Archive for the ‘ Movie Products ’ Category

Movie Memorabilia for Sale – Auctions, Hollywood Collectors

Collectible Movie Items

If you’re searching for movie memorabilia for sale, you’re about to enter a fascinating world filled with classic props, famous autographs, and plenty of bleary-eyed Hollywood collectors. That’s because what started as a very small niche has exploded into a multi-million dollar industry that’s seen everyone from Sotheby’s to eBay get in on the act.

Whether you’re searching for autographed movie scripts, costumes, lobby cards, posters, or autographed pictures, you’ll be amazed at the amount of cinematic history that’s up for grabs on the Internet. I’ve never been much for collecting movie memorabilia or taking part in auctions, mainly because I don’t have the excess cash to afford it. However, the truly dedicated collector can find some reasonable deals if they’re willing to exercise a little patience and settle for something less than iconic wardrobes and props.

Those who are rolling in the dough don’t have the same problem, however. To prove my point, here’s a list of movie memorabilia that’s been sold over the year (as well as some of the famous individuals who made the purchase).

The Two Biggest Movie Auctions in History

Auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s have held numerous sales of movie memorabilia over the years, and items change hands every day on eBay. But without a doubt, there are two movie memorabilia auctions that dwarf all others.

The first was held by MGM in 1970, and it marked the turning point for collectors of Hollywood merchandise. Up until then, it wasn’t uncommon to see members of the crew walk away with props and costumes, and many items would even get destroyed by the studio (which almost happened to Bogart’s famous trenchcoat from Casablanca).

But all that changed when James Thomas Aubrey, Jr. was hired as president of MGM. His goal was to make money and cut down on expenses, so he arranged an auction to sell off tons of props and costumes that had been gathering dust. In all, seven sound stages were cleared out and hundreds of thousands of items were sold to eager collectors. One of the celebrity collectors in attendance was actress Debbie Reynolds, and she bought up thousands of auction items to the tune of $180,000. Over 40 years later, this would lead to the second entry on our list.

The 2011 Debbie Reynolds auction is being managed by Profiles in History, and it’s scheduled to run from June through December. The print catalog alone was priced at $39.50, and all available copies have already sold out (a free PDF version is still available). Boasting a massive collection of props and costumes, this auction includes items worn or wielded by such Hollywood stars as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Rudolph Valentino, Bette Davis, Rex Harrison, Vivian Leigh, Julie Andrews, Marlon Brando, Claudette Colbert, Richard Burton, Audrey Hepburn, Charlton Heston, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Douglas Fairbanks.

The auction is still underway as of this writing, but just take a look at what some items have already sold for:

Signed Movie Items – Celebrity Autographs

There are plenty of signed pieces of movie memorabilia floating around, but I found a number of interesting examples over at Hollywood Memorabilia.com. The most valuable was a signed 16×20 canvas drawing from Peter Max, which was listed at $6,231.17. Next was a copy of the music book for the album Revolver, signed by Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr ($5,678).

If I had $2,032.53, I’d buy the 11×14 cast picture from Goodfellas, autographed by Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci. And don’t forget about the 8×10 movie still from The Wizard of Oz, signed by Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, and Bert Lahr ($4,001.32).

Celebrity autographs are a specialty of the site. Items listed at over $2,000 include signatures by such famous individuals as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Princess Diana, Frank Sinatra, and a photo signed by former presidents Reagan, Bush, Ford, and Nixon.

Movie Props for Sale – Online Auctions

If you’re searching for collectible movie props, you’ll want to visit Premiere Props.com. They’ve been in business since 2001, and they deal in props and costumes from many recent Hollywood films. For those who enjoy texting (and who doesn’t?), you can get info on their latest additions by sending “props” to 292929.

When I perused their site, I was drawn to the ankle bomb prop from Inglourious Basterds. While I can’t afford the $999.99 asking price, it’s free to look at the picture and fantasize about killing Nazis.

Then there are a pair of Uggs worn by Sandra Bullock in her Oscar-winning role from The Blind Side ($799.99). The robe and mask worn by Ghostface in Scream 4 goes for $1,299.99, and fans of the Resident Evil franchise can choose between costumes worn by Milla Jovovich ($5,999.99) and Ali Larter ($3,299.99). And who wouldn’t want to have the motorcycle helmet worn by Steven R. McQueen (Steve McQueen’s grandson) in Piranha 3D ($249.99), or the dress that brushed against the body of Mila Kunis in The Book of Eli ($999.99)?

Movie Replicas

Movie replicas are reproductions of props used in movies, and the replica sword business is especially popular. Over at All Movie Replicas.com, they have a number of these items, including: a katana from The Last Samurai ($54.99), a Spartan sword from 300 ($199.99), Captain Barbossa’s sword from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise ($699.99), and the legendary Toledo Salamanca blade from Highlander ($1,250). Just thinking about Christopher Lambert and his weird Euro accent gets me all excited about that last item.

