Automated commission programs

Abstract

A commission program can include an asymptotic component when calculating compensation for distributors. An asymptotic leg can extend to infinity without exceeding a target percentage. A distributor can be compensated based on selected distributors in the compensated distributor's downline. Recurring non-contiguous inclusion of distributors can be applied. A random component can be incorporated into the compensation program. The program can include innovative techniques going beyond conventional systems to better provide a balance between distributor motivation and sustainability of the program.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A computer-implemented method comprising:
 receiving a starting percentage;   for a compensated distributor in an organization, calculating a calculated percentage for a downline distributor, wherein calculating the calculated percentage comprises repeatedly applying an asymptotic modulation factor to the starting percentage while progressing through a downline of the compensated distributor; and   calculating a bonus for the compensated distributor, wherein calculating the bonus comprises applying the calculated percentage to a sales volume of the downline distributor.   
     
     
         2 . One or more computer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructions causing a computer to perform the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         3 . A data processing system comprising:
 one or more processors;   memory coupled to at least one of the one or more processors;   wherein the data processing system is configured to perform the method of  claim 1 .   
     
     
         4 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein:
 the bonus is part of a compensation program; and 
 calculating the bonus comprises determining total compensation for the compensated distributor under the compensation program in a piecemeal fashion as a sum based on sales level of downline distributors on whom compensation is paid out. 
 
     
     
         5 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein:
 the bonus is part of a compensation program; and 
 calculating the bonus comprises determining total compensation paid out to distributors in the organization under the compensation program for the downline distributor; and 
 after determining total compensation paid out to distributors in the organization under the compensation program for the downline distributor, determining total compensation paid out to distributors in the organization under the compensation program for an other downline distributor. 
 
     
     
         6 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein calculating the calculated percentage comprises:
 starting with the starting percentage at the downline distributor; and 
 applying the asymptotic modulation factor while navigating the downline in an upward direction until the compensated distributor is reached. 
 
     
     
         7 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein calculating the calculated percentage comprises:
 skipping downline from the compensated distributor over non-qualified distributors to a first qualifying downline distributor; and 
 starting with the starting percentage at the first qualifying downline distributor. 
 
     
     
         8 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 7  wherein further comprising:
 after starting at the first qualifying downline distributor, applying the asymptotic modulation factor for distributors immediately downline from the first qualifying downline distributor. 
 
     
     
         9 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein calculating the bonus comprises:
 determining compensation paid out from the sales volume of the downline distributor to a plurality of distributors upline from the downline distributor; and 
 storing compensation for the plurality of distributors upline from the downline distributor. 
 
     
     
         10 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 9  wherein calculating the bonus comprises:
 proceeding from the downline distributor to an other distributor upline from the downline distributor; and 
 determining compensation paid out from sales volume of the other distributor upline from the downline distributor. 
 
     
     
         11 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  wherein calculating the bonus comprises:
 calculating the bonus in a piecemeal fashion, wherein calculating the bonus in the piecemeal fashion comprises: 
 calculating a piece of the bonus originating from the downline distributor as part of calculations for other pieces for bonuses for other compensated distributors; and 
 separately calculating other pieces of the bonus for the compensated distributor originating from other downline distributors. 
 
     
     
         12 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 adding the bonus to other bonuses calculated for other distributors in the downline via the asymptotic modulation factor. 
 
     
     
         13 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 12  further comprising:
 receiving a target percentage; 
 if a sum of percentages for the downline of the compensated distributor do not total the target percentage, recycling through the downline of the compensated distributor, wherein recycling comprises continuing applying the asymptotic modulation factor. 
 
     
     
         14 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 13  wherein recycling comprises:
 starting at an immediate qualifying distributor downline of the compensated distributor. 
 
     
     
         15 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 13  wherein recycling comprises:
 starting beyond an immediate qualifying downline distributor of the compensated distributor. 
 
     
     
         16 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 for bonuses underflowing an underflow threshold, storing the bonus for future calculations without including the bonus in current compensation for the compensated distributor. 
 
     
     
         17 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 for purposes of calculating the bonus, skipping levels in the downline of the compensated distributor that do not qualify according to one or more qualification criteria. 
 
     
     
         18 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 17  further comprising:
 evaluating the one or more qualification criteria according to statically stored characteristics indicative of a non-current, previously existing lineage. 
 
     
     
         19 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 accumulating sales volume for a plurality of orders within a group of distributors before applying the calculated percentage. 
 
     
     
         20 . The computer-implemented method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 limiting the bonus to compensated distributors meeting high-level qualifications; wherein: 
 repeatedly applying the asymptotic modulation factor comprises applying the asymptotic modulation factor only when encountering distributors meeting the high-level qualifications.