Got this email. BB raised my rates by 40% ($0.49/movie)
$7.99 for up to 7 movies is now $7.99 for 5 movies. Plus Unlimited in store exchanges are now a thing of the past. LAME!
*****
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.
(1 Online DVD out at a time up to 3 per month plus 3 in-store exchanges each month for $7.99)
We'd like to extend you a new plan that includes 1 Online DVD out at a time up to 2 per month plus up to 2 free* in-store exchanges for $7.99.
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".
What if you told them 'no, thanks' on their new offer? And that you are happy with the old plan and will continue with it, just like it currently is? Will they 'grandfather' you in, allowing you to keep the old plan?
CPTfindAdeal
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Aug. 17, 2007 @ 9:57p
GeorgiaBulldawg said: What if you told them 'no, thanks' on their new offer? And that you are happy with the old plan and will continue with it, just like it currently is? Will they 'grandfather' you in, allowing you to keep the old plan?
Good point-that's exactly what they did with my cheapo '1 dvd out at a time' program that isn't offered anymore. I forget the exact amount, but I basically pay around 12-15 bucks a month to have one dvd at a time rented (instore, this wasn't part of their online offer). I can rent as many as I care to during the month (can't watch but one at a time anyway) and their store is less than 5 miles from my home.
There were times this summer when school was out(for the kids) that we'd literally get a different movie each day and the price never changed. I love the idea, since I haven't paid a late fee since this began. I'm amazed when I see people rent 2-3 movies, return a couple, have late fees added on and end up dropping 20 bucks for that single visit. I guess they finally figured out they weren't making a ton of money off this choice so it's not available anymore-but they did 'grandfather' us in.
GeorgiaBulldawg said: What if you told them 'no, thanks' on their new offer? And that you are happy with the old plan and will continue with it, just like it currently is? Will they 'grandfather' you in, allowing you to keep the old plan?
Hardly seems like they would but ... here's my take on it.
I got the email too, except I was on the "unlimited online 1-at-a-time plus unlimited instore exchanges for $9.99" plan. Now my new plan would limit me to only 2 instore exchanges per month. Considering their shipping is not as fast as NetFlix, this is NOT a good deal for me. The unlimited exchanges helped me fill in the dead time, but now that will be gone.
They REALLY picked a bad time to do this considering NetFlix just LOWERED their rates. I am seriously considering going back to NetFlix now. Not so sure about that whole "downloadable movies" gimmick, but at $8.99 for essentially the same number of movies per month they have the better deal for me.
I will offer blockbuster the chance to keep me at the same plan I had or lose me as of September 1. We'll see.
Why on earth would I willingly accept a reduction in benefits for the same monthly charge?
Consider this reply to your email as my refusal to accept a downgrade of my service. If you insist on limiting my instore exchanges to 2 a month, I want you to fully understand this. YOU WILL LOSE ME AS A CUSTOMER ON August 31.
You also need to improve your turnaround time on getting movies to me. When I turn in a movie at the store and it takes 3-4 business days to get the next title, that is too long. NetFlix can (and did) do it for me in 2 days. I only switched to you because of the unlimited instore exchanges.
If that benefit goes away - rest assured, so do I.
Regards,
chaalie
Member
posted: Aug. 17, 2007 @ 10:42p
Are all BB online customers getting these emails? Nice how they give me 2 weeks notice.
I'm an original BB subscriber on the 'original' plan of unlimited mail and 2 in-store coupons. Then they added 'total access' which has been great.
Here's the email I gottoday (note that BB WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY RENEW MY EXISITING PLAN...I have no choice but to select a new plan or my membership ends):
"We have introduced a new pricing structure for our lineup of subscription plans.
As a result, the price of your current monthly plan, Unlimited Online DVDs up to 3 at a time plus unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99, will increase to $24.99, effective August 31, 2007.
We will not automatically renew your subscription on your next billing date.
If you choose to continue, please select a new plan.
