Posted on 08/18/2007 5:14:07 PM PDT by TheKidster
I recieved the following email yesterday afternoon and I am steaming mad. The video chain Blockbuster video has been aggressively advertising thier alternative to the growing success of Netflix. I was pressured by the folks who work at the video stored for months to join Blockbuster Unlimited. They touted the ability to rent movies online just like Netflix but with the added bonus of being able to take a movie back into any store and exchange it free for another title, along with being able to also just rent from the store. This sounded like a great deal and sold me over Netflix. I turned them down on the offer many, many times because it sounded too good to be true but finally broke down and gave them a chance, I trusted they'd follow through on this great deal.
A few weeks into the deal I get the email below basically lowering the service I signed up for by limiting the highly touted "unlimited" instore exhange policy. They were kind enough to offer me the same plan at a higher price of course, since I'm such a loyal customer.
Blockbuster has pulled a bait and switch and I would advise everyone who considering signing up for an "Unlimited" plan with Blockbuster to take thier business to Netflix, or be prepared to get less than they offer. --------------------------------------------------------- We hope you're enjoying BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™!
There are some changes to our subscription plan lineup that introduce a new pricing structure and new plans which limit the number of in-store exchanges.
As a result, your current plan will no be longer be available at the current price.
(Unlimited Online DVDs up to 3 at a time plus unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99)
We'd like to extend you a new plan that includes Unlimited Online DVDs 3 at a time plus up to 5 free* in-store exchanges for $17.99.
In addition, exclusively for BLOCKBUSTER Total Access customers, we have introduced in-store movie rentals for $1.99* per movie should you need more than the in-store exchanges included in your plan.
Your new plan will go into effect on your regular monthly billing date following August 31, 2007. If we don't hear from you by August 31, 2007, we will automatically move you to the new BLOCKBUSTER Total Access plan referenced below as "Your New Plan".
Online DVD rentals delivered to your mailbox
Free* movie rentals and discounted game rentals when you exchange in-store†
Subscriber discount on new and used online DVD purchases
Rental exclusives – titles you won't find anywhere else
Here are some options to choose from: Unlimited Online DVDs with 5 In-Store Exchanges 3 Unlimited 5 $17.99 Your New Plan
Unlimited Online DVDs with Unlimited In-Store Exchanges 2 Unlimited Unlimited $21.99
Unlimited Online DVDs Only 3 Unlimited NONE $16.99
See all available subscription plans
Is this your 2nd rant on this topic today or was that someone else?
Must have been someone else but the more negtive exposure blockbuster gets about thier bait and switch the better, I say.
I hope someone posts a similar thread every day of next week!
Is there a Netflix store you can take your business to?
Sounds like they can’t get their basic distribution scheme working right.
Don’t remember why, but I was already boycotting them for some reason. This is all the more cause then.
I got rid of my Blockbuster membership years ago, couldn’t stand them. Netflix is great and they keep reducing their monthly fee.
Grandfathering might have been nice, but if Blockbuster® stores are franchises (I think they are) then depending upon the terms of the franchise contracts Corporate might have been losing a lot more money than expected. While I don't know what sort of deal franchises have to give Corporate on "exchange" rentals, I'm pretty sure they get paid something. And that money has to come from somewhere.
FYI
What do you work for these losers or what? I would have never signed up in the first place if I had to pay what they are dictating now.
Changing the rules in the middle of the game is the way of an unethical scumbag and.
bookmark
Did a quick search. It was someone else.
Probably because of their retarded late-fees. I hate both Blockbuster and Netflix. The owners are die-hard leftists.
Perhaps they should have distinguished between (1) picking up a movie from a store and returning it to that store, or (2) picking up a movie from a store and returning it some other way. I would strongly suspect the former type of transaction would work better for them logistically, and so they could afford to let customers exercise that option more often.
I got the same e-mail. I am currently considering a full cancellation of my account. The level of service was the reason I signed up.
We tried to find out more about it last week also and the customer service turd was not helpful or even honest. We told them no thanks and stayed with netflix.
You should contact the Office of Consumer Affairs in your area. They can do a lot of good. In my area, the businessowners are terrified of them and come to heel immediately.
I think this unilateral term changes need to end.
If the contract can be cancelled at any time them terms can be changed but if there is a set term after the term it should not be changed.
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