Phonecards On-Line - Written by Alan H. Cohen

November 9, 1996


Issue 55


Phonecards On-Line is written and distributed by Alan Cohen


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News and Views

Year in Review - An Update

Last week I discussed what I saw were shortcomings in expectations for the phonecard hobby in 1996. I’d like to add to that some information I have received from readers.

The following deals with Olympic cards:

"I wanted to respond to your comments on Olympic cards. We issued, last April, a set of 3 - $10 cards to commemorate the centennial of the Olympics. These cards, embossed with pictures of athletes in action and packaged in a nice folder, were issued as a fund-raiser for the Canadian Olympic association. The cards are Gold, Silver and Bronze, and there is still some sets available.

We also issued a set of 8 Olympic cards, (4 - $10 and 4 - $20) that were being sold retail across Canada. These cards were really popular and some of them are even sold out.

We have also launched our HELLO! Phone pass Collectors Web site, which is an extensive catalog (with images) of all the cards issued by the Stentor alliance over the last 3 years. The URL is:

http://www.stentor.ca/hello!/collectors

Thanks,

Andr, J,r"me

Concerning elections, although my impression of the lack of cards issued for the local elections, the December 1996 issue of Moneycard Collector features an ad by a company that has at least four national level cards

Anyone else have any comments on this? Your input is welcome!

Toys R Us

This Sunday's NY Metro area NY Times includes a Toys R Us flyer that includes information on getting a free 7-11 7-Minute Phone Card free with any $10 or more purchase in Toys R Us.

From: Seth marlowe

Call Santa

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- MAPAKAM, Inc. recently introduced the SANTA CONNECTION(TM) Card, a prepaid call to "the North Pole and Santa Claus."

The card displays a four-color picture of Santa on the front and instructions for calling on the back. The interactive call lasts three minutes and utilizes the platform of LDDS WORLDCOM, fourth largest long distance carrier. LDDS can handle thousands of calls simultaneously and the digital sound track ensures the very finest possible sound quality.

The card sells for $5.00 and can be used for one call, before Christmas, after Christmas, or next year. A great stocking stuffer, ideal for the budget conscious grandparent.

Children can call November 1 through January 1. One of Santa's elves answers and the child talks to two more elves, excitement building, before speaking with Santa himself. Santa asks for their name and checks his "naughty" and "nice" list. He then asks what they want for Christmas. He makes no promises, says "he will see what he can do." He explains that the true meaning of Christmas involves love and sharing. Children will absolutely believe they are talking to the "real" Santa Claus.

The company sells the cards through independent sales reps and retail stores. Fund raising organizations like this new, easy-to-sell product. You can purchase cards direct by calling 1-800-601-4812.

Mission Impossible

Coconuts (Music Store) is offering a free Mission Impossible phone card with the purchase of the video. Picture of the card on the ad looks plain but then again it is free

From: Scott Nemeroff

American Airlines

Today's New York Times has an ad for an American Airlines phone card. Interesting marketing tie-in. You get frequent flier (AAdvantage) miles with purchase and renewal of card. $45 gives you 120 minutes, plus 500 miles. Call 1-800-PRE-PAID (1-800-773-7243) t order. Shipping & handling charge $1.95. "For a limited time, you'll get 15 additional minutes.

From: Roger Streit

Until Next Week,

Alan

Distribution

Phonecards On-Line is written and distributed by Alan Cohen. It is a weekly newsletter devoted to phonecards - Current news, viewpoints, and reviews of new issues. It is distributed free of charge, and available two ways.

1) On-Line on the World Wide Web. The address is: http://www.cardmall.com

2) Direct e-mail. Send a message to: phoneline@cardmall.com

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