Business Gift Card

Abstract

A combination business card and gift card with a coded information portion is provided to be sold and delivered to a recipient as a unit. The business gift card includes contact information along with graphics or logos. The business gift card also preferably includes a scannable encoded portion which, when an account in a remote computer corresponding to the encoded information is activated, enables the holder of the business gift card to obtain goods or services by access to credit corresponding to a gift card or SVC (stored value card) account from a remote database.

Claims

1. A method for creating business gift cards comprising; a) creating a business card, b) affixing a code to the business card that corresponds with a stored value account

2. The business gift card of claim 1 where the affixed code is a bar code.

3. The business gift card of claim 1 where the affixed code is a magnetic strip.

4. The business gift card of claim 1 where the stored value account is for Starbucks coffee.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the business gift card with contact information and logo of the gift card source.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the business gift card with an encoded scannable region; instructions of how to use the card, along with a legal disclaimer is also shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] A business gift card is created by printing a business card on card stock as typically done. The gift portion is added to the business card by affixing a code corresponding with a stored value account.

[0011] A gift card or stored value card may be purchased and activated from a desired vendor; such as Starbucks, AMC Theaters, or Taco Bell. Most gift cards or SVCs contain account identification information on the card; typically in the form of a barcode or magnetic strip. Utilizing an appropriate electronic device, the encoded account information from the gift card is deciphered.

[0012] Using a computer, the encoded account information from the gift card is reproduced and affixed or printed on the business gift card.

EXAMPLE

[0013] By way of a non-limiting example, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 the front side of a 3.5″×2″ paper card is printed with an individual's name, title, mailing address, email address and phone number 2. This side of the card may also include a business logo 3 or other graphics. Also, on this side of the card a logo correlating to the organization or business where the business card is usable to purchase goods or services 4 may be included.

[0014] On the other side of this card, as shown in FIG. 2, a barcode 7 is printed which is readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal, account access station, kiosk, or other suitable device. This barcode 7 contains the account number from a gift card purchased from a popular retailer. This side of the card may also include the graphics or logo corresponding to this retailer 5, instructions or a personalized message pertaining to how to use the business gift card 9, and any legal disclaimer which may be required to accompany gift cards dependent on local laws 8. This business card can be used to redeem goods and services from the gift card originating retailer when physically presented to this retailer.