We knew that many of our members did not have access to the content needed to properly display TV features. We saw what competitors were doing and realized we could create something even better.
Les Kirk, Executive Vice President, Nationwide Marketing Group

photo RTO Online

RentDirect Executive Director, James MacAlpine (left) with Les Kirk, Executive Vice President of Nationwide Marketing Group.

Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) is known for being on the cutting edge of the newest and most innovative commercial technology. MemberNet TV, high quality HD content for TV walls, is getting a face-lift that will include reduced pricing and brand new content choices. The new version, MemberNet TV 2.0, is scheduled to be released this month.

In March of 2005, MemberNet TV 1.0 was introduced to members of RentDirect Nationwide. A collaboration between Nationwide Marketing Group, Iowa Labs and the Bryant Group, this service gives the independent dealer total control over the content displayed on their TV walls.

"We knew that many of our members did not have access to the content needed to properly display TV features," said Les Kirk, Executive Vice President of Nationwide Marketing Group, "We saw what competitors were doing and realized we could create something even better."

MemberNet TV includes content ranging from product commercials to sales training segments. A calendar allows the user to easily select the time, day and duration each program runs. For example, a RentDirect member dealer may choose to run a sales training video every morning before the store opens and in the afternoon run a hi-def color commercial alongside an eye catching Hollywood movie trailer.

"MemberNet TV is a highly visible tool that will help build our members' store image so they can compete better with the larger chains," said RentDirect Executive Director, James MacAlpine (video podcast).

This new technology has changed the face of television sales for independent retail dealers. Many RentDirect members have already benefited from using MemberNet TV's customized content. The buzz is growing around the new upgrades built-in MemberNet 2.0 that will cost much less and have more content choices than the current version.

"Video displays should be really important to the independent dealer," said RentDirect member, Dan Companion (podcast) of Home Now Rental Ownership in Florida.

Dan Companion of Home Now Rental Ownership in Florida.

Dan Companion is currently using MemberNet TV and explains how the bigger dealers utilize some type of edited content to attract customers. In contrast, most independent dealers are still using generic video on their TV walls to sell their hi-def televisions.

"If stores are going to be in the hi-def business they definitely should use MemberNet TV," said RentDirect member, Jean-Guy Poulin (video podcast) of J.P. Rental Services, "It is important to be able to choose different content that's appropriate for your store."

Jean-Guy Poulin of J.P. Rental Services.

Members of RentDirect admit that in order to compete, it is necessary to have access to more visually appealing and stimulating content. Through MemberNet TV, Nationwide Marketing Group has made it as simple as replacing a direct TV box for members to get the same high quality video content used by larger chains in their stores.

"We are able to have hi-def picture on the televisions when customers come in," said Jean-Guy Poulin of J.P. Rental Services, "The content is reliable, nice, sharp, clear picture and colorful, shows off a TV's performance."

To get connected to MemberNet TV all a dealer needs to do is sign up for the service on MemberNet and a complete package will be sent to their store that includes a MemberNet TV box. The dealer plugs this box into an existing internet connection, logs on to MemberNet, chooses from a list of video content and clicks the "on-air" button.

"We are very excited at the potential of this new technology and will continue to work towards making it even better, said Ed Kelly, President of Nationwide Marketing Group, "I am sure our member dealers will be pleased with the new upgrades we have made to MemberNet 2.0."

For more information on MemberNet TV, send an email to ckirk@rfsinc.net or call Chris Kirk at (318) 798-0123.

Nationwide Marketing Group, the parent organization of RentDirect-Nationwide and Specialty Electronics-Nationwide, is the nation's largest buying and marketing organization for independent appliance, electronics, and furniture dealers. Larger than all competing groups combined, NMG has approximately 2,800 members throughout the United States –independent dealers with more than 8,000 storefronts and a combined $11 billion in annual sales.