Movie Memorabilia from eBay

Since they sell everything else, it should come as no surprise that eBay deals in movie memorabilia for Hollywood collectors. In fact, many of the big auction sites have a presence on eBay (such as Profiles in History). When I visited the site recently, here were a few of the more valuable items up for sale: the only known one-sheet movie poster from A Trip to the Moon ($565,000), a prop car from the 1986 Charlie Sheen movie The Wraith ($325,000), a life-size T1 tank from Terminator 3 ($115,000), a 13-page comedy manuscript handwritten by W.C. Fields ($50,000), a Chucky doll from Child’s Play 2 ($49,999), and an early version of the Academy Award ($85,995).

And if collectible or signed movie scripts are your thing, be sure to check out items such as a Rooster Cogburn script signed by the cast ($19,999), a cast-signed script from The Buccaneer ($12,999), the original shooting script from Superman ($900), or Quentin Tarantino’s original Kill Bill screenplay ($4,500).

Redbox Franchise

The next time you venture to Wal-Mart or Walgreens, take a look around and see if you can spot the massive red kiosk with a soccer mom standing in front of it (okay, the soccer mom is optional). That’s Redbox, and it’s one of the hottest options for people on the go who want to rent a movie.

In fact, the Redbox franchise is growing at such an impressive rate that it threatens to put a major dent in Netflix business for 2011, 2012, and beyond. As a longtime movie fanatic, I’m in favor of any option that allows me to save time and money.

How to Get Redbox Movie Rentals

I first tried my hand at Redbox movie rentals in 2011, and I was surprised by how easy it was. The Redbox franchise can be found in over 27,000 locations ranging from convenience stores and drugstores to restaurants and grocery stores. Heck, even famous landmarks like the Empire State Building have one.

Each kiosk takes up about 12 square feet of space, but it holds around 630 movies (usually around 200 unique titles, with the rest being duplicate copies). Expect the bulk of available titles to be of the newer variety, although a few classics will be slipped in on occasion. And, yes, you do have the option of seeing the latest Hollywood blockbuster on Blu-ray.

I like to avoid touching doorknobs and other public germ factories, so I always make sure to apply some hand sanitizer after my trip to the local Redbox franchise. If you’re like me, you’ll want to keep this in mind.

Once you approach the Redbox kiosk, you’ll notice a large touch screen. This is where you’ll conduct your business, and any movie can be touched to receive additional information. When you’ve found a title you like, just press “Add to Cart.” More movies can be added in this fashion, or press “Check Out” to complete your transaction. You can pay by credit or debit card, and within seconds you’ll be receiving your selections from inside the machine.

When you’re ready to return the movies, they can be dropped off at any Redbox franchise (there‘s at least one in every state). Just press the return option on the touch screen, and then insert the movie (case included) back into the kiosk. It’s that simple.

I hate going to the video store and finding that all 20 copies of the movie I want are checked out. Redbox allows you to avoid this by reserving titles online. Just visit the Redbox website, pick the movie you want, and pay for it. This will allow you to reserve a copy until 9 pm the following day. When you arrive at the Redbox kiosk, swipe the credit or debit card previously used to reserve the film, and you’ll get your selection straight away.

I prefer to reserve my movies in advance, because people tend to get impatient if you take too long to browse the available titles. If it’s taken care of online, it cuts down on the opportunity for Croc-wearing suburban mothers with cottage cheese thighs to show their dark side.

To find the Redbox franchise nearest you, just text “REDBOX” to 50101. To get a list of the latest movies released every Tuesday, text “NEW” to 727272. With the latter, just keep in mind that sometimes Redbox has to wait up to a month after a film has come out on DVD before they can stock it. You have the greedy movie studios to thank for that.

Cost of Redbox Movie Rentals

One of the major advantages of your local Redbox franchise is price. You can get a DVD rental for only $1 per day, while a Blu-ray movie from Redbox costs $1.50 (plus a small amount of tax for each). I’m always looking for a bargain, so this blows the prices of Blockbuster right out of the water (although readers looking at this article in 2012 may hardly remember the former king of video stores).

Speaking of bargains, the Netflix website offers a free night’s rental to customers who’ve made their first transaction. Just go to the Redbox website, look for the link labeled “Get a free rental” at the bottom of the page, and get all the details.

In addition to Redbox movie rentals, the franchise is also testing the waters by renting video games at select locations. If you can find such a kiosk, expect to pay $2 per day for the latest video game titles for all major platforms. I’ve always wished that Netflix would offer game rentals, so this is a big plus for me.

