Abstract:
An apparatus and method for providing a marketing program for a selected group of merchants which provides incentives to consumers to purchase goods and/or services from the selected group of merchants. The method comprises establishing one or more merchant selection rules, registering a consumer wishing to participate in the program, receiving merchant information, matching the received merchant information with available merchant selection rules and adding merchants to one or more selected group of merchants after determining that the respective merchants have the required characteristics. A machine readable database operable to store specified information representing earned credits for participating consumers is provided. The program is universal in the sense that the method of payment is unrestricted and participating consumers receive an identification and which can be used for purchases from a participating merchant, in a store, by phone or online.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to incentive rewards, and more particularly, to a system of marketing in which businesses receive marketing benefits by participation with a central provider that awards credits to consumers who purchase goods/services from the businesses.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Various incentive programs, such as those related to purchases, are known. Buyers of goods of services may receive coupons, rewards and/or points that can be redeemed for various forms of value. Decades ago, in the S&amp;H GREENSTAMPS program, stamps were provided to consumers upon completing a purchase, such as for gasoline, etc. The stamps were redeemable for merchandise, described in a catalog distributed by S&amp;H or at S&amp;H Redemption Centers. In practice, the consumer redeemed his collection of S&amp;H GREENSTAMPS by selecting an item that was available for the number of stamps being redeemed. The consumer selected the item, sent in or turned over his stamps, and the item was delivered to the consumer  
         [0003]     Over time, S&amp;H GREENSTAMPS were phased out. Fairly recently, S&amp;H GREENPOINTS were introduced, which provides a somewhat modified and digital version of S&amp;H GREENSTAMPS. In practice, a consumer registers over the internet to receive points in connection with purchases, typically, made over the internet. The registered consumer maintains an account on S&amp;H Greenpoints&#39; server, and, as used to be done with the S&amp;H Greenstamps program, redeems the points for merchandise listed in a catalog (either provided on-line or on paper). S&amp;H also allows grocery chains to issue cards for use at the issuing chain&#39;s stores.  
         [0004]     Also known are plans by which consumers may accumulate points from using particular purchasing means or by providing specific club cards at the point of sale. For example, a credit card may offer awards points each time a consumer uses that credit card. Alternatively, an airline may provide points that are redeemable for free air travel after a consumer purchases airline tickets for that airline. In yet another example, a store may offer discounts each time the store&#39;s club card is presented at the point of sale.  
         [0005]     Notwithstanding the existence of various rewards programs, many businesses are incapable of receiving a level of marketing they desire. Merchant-operated reward programs are not necessarily suitable for small businesses because the program is exclusive to a respective merchant. Such a program is, typically, useful for a larger businesses. Small-scale merchants, typically, cannot afford to operate an incentive-based or rewards program, and, accordingly, cannot afford competitive forms of marketing.  
         [0006]     Moreover, most rewards programs provide rewards that originate from the same issuing identity. For example, United Air Lines offers free air travel on United Airlines. Further, even with prior art points and rewards programs, many consumers do not realize a benefit of selecting one merchant over another. In the above example, a consumer would be unable to fly USAir, and redeem free air travel from United Airlines.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention recognizes a need for an alternative incentive-related program that does not require a particular form of payment, such as a particular credit card, and does not limit where (i.e., online or in a store) the consumer must shop. The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a marketing program for a selected group of merchants, i.e., those satisfying specific criteria. Each of the merchants participates with a program provider that provides incentives to consumers to purchase goods and/or services from the merchants. In exchange for participating in the program, merchants preferably pay a flat fee or a fee based on a percentage of sales to the program provider.  
         [0008]     In a preferred embodiment, one or more merchant selection rules are established that includes characteristics required of any merchant to join one or more groups of merchants. The merchant selection rules can apply to any characteristics of merchants, such as a merchant&#39;s physical location, store size, inventory, number of employees, hours of operation, or the like. The merchant selection rules are preferably stored in a database, such as provided by an information processor and accessible over the internet.  
         [0009]     Consumers who wish to participate in the program preferably register, for example, with an information processor that is operable as an internet web server. Consumers preferably provide at least a minimum amount of information, such as user name and password, in order to register with the information processor. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that the consumer can provide other information, as well, for example to improve marketing-related services associated with the present invention. Such information may include the consumer&#39;s age, gender, marital and/or financial status, demographics, purchasing preferences, likes and dislikes, or etc. Consumer information may be provided in the form of a questionnaire or other type of survey that, when completed, results in awarding the consumer bonus credits, which are redeemable in the same manner as those earned through purchases, as described in greater detail below.  
