Methods and systems for pricing products that enhance productivity

Abstract

A method for pricing a productivity-enhancing product or method, such as a feed additive, a fertilizer, or the like, that includes consideration of an expected or realized added benefit from the productivity-enhancing product or method to an end user and the price that is expected to be received or has been received by the end user. Programs and systems with which such a pricing method are used are also disclosed.

1 .- 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method for pricing production-enhancing products, comprising:
 determining a baseline efficiency;   determining a baseline unit value corresponding to the baseline efficiency;   determining an added efficiency based on use of the production-enhancing products;   determining an enhanced unit value corresponding to the baseline efficiency plus the added efficiency;   calculating by a computer system, a price for the production-enhancing products based on a difference between the enhanced unit value and the baseline unit value; and   administering the production-enhancing products to units of production.   
     
     
         34 . A method for pricing production-enhancing products, comprising:
 quantifying an enhanced value obtainable with use of the production-enhancing products;   comparing the enhanced value to a baseline value obtainable without use of the production-enhancing products;   calculating by a computer system, a price for the production-enhancing products on a basis of comparing the enhanced value to the baseline value; and   administering the production-enhancing products to units of production.   
     
     
         35 . A system for pricing production-enhancing products, comprising:
 an element for determining a baseline efficiency obtainable without use of the production-enhancing products;   an element for determining an enhanced efficiency obtainable with use of the production-enhancing products; and   an element for calculating a price for the production-enhancing products by comparing the enhanced efficiency to the baseline efficiency.   
     
     
         36 . A method for paying for increased efficiencies from use of production-enhancing products, comprising:
 transferring production-enhancing products from a source to a recipient;   using the production-enhancing products during the recipient's course of business;   determining a financial benefit derived from the recipient's use of the production-enhancing products;   transferring a portion of the financial benefit from the recipient to the source;   calculating by a computer system, a price for the production-enhancing products based on a difference between the enhanced unit value and the baseline unit value; and   administering the production-enhancing products to units of production.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein transferring the production-enhancing products occurs without an initial cost to the recipient. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein transferring the portion of the financial benefit occurs after the financial benefit has been realized by the recipient. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein determining the financial benefit comprises estimating an expected financial benefit to the recipient. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , wherein transferring the portion of the financial benefit occurs before the recipient realizes the financial benefit. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein transferring the portion of the financial benefit occurs substantially concurrently with transferring the production-enhancing products. 
     
     
         42 . A system for pricing a production-enhancing product or technique, comprising:
 a quantification element for determining an enhanced efficiency obtained by use of the production-enhancing product or technique; and   a computation unit for pricing the production-enhancing product or technique based at least partially upon the enhanced efficiency.