WO2013130835A1

WO2013130835A1 - Offering merchant deals and rewarding consumer loyalty

Info

Publication number: WO2013130835A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/028361
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher David WILLIAMS; James Hodges MCALILIEY; Sok Keith VERDERY; Andrew Stephen ABONY; John Eugene MCALILEY, Jr.; Stephen Elliott MOSER; Gordon Howard COURTNEY; Denny Sam ABRAHAM; Adam Brugh FERGUSON
Original assignee: Muzak Llc
Priority date: 2012-02-28
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2013-09-06

Abstract

A mobile device used by a user has a memory device configured to store computer- executable code and a processing device in communication with the memory device. The processing device executes computer-executable code stored on the memory device to search for one or more merchant locations within a predetermined geographic region, the one or more merchant locations each associated with one or more merchants associated with a loyalty program or a coupon program; and initiate presentation of the one or more merchant locations based at least in part on the search. It may provide the user an option to display a profile of one or more of the displayed merchants, provide the user information regarding one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants or provide the user an option of processing one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants.

Description

OFFERING MERCHA T DEALS AND REWARDING CONSUMER LOYALTY

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C §1 19

The present Application for a Patent claims priority to United States Provisional

Application No. 61/604,501 entitled '"System for Offering Merchant Deals and Rewarding Consumer Loyalty" filed February 28, 2012, and is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Merchants typically utilize coupons, special in-store deals, and loyalty programs as a marketing effort to encourage consumer loyalty by rewarding the consumer for doing business with the respective merchant. Traditionally the consumer may receive coupons in weekly newspapers or sales ads. They may also be encouraged to enter a store upon seeing a special in-store deal being advertised while passing a particular merchant. In many cases the consumer is given a loyalty or rewards card to present each time they complete a transaction. In this way, the consumer may be awarded points that will reflect their loyalty with the merchant. They may also be offered specific deals or coupons in addition to the points they receive. In return, the points may be exchanged for particular goods or services. For example, a consumer may receive one point each time they purchase a particular item, and after accumulating 10 points the consumer may receive the item for free.

[0002] At many locations the consumer may be given a punch card. Rather than electronically tracking points, the paper/plastic card is physically punched each time the consumer completes an action, such as purchasing an item, which can be counted towards receiving a reward. When all the required slots have been punched the consumer may present the card to the merchant displaying they are eligible for a particular reward. Flowever, in many cases the consumer may misplace or damage their card prior to receiving their reward. Therefore, the consumer has no way of proving to the merchant that they previously have been a loyal consumer and they are then forced to forfeit their reward and start over. Similarly, a consumer may have misplaced their coupons or may not receive a weekly sales advertisement. In many instances consumers have a particular set of merchants that they frequently visit for all their needs, but they would possibly visit other merchants if they were aware of their existence. [0003] Therefore, a need exist for merchants to be able to make their presence known to a wide variety of consumers within their particular location, to which they could offer special deals and coupons that are not paper-based. Furthermore, a need exists for consumers to be able to track their loyalty with a particular merchant without requiring the use of paper loyalty cards.

BRI EF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the invent ion are directed to mobile devices, systems, methods and computer program products for offering merchant deals/coupons and/or rewarding consumer loyalty.

[0005] According to embodiments of the invention, a mobile device used by a user has a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and a processing device in communication with the memory device and configured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to search for one or more merchant locations within a

predetermined geographic region, the one or more merchant locations each associated with one or more merchants associated with a loyalty program or a coupon program; and initiate presentation of the one or more merchant locations based at least in part on the search.

[0006] In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to provide the user an option to display a profile of one or more of the displayed merchants. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to provide the user information regarding one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to provide the user an option of processing one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants.

[0007] According to embodiments of the invention, a mobile device used by a user has a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and a processing device in communication with the memory device and configured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to access a virtual loyalty card stored in the memory device; initiate presentation of the virtual loyalty card; and stamp the virtual loyalty card in response to an indication that a qualifying transaction has occurred.

[0008] In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to determine whether a reward is available based at least in part on the stamping of the virtual loyalty card. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive user input regarding whether to redeem an available reward.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to, in response to receiving user input to redeem an available reward, initiate presentation of a certificate on the mobile device for presentation to a merchant for confirmation of redemption. In some such embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive information verifying the merchant has viewed the certificate for redemption.

[0010] In some embodiments, the loyalty card is accessed based at least in part on information received from a code associated with a merchant. In some such embodiments, the information is received from a quick response (QR) code associated with the merchant, and the information includes information regarding the loyalty card and information related to stamping the loyalty card.

[001 1] According to embodiments of the invention, a merchant system for use by a user includes a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and a processing device in communication with the memory device and configured to execute computer- executable code stored on the memory device to access a merchant account; initiate presentation to the user of an option to add one or more businesses to the merchant account; initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or more business profiles associated with one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account; initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage coupons associated with one or more businesses associated with the merchant account; and initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or more social media accounts as associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

[0012] In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to add one or more business profiles associated with one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to modify one or more business profiles associated with the one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to add or delete one or more coupons associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

[0013] in some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive input from the user modifying the one or more social media accounts associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to generate one or more reports indicating an average consumer interaction associated with the merchant account. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to generate one or more reports, at least one of which comprising a metric for profile views, at least one of which comprising a number of coupon prints per location, at least one of which comprising a number of coupon prints per business, at least one of which comprising a metric for each individual coupon, and at least one of which comprising a number of coupons redeemed at a speci fic location, in some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to aggregate consumer feedback related to the merchant account associated with a plurality of third-party sites; and initiate presentation to the user of some, all or a representation of the aggregated consumer feedback. In some embodiments, the processing device is further configured to receive consumer feedback related to the merchant account from a third-party site; and initiate presentation to the user of some, all or a representation of the consumer feedback.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method flow for creating a merchant account for communicating one or more offers for goods and/or service, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method of managing a merchant account, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0017] FIG. 3 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method for presenting consumers one or more offers for goods and/or services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 4 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method for consumers receiving one or more offers for goods and/or services via a mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIG. 5 provides a flow diagram illustrating a method for consumer/merchant transactions in order to verify consumer rewards and receive one or more offers for goods and/or services, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 6 provides a diagram illustrating a coupon and rewards program system environment, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIGs. 7A-7B provide scrcenshots illustrating one or more steps shown in FIG. 1 for creating a merchant account, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] FIGs. 8A-8C provide scrcenshots illustrating one or more of sub-steps shown in

FIG. 2 for managing the merchant account, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0023] FIGs. 9A-9I provide screenshots illustrating one or more steps shown in FIG. 4 for consumers receiving one or more offers for goods and/or services via a mobile device, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMB OD 1 M E TS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these

embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used herein a "consumer" refers to a previous consumer or a non-consumer of one or more merchants or entities associated with one or more merchants. Also, as used herein, the term "a" and/or "an" shall mean "one or more," even though the phrase "one or more" is also used herein. Furthermore, when it is said herein that something is "based on" something else, it may be based on one or more other things as well. In other words, unless expressly indicated otherwise, as used herein "based on" means "based at least in part on" or "based at least partially on." Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0025] Various embodiments or features will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products. It may be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instruct ions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[0027] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block(s).

[0028] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block(s). Alternatively, computer program implemented steps or acts may be combined with operator or human implemented steps or acts in order to carry out an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, as used herein, the term "product" shall mean one or more goods, services, events, etc. that may be offered by a merchant. In addition, the term "offer" is used herein to denote any form of offer, promotion, rebate, coupon, incentive, reward, deal, loyalty program and/or the like offered for the purchase, lease, and/or the like of a product. A "coupon" as used herein may refer to a deal and/or the like of a product. A "transaction" as used herein may refer to a purchase, lease, barter, and/or any other form of transfer of product from a merchant to a consumer. A "merchant" as used herein may refer to a manufacturer, retailer, service provider, event provider, warehouse, supplier, and/or the like. It should be noted that terms "merchant profile" and "business profile" may be used interchangeably throughout the specification.