I’m not big on using my mobile phone, but even I couldn’t resist joining the Redbox Mobile Club. I just texted “REDBOX” to 727272, and now I get a free night’s rental on the first Monday of every month.

Can You Get a Redbox Franchise?

I would love to have a Redbox franchise, but that’s just not going to happen. For starters, I don’t own my own business, and there’s also the matter of Redbox requiring a potential location to have a certain amount of foot traffic per week. I live in a town of 10,000, and the only place that qualifies is the local Wal-Mart. Unless I buy Wally World, it looks like I’m out of luck.

In my fantasy world, however, I own a thriving comic book shop that draws an unusual amount of naïve and busty 18-year-old females. When I’m not busy staring at them inappropriately or debating who would win between Superman and Batman, I envision myself strolling out front and getting cheap-ass movies whenever I want. Yes, my imaginary life is pretty damned good.

So if your local video store sucks and you don’t want to commit to a Netflix membership, be sure to keep Redbox in mind. Even the cheapest cinema fan can afford $1 per day, and you might even make a love connection with a soccer mom while waiting in line (at least I did in my fantasy world).

Netflix Free Trial, Netflix Movies, and Netflix Plans

I’ve been a Netflix subscriber since 2005, so I have a lot of experience with how they do business. Most of it is good–such as introducing the concept of no late fees and bringing Blockbuster to their knees–but then there’s the less-than-desirable practice of “throttling” and their refusal to list the release dates for DVDs and Blu-ray movies. But despite any complaints, I’ve stuck with the company through it all, and I feel perfectly qualified to discuss the Netflix free trial, Netflix movies, and Netflix plans.

Netflix Free Trial

I never took advantage of the Netflix free trial, because I didn’t need any convincing to join the nation’s largest online movie rental service. I heard about their business thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, and I was sick and tired of my local video store not carrying the titles I was looking for (especially in regards to foreign cinema) and being such dicks about late fees. Armed with a love for cinema and a painfully slow dial-up connection, I went and joined the Netflix faithful.

If you’re less certain, though, you can sign up and receive one month’s membership for free. You’ll only be able to have one or two movies out at a time, but it should be more than sufficient to see how Netflix works and how long titles will take to reach your home.

You’ll also be able to sample the streaming movies on Netflix, which is important considering that they eventually hope to drop the through-the-mail option entirely. Just imagine how much Netflix spends each year on all that pre-paid postage. When their library of movies can all be streamed online, they’ll be making more money than ever before.

Netflix Movies

Netflix currently has over 100,000 movies in their library, and a much smaller percentage are also available to be streamed online. No matter what kind of film genre you’re into, you can bet that Netflix will carry it (no porn, however). I do run into the occasional movie that isn‘t stocked, but those instances are few and far between (I enjoy watching lots of obscure films).

I usually get my movies through the mail, as I live in a rural area and have spotty Internet service. When I send a title back to Netflix, it almost always arrives the following day, and then my next selection can be expected a day later. I’m perfectly pleased with the two-day turnaround time, although this will depend on how far you’re located from a Netflix distribution center.

When I have watched streaming movies on Netflix, I’ve had no complaints. Just make sure you have a fast and reliable Internet connection, and you won’t have a problem. The only downside is having to watch the movie as-is, meaning you can’t select from various menu options like you could with a DVD. Still, that’s a small price to pay for being able to view films over your PC or Mac with just a couple of clicks.

The selection of streaming films on Netflix used to suck, but they’ve taken great pains to improve the quality in the last few years. They have a deal with Starz that allows them to carry many of the same films that are currently being shown on premium cable, and the overall Netflix streaming library continues to grow.

For those who only watch movies on Blu-ray, you’ll be delighted to know that Netflix offers Blu-ray rentals for a few extra bucks a month. I don’t use this option myself, but it’s perfect for those with elaborate home theatre setups.

And speaking of home theatres, the Netflix streaming option can also be set up to be piped directly to your TV. I have a friend who has a massive high-definition television, and it’s always a treat to get to watch movies with him. I’m not aware of the specifics, but any tech geek worth his salt should be able to figure it out.

The only downside is Netflix’s refusal to provide a list of which movies are coming out in a specific week. They used to do this, but people would end up complaining when the movie they wanted wasn’t immediately available. Netflix got tired of the griping, so they just removed the list. I don’t agree with this policy at all, as anyone who pays a monthly membership fee should have the right to voice their opinion without threat of having a service eliminated.

Netflix Plans

There are a wide array of Netflix plans to choose from, and I’ve used a number of them over the years. When I first became a subscriber, I chose the plan that allowed me to have three movies out at a time. As my appetite for cinema grew, I switched to the 8-movies-at-a-time plan (the largest plan offered by Netflix). But after viewing many of the movies I was really interested in, I ended up dropping down to the 5-at-a-time option.

