Patent Publication Number: US-2021192604-A1

Title: Systems and methods for commodity exchanges

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/724,882, filed Dec. 23, 2019, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMMODITY EXCHANGES,” assigned Attorney Docket No. F0835.70000US00, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A commodity is any article of commerce, such as a product, provided to Consumers.  FIG. 1  represents a typical distribution system for commodities to a Consumer. A Consumer  10  visits a retail establishment  20 , either in person or online, to purchase various commodities  21 . The retail establishment  20  provides the commodity  21  to the Consumer  10  in exchange for payment  12 . The retail establishment obtains commodities  31  from a distributor  30  to sell to Consumers. The distributor  30  may obtain the commodities  41  from a wholesaler  40  who obtains the commodities  51  from a manufacturer or producer  50 . In each case, the commodities are obtained based upon payment  22 ,  32 ,  42 . Additionally, the quantity of the commodity decreases at each step from producer  50  to the Consumer  10  and the price increases, with each entity gaining a profit from its transactions. 
     In order to facilitate the sale of commodities, financial services companies  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64  can be involved in any of the transactions in the process. A financial services company provides a payment on behalf of the purchaser. For example, the financial services company  61  provides a payment  14  to the Retailer  20 , in lieu of a payment  12  from the Consumer  10 . The financial services company  61  obtains payment  13  from the Consumer  10  at a later date with interest, fees or other remuneration for providing the credit. Sometimes, the seller (producer  50 , wholesaler  40 , distributor  30 , or Retailer  20 ) provides credit for the purchaser without use of an outside financial services company. 
     The price of many commodities can be extremely volatile over the course of time. Each entity in the sale and distribution process takes steps to minimize its exposure to the volatility. For example, commodities can be purchased and stored when the price is low. However, there are additional costs involved with storage. Sometimes, a purchaser can work the credit terms to get a specified price in connection with a delivery at a specific time in the future. 
     SUMMARY 
     The Assignee has appreciated that Consumers  10  often do not have the opportunity to utilize the price control measures employed by other entities in a distribution system. They may not have the capability of storing large amounts of a commodity and their needs for the commodity can be variable, such that they don&#39;t know when they will need more or how much. The Assignee has appreciated that Consumers may wish to better control their expenses relating to commodities having volatile prices without the need for storage of the commodity. 
     Gasoline is an example of a commodity with a very volatile price. Prices change daily at many retail locations based upon sales, demand and costs from the distributor. Demand for gasoline also varies significantly between periods of heavy travel, such as holiday and vacation times, and other times throughout the year. Moreover, prices vary significantly between retail locations which are relatively close to each other. Furthermore, increased prices at the producer  50  are reflected more quickly at the Retailer  20  than price decreases, due to product storage at each entity along the distribution chain. 
     Many attempts have been made to provide Consumers with the opportunity to purchase gasoline when prices are lower to be delivered in lesser quantities at later times. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 8,065,191 issued to Rodney Senior on Nov. 22, 2011. This patent discloses a computer and Internet based system for purchase and later distribution of gasoline. The patent provides information about how the sale and later distribution is tracked. What the patent does not disclose is how the gasoline is obtained, distributed, and paid for from entities with access to gasoline. It appears that the computerized system might be run by a single entity with one or multiple locations. Such a system is utilized by First Fuel Banks of St. Cloud, Minn. First Fuel Banks has six retail locations in single area. However, such a system cannot be expanded to a more expansive set of retail locations with different ownership, as is common in the gasoline industry. Although stations may sell a specific brand of gasoline and include signage for that brand, the station is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. There is not common ownership or even common pricing structures among stations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,346,616 issued to Young Hwang on Jan. 1, 2013 discloses a system which can be used across multiple retail locations. In that system, a hedging company “sells” the gasoline to Consumers. However, the hedging company does not actually own nor distribute gasoline. When a Consumer obtains the gasoline from a Retailer, the hedging company pays the Retailer the current retail price at that location. The hedging company makes investments to cover any increased costs from the time of purchase to the time of sale. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention substantially overcome the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a system and methods for the sale of commodities by suppliers to be dispensed by retailers which receive the commodity from the suppliers. For example, some embodiments include three unique systems, operated within different entities in a distribution and sales system, which function together to provide a complete operation with efficiencies in communications, transmission, data storage and processing times within each of the three unique systems. In some embodiments, the system may allow consumers to purchase a commodity from a supplier in a quantity larger than the need of the consumer at a given time. The consumer is able to obtain the commodity at various times from one or more retailers of the commodity in amounts less than the total purchased from the supplier. The supplier provides the commodity to the retailer for dispensing to the consumer. 
     According to a first aspect of the invention, a supplier processing system maintains an account on behalf of the consumer relating to amounts of the commodity purchased. The system credits purchased amounts to the account and debits amounts dispensed by a retailer are from the account. According to another aspect of the invention, the supplier processing system maintains an account of amounts of the commodity distributed to the retailer. The supplier processing system credits the retailer&#39;s account for amounts dispensed to consumers when debited from the consumer account. Amounts dispensed by the retailer are automatically transmitted from a point of sale system at the retailer to the supplier processing system. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, the supplier processing system authorizes dispensing of the commodity by the retailer based upon pre-purchased amounts in the consumer account. According to another aspect of the invention, the supplier processing system determines and provides compensation to the retailer when the point of sale system transmits information regarding dispensing the commodity to the consumer. According to another aspect of the invention, the system allows the consumer to purchase both a first commodity and a second commodity from the supplier. The point of sale system at the retailer authorizes and tracks dispensing the first commodity and the second commodity to the consumer. The supplier processing system determines pre-purchased and dispensed amount of both the first commodity and the second commodity. According to another aspect of the invention, supplier processing system operates to allow the consumer to exchange the first commodity for the second commodity in accordance with a conversion ratio. According to other aspects of the invention, the first and second commodities are different types of gasoline. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a financial processing system facilitates the purchase of a commodity from a supplier. To facilitate the purchase and dispensing of the commodity, the financial processing system transfers funds to the supplier for the commodity and the commodity is dispensed to the consumer. The financial processing system further communicates with the supplier processing system and point of sale system to track the purchase and dispensing of the commodity and to maintain accounts for such tracking. According to another aspect of the invention, if the consumer does not have sufficient pre-purchased amounts of the commodity, the financial processing system transfers funds on behalf of the consumer to the retailer for any amounts dispensed which exceed an available amount of pre-purchased commodity. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided for the sale and dispensing of commodities. The system includes three entities. A first entity provides funds to the second entity for the purchase of the commodity. The second entity provides the commodity to at least one third entity for dispensing to consumers. The at least one third entity dispenses the commodity to consumers in amounts less than the amount purchased, but totaling the amount purchased. The present invention includes three processing systems, one at each entity, for communicating and processing information to assist in completion of the sales transactions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram depicting a typical commodity distribution system of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram depicting a representative commodity distribution system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram depicting a representative financial services account system for commodity distribution in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for purchase of gasoline from a Supplier by a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for dispensing of gasoline to a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for dispensing groceries to a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a flow diagram depicting an alternative to a part of the process depicted in  FIG. 5A , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a flow diagram depicting an alternative to a part of the process depicted in  FIG. 5B , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram depicting an alternative to a part of the process depicted in  FIG. 5 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are flow diagrams depicting representative processes for providing gasoline from a Supplier to a Retailer in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is flow diagram depicting a representative process for transfer of gasoline by a first Consumer to a second Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for exchanging a first type of gasoline for a second type of gasoline in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  are flow diagrams depicting representative processes for making charitable contributions in connection with dispensing gasoline in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram depicting a representative financial services account system for commodity distribution in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for purchase of gasoline from a Supplier by a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for dispensing of gasoline to a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for dispensing of groceries to a Consumer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram depicting a representative process for dispensing gasoline when a Consumer does not have a sufficient amount in a Gasoline part of a Consumer Account, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram depicting a representative point of sale system which can be utilized by a retailer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram depicting a representative system which can be utilized by a financial services entity in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram depicting a representative system which can be utilized by a supplier in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for purchase of a quantity of commodities by a Consumer to be dispensed at various times in smaller quantities. For purposes of this description, the commodities to be purchased and dispensed are described as gasoline or groceries. However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these commodities, and can be applied to any commodities for which a Supplier provides, directly or indirectly, the commodities to a Retailer for sale to Consumers. As discussed above with respect to the prior art, a typical distribution chain may include a manufacturer or producer  50 , a wholesaler,  40  and a distributor  30  who are each involved in providing a commodity to the Retailer  20 . Any of these types of entities would be considered a Supplier within the meaning of the present invention. Accordingly, the use of the term Supplier herein may include one or more entities or companies which provides commodities, such as gasoline or groceries, to a Retailer to be sold to a Consumer. 
