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blockbuster has changed pricing
they now have 3 types of subscriptions:
1) by mail 2) total access limited 3) total access unlimited 3 movies at a time, unlimited in store used to be $17.99 now it is $24.99 |
And people say they will overtake Netflix. -ohbfrank-
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This article says they reduced prices. What did they do, increase the price for 1 day and then cut it?
Blockbuster Cuts Mail DVD Rental Prices Thursday July 26, 1:52 pm ET Blockbuster Cuts Prices on Online DVD Rentals Following Price Cuts at Netflix DALLAS (AP) -- Blockbuster Inc. on Thursday announced price cuts on its online video rental plans, following a similar move earlier this week from rival Netflix Inc. The company said it would reduce the monthly cost on its Total Access Premium DVD rental plan -- under which subscribers can rent up to three DVDs by mail at a time and return them at stores or through the mail -- to $16.99 from $24.99. Furthermore, Blockbuster cut the monthly price on its cheapest Total Access hybrid in-store and online DVD rental subscription to $7.99 from $9.99. Total Access customers receive a limited number of DVD exchanges at the store per month, while Total Access Premium customers get unlimited store exchanges. Rentals by mail are unlimited under both plans. Blockbuster also cut the monthly price on its cheapest Blockbuster By Mail service to $4.99 from $8.99. The most expensive Blockbuster By Mail service, which allows subscribers to keep three DVDs at a time, still costs $16.99 per month. The company also said Blockbuster By Mail customers will receive the option to exchange their online rentals at some stores for $1.99 each, below the store rental price. Blockbuster's $4.99 plan competes with a similarly priced offering from Netflix, which recently lowered prices by $1 on two of its most popular online DVD rental subscriptions. Netflix shares suffered earlier this week after the company's price cuts led some analysts to downgrade the stock. Some analysts cited increasing competition from Blockbuster. Blockbuster shares added 2 cents to $4.19 in afternoon trading. Netflix shares gained 55 cents, or 3.3 percent, to $17.25. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070726/block...ions.html?.v=1 Unlimited DVD Rentals For only $24.99 a month (plus taxes) you can rent all the movies you want with the BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium plan. Have up to 3 DVDs out at a time. Keep the DVDs as long as you want. When you're done with a DVD, just send it back in the provided postage paid envelope. We'll send you another selection from your rental queue. Keep your queue full and keep the movies coming. https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/s/howItWorks https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/rp/regPlan |
Originally Posted by X
This article says they reduced prices. What did they do, increase the price for 1 day and then cut it?
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wtf, that article says the exact opposite of what happened.
My $9.99 1 at a time unlimited in-store exchange is gonna be $16.99 for new subscribers. And I was considering bumping my plan up to 2 at a time. I guess I won't be doing that if it's gonna cost me an additional $12 bucks a month! Or is Blockbuster's site screwed up at the moment? It just seems like a major jump in pricing... |
Here's the press release from Blockbuster which confuses the issue even more...
