Patent ID: 8805719

Claim:
A method, performed by one or more processors of a computer system, for providing a floating matrix for compensating customers enrolled in a retail customer referral program based on a position in which a customer is placed within the floating matrix, the method comprising: generating, by the one or more processors, a floating matrix that includes a plurality of positions arranged hierarchically in a plurality of levels, wherein at least one level includes fewer positions than a layer immediately below the level in the floating matrix, the floating matrix for arranging customers enrolled in a program based on performance of the customers in the program; associating, by the one or more processors, a compensation formula with each position in the floating matrix, wherein the compensation formula for at least one position in one level of the floating matrix is different than the compensation formula for at least one position in a second level of the floating matrix, and wherein a compensation formula for a position at a higher level yields a higher compensation amount than a compensation formula for a position at a lower level; for each of a plurality of production periods, performing the following to reposition customers within the floating matrix based on production points earned by the customers during the corresponding production period: accessing, by the one or more processors and for each of a plurality of customers in the program, a number of production points earned by the customer during the corresponding production period, the production points being earned at least partially by one or more of the following: enrolling another customer into the program; enrolling another customer into an auto-purchase program; or attending a training event or activity; placing, by the one or more processors, each customer in the floating matrix based on the number of production points earned by the customer during the corresponding production period such that customers having earned a higher number of production points in the corresponding production period are placed at higher levels in the hierarchy than customers having earned a lower number of production points in the corresponding production period; calculating, by the one or more processors and for each customer in the floating matrix, a compensation amount to be paid to the customer for performance during the corresponding production period, the compensation amount being calculated based on: the compensation formula associated with the position in the matrix to which the customer was assigned based on the number of production points earned by the customer during the corresponding production period; and an amount of sales generated by the customer during the corresponding production period.