     A system for sale of commodities, such as gasoline or groceries, in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In the prior art as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a Financial Services Entity  61  can be positioned between the Consumer  10  and the Retailer  20  to facilitate sales to the customer. In accordance with the present invention, a Financial Services Entity  160  is positioned between the customer  110  and a Supplier  130  to facilitate sales by the Supplier  120  to the customer  110 . Commodities sold by the Supplier  130  directly to the customer  110  are dispensed by the Retailer  120  at various times on behalf of the Supplier  130 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the Consumer  110  purchases  113  gasoline or groceries from the Supplier  130  through the Financial Services Entity  160 . In order to purchase gasoline or groceries from the Supplier  130 , the Consumer  110  first creates an account with the Financial Services Entity  160 . An account is similar to a credit and/or debit account as is known in the financial services industry. The account allows the Financial Services Entity  160  to make monetary payments on behalf of the Consumer  110  in accordance with certain terms and conditions. The Financial Services Entity  160  can be any company which provides financial services to consumers  110 . In which case, the Consumer  110  may already have an account with the Financial Services Entity  160  in some form and the account can be altered, modified or added to in order to provide all of the processes of the present invention. The Consumer  110  agrees to prepay or repay  114  the Financial Services Entity  160  for all monetary payments  161  made on behalf of the Consumer  110 , along with any interest or fees to be charged in connection the payments. The Supplier  130  provides  133  information to the Financial Services Entity  160  regarding the types of gasoline or groceries, the quantities, and the prices available for purchase by Consumers  110 . At the request  113  of the Consumer  110 , the Financial Services Entity  160  pays the Supplier  130  for gasoline or groceries of a specified type, amount and price. Although the Financial Services Entity  160  pays for the gasoline groceries, the actual gasoline or groceries is not transferred from the Supplier  130  to the Financial Services Entity  160  nor to the Consumer  110  at the time of purchase. All gasoline or groceries purchased in accordance with the system of the present invention is retained by the Supplier  130  and is dispensed by a Retailer  120  as described further below. 
     The system of the present invention can aid the Consumer  110  in budgeting and controlling costs. Price volatility can be extremely difficult for consumers. With significant price swings, costs can increase dramatically within a short period of time. Larger purchases of commodities when prices are low can help control such costs. However, the ability to store large quantities of commodities can be extremely difficult. Storage space also increases costs. Furthermore, many commodities, such as produce, cannot be reasonably stored for long periods of time. Many consumers do not have the capability to store large quantities. Therefore, the present invention provides a mechanism for consumers to make purchases in quantities to obtain discounts and take advantage of the timing of lower prices without the problems of storage. 
     A type of gasoline refers to any gasoline of a different configuration. Types of gasoline may include gasolines with different octane ratings (commonly 85, 87, 89, 90 and 93), different additives (such as cleaners or ethanol), diesel fuel, racing fuel, airplane fuel, etc. A type of gasoline may also include gasoline available in different geographic areas. 
     Similarly, the system of the present invention can be used for the sale of groceries. With respect to  FIG. 2 , the only change necessary is to change “gasoline” to “groceries”. Instead of types of gasoline, the types of the commodity are different groceries, including brands and sizes. Whereas types of gasoline are generally small in number, groceries include hundreds of SKU. The system of the present invention can be scaled to include the hundreds of SKUs as different types of the commodities. 
       FIGS. 16-18  illustrate an embodiment of the systems utilized at the retailer  120 , financial services entity  160 , and supplier  130  to create a complete sales system according to the present invention. It is known to utilize specialized computerized system for sales of commodities. However, the specific systems utilized in the present invention are not known including communications between the systems represented in  FIGS. 16-18 . 
       FIG. 16  represents a point of sale system  16  which can be utilized at a retailer  120 . A point of sale system  16  is used to collate prices and quantities of commodities and to verify collection of payments to complete purchases. Examples of point of sale systems include checkout lanes for groceries or automated gasoline pumps for gasoline. A point of sale system  16  may be contained in a single device, such as a computerized cash register, but more typically would include several different connected devices. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the point of sale system  16  includes a programmed processor  1601  for performing various steps of the present invention and for operating the various connected devices. Although a single processor  1601  is illustrated, the present invention may include multiple connected processors which perform different functions in operating devices and communicating information between the processors. Connected to the processor  1601  are various devices for performing various functions in connection with the sale of commodities. A barcode reader  1602  can read barcodes on commodity packaging in order to input and collect information about the commodities being purchased. The barcode reader  1602  can also read a barcode on a card or displayed on a smartphone to identify a Consumer  110 . A keypad  1603  is used to input information about the commodities and/or Consumer  110 . For example, the keypad  1603  can be used to input SKUs for the commodities being purchased. The keypad  1603  may also be used to input an account number to identify the Consumer  110  and for the Consumer  110  to input a PIN, password, or code as additional security during identification of the Consumer  110 . A card reader  1604  is used to read a magnetic strip or chip on a card to obtain information identifying the Consumer  110 . A printer  1605  can output a receipt for the purchase of the commodities. A display  1606  can be used to communicate information to the Consumer  110 . A transmitter/receiver  1607  connects the point of sale system  16  to other systems utilized in the present invention. The transmitter/receiver  1607  may be directly connected to the other systems of the present invention, may be connected over a telephone line with a telephone dialer, or may be connected over the Internet with a wired or wireless connection to an Internet access point. The transmitter/receiver  1607  includes appropriate security protocols for authenticating transmissions to the financial processing system  17  (illustrated in  FIG. 17 ) and/or the supplier processing system  18  (illustrated in  FIG. 18 ). A memory  1608  provides storage for the processor in performing the steps in operation of the point of sale system  16 . Programming instructions providing the steps for operation of the point of sale system  16  are also stored the memory  1608 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a financial processing system  17  according to an embodiment of the present invention which can be utilized by a financial services entity  160  to interact with the other entities according to the present invention. As with the point of sale system  16 , the financial processing system  17  may be incorporated into a single device, but preferably includes several connected devices. The financial processing system  17  includes a processor  1701  to control the system and to carry out the functions for operation of the system of the present invention. The processor  1701  is connected to a keyboard  1702  and display  1703  for control by an operator. A database  1704  includes information about accounts (discussed below) and is accessed to verify and update amounts in various accounts as required in performing the functions of the invention. A web server  1705  provides a connection to the Internet so that the Consumer  110  to access their account information and to make purchases of commodities through the system of the present invention. A funds transfer system  1706  operates to transfer monetary funds to the Supplier  130  and/or Retailer  120  as discussed herein. As with the point of sale system  16 , the financial processing system  17  includes a transmitter/receiver  1707  to communicate with the other systems of the present invention. The transmitter/receiver  1707  would operate in a similar manner to the transmitter/receiver  1607  of the point of sale system  16 . A memory  1708  provides storage for the processor in performing the steps in operation of the financial processing system  17 . Programming instructions providing the steps for operation of the financial processing system  17  are also stored the memory  1708 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a supplier processing system  18  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As with the other systems of the present invention, the supplier processing system  18  can be contained in a single device or, preferably, includes several connected devices. The supplier processing system  18  includes a processor  1801 , display  1802  and keyboard  1803 . A database  1804  includes account information relating to the financial services entity accounts and the retailer accounts as discussed below. A delivery system  1805  operates to deliver commodities to Retailers  120 . The quantities, timing and costs associated with delivery of commodities are controlled by the supplier processing system  18  through the delivery system  1805 . An accounts receivable system  1806  is used to charge Retailers  120  for the costs of commodities delivered with appropriate discounts and deductions in accordance with the present invention. A funds transfer system  1807  is used to receive monetary funds from the financial services entity  160  and to transfer monetary funds, as necessary, to the Retailer  120  as discussed below regarding payments of monetary funds. As with the other systems of the present invention, the supplier processing system  18  includes a transmitter/receiver  1808 . The transmitter/receiver  1808  operates in a manner similar to the other transmitter/receivers ( 1607 ,  1707 ) to transmit and receive the information between the various entities in carrying out the present invention. A memory  1809  provides storage for the processor in performing the steps in operation of the supplier processing system  18 . Programming instructions providing the steps for operation of the supplier processing system  18  are also stored the memory  1809 . 