         [0010]     In an alternative embodiment, consumers do not have to provide any registration information at all. Merely having possession of a card issued by the program would be sufficient for a consumer to receive and redeem rewards, in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0011]     A merchant who desires to join a selected group of merchants transmits merchant information, preferably in machine-readable form, to the program provider. The merchant information includes characteristics of the respective merchants, such as the merchants&#39; physical location, store size, inventory, or the like. Once received, the merchant information is matched with the merchant selection rules in the database and any merchants who are determined to have the required characteristics are added to the applicable selected group (or groups) of merchants for which the merchant qualifies.  
         [0012]     In addition, the present invention preferably includes a machine readable database that is accessible on a communication network, such as the Internet, and is operable to store information representing earned credits for participating consumers. Credits are provided in response to transactions between participating consumers and participating merchants. For example, a consumer who purchases one hundred dollars worth of a merchandise from a participating merchant is entitled to a number of credits (e.g., 100 credits) that are redeemable for goods and/or services.  
         [0013]     Preferably, access to the database is provided, for example, to update the database with information representing earned credits for a particular transaction that is independent of the method of payment for goods and/or services, and also independent of where the goods and/or services are offered for sale. Thus, a consumer who makes a cash purchase for goods sold at a participating merchant&#39;s store can earn credits in accordance with the teachings herein.  
         [0014]     Also, preferably the invention comprises storing in the database incentives and respective values for the incentives relative to individual and/or cumulative sales transactions. Access to the data is provided for participating consumers to redeem incentives according to earned credits from purchases from the participating merchants. In certain contexts, consumers may not have an option to select from a group of rewards. For example, where legal, one option might be that the reward is in the form of a sweepstakes card, and the consumer does not have a choice to select a different reward over the sweepstakes card.  
         [0015]     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention that refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  shows an example hardware arrangement in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates the functional elements of a user workstation and/or information processor;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram that illustrates an example networked arrangement of parties associated with the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that shows example forms of payment that consumers can use to purchase goods and/or services;  
         [0021]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the present invention to illustrate the reception of information representing purchases;  
         [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a plurality of participating merchants and a plurality of participating consumers;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein merchants are associated with one or more merchant groups;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  represents an example layout of database table structures and corresponding relationships that may be included in an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  represents a consumer deciding to patronize a particular merchant for a purchase;  
         [0026]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider defining and establishing merchant selection groups;  
         [0027]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider establishing participating consumers;  
         [0028]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider tracking purchases and maintaining consumer credit balances in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a merchant participating in a program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0030]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a consumer participating in a program in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0031]     The present invention is directed to awarding credits to consumers who register with a program provider, and who purchase goods and/or services from a select group of merchants. Thus, the invention establishes an incentive and/or marketing program, and encourages consumers to register with the program provider, and to patronize the group of merchants. Preferably, a participating merchant displays a particular logo that identifies the merchant&#39;s participation in the program. To encourage consumers to patronize participating merchants, the consumers receive an accumulating reward or credit vis-à-vis each purchase from any participating merchant. Unlike typical prior art incentive programs, the present invention does not restrict consumers to any particular form of purchase. For example, users may purchase using cash, credit cards, checks, money orders or any other accepted form, and can earn credits from any of the participating merchants.  
         [0032]     The present invention is applicable for a plurality of business. For example, the teachings herein are applicable for traditional “brick and mortar” businesses, as well as on-line (so-called e-commerce) businesses, TV shopping businesses, or virtually any other type of business.  
         [0033]     The participating merchants have an advantage over non-participating businesses because participating merchants can receive marketing aid provided, at least in part, by the provider of the incentive program, and further by the consumers who benefit from the rewards provided herein. Also, satisfied consumers, e.g., those who benefit from the present invention, often provide word-of-mouth marketing for the participating merchants. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that other forms of marketing are envisioned herein, such as traditional forms including television, radio, internet and print advertising.  
         [0034]     Referring to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary hardware arrangement in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, referred to generally as system  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , system  10  comprises at least one information processor  2  (configured to operate as an internet web server) adapted to access communication network  6  and communicate with user workstations  4 . Preferably, user workstations  4  and information processor(s)  2  communicate via the known communications protocol, Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol “TCP/IP.” In this way, content can be transmitted to and from the devices  2  and  4 , and commands can be executed to enable the various functions described herein.  
         [0035]     Information processors  2  and user workstations  4  are any devices that are capable of sending and receiving data across communication network  6 , e.g., mainframe computers, mini computers, personal computers, laptop computers, a personal digital assistants (PDA) and Internet access devices such as Web TV. In addition, information processors  2  and user workstations  4  are preferably equipped with a web browser, such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR, MOZILLA FIREFOX or the like. Thus, as envisioned herein, information processor  2  and/or user workstations  4  are devices that can communicate over a network and can be operated anywhere, including, for example, moving vehicles.  
