Starting A Video Rental Business
An About.com reader wrote: “I am talking with some friends about opening a convenience sort of store. In addition to everything else we want to rent a small, but good selection of DVD’s and Videos. Someone we spoke with said we could just go to our local record/video store, buy them and then rent them. I don’t think this is true and that we need some sort of license to do this. What do you say?”
The answer is that “there are no special licenses or copyright requirements for renting videos for general home use. Note, though, that they are licensed “for home use only”, but you’re renting them “for home use only”. Now if someone turns around and shows that video to a large group, they have violated copyright law, but you haven’t (unless, of course, you knowingly rented it to them for that purpose, in which case there might be a problem). Ultimately, though, it’s up to them to get the license, not you.”
Chuck Morrison on June 6th, 2004 6:21 pm
In my research on the same subject, I have become aware that there are licensing fees for public performances that MIGHT apply to you if you are exhibiting movies in your store for promotional or other entertainment purposes of your customers. According to the MPLC, annual licensing is very reasonable – as low as $95 depending on the nature of your operation. I have not yet received information from them, but I would encourage you to check out their website. mplc.com.
Hector M. Gonzalez on July 12th, 2004 11:01 am
I am a Account Executive for a company called MovieBankUSA We sell Automated DVD rental machines for further information feel free to contact me via email
Tyron Cutner on July 22nd, 2004 8:26 pm
I want to start a DVD business. However, I’m having a problem finding suppliers. The sites on the web sell movies in random bulk lots. They sell for about $3 to $9 a DVD. Most of them are old movies I’ve never heard of and the one site I found that sold new releases sold the DVD without the cases. I’ve bought wholesaler list but it was little help. I’ve heard something about needing a tax ID #. My question is what do I need to start this business legally? How do I get a tax ID#? And where do I go to buy DVDs (new releases, Box sets, etc) at a decent price.
Jeff Sims on September 8th, 2004 2:16 pm
I was wondering the same thing about where to go to get DVDs at wholesale prices to rent out. I have only recently began researching the subject. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Jared Lance on September 12th, 2004 1:13 am
I have a breakthrough idea for the rental industry. People will flock to this new system. Just like the above posts I have no idea where to get inventory for a decent price. Please contact me with your solutions and ideas for acquiring DVD’s.
plumsauce on September 20th, 2004 2:26 am
platformlabs.com has a lot of material on the site which would be of interest to those wanting to start a internet video or game rental business. there is information about both software and hardware considerations.
Sohail Malik on September 20th, 2004 11:31 am
I am about to start online DVD rental business in UK on something like netflix. I would appreciate if anyone can help me in finding good wholesale suppliers of original DVD movies.
Tre Dozier on September 29th, 2004 8:53 am
I’m starting an online DVD rental business. I too would like to know where all the distributors are at. Also the other people that are doing this I’m wondering how they are doing so far.
khan imrad on September 30th, 2004 5:57 pm
i want to know how much roughly investment is involve to set up renting company on net ,if any body have idea pls e-mail me thanks
plumsauce on October 1st, 2004 3:18 pm
Khan,
For clients using the facilities of platformlabs.com, the experience has been that they are starting up for about 20K. 3K of this is for their workstation setup, and the remainder is in content. Software is not factored in because it is paid for monthly. On the other hand, if you are buying the software from another source, you will have to add in the costs of software and servers. HTH.
Mick Scott on November 2nd, 2004 12:47 am
Hi.
I’m looking at opening a DVD rental shop, only I’m moving to Cyprus to do it. I’m also having trouble finding a supplier. Anyone got any ideas?
Kevin on November 2nd, 2004 1:53 pm
I am a citizen of Malta and wish to start a DVD rental business over here. I have family in the UK and visit your country very often. I too am wondering about a few things. Are there different prices for DVD you will eventually rent out? And are there any good DVD wholesalers where i can stock up from in the UK? Please send back any information. Thanks a lot.
Marj on November 15th, 2004 6:29 am
I am trying to research on any way I can get DVDs, Videos as I would like to start a rental. I am based in Botswana. Any useful info welcome on supplys, shipping and good deals.
