I thought Blockbusters goal was to beat Netflix?
This post was published 2 years 3 months ago and its content may not be valid anymore.Until this morning, I was sure that Blockbuster was gunning for Netflix in the home movie rental delivery service. What with Blockbuster advertising the ever so attractive deal of 3 movies delivered to your home + unlimited in-store rentals, it seemed as though Netflix was on the losers side of the fence. But like I said, I had assumed all that until this morning.
Arnold emailed Blockbuster support inquiring about recent changes to his plan:
I have been a Blockbuster subscriber for over 7 months. Prior to that, I was at Netflix. My Netflix account is currently suspended (meaning I don’t pay anything, but I still have my account history and I can turn the account back on at anytime).
I do not agree with the recent email from your company telling me about my plan changing. In January 2007, I signed up for Unlimited Online DVDs up to 3 at a time plus UNLIMITED in-store exchanges plus one coupon for game/video rental. I want to keep my current account as-is without changes. Please let me know if you can accomodate this request.
Joyce (Blockbuster Online Customer Care) writes:
I’m very sorry if you feel that way about our new plans, Arnold. Like all retail businesses, we must periodically review our pricing structure. In introducing a wider range of subscription plans, we considered a number of factors related to online memberships including in-store activity on a given account. We’re giving our most frequent renters like y ourself the option of either continuing with similar great benefits at a higher price point or moving to a new plan if you’d like to continue your membership at a lower price point and agree to limited in-store exchanges. Additionally, our envelopes are now valid for discounts on in-store game rentals. Unfortunately, eCoupons are no longer available.
Essentially, what Blockbuster is saying is that anyone who rents too many videos can either choose to upgrade their plan (pay more) to do so, or slow down their rental activity. Boo on that Blockbuster.
Poor Arnold. I don’t know about the specifics, but I guess I’m labeled a “preferred” customer, meaning I get to keep my account the same and snicker at all the new members who have to pay more. Here’s part of the email I received the day they changed their pricing:
“As a preferred customer, your plan will not change at this time. Please continue to enjoy your exclusive subscription plan, including no monthly limit on free* movie rentals or discounted game rentals when you exchange in-store, at today’s price – far below the published rate available to new subscribers. ”
Essentially I get to stay the same, but if I decide to change my plan at all, the new pricing goes into effect. Maybe Arnold should pony up and try to get on the “preferred” list.
Fuck them. They shouldn’t to legally be allowed to change the terms of your contract with them, after all it is in effect a contract isn’t it?
Blockbuster’s goal was to bleed NetFlix out of business. It didn’t work.
With a Blockbuster store about 3 blocks away from our house, we were big fans of the “free in store rental” system. Now, we’re canceling our subscription.
Usually the contract stipulates and reserves the right of blockbuster to change the contract given a reasonable notice. We have been checking DVDs from the local public library.
Ian, how long have you been with Blockbuster’s Total Rewards and how many times do you exchange movies at the store?
As you can see from my email to their Customer Service, I’ve only been with them a little over 7 months. I’m thinking my recent activity of returning everything at a local Blockbuster negatively flagged my account somehow. In the last two summer months, I probably average about 10 returns at the store per month.
I even gave Blockbuster a nice review when I signed up back in January:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hanapbuhay/349966132
I think they should grandfather everyone in the past agreed plan to avoid risk of losing so many customers. I’m going back to Netflix and using their on-demand service if Blockbuster does not honor my old plan.
How is anybody surprised by this? It’s BLOCKBUSTER.
I honestly don’t know how long I’ve been with them, but it’s been at least 7 months, but no more than a year. I switched simply because I liked the turn in at store feature.
Funny thing is I’m notorious for getting a few movies in the mail, watching them in at most a few days, and returning them to a store for 3 free rentals. In any given month, I”ll probably do that cycle about 4-5 times. So I would say I’m a pretty heavy user.
I have no idea why they flagged your account to be converted and not mine. I agree they should have grandfathered all accounts, not just a select group.
Are we allergic to apostrophes in post titles? ;)
I think it should be pointed out netflix has just lowered their prices and as pointed out by Arnol added the Streaming content. While the streaming content is still young (kinda glitchy as far as full screen goes on my PC).
As a two at a time customer, they initially sent me the “your plan will not change at this time ” email, then a month later sent me an email informing me they are reducing free in store returns to 3 per month. still deciding whether to ditch for netfilx or not. If I was blockbuster, I would be implementing this change gradually to see how disastrous it is with losing existing customers and all. perhaps that’s why some people haven’t got it yet.
The Internet is changing everything…