Method of Delivering Goods and Services Via Media

Abstract

A method of delivering goods or services via an encoded medium to a holder includes generating data in a database associated with a central computing station in response to an assignee of the medium and a provider of goods or services separately communicatively linking the medium to a central computing station. The data generated in the database includes the identity of the assignee, the identity of the goods or services associated with the medium, and the identity of the goods or services provided by the provider. A value of the medium is established, wherein the medium assumes different values based on various conditions. After the provider of goods or services provides the goods or services to the holder, the value of the medium is updated and recorded in the database.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of delivering goods or services via an encoded medium to a holder of the medium, comprising:
 generating data in a database associated with a central computing station in response to an assignee of the encoded medium communicatively linking the encoded medium with the central computing station, wherein the data generated in the database identifies the assignee and the goods or services associated with the medium;   generating data in the database associated with a central computing station in response to a provider of goods or services communicatively linking the encoded medium with the central computing station, wherein the data generated in the database identifies goods or services provided by the provider;   establishing a value for the medium, wherein the medium assumes different values based on various conditions; and   updating the value of the medium and recording the updated value in the database in response to the provider of goods or services providing goods or services to the holder of the medium.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is a function of time, user activity, or geography. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is a function of the manner of activation. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is established at one value when activation is made via telephone, a second value when activation is made via the global network, or a third value when activation is made by responding via mail or other carrier. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is a function of the transaction entered into between the holder and the provider. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is a function of the identity of the assignee. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the value of the medium is a function of a referral.