LaRowe & Associates on December 7th, 2004 7:33 am
My company purchases DVD, VHS, and video games from stores that are going out of business. We have complete inventories for sale at a fraction of the price new.
Chris on December 10th, 2004 4:02 pm
I am ready to purchase a bunch of dvd’s.
I am starting up a dvd rental store and looking to fill it up. I have yet to find a supplier so if anyone knows of one and is ready to fill up a dvd store have them reach me. I am ready to order around 1000 titles, maybe more if the price is right.
Chris
joky on December 17th, 2004 12:16 pm
i have gone through this posts very well and i will be of immense help to any those who wishes to buy dvd movies either in limited quantities or in whole quantities.i actually have a dvd shop in china.
thanks
joky
Sunshine on August 4th, 2005 8:13 pm
Hello,
My boyfriend and I was talking that we both want to start our own business and we thought about DVD rentals. Our question is, what do we need to do in order to start this kind of business? I hope anyone could give us some advice about it. Thank You!
Sunshine
Johnny on August 24th, 2005 7:51 am
I have all the comments and yet not a single reference to who’s a good supplier for dvds. I have spent numerous hours searching but to no avail.
Rita on October 15th, 2005 1:48 pm
I too am looking for a source to supply a video dvd selection in a small store. I am not looking to purchase. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated Thanks
Ganesh Murugesan on October 16th, 2005 3:31 am
I too am looking for a source for setting up a DVD Rental shop in INDIA. Even though there are lot of DVD rental shops here, they are not legal.
I want to get a license for renting DVD’s in INDIA, legally.
If anyone knows how to get a license for renting DVD in INDIA, please relpy to my mail-id. If that info is really helpfull they will be paid.
Coz, when it comes to buisness nothing is done for free.
James on October 18th, 2005 5:00 am
Hi
I am also thinking of starting a DVD rental business, but in Spain. Either on the internet or as a shop. I am not sure what would be best, and how to go about this. Also does anyone know where to find out about licenses etc.
Thank You.
cj on November 5th, 2005 1:06 am
i have been procuring dvds for people that want to set up dvd rental shops and bulk purchases from china since 2000.
i will send a sample to you and if they satisfy you,then we can do business.(if your ready to pay for the sample)
my movies come in hard pastic and paper cover depending on buyers specification.
all movies are brand new and factory sealed with english digital dolby 5.1.
do not contact me if you dont want to do geniune business.
my price is negotiable and dependent on quantity
cj on November 5th, 2005 1:07 am
i have been procuring dvds for buyers that want to set up dvd rental shops and bulk purchases from china since 2000.
i will send a sample to you and if they satisfy you,then we can do business.(if your ready to pay for the sample)
my movies come in hard plastic and paper cover depending on buyers specification.
all movies are brand new and factory sealed with english digital dolby 5.1.
do not contact me if you dont want to do geniune business.
my price is negotiable and dependent on quantity
Chris Bierdorff on November 14th, 2005 6:03 am
Hi everybody. I guess I can help all of you. I represent web-based software to start your online dvd rental business.
HitDynamics DRS – the one of the most powerful Online Rental Software for Renting DVDs, CDs, Video Games, Adult DVDs, and Books over the web. With Streaming Video on Demand available now! A 100% web-based. Price attractive.
Please contact me by e-mail salesinfo@dvdrentalsystem.com.
Least said soonest mended!
Nick Carter on November 21st, 2005 6:00 am
I too am planning to start a DVD Rental shop in India. I need overseas rental license for english films, specially one produced in USA.
I contacted MPLC, they forwarded me to VSDA.org
I am not able to contact VSDA.org. If possible can anybody get the information about vsda.org
Nick Carter on November 21st, 2005 6:49 am
copyright/distribution permissions needed from US Movie Studios for
operating DVD rental store specializing in Hollywood movies (old and
new releases)in INDIA.
sambit on November 26th, 2005 3:40 am
Hi Ganesh and Nick!!
did u get answers to your queries? I want to start a dvd rental company in India too. if u know the licencing and such requirements please mail me at bitsban@rediffmail.com . We can help each other. India is a big country!!
