Data collection and dissemination system with terminal having literature distribution

Abstract

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for collecting and disseminating customer data and for distributing real estate marketing literature. The system includes a customer terminal, which is in communication with a data center, which, in turn, is in communication with a business terminal. The customer terminal includes a device for inputting customer data and a device for distributing relevant marketing literature. The customer data is sent to the data center, where it is stored for subsequent retrieval by a sales person using the business terminal.

1 . A system for collecting and disseminating customer data and for distributing literature, the system comprising: 
 a customer terminal for collecting customer data and for distributing literature;    a data center for receiving said customer data from said customer terminal and for storing said customer data;    and a business terminal for accessing said customer data; and    wherein said customer terminal is linked with said data center, and said data center is linked with said business terminal.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said customer terminal comprises: 
 an input device for inputting said customer data; and    a literature bin for housing said literature.    
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said literature bin dispenses said literature.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said literature is housed in said literature bin, and wherein said literature bin is accessible through a controlled door.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said business terminal comprises a computer with Internet access.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said business terminal comprises a computer with Internet access.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said customer terminal and said business terminal comprise a single device.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said customer terminal and said business terminal comprise a single device.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said customer terminal further comprises a visual display.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said customer terminal further comprises one of a printer and an audio speaker.  
     
     
         11 . A customer terminal for collecting customer data and distributing literature, comprising: 
 a visual display for displaying information to a customer;    an input device for inputting customer data; and    a literature bin for distributing literature.    
     
     
         12 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , further comprising one of a printer and an audio speaker.  
     
     
         13 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , wherein said literature is dispensed after at least a portion of said customer data is verified.  
     
     
         14 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , wherein said literature bin dispenses said literature.  
     
     
         15 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , wherein said literature is housed in said literature bin, and wherein said literature bin is accessible through a controlled door.  
     
     
         16 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , wherein said customer terminal is configured to transmit said customer data to a separate device.  
     
     
         17 . The customer terminal of  claim 11 , wherein said input device is one of a keyboard, keypad, touch-screen, mouse, trackball, or microphone.  
     
     
         18 . A method of collecting potential home buyer leads and distributing promotional materials, said method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving at a customer terminal customer data entered via an input device;    transmitting said customer data from said customer terminal to a data center; and    after receiving said customer data at said data center, dispensing promotional materials from said customer terminal.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: accessing via a business terminal said customer data stored at said data center.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said dispensing comprises releasing a door to a literature bin.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18  wherein said customer data includes user profile data and property profile data.