Move to BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™ Plan that includes Unlimited Online DVDs 3 at a time plus up to 5 free* in-store exchanges for $17.99/month
OR
See other subscription plans
*This is a pre-determined number of in-store exchanges per calendar month. In-store rentals are subject to regular rental terms and conditions including tax, due dates, and charges which may apply to product kept beyond the due date. A separate, complimentary, in-store membership is required. In-store rentals must be returned to the store where rented. See your local participating BLOCKBUSTER store for complete rental terms. FREE in-store rentals do not count toward BLOCKBUSTER Rewards® benefits.
BLOCKBUSTER reserves the right to change plan terms and prices at any time."
Here's a neat little twist you'll see when you log in to BB online.:
--"If you change to an online plan with unlimited in-store free movie exchanges and you have mailers from your old online plan, please inform the store of your upgraded plan status during check-out to continue enjoying unlimited in-store free movie exchanges."
Looks like the local store will automatically assume you're on the 5 in-store exchange plan unless you tell them. Shouldn't they know this anyway? Also, what if you tell them you're on unlimited but aren't...how will they know you're not?
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 17, 2007 @ 11:52p
Blockbuster is getting a bit over confident it seems. They did have a GREAT deal, but with these changes they are back to the norm.
I contacted them via their site just to let them know I'm unhappy. I don't expect them to do anything, but if enough people complain, you never know.
I had the 1-out for 9.99 and unlimited in-store. I'm thinking about switching to NetFlix's 2-out for $13.99.
I would have canceled already but today was the first day of my new billing cycle and we just received the notice today of the new plans.
they must think because NetFlix lowered price, NetFlix is losing so that is why NetFlix is making new conscessions. Blockbuster wants to gouge customers, but they know they can't under current competition. so they will do what they must, and then when they become sole provider, they will go back to monopolistic pricing & late fee charges.
What's happening to the in-store free rental coupons that used to be available? Don't see any mention of those with the new plans.
The lower end plans Blockbuster had were a great deal, and I'm guessing they need to raise prices to make money on those. But without the unlimited in-store exchanges (who wants to keep tracking the number of instore exchanges you've done in the month!), Neflix is looking like the better choice since it sounds like they have faster service in most places. I'm seriously thinking of switching...
jesuscakes
Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 2:07a
If I didn't get the email does that mean mine isn't changing?
EcKs618
Cranky Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 7:58a
jesuscakes said: If I didn't get the email does that mean mine isn't changing?
Doubt it, they will just raise your rates without telling you.
highnthemnts
Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 9:11a
The online feedback form located here makes it easy to send a bunch of emails to all sorts of departments. Just click your back button after submitting and send another! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am contacting blockbuster online before the date required to say I do NOT want to be automatically moved to any new plan. Retain me on my original plan. I am OPTING OUT of any change in plans. Thank you. XXXX
. 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".
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 10:00a
DeelHunter said: What's happening to the in-store free rental coupons that used to be available? Don't see any mention of those with the new plans.
They are eliminating e-Coupons too, I didn't even realize that til I complained and they mentioned it..
Blockbuster Customer Care said: Thanks for contacting BLOCKBUSTER Online Customer Care.
I'm sorry for any inconvenience this has caused. Like all retail businesses, we must periodically review our products and services 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 yourself the option of either continuing with limited in-store exchanges at a the same price point or moving to a new plan if you'd like to continue your unlimited exchanges and agree to a higher price point. Unfortunately, eCoupons are no longer available.
We feel we are still delivering a great consumer value and encourage you continue with the new terms or consider one of the new plans we offer. You can find the details of other plans that are available via "My Account" in the "Subscription Plan" area. If you make no changes online or we don't hear from you, please remember that the changes mentioned will take effect on your regular monthly billing date following August 30th, 2007. Thank you very much for your inquiry.
If you don't a have a good selection at your local library (like me), you can always find a Redbox dvd machine in your local WalMart. This is for newer releases only.
Why on earth would I willingly accept a reduction in benefits for the same monthly charge?
Consider this reply to your email as my refusal to accept a downgrade of my service. If you insist on limiting my instore exchanges to 2 a month, I want you to fully understand this. YOU WILL LOSE ME AS A CUSTOMER ON August 31.
You also need to improve your turnaround time on getting movies to me. When I turn in a movie at the store and it takes 3-4 business days to get the next title, that is too long. NetFlix can (and did) do it for me in 2 days. I only switched to you because of the unlimited instore exchanges.