[0030] According to various embodiments of the invention, a mobile device used by a user has a memory device configured to store computer- executable code and a processing device in communication with the memory device. The processing device is configured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to search for one or more merchant locations within a predetermined geographic region, the one or more merchant locations each associated with one or more merchants associated with a loyalty program or a coupon program; and initiate presentation of the one or more merchant locations based at least in part on the search. In some embodiments, it also provides the user an option to display a profile o one or more of the displayed merchants. In some embodiments, it also provides the user information regarding one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants. In some embodiments, it also provides the user an option of processing one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the invention, a processing device of the mobile device is configured to access a virtual loyalty card stored in the memory device, initiate presentation of the virtual loyalty card and stamp the virtual loyalty card in response to an indication that a qualifying transaction has occurred. In some such embodiments, the mobile device also determines whether a reward is available based at least in part on the stamping of the virtual loyalty card. In some embodiments, it receives user input regarding whether to redeem an available reward. In some embodiments, in response to receiving user input to redeem an available reward, the processing device initiates presentation of a certificate on the mobile device for presentation to a merchant for confirmation of redemption. In some of these embodiments, the mobile device receives information verifying the merchant has viewed the certificate for redemption. In some embodiments, the loyalty card is accessed based at least in part on information received from a code associated with a merchant. In some embodiments, the information is received from a quick response (QR) code associated with the merchant, and the information includes information regarding the loyalty card and information related to stamping the loyalty card.

[0032] According to some embodiments, a merchant system includes a memory device configured to store computer-executable code and a processing device in communication with the memory device and configured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to access a merchant account, initiate presentation to the user of an option to add one or more businesses to the merchant account, initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or more business profiles associated with one or more business previously associated with the merchant account o the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account, initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage coupons associated with one or more businesses associated with the merchant account, and initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or social media accounts as associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, a flowchart i llustrates a method 100 for creating a merchant account for communicating one or more offers for goods and/or services according to the embodiments of the invention. The offcrs(s) may be communicated to a select set of consumers determined from a group of potential or current consumers within a geographic area, such as within a predetermined distance of a merchant's place of business. As represented by block 102, a merchant 610 is first prompted to sign-up and create a merchant account via a website. A merchant account will allow the merchant 610 to create/manage a business profile and create/manage online coupons, deals, and/or consumer loyalty programs. It should be noted that, in all instances, merchant 610 interaction with the merchant account may occur via a merchant system 606. Merchant systems may include computers, registers, mobile devices, digitals signs, and the like. Merchants may create an account via a website using a standard sign up form and a valid email address. Merchants may also use existing accounts (e.g., Facebook account , Twitter account, etc.) to create an account. Upon completion of the sign-up process the merchant will receive an email confirmation.

[0034] As represented by block 104, after a merchant account has been successfully created the merchant 610 has the option of managing the account using a website. Account management may include adding one or more businesses to the merchant profile and assigning locations to the various businesses. In addition, the merchant may create/edit coupons, deals, and/or loyalty programs to present to various consumers. Furthermore, the merchant may choose to add one or more of their social media accounts to be promoted through their profile.

[0035] As represented by block 106, the merchant 610 may utilize a reports feature for generating reports indicating average consumer interaction with the merchant profile. In this way, merchants are provided with basic reports when they choose the reports option. Reports may include metrics for profile views, coupon prints per location, coupon prints per business, metrics for each individual coupon, and the like. Merchants may also view reports indicating how many coupons have been redeemed at particular locations. In this way, the merchant 610 may have leverage in strategizing which types of offers to present to consumers based on the overall interest indicated in the consumer reports.

[0036] As represented by block 108, merchants may also have the option of viewing consumer feedback. An option for consumers to provide feedback may be displayed on each business profile. Consumer feedback may be provided via a third-party site. In some embodiments, a link to a third-party feedback site may be provided. In other embodiments, a text box and/or form for consumers to input feedback may be displayed. In some instances, feedback may be viewed by the administrator of the merchant profile. In other embodiments, the system may link to one or more third-party sites in order to aggregate consumer feedback from multiple third-party sites and display the feedback collectively in one view. In another embodiment, the merchant 610 may run reports analyzing the aggregated consumer feedback.

[0037] In various embodiments, one or more of sub-steps shown in FIG. 2 are included in managing the merchant account 104. As represented by block 200, the merchant 610 first accesses their merchant account from a merchant system 606 using a website by inputting their login credentials, such as a consumer name and password. In an instance where a merchant 610 is unable to access their account due to inaccurate credentials, they may be prompted to complete security requirements for verifying their identity. They may then be able to reset their user name and/or password.

[0038] As represented by block 202. once the merchant 610 has successfully accessed their account they may add one or more businesses to their merchant pro file. Merchants can add multiple businesses to their account by filling out a form that includes their business name, description, website URL, social media information (e.g., their Facebook page), and/or tags that relates to the category of their business. The form may also allow the merchant 61 to add a location to their business. For each business added, a business profile will be generated. The business profile will serve as a consumer-facing page, which the consumer 602 can interact with from various end devices (e.g., computer, mobile device). The merchant 610 may later edit their initial business profile settings.

[0039] As represented by block 204, after the initial setup of a business the merchant 610 has the option of managing a business profile, within the merchant account for each respective business that has been added. The merchant 610 may access the management profile to make changes, delete the business, and the like. The merchant 610 may access a list of management profiles for the businesses they currently have added to make desired changes to a particular business. Changes may include adding and/or deleting locations on a business listing, adding or deleting business descriptions and/or contact information, adding or deleting social media sites, and the like. Managing a business profile may also include business verification. The merchant 610 may verify their business in multiple ways. In one embodiment, the merchant 610 may verify their business by verifying the business telephone. Within the management profile the merchant may select an option to verify their phone. The merchant 610 may be automatically called using a third-party application and prompted to enter a verification code. Upon entering a valid code, the business will show as verified, in other embodiments, the merchant 610 may verify their business by verifying the business website. The merchant 610 may add content, such as a portion of HTML code, to their website. A nightly service is then used to check for the presence of the HTML code on the merchant 's website. Upon verifying that the HTML is present, the business will show as verified. Managing a business profile may also include managing business locations. In one embodiment there is a link to add locations of the management profile for each business in the consumer's account. Merchants may manage their business location information and customize the location of their business by interacting with a location map. in one embodiment the merchant 610 may click a particular location on the location map and the location address and GPS coordinates will be automatically assigned to the business. In other embodiments the merchant 610 may choose to display the location map on their business profile, displaying one or more locations of the business. Each business may have an unlimited number of locations. In another embodiment, the merchant 610 may sell/exchange space on their business profile to other merchants. In this way, the merchant 610 would advertise another merchants business, including offering coupons, deals, and rewards for their products.

[0040] As represented by block 206, after the merchant 610 creates a business they have the option to add coupons for the business. The merchant 610 can associate each coupon with one or more locations. The merchant 610 may also manage their coupons through the management profile for the particular business. Managing coupons may include adding, editing, and/or deleting various coupons. In one embodiment, the merchant 610 may add an unlimited number of coupons and later decide which coupons they want to publish/display on the public site. In one embodiment, the merchant may choose to publish/display coupons via text, mobile sms, email, digital signs, and the like. In one embodiment the merchant 610 may be provided with an interactive form to show a preview of the coupon as the information associated with the coupon is filled in. In other embodiments the merchant 610 may fill in an expiration date for the coupon and the coupon will be automatically removed from the business profile page after the specified expiration date, such as by the coupon and rewards application 644 (FIG. 6). The merchant 610 may have the option to limit the number of people that can print each coupon. In one embodiment, after the print limit has been reached, the coupon will be removed from the business profile. In other embodiments, after the print limit has been reached, the coupon will display that it is no longer available due to maximum allocation requirements being reached, in this way, consumers will be encouraged to frequently check the business's profile to ensure they will be one of the first to view the coupons. The merchant 610 may also create a custom barcode for each coupon. Upon submitting the form, a valid barcode image will be generated for the text that was entered in the barcode field. In this way, merchants are able to keep track of coupon redemptions in their own systems.

[0041] As represented by block 208, the merchant 610 may add one or more social media accounts to their business profile. In one embodiment, the merchant may display links to their social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) on their business profile. In other embodiments the merchant 610 may display actual feeds from their social media accounts on their business profile. Social media feeds may include a Facebook profile or Twitter Timeline Feed. Merchants may also have the option to publish/display coupons directly to their social media sites when they publish them to their business profile.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrates a method 300 for presenting consumers one or more offers for goods and/or services according to the embodiments of the invention is shown. The offers(s) may be communicated to a select set of consumers determined from a group of potential or current consumers within a geographic area, such as within a predetermined distance of a merchant's place of business. As represented by block 302, the consumer 602 will first be directed to a consumer-facing home page to search for nearby merchant locations. The consumer-lacing home page may provide a search box form where the consumer 602 can enter the zip-code, city, and/or state where they are searching for coupons. In one embodiment the consumer 602 may also do an advanced search based upon the type of goods and/or services they are looking for. In other embodiments the consumer 602 may specify the exact business for which they want to conduct a coupon search.