     It should be appreciated that instructions for performing point of sale, financial processing, supplier processing, and/or other functions need not be stored on separate memories  1608 ,  1708  and  1809 . These and other instructions may be stored on any suitable number of physical memories and/or other computer-readable storage media. Further, it should be appreciated that the characterization of components  1608 ,  1708  and  1809  as “memories” does not connote that these components support only read-only access to data stored thereon. Any or all of memories  1608 ,  1708  and  1809  may support volatile (e.g., random access memory) storage, non-volatile storage (e.g., read-only memory), or a combination thereof. 
     Representative accounts utilized in an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Accounts are used by the Financial Services Entity  160  and the Supplier  130  to track the purchase, sale, and dispensing of gasoline (or groceries or other commodities) between them and with the Consumer  110 . The accounts are maintained in the databases  1704 ,  1804  of the financial processing system  17  and the supplier processing system  18 , respectively. There is a Supplier account  230  maintained by the Supplier  130  relating to gasoline paid for by the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Financial Services Entity  160  maintains a Consumer account  260  for each Consumer  110  who participates in the system of the present invention. 
     The Supplier account includes one or more gasoline accounts  231 ,  232 . There is a gasoline account  231 ,  232  for each type of gasoline offered for sale by the Supplier. The gasoline accounts  231 ,  232  represent the amount of gasoline, typically in gallons, of each type which has been paid for by the Financial Services Entity  160 . For groceries or other commodities, an account  231 ,  232  would exist for each type of commodity, generally referenced by SKU numbers. 
     The Financial Services Entity  160  makes a payment, between the funds transfer systems  1706 ,  1807 , to the Supplier  130  for a specific type and amount of gasoline on behalf of a Consumers  110 . Information regarding the type and quantity of gasoline (or other commodity) is sent from transmitter  1707  to transmitter/receiver  1808 . Upon receiving payment and transferred information, the gasoline account  231 ,  232  for the type of gasoline is credited with the amount of gasoline corresponding to payment amount. When gasoline is dispensed utilizing the system of the present invention, as discussed below, the gasoline account  231 ,  232  for the type of gasoline is reduced by the amount of gasoline dispensed. Thus, the account  230  represents the amount of gasoline of each type which has been purchased by the Financial Services Entity  160  on behalf of Consumers but not yet dispensed. 
     The Supplier  130  also maintains a Retailer account  240  for each Retailer  120  to whom it supplies gasoline. As is known in the gasoline industry, the Retailer account  240  has a monetary part  241  which is used by the Supplier to track money paid by and/or owed by the Retailer for gasoline obtained by the Retailer  120  from the Supplier  130 . Typically, the Retailer  120  purchases gasoline from the Supplier  130  and the Supplier  130  delivers the gasoline to the tanks of the Retailer  120 . The amount of gasoline delivered by the Supplier  130  may depend upon the amount purchased by the Retailer  120  or by the space available in the tanks at the time of delivery. The purchase price of the gasoline to the Retailer  120  may depend upon the prevailing rates being charged by the Supplier  130  and any contractual agreements between the Retailer  110  and the Supplier  130  for surcharges or discounts. Depending upon the arrangements between the Supplier  130  and the Retailer  120 , the delivered gasoline are deducted. Often, the Supplier  130  provides credit to the Retailer  120  for gasoline delivered which must be paid within set times. In this case, the cost of the gasoline is debited from the monetary part  241  of the Retailer account  240 , and the account is typically negative representing amounts owed by the Retailer  120 . Amounts owed by the Retailer  120  are periodically processed by the accounts receivable system  1806  of the supplier processing system  18  to generate charges to the Retailer  120 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the Retailer account  240  may also include one or more gasoline parts  242 ,  243 . Gasoline accounts represent gasoline dispensed by the Retailer  120  to the Consumer  110  in the system of the present invention. Each gasoline part  242 ,  243  represents a specified type of gasoline. For other commodities, the Retailer account  240  would have parts  242 ,  243  corresponding to each type of commodity, typically associated with SKUs. 
     As noted previously, other entities may be in the distribution chain between the Supplier  160  and the Retailer  120 . In such a case, each entity would have appropriate accounts corresponding to the Retailer account  240  shown in  FIG. 3 . Gasoline parts and monetary parts would be debited and credited up and down the distribution chain in accordance with each payment or transfer of gasoline. For simplicity, the present invention is illustrated with a Supplier  160  providing gasoline directly to a Retailer  120 . However, the present invention could be implemented by those of skill in the art with other entities in the distribution chain without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     A Consumer account  260  also has several parts. The Consumer account  260  includes a monetary part  261  to track monies paid by and on behalf of Consumers. This part is similar to accounts known in the financial services industry. When the Financial Services Entity  160  makes a payment on behalf of a Consumer  110 , the amount of the payment is debited from the monetary part  261  of the Consumer account  260 . When the Consumer  110  makes a payment  113  (in  FIG. 2 ), the amount of the payment is credited to the monetary part  261  of the Consumer account  260 . Any applicable interest or fees are also debited from the monetary part  261  of the Consumer account  260  at appropriate times. Thus, at all times, the monetary part  261  of the Consumer account  260  represent the amount of money owed by the Consumer  110  to the Financial Services Entity  160 . In accordance with contractual relations between the Consumer  110  and the Financial Services Entity  160 , the Financial Services Entity  160  may require payments  113  of specified amounts from the Consumer and/or refuse to pay the Supplier for additional gasoline based upon the value in the monetary part  261  of the Consumer account  260 . 
     The Consumer account  260  also includes one or more gasoline parts  262 ,  263  representing quantities of different types of gasoline. The gasoline parts  262 ,  263  for a Consumer are credited with the amount of gasoline of a specified type paid for by the Financial Services Entity  160  on behalf of that Consumer  110 . The gasoline parts  262 ,  263  are debited when gasoline of a specified type is dispensed to that Consumer  110 . 
