotion is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method is performed over a data network. The computing device receives, via the data network and from a point of sale (POS) system, machine readable information corresponding to one or more available promotions. The point-of-sale system may be configured to process the promotion and a purchase for the customer. The computing device subsequently receives, during a purchase transaction and via the data network, a promotion request. The request may be initiated with data read by the computing device directly from the machine-readable information received from the point-of-sale system and presented to the computing device by the customer. The read data may include data by the point of-sale system for providing one or more promotions during a purchase transaction at the point-of-sale. The POS system may process the promotion request using the data read by the computing device directly from the machine-readable information generated by the POS system and the data sent from the computing device. The POS system may automatically compare the data read from the machine-readable information to the purchase transaction. When the information substantially matches, the POS system may display on the computing device, operated by the customer, at least one promotion redemption option. The POS system may receive a selection of at least one option and prepare the selected option for the customer. 
         [0053]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for processing a rebate request intiated by a computing device operated by a customer is disclosed. The system may comprise a point-of-sale system configured to process purchase transactions and determine promotions during a purchase transaction. The POS system may provide, to the computing device operated by the customer, machine readable information having data corresponding to available promotions at a location. The computing device may be configured to receive electronic data from the POS system and read data directly from machine readable information, where the read data includes data needed by the POS system to provide a promotion during a purchase transaction. The POS system may further include an input device for receiving the machine readable information, a printer for printing a machine readable document pertaining to a promotion, a scanner to extract machine readable information, a card dispenser for dispensing a card with a credit balance corresponding to the rebate, and a communications interface for initiating an electronic funds transfer to a user account. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0054]    Further aspects of the present disclosure will be more readily appreciated upon review of the detailed description of its various embodiments, provided below, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0055]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of an exemplary network over which the disclosed rebate processes are performed; 
           [0056]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an exemplary kiosk in communication with the network of  FIG. 1 , for use at the location of a sale to provide a rebate to a consumer; 
           [0057]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary rebate transaction performed using the kiosk of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 4  depicts a second exemplary rebate transaction performed using the kiosk of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary rebate process involving retailer or manufacturers rebates having an expiration date, performed over the system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0060]      FIG. 6  depicts an exemplary new receipt issuing process performed by the kiosk of  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary rebate system  100  (sometimes referred to herein as “the System”) is depicted for accomplishing a rebate redemption transaction with a customer of a retailer. The system  100  may include a kiosk  102  by which a customer may initiate an instant rebate request; a rebate processor  104  maintained by an operator of the kiosk for processing and issuing a payment in response to the rebate request; a retailer&#39;s point-of sale system  106 , which may include the checkout registers and transaction processing systems for accomplishing sales with a customer and storing transaction related information; and a manufacturer rebate processor  108  by which a manufacturer may provide confirmation of a validity of a rebate request against stored records. 
         [0062]    It will be readily appreciated that the components of the system  100  may each be standard computer processors having suitable hardware and software and enabled to communicate over a network, such as a local area network, a wide-area network, an intranet or a public global computer network (e.g., the Internet), in any known manner. It will be further appreciated that any number of components can be used to perform the functions designated for components  102 - 108  herein, including provision of intermediate network gateways, distributed processors, third-party processing servers, and the like, as may be needed for real-world implementation. Finally, it will be readily apparent that the system of  FIG. 1  can be scaled to include any number of retailers, manufacturers and kiosks. 
         [0063]    In various embodiments, the kiosk  102  may be a unitary stand-alone system having a display (such as a touch screen panel), a computer processor with suitable memory and operating system and application software, a printer, a card reader/dispenser, a barcode scanner, and/or additional standard components, as may be necessary for accomplishing the functions described herein. SOURCE TECHNOLOGIES offers one type of kiosk that is contemplated for use with the rebate system herein. An exemplary kiosk  102  is depicted in  FIG. 2 . In various embodiments, the kiosk  102  is tailored to intercommunicate with a retailer&#39;s POS system  106 , either directly or via rebate processor  104 , for purposes of real-time data validation disbursements, as well as for fraud protection. 
         [0064]    In various embodiments, the kiosk  102  incorporates one or more interfaces that do not require manual data entry by the customer. Data may be read from a machine readable document (MRD) or card issued by a retailer at a POS  106 . Any further information may be received from the customer by voice recognition using appropriate software and a microphone, as is well known in the art. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the display may include touch-screen functionality for rapid selection and input of customer requests and information. These features would allow for substantially error-free data entry by a customer participating in a rebate redemption transaction, thereby maintaining certain efficiencies in the management of a rebate transaction system  100 . 
