Redbox Comment from a customer and a DVDNow Kiosk Owner

One of your group members decided to go and rent a video from Redbox. Interestingly enough, here's an experience that will make you glad you own a DVDNow Kiosk... Or better yet, rent from a DVDNow kiosk.

CLICK BELOW--just click on the text

DVD Art Located in Private Group Page

Hi Folks,

I've had a couple of you that have e-mailed me asking for certain DVD Machine slot art inserts. It takes way too long to post them on this open blog. You will need to join the private group if you want Art. We have most of the stuff that's good in the blog. As always, you are welcome to post it as well.

sincerely,

Mike Weiland

http://readydvd.com/

DVDNow Kiosk Tricks, Discussions and Business Ideas With a Host Store Mgr

I've put together this video for all of you that have been wondering what kind of store to put these machines in. More importantly, what kind of people do you trust that will take care of your property. I have been blessed with each of my locations. All the managers of these stores and I have a wonderful relationship. Both parties understand the concept and the DVDKiosk business has been Customized on our part to accommodate our host stores. I don't have the time to mess with the business like some folks do so watch the video and see how I do it. It doesn't mean that you have to do it this way, but I can assure you that I probably take less time that most folks do in this business. Everything on my part is automated... The host stores do the work for me too... One exception, I do have one store that I load DVD's in. It's close to my house.

Feel free to use this video for your future locations. Show it to your location owner. If you want to transfer it to video, all you have to do is watch the Youtube to Mpeg video. It will show you how to transfer it to DVD so you can show your location manager.





Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

Movies for April AND May 2008 DVD Kiosk Art

ATTENTION:

Hi Guys!
I have decided that I want to start adding the new DVD Kiosk Art to the PRIVATE GROUP PAGE listed on the left side of the blog. It doesn't take me near as long to load them and they don't take up as much space. All you have to do is sign up and you can download all of them. I'm just trying to save a little time so have at it.
I've added all of the titles this time. They are all located as files in the Private Room. Oh, by the way, I just added a few videos in UMG that you might need.

APRIL AND MAY AVAILABLE NOW! SEE THE PRIVATE PAGES LOCATE TO THE LEFT OF THIS BLOG! (WAY TO MANY TO LIST)

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com/

Youtube Video Converted to Mpeg Uploaded to UMG

Hi Folks, it's finally here. For all of you that have called me and asked how to convert a video from Youtube to Mpeg and then upload it to UMG (United Media Gateway). Now that I've completed this video, I hope to see some of your video uploads. It's rather simple and the video will show you how to do it. Also, remember, on the right side of this blog, you'll see your freeware link. Make sure you download the freeware and it will make everything simple for you. Good Luck and Happy Renting.

Link to UMG CLICK HERE
Sincerely,

Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com/

You can watch these in HQ, simply click on the right side of the viewing screen and click on HQ

Or
Watch in Full Screen PART 1
Watch in Full Screen PART 2


PART 1




PART 2

S Corp or LLC?

Here's another thread that might help anyone get into this business and do it right.

Hi Mike,



My name is Kate Le from Leesburg, VA. Bob Gallner gave me your name as reference for DVDNow; he also gave me your blogsite which I've read with much interest. Thank you for setting that up. My brother Tony and I have ordered 2 machines and are in process of securing locations and getting the ball rolling on all the other fun start-up tasks. I do have a couple of questions that I hope you can answer for me. They relate to choosing the appropriate business entity for the DVD rental business.



I have done some research and have come to find that no one business entity is perfect. I am debating between an S-Corp and LLC at this point. I was wondering if you can give some insight on how you decided upon which entity to use. Also, do you pay yourself a salary from your entity? If so, did you come across something that helps determine what a "reasonable" salary would be for this business?



Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!



Thanks and regards,

Kate

Where Is Your Kiosk Located?