Blockbuster Announces Expanded Online Subscription Offerings New Range of Plans For Online Subscribers as Low as $4.99 Per Month Subscribers Can Now Enjoy Discounted Game Rentals DALLAS, July 26, 2007 –Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE: BBI, BBI.B) today announced that the Company is introducing a wider range of subscription plans including BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium™, BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™, and BLOCKBUSTER® By Mail. The new subscription plans are now available to all current and new subscribers to Blockbuster's online rental service with pricing as low as $4.99 a month. In addition, most of Blockbuster's online subscribers will now have the option of exchanging their online movies for discounted in-store game rentals as well as free in-store movie rentals at more than 5,000 participating BLOCKBUSTER® locations. "Blockbuster's wide array of online rental offerings continues to offer subscribers the best value in the marketplace. With multiple subscription plans to choose from, we're giving our customers the ability to choose the option that's right for them," said Jim Keyes, Blockbuster Chairman and CEO. "We want to give consumers the most convenient access to media entertainment, whether that's through our stores or by mail, and are dedicated to doing that with flexible plans and pricing." For subscribers interested in an online-only plan, BLOCKBUSTER By Mail subscriptions start as low as $4.99 per month and go up to $16.99 for the three-out unlimited movie rental plan. BLOCKBUSTER By Mail subscribers will also now have the option of exchanging their online rentals at participating stores for $1.99 discounted in-store movie rentals. For subscribers interested in an online-only plan, BLOCKBUSTER By Mail subscriptions start as low as $4.99 per month and go up to $16.99 for the three-out unlimited movie rental. BLOCKBUSTER By Mail subscribers will also now have the option of exchanging their online rentals at participating stores for $1.99 discounted in-store movie rentals. For subscribers who want both in-store and online movie rentals, BLOCKBUSTER Total Access plans start as low as $7.99 per month and offer a fixed number of free in-store movie or discounted game rentals per month. The Company's three-out unlimited rental plan offers five free in-store movie or discounted game exchanges per month for $17.99. Subscribers to the Total Access plan who want in-store rentals in excess of their monthly free exchange benefit can take advantage of the $1.99 discounted movie rental exchange offer. For the most frequent renters, the Company's BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium plans let subscribers rent an unlimited number of movies by mail with unlimited free in-store movie exchanges or discounted in-store game rentals. Subscription plans for BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium start at $16.99. Consumers can log on to www.blockbuster.com to sign up for a free two-week trial of either BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium, BLOCKBUSTER Total Access or BLOCKBUSTER By Mail. With more than 70,000 titles to choose from online, Blockbuster delivers DVDs right to subscribers' mailboxes in pre-paid postage return envelopes. There are no due dates or late fees with movies rented from Blockbuster's online rental service. In-store movie rentals are still subject to store rental terms, including due dates, and must be returned to the store from which they were rented. As of July 1, 2007, the Company had approximately 3.6 million total online subscribers. http://www.b2i.us/profiles/investor/...&Category=1027 |
I don't think prices have gone up. They added plans with unlimited in-store exchanges, whereas before, it was one in-store exchange per mailed DVD. The $17.99 plan is 3 DVDs through mail with 5 in-store exchanges per month.
So the $17.99 plan might have slightly fewer exchanges in-store, but you still get 5 per month. |
Unlimited in-store exchanges:
3 out at a time: 24.99 2 out at a time: 21.99 1 out at a time: 16.99 Five in-store exchanges per month: 3 out at a time: 17.99 2 out at a time: 14.99 1 out at a time: 9.99 By mail only, no exchanges: 3 out at a time: 16.99 2 out at a time: 13.99 1 out at a time: 8.99 Limited plans (1 out at a time, 2 max per month) With two in-store exchanges: 7.99 No in-store exchanges: 4.99 |
When do the new prices start? My account is listed as:
BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium $17.99 / month (plus taxes) 3 at-a-time unlimited in-store movie exchanges +2 FREE bonus Movie or Game Rental E-Coupon / Month |
Perhaps this change is just for new accounts?
I'm listed as being at $17.99 still for the Premium. But if I go to change account type, I see the three new plans. So maybe we'll keep the unlimited exchanges for $17.99. That said, I rarely make more than 5 in-store exchanges a month, so I would be fine with the $17.99 plan... |
new pricing starts RIGHT NOW.
if you jioned before today you are grandfathered in to your orgional prices. there is something on the sheet that mentioned 90 days but i didnt catch what it was . i have to look at the sheet again. from the ablove post..... not totally correct. 3 out is the only one with 5 trades. 3 out at a time: 17.99 5 in-store exchanges per month: 2 out at a time: 14.99 + 3 trades 1 out at a time: 9.99 + 2 traeds trades include a $4.99 game fee per rental per trade. also there is a 1.99 rental price after the trades are used up option. oh also no more ecoupons for new members. |
Originally Posted by Jeremy517
Unlimited in-store exchanges:
3 out at a time: 24.99 2 out at a time: 21.99 1 out at a time: 16.99 Five in-store exchanges per month: 3 out at a time: 17.99 2 out at a time: 14.99 1 out at a time: 9.99 By mail only, no exchanges: 3 out at a time: 16.99 2 out at a time: 13.99 1 out at a time: 8.99 Limited plans (1 out at a time, 2 max per month) With two in-store exchanges: 7.99 No in-store exchanges: 4.99 |
What's funny about this is what it's doing to Netflix. Netflix had slower growth so they dropped their prices by $1 to match Blockbuster's prices - and Netflix was hammered like Jenna Jameson - their stock went from $20 to $16 (a 20% drop) in a day or two. The speculation was that Blockbuster was going to raise their prices (which they just did) and Netflix would be able to raise their prices back, which they soon will.
