Blockbuster is really going after Netflix in their ads during the bowl games this year. The ads are very effective. For the same price, Blockbuster gives you everything Netflix does plus local return and pick-up ability.
I’ve got several years of ratings and rental history data in my Netflix account. That rating data is valuable to me. I’m not the only one to feel this way, I found a number of options for grabbing this data. I used this one and it worked like a champ.
Now we just need a way to import ratings into Blockbuster. I’ve found people looking for this, but no solutions yet.
I may try the “free trial” from Blockbuster. This is going to be very hard for Netflix to compete with. Assuming Blockbuster delivers as promised, I’m not sure what Netflix could do to keep my business. What do you think Netflix will do to respond?
Popularity: 7% [?]
Erik J. Barzeski adds this Comment:
You linked to my recent entry in your linked list (IIRC), so you know my thoughts. Blockbuster offers nothing I don’t get from Netflix. They do offer all sorts of lousy customer service. Blockbuster offers little selection and, in the words of someone I read somewhere (perhaps on that TechCrunch article, “Blockbuster is attempting to support their brick and mortar stores by doing this whole ‘Web’ thing.”
January 1st, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Alex adds this Comment:
Hmm, I don’t agree with this:
Our recent blizzard stopped mail service for a few days. Add in the postal holidays, and it was over a week to get new movies from Netflix. There is a Blockbuster 2 miles away, so I could have returned the movies there and gotten new ones right then instead of being movie-less.
January 1st, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Jason adds this Comment:
I’ve got years and years of late fees from Blockbuster to “get over” before I can feel good about using them more than occasionally (same reason I buy books instead of going to the library - I suspect it might be cheaper for me
). I have gotten nothing but spectacular customer service from Netflix (full-disclosure: I also got a free t-shirt about 4 years ago ; ) ) and I have a lot of loyalty to them. They created this space and continue to add new mini-community features that I enjoy.
My pro-Netflix/Anti-Blockbuster position doesn’t stop me from using Blockbuster as a stop-gap (Alex’s “snowed-in with no mail service” is a great example of when this might be valuable, but at that point I’m more likely to go buy a bunch of movies I’d like to own). Basically, I’ll stick with Netflix until they drive me away.
January 2nd, 2007 at 10:18 am
Alex adds this Comment:
I agree that Netflix has been better to deal with over the years than Blockbuster. That certainly is a factor to consider.
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Laundro adds this Comment:
I too have seen these ads.
There is just no comparison with the titles that Netflix carries vs. Blockbuster. Netflix overwhelmingly has better Indie Films and Documentaries. Hands down. And they are simply a better company. Not a bad investment either. We’ve made a nice chunk of change from them by investing in their stock.
January 2nd, 2007 at 2:53 pm
Lloyd Budd adds this Comment:
Since moving back to Canada, I have no real home delivered movie option. I was a bit disappointed that I can’t access my netflix history without having an “active” membership. I contacted support and they said I needed to have an active subscription. Before canceling my membership, I read in the support section that the information would still be saved — lame that I could not access it. Still if I was back in the US I would go right back to Netflix.
January 3rd, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Todd adds this Comment:
Netflix has a much better selection than Blockbuster stores. Even if the Blockbuster site has just as wide an array as the Netflix site, that’s still not a reason to switch. I’ve watched more foreign, independent, and documentary films due to Netflix than I ever would have watched with any retail store.
The only thing Blockbuster adds is my ability to go to their store and rent a new movie. But that assumes that the local store is stocked up enough to meet my desire for whatever new movie I’ve just seen an ad for. I’ve been unhappy with Blockbuster’s selection over the years and have no reason to believe that it’s any better than Netflix. Quite the contrary, I have reason to believe it’s worse.
And I echo the sentiment of loyalty to Netflix for having better customer service. Even allegations of false advertising didn’t have an impact on my decision to stick with them.
January 3rd, 2007 at 7:36 pm
David Cohen adds this Comment:
I switched to BlockBuster a few months ago, and was really disappointed. Stuff shipped to me in the wrong order from what I requested, and it was always very slow to arrive. typically i would not receive something until 5 to 6 days after they said they shipped it. there were also random 2-3 day periods where they got my return (and sent me an email ack) but didn’t ship the next one even though it showed in stock. basically, netflix is giving you more for your dollar (all else equal, which i understand it may not be) because they are way more efficient, delivering the video in 1-2 days intead of 6-8. that’s my real world experience, so i dumped them.
January 5th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Alex adds this Comment:
Thanks David! Finally, words from someone with more than just blind loyalty for Netflix.