         [0065]    In further embodiments, a kiosk  102  or other suitable ARM, may be piggybacked with an automatic teller machine (ATM) or the like. This concept can be compared to COINSTAR, which is positioned in the retail space as a customer service that deducts a service fee for its coin counting services on behalf of its own entity separate from the retailer. As part of the rebate process, such an enhanced kiosk could be equipped to provide cash, electronic funds transfer, a rebate check that is redeemable in the store or at a bank, or a store card or gift card having a credit balance in the form of bonus points that are redeemable for future store purchases. These options all offer additional convenience to customers. Several kiosks might be in each store, and the check printer may be placed at a central location in a retail location, such as a customer service counter, so that customers may take a receipt from the kiosk to the customer service counter and redeem the check at that point. 
         [0066]    The rebate processor  104  may be maintained and operated by a retailer a manufacturer, a group of manufacturers and/or retailers or maintained by one or more third parties. The rebate processor  104  may manage a secure database of participating rebated items, and maintain a real-time log and records journal entries for every transaction. The rebate processor  104  may provide retailers and manufacturers with access to real-time feeds of redemption data, in which a validation process electronically compares purchase data transferred from the customers&#39; MRDs, or the like, with its own real-time log of current promotions. This process allows the operator of the rebate processor  104  to search from its database the amount (if any) of rebates due to customers entering rebate requests. The amount(s) may appear on the display of the kiosk  102 , and the customer can then choose to redeem his rebate from the kiosk  102  in any of the variety of manners already described. 
         [0067]    The rebate processor  104  may intercommunicate rebate transaction data between a kiosk  102  and the retailer&#39;s point-of-sale (POS) system  106 , and, if available to The System  100 , a manufacturer&#39;s rebate processor  108 , for purposes of transaction validity confirmation and fraud prevention. The manner in which such components are integrated and intercommunicate may be accomplished in any of a wide variety of known manners. It is readily contemplated that the components may operate in a manner similar to that of CYBERFONE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., as described in their U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,973,477; 6,574,314; 6,044,382; 5,987,103; and 5,805,676, the entirety of each being incorporated herein by reference as relates to such functionality. 
         [0068]    The rebate confirmation processes employed between such components of the system  100  may be generalized as a comparison between the information received during a customer&#39;s rebate request entered into the kiosk  102  with data stored by the rebate processor  104 , the retailer&#39;s POS system  106  and/or the manufacturer&#39;s rebate processor  108 . If the data submitted by the customer does not match records stored by one or more of the other components, then the rebate transaction is simply not processed. In this manner, prevention against fraudulent transactions may be readily achieved. 
         [0069]    The processes performed by the system  100  using the components as described above during a rebate transaction may be generally described as follows. When a customer purchases a rebated item at a retailer&#39;s POS, the amount of the rebate appears on the sales receipt and the rebate is credited to a machine readable document (MRD) which may include a scannable barcode or the like, which is given to the customer. When a customer wishes to collect on the rebate immediately, the customer need only insert or scan the MRD, or information therefrom, in the kiosk  102  located in the store where the purchase was made. The System  100  has stored information on which items are participating rebate items and also maintains a log and records journal entries for every transaction. The system  100  looks up the customer&#39;s entered information in its database, and confirms the amount (if any) of any rebates due to the customer. The amount(s) may appear on the kiosk screen, and the customer can then choose to redeem the rebate by cash, check, store or gift card with dedicated store balance, or electronic funds transfer to the customer&#39;s credit or banking account. The manufacturer or other issuer of the rebate may electronically advance money to the kiosk operator&#39;s financial account, which in turn executes payment to the customer in the requested manner. 
         [0070]    The System can offer retailers/manufacturers turn-key access to its cost sharing program which is the sharing of service fees to compensate for increased rebate claims on certain items. For example, if the customer chooses the check option, the kiosk  102  will issue a check to the customer for, as an example, 90% of the rebate value, holding back, for example, a 10% service fee. The service fee may then be allocated, such as 9% to the kiosk operator and 1% to the issuer of the rebate. The kiosk may print and disburse store only checks or, if requested, standard checks in regulatory approved, industry standard checks in standard Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) formats, readable by bank processing equipment around the world. 
         [0071]    In various embodiments, the System may use Electronic Transfer of Funds (EFT) to process both manufacturer and retailer rebates. In such embodiments, when a customer purchases a rebated item, the customer may enter their desired bank account information either by touch-screen entry or insertion of a card corresponding to the customer&#39;s account from which the account information may be read. Service fees may be applied to EFTs in the manner described above. 
