waxworks

[nerothehero]

does anyone use waxworks and if so do you have any trouble with the website?

[Hardcopy]

I used to use Waxworks, good company lousy website (unless they changed it in the last few few months)

[sungifts]

They did change their website a few months back - it sucks!

It takes too long to load - especially when trying to see your order status.

We have been with them from the beginning, but, I am thinking of trying Ingram.  We really don't get a big price break.  We pay about $20/dvd, which is why we choose to also supplement with Walmart.  When we first started, I was ordering all our movies thru waxworks and didn't get any more of a discount for spending $3-4k versus what we spend now - about $1k/month.

We do get free shipping if our order is over $100 each week.  We don't get movies until Monday though.

We also get posters, which they charge us $6 for each month - I think that is for shipping.  We ususally don't get the posters we need until the movie has already been released!  Or, we get all sorts of posters we don't use because we did not get that particular movie.

I am not downing Waxworks - in fact I really love our rep, she is very very nice and has been very helpful.  We also order our cases from them - they are cheaper than I have found anywhere else.

I have also spoken with VPD - they are also really nice, but couldn't offer me any more of a discount.  I think they have a good website though.  And if I remember correctly, if you order a certain amount each month, you get posters free.

[videovault]

Waxworks website does need improvement, especially the "Order Status" screen as Sungifts point out. I Think they need to upgarde thier servers.  Tho I do have to say it is a big improvementt over thier old site.  It took me awhile to get used to it after using VPD's for so long (They have a GREAT Website just wish thier accounting department was better and as efficient   ).

I find that if I have a problem with the website esp when ordering I just pop off an email to my sales rep and usually in 5-10 mins I either get a phone call or a email back.

[VideoRocks]

I've been with VPD for almost 10 years now.  They do send a poster roll once a month at no charge.  I also get free little magazines to give to the customers that covers the movies recently released and those coming during the month.  It's a nice little book and the customers love it.

Their website is very good.  Lots of useful stuff to download and keep track of orders etc.  They also have an email service that you can use to send weekly new release letters to your customers.  The email only lists the items that you acually ordered.  The email service is also free.

[sungifts]

VIDEOROCKS:  Can you actually order on the VPD website?  Are the posters free only if you spend x amount each month?

It has been so long since I talked with them - I think I was talking to Paige??  I probably would have switched by now - but my time has been limited.

I like the email idea and the magazines!  What day do you normally receive your movies?  I hear of others getting theirs on Friday - I would love that!  UPS runs so late and getting them on Monday causes a problem since my sis in law leaves sometimes before UPS delivers - (she is the only one that gets the movies ready for rent)

One more thing...do they bill you each month or do you have to pay with a credit card or something?  That's one thing about waxworks I like - they bill me each month for last months movies.

Thanks for your help!

[Leodesign]

We use Ingram and have had good luck so far.  I've really begun to rely on their website to check my order status, etc..  My prices aren't extremely great either so I order anywhere from 7 to 14 of the big titles and get the rest at WalMart.  My prices are around $20 or so for new releases.  I get them on Thursday or Friday and I pay my invoices online.  I signed up for their Power Tools which is $199 per year.  this includes about 12 posters monthly (i think?) and a DVD preview reel that runs on a loop to play in the store.  It also includes some handouts with the upcoming New Releases and a New Release poster.  I've also taken advantage of their website service.  It sends a weekly email newsletter to my customers with info on the upcoming New Releases and it has various contests, etc..  They can also print off coupons if they'd like.  My web address is www.planetvideo.myvideostore.com if you'd like to check it out.  That service is $240 per year because I got the premium service which sends out a much nicer email.  You can also get the regular service for $120 per year.

I've had some customers ask if I'd sell new movies so I started purchasing about 4 - 8 of the big titles from WalMart at $12.99 or $13.99 and then I sell them for $18.99.  When WalMart goes to the regular price of $19.98 after a few days, I keep mine at $18.99 and can still make a profit.  We'll see how it goes!

[sungifts]

Becky - who maintains the website?  I am asking because sometimes there are movies that might not be as popular and we don't get them - if that was the case, are you able to not have those particular movies on your website?

On the emailing - does the customer have to sign up at your site or can you take their email address at the store and then somehow enter it at your site so it will send automatic emails?  

Are the posters you receive for the "A" movies or just a bunch of junk? (I ask because what we get now is maybe a couple A's and the rest are junk!)

and, one more ??...are you able to place your orders online?

I have been looking at Ingram also, but was kinda turned off when I called to inquire about pricing.  As I told the rep, I don't want to go thru filling out all those credit apps if the price and benefits aren't better than what I have now.  (I hate doing the application process!!)  The most the rep would tell me was - print the app off the internet and mail it in.....

[Leodesign]

Ingram maintains the website.  They always have a disclaimer on there that says check availability at Planet Video.  I carry most titles so it hasn't been a problem.  I don't think there's anyway to take movies off.  The customers can either sign up on the site or I can input their email address myself.  I receive mostly "A" posters because I signed up for Power Tools which supposedly gives me priority over someone who signs up for posters only.  I place all of my orders online.  I find it to be really convenient.

[VideoRocks]

Misty, I imagine there is some minimum $ amount that you have to spend to get the posters, but it can't be too high - I spend about $1200/mo there since I get more at local retail (Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Best Buy etc.) after I watch the movie, if I think it will rent well.

My shipments arrive on Fridays and I really like that because then we can watch them.  We also put the display boxes out with a sign "Arrives Tuesday" - it's just another way to promote the upcoming stuff.

We pay weekly, 4 weeks after receipt.  

Yes you can order on the website, and I do use that fairly often since the site is 24/7.  There are pictures of the display boxes (usually) and a synopsis - although the information in the rental guide on this site is even better.  Thanks to Rich for this great tool.  Hopefully, you already use that and know what I mean.

[VideoRocks]

Misty, the monthly poster roll includes all of the "A" titles except on studio whose name eludes me.  There are also quite a few "B" titles but since it's free it doesn't matter to me.  There is also a calendar type poster that has release dates and pictures, but since there are always a few that I don't get I rarely use that poster.

[VideoRocks]

Misty, the monthly poster roll includes all of the "A" titles except on studio whose name eludes me.  There are also quite a few "B" titles but since it's free it doesn't matter to me.  There is also a calendar type poster that has release dates and pictures, but since there are always a few that I don't get I rarely use that poster.

[VideoRocks]

Hmmmm, a double posting.  Am I in trouble?  

[Shiraz]

Yep.

[Shiraz]

Yep.