         [0036]     The nature of the present invention is such that one skilled in the art of writing computer executable code (i.e., software) can implement the described functions using one or more of a combination of popular computer programming languages and development environments including, but not limited to C, C++, Visual Basic, JAVA, PHP, HTML, XML, ACTIVE SERVER PAGES, JAVA server pages, servlets, and a plurality web site development applications.  
         [0037]     For example, data may be configured in a MICROSOFT EXCEL spreadsheet file, as a comma delimited ASCII text file, as a MICROSOFT SQL SERVER compatible table file (e.g., MS-ACCESS table), or the like. In another embodiment, data may be formatted as an image file (e.g., TIFF, JPG, BMP, GIF, or the like). In yet another embodiment, data may be stored in an ADOBE ACROBAT PDF file. Preferably, one or more data formatting and/or normalization routines are provided that manage data received from one or a plurality of sources. In another example, data are received that are provided in a particular format (e.g., MICROSOFT EXCEL), and programming routines are executed that convert the data to another formatted (e.g., ASCII comma-delimited text).  
         [0038]     It is contemplated herein that any suitable operating system can be used on user workstations  4  and information processor  2 , for example, DOS, WINDOWS 3.x, WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS 98, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS ME, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS POCKET PC, WINDOWS XP, MAC OS, UNIX, LINUX, PALM OS, POCKET PC or any other suitable operating system. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that other software applications are available in accordance with the teachings herein, including, for example, via JAVA, JAVA Script, Action Script, Swish, or the like.  
         [0039]     Moreover, a plurality of data file types is envisioned herein. For example, the present invention preferably supports various suitable multi-media file types, including (but not limited to) JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, MPEG, AVI, SWF, RAW or the like (as known to those skilled in the art).  
         [0040]      FIG. 2  illustrates the functional elements of user workstation  4  and/or information processor  2  that include one or more central processing units (CPU)  12  used to execute software code and control the operation of user workstation  4 , read-only memory (ROM)  14 , random access memory (RAM)  16 , one or more network interfaces  18  to transmit and receive data to and from other computing devices across a communication network, storage devices  20  such as a hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, tape drive, CD ROM or DVD for storing program code, databases and application data, one or more input devices  22  such as a keyboard, mouse, track ball, magnetic card reading device, bar code reading device, microphone or the like, and a display  24 .  
         [0041]     The various components of information processor  2  and/or user workstation  4  need not be physically contained within the same chassis or even located in a single location. For example, storage device  20  may be located at a site which is remote from the remaining elements of information processor  2  or user workstation  4 , and may even be connected to CPU  12  across communication network  6  via network interface  18 . Information processor  2  preferably includes a memory equipped with sufficient storage to provide the necessary databases, forums, and other community services as well as acting as a web server for communicating hypertext markup language (HTML), FLASH, Action Script, Java, Active Server Pages, Active-X control programs on user workstations  4 . Information processors  2  are arranged with components, for example, those shown in  FIG. 2 , suitable for the expected operating environment of information processor  2 . The CPU(s)  12 , network interface(s)  18  and memory and storage devices are selected to ensure that capacities are arranged to accommodate expected demand.  
         [0042]     As used herein, the term, “module” refers, generally, to one or more discrete components that contribute to the effectiveness of the present invention. Modules can operate alone, or, alternatively, depend upon one or more other modules in order to function.  
         [0043]     Also as used herein, the term, “merchant” refers, generally, to any party who sells a good or service. A participating merchant, in contrast, refers to any merchant that participates in a program provided by a program provider in accordance with the teachings herein.  
         [0044]     Also as used herein, a “consumer” refers, generally, to any party that may purchase a good or service. A participating consumer, in contrast, refers to a consumer who receives credits or other benefit in accordance with the teachings herein. A participating consumer may be an individual, a business, or a plurality of consumers.  
         [0045]     Also as used herein, the term, “credit” refers, generally, to an indicium of reward entitlement issued in connection with the present invention. For example, a participating consumer may receive ten credits for making a fifty-dollar purchase. Accumulated credits are redeemable for goods or services made available by the program provider. As envisioned herein, goods and services can include, for example, cash and/or sweepstakes cards.  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram that illustrates an example networked arrangement of parties associated with the present invention. As noted above with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the present invention is operable over one or more communication networks, such as the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network or the like. Thus, the present invention enables various parties to communicate information to each other that is useful or necessary to execute the teachings herein. One skilled in the art will recognize that the internet enables the convenient and rapid exchange of information, thereby enabling parties to transmit information regarding purchases made by participating consumers from participating merchants.  
