Patent ID: 8452652

Claim:
A computer-implemented method of making an optimized suggestion to a user regarding a combination of electronic coupons (e-coupons) for redemption by a retailer, said method comprising: determining, by said computer, if a selection of e-coupons complies with redeeming conditions in relation to a purchase; checking said selection of e-coupons complying with said redeeming conditions, by said computer, to determine mutually exclusive e-coupons of said selection of e-coupons applicable within said purchase, and to determine if two or more non-mutually exclusive e-coupons of said selection of e-coupons can be used in combination within said purchase; defining optimization parameters by a user; performing an optimization process, by said computer, on said selection of e-coupons to maximize a discount amount, a number of loyalty points, and a number of free items, by checking said selection of e-coupons complying with said redeeming conditions and capable of being used in combination within said purchase to determine if said selection of e-coupons satisfy said optimization parameters, said optimization process determining a most favorable combination of non-mutually exclusive e-coupons; before said user makes said purchase, outputting a suggestion to said user, by said computer, displaying said most favorable combination of non-mutually exclusive e-coupons based on said determining said mutually exclusive e-coupons, said most favorable combination of non-mutually exclusive e-coupons comprising only said selection of e-coupons complying with said redeeming conditions and capable of being used in combination within said purchase; saving said displayed most favorable combination of non-mutually exclusive e-coupons determined to comply with said redeeming conditions and capable of being used in combination within the same purchase and choosing another subset of said e-coupons; choosing one of saved sets of e-coupons based on comparing two or more of said saved sets of e-coupons; and recommending to said user to use an additional e-coupon in relation to said purchase based on said choosing one of said saved sets of e-coupons.