And since there are no late fees, you can keep your movies as long as you like. I have a pal who’s joined Netflix once or twice in the past, but his selections always end up scattered around his house and never get watched. Of course, I don’t suggest this behavior, as you’ll eventually be asked to pay for the movies in question (when you cancel your membership).

To encourage subscribers to take advantage of their streaming option, Netflix also offers a reduced-price plan that eliminates the mail-order option altogether in favor of online viewing. I won’t go with this plan until I have no other choice, but those who spend all their time online may want to consider it.

That wraps up my look at the Netflix free trial, Netflix movies, and Netflix plans. As I stated earlier, I’ve been a customer since 2005, and my overall experience has been above satisfactory. Those who watch foreign and animated films to the exclusion of all else might want to give GreenCine a look before joining up, but anyone else would be crazy not to give Netflix a try.

And don’t even get me started on Blockbuster. If they hadn’t spent years putting the bottom line before customer satisfaction, then maybe this article would be about them instead. But they didn’t, and so it isn’t. It’s nice to know that the gods of cinema dish out a little justice from time to time (although I’m still waiting for them to do something about Michael Bay and James Cameron).

2011 Pepsi Coupons – Online, Printable, Free

Pepsi: for when they’re out of Coke. I’m paraphrasing a line from The Art of Lying, but that really should be the official company motto. As a longtime fan of Coca-Cola, I drink it whenever I have the opportunity, and I hate to hear the following words at a restaurant, “Is Pepsi okay?”

Okay, maybe I’m being a little hard on our pals at Pepsi Cola. After all, they need all the positive reinforcement they can get after Pepsi dropped to the #3 soft drink behind Coke and (of all things) Diet Coke. Since Diet Coke tastes like drinking battery acid combined with cheap gin, I sympathize with their predicament.

If you love Pepsi as much as I love their competitor, you’ll want to keep reading for info on where to find Pepsi coupons, a brief history of the company, and even a few examples of clever product placement on TV and in feature films. By the time you’re finished, you’ll be thirsting for a soft drink like never before.

My Experience with Pepsi

I’ve never been a Pepsi customer on a regular basis, but I did drink Mountain Dew like a fiend as a little kid (back when they still used a hillbilly on the bottle). There have also been a few occasions where I’d go to a theatre that only carried Pepsi, and so I would be forced to watch the film while slurping down something other than my chosen brand.

Oddly enough, I actually worked for Pepsi for a few weeks after graduating from college. A couple of friends worked there, and they put in a good word. It was a disaster, though, as I quit over the phone the first time I faced dealing with massive pallets filled with Pepsi in the back of a Wal-Mart. However, from what I’ve heard, it’s a dream environment compared to Coca-Cola and their habit of not paying employees for overtime.

I also remember buying a Coke to drink while I was being trained to work for Pepsi. My co-worker warned me that I could be instantly fired if anyone from corporate ever saw such a thing, which was another reason to get the hell out of there. Nobody tells me I can’t drink Coca-Cola.

Pepsi History

Pepsi was invented by Caleb Bradham in North Carolina in 1898. The concoction was originally known as “Brad’s Drink,” but someone wisely figured out that the name sucked. In 1903, it was changed to Pepsi-Cola.

The company made strides during the Great Depression by offering a larger bottle and a cheaper price than Coke. The strategy worked, and soon the two soft drink titans would engage in a battle throughout the decades.

It’s interesting to note that Coke had the opportunity to buy Pepsi out on three occasions between 1922 and 1933, but they declined each time. It’s a good thing, too, as I’d hate to order a Coke in a restaurant and be told that they have Big Red instead.

In case you’re wondering, the phrase “Pepsi coupons” extends far beyond the distinctive blue can. The company makes a ton of soft drinks and other beverages, and most coupon sources will carry a wide selection of these.

As of this writing, here are the 2011 Pepsi products available for purchase in the United States. If I left one or more off, be sure to bitch about it in the comments section.

Pepsi

Diet Pepsi

Pepsi Max

Mountain Dew

Diet Mountain Dew

Mountain Dew Voltage

Sierra Mist

Diet Sierra Mist

Gatorade

Tropicana Juice

G2

Propel Fit Water

Where to Find Pepsi Coupons

You’d have to be seriously dense not to be able to find Pepsi coupons. The darn things are everywhere, as Pepsi will try any method possible to lure customers away from the competition.

One option is to waste a bunch of time surfing the Internet in search of online, printable Pepsi coupons. But for every legitimate site you manage to find, you’ll have to deal with a dozen that feature nothing but spam and viruses.

No, your best bet is to buy the Sunday edition of the newspaper (preferably one for a city larger than 20,000). You’ll find it brimming with inserts and coupons, and rest assured that a number of these will be for Pepsi products. Clipping coupons isn’t my thing, but I do enjoy getting great deals (even if it’s on something other than Coke).