If that benefit goes away - rest assured, so do I.
Regards,
HAHAHAHA, you are funny... THEY DON'T CARE about losing an $8/mo customer.... It cost them more than that to keep you.
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 10:52a
poison7FL said:
HAHAHAHA, you are funny... THEY DON'T CARE about losing an $8/mo customer.... It cost them more than that to keep you.
If they lose enough of them, it doesn't matter if they care or not, it will affect their business so they will be forced to "care".
$7.99 9.99 12.99 .. plenty of low paying customers.
Did anyone get a notice for the 3-at-a-time, unlimited store exchanges plan? I looked through my e-mails and I didn't find one.
CPTfindAdeal
Senior Member - 1K
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 11:22a
This doesn't look to be any different than the cell providers changing their TOS on contracted plans. It gives everyone the choice to participate or opt out.
There's some misinformation posted here though: according to their website(unless it isn't up to date), they DO offer unlimited in store exchanges with the total access premium package.
1 out at a time: 16.99
2 out at a time: 21.99
3 out at a time: 24.99
While it's still not the bargain it once was, individually you have to weigh how many DVD's you potentially rent per month. If you rent more than 3 per month (typically), it's cheaper to do their plan. If you're an occasional renter and rarely return movies late, it's probably better to just rent them in the conventional mannner.
I'm not familiar with their online rental system since I have a store nearby. I don't know if they've used the same 'throttling' tactic NetFlix used in the past or not, but my experience with NetFlix a few years ago was among the worst CS I've ever had. I NEVER got a newly released video within the 1st month of release. If BB's online service could guarantee new release availability within the 1st 14 days of release, I'd give it a try.
bravebiffy said: Did anyone get a notice for the 3-at-a-time, unlimited store exchanges plan? I looked through my e-mails and I didn't find one.
I'm on that plan and haven't received anything. I've been pretty happy with BB so far, with the exception of ecoupons. None of the stores in my city accept them for games, and that was my reason for going with BB over NetFlix.
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 12:06p
missnic said: bravebiffy said: Did anyone get a notice for the 3-at-a-time, unlimited store exchanges plan? I looked through my e-mails and I didn't find one.
I'm on that plan and haven't received anything. I've been pretty happy with BB so far, with the exception of ecoupons. None of the stores in my city accept them for games, and that was my reason for going with BB over NetFlix.
Check your spam folders or something. I'm pretty sure you both will receive an email saying if you do not select a new plan that your existing service will be cancelled.
fareal said: missnic said: bravebiffy said: Did anyone get a notice for the 3-at-a-time, unlimited store exchanges plan? I looked through my e-mails and I didn't find one.
I'm on that plan and haven't received anything. I've been pretty happy with BB so far, with the exception of ecoupons. None of the stores in my city accept them for games, and that was my reason for going with BB over NetFlix.
Check your spam folders or something. I'm pretty sure you both will receive an email saying if you do not select a new plan that your existing service will be cancelled.
Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 12:45p
bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the plan where I get ONE printable coupon for instore rentals.
billsx3
Shopaholic Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 1:01p
fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the old old plan, where I can print two coupons, good for game rentals, and I got the email yesterday about the rate change. Sadly disappointed, those game rental coupons are great.
billsx3 said: fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the old old plan, where I can print two coupons, good for game rentals, and I got the email yesterday about the rate change. Sadly disappointed, those game rental coupons are great.
So what's your new rate now? Cuz I think I'll be in the same boat with you too...
EraserFlying
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 1:26p
bravebiffy said: billsx3 said: fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the old old plan, where I can print two coupons, good for game rentals, and I got the email yesterday about the rate change. Sadly disappointed, those game rental coupons are great.
So what's your new rate now? Cuz I think I'll be in the same boat with you too... Same price but limited to 5 instore exchange, $1.99 per additional instore exchange. I have the 3 out plan too
billsx3
Shopaholic Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 1:30p
bravebiffy said: billsx3 said: fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the old old plan, where I can print two coupons, good for game rentals, and I got the email yesterday about the rate change. Sadly disappointed, those game rental coupons are great.
