New forms of payment are emerging which make use of interactive devices - for example, fobs or wristbands. These devices comprise a processor chip, data storage and near-filed communication (NFC) capability. Before use (or before a subsequent use), these interactive devices must be provisioned (or re-provisioned) by the supplier of the interactive devices. However, this is not convenient for a user or merchant, who may wish to provision devices immediately before use, or modify the data being stored on the interactive devices.
A provisioning receptacle 400 is provided with a gripper 300, 301, comprising a compressible elastomer foam, configured and arranged to significantly restrict displacement of the provisioning data receiver 225 portion of the interactive device 200 relative to the provisioning data transmitter 625 by conforming to an outer surface of the interactive device 200 when the interactive device 200 is receiving provisioning data.
Any displacement with respect to the provisioning data transmitter 225 is significantly restricted. This reduces the risk that the transfer of provisioning data is interrupted or distorted. In addition, interactive devices 200 of different sizes and different form factors may be provisioned using this receptacle 400.