So today, even though the market dropped by 350 points or so, Netflix's stock price increased by 6.8% to just under $18. Anyway, Blockbuster's plan used to be a good deal and something I would consider if there were a Blockbuster anywhere near me -- but the last Blockbuster closed down a couple years ago in this town of 110,000. Family Video has much better pricing overall and was just too much competition for Blockbuster. To be fair though, there are three Hollywood Video stores which are surviving. |
i think bbo and nf are now the same price for all plans that dont include
trades in store at bbv |
got this in my email this morning...
Dear Patrick, We want to let you know about some changes to our BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™ subscription plans. This information is provided for your reference only – your subscription plan will not be affected by these changes. Beginning July 26, 2007, there will be a price increase on your current unlimited plan. We will also begin to offer plans which limit the number of in-store exchanges available each month. 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. At any point, you can log in and review your current subscription plan or see all available plans. Keep in mind that if you want to change your subscription plan at any point after July 26, 2007, your new plan will be subject to prices and terms available at that time. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Your Friends at BLOCKBUSTER® |
thats their nutty way of saying you are grandfathered in.
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If he's being grandfathered in, why are they raising his price?
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If he's being grandfathered in, why are they raising his price? I don't think prices have gone up. They added plans with unlimited in-store exchanges, whereas before, it was one in-store exchange per mailed DVD. It seems that $16.99 is the low end of the unlimited instore rental plan. What is that, one movie at a time? I guess if I ever need to increase my dvds per month (only 1 at the moment), I might switch to Netflix. |
Well, I've been a member for over two years, but I'm not being grandfathered in:
"Dear Bob, We have introduced a new pricing structure for our lineup of subscription plans. As a result, the price of your current monthly plan Unlimited DVDs up to 3 at a time with unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99 will increase to $24.99, effective August 1, 2007. We will not automatically renew your subscription on your next billing date. If you choose to continue, please select a new plan." |
I got the "As a preferred customer, your plan will not change at this time" e-mail. I wonder if it is because I don't use the in-store portion all that much?
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reminds me of Amazon selectively pursuing customers who took advantage of their glitch.
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I've yet to receive an e-mail. I'm kind of curious to see which one I'll be getting.
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Didnt know they were emailing anyone. As my next billing date isnt until 08/17, I might not get one for a couple more weeks
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Yikes....Netflix here I come. This is just silly talk. Blockbuster is going to lose more and more ground. I know I was just quoted two months at $4.99 for 1 at a time.
Wow, no coupons for a FREE rental either...that will really suck. I should've just stuck with my 3 at a time (w/two rentals), but I wanted to save some money so I dropped to 1 at a time recently. Blockbuster generally does suck with the BD/HD rentals anyways. |
My next billing date isn't until 8/20, but if i get an email saying I have to pay more, I'm canceling.
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My billing date is 8/21, but I got the e-mail. I was a pretty heavy user, watching 6 videos a week.