Sam
charles on December 17th, 2005 7:42 pm
http://www.rentrakonline.com
i think you guys are missing the point here.. i have a small dvd rental biz right now.. along with a small convenience store.. at first we bought our dvds from bestbuy or whoever with price match.. you would have to get a tax id which can be done easily… do a search on the net.. it should be easy.. you have to read if you want to start your own biz.. no one is going to sit there for hours and tell you exactly how to do it..
anyhow.. rentrack is a database company that keeps track of all the dvds that are rented our throughout US. you don’t buy the dvds.. you just get it from ther from a split.. you would keep about 60 percent and they would get about 40 percent.. but if your dvd doesn’t rent.. it cost you nothing.. some of the dvds have processing fees.. upto 1.25 per copy.. that processing fee would be easily paid for on your first rental.. and then you’re keeping your percentage for rest of the dvd life..
it’s too much to explain.. but if you go to that site.. it should explain alot.. this is how many video stores are operating these days.. one thing.. you have to start the biz your self at first and prove that you can rent out 2500 dollars amount in a month.. that’s roughly 30 rentals per day.. then they’ll get on board with you.. until then.. they won’t even think about you signing up with them.. hope this helped..
let me know if you need help.. my email is dad@deaven.com
charles on December 20th, 2005 9:00 pm
one thing i think should be addresses.. when you decide to have a convenience store plus a video rental spot.. you might want to think about this.. how much are you going to charge late for late fees.. no matter how much time is given.. there always will be people who will be late.. that’s a guarantee.. the important thing is.. once a person accrue so much late fee.. they don’t go back to the rental place to get anymore rental.. but in case with convenience store plus rental.. you’re not only losing your rental customer.. but you’re also losing your convenience shopper for good.. in our case.. we’ve forgiven many of our rental people and try to call them to remind them ahead of time.. but it is time consuming.. unless you’re sure that you’re gonnna be able to do massive amount of rentals.. you may not want to open the pandora’s box
just a thought
wayout on December 21st, 2005 10:57 am
i too am having a hard time finding a decent supplier who can get the product to you in a timely fashion and be able to supply at a cost that compares to the
“large quantity” buyers. i have a store that due to family illness, i do not have the time or energy to shop around. any help???
WHYED on January 1st, 2006 2:56 pm
ook no one has given an anwser
I AM LOOKING TO SET UP A DVD RENTAL ONLINE BUSINESS IN THE UK
UK
UK
UK
COULD SOME ONE SIPPILY TELL ME A LIST OF SUPPLYERS FOR THE U.K NOT THE US
I ALSO NEED TO NOW IN THE U.K DO U NEDD A LICENSE TO SET UP AN ONLINE BUSINESS.
HOW MUCH DOES THE AVERAGE RENTAL DVD COST IF I WAS TO BUY IT PLEASE EMAIL ME EMPIRE-DVDS’HOTMAIL.CO.UK
THANKS
persis alasan on January 14th, 2006 11:45 am
We need wholesaler of indian movies in the united state. Please contact us
persis alasan on January 14th, 2006 11:46 am
We need wholesaler of indian movies in the united states. Please contact us.
digital7 on January 16th, 2006 3:30 pm
Does anyone have an answer ? I am thinking about starting an online video rental business, specifically , customers would rent and watch it right on their PC. Knowing that there is no special license required to rent a dvd in a video store as they are rented for home use only, does this same rule apply to video that is streamed into ones own home for private use also?
Chris Bierdorff on January 18th, 2006 5:55 am
Hi digital7! I have an answer for you. We offer a media streaming
solution. It is a software for organizing watching of copyright protected digital content
online from web site. The solution is based on Microsoft Windows Media Streaming and Digital
Rights Management technologies that provide reliability and copy protection scheme.
It means that your clients will watch movies directly from your
website, without downloading them. Also nobody will be able to steal
or copy the film content that you provide for rent through streaming
technology. You charge your subscribers for watching you films.