Diane has asked a question that I thought might be good. We really haven't discussed where our kiosks are located yet. It might be a good idea to let everyone know where they are and how they are doing. Also, what are you doing or what did you do to make them work for you? Add anything else that might help other potential Kiosk Owners. I've personally received several e-mails asking this question. Plus, the phone calls that I've received and the questions that have been asked are all over this blog. I think putting them under one Blog will work for all of us. Here is Diane's Question:

Hi, where do most of you have your kiosks located? grocery stores? convenience stores? I may have to move a kiosk and am trying to make a good decision about which way to go.

Thanks, Diane

March 2009 DVD Kiosk Insert Downloads

Sorry for being so late on some of these Kiosk Inserts. I hope that all of you are doing well. The last two months for us have been record months. I guess it just goes to show, these machines are recession proof. Actually, I believe for the price, you can't beat a movie rental. More and more folks are stopping by the store, grabbing a movie and a pizza. It's cheap entertainment and the whole family can get together to enjoy each other. On another note, Rich Comeux has stressed that we all make sure our contracts are in place. I couldn't agree with him more. He suggested 5 years. I have two locations at 5 years and my other 3 are for the next three.

This business is growing at an alarming rate and we are at the front of it all!

Michelle and I are going to post something really soon that you will all like. I am sure you'll take advantage of it. Hopefully we'll get it done soon.

Until Next Month, Happy Renting!

Oh, don't forget to send me your advertising, I am not sure if you noticed the dowload link on the top left side. The more ideas, the better.

Sincerely,

Mike Weiland

http://readydvd.com

Moving YourDVD Kiosk

Dave has asked us a question regarding the movement of the Kiosk. Here is his question:

avid@rentdvdshere.com said...

Mike:

I would like to know how others have moved their DVDNOW Kiosk to a new/different location. I am considering moving my Kiosk and I was wondering if this is something I could do on my own, or if would be prudent to hire the technician who initially set up my kiosk?

David

I actually have some experience with this. I have moved three Kiosks in the last two years. Just so you know Dave, it's very simple. There is very little you need to do as they build these machines so you can do just that. Just make sure that the screws that are in your machine are locked in. Make sure that the carriage screws are in, the counter weight screws are in, the grabber screws are locked down and you should be good to go. I take the doors off and lock it up. I also wrap a huge thick blanket around the machine so it doesn't get damaged. I have a dolly that is the same as the ones that you get from Uhaul. They work great. You don't need someone to do this for you. A frined works fine. I have a trailer that is only 18 inches off the ground that I also use to haul my motorcycles that's excellent. The back of a pickup works good though. Just be careful when you drive over bumps. Make sure it's secure and not resting against anything hard. You'll want to watch the vibrations etc..

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

Scratched and Broken DVD's

Kyle B. has left a new comment on your post "Pre Auth Issues and Questions":

Hey Mike,

Can you start a new topic about what other kiosk owners due when a customer gets a scratched or broken dvd. Right now I contact my customer and apologize for the promblem and give them a FNF rental. I would just like to what all the other owners do and if there is just a better way to handle those issues.

I forgot to add to the post I just sent in, is there a way to catch scratched or broken DVD's before they go out? Thanks

No problem Kyle. It's been discussed on the blog a little, but it would be interesting to see what others do in this case. I personally just get the phone calls and give them a free rental. Plus, I add them to the VPD Newsletter so they get e-mails from me once a week.

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

Pre Auth Issues and Questions

There have been a few folks that have asked a few really good questions on Pre Auths. Good Questions deserve their own blog section. Mark Rudolph has taken the time from DVDNow to answer one that has been asked a few times already. So Here it is:

Joe Fusco Asked:
I am going to start soon raising my preauth to $8.00, now at only 1 nights rental. I also want to put some games in. I would like to set the preauth for games higher but I don't see a way. I can't see a $50.00 game going out on an $8.00 preauth.

Mike
Is there a way to talk to DVDnow about changing the preauth by slot like you can for rental and purchase price?

Hi Mike,

Customizing a pre-auth for per slot is not available.

Operators can use the Customize Price Data feature to set higher or lower rental rates for days of the week or for specific slots.

This is one way to set a higher pre-auth fee. However, the limitation is with the pre-auth setting. Whatever pre-auth method you choose to use will be used for all card swipes. If you select full then all rentals are pre-auth for the full sale value.

