Connectionless point-of-sale and code activation system

A method of generating an authorization code from multiple code generation terminals for authorizing the activation of a service device, wherein the code generation terminals are not in direct communication with the service device, the method comprising the steps of:

• assigning a terminal identification number based on the code generation terminal at which the authorization code is generated;
• assigning a day number based upon the day during which the authorization code is generated;
• assigning a sequence number based upon the number of authorization codes generated by the code generation terminal on the current day;
• combining the terminal identification number, day number and sequence number to create the authorization code;
• generating the authorization code to the consumer;
• receiving the authorization code at the remote service device;
• decomposing the authorization code at the remote service device to determine the terminal identification number, day number and sequence number;
• checking the decomposed authorization code with a stored list of authorization codes to determine whether the authorization code is valid and unused;
• activating the service device if the authorization code is valid and unused;
• and
• marking the authorization code as used in the service device such that the authorization code will no longer be valid.

A method of generating authorization codes from multiple point-of-sale (POS) terminals for authorizing the activation of a car wash, wherein the POS terminals are not in communication with the car wash, the method comprising the steps of:

• allowing a customer to select a level of service from a plurality of service levels;
• creating the authorization code at the POS terminal, the authorization code including a service number based on the selected service level, a terminal identification number unique to the POS terminal generating the authorization code, a day number based upon the current day and a sequence number identifying the current authorization code generated by the POS terminal for the current day;
• generating the authorization code to the customer;
• receiving the authorization code at the car wash;
• checking the authorization with a stored list of authorization codes in a stored database stored at the car wash to determine whether the authorization code is valid and unused;
• activating the car wash to provide the selected level of service if the authorization code is valid and unused;
• and
• marking the authorization code as used in the car wash after providing the level of service.