       FIGS. 4-15  are flow charts representing payments made, account credits and debits, and gasoline dispensed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and several variations of that embodiment. The flow charts in  FIGS. 4-15  represent the transfer of information and/or funds between and among the Consumer  110 , Retailer  120 , Supplier  130  and Financial Services Entity  160 . For information being transferred, the information would be transmitted and received by the corresponding transmitter/receiver  1607 ,  1707 ,  1808  of the point of sale system  16 , financial processing system  17 , and supplier processing system  18 , respectively. The transfer of information can be done in any known manner for transmitting and receiving electronic information. The processed for transferring and processing information in each system will not be further discussed in connection with  FIGS. 4-15 . Those of skill in the art would be able to implement the enumerated actions through use of the systems discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 16-18 . 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram representing purchase of gasoline from the Supplier  160  and crediting of appropriate accounts  240 ,  260  upon such purchase.  FIG. 4  represents three entities involved in the process of purchasing gasoline, the Consumer  110 , the Financial Services Entity  160  and the Supplier  130 . The process illustrated herein presumes that the Consumer has already opened an account with the Financial Services Entity  160  with defined credit limits and payment terms. At step  401 , the Supplier  130  provides sales offer information to the Financial Services Entity  160 . Sales offer information may include types of gasoline with corresponding amounts available for purchase and prices. At step  402 , the Financial Services Entity  160  provides the sale offer information to the Consumer  110 . Preferably, the information is provided by means of a web site or computer application, such as via one or more mobile applications. The web server  1705  of the financial processing system  17  includes the sales offer information which can be accessed by the Consumer  110 . The Consumer  110  connects to the web server  1705  from a computer, smartphone or other Internet access device. The Consumer would sign into the website or computer application to obtain the sales offer information and to select and make purchases. At step  403 , the Consumer  110  uses the website or computer application to request a purchase of gasoline in accordance with the terms of the sales offer information. The purchase request would include the type of gasoline and the amount to be purchased. The purchase request is sent to the Financial Services Entity  160 . At step  404 , the Financial Services Entity  160  verifies that the Consumer  110  has sufficient credit and/or funds in the monetary part  261  ( FIG. 3 ) of the Consumer account  260  ( FIG. 3 ) to complete the purchase. If there are insufficient funds, the Financial Services Entity  160  cancels the purchase (step  405 ) and informs the Consumer, through the website or computer application, that the purchase has been canceled (step  406 ). If there are sufficient credit or funds in the monetary part of the Financial Services Entity  160  debits funds for the total cost of the gasoline from the monetary part  261  ( FIG. 3 ) of the Consumer account  260  ( FIG. 3 ) (step  410 ) and credits the amount of gasoline to one of the gasoline parts  262 ,  263  ( FIG. 3 ) of the Consumer account  260  ( FIG. 3 ) for the type of gasoline purchased (step  409 ). The financial services company  160  transfers funds to the Supplier  130  for the amount of the purchase (step  407 ) and provides information regarding the type of gasoline and amount purchased. The Supplier receives the funds and credits one of the gasoline accounts  231 ,  232  for the amount of gasoline purchased (step  408 ) for the type of gasoline purchased. 
     For groceries (or other commodities), the processes of  FIG. 4  would not change substantially. Sales offer information is provided to the Financial Services Entity  160 . The sales offer information would include the groceries available for purchase, the quantities and the prices. The sales offer information may have different prices for different quantities of groceries or may include various discounts based upon total amounts of groceries purchased. Upon purchase by the Consumer  110 , the appropriate grocery parts of the accounts are updated in a manner similar to gasoline accounts. Payment is made in the same manner. 
       FIG. 5A  is a flow diagram representing dispensing of gasoline from a Retailer  120  and debiting of appropriate accounts. At step  501 , the Consumer  110  starts the process for dispensing of gasoline through input of information regarding the Consumer account  260  ( FIG. 3 ) with the Financial Services Entity  160 . This step may be accomplished through use of a card at the gasoline pump of the Retailer  120 . Alternatively, it can be commenced by entry of information by a clerk at the Retailer  120 . The Consumer  110  also selects the type of gasoline. The Retailer  120  sends the information (step  502 ) about the Consumer  110 , and the type of gasoline selected, through the interconnected computers to the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Financial Services Entity  160  verifies that the Consumer  110  has a balance in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  for the type of gasoline selected (step  503 ) and transfers an approval to the Retailer  120  (step  503 ). Preferably, the approval includes the number of gallons of gasoline of the type selected available in a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . Upon receipt of the approval, the Retailer  120  allows the selected type of gasoline to be dispensed from the pump (step  505 ). If the Consumer  110  does not have sufficient gasoline in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 , the Financial Services Entity denies dispensing of gasoline and the Retailer  120  terminates dispensing (step  504 ). This is similar to a credit card being declined when attempting to purchase gas under the prior art. 
     When approved, the Consumer  110  dispenses gasoline from the pump (step  506 ). After the gasoline is dispensed, the Retailer  120  transfers the amount of gasoline dispensed to both the Supplier  130  and the Financial Services Entity  160  (step  507 ). Upon receipt of the amount of gasoline dispensed, the Supplier  130  debits the gasoline account of the financial services company (step  509 ) and credits the Retailer account (step  510 ). The processes for crediting the Retailer account are discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B . The Financial Services Entity  160  debits the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  (step  611 ) for the type of gasoline dispensed. 
     An alternative embodiment of the invention is also illustrated in  FIG. 5A . In this embodiment, the Retailer does not transmit the amount of gasoline dispensed to the Supplier  130 . Instead, upon receipt of the amount of gasoline dispensed from the Retailer  120 , the Financial Services Entity  160  transmits that information to the Supplier  130  (step  511 ). The Supplier  130  takes the same steps described above to debit the Gasoline Account  231 ,  232  (step  509 ) and credit the Retailer Account  240  (step  510 ) in response to the information from the Financial Services Entity  160  as it would if it had received the information from Retailer  120 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in connection with the sale of groceries or similar commodities. With gasoline, the Consumer  110  dispenses a single type of gasoline as a single purchase. For groceries, the Consumer  110  would have many different types of groceries in a single purchase. For each of the groceries, the accounts would need to be checked to determine if that specific grocery item had sufficient quantity available in the consumer accounts. Therefore, the process is slightly changed, as illustrated in  FIG. 5B  to change the approval processes. At step  520 , the Consumer  110  selects the desired groceries and enters them into the point of sale system  16  at the Retailer. The Consumer  110  can enter the groceries in known manners using the barcode reader  1602  and/or keypad  1603 . The Consumer  110  would also enter account information using the keypad  1603  or card reader  1604 . After all of the groceries have been entered, the Retailer  120  transmits the entire grocery list to the Financial Services Entity  160  at step  521 . At step  521 , the Financial Services Entity  160  checks the Consumer accounts to determine quantities of each grocery item available in those accounts. The Financial Services Entity  160  transmits to the Retailer an approved list of groceries and quantities for which the Consumer  110  has sufficient amounts in the accounts. At step  523 , the Retailer  120  removes the cost for all approved grocery items. The Consumer  110  would then pay any remaining balance at step  524 . There would be a remaining balance if the Consumer  110  was purchasing more of an item than was available in their account for that item or if an item was not part of the sales offer information from the Supplier  130 . The Consumer  110  would pay the balance in the ordinary manner with cash, credit, or debit at the Retailer  120 . The Consumer  110  could use the monetary part of the consumer account with the Financial Services Entity  160  to make the payment in which case, the Financial Services Entity  160  would function like any other credit or debit card company. After the Retailer  120  receives payment at step  252 , the Consumer  110  is able to leave with the groceries. At step  526 , the Retailer  120  transmits the approved items dispensed to the Consumer  110  to both the Supplier  130  and Financial Services Entity  160 . As with the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5A , the Financial Services Entity debits the dispensed amounts from the consumer accounts at step  527 . The Supplier  130  debits the dispensed amounts from the Financial Services Entity accounts at step  529  and credits the Retailer accounts at step  530 . Alternatively, the Financial Services Entity  160  can transmit the dispensed amounts to the Supplier  130  at step  528 . 