If you are interested to know more, please contact me at salesinfo@dvdrentalsystem.com
Lineage 2 cheats on February 1st, 2006 11:09 pm
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martina on February 2nd, 2006 11:30 am
I’ve read alot of comments about not having to have a license and as a movie rental shop owner I have some bad news for you all. I’m based in Ireland and the story here is you have to have a license for every premises you trade from – be it a shop or vehicles. It costs 200 euros a year plus now INFACT are calling to premises to check if proper product is being stocked for rental as in the last year the companies such as Warner, buena vista etc., have changed the way the product is being released. Now on day of release you have two products one for retail only which is marked on both the disc and its cover and the other product is for rental only which is clearly stated on the disc and its cover. The only difference is the price retail being cheaper and you can’t buy it to rent it or you can be prosecuted for infringement of copyright. I have some of the retail product for rental but i have to get rid of them now because there is a clamp down now. But the bee in my bonnet is that there is a person in my town who sells pirate copies of whatever you want before it even hits the big screen and the gardai won’t do anything about them!!! My bit of advice to anyone starting a rental business in a premises don’t bother unless you have something else to sell along side the dvd’s. I’m looking for suggestions so if anyone has any ideas for me email on mkbeehan@yahoo.co.uk. I’m in the rental business for the last 10 years but this could be my last as a movie rental outlet. Best of luck to any starting out.
Danny on February 6th, 2006 5:45 am
Try researching some of the movie producers maybe you can get some copies for cheap from them if you explain what you’re trying to do.
Troy Hendrickson on February 9th, 2006 6:30 pm
Need some serious help on setting up a dvd/video rental store. I need to find a supplier that can find me stock that is attractively packaged, current and at a great price.
Looking forward to a response
Vaibhav on July 5th, 2006 9:55 pm
Hi Ganesh, Nick and bitsban,
I have some knowledge about the same. Please get in touch with me at vaibhav.cse@gmail.com.
Please let me know your progress and I think I can guide you.
Regards,
–Vaibhav
Troy on November 1st, 2006 3:30 pm
I am selling a DVD/Movie rental business. Shelfing, movies, key turn computer system. All must go, email me if you are interested tdolinen@yahoo.com
Troy on November 1st, 2006 3:34 pm
Will ship movies and etc at buyers cost. Inventory must go.
graeme on November 3rd, 2006 3:08 pm
i’m a video/dvd sales rep for a large uk based video/dvd wholesaler and just wanted to let you know there are some suppliers left email me at graeme.summerfield@changeover.co.uk
Rodger on January 11th, 2007 5:54 pm
For those interested in setting up an online rental store, our new start-up iLetYou, an online rental community for DVDs and games, partners with stores on a strictly revenue share basis:
http://www.iletyou.com
We’ll be promoting iLetYou heavily in the upcoming months as we prepare for our public launch. Contact me at store -at- iletyou.com if you have any questions or are interested in setting up a store and I can provide you with an invite code to our Private Beta to set up your store.
Thanks,
Rodger
Songofsixpence on February 5th, 2007 2:27 am
Pls can anyone tell me what it entails to set up an automated DVD/Video rental shop in Ireland.
Martinet on February 14th, 2007 4:35 pm
Hi
Anyone knows about this site. g3films.com
They came to market recently & doing online DVD rental business in Indian films.
we are plannimg to buy it . Any suggestions are welcome.
regs
Martinet
Ben Crudo on March 14th, 2007 3:58 pm
I’ve got a good solution for anyone starting a DVD rental business. I’m selling an entire store package of automated equipment for 25% of what it’s worth. It is a self serve concept so the machines are responsible for conducting all of the rentals. The only job a staff member has is to put in more movies and sign up new members.
contact me for more information.
Ben Crudo on March 14th, 2007 3:59 pm
Ben Crudo – benjamin@hamouinc.com
Nancy on March 18th, 2007 7:13 am
I am selling a DVD movie rental store in plant city, fl. 3700+ DVDs. Please email me if you are interested.
