Re: UKNM: Mis-redemption

[Ben Thompson]

On Thu, Oct 26, 2000 at 05:57:40PM +0100,

aajgraytalk21 [dot] com

 wrote:

> I'm grappling with a security issue involving online coupons being

presented

> at a checkout and ensuring that the coupon is redeemed against the correct

> product (i.e. avoiding mis-redemption).

>

Unlikely, mainly because most stores EPOS systems won't be willing to do the

work. Remember every stores EPOS is different, comes from different

suppliers and performs different tasks. Some companies use the Barcodes on

vouchers to validate offers most however just type it in as a Discount with

a code that states external voucher.


Also as most of the ones I see are IBM or NEC based I can't see how

Microsofts solution will creep into stores fast enough to solve your

problem.


Finally many sales assistants will take any voucher known to man because:-


1) It stops an argument before it begins


2) Most of the time more items are sold than vouchers received so who's

going to know. Remember:

2b) Some people never ever use vouchers


Of course, if more vouchers appear from a store compared to the number of

items they stocked in the first place their redemption of the additional

ones would consitute fraud and simply refuse to redeem the additional ones

(or all if them if you are vindictive).


> Someone mentioned that Microsoft is developing software to overcome this.

> Anyone have any details?

>

> I also recall some coverage recently on a tool that allows magazine

readers

> to scan? a magazine ad and receive a personalised incentive.  Again, if

> anyone can point me in the right direction on this, I'll shout you a

> Steinlager.

>

Cuecat ( http://www.cuecat.com ) is probably what your thinking about. Scans

barcodes, their own fancy 2d barcodes (for adverts can be quite small) and

even codes enbedded in the audio of telly ads. Ideas great, hardware is

good, software and site poor. (the sitre got hacked and 50,000 detailed

customer records got stolen).


So is that two pints then?


Ben


> Cheers,

>

> Andy Gray

> MWL

> Brand response direct marketing agency

> Phone: 020 7520 2760




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