     In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the Retailer  120  communicates with the Financial Services Entity  160  to obtain approval to dispense gasoline or groceries. In another embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the Retailer  120  communicates only with the Supplier  130 . In this embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 6A , the Retailer performs the same steps, as in the prior embodiment, of transmitting a request to dispense gasoline (step  502 ), canceling the dispensing of gasoline (step  504 ), allowing dispensing of gasoline (step  505 ) and transmitting the amount of gasoline dispensed (step  507 ), which are designated with the same reference numbers as in  FIG. 5 . However, the communications go to the Supplier  130  instead of the Financial Services Entity  160 . Upon receipt of a request to dispense gasoline, the Suppler  130  forwards the request to the Financial Services Entity  160 . As in the prior embodiment, the Financial Services Entity  160  determines if the Consumer  110  has sufficient gasoline in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . The approval (or denial) is transmitted to the Supplier  130 , which forwards the approval (or denial) to the Retailer  120  (steps  604 ,  605 ). After the gasoline is dispensed, the Retailer transmits the amount dispensed only the Supplier  130 . As in the previous embodiment, the Supplier  130  debits the dispensed amount from one of the Gasoline Accounts  231 ,  232  and credits the Retailer Account  240  (steps  609 ,  610 ). The Supplier  130  also transmits the amount of gasoline dispensed to the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Financial Services Entity  160  debits the amount of gasoline dispensed from one of the Gasoline parts  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . 
     Similarly, in this embodiment with respect to the sale of groceries, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the Retailer  120  performs the same steps as illustrated in  FIG. 6A . At step  521 , the grocery list is transmitted. However, in this embodiment, the grocery list is transmitted to the Supplier  130 , not the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Supplier  120  retransmits the grocery list to the Financial Services Entity  160  at step  611 . As in the embodiment of  FIG. 6A , at step  522 , the Financial Services Entity  160  checks the groceries accounts to determine the quantities available in the Consumer accounts for each grocery item. An approval for groceries, including the amounts approved, is transmitted to the Supplier  130 . The Supplier  130  transmits the approval to the Retailer at step  602 . The Retailer removes all charges for the approved items from the total at step  523 , and the Consumer  110  pays any remaining balance due for groceries. After receiving payment, at step  525 , the Retailer  120  transmits the approved and purchased items back to the Supplier  130 . The Supplier  130  debits the dispensed items from the grocery accounts at step  529  and credits the Retailer account for those dispensed items at step  530 . The Supplier  120  also transmits the dispensed items to the Financial Services Entity  160  which debits the dispensed items from the Consumer account at step  527 . 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the Retailer  120  may limit the amount of gasoline which can be dispensed based upon the approval from the Financial Services Entity  160 . Alternatively, the approval from the Financial Services Entity  160  may allow the Consumer  110  to dispense more gasoline than is in the gasoline account.  FIG. 7  is flow diagram representing the steps which occur upon such approval being sent to the Retailer  120 . The Retailer preforms the same initial steps in dispensing gasoline. It transmits, directly or indirectly, a request to dispense gasoline (step  502 ) and either starts dispensing gasoline (step  505 ) or cancels dispensing of gasoline ( 504 ) based upon receipt of an approve (or denial) from the Financial Services Entity  160 . 
     As in prior embodiments, the Financial Services Entity  160 , determines if the Consumer  110  has a sufficient amount in a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  (step  703 ). If the Consumer does, the Financial Services Entity transmits an approval to the Retailer  120  to start dispensing gasoline (step  505 ). However, if the Consumer does not have a sufficient amount, the Financial Services Entity  160  verifies if the Consumer  110  has sufficient funds, either through prepayment or as credit, in the Monetary part  261  of the Consumer Account  260  to purchase additional gasoline (step  704 ). If the Consumer has sufficient funds, the Financial Services Entity  160  transmits an approval to dispense gasoline. This approval includes an approved amount of gasoline corresponding to the amount in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . The approval also includes an indication that an additional amount of gasoline can be dispensed and will be paid for. 
     The Retailer  120  does not limit the amount of gasoline which can be dispensed to the approval amount. Instead, after the total gasoline has been dispensed, the Retailer determines if the amount dispensed exceeds the approval amount of gasoline (step  705 ). If the dispensed amount is below the approval amount, the Retailer  120  transmits the dispensed amount to the Financial Services Entity (step  507 ). The Retailer may also transmit the dispensed amount to the Supplier  130  as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 5 . If the dispensed amount exceeds the approval amount, the Retailer  120  transmits the approval amount, the amount of gasoline dispensed over the approval amount, and the cost of the extra gasoline at the current Retailer price (step  706 ). The Retailer may also transmit the approval amount to the Supplier  130 , which represents the amount of gasoline dispensed which was pre-purchased from the Supplier  130 . Alternatively, the Financial Services Entity  160  transmits the information to the Supplier. The Supplier  130  debits and credits accounts in the same manner as described above with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The Financial Services Entity  160  debits either the dispensed amount (if less than the approval amount) or the approval amount from a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . The Financial Services Entity further debits the cost of the extra gasoline from the Monetary part  261  of the Consumer Account (step  708 ) and transfers funds to the Retailer  120  to cover the cost of gasoline over the approval amount of gasoline (step  708 ). The debiting of the Monetary part of the Consumer Account and the payment of funds to the Retailer  120  works in the same manner as it would for an ordinary credit account on behalf of the Consumer  110 . 
     Since the Supplier  130  has sold the gasoline and the Retailer  110  has dispensed the gasoline, the Supplier  130  needs to compensate the Retailer  110  for the gasoline which has been dispensed. Compensation is provided the Supplier  130  through the crediting of the Retailer Account  240  (step  510  in  FIG. 5 ). Since the Supplier  130  delivers gasoline to the Retailer  120  for sale, crediting of the Retailer Account  240  is used to offset amounts which would otherwise be owed by the Retailer  120  to the Supplier  130 .  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are flow diagrams representing two embodiments of the invention for crediting of the Retailer account by the Supplier  130 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 8A , the Retailer account includes a Monetary part  241  ( FIG. 3 ) and one or more Gasoline parts  242 ,  243  corresponding to types of gasoline sold by the Retailer  120 . The Retailer  120  transmits the amount and type of gasoline dispensed, directly or indirectly, to the Supplier  130  (step  507 ), as discussed above. Upon receipt of the information from the Retailer that gasoline has been dispensed (step  801 ), the Supplier  130  credits the gasoline account of the Retailer for the amount of gasoline dispensed (step  802 ). When gasoline is later delivered to the Retailer (step  806 ), the amount of gasoline in the Gasoline part  242 ,  243  of the Retailer Account  240  is deducted from the delivered amount (step  808 ) before charges are applied to the Monetary part  241  of the Retailer Account  240  (step  809 ). In this manner, gasoline is supplied to the Retailer to cover the amounts dispensed under the system of the present invention without charge and without regard to the prices of gasoline at the times it was acquired by the Retailer  120 , dispensed by the Retailer  120 , or delivered by the Supplier  130 . 