         [0047]     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 3 , program provider  302  implements many of the teachings herein, preferably via exercising control over information processor  2 . Preferably, a program provider  302  establishes at least one merchant selection rule that includes a merchant-related characteristic required of merchants for participation with the program established by the program provider  302 . Merchants that satisfy the criteria register with program provider  302  and become participating merchants  304  in accordance with the teachings herein. Consumers who register with program provider  302  become participating consumers  306 , according to the present invention. Merchants  304  can participate in one or more classifications, as explained below.  
         [0048]     In practice, program provider  302  promotes participating merchants  304 . In part, this is accomplished by providing merchants  304  with a logo that is shared by participating merchants  304 . The logo provides an indication that merchants  304  are participating in a rewards program, substantially as described herein, and the logo is preferably prominently displayed, such as in a merchant&#39;s window or door. Moreover, program provider  302  preferably advertises the program to consumers  306 , including the ability to receive credits that are redeemable for one or more goods, and that accumulate from purchases made from participating merchants  304 . Program provider  302  may advertise in print, television, radio, and/or web sites listed on the internet.  
         [0049]     Preferably, program provider  302  employs information processor  2  to track purchases made by participating consumers  306 , identified, for example, by use of card  308 . Card  308  preferably carries some data, for example, via a magnetic strip placed on the card, or by a microchip embedded in the card. Alternatively, card  308  contains an identification number that merchant  304  and/or consumer  306  transmits to program provider  302 . The identification number on the card is used to associate consumer  306  with the purchase. As noted above, consumer  306  may remain anonymous, without revealing his identity. In such a case, the consumer  306  physically presents his card in order to be eligible to redeem an incentive.  
         [0050]     In one embodiment, a consumer registers with program provider  302  by providing at least a minimum amount of information, such as a user name and password. In a preferred embodiment, however, consumers  306  are prompted to provide more detailed information. As an incentive to provide the additional information, the consumer may be offered bonus credits equivalent to some level of purchase value. For example, an on-line data entry form may be provided to consumers  306  which includes textboxes for the consumer to submit information regarding demographics (e.g., age, gender, physical or mail address, e-mail address or the like), preferences (such as product preferences, shopping preferences or the like) or any other information that program provider  302  may find useful to improve the quality of the program provided thereby. After consumer  306  submits the information, the bonus credits are added to the consumer&#39;s credit account. Moreover, consumer  306  may be periodically prompted to update personal information to maintain accuracy. As noted above, consumer  306  may remain anonymous.  
         [0051]     Program provider  302  may be a commercial entity and can enlist to merchants  304  to be partners as a respective sales force. Program provider  302  may charge an amount to merchants  304  for participation, such as a flat fee that entitles merchants  304  to participate for a fixed period of time. Alternatively, program provider  302  may charge merchants  304  a percentage of the amount of each purchase made to consumers  306 .  
         [0052]     Alternatively, program provider  302  may use dealers or representatives to sell goods or services for program provider  302  in exchange for a fee or commissioned percentage. Moreover, program provider  302  may enable merchants  304  to franchise a business of provider  302 . Regardless of the precise business arrangement established between program provider  302  and merchant  304 , it is preferred that a contract is executed between program provider  302  and merchant(s)  304  in order to bind the parties for a renewable certain time.  
         [0053]     In one embodiment, cards  308  are provided to consumers  306  by merchants  304 . The cards are activated following a first transaction with a participating merchant  304 . Cards  308  may be provided in other ways, such as distributed or directly by program provider  302 . Alternatively, consumer  306  can print out a card  308  on his or her computer printer. Cards obtained from merchants  304 , or program provider  302 , may contain magnetic strips or bar codes, in addition to numeric or alphanumeric codes representing a respective participating consumer  306 . This may include the identity of consumer  306 , or may merely include an anonymous identifier representing consumer  306 .  
         [0054]     When consumer  306  makes a purchase from merchant  304 , consumer  306  preferably provides his card  308  together with payment in order to register the purchase and earn credits. Card  308  is preferably read by a reader  310  (i.e., “swiped”) and the card&#39;s information is transmitted to information processor  2  under the control of program provider  302 . Program provider  302  adjusts the consumer&#39;s  306  credit account, for example, based on the amount of the transaction. Preferably, some form of feedback is received from information processor  2 , such as an indication of the credit or consumer&#39;s  306  current credit balance.  
         [0055]     Although the present invention has been described up to now by way of example with particular reference to cards  308 , the invention is not so limited. For example, consumer  306  may be assigned an identifier (such as an identification number) by program provider  302 , and no card  308  may be issued to the consumer. Consumer  306  may simply provide his identification number to a merchant after making a purchase. Alternatively, the consumer  306  may transmit his respective identifier to program provider  302 , for example, over the internet. Thus, card  308  is a preferable feature of the present invention, although not required. For example, in case of an e-commerce or other remote form of purchase in which a consumer  306  is not physically present with a merchant  304 , the consumer  306  submitting his identification number may register a purchase transaction.  