January 5th, 2007 at 10:13 am
OC adds this Comment:
I recently move to San francisco, and took a Blockbuster trial. To be honest, I am satisfied with what I am getting for the last 4 months. Contrary to David’s experience my movies almost always comes the next day. If they take 2 days, I start getting worried. I did not get bad customer service either I got the wrong movie only once, and they shipped a new movie right after I reported it online.
My biggest problem with NetFlix is the weekends. I watch most of my movies on or around the weekends. Since neither Netflix nor Post office works for the weekends I often find my self movie-less on Sunday through Tuesday.
With the Total Access thing, I can go to the store and exchange it right away to watch a movie even on the weekends (I have a blockbuster 3 blocks from my place, and it is open till midnight, and surprisingly the staff is NOT rude).
Also if you get a movie, and realize that it sucks, you don’t have to watch it. You can go and get yourself a new one.
I agree that selection is worse compared to Netflix, but they still have enough movies to keep me busy for now.
I can truly recommend any one who has a Bolockbuster store nearby to try it for FREE.
January 5th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
HM adds this Comment:
I actually have both Netflix and Blockbuster. Netflix is definitely more reliable when it comes to shipping the next movie on your queue list…with Blockbuster I have no idea what will be coming next, even though there are movies at the top of my list that are “available”. While Blockbuster isn’t laser fast when it comes to recognizing when I turn my DVD’s in at the local store, it is nice to be able to pick up more while I’m there. There’s something about the process of getting out and looking for a movie to rent vs. staying home online. Basically what it boils down to is quality vs. quantity with Netflix and Blockbuster.
January 8th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
jeremy adds this Comment:
I have been with Netflix for less than 6 months but have been very happy so far, my wife likes to be able to get a movie a little faster and doesnt like to wait so much for the mail. We’re looking into the Blockbuster deal and still jsut arent quite convinced even though theres one right down the road from our house. I’ve had a hatred for Blockbuster for years and it’s very difficult to get over that. Everyone’s comments are helpful but I’m still just not srue that Blockbuster is going to take GOOD care of us, after all they haven’t in the past.
January 10th, 2007 at 9:33 am
Scott adds this Comment:
I’ve been a Netflix member for 6 years, and a week ago, I decided to give the Blockbuster free trial membership a shot. I will not extend the membership beyond the trial…
Strike 1: Website problems. Site does not support Firefox.
Strike 2: Customer service problems. “Copy & Paste” generic replies to customer inquiries, and requests for additional help were ignored.
Strike 3: Product & service problems. I placed 6 titles in my queue, all of which were listed as “available.” The first DVD they sent was in position #6, while numbers 1 through 5 were “available.” The second DVD they sent was in position #3, and 1 & 2 were “available.” That’s pretty bad, but what makes it worse is that #1 through #5 were part of a series (part 1, part 2, etc.), and locked together, so what good is part 3 if I have yet to see parts 1 & 2?
No support for Firefox is something I could live with, but I’d never pay for a sub-par product, with sub-par support.
January 14th, 2007 at 9:16 am
Elisabeth adds this Comment:
My decision to stick with Netflix is actually a matter of principle. I’ve had a negative opinion about Blockbuster for the past few years as I have seen the prices increase every year yet their selection, service, etc has not increased in value. I have always felt like Blockbuster was a lot like AOL and Pizza Hut in terms of their product being far lower in quality to their competitors, yet their superb marketing allowed them to have higher prices and convince buyers that their product was any good. I don’t feel like they’ve used all of the money they’ve earned from me for good.
I have never had a problem with Netflix giving me the wrong movie and if they don’t have one in stock I knew about it beforehand from my queue online. And sometimes, I still end up getting that movie on time. I was actually surprised to hear these comments that Blockbuster has had quality issues, though it does not surprise me. I don’t like giving money to a company that just uses money to win over the market instead of creating a product where they could at least compete, just like Blockbuster with Netflix’s quality. The thing is, I don’t need 6 movies in one weekend, and maybe I shouldn’t be watching a movie every night of the week. But I do understand the occasional need where you can’t watch a movie because one is on the way, you didn’t like the movie you got, etc (I only get one movie at a time). Luckily, I have a Family Video nearby that offers cheaper prices for the same selection as Blockbuster. (sometimes better, depending).