     However, the Retailer  120  also has received no profit on the dispensed gasoline, nor have any expenses been covered relating to the provision of the dispensed gasoline. Preferably, the Supplier  130  would provide some compensation to the Retailer  120  for providing the gasoline. Such compensation could be built into the prices charged by the Supplier  130  to the Retailer  120  for gasoline. Alternatively, the Supplier  130  can provide a credit to the Retailer  120  based upon the amount of gasoline dispensed. Accordingly, upon receipt of an amount of gasoline dispensed (step  801 ), the Supplier determines a credit amount to be provided to the Retailer  120  (step  803 ). The credit amount could correspond to lost profit and expenses (or some portion thereof) on a per gallon basis or some other way. The credit amount is credited to the Monetary part  241  of the Retailer Account  240 . Any credits in the Monetary part  241  of the Retailer Account  240  are applied against amounts owed by the Retailer  120  for gasoline delivered to the Retailer  120  or in the future. Thus, the Supplier  130  provides monetary compensation ( 135  in  FIG. 2 ) to the Retailer for dispensing gasoline on its behalf under the system of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8B  illustrates the process for another embodiment of the invention in which the Retailer Account  240  does not include a Gasoline parts  242 ,  243 . In this embodiment, when the dispensed amount is received (step  801 ), the Supplier  130  determines a monetary equivalent for the amount of gasoline dispensed (step  810 ). Preferable, the monetary equivalent would be based upon the current price at which the Supplier  130  sells gasoline to the Retailer  120  plus an amount for profit and expenses. The Supplier  130  credits the Monetary part  241  of the Retailer Account  240  with the determined monetary equivalent (step  811 ). As in the previous embodiment, any credits in the Monetary part  241  of the Retailer Account  240  are applied against amounts owed by the Retailer  120  for delivery of gasoline from the Supplier  130 . 
     For groceries, the processes illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are not significantly different than for gasoline. In  FIG. 8A , at step  507 , the Retailer transmits the list of dispensed grocery items and quantities, rather than a single amount of gasoline. Alternatively, the Retailer  120  could transmit each item and quantity in separate transactions, in which case, it would be identical to dispensed amounts of a type of gasoline. Upon receipt of the dispensed amounts of groceries, the Supplier credits the grocery parts (instead of the gasoline part) at step  802 . The Supplier also determines a profit credit and credits the monetary part of the Retailer account at steps  802  and  803 . When the Retailer  120  needs additional stock, it requests a delivery of grocery items from the Supplier at step  805 . The Supplier  130  delivers the groceries and deducts all credited grocery items from the grocery parts of the Retailer account from the amounts delivered to the Retailer  120  before determining charges for the groceries delivered. The Supplier debits the monetary part of the Retailer account for the adjusted amount of groceries delivered. The Retailer  120  only owes for the adjusted amounts, less any remaining credits from the profit credits determinations. 
     The process illustrated in  FIG. 8B  would also be applicable to the sale of groceries. In this embodiment, the Retailer account does not include grocery parts. Upon receipt of dispensed groceries, the Supplier determines a dispensing credit for the dispensed groceries. The dispensing credit would be based upon the current prices charged by the Supplier to the Retailer for each grocery item plus an amount compensating the Retailer for its forgone profit and costs associated with a sale of those items. The Retailer account is credited with the determined amount. When future deliveries are made to the Retailer, any credits in the Retailer account offset a portion of the charges for the delivered items. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a Consumer  110  can transfer amounts in a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  to the Consumer Account  270  another Consumer  111 .  FIG. 9  is a flow diagram representing a such as transfer according to an embodiment of the invention. The Consumer  110  accesses account information at the Financial Services Entity and selects an amount and type of gasoline available in a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260 . The Consumer  110  transfers the amount and type of gasoline to the Financial Services Entity  160  along with information about the Consumer  111  to receive the gasoline amount (step  901 ). Upon receipt of the transfer information, the Financial Services Entity  160  verifies that the Consumer  110  has a sufficient amount in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  (step  902 ) and that Consumer  111  has a Consumer Account  270  (step  904 ). If Consumer  110  does not have a sufficient amount in the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  or Consumer  111  does not have a Consumer Account  270 , the transfer transaction is canceled (step  903 ). Otherwise, the Financial Services Entity  160  debits the Gasoline part  262  of the Consumer Account  260  for the Consumer  110  (step  905 ) and credits a Gasoline part  272  of the Consumer Account  270  of the other Consumer  111  (step  906 ). The Financial Services Entity  160  informs the Consumer  110  that the transfer has been completed (step  908 ). The Financial Services Entity may charge a fee in connection with transfer of gasoline amounts between Consumer accounts. If a fee is charged, a debit is made to the Monetary part  261  of the Consumer Account  260 . The Financial Services Entity  160  may also limit quantities of gasoline which can be transferred or set other limitations in relations to transfers between accounts. Similarly, a Consumer  110  would utilize the same process to transfer amounts of groceries to another Consumer. 
     In the preceding embodiments of the invention, the Supplier  130  has tracked purchasing and dispensing of gasoline based upon gasoline type. The Supplier  130  could allow the Financial Services Entity  160  to exchange one type of gasoline for another type. The Supplier  130  would provide ratios for such conversions. This would allow a Consumer  110  to dispense gasoline of a different type than was originally purchased.  FIG. 10  is a flow diagram representing transfer of amounts between different Gasoline parts  262 ,  263  of a Consumer Account  260 . The Consumer  110  accesses account information at the Financial Services Entity  160  and selects an amount and first type of gasoline available in a gasoline part of the customer account to be converted to second type of gasoline (step  1001 ). The amount and types of gasoline are transferred to the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Financial Services Entity  160  verifies that the Consumer  110  has a sufficient amount in the Gasoline part  262  of the Consumer Account for the first type of gasoline (step  1002 ) and debits that amount (step  1004 ). The Financial Services Entity  160  further applies the appropriate conversion ratio to the amount of gasoline (step  1005 ) and credits the gasoline account for second type of gasoline for the amount after the conversion ratio has been applied (step  1006 ). The Financial Services Entity  160  further transfers to the Supplier  130  the amount of gasoline to be converted and the first and second types of gasoline. (not shown) Upon receipt of this information, the Supplier similarly debits the gasoline account for the first type of gasoline for the amount and credits the gasoline account for the second type of gasoline for the amount after applying a conversion ratio. The Financial Services Entity  160  informs the Consumer  110  that the exchange has been made. As with transfers between accounts, the Financial Services Entity  160  may charge a fee to perform an exchange. The Financial Services Entity  160  debits the Monetary part  261  of the Consumer Account  260  to cover any fees. The Supplier  130  may also charge a fee for an exchange. In such a case, the Financial Services Entity  160  would transfer funds to the Supplier  130  to cover any such fee. 
     A similar process could be used in connection with groceries. However, because groceries are not as fungible as gasoline types, the system could limit possible exchanges. For example, an exchange might be between different sizes of the same product or between different brands of a product. The process is the same, but only some items would have conversion ratios. Those items without conversion ratios could not be exchanged within the system. 