         [0056]     The number of credits provided to consumer  306  in response to a purchase is preferably related to the size of the expense. For example, a large purchase will net consumer  306  a higher number of credits than a small purchase.  
         [0057]     In one embodiment, after a certain amount of credits are earned, (e.g., 100, 500, 1000, etc.) the credits become eligible for redemption. The redeemed good/service may be in the form of a direct rebate for example cash, a check, future purchase credit, or gift card, or credits may be redeemed for goods and/or services listed in a printed or online catalog, sweepstake or a scratch card (where legal), which will indicate the value of the award(s). Preferably, sweepstakes cards for varying amounts of potential winnings are provided in accordance with a consumer&#39;s  306  credit account balance. For example, 50 credits may entitle a consumer  306  to a sweepstakes card with a potential prize of $1,000 in cash or prizes. Alternatively, 500 credits may entitle a consumer  306  to a sweepstakes card with a potential prize of $10,000 in cash or prizes. In this embodiment, merchant  304  or consumer  306  may be prompted to redeem the accumulated credits. In yet another embodiment, a consumer  306  may opt for sweepstakes cards having different possible values as opposed to a fixed value.  
         [0058]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that shows example forms of payment that consumers  306  can use to purchase goods and/or services from merchants  304  and earn credits in accordance with the present invention. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 4 , merchants  304  can accept a money order, cash, credit card, a debit card, a personal check, and/or a gift card for payment of a good and/or service sold by merchant  304 . As noted above, program provider  302  receives details, for example, from merchants  304  or consumers  306 , regarding purchases that entitle consumers  306  to credits. As noted above, each consumer&#39;s credit balance is tracked and updated in accordance with each respective purchase of goods/services sold by participating merchant  304 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of the present invention to illustrate the flow of information representing purchases made and credits earned in accordance with the teachings herein. As shown in  FIG. 5 , database  502  is maintained on information processor  2  and used to store information regarding purchases, credits and redeemed goods/services. For example, database  502  may include information representing merchants  304 , consumers  306 , cards  308 , consumer  306  balance of credits, redeemable goods/services, or the like. As noted above, information is preferably can be transmitted to program provider  302  in various ways. For example, merchant  304  may use a card reader  504  to extract information from card  308  identifying consumer  306 , and then may transmit the information with information regarding a purchase by use of a workstation connected to the internet. Provider  302  thereafter updates database  502  and registers the purchase.  
         [0060]     Alternatively, merchant  304  and/or consumer  306  may use telephone  506  to transmit information to program provider  302 , such as by a voice response application or other known system using telephones  506 . Alternatively, consumer  306  may use his home workstation  4  to transmit information regarding a purchase to program provider  302  (via information processor  2 ). Consumer  306  may also use workstation  4  and/or telephone  506 , for example, to receive information regarding his account, and/or to redeem credits for goods and/or services. Preferably receipt  508  is provided to consumer  306  following a purchase, and receipt  508  contains information, such as an identifier, which is used to enable program provider  302  to track and store a purchase made by consumer  306 .  
         [0061]     As noted above, the merchant selection rule enables a merchant to join a select group of merchants, and may include virtually any characteristic of one or more merchants. Examples of possible characteristics include a merchant&#39;s physical store location, number of employees, store size, type of inventory, hours of operation, or the like. The selection rule can include multiple criteria, as well. The merchant selection rule is preferably stored in database  502 , or is otherwise maintained by program provider  302 .  
         [0062]     When a merchant desires to participate in the program, or is solicited by program provider  302 , after it is confirmed that the merchant possess the required characteristic for group membership, the merchant&#39;s status as a participating merchant  304 , can become effective. For example, if the sole required characteristic is that a merchant be physically located in a geographic area, for example, within a three-block radius of a particular street intersection, any merchant within the three-block radius would be entitled to join a group of selected merchants and participate with the program provider  302 . Such a rule may be desirable, for example, to encourage consumers  306  to patronize merchants in a particular neighborhood in order to promote a locality, and could result in solicitation by program provider  302 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 6  illustrates an example embodiment of the present invention that includes a plurality of participating merchants  304   a - 304   n  and a plurality of participating consumers  306   a - 306   m . Each of the plurality of merchants  304   a - 304   n  possesses characteristic(s) required by merchant selection rule  602 , thereby entitling it to join selected group of merchants  604 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , program provider  302  preferably establishes rule  602  associated with forming group  604 , such as by requiring merchants to possess one or more characteristics. As shown in  FIG. 6 , purchases of goods/services are made by consumers  306  from one of merchants  304   a ,  304   b . After a consumer  306  completes a particular transaction, information is transmitted to program provider  302 , and credits are issued to the consumer  306  who made the purchases.  
