Comments on: Blockbuster Finishes 2006 with 2.2 Million Online Subscribers

By: Sal G Mingacci

Sal G Mingacci — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 18:58:32 +0000

I have been a Blockbuster On-Line member for almost 2 years and was very pleased when they announced their “Total Access-Never Be Without A Movie” plan.

At the beginning, they did what they advertized. When you bring in a dvd that you received by mail as an on-line member to their local store you receive an in-store rental dvd for free. The returned dvd is scanned in-which based upon their advertizing-would autmatically earmark for mailing the next available dvd in the member’s on-line queue. In most cases, if you returned a dvd to a local store, Blockbuster would mail the next dvd in your queue that same day but no later than the next day.
Over the last month, it has been taking more than 2-3 days before the next movie is actually mailed by Blockbuster. And to make matters worse,it now takes another 2-3 days before you receive the dvd’s even though I’m in the same postal zip code. Essentially, I’m now receiving less movies per month than before the Total Access Plan.
Over the last 2 weeks, I have sent 2 e-mails to Blockbuster asking them to explain these delays. Usually, I would get a response within 24 hours. However, they have not responded to these 2 e-mails.
It appears that Blockbuster is not living up to it’s claims. Not only are they guilty of false advertizing but their customer service is rapidly deteriorating.
I for one will cancel my membership if this continues much longer.
Sal G. Mingacci (sgmvideo@hotmail.com)

By: kte12

kte12 — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 02:48:48 +0000

Starting December 19, 2006, Blockbuster Total Access (online) is giving customers 1 free video game rental each month plus the first month is free.

Facts:

1. Offer changes to 2-week trial beginning Jan 15 2007. 3 movies out at a time. So, signup now !

2. Members can exchange online movies for free DVD rentals at their local Blockbuster (online mailer/movie will work like a coupon). Also, as soon as the online movies are exchanged at the store, the next movies in your que will ship as well. You essentially double the # of DVDs you can watch by returning them to the store (you can’t do this with Netflix).

3. Members will also receive 1 in store coupon every month for a free movie OR video game (even during free month).

4. Only pay $17.99 per month (3 out) after the 1st month or downgrade to the $14.99 (2 out) or $9.99 (1 out) plans.

By: Bob Caswell

Bob Caswell — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:37:35 +0000

Sustainability is definitely an issue. Often, when gaining market share is the goal, too many key factors can get ignored only to arise after the supposed good news.

And I agree that more data would really be helpful. The online rental market seems to be aways off from maturity. And if that’s the case, Blockbuster may have easier ways of getting new customers than going for die-hard Netflix fans…

By: Logan

Logan — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 18:41:23 +0000

This is so interesting. Maybe Blockbuster has finally found a way to make some inroads? I wonder, though–how maintainable is this program? I’m under the impression that the physical stores have been becoming a liability for Blockbuster, and this new program seems to be making the stores cost even more money by requiring them to keep stock wihout getting additional money from rentals.

Also, I’d love to see how Netflix’s subscription levels have fared in the meantime. Are these new BB customers switching, or are they new to online movie rentals? How does Netflix’s new subscriptions rate compare?

Such a fascinating market battle.