     Many financial services companies provide various benefits to Consumers in addition to control of finances. These benefits may include cash back on purchases, flight miles for purchases, etc. One benefit from financial services companies and/or Retailers relate to contributions to charitable organizations. These may include the opportunity for the Consumer to round up the purchase amount to an even dollar amount with the extra going to a charitable organization. Embodiments of the present invention can also be used to provide contributions to charitable organizations. Those contributions may be monetary or may be made in the form of credits to a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of a Consumer Account  260  for a charitable organization. When purchasing gasoline, the Consumer may include a portion of the purchase to go to the gasoline account for a designated charitable organization. The Consumer may also transfer amounts of gasoline from the Consumer account to a charitable organization account at any time, as in transferring to another Consumer account.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate other alternatives for charitable giving in connection with the dispensing of gasoline. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , upon receipt of the amount of dispensed gasoline from the Retailer (step  1101 ), the Financial Services Entity  160  determines an adjusted amount of gasoline greater than the dispensed amount (step  1102 ). The adjusted amount may be based upon a next higher even amount of gallons of gasoline. Alternatively, the adjusted amount may be based upon a set amount, such as the next higher 5 gallons or 10 gallons. Alternatively, the adjusted amount may be a percentage of the dispensed amount. The Consumer  110  may be able to select the manner of determining the adjusted amount as part of setting up the Consumer Account  260 . The Financial Services Entity  160  debits the Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  the adjusted amount of gasoline (step  1104 ). The Financial Services Company then credits the difference between the adjusted amount and the dispensed amount of gasoline to a Gasoline part of a Consumer Account for the charitable organization (step  1105 ). The Charitable Organization then has access to gasoline to use for its charitable purchases. 
     In another embodiment, the Consumer  110  makes monetary contributions to the charitable organization based upon dispensed gasoline as illustrated in  FIG. 10B . Upon receipt of the amount of dispensed gasoline from the Retailer  130  (step  1101 ), the Financial Services Entity  160  debits the dispensed amount from a Gasoline part  262 ,  263  of the Consumer Account  260  (step  1105 ) as in ordinary operation of the system of the present invention. The Financial Services Entity  160  then determines a Contribution Amount based upon the dispensed amount of gasoline. The Contribution Amount may depend upon the value of the gasoline or may be a flat amount. The Contribution Amount may be based upon the difference in prices of gasoline between the times that the Consumer  110  purchased and dispensed the gasoline. The Contribution Amount is debited from the Monetary part  261  of the Consumer Account  260 . The Contribution Amount is also credited to the Monetary part  261  of a Consumer Account  260  of a charitable organization. Alternatively, the Financial Services Entity  160  can transfer funds to a charitable organization corresponding to the Contribution Amount. In this way, a portion of the savings experienced by the Consumer through the system of the present invention can be contributed to a charitable organization. 
       FIGS. 12-15  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the Supplier  130  maintains the Customer Accounts. In such a case, the Financial Services Entity  160  in many ways functions like a regular credit company.  FIG. 12  illustrates the accounts utilized in this embodiment of the invention. The Financial Services Entity  160  maintains a Customer Account  280  which only includes a Monetary part  281 . Credits and debits are made to the Monetary part  281  of the Consumer Account  280  as they would be for credits and debits to the Monetary part of the Consumer Account of the first embodiment. The Supplier  130  does not maintain Gasoline Accounts on behalf of the Financial Services Entity  160 . Instead, the Supplier  130  maintains Consumer Accounts  250  for each consumer participating in the system. The Consumer Accounts  250  include one or more Gasoline parts  251 ,  252  corresponding to types of gasoline. The Supplier  130  still has Retailer Accounts  240  as in the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 13  is a flow diagram representing the process for purchasing gasoline according to this embodiment. It is similar to the process illustrated in  FIG. 4  for the previously described embodiment. At step  401 , the Supplier  130  provides sales offer information to the Financial Services Entity  160 . Sales offer information may include types of gasoline with corresponding amounts available for purchase and prices. At step  402 , the Financial Services Entity  160  provides the sale offer information to the Consumer  110 . As in the first embodiment, the information is provided by means of a website or computer application, such as mobile applications. At step  403 , the Consumer  110  uses the website or computer application to request a purchase of gasoline in accordance with the terms of the sales offer information. At step  404 , the Financial Services Entity  160  verifies that the Consumer  110  has sufficient credit and/or funds in the Monetary part  281  of the Consumer account  280  ( FIG. 12 ) to complete the purchase. If there are insufficient funds, the Financial Services Entity  160  cancels the purchase (step  405 ) and informs the Consumer, through the website or computer application, that the purchase has been canceled (step  406 ). If there are sufficient credit or funds in the monetary part of the Financial Services Entity  160  debits funds for the total cost of the gasoline from the monetary part  281  of the Consumer account  280  (step  410 ). The Financial Services Entity  160  transfers funds to the Supplier  130  for the amount of the purchase (step  407 ) and provides information regarding the type of gasoline, amount purchased and the consumer. The Supplier receives the funds (step  1301 ) and credits one of a Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250  for that consumer for the amount of gasoline purchased (step  1302 ) for the type of gasoline purchased. 
       FIG. 14A  is a flow diagram for the process of dispensing gasoline according to the second embodiment of the invention. This process involves the Consumer  110 , Retailer  120  and Supplier  130 . The Financial Services Entity  160  is not involved in dispensing gasoline in the process. The actions of the Consumer  110  and Retailer  120  are the same as for dispensing gasoline in the first embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . The operation of these steps ( 501 - 507 ) are not repeated here and are the same as in the description of  FIG. 5 . The only difference is that the Retailer  120  transmits all information to the Supplier  130 , rather than to the Financial Services Entity  160 . 
     Upon receipt of a request for approval to dispense gasoline, the Supplier  130  verifies that the Consumer  110  has a sufficient amount in a Gasoline part  251  of a Consumer Account  250  for the type of gasoline selected to be dispensed. If the Consumer Account has a sufficient amount, an approval is sent to the Retailer  120 . Upon receipt of the approval, the Retailer  120  allows the selected type of gasoline to be dispensed from the pump (step  505 ). If the Consumer  110  does not have sufficient gasoline in the Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250 , the Supplier denies dispensing of gasoline and the Retailer  120  terminates dispensing (step  504 ). 
     When approved, the Consumer  110  dispenses gasoline from the pump (step  506 ). After the gasoline is dispensed, the Retailer  120  transfers the amount of gasoline dispensed to the Supplier  130  (step  507 ). Upon receipt of the amount of gasoline dispensed, the Supplier  130  debits the amount of gasoline from the Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250  (step  1402 ) and credits the Retailer account (step  510 ). 
       FIG. 14B  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for dispensing groceries. In this embodiment, the process steps of the Consumer and the Retailer are the same as in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5B and 6B . The Consumer  110  selects groceries at step  520 . The list of grocery items is transmitted by the Retailer  120  to the Supplier  130 . In this embodiment, all Consumer accounts are maintained by the Supplier  120 . Therefore, the Supplier checks whether the Consumer accounts have sufficient quantities of the grocery items from the list at step  1403 . An approval of items from the grocery list for which there are items in the Consumer accounts, and the approved quantities from the accounts, is transmitted by the Supplier  130  to the Retailer  120 . Charges for the approved items are removed by the Retailer at step  523  and the Consumer  110  pays any remaining balance at step  524 . After receiving payment at step  525 , the Retailer transmits the approved and dispensed items to the Supplier  130 . The Supplier debits the dispensed items from the Consumer accounts at step  529  and credits the Retailer account at step  530 . 
       FIG. 15  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for dispensing gasoline when the Consumer  110  does not have a sufficient amount in a Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250 . This process is similar to the process shown in  FIG. 7 , in that an additional amount of gasoline is paid for by the Financial Services Entity  160  at the current retail price. As in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , upon receipt of a request to dispense gasoline from the Retailer  120 , the Supplier  130  determines if the Consumer  110  has a sufficient amount in a Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250  (step  1401 ). If the Consumer does, the Supplier  130  transmits an approval to the Retailer  120  to start dispensing gasoline (step  505 ). However, if the Consumer does not have a sufficient amount, the Supplier  130  sends a request to the Financial Services Entity  160  which verifies if the Consumer  110  has sufficient funds, either through prepayment or as credit, in the Monetary part  281  of the Consumer Account  280  to purchase additional gasoline (step  704 ). If the Consumer has sufficient funds, the Financial Services Entity  160  transmits an approval to the Supplier  130 , which forwards the approval to the Retailer  120  to dispense gasoline. The approval from the Supplier  130  includes an approved amount of gasoline corresponding to the amount in the Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250 . The approval also includes an indication that an additional amount of gasoline can be dispensed and will be paid for. 