Nancy on March 18th, 2007 7:15 am
Sorry, forgot to leave the email address above. nancyyvo@aol.com
ralphie on May 2nd, 2007 8:54 pm
There are only two real distributors of wholesale new dvds. Ingram Entertainment and VPD
Toni on May 13th, 2007 6:49 am
Hi,
I have seen a DVD Shop for rent that is just around the corner from me. I am thinking about renting the premises and setting up a DVD Shop in the UK. Does anyone know if i would need a licence to do this? Also how would i get my hands on a supplyer for all the new releases?? I a also finding it difficult to find a website that sort of gives you a step by step guide to setting up- i can find them for other businesses – except this one ! If anyone can help please email me at
toniraistrick@tiscali.co.uk
Thank You
Blue Moon on May 15th, 2007 9:29 pm
Just discovered this site http://www.clixflix.com. Clixflix are the first online DVD rental outfit in India, launched in 2004. What’s interesting is their model – Clixflix operates an online model, a brick and mortar model, a dial a movie service and a sms platform model – they are the first such service provider to offer a more robust and comprehensive model in a developing market like India.
Jagat Rao on May 19th, 2007 12:36 am
Thanks Blue Moon for the site. I signed up on http://www.clixflix.com. Really cool service. Great collection. The customer service team were extremely helpful, so to was the delivery staff. The member section has really cool stuff like sharing queues, movie ratings and recommendations with friends. Enjoying their recommendations as well. Thanks again for the info.
Rajesh on May 24th, 2007 5:27 pm
Hi there
I would like some recommendations on the software that can be used for a DVD rental shop.
Thanks
Rajesh
Karen on May 24th, 2007 7:24 pm
How can i setup a dvd store online?
http://working-at-home-opportunities.blogspot.com/
business opportunities
Bryan Kuzmicki on July 14th, 2007 5:48 pm
I opened an Automated Video Store in New York Called MovieStar Video A place where you can rent anything you want with the privacy and convenience you deserve.Great for renting those Adult movies that could normally be a little embarresing to rent but not with an automated store .It is doing great and we are creating a franchise to expand nationwide if anyone is interested we can build your store and start you off with a turnkey operation for 140,000 every single thing included. Go to http://WWW.MovieStarVideo.net for more details…………
phyrigia on August 8th, 2007 6:28 pm
Hey …….
Could someone tell me how to make proposal for your video rental store? I mean if you want to open video rent business but you don’t have budget. And someone sponsored it for you to open the video rental rental store. He want you to make the proposal for video rental store. How many the budget you need for first to open store, softwere, and also the calculation of financial ratio like : BEP(Break Even Ponit), IRR , ROI, NPV(Net Present Value), Payback Periode, and Benefit Ratio. Could someone help me? I really need it now.
ahavala on August 13th, 2007 5:06 pm
Hi all, I am from http://www.cycbiz.com, a free business videos b2b btob website. Foreign buyers and suppliers in China are active here!
It is an innovative idea to start a videos rental business shop or internet platform. But licence is hard to receive at least these days. I think if so many people to advocate this idea, an acceptable and authorized licence can be come into true in the near future, right?
Looking forward to your licences asap
Ahavala
ahavala on August 13th, 2007 5:14 pm
Hi there,
i am ahavala from http://www.cycbiz.com , we are your fans to start videos rental business.
http://www.cycbiz.com is a free b2b btob website for products and company business videos and trade leads. It is a free marketplace for foreign buyers and suppliers in China.
I think your videos rental business market will be better and better if a lincence comes into true.
Kumar on September 2nd, 2007 12:43 pm
I need help to start an online/offline DVD rental store in India. How to go about it?
Lisa on September 25th, 2007 12:12 am
Hi, I am Lisa. I have checked the above btob website http://www.cycbiz.com , it seems that business videos are its main characterics as well as products trade leads.
Can we put our products with price and pictures on it freely? and how to participate in videos ranking on the homepage? how to do it? thanks.
meviszhang on October 8th, 2007 7:33 pm
How to start a businesswww.cycbiz.com a good chace to maketing your video business. And many of my friends introduced to me this website. Time has proven that it is really an effective way to expand your business.
David on December 17th, 2007 6:56 pm
Hi, can anyone tell me about this new online rental site? http://www.dvdpoczta.com caouse we’re planing to buy it .
Thanks
TimArcade on February 14th, 2008 5:25 pm
Joky,
Please contact me about DVD’s . Thanks. Tim
timholmes1@juno.com
david farry on February 16th, 2008 2:42 am
I am 100% dedicated to put up a online Movie streaming website.