         [0072]    If the customer instead chooses a store credit option, the customer may be offered 100% of the rebate value, in which case, the retailer may pay the 10% service fee to the kiosk operator and/or manufacturer in similar proportion to the above. The kiosk may dispense a store or gift card having thereon a credit balance in the full amount of the rebate and good for future purchases with the retailer. 
         [0073]    One problem faced by instant rebate returns is the possibility that a customer may attempt to return merchandise after a rebate has been paid on such product. In order to address this, the System  100  handles returns in the following general manner. When merchandise is scanned in the event of a return, the rebate processor  104  is notified and searches its real-time log of redemption reports and deducts from the purchase price the rebate funds previously transferred to the end-user via the System. The System electronically transfers back the entire service fee from the item(s) in question and the customer is credited for his return. In the event the System is involved in a cost sharing arrangement with a participating manufacturer/retailer these funds would become a receivable for the kiosk operator, since it will be necessary to advance the entire service fee back to the customer. This could be accomplished via instant electronic transfer or via periodic batch invoice for manufacturers/retailers using the funds from the kiosk operator&#39;s account. 
         [0074]    The processes performed by the various components of the System  100  will now be described in more particularity with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 . 
         [0075]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , therein is depicted an exemplary method  300  for completing a rebate transaction process with manufacturer and/or retailer rebates is illustrated in the following exemplary steps: 
         [0076]    A customer buys a rebated item at a retailer&#39;s POS  106  (step  301 ). All relevant information necessary to validate a rebate claim is extracted from the databases connected to the POS system  106  and electronically or manually transferred onto a MRD (step  302 ). All relevant purchase data including transaction code, stock keeping unit (SKU) number, date/time of purchase, store location and rebate amount may be extracted from the POS system  106  and transferred onto the MRD. The customer receives the MRD with other standard receipts for the sale (step  303 ). The customer then submits the MRD to the kiosk  102  (step  304 ). The system  100  verifies the customer&#39;s claim by accessing its own database or a database maintained by the retailer and/or manufacturer. Such database includes all current rebate offers, which the kiosk  102  compares with data stored on MRD. The available rebates based on MRD information and confirmed stored records are displayed (step  305 ). The customer then selects the cash, check, store/gift card or EFT option (step  306 ). After confirmation, the rebate processor  104  then electronically transmits the funds transfer request to the manufacturer or other issuer of the rebate (step  307 ). The manufacturer electronically transfers funds to the kiosk operator&#39;s financial account (step  308 ). The kiosk  102  then issues the payment to the customer in the desired manner (step  309 ). 
         [0077]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an alternate exemplary method  400  for accomplishing a rebate transaction process involving manufacturer and/or retailer rebates is illustrated in the following steps: 
         [0078]    A customer buys a rebated item at a retailer&#39;s POS  106  (step  401 ). All relevant information necessary to validate a rebate claim is extracted from the POS system  106 , and transferred onto a MRD (step  402 ). The customer receives the MRD with other receipts (step  403 ). The customer enters the MRD information into the kiosk  102  (step  404 ). The kiosk  102  displays the available rebate to the customer (step  405 ). The customer then chooses the EFT rebate method ( 406 ). The customer enters bank card or credit card information or the card itself into the kiosk  102  (step  407 ). A customer password may also be entered for the corresponding account. The kiosk  102  then establishes a test charge to the designated account (step  408 ). In various embodiments, the customer may agree to allow the System  100  to store the card information for the duration of the return period specified by the retailer, which is used as collateral in the event the customer returns the rebated item after collecting a rebate from the System  100 . 
         [0079]    Next, the rebate processor  104  verifies the claimed rebate by accessing its own database of current rebate offers, and/or information from databases maintained by the retailer and manufacturer, and compares with data received from the customer for verification purposes (step  409 ). The rebate processor  104  then electronically transmits a funds transfer request to the issuer of the rebate (step  410 ). The issuer responds by electronically transferring funds to the kiosk operator&#39;s financial account (step  411 ). Finally, the kiosk  102  transfers the appropriate rebated amount to the customer (step  412 ). 
