EXPRESSVU TARGETS GREY MARKET USERS
By Adnews Staff
ExpressVu Inc. of Mississauga, Ont. is trying to convert Canadian customers of U.S. grey market satellite dishes to its direct-to-home satellite TV service. The company introduced a deal this week by which consumers will get a credit on programming equal to the before-tax purchase price of an ExpressVu set-top box and dish. Customers who buy ExpressVu's model 3500 for a suggested retail price of $599 will receive $599 as a programming credit. Consumers who purchace the 4500 model for a retail price of $749 will get back a $749 programming credit. The credit must be used at a minimum monthly rate of $35.95 for French programming and $45.95 for English programming. The offer is valid from Nov. 15 until March 31, 1998. Once the ExpressVu service is activated, former grey market subscribers must return their grey market set-top box along with proof of purchase of their ExpressVu system and a programming or hardware bill from their grey market service provider dated prior to Nov. 15. The deal will be promoted using point-of-sale materials created by Vickers & Benson Advertising of Toronto.