Pepsi Product Placement

Pepsi and Coke are in a constant battle for product placement and brand recognition. Of course, Pepsi needs it more considering that they’re behind in the cola wars, so they tend to pop up all over the place. In fact, of the thirty-seven #1 box-office movies in 2004, Pepsi products appeared in seven of them. Here are a few examples:

In Conclusion

While I don’t like Pepsi as much as Coke, I’m always willing to drink it when the competition isn’t available. And thanks to the mountain of free Pepsi coupons released every week in newspapers, it’s often the smarter option for budget-minded consumers. Besides, when a movie is really good, it doesn’t matter what you’re drinking in the darkness.

Amazon DVDs for Sale – 2011,2012

I used to venture out of the house to buy my movies, but I’ve started staying inside and taking advantage of all the Amazon DVDs for sale. It’s not that I dislike people; I just like saving money even more. And whether we’re talking 2011, 2012, or even 2013, I don’t see this trend changing anytime soon.

The main reason I’m a fan of Amazon is convenience. I click on the movies I want, Amazon bills my credit card, and the selections arrive right at my doorstep via USPS or UPS. Products are always shipped in a timely fashion, and I’ve yet to receive anything that’s damaged or not as advertised.

The second reason I love buying movies from Amazon is the ability to save money. While there are always plenty of Amazon DVDs for sale, the site’s everyday prices are also heavily discounted. In some cases, they offer films that have been marked down by as much as 70 percent. Sure, some of these movies stink, but most are well worth adding to your collection.

Amazon Deals on DVDs

On any given day, Amazon will offer deals on thousands of DVDs. In some cases, the discount may only be a few bucks, but others will be slashed by over 50% of their original price. These are often titles that have been available for a while, but a good movie is a good movie. As long as it’s cheap and entertaining, why does it matter what year it came out?

If you’re looking for deals on DVD or Blu-ray, Amazon offers the following categories:

Action & Adventure
African American Cinema
Animation
Anime & Manga
Art House & International
Classics
Comedy
Cult Movies
Documentary
Drama
Educational
Exercise & Fitness
Gay & Lesbian
Horror
Kids & Family
Military & War
Music Video & Concerts
Musicals & Performing Arts
Mystery & Suspense
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Special Interests
Sports
Television
Westerns

Each week, Amazon offers “spotlight deals” with discounts of 58%, and these titles are almost always crowd favorites. When I checked it out, movies such as Batman Begins, The Maltese Falcon, Forrest Gump, and Saving Private Ryan were being featured. These will change, of course, but it gives you an idea of the quality of the titles being spotlighted.

While I enjoy regular discounts, I also like to save obscene amounts of cash whenever possible. Amazon has a section offering DVDs for 70% off, so I was immediately drawn there. Some of the titles were awful, but movies like Natural Born Killers, Giant, Casino, and Pale Rider are steals at such a discounted price. As the old saying goes: It pays to shop around.

Amazon Blu-rays for Sale

Customers seeking a more high-definition experience will want to check out the Amazon Blu-rays for sale. Some of these items are admittedly substandard (anything with Katherine Heigl, for example), but I was surprised by the low prices offered on many top-notch Blu-ray titles.

As of this writing, you could get the following for just under $5: Caddyshack, Blazing Saddles, Pan’s Labyrinth, Excalibur, and Soylent Green. If you like junk, you can also snag Big Business (with Bette Midler) or Jumpin’ Jack Flash (with the Whoopi) for just a few bucks.

The $5 to $10 range includes a wide range of quality titles, including Full Metal Jacket, Office Space, 300, The Hangover, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I. While I already own 300 on DVD, seeing the Blu-ray at such a low price is seriously tempting.

For over $20, you can buy a lot of TV series on Blu-ray. This price range also includes a number of film collections, including the X-Men Trilogy, the Bourne Trilogy, and the entire Rocky series. If you’re really into a specific franchise, you’ll want to give this section a look.

While I hate 3D, fans of the genre should be aware that Amazon also carries 3D Blu-ray movies. Most of these aren‘t on sale, however, as the whole point of the 3D craze (in my opinion, at least) is to gouge the consumer for as much money as possible.

Keep in mind that offers change all the time, so the Amazon Blu-rays for sale will look quite different by the time you read this. By 2012 or 2013, I’m certain the list will be unrecognizable (including that inevitable Oscar-winning performance by Ashton Kutcher).

Movie Discounts at Amazon

While the Amazon DVDs on sale are reason enough to visit the site, I suggest watching out for additional bargains and special offers. When I was doing the research for this article, I noticed Amazon was offering a special allowing customers to buy two select Blu-ray titles and receive $5 off their next DVD or Blu-ray purchase.