         [0080]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , therein is depicted an exemplary rebate process  500  involving retailer or manufacturers rebates having an expiration date, which may include the following steps: 
         [0081]    The consumer purchases an e-rebated product at POS  106  (step  501 ). The POS system  106  extracts relevant POS data including, for example, transaction number, SKU and expiration date on the rebate (step  502 ). This data is transferred onto a MRD (step  503 ). The customer receives this MRD along with or attached to the customary sales receipts (step  504 ). The MRD may either be scanned and provided at POS, much like a gift card, or it can be generated using a printer at the POS. The consumer then activates the site designated for e-redemption of rebates via the kiosk  102  (step  505 ) and submits the MRD or information therefrom into the kiosk  102  (step  506 ). The customer then reviews and accepts terms of the kiosk operator, reviews the privacy statements, and agrees to a service fee of x %, when applicable (step  507 ) The EDT information is collected and electronically transferred from the MRD into the rebate issuer&#39;s designated site (step  508 ). The rebate expiration date is compared to the date of the rebate request (step  509 ). The kiosk operator extracts funds from a revolving line of credit or the like, in the amount indicated on the rebate coupon less the applicable service fee (step  510 ). The funds are then transferred to the consumer in the designated manner (step  511 ). The kiosk  102  marks the MRD or electronically documents it as paid and dispenses it back to the customer (step  512 ). The consumer will need to present all receipts, including the MRD, in order to return an e-rebated item. The rebate issuer receives an electronic data transfer (EDT) record of the purchase from the POS system (step  513 ). The rebate issuer associates each stored data record with a purchase data record and validates the rebate claim thereby and checks for fraud (step  514 ). The rebate issuer then transfers the cash value of the rebate claim to the kiosk operator (step  515 ). 
         [0082]    In additional embodiments, the System  100  may accept a store issued sales receipt and re-issue a new receipt after a rebate has been claimed by the consumer. This method is meant to counter attempts by the customer to redeem the rebate and then return the item to the store for a full refund. Such new receipt issuing process  600  may be described by the following exemplary steps, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 : 
         [0083]    The customer purchases item at point of sale (POS), and receives a receipt that corresponds with the purchase (step  602 ). The customer enters information related to the rebate being offered, the purchase at hand and the identity of the customer into the kiosk after POS sale (step  604 ). The customer then enters the product identifier of the product into the kiosk  102  (step  605 ). The customer then inserts receipt or information therefrom into the kiosk  102  (step  606 ) which is stored in memory. The customer authorizes the rebate and reviews and accepts the terms and conditions, including service fees if any (step  607 ). The customer receives the rebate in the designated manner (step  608 ). A new receipt is printed by the kiosk  102 , which includes all the relevant information from the POS transaction minus the rebate amount which was collected by the consumer via the System  100  (step  609 ). The receipt now shows the remaining cash value of the purchased item. 
         [0084]    As a significant portion of their business, many retailers sell merchandise via telephone or online ordering with subsequent delivery to the address of the customer. The System  100  can easily support these programs by simply engaging the retailer to select and assign a controlled group of employees at their merchandise shipment location to operate the kiosk  102  of the System  100 . The kiosk operator would provide retailers with commercially accessible kiosks  102  for their employees to operate from a merchandise shipment location. These kiosks  102  integrate with the rebate processor  104  real-time databases and the retailer&#39;s transaction processing system, and have the same secure site management, real-time data validation and fraud protection, as described in the foregoing. Before operating the ARM, employee identification is stored by the system  100  and may require a login to the system, via password, biometric fingerprint or ID scanner, or the like, to validate the employee. 
         [0085]    Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the System  100  can be adapted to integrate with a retailer&#39;s online data system, enabling the operator to gain access to relevant information from the customer&#39;s request, which is necessary to complete its rebate transaction. This could be done in a manner which would eliminate the need for an employee to manually enter the customers request into a kiosk  102 . This process could also interact with an out sourced mailing operation which would receive electronic requests from the System to send payment to the consumer. This would mean that the consumer receives the method of payment separately from the purchased item, or the method of payment could be produced and sent from a retailer&#39;s merchandising shipment location and a check or gift card is sent to the customer along with the rebated item. 
         [0086]    The System, as kiosk operator, anticipates offering retailers and manufacturers two methods of money transfer to select from, both of which are feasible from a technical and banking perspective. The first method allows the System to electronically advance funds to the end-user instantly via a revolving fund financed from a partner bank. The fund, with a likely interest rate of prime plus one, would either be secured in full or partially by receivables which in this case are rebates. After advancing funds to the end-user, the System will electronically send periodic batch requests to participating manufacturers/retailers offering rebates. The life cycle of the revolving fund could span two-four weeks. This would allow enough time for the System to send manufacturers and retailers a batch invoice and receive payment to replenish the fund. 