I sent an e-mail saying that some "friends" of mine (and we're all friends here) who had the same program as I did were not getting a price increase. The response I got back was insulting as the CR didn't bother to read what I had said and just gave a pat response: "Hello Bob, Thanks for contacting BLOCKBUSTER Online Customer Care. 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 including the number of in-store exchanges on a given account. We’re giving our most frequent renters like yourself the option of either continuing with unlimited in-store exchanges at a higher price point or moving to a plan where the number of in-store exchanges is fixed if you'd like to continue with the same rate. We feel we are still delivering a great consumer value and encourage you to continue your membership by selecting one of the new plans we offer. You can find the details of what is available via "My Account" in the "Subscription Plan" area. Please remember that if you do not select one of the new plans we have to offer before your next regular billing date, we will not be automatically renewing your membership. Thank you very much for your inquiry. Sincerely," I called the CS line and spoke to a rep who told me that my price would not change and I would still get 3 out with unlimited exchanges for $17.99. I asked him to send me an e-mail confirmation and he said it would, but I haven't gotten it yet. He did give me a case number to refer to. He did say that if something goes "wrong" with my account like a credit card expiring when they try to charge to it, it will revert to the $24.99 price. So I guess all I can do is wait and see... |
I read that Blockbuster has a 90-day "grandfather clause" so beware even if you're not getting a price raise, it might do so later.
Also, here's a funny article I found (and where I got the grandfather clause from): http://www.filmwad.com/the-top-ten-l...rs-3434-p.html |
Only reason I really prefer blockbuster right now is the instore exchanges. If I have to pay an extra $7 a month, I'm dropping them.
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even right in the official paper work the wording is confusing.
it appears to infer that anyone who joined 90 days prior to aug 1st will be grandfathered to the original pricing, but in the same paragraph it says something some members will recieve info on the new pricing tiers and will not be auto charged until they go in and agree or disagree with the new prices. |
I just recently joined Blockbuster Online a few weeks ago at the one movie out at a time $9.99 plan with unlimited in-store exchanges. If they change the pricing structure to limiting my in-store exchanges, I'm done.
WTF is the advantage of Blockbuster if you can't have unlimited in-store exchanges? I like the fact that I know I'm only spending $10 a month and am able to rent about 8 different things within that time frame. (4 in the mail = 4 exchanges) Not to mention the bonus rental coupon for the occasional Wii game. I understand that they are probably losing revenue in their B&M stores, but I think this new pricing scheme will just piss people off, especially those that are heavy renters. Netflix might see a jump in subscribers in the near future to those switching back from Blockbuster. |
I always found Blockbuster UK too costly in there rentals and purchasing of DVD. Ever heard the expression it pays to shop around!?
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I'm glad I don't rent. Who has time to read thru all that crap to figure out what plan you need, etc. ugh
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on blockbuster website faq:
If you joined us prior to May 15, 2007, new plan options and pricing will go into effect on your regular monthly billing date following September 1, 2007. For example, if you are usually billed on the 15th of the month, your new plan and pricing will go into effect on September 15, 2007. You will receive an e-mail with information regarding your changes. If you joined us after May 15, 2007, you will receive an e-mail at least ten days before your change takes effect. |
so in other words, everyone will be charged the new rates.
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The in-store dvd rentals were nice, but I never could watch all those movies anyway. I'll be ticked when they force me to change my plan and take away my two free game rentals, though, which I'm fairly sure will happen.
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I guess if my planning plan changes (going up for unlimitied in store returns), I'll just stick with the 17.99 plan where I can have 5 in store returns.
My question is: Can you return a DVD in store without renting or exchanging for a free movie? For instance, you already have 5 in store returns, but you just want to return at the store without renting anything so that your SHIPPED queue shows DVD returned at store and next DVD would ship next day. This will save having to wait for postal service to deliver to BB and for them to physical receive it before shipping next movie. |
Originally Posted by TheOne
My question is: Can you return a DVD in store without renting or exchanging for a free movie?
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When I get the e-mail about the price increase, I'll keep my membership but just cancel the Total Access aspect of it. I don't actually use that service anyway.
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I've emailed BB and also called my local store.
They both said you can return at the store without exchanging for a free rental. I also emailed about the scenario where you have 5 in store returns a month (Total Access Basic) and what happens if you have 2 to return at store, but only want to exchange one and let the other just "return" for faster turnaround. Reply was that the store will know how many of the 5 returns you used. |
I'm on the mail only plan, no in store exchanges yet I still receive envelopes that state good for a free rental. Can I get a free rental with those?
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