From the info i have gatherd, I dont need a licence because im not giving people it to spread to there friends, its personal and for home use.
Just a streaming link. which they only can view for a few days.
Questions:
Is this true? (No licence required for streaming)
Cheapest media hosting website ?
Do i need to set up a buisness with bank etc? (which the payments will run through.)
Where can i get the movies online to do so?
Mina on March 30th, 2008 7:11 pm
Hi everyone,
I am a student working on a marketing analysis of Netflix. Now I am working on the five force analysis and want to find some information about the suppliers.
At first I thought that the suppliers in this industry are those film companies( 20th century fox…etc) which publish those DVDs.
However, from all the discussion above, I found that the supplier in the DVD rental are actually some companies or website where you can get DVD in large amounts. The DVD rental store don’t need to pay any license fee to the film company (correct?).
In your opinion, do you think those suppliers have strong power to affect your pricing strategy?
Vernon marsh on May 12th, 2008 5:02 pm
please send me all the information I need to start a mobile cd,dvd buisness.I would also like to start a cd, dvd store. tell me how to do it nationally! please send me a list of distributors too! asap please! I’m broke!
Vernon marsh on May 12th, 2008 5:04 pm
please send me all the information I need to start a mobile cd,dvd buisness.I would also like to start a cd, dvd store. tell me how to do it nationally! please send me a list of distributors too!
Vernon marsh on May 12th, 2008 5:04 pm
please send me all the information I need to start a mobile cd,dvd buisness. tell me how to do it nationally! please send me a list of distributors too!
Vernon marsh on May 12th, 2008 5:05 pm
please send me all the information I need to start a mobile cd,dvd buisness, please send me a list of distributors too!
Vernon marsh on May 12th, 2008 5:06 pm
please tell me how to start a mobile dvd,cd buisness
w3rent on May 25th, 2008 7:34 am
When you open your own dvd/video game rental business you are always suppose to remember that the key of the success is the right choice of the software. You have to make sure that video game/dvd rental software you are running absolutely secure, powerful, stable and ready to grow together with your business. Thats why its important to decide what system will suite your business best – let us show why choose W3Rent™ rental software. Contact our team using info at w3rent . com and we will response to any questions you may have about rental business.
alexis on July 12th, 2008 9:03 am
I am interested in starting up a video rental business in egypt can anyone help
Kevin Javitz on July 21st, 2008 5:11 pm
Here you will find a guide on starting an online movie rental business: http://www.itwebexperts.com/starting-online-movie-rental-business.php
Greg on August 11th, 2008 2:36 am
I have been under the impression that in order to rent a DVD or VHS tape a person must have a ‘Rental Copy’ that is much more expensive to buy; but, that is legal to rent. Am I wrong? or, can I just buy movies wherever I wish and then rent them. A local store in my area is doing just this; but, I only sell used movies (for about the same, or less, than what they would rent for)
Is this person in vilation? Is this legal?
Thanks for any insights.
Greg on August 11th, 2008 2:39 am
I don’t know if this helps anyone or not; but, we buy most used; but perfect, DVDs for around $2.00 US. We buy in bulk from many larger pawn brokers all around our region in the western WA area.
cortni on August 11th, 2008 12:16 pm
Looking to start a movie store, where do i get the rentals to start my business?
Dessa on October 28th, 2008 2:16 pm
For all of those here looking of a supplier of dvds and games contact me. We don’t do old movies but the new releases as well.
Dessa on October 28th, 2008 2:19 pm
contact me at tnladywolfe@netscape.net
alice ackerson on June 9th, 2009 8:13 am
I want to start a small video rental shop in PA. Do I need a tax Id number and can I just buy my videos any where or is there a special low cost place to buy them?
Ed on June 29th, 2009 6:28 am
I am looking for information on starting a online video game renting business. I have read each response which is very interested. I have researched companies like gamez n flix, gamefly, and gotta play. what I am not understanding is how do they provide inventory for their entire customer base. is there a middle man or are they purchasing all of this inventory, (extremely costly I would assume)? please email me if you have any suggestions ed007_2001@yahoo.com
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