System and method for displaying, vending and controlling inventory of

Abstract

In an area accessible to browsing customers, at least one multiple-compartment display rack is provided. Each cell in the display rack removably receives an open-ended transparent plastic envelope containing a display card preferably printed with photographics, artwork and verbal indicia unique to a particular valuable article or service which is potentially available. Filed in series with the display card so as to have an end which protrudes further from the envelope mouth than the display card are a number of cards (from one to a plurality) which are tokens of units of the particular article or service, plus an additional card. Each of the first mentioned cards contains on its protruding end a consumer instruction, such as 'TAKE CARD TO REGISTER', and elsewhere on its body, the title of the particular article to service. The additional card bears as its flag a consoling legend, such as 'SORRY I'M RENTED'. At the check-out register, the card of the first type is exchanged for the actual boxed pre-recorded video cassette or other particular article or service, and each first-type card so exchanged may be temporarily placed as a token in the inaccessible-to-customers supply area for inventory control purposes, until the rented article is returned, a restocking inventory is taken, or the like. The display rack thus acts as a more compact analog of the inaccessible supply than would a display rack of empty boxes for the articles or the like.