     The Retailer  120  does not limit the amount of gasoline which can be dispensed to the approval amount. Instead, after the total gasoline has been dispensed, the Retailer determines if the amount dispensed exceeds the approval amount of gasoline (step  1502 ). If the dispensed amount is below the approval amount, the Retailer  120  transmits the dispensed amount to the Supplier (step  1503 ). If the dispensed amount exceeds the approval amount, the Retailer  120  transmits the approval amount to the Supplier  130  (step  1504 ). The approval amount is debited from the Gasoline part  251 ,  252  of the Consumer Account  250 . The Retailer also transmits the amount of gasoline dispensed over the approval amount, and the cost of the extra gasoline at the current Retailer price to the Financial Services Entity  160 . The Financial Services Entity debits the cost of the extra gasoline from the Monetary part  281  of the Consumer Account  280  (step  708 ) and transfers funds to the Retailer  120  to cover the cost of gasoline over the approval amount of gasoline (step  709 ). The debiting of the Monetary part of the Consumer Account and the payment of funds to the Retailer  120  works in the same manner as it would for an ordinary credit account on behalf of the Consumer  110 . 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 3 and 12 , the Financial Services Entity  160  is a distinct entity from the Supplier  130  and the Consumer  110 . However, the Financial Services Entity  160  could be a part of the Supplier  130  and not a separate entity. Suppliers  130  are known to have financial service entities  160  as part of their corporate structure. For example, large gasoline companies have credit card departments which provide credit to Consumers for purchase of gasoline. The credit card departments operate as a distinct Financial Services Entity within the gasoline company. Such credit card departments, however, operate in the same manner as a Financial Services Entity  61  of the prior art ( FIG. 1 ). They operate to facilitate the sale of gasoline by the Retailer. They do not operate in a manner in accordance with the present invention wherein the Supplier  130  sells the gasoline to the Consumer  110  to be dispensed by the Retailer  120 . Therefore, the inclusion of the Financial Services Entity  160  within the corporate structure of a Supplier  130  is within the present invention. All of the processes performed by the Financial Services Entity  160  are still carried out, just as a part of the Supplier  130 , and communications and transfers between the Supplier  130  and the Financial Services Entity  160  are unnecessary. 
     Taxes can present some unique problems within the system of the present invention, particularly taxes associated with the sale of commodities, such as sales taxes or gasoline taxes. In some cases, taxes may be owed when the Consumer  110  purchases the commodity from the Supplier  130 . In other cases, taxes may be owed when the Consumer  110  receives the commodity from the Retailer  120 . If taxes can be determined at the time of the sale by the Supplier  130 , whether or not due at that time, the Supplier can collect the taxes at the time of sale. If taxes are not due until dispensing, the Supplier  130  would either pay the taxes at that time, transfer the money to the Retailer  120  to pay the taxes, or credit the Retailer Account  240  for the amount of the taxes. If taxes cannot be determined until the time of dispensing, the Financial Services Entity  160  may charge Consumer  110  for the amount of such taxes. The Financial Services Entity  160  could pay those taxes either to the Supplier  130  as with any other payment or to the Retailer  120 , as with a payment for gasoline above the amount in the Consumer Account  260 . Gasoline taxes in the United States provide a good example of the possibilities for collecting and paying taxes. Gasoline taxes are a fixed amount based upon the number of gallons sold. However, there are federal, state and local amounts for these taxes. Since federal gasoline taxes are consistent across the entire country, the Supplier  130  can collect those taxes for the number of gallons of gasoline purchased. The Supplier  130  would supply the amount of those taxes to the Retailer  120  when the gasoline is dispensed so that the Retailer  120  can pay the necessary taxes. State and local taxes depend upon the location of the Retailer  120  which dispenses the gasoline. These taxes can be collected by either the Supplier  130  or Retailer  120  from the Financial Services Entity  160  at the time of dispensing. The Financial Services Entity  160  either collects the amount from the Consumer  110  at a later date, or has a prepayment from the Consumer  110  to cover these taxes. Alternatively, the Supplier  130  can collect an amount for state and local taxes, such as an amount for the location of the Consumer  110 , at the time of purchase. Adjustments would only be necessary if the Consumer  110  dispensed gasoline at a location with a different amount for state and local taxes. In that case, the Consumer  110  might get a credit if taxes are less. 
     It should be appreciated that numerous variations on the particular embodiments described above are possible, and such variations are considered to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, variations on the methods described herein may not include all of the acts described above, may include acts which are not described above, and/or may provide for various acts to be performed in a different order or manner than is described above. Similarly, variations on the interactions between and arrangements amongst entities described herein may not include all of the interactions and arrangements described above, may include interactions and arrangements not described above, and/or may provide for interactions and arrangements between entities in a different order or manner than is described above. The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described above. 
     It should also be appreciated that the invention is not limited to being employed with the particular commodities described above (e.g., gasoline, groceries, etc.). As one of many examples, some embodiments of the invention may enable an individual or entity to pre-purchase carbon tax credits at a particular price. The invention is not limited to supporting the pre-purchase of any particular commodity or commodities. 
     It should further be appreciated that some embodiments of the invention may enable one user to pre-purchase a commodity, and then later transfer some or all of the pre-purchased commodity to another user. In some embodiments, this type of transfer may occur between accounts associated with different users. As one example, an individual may pre-purchase a given quantity of a commodity at a given price, so that the quantity of the commodity is credited to the individual&#39;s account, and later donate that quantity (or some subset) of the commodity to another user, such as to a charity. As another example, a governmental entity may pre-purchase a given quantity of a commodity (e.g., food, gasoline, etc.) at a given price, so that the quantity of the commodity is credited to the governmental entity&#39;s account, and the governmental entity may later disburse the purchased quantity (or some subset) of the commodity to accounts associated with one or more individuals, similar to the disbursement of “food stamps” or other aid programs. As yet another example, transfers between accounts may enable users to barter or exchange commodities. For example, a first user may pre-purchase a quantity of a first commodity, so that the quantity of the first commodity is credited to the first user&#39;s account, and then later agree to transfer that quantity (or some subset) of the first commodity to a second user in exchange for a specified amount of a second commodity. Any of numerous types of transfers of commodities between users and associated accounts may be envisioned. 
     It should be also appreciated that numerous environmental and/or technological benefits may flow from the systems and methods disclosed herein. For example, the ability to pre-purchase gasoline at a low price may cause consumers to limit their gasoline consumption to the amount pre-purchased, if the alternative is having to buy more gasoline at a higher price. This may result in lower gasoline consumption by individual consumers, and by the overall population of consumers who take advantage of the system, and thus lower overall emissions, benefiting the environment. 
     The ability to pre-purchase gasoline at a low price may also result in fewer gasoline purchase transactions, since consumers may have an incentive to purchase an amount of gasoline sufficient to last an extended period upon determining that the price is low, and likely to rise in the future. Fewer gasoline purchase transactions may result in less associated transaction data, and so as a result, a system implemented in accordance with some embodiments of the invention may experience reduced network traffic and latency (i.e., since there may be less transaction data to flow over a given network), and consume fewer processing and storage resources (i.e., since there may be less transaction data to process and/or store), as compared with conventional systems, and thus be less costly to maintain overall.