Patent ID: 8560383

Claim:
A computer implemented method for distributing and redeeming manufacturer coupons for a product in a retail environment, the computer implemented method comprising: receiving, by a data processing system of a retailer, an electronic coupon directly from a manufacturer that manufactures the product; linking, by the data processing system of the retailer, the electronic coupon to the product in an inventory control system of the retail environment; selecting, by the data processing system of the retailer, a customer to receive the electronic coupon based on marketing data associated with the customer, whereby the customer is a subscriber in a loyalty coupon system of the retail environment; communicating, by the data processing system of the retailer, the electronic coupon directly to the customer, wherein the electronic coupon is received by the customer via a personal communication device equipped with a selecting function; responsive to receiving a selection of the electronic coupon by the customer which indicates an interest in purchasing the product promoted by the electronic coupon, configuring, by the data processing system of the retailer, an account for a loyalty card associated with the customer in order for the customer to receive a customer reward through the loyalty coupon system for the product promoted by the electronic coupon; responsive to the customer purchasing the product promoted by the electronic coupon using the loyalty card, disbursing, by the data processing system of the retailer, the customer reward to the customer at a point of sale; tracking, by the data processing system of the retailer, a total number of electronic coupons redeemed by each of a mobile telephone number and an email address associated with the customer without using a clearinghouse; and billing, by the data processing system of the retailer, the manufacturer directly for a redeemed electronic coupon without using the clearinghouse.