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Company: VisioneersDVDclub
Project: New Movie Rental Website

http://www.visioneersclub.co.uk

Dates: Aug 2007 to Oct 2007

How did the project start?

VisioneersDVDclub is an online faith based and family friendly movie rental store based in the UK. This site was launched after an unsuccessful search for a UK DVD rental store that offered both faith based and family friendly movies. I recently added features that allowed users create log in details for more than one member of the family. Parents are now able to create sub-accounts for their children to manage their rental queue and will not have to worry about the contents of the movies they select.
The website was re-designed and additional features such as Prize Draw competitions were added.

What options did you consider?

I initially commenced with an off shelf commercially available ecommerce software which failed to meet my needs despite several attempts to modify it. I thought of getting a specially made solution to meet my needs but decided at the end to use an open source solution because of its adaptability and relatively low cost.

What help and expertise did you receive?

an outsourced web designer for the design and a US based web development company for modification of the software to suit my needs.
Also found services like Business Link, One North East and Shell Live wire very useful for ideas and advice.

Did you face any challenges or learn any lessons?

It's really essential that you adequately research the market, web solution /host, funding, advertising etc no matter how brilliant or good an idea is, this will prevent setbacks and losses. A well structured business plan really helps.

What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?

The site experienced high level of traffics with numerous hits from both the US and the UK and had a good turnover from movie sales alone after the launch of the new website design.
VisioneersDVDclub had more rental subscribers and I had to increase stock considerably due to increased demand.

What are your plans for the future?

To add more family oriented features like games and an activity corner for kids.
Work in collaboration with independent children game producers and will be marketing their software and offering game rentals.
The addition of movie trailers.
In the process of preparing some promotional advertising campaign for the media.