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?

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.

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

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?

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.

If I didn't get the email does that mean mine isn't changing?

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".

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.

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.

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.

I'd never even consider trying NetFlix again.

$.02