I know it's been long rumored since they stopped delivering new releases in time. But now it looks official.

I subscribe to the Video Business email bulletin, which contained this nuggest of info:

"* Online DVD retailer Express.com running low on cash, put on C.O.D. by
suppliers. Full story by Wendy Wilson exclusively in the Oct. 2 print
edition of Video Business."

Unfortunately, I think you need to be a subscriber to read the full story but it sounds like the rumors have been confirmed.

And I thought they always justified no coupons and high shipping as a way to stay in business? Seems like their business model didn't work any better than Reel's did.

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"If you haven't got anything nice to say...come sit next to me"
Jadzia/Pikul

Amazing, spoke on the phone with them a couple of hours ago and asked them point blank if they were having financial problems. They said no. Does anyone tell the truth anymore?

Jonathan,

i have the sad duty to ask you to clarify with ECS which international shipping e-tailer they are going to choose once Express goes the way of Reel A sad day for us Europeans.

Regards
Bjoern

Bjoern, it’s already in hand. No definite news yet but rest assured I’m fighting the international corner although with the raised $75 limit, I’m wondering if it’s worth it.

Jonathan,

first of all i want to thank you for being at the front fighting for us international customers. YOU GO!!!!

I think it is worth it! Think about it, with international deals drying out, the current 29of79 one would have been excellent in combination with free shipping, no matter if the FS limit is 25, 50 or 75 bugs. The real problem was and is that Express already has nothing in stock!

If they are actually having cash flow problems I'd be surprised if they're not bailed out in some fashion. Their business plan is more sound than Reel's was (endless coupons and promos, 40-50% off) and prior to recent times their reputation has been good. I mean if someone thought CDNow was worth bailing out then surely the same would be true of Express.

Chris

I guess it depends on the financial condition of express.com. Are they out of money now? If so then they will not survive the time to have someone bail them out unless the search for a new partner has already started. Cdnow had been looking for a partner for months before they found someone and they just made it in time.Express.com is also doing things like selling dvd's for full price and giving out future discounts in order to generate cash flow now. this further reducing the future profits if someone invests in them.
I wonder how 800, buy,checkout and bigstar are doing financially. Maybe we should start a burn rate thread or months left thread in the online store forum

[This message has been edited by gcribbs (edited September 29, 2000).]

Has anyone received an order from them lately?

Wondering if I should use that GC now or wait until this cash shortage blows over.


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GoldfishLegs.com <== Canadian Deals 'n Steals

That's a good question. I had a coupon that expired at the end of September so I had to use it.

I made sure to find DVDs that were not only listed in stock but also had actual numbers for the stock. That way I was pretty sure Express actually had these discs in inventory. I also tried to find discs that weren't outrageously priced. It was hard to find anything I wanted or thought I might like that met these two criteria.

I placed my order on 9/30 and it has shipped already according to Express, which sent me the shipping notice today.

For what it's worth, I got the two new W.C. Fields Criterions. I also used the Yellowbrix rebate, so it should work out to buy one, get one free.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Jujubee:
Has anyone received an order from them lately?<HR>

Yes. I received Green Legend Ran on Wednesday. It was ordered on August 6th, and was to have been shipped on August 29th (when the new price took effect). So, in effect, I waited a month for my order to come through.

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Be kind: Rewind your DVD discs.

Mark Holtz http://www.deepspacefranchise.net/

So do we know roughly when they might be going under if that's the case?

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Regards...

John 3:16

My order from Express arrived yesterday.

An order I placed over a month ago has finally shipped from express.com as well

Glad to hear it finally arrived.

I wouldn't have ordered at all if it hadn't been for the expiring coupon and yellowbrix promotion, which together acted as a $20 off $40 (or so).

I get the print copy of Video Business and I read the article.

I'm wary of posting quotes from the article because Video Business says one needs their permission to reprint. Maybe Geoff could get their permission to reprint the article on DVD Talk.

The gist is that three major suppliers now require upfront payment. One executive from one of the companies is upset that Express is still selling below cost.

quote:<HR>Originally posted by movielib:
I get the print copy of Video Business and I read the article.

I'm wary of posting quotes from the article because Video Business says one needs their permission to reprint. Maybe Geoff could get their permission to reprint the article on DVD Talk.

The gist is that three major suppliers now require upfront payment. One executive from one of the companies is upset that Express is still selling below cost.

<HR>

They may be selling below cost on their preorders but they sure are not selling below cost on their in stock merchandise!!! If 15% is selling below cost then we are all in trouble down the road.



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http://www.dvdtracker.com/~djones6746.asp


"You know Andy...I never thought it would come to this....Mayberry....Gateway to danger."

Barney Fife

Movielib,

Did the article mention who the "three major suppliers" were, or can you say? I'm just wondering because I have a lot of titles pre-ordered with Express (mostly Anchor Bay) over the next couple of months, and I'm trying to decide whether I should cancel them and re-order elsewhere.

Actually, I didn't take any chances. I had roughly 30 titles pre-ordered with Express and I canceled ALL of them and went elsewhere.

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lordvdr @ DVDTracker
lordvdr @ DVDProfiler

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Roy28:
Movielib,

Did the article mention who the "three major suppliers" were, or can you say? I'm just wondering because I have a lot of titles pre-ordered with Express (mostly Anchor Bay) over the next couple of months, and I'm trying to decide whether I should cancel them and re-order elsewhere. <HR>

The article didn't say.