[0043] Upon form submission, the consumer 602 is directed to a page, as represented by block 304, which displays a view with results of businesses in the specified area. In one embodiment the consumer 602 may be presented with a list of businesses that meet the search criteria. The list may be sorted according to the merchants 610 proximity to the location initially provided by the consumer 602. In other embodiments, the consumer 602 may be presented with a map displaying results of businesses in the specified area. In this way, the consumer 602 can visualize their proximity to the businesses displayed. In other embodiments, both a map and a listing detailing the search results are provided.

[0044] As represented by block 306, the consumer 602 may then select a desired merchant location. Consumers may click on a business in the map or in the listing. The consumer 602 may then be directed to the business profile listing where they can view/print coupons and information about the business. Consumers may also rate the business on the business profile page. In one embodiment the consumer 602 has the option to select 1 to 5 stars for the business. After the consumer selects and submits a star rating, the system may be prompted to reload the business profile page and display the new rating based upon an average of all consumer ratings. In some embodiments the system may restrict the consumer 602 from rating the business more than once. In other embodiments, the system may allow the consumer 602 to later change their initial business rating. Consumers may also leave comments about each business on their business profile page. Comments may appear on the business profile page after the consumer fills out the comment form and chooses submit. In some embodiments, the consumer 602 comment may be displayed along with their business rating. In this way, other consumers may have a means for justifying why a business received a particular rating. In other embodiments, consumers may provide private feedback that may only be viewed by the merchant account administrator.

[0045] As represented by block 308, once within a business profile, the consumer 602 may have the option to process coupons. Consumers may view a list displaying all coupons that have been added by that particular merchant. In some embodiments, coupons that have expired or reached the print limit are automatically removed by the coupon and rewards application, such as by the coupon and rewards applicat ion 644 ( FIG. 6). If the consumer 602 finds a coupon they want to use, the consumer 602 may also print the coupon via a print option displayed inside the coupon listing. After selecting the print option the consumer 602 will then be directed to a new page that displays the printable coupons and automatically triggers the print function in then- browser. In one embodiment the consumer 602 may have the option to text or email themselves the coupon instead of printing it. The consumer 602 may also share the coupon with any email addresses they provide. In other embodiments the consumer 602 may have the option to email either themselves or others a link to the coupon listing or business profile. In some embodiments the consumer 602 can Tweet, Facebook Like, and/or Google +1 each coupon. The twitter button will populate the tweet with the coupon information. The Facebook button will display the coupon information in the consumer's 602 Facebook feed. The Google+ button will display the coupon information in the consumer's 602 Google+ feed. In other embodiment, the consumer 602 may view coupons present in-store by the merchant 610 via a digital sign.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart illustrates a method 400 for consumers receiving one or more offers for goods and/or services via a mobile device according to the embodiments of the invention. The offers(s) may be communicated to a select set of consumers determined from a group of potential or current consumers within a geographic area, such as within a predetermined distance of a merchant's 610 place of business. As represented by block 400, after accessing the mobile application, the consumer 602 has a first option of accessing their existing loyalty cards 404.

[0047] As represented by block 414. a view displaying loyalty cards for businesses, which the consumer 602 has already begun working towards a reward, will be generated. As shown in block 41 , the consumer 602 may then select which loyalty card they want to view. The loyalty card may display information such as business name, reward requirements, and/or the offered product reward. The loyalty card also displays how many transactions the consumer 602 has completed in order to redeem a specific reward. In one embodiment the view may only generate a list of loyalty card names, in which the consumer 602 can select which card they want to view in detail. In other embodiments the mobile device may generate a detailed view of each loyalty card.

[0048] As represented by block 406, after accessing the mobile application the consumer

602 has a first option of finding local merchants. As shown in block 416, after selecting the find merchants' option, the coupon and reward application running on the consumers' 602 mobile device may determine the consumers' 602 location in various ways. In other embodiments, the consumer 602 may indicate a search for a specific business or type of goods/services.

[0049] In order to determine the consumers' 602 location, the mobile device may collect location data, which may include global positioning data of the consumer 602, such as location data collected from the consumers' 602 mobile device.

[0050] Global positioning data may include any information collected from methods, systems, apparatus, computer programs etc. involving locating a consumer's 602 position relative to satellites, fixed locations, beacons, transmitters or the like. In some instances, global positioning data may be collected from a GPS device within a mobile device 604 of the consumer 602 or outside the mobile device 604 of the consumer 602, such as a navigation system in another handheld device or in a vehicle. Such a navigation system may be, but is not limited to, hardware and/or software that is part of a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, automobile, watch etc. or a commercially available personal navigation system or the like. The amount, nature and type of the global positioning data that is collected may depend on the relationship between the consumer 602 and the administrator of the system of the invent ion, for example, a merchant. Further, the data collected may depend on the amount of information that the consumer 602 has authorized the administrator to collect. For instance, in some embodiments, the global posit ioning data will be snapshots of the consumers' 602 location at different times. For example, a snapshot of the consumers' 602 location may be collected each time the GPS software, navigation system or application is activated. The global positioning data may also include the destination entered by the consumer 602, recent searches for locations, attractions, addresses etc. In other instances, the global positioning data may be the complete route being provided to the GPS system's user, including destination, route, alternate routes, anticipated time of arrival etc. In some such embodiments, the global positioning data may include an indication if the consumer 602 selects a detour from a previously selected route, or instructs the navigation system to reach the desired location taking specific roads or avoiding certain roads. In instances where the consumer's 602 complete route is provided, additional positioning data may not be necessary to project the route of the consumer or can be used to confirm the consumer 602 is traveling along the suggested route.

[0051 ] Furthermore, the location data of the consumer 602 may include mobile device data. Mobile device data may include information regarding the location of the consumers' 602 mobile device 604. Such a mobile device may include, but is not limited to, a cellular telecommunications device (i.e., a cell phone or mobile phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, a mobile Internet accessing device, or other mobile device including, but not limited to portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, gaming devices, laptop computers, tablet computers, and any combination of the aforementioned, or the like. For instance, the location of the mobile phone 604 may be dynamically determined from the cell phone signal and cell towers being accessed by the mobile phone. In other instances, a mobile device may include software or hardware to locate the position of the mobile phone from GPS signals, wireless network locations, and the like. Mobile device data may further include information from an

accelerometer that is a part of the mobile device and provides information regarding whether the mobile device is moving, and if so, in what direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, mobile device data may be the time and location of calls placed using the telephone functionality of a mobile device. In yet other embodiments, the mobile device 604 data may be data collected and analyzed by the hardware and/or software of the mobile device 604 concerning the surrounding environment. In such embodiments, hardware, such as a video capture device, camera or the like and software that is stored in the memory of a mobile device captures a video stream of the environment surrounding the mobile device 604 and through object recognition, compass direction, the location of the mobile device 604, and other such data identifies information about the objects identified in the surrounding environment and/or the environment itself. For example, in use, a consumer 602 may use the camera built into her smartphone to collect a real-time video stream that includes images of the facade of a store front and the surrounding area. This image may include the store's name from a marquee, a street address (collected from an image of the numbers on the building and of street signs in the video image) and the direction the smartphone is facing (from a compass in the mobile device). Such information may be sufficient to locate the consumer's 602 position and potentially the direction the consumer is facing and/or traveling.

[0053] Additionally, the location data of the consumer 602 may also be collected from social network data. It will also be understood that "social network" as used herein, generally refers to any social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) which are connected by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as kinship, friendship, common interest, financial exchange, working relationship, dislike, relationships, beliefs, knowledge, prestige, geographic proximity etc. The social network may be a web-based social structure or a non- web-based social structure. In some embodiments, the social network may be inferred from financial transaction behavior, mobile device behaviors, etc. The social network may be a network unique to the invention or may incorporate already-existing social networks as well as any one or more existing web logs or "blogs," forums and other social spaces. Social network data may indicate the consumers' 602 recent, present or future location through expressed data. For instance, a consumer may upload a blog post, comment on a connection's page, send a friend an electronic message etc. that she is traveling to a specific location or that she is currently in a specific city, or on a specific road etc. Moreover, many already-existing social networks provide consumers with the ability to "check-in", "flag" or otherwise indicate the consumer's current location. Accordingly, consumer location data collected from social networking data may consist of such indications. Furthermore, many social networks allow consumers to rate, like, comment etc. on restaurants, attractions, locations and the like. Accordingly, a consumer 602 may indicate that she ate at a certain restaurant or business at a given time and thereby provide information about her location at that time. Furthermore, a consumer 602 may upload photographs to a social networking site and thereby provide information about the consumer's location. In some instances the consumer's 602 location may be determined from the picture, (for example a picture of a state line sign, a highway sign, a mile marker etc.) or a caption associated with the picture may indicate the consumer's 602 location and/or the time the photo was taken.