         [0064]     Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6  represents a merchants group  604  comprising merchants that satisfy a single selection rule  602 , the invention is not so limited.  FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention wherein a merchant can be associated with one or more merchant group. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , three merchant selection rules  602   a - 602   c  are shown, each with corresponding merchants  304  that satisfy the rules by possessing characteristic(s) required of the rules. Three merchants ( 304 A,  304 B and  304 C) are each members of two merchant selection groups. Specifically, merchant  304 A meets requirements of Rules  602   a  and  602   b , and merchants  304 B and  304 C meet the requirements of Rules  602   b  and  602   c . For example, a first merchant selection rule  602   a  may require that a merchant&#39;s store location be within a three-block radius of a particular street intersection. A second merchant selection rule  602   b  may require that a merchant includes used-books in its product inventory. Merchant  304 A is located within the three-block radius, and sells used-books among its inventory. Therefore, merchant  304 A satisfies both selection rules  602   a  and  b  and is a member of two merchant groups.  
         [0065]     Moreover, the present invention supports an embodiment providing various respective programs among various respective merchant groups  604 . For example, a $50 purchase from a merchant within a particular geographic location may entitle a consumer to X credits, while a $50 purchase from a merchant who sells used-books may entitle the consumer to Y credits. Preferably, information processor  2  under the control of program provider  302  tracks purchases and credits, even when provided in accordance with respective programs such as described above. Thus, continuing with reference to  FIG. 7 , a consumer who patronizes merchant  304 A may be entitled to more credits for a purchase than he would had he purchased the same goods/services from another merchant  304  belonging to the same merchant group  604 . Program provider  302  may award the higher number or lower number of credits (e.g., X or Y number of credits) in accordance with a predetermined policy.  
         [0066]     As noted above, program provider  302  preferably tracks purchases, credits and redeemed credits for merchants  304  and consumers  306  in database  502 . Database  502  may be formatted in many different ways. For example, database  502  may simply consist of a single spreadsheet, or, preferably, may comprise a robust relational database application comprising tables, structured query language (“SQL”) statements, data entry forms, summary and detailed data reports or the like. Database  502  is preferably accessible over communication network  6 .  
         [0067]      FIG. 8  represents an example layout of database table structures and corresponding relationships that may be included in an embodiment of the present invention. The tables in  FIG. 8  preferably represent database tables, such as provided by MICROSOFT SQL SERVER, but may comprise any kind of database, such as those that support the open database connectivity (“ODBC”) standard. Preferably, database  502  is operable to store and manage data related to merchants  304  and consumers  306 , cards  308 , as well as purchases, credits, and redeemed awards.  
         [0068]     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , merchant table  802  preferably contains merchant  304  related information, such as a merchant identification key, name, location, telephone, contact information and merchant e-mail information. Consumer table  804  preferably contains consumer  306  related information, including for example, a consumer identification key, consumer name, address, telephone e-mail information, credit balance and card number.  
         [0069]     Continuing with the example database  502  illustrated in  FIG. 8 , transaction information table  806  preferably contains transaction information related to purchases, and includes, for example, a transaction identification key, merchant id (linked to merchant table  802 ), consumer id (linked to consumer table  804 ), transaction code, purchase amount, purchase date, and credits awarded. Merchant selection rule table  808  preferably contains information representing merchant selection rules and characteristics required of the rules including a rule identification key and selection characteristics required of a rule (e.g., physical location, inventory, store size, etc.) Merchant select group table  810  preferably contains information regarding selected merchant groups including a group identification key, rule id (linked to merchant selection rule table  808 ) and merchant id (linked to merchant table  802 ). Credits table  812  preferably includes information regarding awarding credits to consumers  306 , including a credit identification key, credit awards and group id (linked to merchant select group). In this way, respective groups of merchants may award an amount of credits for a particular purchase that is different from another group of merchants for the same purchase.  
         [0070]     Also included in database  502  shown in  FIG. 8  is credit awards table  814  which preferably includes information regarding the awards available for various amounts of credits. For example, table  814  includes an award identification key, a description and photograph of a reward, and the number of credits required to redeem a respective reward.  
