hockeystl said:Went up to my local BB tonight to do an exchange. Manager said the new program is in effect immediately for new signups but he was uncertain about the effect on current members...aka grandfathering was not clarified. He implied that those who make frequent returns would be eligible for fewer in-store returns. A new kind of throttling.

What??? Are they kidding?

I definitely cancel if it's like that. I got 22 movies (x2) on the first month free trial and on the second month trial now, if they do that not sure how many I will get per month. Their choices of movies are less interesting than NetFlix, only the exchange instore is the advantage, even "CashBack" movie is only available online and it's on top of my list as a "very long wait".

Well, if the instore computers arent set up for it, how are they going to enforce the 5 instores per month ?

And do we still get the one free instore coupon per month to make it 6 ?

I imagine they will eventually program the instore computers to somehow keep up with it.

With everyone having different start & stop dates, Id imagine it might be a programming task that wont be performed right away.

I havent been back to the store to ask them about it.

As for throttling, BB has been throttling for months now.

They almost always wait a day or two before sending the next movie.

hockeystl said:Went up to my local BB tonight to do an exchange. Manager said the new program is in effect immediately for new signups but he was uncertain about the effect on current members...aka grandfathering was not clarified. He implied that those who make frequent returns would be eligible for fewer in-store rentals. A new kind of throttling.

i thought someone had posted that there was no grandfathering...it's listed in the ToS on their site.

You get to keep your current plan until the end of August. After Sept. 1st, all customers transition to the 5 exchanges/month and no coupon.

at first it appeared current members were grandfathered in with unlimtied instore rentals. Now, it appears that may not be the case. See the 2 emails below. (I have not gotten an email from them)

According to hacking NetFlix website.

This is the first email...

Blockbuster E-mail Regarding Price Change
A reader sent in the following e-mail he received from Blockbuster regarding the price change. The date on the E-mail was the 27th, a full day after the deadline for changing plans.

Dear _______,
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®
--------------

Apparently BB is also limiting some customers. Here is a newer email that some customers have gotten..

Blockbuster Moving Unlimited Users to Limited Plans
Joe sent in an e-mail he received from Blockbuster, informing him that his 3-out plan will now be limited to 5 movie exchanges per month:

Dear Joseph,
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 DVDs up to 3 at a time with unlimited in-store exchanges each month for $17.99)

We'd like to extend you a new plan that includes Unlimited DVDs 3 at a time plus up to 5 free* in-store exchanges for $17.99. Looking at your recent activity, we notice you only average 4 in-store exchanges each month, so this new plan should give you all the in-store rentals you need.

In addition, on August 1, we will be introducing discounted in-store movie rentals for any additional movies you might need above the in-store exchanges included in your plan.

Your new plan will go into effect on your regular monthly billing date following August 30, 2007. If we don't hear from you by August 30, 2007, we will automatically move you to the new BLOCKBUSTER Total Access plan referenced below as "Your New Plan".

This is what they posted on their webiste.

I'm on the 2nd month free trial and I just checked my account it's a premium for 3 and unlimited at $17.99/m. Should I keep this rate if they don't change it? It would save me $7.99/m.

Sorry, can't link. Click on "See All Plans".

Plus the coupon as compared to NetFlix.

Cant find it now but the coupon goes away too. Man if i was actually paying these guys money i'd be PO.

hmm, I didn't get the free instore rental on my recent signup.

Went in my local store. The guy said everyone was limited to 5 instore exchanges per month and he thought they were going to lose a lot of customers over it.
Said the computer would keep up with it. (Not sure if it really will or not given the various starting dates of members)

I explained that anyone exchanging more than 5 per month was likley losing the company money.

I reminded him its still 6 more per month than you can get at NF and he said good point.

Really, its not 6 more. More like 2 more because NF has faster turns.

Still, 2 more for $1 extra a month with the ability to go to the store when you want and get a movie.

nikehz said:i think they've caught on, i used a new email/cc#/billing address/etc but i can no longer change the shipping address. it kept saying the address is already used by another member.

After several months of re-ups, I think they've figured it out. I've used different CC's, different email addresses and cleaned my temp files/cookies prior to signing up. No dice.

hockeystl said:***It appears that BB is grandfathering in those who are current members...so if you're on a plan with unlimited in store rentals, it is advisable that you don't cancel your plan unless you're certain you can re-up on a new promo.
It is explained on their site:

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.