One idea that we have been working on – when the membership program is launched we plan to include a feature in which members who have a perfect track record – with no declines – will automatically be changed from Full auth to partial. New customers or non-members would be subject to full auths. There are no estimated release dates available for this.

I hope this helps.

Mark Rudolph
Operations Manager | DVDNow Kiosks, Inc.

February Movie Kiosk Slot Art from ReadyDVD

These are the movies that we have going into our machine in the next four weeks. As you can see there are a few movies that weren't available in the Slot art section. We have the Changeling going in this month and it's a Universal movie. Also, you'll see that Madagascar 2 is not from VPD this month. I had to find it on my own. Just click on the images and download them to your folder. When you pring out, use Microsoft image manager and select the 5x7 print format. These will come put great for you. If anyone would like to add any, just sent them to me.

By the way, Michelle and I just found one of the coolest tools that you will all love. We had to organize all the paperwork for our biz and a regular file just didn't work as well as the new system we have. The best thing is that it's very inexpensive to buy. We will post the URL soon with a video that Michelle is going to do to explain how it works. She's going to take a crack at doing a video. Should be fun and you'll thank her for it too.

Sincerely,

Mike Weiland

http://readydvd.com/

VIDEOS FOR SALE

I have had several people ask me now if I wanted to sell inventory of mine. As you all know I have my Host Stores sell the movies. I know there are some of you that want to sell videos though. So here's the deal. Anyone who buys videos from anyone else needs to understand that I am no way taking part in this transaction. Please make sure you contact each other and be honest with each other about the condition and the physical condition of your videos. Here's why I think this could be agreat deal for all of us:

1. Sometimes folks buy a video that we might want back
2. New comers that need inventory won't have to put RFID Tags on our movies, or even replace the boxes. That alone will save you money beccause it's already been done for you.
3. There is most often Slot Art you can download on this site for your Kiosk.

Again, Please Remember, I am not responsible for your transaction.

Thanks again for the idea Ryan Leonard
Sometimes it takes me awhile but it's still a great Idea! And to you others that have suggested By the way, you should all get a PayPal account if you don't have one yet. It makes things very easy for both parties.

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

Movies, How Much and What We Put In

Mike,
Any way you could get a blog going of what movies and the quantity of each title owners are putting in. I would certain post my weekly strategies. This would help everyone new and old to this venture. We could enter in something like what's below.

3 Pineapple Express (selling one on Ebay immediately after the first weekend)
2 Righteous Kill
1 Wackness
1 Babalon AD
Walmart ($105.00)

Regards,
Cedric

CANADIAN SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

There are several of you from the Great White North that have started to ask questions regarding things that apply to Canada ONLY. Ex. Credit cards I haven't heard about etc..
If Mark Rudolph or the guys from DVDNow can't answer your questions, or you want to set up a place to ask each other questions, I'll post them here. If they break into different areas, I'll seperate them for you guys.

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

Quick Books or Microsoft Money?

Joe Fusco recently e-mailed me and asked a question that I couldn't answer. I left it up to my lovely wife to answer since she does all the hard stuff in this business. Michelle uses Quick Books by Intuit. She has it all set up for our business. Michelle is a CPA for St. Vincent's Hospital and I'm sure glad that she loves to keep track of this business. I think this is the part that would drive me crazy. Our business is set up as an S Corporation. Here's Joe's Question:

Sincerely,
Mike Weiland
http://readydvd.com

I was just trying the Quickbooks I have again. Seems the one I got from my friend is a trial and don't work anymore. I been fooling around with both Microsoft and Quicken trials and they all seem to have the same structure. If she can give some insight on to how movies rental and sale income is added, that will be great. I don't want to take up too much of your or her time on this. I do understand the credit and debit part of it all. My problem is where to enter the credits, such as rental income.

I will chose soon between Quicken and Microsoft. Quickbooks is way to much money, unless Michelle says it's worth it. I do have an accountant for the tax part of it all but I like crunching numbers myself.

Thank You

Joe