         [0071]     One skilled in the art will recognize that the table structures defined in  FIG. 8  are intended to be illustrative, and that other ways of defining database  502  are within the scope of the invention. Virtually any way information processor  2  (under the control of program provider  302 ) is able to track and monitor events related to purchases, credits, and/or redeeming credits is considered within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0072]     In practice, the present invention provides a marketing program for both merchants  304  and consumers  306 .  FIG. 9  illustrates a scenario in which a consumer  306  is deciding to patronize a particular merchant for a purchase.  FIG. 9  illustrates four participating merchants  304   a - 304   d  and two non-participating merchants  904  and  906 . Consumer  306  recognizes that merchants  304   a - 304   d  participate with the marketing program of the present invention because these merchants display logo  902  that identifies the merchants as participating members. Alternatively or in addition, consumer  306  can be made aware of merchants  304   a - 304   d  by various marketing and/or advertising strategies employed by program provider  302 , such as by television advertising, radio advertising, and advertising in print, or by using internet technologies to advertise, such as described above. All of this is directed to enhancing the likelihood that consumer  306  will patronize a participating merchant  304   a - 304   d  rather than a non-participating merchant  904  or  906 . Accordingly, the present invention provides a marketing program for merchants and consumers that results in benefits to both.  
         [0073]     The present invention is now further described with reference to three examples.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0074]     A consumer  306  wants to buy a camcorder that is sold for the same price by a non-participating merchant  904  as well as by a participating merchant  304   a . Since merchant  304   a  is a participating member of program provider  302  and carries the logo  902 , consumer  306  elects to purchase the camcorder from merchant  304   a  in order to take advantage of the rewards offered by program provider  302 .  
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0075]     A consumer, Steve, is accustomed to eating lunch at any one of six restaurants near the company where he works. Eventually, two of those restaurants display logo  902  provided by program provider  302 , thereby indicating that the two restaurants are participating merchants. Steve, thereafter, decides to participate in the program offered by program provider  302 , and thereafter eats lunch exclusively at one of the two participating restaurants. After each lunch, Steve, provided his card  308  and accumulated credits. Eventually, Steve redeems his earned credits for a sweepstakes card and wins $10,000.00. He still eats lunch at the two participating restaurants.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0076]     A consumer  306 , Mary, decides to book a vacation over the internet. While reviewing various popular internet travel web sites, Mary discovers that only one displays logo  902 , thereby identifying that particular travel web site as a participating merchant. Accordingly, Mary decided to book with the respective on-line travel agent  304  to take advantage of the program and earn credits.  
         [0077]     The present invention is now further described with reference to flow charts shown in  FIGS. 10-14 , as well as the drawings previously described.  
         [0078]      FIG. 10  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider  302  defining and establishing merchant selection groups in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0079]     In step S 100 , program provider  302  establishes a rule that includes a criterion or criteria of merchants required for merchants to join a select group of merchants. For example, the rule identifies a particular geographic location and maximum number of employees that a merchant must have in order to join the select group. In addition to establishing rules for select groups of merchants, program provider  302  establishes rules regarding the numbers of credits provided for purchases from participating merchants according to their respective groupings (step S 102 ). Further, program provider  302  establishes awards that are provided when a consumer  306  redeems his credits.  
         [0080]     Continuing with reference to the flowchart in  FIG. 10 , in step S 104  program provider  302  invites merchants to join the defined selected group of merchants. This may be done, for example, by media advertising (e.g., television, radio, and printed publications), personally visiting merchants, or by advertising over the internet. Merchants that desire to join the select group preferably transmit information to program provider  302  that identify characteristics about the merchants, and program provider  302  preferably stores the information in database  502  (step S 106 ). Those merchants that have the required characteristic are identified and the available groups of merchants are populated (step S 108 ).  
         [0081]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider  302  establishing consumers as participating in a program as defined herein.  
         [0082]     In step S 200 , program provider  302  invites consumers to participate in a reward program, in accordance with the teachings herein, and to become participating consumers  306 . This may be done, for example, by media advertising (e.g., television, radio, and printed publications), personally soliciting consumers in various merchants&#39; store locations, or by advertising over the internet. In one embodiment, consumers may be offered an incentive, such as an initial number of free credits or some good/service, to become a participating consumer  306  as a sign-up bonus. Preferably, program provider  302  receives and stores information from a consumer, such as the consumer&#39;s name, e-mail address and/or contact information regarding the consumer (step S 202 ).  
         [0083]     Continuing with reference to the flowchart in  FIG. 11 , when in receipt of the consumer&#39;s information, program provider  302  registers the consumer as a participating consumer  306  (step S 204 ). The consumer is preferably assigned a unique identifier (step S 206 ), and a participating card  308  for use in recording transaction credits arising from purchases from participating merchants.  