I was expecting these “select” titles to be limited or downright crappy, but I was surprised to see a number a names that I both recognized and enjoyed (including Halloween, Last Action Hero, Tombstone, and Event Horizon). Peal Harbor also made the list, proving that even Amazon isn’t perfect.

If you’re reading this article in late 2011, 2012, or some point in the future, this deal will have expired. However, that doesn’t mean Amazon won’t be offering other special deals in its place. Keep your eyes peeled.

Amazon Instant Video

In addition to selling DVDs and Blu-ray movies, Amazon offers a service known as Amazon Instant Video. For only $3.99 you can view a movie online, and many of the latest releases are available. If you’re the type of person who only watches a movie once, this will cut down on plenty of clutter around your house. It’s also significantly cheaper than many pay-per-view services.

I’ve only used the Amazon Instant Video service once, but I had no problem with playback or picture quality. I was especially pleased, as I viewed Hobo with a Shotgun several weeks before it started a limited theatrical run.

Amazon Disc + On Demand

When you view the specific pages for Amazon DVDs on sale (Blu-ray movies are also included), you’ll notice some have an icon labeled “Disc + On Demand.” While I’ve never used it myself, this sounds like a great option for those impatient types who don’t want to wait several days to view their purchase. You still receive your DVD in the mail, but you’ll have the immediate option of watching your movie via PC, Mac, or over 100 compatible TVs and devices. And for 30 days after your purchase, you can access it online anytime you want.

A Final Word

Let me be clear about something: I don’t work for Amazon, and I have no intention of doing so in 2011, 2012, or any year beyond that (like they would have me). I’m just a customer who’s deeply satisfied with their service, and I’m using my little blog as a platform to say so. So the next time you’re in the mood for some home entertainment, at least consider the vast collection of Amazon DVDs for sale.

How Does Plastic Jungle Work?

You may have heard of the site dedicated to buying gift cards and wondered “How does Plastic Jungle work?”. Plastic Jungle can be found online at Plasticjungle and is a site dedicated to buying back your unwanted store gift cards for cash and selling gift cards at a discount. You can buy and sell cards from most major retailers, and they will even buy back cards that have been used but still have a balance remaining.

Simply visit the site, punch in the store name and amount, and they will make you an instant offer for your cards. If you are looking to buy a card, you can browse the huge selection to purchase a card for your next shopping trip or to give as a gift. The site is easy to navigate and allows you to buy or sell several cards in one session.

They offer a wide variety of store cards and are adding to their list of accepted stores all the time. You can buy or sell cards from dozens of major retailers, and the rates are incredible. Not only do they offer you a fair price for your cards, but they also offer cards for sale at a great discount.

How Do I Sell My Cards?

Offering up to 90% of the value of your cards for major retailers, Plastic Jungle turns your store cards into money you can use to pay your bills or shop where you want. You can choose to receive your payment in the form of a check made out to you or your company, or you can opt for a payment to your PayPal account. You can even swap in your store cards for a different merchant with a similar value.

When you get to the site, just click on the Sell a Card button. You are then sent to a page that lets you enter in as many cards as you have, one at a time. Type in the first few letters of the store name, and you’ll see merchants pop up below that match. Select the one you have and then fill in the amount the card is for, or estimate the value–Plastic Jungle will look it up for you.

Once you have your cards entered into the system, choose your payment method and enter your personal information to create a free account, and then submit your order. Mailing instructions are given, and once your cards arrive and are verified, you’ll receive payment in a few days. There are no hidden fees or commissions, and the price you see online is the price you get for your cards.

What If My Merchant Isn’t Listed?

If you are trying to sell a card for a company that is not listed, you will be given the option of being notified once Plastic Jungle starts to use that merchant. Not all stores are currently accepted, but most of the major ones are, and more are being added on a regular basis. At the time of this writing, 104 merchants were listed.

Buying Cards at Discount

With thousands of gift cards in stock at discount prices, Plastic Jungle is a great place to shop for those birthday presents, wedding gifts, and holiday shopping lists. You can save up to 30% on any card in stock, depending on the merchant, and there are cards available in all sizes, from $25 and up. All transactions are guaranteed, so you can be confident that your purchase will arrive within 15 days and be honored by the merchant for an amount equal to or higher than the one listed when you placed your order.

Volume Sales, Partnerships, and Affiliate Program Information

If you have a large number of cards to sell, Plastic Jungle wants to hear from you. Simply go to the link and fill in your details on the contact form, and a customer service representative will be in contact with you regarding your situation. The simple form is quick and easy and lets you give as much detail as you want, allowing a personal response from the company.

If you have ideas about specific partnership opportunities with Plastic Jungle, the same form allows you to present your ideas to them in a way that will be heard. If your company wishes to have their cards accepted and traded on the site, or wants to make gift cards available at a discount to drive sales to your door, let them know what you have in mind.

