A shopping
cart detection apparatus and reward dispensing mechanism for inclusion therewith for providing a patron reward in the form of a
ticket, coupon, or the like, to a patron for their returning a shopping
cart to a
cart collection area. The shopping cart detection apparatus includes a control interface connected electrically to at least one sensor that senses proper cart passage through the apparatus into a cart collection area. With that passage to generate a
radio frequency interrogation of a
chip maintained in a card that is attached to the cart, and with that cart data transmitted to a control interface that directs dispensing of a
ticket as a patron reward for their cart return. Additionally, the control interface also passes cart data as it receives to a communications interface that, in turn, passes that information to a computer, micro processor, or the like, for tabulating and maintaining information concerning cart usage. Which cart detection apparatus can be arranged as a portable or mobile unit for use on the
parking lot of an establishment, and can be configured to operate as part of a cart retrieval
system for locating carts as have been removed from the establishment premises. With, preferably, the patron
reward system also includes a sensing apparatus to indicate to the establishment personnel when a roll of tickets as the dispenser utilizes is low and needs to be replaced.