Real Promotional Help Needed

[permazorch]

I've been the manager of an indie video-store (that opened in 1986) since 2004, and over the last few years I replicated most of our very fine world-class VHS collection on the DVD format, as well as gaining new titles (the usual big boys as well as cult/indie/international stuff).
We still rent out VHS cassettes (about 14 or so a day), believe it or not.

The idea of starting from zero, again, leaves me in deep malaise. There's no real support from retailblu.com (If only they made a huge vinyl window logo sticker, I'd be happy to start actively ordering from my distributors for the store). How viable is it as a rental product (DVDs really are not, they're way too fragile a medium)? I mean, think about the careless aspects of scratching a disk.

Does anyone know how to get in touch with the powers-that-be, when it comes to marketing? Frankly, money is lost when I don't have something to signal the man on the street that I have new movies on blu-ray. For instance, it's a lost opportunity for "10,000 BC", anyone who was mildly curious about it has sated their masochistic urges. I will never order that title for the store. The clock's ticking on that bright and shiny "Speed Racer". Some people may be curious to test their blu-ray tech-specs on a new release like that, y'know? Too bad I don't have awesome static-clinging vinyl window stickers with the blu-ray logo, because I won't order these lame titles with a two-week shelf-life.

Seriously! Tell Sony/Disney et al! It's their money, too.

End Rant.

[Clark Kent]

I have no immediate solution for your problem but you could create the signage yourself. I think there are places that can create any type of vinyl cling. Do you also rent videogames like PS3 games? That would seem to be a natural synergy for Blu-ray renters. Maybe Sony has some advertising from videogames and the PS3 that could double as Blu-ray signs. From my experience Blu-ray would seem to be an ideal home video format for rental places with its extra scratch protection. I'm trying to think if I've seen any type of signage at the bigger retail chains promoting Blu-ray. I've seen cardboard displays but that is it from my recollection.

[jomari]

welcome to the foray permazorch!

im not sure as much as to boost your stores income thru other marketing strategies, but i do believe that clark has brought up a great idea, about having someone else build you a blu-ray signage, and improvise on it.

may i suggest tho, for you to place a deposit/membership fee if ever? considering the extreme notion that someone may end up renting a couple, and not return it would be a loss on your end. maybe even a restriction as to how many go out the door per person.

its not the easiest resorts, but its a start. im sure bigger companies out there like blockbuster/hollywood have their niche in the market, maybe this would be a great way to 'sell' the store.

i wish you good luck on your endeavors sir.

[permazorch]

Thanks (belated by years) for the replies. I appreciate it!