If you have a website and want to help spread the word about Plastic Jungle, they offer an affiliate program that allows you to place links on your site and get credit for any clicks that you generate. This program allows you to earn a small fee for each customer that learns about Plastic Jungle from your site and becomes a member, making at least one transaction after the initial click.

Charity Donations and Fundraising for Non-Profits

One easy way to get donations for your non-profit corporation is to have a gift card drive, allowing people to donate their unused gift cards to your charity. Cards can be redeemed directly through the Plastic Jungle website or collected and sent in, the choice is yours. Setting up a fundraising drive at the site is free and easy, and all cards with a balance of at least $10 and at least 90 days remaining before expiration are accepted and reimbursed. Other cards are donated to a charity by Plastic Jungle.

It’s Easy and Free

Log onto Plastic Jungle today and set up a free account, then enter in your unwanted cards or shop for discounts on store cards you can use. It’s a great way to turn some unused plastic into cash, and it’s a perfect place to find a deal on items you were going to buy anyway. Got a shopping trip planned? You can’t afford to ignore this opportunity to save money.

The Complete Hollywood Mega Store Review

Are you looking for a comprehensive and unbiased review of the Hollywood Mega Store? Then read on, and you will soon learn all the information you need to successfully maneuver the store’s user friendly website.

The Hollywood Mega Store is your one-stop-shop for all Hollywood-themed items. This virtual store boasts the best selection, prices and services out of all of their competitors. Offering a large quantity of items with unmatched quality, this is the perfect store for Hollywood themed parties, home cinemas, gifts, and memorabilia.

Site navigation is a cinch. A list of categories on the left hand side of the home page lends to a hassle-free and effective product search. Simple online ordering mixed with quick and affordable shipping options creates the perfect transaction with the Hollywood Mega Store.

Reputable and Respected

Hollywood Mega Stores is the virtual extension of a small chain of Hollywood memorabilia and souvenir stores. Owned and operated by the Zahavi family, the company has been a staple of the Hollywood community for over 20 years.

A dedication to providing the best selection of all things Hollywood ensures this business shines brighter than the rest. With over 3,000 products, inventory is continually updated according to latest Hollywood trends. The store provides an array of exclusive, licensed specialty items from famed studios such as Warner Bros. and Disney. They also sell novelty items for every buyer’s need and budget.

Detailed Product Pages

Choose the appropriate item, then click “view details” and you will be transferred to the product page. There, you will find a detailed description with the item’s significance, use, dimensions, etc. Alongside the description is a photo of the product.

Latest Hollywood Trends

Keeping in alignment with their promise to stay atop Hollywood’s hottest trends, the site offers a “What’s Hot Now” section. This page highlights and has direct links to the stores most sought after items.

Stand-ups or Cutouts

Stand-ups are life-sized cardboard cutouts of celebrities and characters. Usually only seen at movie theaters, you can order these as the icing on the cake for your Hollywood themed party. The store carries many celebrities, from Humphrey Bogart to John Wayne, Angelina Jolie to Marilyn Munroe.

Planning on throwing a movie-themed party? Purchase a stand up of characters from a variety of Hollywood films, Disney characters, WWE, UFC, or popular animals. Stand-ups can also be customized.

A Decorator’s Dream

Find the right props to give your place of business the true Hollywood feel. Whether you work for a cinema, pub, restaurant, or just want to spruce up your home theater, the Hollywood Mega Store has the prop you need to make your space scream authenticity. Choose from dozens of items, such as:

Best Party Ever

A page of helpful party planning tips and ideas makes for a successful Hollywood themed party for both kids and adults. It contains links to the most popular party products and supplies handy ideas for invitations, decorations and games. The store also sells party supplies like confetti, paper plates and napkins, centerpieces, and party favors.

Cherished Gift Ideas

Stocked with dozens of great gift baskets, the store has something perfect for every film admirer. Framed celebrity photos and classic movie and tv stills make great housewarming gifts. While personal and customizable gifts like the Oscar statuette and the Walk of Fame star are ideal additions for home theaters and offices.

Browsing and Searching

You may be left wondering, how does the Hollywood Mega Store work? Browsing and searching are the two ways to navigate the store. If you know which item you need to purchase, simply click on the corresponding category. Then, browse the product listings.

Use the search box if you are looking for products associated with a specific movie or celebrity. A list of all matching products will load on the next page.

How to Place an Order

To ensure you receive the exact products you need, follow these simple directions:

Remember, there is no “log-in” storage of a username or password. Unlike most other virtual stores, there is no membership commitment required. Simply fill out and send in an order form.