         [0087]    The System can also operate with company provided instant electronic transfer components. The System&#39;s secure site management, real-time validation and fraud protection are critical elements of the instant electronic transfer process. This knowledge allows the manufacturer&#39;s/retailer&#39;s System provided data system to electronically advance money to the System distribution account, which executes instant payment to the end-user via the kiosk or online. The System may incur a modest per transaction cost for each electronic transfer to a customer. 
         [0088]    In the rebate fulfillment industry the term “breakage” refers to rebates which are never submitted by the consumer and “slippage” refers to un-cashed rebate checks. Recently, slippage has become more of an issue for fulfillment companies, retailers and manufacturers. This is because the amounts of unclaimed monies have dramatically increased as rebates starting in the mid-1990s have become more significant. To date there is no universally accepted process for so many different potential rebate funding scenarios and all States have similar but different escheat laws. The System will issue store gift card credit and corporate checks made payable to cash. Because the System issues blind checks, all escheat would be transferred to the System operator&#39;s state of incorporation. The System will maintain records of cashed and un-cashed checks based on check numbers. With the appropriate language during a store gift card credit transaction, the System can maintain an escheat exception, as long as no portion of the card is redeemable for cash. 
         [0089]    The following descriptions describe some post-pilot project strategies which extend the capabilities of the System  100  beyond the rebate process. These functionalities include the use of buyer profiles, buyer specific marketing strategies, product look up services as well as the incorporation of Voice over IP technology (VOIP). The System is a system of buyer accessible, user friendly, hardware and software configured kiosks strategically located throughout the merchant&#39;s retail space. 
         [0090]    These readily accessible user stations could provide the following benefits to the customer, the retailer and the manufacturer. The customer may receive immediate credit for purchases of product offering manufacturer rebates and/or retailer in-store promotional or preferred customer discounts, have user-friendly electronic access to more product information for comparative purposes to aid the purchase selection. 
         [0091]    In a retail chain store business of sufficient outlets, a remote helpdesk, organized by product category and staffed by category specialists, could be accessed from the kiosk by the customer employing VoIP two-way communications or the like. This approach can help maintain whatever “sales function” requirements apply to existing staff, currently assisting shoppers on the retail floor. The customer may also have access to further lists of available manufacturer rebate and in-store promotions ideally targeted to the store customer&#39;s known product preferences and products associated with those preferences. 
         [0092]    For the retailer, the System  100  provides a low-cost competitive differentiator that enhances buyer satisfaction with the supplier&#39;s products offered, the retail experience the merchant provides throughout the pre-sale, sale, and post-sale cycle and the likelihood of increasing buyers&#39; referrals. 
         [0093]    For the manufacturer, the System  100  may result in more favorable buyer response to cumbersome and annoying product rebate promotions now offered. There will be a lowered cost of conducting national rebate promotions and receive real-time buyer specific marketing and real-time reports of sales and redemptions via the System  100 . Buyer Account 
         [0094]    Transaction History 
         [0095]    The System can provide manufacturers and retailers with direct marketing data via automated kiosks or online. This can include buyer specific information based on current or past purchases as well as retailer/manufacturer stored information. Product promotions and advertisements can be uploaded into the System data systems, upon manufacturer/retailer request or by corresponding data system entry and can be tied to specific buyer profiles or product purchases. This information can be directly uploaded into in-store or central data systems. 
         [0096]    Kiosks can additionally be programmed to broadcast promotions to consumers during idle periods or during a rebate transaction processing time, product lookup/comparison or during any other consumer initiated transactions. If during a rebate transaction processing, the direct marketing presented to the customer may be related to the customer&#39;s present or past purchases, as determined from stored records of the kiosk, the retailer or the manufacturer. The kiosk can additionally print or issue promotional codes to buyers that can be used for System-specific promotions. 
         [0097]    The most expensive part of a rebate from a fulfillment perspective is customer service. Every rebate processed with the System  100  described herein will eliminate the need for customer service for that rebate. Therefore the System  100  would reduce fulfillment expenses by decreasing mailings and the need for customer service. Currently fulfillment companies are paid by their retailer and manufacturer clients on a flat fee basis ranging from $0.40 to $1.75 per rebate. The disclosed System  100  can provide higher revenue possibilities and higher profit margins for a fulfillment component, via the profit sharing relationship. 
         [0098]    Various disclosures of the PNM or CYBERFONE systems described previously may be adapted to implement the System  100  now disclosed. Various known means for implementation, other than those particularly described hereinabove, are also contemplated. In additional embodiments, the System  100  and its processes may be present in various markets, including an online presence, by which consumers will instantly credit their bank accounts through a dedicated Internet portal, thereby opening such system to the global marketplace. Other variations, substitutions and alterations to the processes described above are likewise contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.