So what's your new rate now? Cuz I think I'll be in the same boat with you too...
copied from my email: "Due to changes in our subscription plan pricing, your current BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™ plan, Unlimited Online DVDs up to 3 at a time plus unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99, will no longer be available at the current price.
You will be moved to our new plan that includes Unlimited Online DVDs 3 at a time plus up to 5 free* in-store exchanges for $17.99. This plan will not include an e-coupon for in-store DVD and/or game rentals. The new subscription plan and pricing will go into effect on your regular monthly billing date following August 31, 2007.† "
If I want 3 DVDs at a time and unlimited in the store it's $24.99, 2 DVDs at a time and unlimited in the store is $21.99
billsx3 said: bravebiffy said: billsx3 said: fareal said: bravebiffy said: Checked that too but nothing. I e-mail or call?
Are you on an old old plan where you get TWO printable coupons per month from the blockbuster.com site that can be used for in-store game rentals too? If so, your plan may not be changing.
I'm on the old old plan, where I can print two coupons, good for game rentals, and I got the email yesterday about the rate change. Sadly disappointed, those game rental coupons are great.
So what's your new rate now? Cuz I think I'll be in the same boat with you too...
copied from my email: "Due to changes in our subscription plan pricing, your current BLOCKBUSTER Total Access™ plan, Unlimited Online DVDs up to 3 at a time plus unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99, will no longer be available at the current price.
You will be moved to our new plan that includes Unlimited Online DVDs 3 at a time plus up to 5 free* in-store exchanges for $17.99. This plan will not include an e-coupon for in-store DVD and/or game rentals. The new subscription plan and pricing will go into effect on your regular monthly billing date following August 31, 2007.† "
If I want 3 DVDs at a time and unlimited in the store it's $24.99, 2 DVDs at a time and unlimited in the store is $21.99
Wow, that's a huge difference from unlimited instore rentals to only FIVE a month. NetFlix, here I come...
EDIT - With NetFlix's 3 at a time, you pay $15.99 a month PLUS 16 hrs of PC viewing (which comes to about 8-9 movies depending on the length of each movie). Better than BB, if you ask me.
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 1:51p
bravebiffy said:
Wow, that's a huge difference from unlimited instore rentals to only FIVE a month. NetFlix, here I come...
EDIT - With NetFlix's 3 at a time, you pay $15.99 a month PLUS 16 hrs of PC viewing (which comes to about 8-9 movies depending on the length of each movie). Better than BB, if you ask me.
Too bad my PC has a 15.4" screen and my TV is 52". I haven't looked into outputting from PC to TV, I just may have to though.
poison7FL said: jaburg said: Here is my reply to BlockBuster:
Why on earth would I willingly accept a reduction in benefits for the same monthly charge? ---SNIPPED--- If that benefit goes away - rest assured, so do I. Regards, HAHAHAHA, you are funny... THEY DON'T CARE about losing an $8/mo customer.... It cost them more than that to keep you. I suppose you just lay there and take it when anyone tries to take advantage of you? Not me. I have found more than a few times in my 46 years that if you just clearly explain what your position is, they often make concessions.
BTW, not to pick nits but I am/was a $9.99/month customer. Think they don't care? When a few hundred thousand of us head back to NetFlix or bittorrent they will because it could cost them everything.
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 3:05p
fareal said: bravebiffy said:
Wow, that's a huge difference from unlimited instore rentals to only FIVE a month. NetFlix, here I come...
EDIT - With NetFlix's 3 at a time, you pay $15.99 a month PLUS 16 hrs of PC viewing (which comes to about 8-9 movies depending on the length of each movie). Better than BB, if you ask me.
Too bad my PC has a 15.4" screen and my TV is 52". I haven't looked into outputting from PC to TV, I just may have to though.
Well, that was pretty easy. I'm posting this and looking at my computer output to my 52" TV. Only downside is there a small border between what it displays and the edges of my tv screen, only about 1.5 inches though. I got the audio working too, but it won't be the nice digital audio that I am used to when watching movies.
jesuscakes
Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 4:19p
I didn't get the email so does that mean I am gonna be changed over without notification?
kshan
New Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 5:07p
I have the unlimited 3 at a time plan @ 17.99/mo. This is from the e-mail I received a couple of days ago:
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 August 31, 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 August 31, 2007, your new plan will be subject to prices and terms available at that time.
