Method and apparatus for offering forward commitment agreements

A benefit dispensing device comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions operative to:
• identify a consumer proximate to the benefit dispensing device, receive information about the consumer, offer a benefit to the consumer in exchange for the consumer entering into a forward commitment agreement, receive the consumer's acceptance of the benefit and agreement to enter into the forward commitment agreement, and provide the benefit to the consumer via the benefit dispensing device.

A system comprising:

• a controller;
• and
• a benefit dispensing device in communication with the controller,
• wherein the controller is operative to identify a consumer proximate to the benefit dispensing device, receive information about the consumer, offer a benefit to the consumer in exchange for the consumer entering into a forward commitment agreement, receive the consumer's acceptance of the benefit and agreement to enter into the forward commitment agreement, and provide the benefit to the consumer via the benefit dispensing device.

A method of forming an agreement comprising:

• identifying a consumer proximate to a benefit dispensing device;
• offering a benefit to the consumer in exchange for the consumer entering into a forward commitment agreement;
• and
• providing the benefit to the consumer immediately via the benefit dispensing device if the consumer accepts the offer.

A benefit dispensing device comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions operative to:
• identify a consumer proximate to the benefit dispensing device, offer a benefit to the consumer in exchange for the consumer entering into a forward commitment agreement, receive the consumer's acceptance of the benefit and agreement to enter into the forward commitment agreement, and provide the benefit to the consumer via the benefit dispensing device.

A system comprising:

• a controller;
• and
• a benefit dispensing device in communication with the controller,
• wherein the controller is operative to identify a consumer proximate to the benefit dispensing device, offer a benefit to the consumer in exchange for the consumer entering into a forward commitment agreement, receive the consumer's acceptance of the benefit and agreement to enter into the forward commitment agreement, and provide the benefit to the consumer via the benefit dispensing device.