[0054] The location data of the consumer 602 may also be collected from Internet data.

Internet data, may include any information relating to the searches conducted by the consumer 602, websites visited by the consumer 602 and the like that suggests the consumer's present or future location(s). For instance, in preparing for a vacation a consumer 602 may conduct searches for hotels, restaurants or activities in the area where the consumer 602 will be staying. Similarly, a consumer 602 may review weather forecasts for locations other than her place of residence indicating that she may soon be traveling to that location. A consumer 602 may also search for construction or traffic reports indicating future travel along certain roads. Moreover, changes in search patterns may suggest a consumer's future location. For instance if a consumer 602 usually uses a web browser application just to read online news articles or to check sports scores but suddenly begins to search for camping gear, hiking manuals and boots it may be indicative that the consumer 602 is anticipating taking a hiking trip and will be traveling away from her home area. It will be understood that such Internet data may relate to searches or websites visited by the consumer 602 before she began traveling, however, inasmuch as many mobile devices also include mobile Internet connectivity, it will also be understood that such information may be dynamically collected as the consumer 602 travels.

[0055] In some embodiments, once the location data of the consumer 602 is collected from one or more of the global positioning data, mobile device 604 data, social network data and Internet data, the location data is analyzed to determine the consumer's 602 current location or likely route of travel, thereby predicting the consumer's 602 future location. Thus, as used in various embodiments discussed herein, the location data may be used to determine the consumer's 602 "location", which is used herein to indicate either the consumer's 602 current location or the consumer's 602 predicted future location or both. Where only the consumer's 602 current location is intended, the term "current location" is used, and where only the consumer's 602 predicted future location is intended, one of the terms "predicted future location" or "predicted location" is used.

[0056] As represented by block 426, the mobile device generates a view displaying merchants. In one embodiment the list of merchants shown will be generated based upon the individual merchants' proximities to the consumer's 602 determined location. In other embodiments, the list of merchants shown will be generated based upon how closely their profile matches the consumer's 602 search criteria. In some embodiments, the merchant view may include a list of merchant names. In other embodiments, the merchant view may be a list of merchan names and basic demographic information. The basic demographic information may include the business address, telephone number, distance from consumer location, number of deals, number of loyalty points a consumer 602 has accumulated, and the like. In other embodiments, the merchant view may be displayed as a map pin indicating the nearby merchant locations. In some embodiments both a map and list of merchants may be generated.

[0057] As shown in block 428, the consumer 602 may then select which merchant profile they want to view. The merchant profile may display information such as business name and logo, reward requirements, business address, business telephone number, distance from consumer location, loyalty programs, current deals, and the like. In one embodiment by selecting the merchant location icon within the merchant profile the consumer 602 may be directed to a map displaying the consumers' 602 current location and the merchant 610 location. The consumer 602 may request that directions be generated for the two location points. In some embodiments, by selecting to view the merchant's 610 deals the consumer 602 may be directed to a separate page where they may view and select deals and coupons that are immediately redeemable at the merchant 610. Deals and/or coupons may include the deal requirements, expiration date, coupon codes and/or barcodes, and the like.

[0058] In some embodiments, the consumer 602 may have the option to electronically communicate the deal and/or coupon. For example, the consumer 602 may provide their email address to the mobile device 604 and the mobile device 604 may store the email address in the memory of the mobile device 604. The mobile device 604 may then forward the deal and/or coupon to the consumer's 602 email address either in response to the consumer 602 receiving and/or viewing the deal and/or coupon or upon receiving the consumers' 602 input requesting the deal and/or coupon be forwarded to their email address. Likewise, in other example

embodiments, the consumer 602 may store a mobile phone number or other communication pointer such as a pointer to a social media page or otherwise so that the deal and/or coupon may be electronically communicated. In some embodiments, the consumer 602 may also share the deal and/or coupon with other people and/or entities. In some embodiments, the consumer 602 may store one or more communication pointers, such as email addresses in the memory of the mobile device 604 so that deals and/or coupons may be automatically and/or manually (i.e., upon the mobile device 604 receiving input from the consumer 602) to one o more recipients. In other embodiments the consumer 602 may have the option to electronically communication, such as via email, to themselves or others, a link to the deal and/or coupon listing or merchant profile. In some embodiments the consumer can Tweet, Facebook Like, and/or Google +1 each deal and/or coupon. The twitter button will populate the tweet with the coupon in ormation. The Facebook button will display the coupon information in the consumer's Facebook feed. The Google+ button will display the coupon information in the consumers Google ⁾ feed. In other embodiments, by selecting to view the merchant's 610 loyalty programs the consumer may be directed to their personal loyalty card with the merchant 610.

[0059] As shown by block 408, after displaying a consumer loyalty card, the consumer

602 may have the option of virtually punching (also referred to herein as stamping) their loyalty card. In one embodiment, stamping the loyalty card comprises scanning a code, like a one dimensional code (e.g., a barcode), a two dimensional code (e.g., a quick response (QR) code) or otherwise. As used herein, when referring to a "QR code", it is intended that any type of code may serve as an alternative to the QR code in various other embodiments of the invention. After successfully scanning the QR code the consumer 602 may receive a virtual stamp on their loyalty card, indicating the transaction took place. If the QR code is unsuccessfully scanned, the consumer 602 may be prompted to rescan. the QR code until a successful scan is achieved. In another embodiment, the consumer 602 may be given an alphanumeric code by the merchant 610 to enter on their mobile device 604. After successfully entering the alphanumeric code on their mobile device 604 the consumer 610 may receive a stamp on their loyalty card. In another embodiment the consumer 602 may receive a notification from the merchant 610 that will stamp their loyalty card within the mobile device 604 applications. A notification may be a text message, sms message, and the like. In one embodiment, the loyalty card may be automatically stamped upon receiving the notification message. In another embodiment, the consumer 602 may open the message or complete additional steps upon receiving the notification message in order to stamp the loyalty card. In one embodiment, as a security measure, a consumer 602 must be within a specific geographic range of the merchant 610 in order to stamp their loyalty card. In another embodiment, as a security measure, the merchant 610 may only allow the consumer 602 to stamp their loyalty card a speci fic amount of times within a given time period (e.g. once a day, once an hour, twice a week). This feature prevents consumers from duplicating merchant codes and fraudulently stamping their loyalty cards. In some instances, the merchant 610 may ask the consumer 602 to allow the merchant 610 to enter an alphanumeric code or other code in the mobile device in order to verify that the consumer 602 has performed a qualifying transaction. In some embodiments, the merchant 610 has an electronic communication device, such as an RFI D tag, Bluetooth communication device, Near Field Communication (NFC) device or other electronic communication device that can communicate with the consumers' 602 mobile device to indicate to the mobile device that a qualifying transaction has taken place. These

communication devices (or the code, e.g., the QR code) typically also communicate information identifying the appropriate virtual loyalty card to be stamped. In another embodiment, consumer may exchange, trade or gift loyalty points, redemption certificates, coupons or deals within the coupons and rewards application. The exchange/trade or gi ft transaction may occur between two consumers via an electronic communication such as an RFID tag, Bluetooth communication device. Near Field Communication (NFC) device, and the like. The exchange/trade or gift transaction may also occur via text, sms, email, or social networking sites. In some

embodiments, the merchant 610 can team up with another merchant to offer the consumer 602 a product offer, such as a loyalty card stamp. For example, a sandwich shop, coffee shop, and local bar could combine their loyalty programs and the consumer could receive loyalty stamps, from all three locations, that could be redeemed for either one of a free sandwich, free cup of coffee, or a free beverage. In this way, a merchant could gain an incentive by promoting one another's businesses.

[0060] In some embodiments, where the consumer 602 has not previously used a loyalty card from the specific merchant, when the mobile device 604 scans the code, receives the electronic communication or otherwise receives loyalty card information from the merchant 610, such as from the merchant's system 606, the mobile device 604 may initiate a new virtual loyalty card. This may include storing information regarding the loyalty program in the memory of the mobile device 604. In some embodiments, the new loyalty card must be approved by the consumer 602 before being initiated or stored in the memory of the mobile device 604. For example, the information communicated from the merchant 610 may include instructions for the mobile device 604 to request the consumers' 602 approval for initiating the loyalty card on the consumer's mobile device. In some embodiments, once the consumer 602 has provided approval to proceed, the mobile device 604 then initiates the loyalty card on the mobile device, such as, for example, by storing graphics, information regarding the loyalty card program, information regarding the merchant 610, such as the merchant's 610 address and/or GPS coordinates, information regarding how many "punches" the consumer 602 has achieved and how many ''punches" are necessary to qualify for one or more rewards, and/or the like.

[0061] As represented by block 418, after collecting a stamp the mobile device will check to see whether or not the consumer has a reward available. If there is no reward available the mobile device may resume displaying the loyalty card and indicate how many transactions the consumer must additionally complete prior to receiving the reward. I f a reward is available the mobile device may no longer display loyalty stamps. The mobile device may instead display a congratulatory message informing the consumer they have completed the required number of transactions in order to receive a reward. The loyalty card may then offer the consumer the option to redeem the reward.

[0062] As represented by block 428, the consumer has an option as to whether or not they choose to redeem the reward at that specific time. In one embodiment, after selecting the option to redeem the reward, the consumer will be prompted with an additional verification message, indicating instructions for redeeming the reward and indicating that, if they choose to redeem the reward, the action cannot be reversed. If the consumer does not wish to redeem the reward at that time they may select the cancel option. The display of the mobile device may then return to its original presentation of the congratulatory message in forming the consumer they have completed the requi ed number of transactions in order to receive a reward. The consumer may return to this screen at any time to redeem their reward. In some embodiments, even after the consumer has achieved a reward, the consumer may continue to accumulate stamps or punches directed to another of the same type of reward or directed to a different reward. In this regard, the consumer may accumulate more than one reward at a time. In some embodiments, the consumer is allowed only to accumulate a predetermined number of rewards before redeeming one or more rewards, and in some embodiments, the rewards have a period of time after which the rewards will expire or change in some fashion (e.g., their value will diminish) or have a predetermined geographic region such that, when the mobile device exits the

predetermined geographic region, the reward will expire or change in some fashion (e.g., diminish or increase in value). Such preferences may be controlled by the merchant issuing the loyalty card and/or rewards, the merchant may thereby affect the behavior of the consumer, such as by providing the consumer an incentive to redeem the merchant's reward before exiting the geographic region around the merchant or before entering a geographic region associated with a competitor of the merchant.

[0063] As represented by block 438, i f the consumer chooses to redeem the reward the mobile device may be prompted to display a certificate for redemption. The redemption certificate may comprise the merchant name, the reward earned, a congratulatory message, and/or a verification code to present to the merchant. In one embodiment, verification code may comprise an alphanumeric code. In another embodiment, the verification code may be a hologram or rotating graphics. In other embodiments the verification code may be a graphic with speci fic water markings that can only be verified by the merchant. This feature prevents consumers from duplicating merchant codes and fraudulently receiving loyalty rewards. Thus, the merchant or the merchant's agent (e.g, a checkout clerk) may verify the reward certificate manually by viewing the reward certificate or using some sort of visual certificate verification system, such as a scanner.

[0064] As represented by block 448, in some embodiments, the mobile device again presents the consumer with an additional verification message, verifying they have shown the redemption certi ficate to the merchant. The additional verification message may indicate that if the consumer chooses to exit the certi ficate, the action cannot be reversed and the certificate will no longer be available for viewing (and redeeming). If the consumer has not yet shown the merchant the redemption certificate at that time they may select the cancel option. The screen may then resume displaying the redemption certi ficate until the merchant has viewed it. In one embodiment, the mobile device may utilize a timer to determine how much time has elapsed since the redemption certification has been displayed. After a predetermined time the mobile device may again present the consumer with the verification message. I f the consumer selects that they have shown the redemption certi ficate to the merchant the screen may return to a loyalty card where the consumer may then resume collecting loyalty stamps.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 5, a flowchart illustrates a method 500 for

consumer/merchant transactions in order to verify consumer rewards and receive one or more offers for goods and/or services according to the embodiments of the invention. As represented by arrow 502, to initialize receiving a reward, a consumer must first complete a transaction with a merchant. The transaction may include the purchase o f specified goods and/or services. In other embodiments, the transaction may include consumer referrals to a particular merchant. For example, a consumer may enter into a loyalty program with the merchant whereby the consumer's referrals to the merchant are considered "stamps" of the consumer's loyalty card for that merchant. In some instances, the merchant, using the merchant system 606 or otherwise, keeps track of all the consumer's referrals, and when the consumer initiates a transaction with the merchant or scans a QR code, the merchant communicates to the mobile device that a certain number of referrals have been received. In this regard, the mobile device may punch the consumer's loyalty card the appropriate number of times and determine whether a reward has been achieved. In some instances, the merchant system communicates instances of consumer referrals to the consumer electronically as they occur, such as by SMS, email, direct

communication to the consumer application 622 running on the mobile device or otherwise, such as over a wireless telephone network, wireless data network or otherwise In most instances, the transaction resulting in punches of the consumer's loyalty card is reflective of the consumer's loyalty to a merchant, either directly through a personal transaction or indirectly through a referral program resulting in a transaction by a referred person and the merchant.

[0066] As represented by arrow 504, after a consumer has completed a transaction required to receive a reward, the merchant may present the consumer a loyalty code to be used for recording that such transaction has taken place. In one embodiment, the loyalty code may be a QR code. In other embodiments, the loyalty code may be in the form of an alphanumeric code. In another embodiment the loyalty code may consist of a consumer capturing a specific image via a mobile device. In all instances, as represented by block 506 the consumer may access their personal merchant loyalty card, via their mobile device, in order to capture the loyalty code being presented.

[0067] As represented by arrow 508, the consumer may use the consumer application

622 of the mobile device 604 to receive the loyalty code presented by the merchant. In one embodiment, receiving the loyalty code may comprise using the mobile device to scan a QR code presented by the merchant. In other embodiments receiving the loyalty code may comprise entering an alphanumeric code presented by the merchant in the mobile application. In another embodiment, receiving the loyalty code may comprise using the mobile device to scan a barcode presented by the merchant. In another embodiment receiving the loyalty code may comprise using the mobile device to capture a specific image presented by the merchant.

[0068] As represented by arrow 510, after successfully receiving the loyalty code the consumer may receive a stamp on their loyalty card indicating that a transaction between the consumer and merchant has occurred. In one embodiment receiving a stamp may comprise a graphic being displayed in an empty stamp slot on the consumer's loyalty card. The graphic may be specified using predetermined settings of the mobile application. In olher embodiments, the merchant may specify a specific graphic they want to appear on the consumer's loyalty card. In another embodiment, the image or graphic captured by the consumer's mobile device may be stamped onto the consumer's loyalty card. In other embodiments receiving a stamp may comprise simply incrementing a total count of consumer loyalty points.

[0069] Now referrin to arrow 512, after a consumer has received the required number of stamps or loyalty points for receiving a reward, the mobile device may instead display a congratulatory message informing the consumer they have completed the required number of transactions in order to receive a reward. The consumer may then opt to redeem their reward. If the consumer chooses to redeem the reward the mobile device may be prompted to display a certificate for redemption. The redemption certificate may comprise the merchant name, the reward earned, a congratulatory message, and/or a verification code to present to the merchant. In one embodiment, verification code may comprise an alphanumeric code. In another embodiment, the verification code may be a hologram or rotating graphics. In other

embodiments the verification code may be a graphic with specific water markings that can only be verified by the merchant. This feature prevents consumers from duplicating merchant codes and fraudulently receiving loyalty rewards.

[0070] As represented by arrow 514, the consumer may present redemption certificate to the merchant via the mobile device. Likewise, as represented by arrow 516, the merchant may receive verification of the redemption certificate via a merchant verification system. In one embodiment, the merchant verification system may be a register, to which a verification code is entered. In another embodiment, the merchant verification system may be a hologram reader used to verify the hologram or graphic presented by the consumer via a mobile device. In other embodiments, the merchant verification system may be a scanner used to scan a barcode presented by the consumer via a mobile device. It should also be noted, in some embodiments, the merchant verification system may comprise the merchant manually verifying the veri ication code. As an additional security precaution, in some embodiments, the merchant verification system may comprise the merchant verifying the consumer has indicated, on the mobile device application, the merchant has previously seen and verified the verification code/redemption certificate. This feature ensures a consumer will not be able to later duplicate the code/certificate for fraudulent use. As represented by arrow 518, after the system has veri ied the consumer's redemption certificate the consumer may receive the indicated reward from the merchant.

[0071] Figure 6 provides a coupon and rewards program system environment 600, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 6, the application server 608 is operatively coupled, via a network 601 to the mobile device 604, and to the merchant system 606. It should be noted that merchant systems could include both a merchant account interface as well as a merchant end system, such as a cash register. It should also be noted, in some embodiments the mobile device 604 may be interchanged with other end consumer systems, such as a computer. In this way, the application server 608 can send information to and receive information from the mobile device 604 and the merchant system 606 to match and provide geographically proximate offers to a consumer 602. Figure 6 illustrates only one example of an embodiment of a geographic proximity offer and reward program system environment 600, and it will be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the systems, devices, or servers may be combined into a single system, device, or server, or be made up of multiple systems, devices, or servers.

[0072] The network 601 may be a global area network (GAN), such as the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), or any other type of network or combination of networks. The network 601 may provide for wireline, wireless, or a combination wireline and wireless communication between devices on the network.

[0073] In some embodiments, the consumer 606 is an individual making a transaction.

The transaction may be made at a merchant system 606 of a merchant, online or offline, over the phone, at the merchant's place of business and/or other transaction means. The purchase may be made by the consumer 602 using a mobile device 604, such as a mobile wallet (i.e. smart phone, PDA, etc.) or other types of payment systems that communicate with Merchant systems 606 and/or application servers 608 to allow the merchant 610 to process a transaction. In other embodiments, the consumer 602 may make transactions using a card with stored magnetic information, digital information, or other like payment device that stores information that may be trans erred to a merchant system 606 and/or a application server 608 to allow a consumer 602 to make a transaction, such as a credit card, debit card, gi ft card, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the merchant 610 may be a merchant or a person, employee, agent, independent contractor, etc. acting on behalf of the merchant to enter process a transaction.

[0074] As illustrated in Figure 6, the application server 608 generally comprises a communication device 646, a processing device 648, and a memory device 650. As used herein, the term "processing device" generally includes circuitry used for implementing the

communication and/or logic functions of the particular system. For example, a processing device may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing devices according to their respective capabilities. The processing device may include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-readable instructions thereof, which may be stored in a memory device.

[0075] The processing device 648 is operatively coupled to the communication device

646 and the memory device 650. The processing device 648 uses the communication device 646 to communicate with the network 601 and other devices on the network 601 , such as, but not limited to the merchant system 606 and the mobile device 604. As such, the communication device 646 generally comprises a modem, server, or other device for communicating with other devices on the network 601.

[0076] As further illustrated in Figure 6, the application server 608 comprises computer- readable instructions 654 stored in the memory device 650, which in one embodiment includes the computer-readable instructions 654 of an application 658. In some embodiments, the memory device 650 includes data storage 656 for storing data related to the accounts including but not limited to data created and/or used by the application 658 or the information of consumers 606. The data storage 656 may also store all offers received from merchant systems 606 such that the application 658 may match the offers stored with a consumer's 602 location.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 and described throughout much of this specification, the coupon and rewards application 658 allows the consumer 602 to interact with the system. First, the coupon and rewards application 658 allows a consumer 602 to search for merchant offer programs based on their geographic location, via the mobile device 604. Next, the application 658 allows the merchant 610 to manually input offers related to products the consumer 610 may wish to purchase, via the merchant system 606. Both searching for merchant offer programs and manually inputting product offers may be performed by a using an interface, such as a mobile device 604 or merchant system 606, provided from the application 658 via a network 601 .

[0078] In some embodiments, the coupons and rewards application 658 allows the consumer 602 to communicate, via the mobile device 604, to indicate products that the consumer 602 may wish to purchase. This communication may be in the form of text communications, voice communications, or the like. Typically, offers for products the consumer 602 may wish to purchase may be provided by the merchant 610 through an interface on the mobile device 604, such as that i llustrated in Figure 6. The reward and coupon application 658 may receive the product offers from the merchant system 606 once the merchant 610 has inputted the products onto the interface.

[0079] The offers provided through the deals and rewards program may be more beneficial to a consumer 602 than other offers that may be provided by random merchants. This is largely due to the unique position of the merchant 610 with respect to the consumer 602. In this way, the offers may entice the consumer 602 to start shopping at a location di fferent that the one he/she is currently shopping. These discounted products may be passed on to the consumers 602 of the deals and rewards program via their loyalty cards. Thereafter, the consumer 602 may receive additional offers and frequent the merchants 610 associated with their loyalty cards. Thus, the offers provided through the deals and rewards program may comprise of these special offers that are exclusively provided to the consumer 602 from the merchant 610. In this way, the consumer 602 may receive more beneficial ffers through the deals and rewards program than through any other offer programs.

[0080] The merchant 610, through the merchant system 606 may provide the coupons and rewards application 658 data with respect to the offers available. The coupons and rewards application 658 may then store the data related to the merchant 610 offer such as, but not limited to the product, the offer, the location for the offer, etc. In this way, the coupons and rewards application 658 may have access to all offers available from all merchants 610, in a database, to utilize to match the consumer 602 with one or more offers. [0081] The coupons and rewards application 658 may also receive data from the merchant system 606. The merchant system 606, as explained in further detail below, allows the application 658 to determine the location of the merchant 610 and recent transaction of the consumer 606. Because the merchant system 606 may send authentication for a consumer 602 transaction to the application server 608 or other application servers 610, the coupon and rewards application 658 may receive data regarding the transaction from the application server 608 or the other application servers 610. In this way, the coupon and rewards application 658 may determine and store in the data storage 656 information relating to the location of the transaction and the products of the transaction. The location of the transaction may be determined due to the merchant system location or other means such as global positioning systems (GPS), mobile device 604 locators, or the like. In some embodiments, the location data is determined by a merchant system 606. In this way the location data may be analyzed to verify the consumer 602 is within the specific area required to stamp a loyalty card. In this way, the location data provided by the merchant system 606 to the coupon and rewards application 658 may aid in providing the consumer 602 offers for products from merchants within a merchant area. In some embodiments, the merchant area may be the same merchant area the consumer 602 is currently shopping. In some embodiments the merchant area may be a different merchant area than the one the consumer 602 is currently shopping.

[0082] In some embodiments, the location data is determined by GPS data of the consumers 602 mobile device 604 or other means not associated with the merchant system 606. In this way, the consumer 602 may not be within a merchant area, but instead at home, work, etc. The location data may provide an indication of merchant areas within a specific range from the consumers 602 location, such that the system may provide offers to the consumer 602 for merchant areas that are at least within the same city/state that the consumer 602 is currently in. In some embodiments, the merchant area may be the same merchant area the consumer 602 typically shops. In some embodiments the merchant area may be a different merchant area than the one the consumer 602 typically shops. In some embodiments the system may access previously stored GPS data to provide offers to the customers from merchants in areas that the consumer 602 frequently visits.

[0083] In some embodiments, the location of the consumer 602 may not be required for the coupon and rewards application 658 to provide offers from merchants to the consumers 602. In this example, the merchants of the provided offers may be within the same merchant area, such that the consumer 602 receiving the offers may be enticed to travel to the location of the merchants within the merchant area. In other embodiments the consumer 602 may specify the area from which they want to receive product offers.

[0084] The data stored within the coupon and rewards application 658 provides computer readable instructions 654 to the processing device 648 to allow for the matching of an offer received from a merchant system 606 with a consumer 602 based on the consumer's 602 location data, transaction data, and search request data. The coupon and rewards application 658 stores the matched offers and communicates the offers to a consumer 602 via a network 601 to the consumer's 602 mobile device 604.

[0085] Matching offers provided by merchants with consumers 602 may require an analysis of the consumer's 602 location, transactions, and/or search requirements. The coupons and rewards application 658 may provide an offer to a consumer 602 based on one of these factors, all of these factors or a combination of the factors. Furthermore, if more than on offer is being present ed to the consumer 602, the merchants of the offer may be in the same merchant area, thus enticing the consumer 602 to travel to that merchant area because of the several offers being provided to the consumer 602 for that area. The coupon and rewards application 658 uses these factors to determine which offers from merchants, the offers stored in a database in data storage 656, are appropriate offers for the consumer 602. In some embodiments, the offer may be for products that it may be determined that the consumer 602 may be interested in. In some embodiments, the offer may be for a merchant area that the consumer 602 frequents or is currently located. In yet other embodiments, the offer may be for a merchant area that the consumer 602 may not frequent and/or may have to travel to.