According to a sidebar in the e-mail: No price increase! Continue at your current rate.
fareal
Senior Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 5:11p
kshan: any idea why you are a preferred customer? how long ago did you sign up with blockbuster?
I got the same email as kshan stating my plan would not change. Don't know why I'm special.... I signed up about 3 - 4 months ago.
kshan
New Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 5:36p
fareal said: kshan: any idea why you are a preferred customer? how long ago did you sign up with blockbuster?
I signed up about 2 months after they introduced the plan using a referral code from my local store. I have no idea why I would be a preferred customer. The only reason I can think of is that my utilization has been kind of low the last couple of months. I was avering close to 40+ per month for a while (online + exchanges combined), but I dropped to around half of that earlier this year (started running out of things to watch). The last two months have been even less than that because I haven't had much time to watch DVD's.
chaalie
Member
posted: Aug. 18, 2007 @ 6:24p
I'm not liking the fact that BB is keeping some members at the current rate while others are being increased: It seems like a throttling technique. When I write to them I'm gonna use their abritrary price favoring against them. It's one thing to raise prices...they can charge what they want. Charging different prices for the same service to seemingly identical customers is another.
I did the math on the $17.99 vs. $24.99 for myself. Every week I get 3 in the mail and exchange them on weekends for 3 in-store. That's 24 a month (12 mail/12 store). SO, if they give 5 in-store under the new $17.99 plan I'm basically paying the extra $7 for 7 more DVDs. I'm finding it nearly impossible to get good stuff in-store anyway. I'll go witht he $17.99 plan. Today, for example, I had to hunt to find 3 that barely interested me (Wild Hogs, Goal and The Break-up). What their doing is forcing me to turn around my mail time...movies will arrive one day and be returned the next. For every action there is a reaction. I hope their mail centers can handle the extra load I'm sure they're going to get.
As for the 2 coupons a month going the way of the Dodo I had gotten away from using them as the in-store exchange was giving me more than I could handle anyway. Still, I don't like something being taken away.
I haven't receive any email yet. My account is very old, back to 2 game coupons/month with unlimited exchange in store. But I haven't paid anything to BB yet, first time I tried free 1 month and got another free month after canceled then I stopped after that. Then some time in the past there's a glitch in their system I resubcribeed for free of 3 months if I remember correctly, also stopped after it was over. Later, I got a comeback 1 month free email and took it, stopped as usual. Then 2 months ago I resubcribe with 1 free month (new credit card, same name and shipping), canceled the last day of trial and got an email for another 1 month free the next day. This time it'll expire 8/27, until today I haven't received any email from them.
Will they just raise my rate without email me? Am I a prefered customer? I doubted it because they haven't received any money from me. Well, I'm thinking about paying them a month or two just to be nice with them, I like their HD movies and instore exchange, not much about game coupon (most of the time I used it for movies).
Skipping 84 Messages...
Mgamer20o0
Senior Member
posted: Dec. 21, 2007 @ 4:15p
mescad said: bizee said: I just got email. This plan goes to 19.99. all stays the same
BLOCKBUSTER Total Access Premium $17.99 / month (plus taxes) 3 at-a-time, unlimited mailings unlimited in-store movie exchanges +1 FREE bonus Movie or Game Rental E-Coupon / Month
That sounds like the 3 at a time with 5 exchanges plan. I'm paying $24.99 for 3 at-a-time with unlimited exchanges. Was that a mistake, or am I just getting screwed more than I thought?
My email said: "To continue to bring you the unmatched convenience of both online and in-store DVD rentals, your monthly subscription fee will change from $24.99 to $34.99. This adjustment† will go into effect on your next billing cycle on or after December 27, 2007. The benefits of your subscription plan will remain the same."
I've been a customer for 5 months, and this is already the second time they've increased the price on me. I haven't decided if I'm switching to NetFlix yet, but I'm certainly not sticking with Blockbuster.
same here...... its not worth $35 a month more so when there hasnt been any good movies out. screw blockbuster. (even though the people at my local one are very nice to me)
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