         [0084]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a program provider  302  tracking purchases and maintaining consumer credit balances in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0085]     In step S 300 , program provider  302  preferably receives information from a consumer  306  and/or merchant  304  (e.g., merchant  304   a ) regarding a purchase. For example, after a consumer  306  pays for an item from merchant  304   a , he hands his card  308  to the merchant, who transmits information to program provider  302  identifying consumer  306  (e.g., by swiping card  308 ) and the respective purchase. Thereafter, program provider  302  issues a number of credits to consumer  306  corresponding to the respective purchase price (step S 302 ). Eventually, program provider  302  receives a request from consumer  306  to redeem credits in his account for a good or service (step S 304 ). Program provider identifies available goods/services for consumer  306 , and provides a particular good/service in accordance with consumer&#39;s  306  selection (step S 306 ). Alternatively, consumer  306  has no choice in the particular award, and simply receives a good and/or service (such as a rebate or a sweepstakes card and a chance for winning cash) from program provider  302 .  
         [0086]      FIG. 13  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a merchant  304  participating in a program in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0087]     In step S 400 , a merchant registers with program provider  302  and becomes a participating merchant. As described above, merchants preferably identify characteristics of themselves to program provider  302  in order to become members of one or more merchant groups. Once registered, as stated by participating merchant  304   a  of goods/services are made to a participating consumer  306  (step S 402 ). During the sale, the merchant  304   a  receives cash, a credit card or other form of payment and consumer&#39;s participating (ID) card  308   h  (step S 404 ). Merchant  304   a  accepts the payment and swipes card  308  in card reader  504  (step S 406 ). Thereafter, merchant  304   a  transmits card information to program provider  302  with information regarding the purchase (e.g., the amount of the purchase) (step S 408 ). Thereafter, consumer&#39;s  306  credit balance is updated, and the merchant returns card  308  to consumer  306  (step S 410 ). Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that, as noted above, purchase information can be transmitted to program provider  302  in various ways, including by consumer  306  logging into program provider&#39;s  302  information processor  2  and submitting purchase information in an on-line data entry form.  
         [0088]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart that represents steps associated with a consumer  306  participating in a program in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0089]     In step S 500 , a consumer registers with program provider  302  to become a participating consumer  306 . Consumer  306  receives from program provider  302  an identification number and a participating card  308  (step S 502 ). Thereafter, consumer  306  makes a purchase from participating merchant (step S 504 ). In step S 506 , a determination is made whether consumer  306  provides a card  308  to merchant  304 . If not, then the process branches to step S 508 , and consumer  306  receives a receipt  508  from merchant that contains information regarding the purchase, such as the merchant&#39;s name, the amount of the purchase and a transaction identifier. The merchant transmits the identifier (step S 507 ) so that consumer  306  can thereafter log on to information processor  2  under the control of program provider  302  and transmit information regarding the purchase (step S 510 ). The transaction identifier transmitted by the purchaser is correlated with the one previously transmitted by the merchant as an authentication. This allows a purchaser who forgets this card  508  still to benefit from the transaction.  
         [0090]     Continuing with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 14 , if consumer  306  does provide card  508  to merchant  304 , then the process branches to step S 512  and merchant  304  transmits card information and purchase information to program provider at the point of sale. After program provider  302  receives information regarding the purchase along either branch following step S 506 , the consumer&#39;s credit balance is updated by issuing credits commensurate with the purchase (step S 514 ). In step S 516 , the consumer&#39;s account balance is updated by program provider  302 . Furthermore, purchases from a merchant  304  are tracked, thereby enabling program provider  302  to monitor sales made to a respective merchant  304 . NOTE  
         [0091]     As may now be appreciated, the present invention provides an improved way of encouraging people to use certain businesses over others that do not. Preferably, program provider  302  provides marketing services, such as cooperative or free advertising, and by providing logo  902 , to draw people&#39;s attention to those merchants who are members of the provider&#39;s  302  program. Consumers  306  will receive a benefit by using participating merchants  304  businesses because consumers  306  earn credits that are redeemable for value. The number of credits held by consumer  306  preferably accumulates during purchases from participating merchants  304 . Moreover, consumers  306  may purchase by using any means, such as cash, credit cards, checks, money orders or the like. Further, the present invention is applicable physical “brick and mortar” businesses, on-line businesses, TV shopping or any type of business. Those merchants who participate or partner with program provider  302  will benefit over non-participating merchants because of the increased likelihood that consumers  306  will patronize them. Other benefits include marketing efforts provided by program provider  302 .  
         [0092]     In a preferred embodiment, program provider  302  performs marketing efforts and tracks credits and awards of consumers  306  that patronize merchants  304 . Program provider  302  may receive a fee from participating merchants as part of its revenue, and also profits from discounts on costs associated with redeemable goods and services, whereby the program provider  302  retains a larger percentage of its revenue from merchants. The amount may be a flat fee (depending on the size of the business) to a percentage of the sale or the amount of credits consumers  306  earn by patronizing a respective merchant  304 . Thus, a merchant  304  that makes many sales to consumers  306  may pay more than a merchant  304  who makes very few sales to consumers  306 .  
         [0093]     Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein.