Method and system for processing a rebate

A method of processing rebates, comprising:

• identifying a first rebate associated with a product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first products,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value;
• determining whether an alternative rebate is associated with the product in a memory of a computing devices,
• wherein the alternative rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value;
• if the alternative rebate is associated with the product, accepting input indicative of a selection of the alternative rebate;
• and if selected,
• obtaining the predetermined document, surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• and
• issuing the alternative rebate to the consumer.

A method, comprising:

• identifying a product;
• identifying a first rebate and a second rebate associated with the product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value and the second rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value, and
• wherein an offer for the second rebate is output via a point of sale terminal during a transaction in which the product is being purchased such that a value of the second rebate may be applied to the transaction by the point of sale terminal if the consumer accepts the second rebate;
• receiving an acceptance of the second rebate from the consumer;
• obtaining the predetermined document, surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• issuing the second rebate to the consumer;
• and
• receiving a request from the consumer to redeem the second rebate.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor, and
• a memory that stores a program for directing the processor;
• the processor being operative with the program to:
• identify a product associated with a first rebate, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value;
• determine whether a second rebate is associated with the product,
• wherein the second rebate is redeemable for a second value;
• if the second rebate is associated with the product, offer to a consumer the second rebate in exchange for the first rebate;
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by the consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• and
• issue the second rebate to the consumer.

A computer readable medium encoded with instructions for directing a processor to:

• identify a product associated with a first rebate, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first products,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value;
• determine whether a second rebate is associated with the product,
• wherein the second rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value;
• if the second rebate is associated with the product, offer to a consumer the second rebate in exchange for the first rebate;
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by the consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• and
• issue the second rebate to the consumer.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor, and
• a memory that stores a program for directing the processor;
• the processor being operative with the program to:
• identify a first rebate associated with a product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value;
• determine whether an alternative rebate is associated with the product,
• wherein the alternative rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value;
• if the alternative rebate is associated with the product, accept input indicative of a selection of the alternative rebate;
• and if selected,
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• and
• issue the alternative rebate to the consumer.

A computer readable medium encoded with instructions for directing a processor to:

• identify a first rebate associated with a product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value;
• determine whether an alternative rebate is associated with the product,
• wherein the alternative rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value;
• if the alternative rebate is associated with the product, accept input indicative of a selection of the alternative rebate;
• and if selected,
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• and
• issue the alternative rebate to the consumer.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor, and
• a memory that stores a program for directing the processor;
• the processor being operative with the program to:
• identify a product;
• identify a first rebate and a second rebate associated with the product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value and the second rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value, and
• wherein an offer for the second rebate is output via a point of sale terminal during a transaction in which the product is being purchased such that a value of the second rebate may be applied to the transaction by the point of sale terminal if the consumer accepts the second rebate;
• receive an acceptance of the second rebate from the consumer;
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• issue the second rebate to the consumer;
• and
• receive a request from the consumer to redeem the second rebate.

A computer readable medium encoded with instructions for directing a processor to:

• identify a product;
• identify a first rebate and a second rebate associated with the product, the first rebate being redeemable by mailing a predetermined document associated with the first rebate to a first entity associated with the first product,
• wherein the first rebate is redeemable for a first value and the second rebate is redeemable for a second value that is different from the first value, and
• wherein an offer for the second rebate is output via a point of sale terminal during a transaction in which the product is being purchased such that a value of the second rebate may be applied to the transaction by the point of sale terminal if the consumer accepts the second rebate;
• receive an acceptance of the second rebate from the consumer;
• determine an indicator that the predetermined document has been surrendered by a consumer at a retailer terminal operated by a second entity, such that the consumer can no longer redeem the first rebate;
• issue the second rebate to the consumer;
• and
• receive a request from the consumer to redeem the second rebate.