Alternative Ordering Methods

One can also order via e-mail or fax. Phone orders are not accepted. For all other transactions, the Hollywood Mega Store accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

General Shipping

Products are almost always in stock, which means they are available for immediate shipment (Monday through Friday). The cut-off time for same day shipping is 4 p.m. PST. Most items arrive 3-5 days later. There is a 30-day return policy.

Special Deliveries

Oversized items such as the celebrity and character stand-ups as well as customizable items like the Oscar Statuette replica can take up to 12 days to ship. Rush shipping is available for all products, except stand-ups. The cut-off time for rush shipping is 3 p.m. PST.

International Orders

All products except the cutouts are available to ship internationally. As international credit cards are not accepted, there are generally few orders placed outside of the United States. However, the Hollywood Mega Store will accept international payments via wire transfer.

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Hollywood Mega Store – Hollywood Mega Store Discounts

Hollywood Mega Store is a location on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, aimed at the typical tourist hoping for souvenirs to commemorate their Hollywood experience. The store provides visitors the opportunity to personalize imitation Academy Awards and purchase other affordable knick knacks. Hollywood Mega Store opened in 1970, and they also provide party favors and decorations for any movie or celebrity-themed event.

Hollywood Mega Store Discounts

While surfing the Internet, several websites can be found that claim to offer free coupons and discounts on merchandise. However, most of the links simply take you to the website. A method of encouraging sales and increasing visitors? Sure. A true way to save for potential customers? Not necessarily. Or is it? A coupon at 58coupons.com offers a $10 discount for purchases and provides a code for use at checkout; spooky-10D.

An offer for 30 percent off at couponcabin.com, however, redirects to cheapuncle.com, reportedly the partner site for Coupon Cabin and also the search engine “aimed at giving you the cheapest price.” However, no search results are found for Hollywood Mega Store.

That means the jury is still out on true savings.

Hollywood Mega Store Website

Hollywood Mega Store’s accompanying website is aimed at anyone looking for movie star memorabilia, whether it be from classic cinema or today’s most popular celebrities. But is it safe to shop there, or is it just another scam to skim your bank account?

Hollywoodmegastore.com was started in 2000. According to safeshoppingnetwork.com, the site gets a top score of 100 in safety and performance. However, the site receives slightly less satisfactory scores of 95 and 98 in usability and overall respectively.

With a base of six million people visiting the site monthly to determine quality, Safe Shopping Network seems to count as one positive vote for a legitimate business. Hollywoodmegastore.com does focus on sales in the United States, but customers outside the U.S. can purchase items and have them shipped by paying with a money order.

User Reviews for the Hollywood Mega Store Website

When questioning the validity of a website, it’s best to go straight to the source: fellow consumers who’ve tried the site and documented their experience. Suzanne, a writer for Associated Content, reviewed the site following the purchase of an item that she couldn’t find anywhere else. Her review was less than favorable, as she experienced high shipping rates and a fee for not meeting the minimum order value. She wasn’t satisfied with the surfing experience, either, as each click on the website provided limited choices for the items she was looking for.

Bizrate.com shares similar customer experiences. Overall, Hollywood Mega Store has a rating of 9 of 10 for customers who would shop at the site again and an 8.9 rating on overall experience, based on reviews by 1,000 customers. Some issues listed on the review included the expensive shipping rates and lack of communication, such as not informing the buyer an item was out of stock at the time of purchase. However, customers were satisfied with the speed of delivery, the quality of the product and also the unique merchandise.

Average star ratings for the site at Givemeareview.com are 3 of four stars. One area that seemed slightly deficient was customer service, with only two-and-one-half stars. That area’s commentary notes an online form is available for customer use, a phone number is supplied for normal business hours, and a fax number is also provided. These seem to be typical methods of communication and therefore can be seen as average, which somewhat explains the rating. Other positives noted by Givemeareview.com include a 30-day return policy and also the strength of the Stronghold web server, used by the site and featuring the most current encryption available to protect credit card information.

Tips to Remember

Final Thoughts

With four decades under their belt in Los Angeles and one decade since the creation of their website, Hollywood Mega Store and its dot.com affiliate seem to be legitimate–if rather predictable and cheap ways–to get those items from Hollywood you might not be able to live without. While the coupon and discount links seem like more gimmicks to draw in an unwary Internet surfer, the store and site both provide all they advertise.

The site reviews from customers seem to be a balance of satisfied and slightly unhappy, with common Internet-sale related concerns, including shipping rates. One point of concern would be the lack of accuracy in original purchases and the fact that the item may be out of stock.

As a result, I wouldn’t rely on the site for time-sensitive purchases such as birthday presents. However, early Christmas shopping or other purchasing “just because” would be a perfect fit for this site. Of course, the best way to buy from the Hollywood Mega Store would be to travel to the location, thereby receiving the “Hollywood” experience yourself, rather than through the mail. If that option is out, however, purchasing online is a viable alternative.

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