[0086] The consumer's 602 location may be determined by the coupon and rewards application 658 through location data. Location data may be established by data sent from the merchant system 606, GPS data associated with the consumer 602 or the consumer's 606 mobile device 604, transaction history data, etc. to the coupon and rewards application 658. The data from the merchant system 606 may include information about where the merchant system 606 is located. Therefore, providing the coupon and rewards application 658 with data regarding the geographic area the consumer 602 is either currently within or was within a short time ago. For example, a merchant system 606 may be used by a consumer 602 at a merchant to complete a transaction. Along with the authentication data needed to authenticate the payment for the purchase o a product, the merchant system 606 may also send information as to the location of the merchant to the coupon and rewards application 658. Therefore, the coupon and rewards application 658 may receive address information or at least general geographic indication information for the merchant where the consumer 606 just completed a transaction. Location data may also be received by the coupons and rewards application 658 from a mobile device 604 of a consumer 602, the merchant, GPS data, or the like. In this way, the location of the consumer 602 may be known, even i f the consumer 602 is not making a purchase. Therefore an offer may be provided to the consumer 602 at any time, independent of the consumer 602 making a transaction.

[0087] As illustrated in Figure 6, the merchant system 606 generally comprises a reading device 635, a communication device 636, a processing device 638, and a memory device 640. The reading device 635 is opcratively coupled to the processing device 638, communication device 636, and the memory device 640. The merchant system 606 may include a reader device 635 to receive payment account information from the consumer 606 through the mobile device 604 and/or other payment devices. Such a reader device 635 may include a magnetic strip reader, a barcode scanner, a radio frequency (RF) reader, a character recognition device, a magnetic ink reader, a processor for interpreting codes presented over an electrical or optical medium, a biometric reader, a wireless receiving device, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the reading device 635 receives information that may be used to identify the consumer's 606 payment account and/or transaction data at the merchant system 606 and communicates the information via the communication device 636 over a network 601, to other systems such as, but not limited to the application server 608, other systems 610, and/or the commercial partner system 611. As such, the communication device 636 generally comprises a modem, server, or other device for communicating with other devices on the network 601.

[0088] As further illustrated in Figure 6, the merchant system 606 comprises computer- readable instructions 646 stored in the memory device 640, which in one embodiment includes the com p u t er- rea d ab 1 e instructions 646 of a merchant application 644. A merchant system 606 may refer to any device used to perform a transaction, either from the consumer's perspective, the merchant's perspective or both. In some embodiments, the merchant system 606 may refer only to a consumer^'s device, in other embodiments it refers only to a merchant device, and in yet other embodiments, it refers to both a consumer device and a merchant device interacting to perform a transaction. For example, in one embodiment, the merchant system 606 refers to the consumer's mobile device configured to communicate with a merchant's point of sale terminal, whereas in other embodiments, the merchant system 606 refers to the merchant 's point of sale terminal configured to communicate with a consumer's mobile device, and in yet other embodiments, the merchant system 606 refers to both the consumer's mobile device and the merchant's point o sale terminal configured to communicate with each other to carry out a transaction.

[0089] In some embodiments, a merchant system 606 is or includes an interactive computer terminal that is configured to initiate, perform, complete, and/or facilitate one or more transactions. A merchant system 606 could be or include any device that a consumer may use to perform a transaction with an entity, such as, but not limited to, a digital sign, a loyalty device such as a rewards card, loyalty card or other loyalty device, a magnetic-based payment device (e.g., a credit card, debit card, etc.), a personal identification number (PIN) payment device, a contactless payment device (e.g., a key fob), a radio frequency identification device (RFID) and the like, a computer, (e.g., a personal computer, tablet computer, desktop computer, server, laptop, etc.), a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) device, MP3 device, personal GPS device, etc.), a merchant terminal, a sel -service machine (e.g., vending machine, self-checkout machine, etc.), a public and/or business kiosk (e.g., an Internet kiosk, ticketing kiosk, bill pay kiosk, etc.), a gaming device (e.g., Nintendo Wii©, PlayStation Portable®, etc.), and/or various combinations of the foregoing.

[0090] In some embodiments, a merchant system 606 is operated in a public place (e.g., on a street comer, at the doorstep of a private residence, in an open market, at a public rest stop, etc.). In other embodiments, the point-of-sale device is additionally or alternatively operated in a place of business (e.g., in a retail store, post office, banking center, grocery store, factory floor, etc.). In accordance with some embodiments, the merchant system 606 is not owned by the consumer of the merchant system 606. Rather, in some embodiments, the merchant system 606 is owned by a mobile business operator or a POS operator (e.g., merchant, vendor, salesperson, etc. ). In yet other embodiments, the merchant system 606 is owned by the offering the

Merchant system 606 providing functionality in accordance with embodiments of the invention described herein. [0091 ] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the merchant application 644 allows the merchant system 606 to be linked to the application server 608 to communicate, via a network 601, the information related to the transaction being made, such as the transaction type, cost of transaction, product type, merchant location, consumer 602 location, etc. In this way, the merchant application 664 may provide the application 658 with location data and recen transaction data, such that the application 658 may determine an appropriate geographic proximity offer match for the consumer 602. In one example, the consumer 602 enters into a transaction at a merchant system 606, which processes the transaction and the merchant application 644 allows communication of the transaction information to the application server 608.

[0092] The merchant application 644 may also receive information from the application server 608. The merchant application 644, in some embodiments, may receive an offer or offers from the application 658, such that they merchant application 664 may display the offer or offers to the consumer 602 on a display on the merchant system 606. In this way, the consumer 606 may receive an offer to purchase the product that the consumer 602 is already in the process of purchasing. The offer may be displayed on the merchant system 606 such that the consumer 602 may accept the offer prior to the completion of the transact ion.

[0093] Figure 6 also illustrates a mobi le device 604. The mobile device 604 generally comprises a communication device 616, a processing device 614, and a memory device 61 . The processing device 614 is operatively coupled to the communication device 616 and the memory device 616. The processing device 614 uses the communication device 616 to communicate with the network 60 and other devices on the network 601 , such as, but not limited to the merchant system 606, the application server 608. As such, the communication device 616 generally comprises a modem, server, or other device for communicating with other devices on the network 601.

[0094] As further illustrated in Figure 6, the mobile device 604 comprises computer- readable instructions 660 stored in the memory device 616, which in one embodiment includes the computer-readable instructions 660 of a consumer application 666. In this way, a consumer 606 may be able to opt-in to the program, create watch lists for the program, receive offers, deny offers, accept offers, make payments for transactions, and/or the like using the consumer application 666. A "mobile device" 604 may be any mobile communication device, such as a cellular telecommunications device (i.e., a cell phone or mobile phone), personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile Internet accessing device, or other mobile device including, but not limited to portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, audio/video player, radio, GPS devices, any combination of the aforementioned, or the like. Although only a single mobile device 604 is depicted in Figure 6, the payment account determination system environment 600 may contain numerous mobile devices 604.

[0095] FIGs 7A-7B provide screenshots illustrating one or more steps shown in FIG. 1 for creating a merchant account, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 A illustrate a merchant account i nler face/dashboard , where the merchant 610 can interact with the merchant account via web interface and manage the merchant account. Managing the merchant account may include managing business locations, business listings, deals, loyalty programs, social media accounts, reports, and the like. FIG 7B illustrates a business report overview where the business can generate and view reports for multiple businesses. Reports may include metrics such as page views and number of deal prints for each business. In one embodiment, the merchant 610 may specify a specific time period for which they want to generate reports.

[0096] FIGs 8A-8C provides screenshots illustrating one or more of sub-steps shown in

FIG. 2 for managing the merchant account 04, in accordance with an embodiment of the present inventions. FIG 8 A illustrates a form, provided via web interface, for the merchant 610 to add a loyalty program to one of their listed businesses. The merchant 610 may speci fy information such as program name, description, requirements, expiration date, location requirement, publish requirements, and the like. FIG 8B illustrates an interface within the merchant account, where the merchant 610 may manage deals for products. Managing deals may include adding, deleting, or editing product deals. FIG 8C illustrates an interface within the merchant account, where the merchant 610 may manage consumer loyalty programs. The merchant may view information such as business name, program name, program status, and expiration date. Managing consumer loyalty programs may include adding, deleting, or editing consumer loyalty programs.