While there are the occasional times I have needed to go to Blockbuster (once per year, perhaps), I believe in giving money to a company that has my best interest in mind. I’m looking for a company that in the long run will not give me headaches. I’ve found that company in Netflix and I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
January 15th, 2007 at 7:09 am
Brett adds this Comment:
Here’s an interesting development.
http://www.hackingne[...]_netfli.html
Totally useless for you right now since it’s Windows only, but it’s an interesting option.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:19 am
Alex adds this Comment:
I’ve got Parallels, Boot Camp and even a Windows laptop - it’s not totally useless.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:50 am
GJP adds this Comment:
Have been with Blockbuster for about a yaer now. Have also tried Netflix out during last year. Bb cust serv can be frustrating but seems to be getting better. when they are a day late shipping they always give me a coupon for free rental. Netflix has more selection but I wont live long enough to matter much. Bb says they pick from your queue list but factor in the time it will take for each top queue pick to arrive depending on its
stocking location to mimimize delivery time
NOW, for each one I get in mail, I get another rental in store?
End of game
January 30th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Jeff garcia adds this Comment:
Some people have social anxiety disorder when going to the store. Its not a big deal unless your are a 400lb morbidly obese
cow, then the last thing you should be doing is watching movies all day. Blockbuster is not the same company anymore, they have cleaned up most of their act and thier concept makes much more sense and is lot more convenient. THat is unless you are such a sloth you cant get out of bed. Renting from the store can be an interesting experience,
browsing and seeing the whole box of a movie with curiosity. Netflix people should get out and try it AGAIN sometime.
April 17th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Daneman adds this Comment:
I’ve tried Blockbuster for 3 months now…I am dumping them when my next payment would be due. The selection sucks and the delay and out of order sending of que dvds is a joke. Going into the stores to exchange dvds was cool at first, now: not so much.
Back to Netflix: better movies (for me) and no teenagers pitching me candy and soda!
D
May 10th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Chris Cotter adds this Comment:
I used Blockbuster for years, but I got fed up with their horrible service. First of all, they don’t pay any attention to the order that I have my movies in. They hardly ever send the 1st one, even though it says it is “Available”. They usually send the 8th, or even 18th movie in my queue! That is inexcusable! Netflix always sends the movie that is 1st in my queue, like they should!
Also, it takes between 2 and 6 days for Blockbuster to send another movie after I return one. Netflix sends them immediatley. I used to like the fact that I could return the movies at the local Blockbuster and get free movies. Now Netflix had a bonus of their own! Each month I can watch 18 hours of free movies online whenever I want to! Netflix is a lot better than Blockbuster!
June 15th, 2007 at 1:08 am
beanlynch adds this Comment:
I think with the free in store rental exchange Blockbuster was blowing Netflix away if you lived near a Blockbuster store and you wanted a lot of movies. Now Blockbuster has reduced it to five exchanges a month which doesn’t even cover two weeks worth of movies for me. That means if I want to exchange my movies in the store (for faster service) I no longer have the extra incentive to go to the store which means I’m just making the trip half the month just to get me next one fast.
Anyway, I comment about this change in my blog: http://toddnovaksblo[...]lows-it.html
September 9th, 2007 at 9:34 am
Lindsey Wassinger adds this Comment:
I’ve used both Blockbuster and Netflix online service (through 2007), but currently use only Netflix. I have received movies out of order with Blockbuster, and have had difficulty getting sensible responses from their online CS departement. However, after the first 2 months, my Netflix shipments began to slow down. Now, I’m always without a movie on the weekends, and even if Netflix receives my returns on a Friday morning (confirmed via email), I will not receive a replacement until the following Tuesday or Wednesday. My family is deciding to cancel services until turn-around time is far better–either 1 business day or processing and delivery on the weekends.
September 30th, 2007 at 2:19 am
Noah adds this Comment:
I started out with blockbuster and then switched to netflix because all of my friends were using it and I wanted to be able to rate movies and also see the movies my friends were rating. About a month ago I had to cancel Netflix because I just couldn’t take it anymore…I was always getting movies that were 20 deep in my queue which I didn’t really care to watch and they seemed to be coming fewer and further between each and every week. When I first signed up for Netflix, they shipped out movies the same day one would clear my queue but as of press time they were shipping them out on average 2 days later. I can’t remember the last time I got a new release with Netflix and every time I contacted customer service I would get the same parrot answer, that they only get a limited number of DVD’s from the movie studios. When I switched to blockbuster they gave me two free coupons since it was the weekend and then shipped two brand new releases that Monday. They also have blu ray on line and in the stores which is a huge bonus for me. I will never go back to netflix. I just hope blockbuster doesn’t start going down that same path.
March 20th, 2008 at 4:24 pm