[0097] FIGs 9A-9I provide screenshots illustrating one or more steps shown in FIG. 4 for consumers receiving one or more offers for goods and/or services via a mobile device according to the embodiments of the invention. FIG 9 A illustrates list and map of nearby merchants generated on a mobile device 604 in response to a consumer search or selection of "find nearby merchants" option. FIG 9B illustrates map of nearby merchants generated on a mobile device 604 in response to a consumer search or selection of "find nearby merchants" option. FIG 9C illustrates a business profile being displayed on a mobile device 604. The business profile may display information such as business name, address, distance from the consumer 602, loyalty program, current deals, phone number, and the like. FIG 9D illustrates a consumer loyalty card being displayed on a mobile device 604, according to an embodiment of the invention. The loyalty card may display information such as business names, loyalty reward requirements, loyalty stamp slots, and an option to be stamped. FIG 9E illustrates a coupon/deal being displayed on a mobile device 604, according to an embodiment of the invention. The coupon/deal may display information such as business name, coupon/deal details, expiration date, coupon code, option to share via social network, and the like. FIG 9F illustrates a congratulatory message being displayed on a mobile device 604, according to an embodiment of the invention. The congratulatory message may display information such as the business name, loyalty program name, loyalty point earned, the reward earned, an option to redeem the rewards, and the like. FIG 9G illustrates a verification message, according to an embodiment of the invention. The verification message may include yes/no options for the consumer 602 to redeem the reward and a message verifying the consumer 602 wishes to redeem the reward. FIG 9H illustrates a redemption certificate, according to an embodiment of the invention. The redemption certificate may include information such as the business name, reward requirements, reward earned, verification codes, and the like. FIG 9G illustrates a verification message, according to another embodiment of the invention. The verification message may include yes/no options for the consumer 602 to verify the merchant 610 has viewed their redemption certificate and a message requesting the consumer 602 verifies the merchant 610 has viewed their redemption certificate.

[0098] It is understood that the servers, systems, and devices described herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. It is further understood that one or more of the servers, systems, and devices can be combined in other embodiments and still function in the same or similar way as the embodiments described herein. As used herein, a "memory device" or "memory" generally refers to a device or combination of devices including one or more forms of non-transitory computer-readable media for storing instructions, computer-executable code, and/or data thereon. Computer-readable media is defined in greater detail herein below. It will be appreciated that, as with the processing device, each communication interface and memory device may be made up of a single device or many separate devices that conceptually may be thought of as a single device. Although embodiments of the present invention described herein are generally described as involving a merchant, it will be understood that the merchant may involve one or more persons, organizations, businesses, institutions and/or other entities such as financial institutions, services providers etc, that implement one or more portions of one or more of the embodiments described and/or contemplated herein.

[0099] Although many embodiments of the invention have just been described above, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[00100] Although embodiments of the invention described herein are generally described as involving an entity, it will be understood that this invention may involve one or more persons, organizations, businesses, merchants and/or other institutions, such as financial institutions, services providers etc. that implement one or more steps, one or more processes, and/or one or more portions of one or more of the embodiments described and/or contemplated herein, and/or or one or more steps or processes not described herein.

[00101] Various embodiments or features have been presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

[00102] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products. It may be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and/or combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be im lemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create mechanisms for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

[00103] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art in view o this disclosure, the invention may include and/or be embodied as an apparatus (including, for example, a system, machine, device, computer program product, and/or the like), as a method (including, for example, a business method, computer-implemented process, and/or the like), or as any combination of the foregoing. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention may take the form of an entirely business method embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining business method, software, and hardware aspects that may generally be referred to herein as a "system." Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may take the form of a computer program product that includes a co m u t er-readab 1 e storage medium having one or more computer-executable program code portions stored therein. As used herein, a processor, which may include one or more processors, may be "configured to" perform a certain function in a variety of ways, including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuits perform the function by executing one or more computer-executable program code portions embodied in a computer-readable medium, and/or by having one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

[00104] A computer program which implements all or parts of the invention through the use of systems like those illustrated in the figures can take the form of a computer program product, including executable code, residing on a computer usable or computer readable storage medium.

[00105] Such a computer program can be an entire application to perform all of the tasks necessary to cany out the invention, or it can be a macro or plug-in which works with an existing general purpose application such as a spreadsheet or database program. A tangible medium may be used, but note, however, that the "medium" may also be a stream of information being retrieved when a processing platform or execution system downloads the computer program instructions through the Internet or any other type o f network.

[00106] It will be understood that any suitable computer-readable medium may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a tangible electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or semiconductor system, device, and/or other apparatus. For example, in some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a tangible medium such as a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (HP OM or Flash memory), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and/or some other tangible optical and/or magnetic storage device. In other embodiments of the invention, however, the computer-readable medium may be transitory, such as, for example, a propagation signal including computer-executable program code portions embodied therein.

[00107] One or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations of the invention may include object-oriented, scripted, and/or unscripted

programming languages, such as, for example, Java, Perl, Smalltalk, C++, SAS, SQL, Python, Objective C, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the one or more computer-executable program code portions for carrying out operations of embodiments of the invention are written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming languages and/or similar programming languages. The computer program code may alternatively or additionally be written in one or more multi-paradigm programming languages, such as, for example, F#.

[00108] The one or more computer-executable program code portions may be stored in a transitory and/or non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., a memory, etc.) that can direct, instruct, and/or cause a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-executable program code portions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction mechanisms which implement the steps and/or functions specified in the flowchart(s) and/or block diagram block(s).

[00109] The one or more computer-executable program code portions may also be loaded onto a computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus. In some embodiments, this produces a computer-implemented process such that the one or more computer-executable program code portions which execute on the computer and/or other programmable apparatus provide operational steps to implement the steps specified in the flowchart(s) and/or the functions specified in the block diagram block(s). Alternatively, computer- implemented steps may be combined with, and/or replaced with, operator- and/or human-implemented steps in order to cany out an embodiment of the invention.

[0100] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative o and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mobile device used by a user, the mobile device comprising:

a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and

a processing device in communication with the memory device and configured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to:

search for one or more merchant locations within a predetermined geographic region, the one or more merchant locations each associated with one or more merchants associated with a loyalty program or a coupon program; and

initiate presentation of the one or more merchant locations based at least in part on the search.

2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

provide the user an option to display a profile of one or more of the displayed merchants.

3. The mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the processing device is further configured to:

provide the user information regarding one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants.

4. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

provide the user an option of processing one or more coupons associated with one or more of the displayed merchants.

5. A mobile device used by a user, the mobile device comprising:

a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and

access a virtual loyalty card stored in the memory device;

initiate presentation of the virtual loyalty card; and stamp the virtual loyalty card in response to an indication that a qualifying transaction has occurred.

6. The mobile device of claim 5 wherein the processing device is further configured to:

determine whether a reward is available based at least in part on the stamping of the virtual loyalty card.

7. The mobile device of claim 5, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive user input regarding whether to redeem an available reward.

8. The mobile device of claim 5, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

in response to receiving user input to redeem an available reward, initiate presentation of a certi ficate on the mobile device for presentation to a merchant for confirmation of redemption.

9. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive information verifying the merchant has viewed the certificate for redemption.

10. The mobile device of claim 5, wherein the loyalty card is accessed based at least in part on information received from a code associated with a merchant.

1 1 . The mobile device of claim 10, wherein the information is received from a quick response (QR) code associated with the merchant, and the information includes information regarding the loyalty card and information related to stamping the loyalty card.

12. A merchant system for use by a user, the merchant system comprising:

a memory device configured to store computer-executable code; and

a processing device in communication with the memory device and con figured to execute computer-executable code stored on the memory device to:

access a merchant account; initiate presentation to the user of an option to add one or more businesses to the merchant account;

initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or more business profiles associated with one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account;

initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage coupons associated with one or more businesses associated with the merchant account; and

initiate presentation to the user of an option to manage one or more social media accounts as associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

13. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to add one or more business profiles associated with one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account.

14. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to modify one or more business profiles associated with the one or more businesses previously associated with the merchant account or the one or more businesses being added to the merchant account.

15. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive input from the user indicating the user's desire to add or delete one or more coupons associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

16. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive input from the user modifying the one or more social media accounts associated with one or more of the businesses associated with the merchant account.

17. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to: generate one or more reports indicating an average consumer interaction associated with the merchant account.

1 8. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

generate one or more reports, at least one of which comprising a metric for profile views, at least one of which comprising a number of coupon prints per location, at least one of which comprising a number of coupon prints per business, at least one of which comprising a metric for each individual coupon, and at least one of which comprising a number of coupons redeemed at a specific location.

19. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

aggregate consumer feedback related to the merchant account associated with a plurality of third-party sites; and

initiate presentation to the user of some, all or a representation of the aggregated consumer feedback.

20. The merchant system of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to:

receive consumer feedback related to the merchant account from a third-party site; and

initiate presentation to the user of some, all or a representation of the consumer feedback.