Comments on: Netflix vs. Blockbuster: A heated debate between two extremists http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/ web insights powered by over 2 million U.S. online consumers Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:39:57 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: streaming movies http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1294251 streaming movies Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:09:04 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1294251 These two video sites are quite good and have there own unique features. The two of them couldn't be compared. These two video sites are quite good and have there own unique features. The two of them couldn’t be compared.

]]> By: Lance Summers http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1278427 Lance Summers Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:08:15 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1278427 I have BOTH Netflix (6 A-A-T) and Blockbuster (T-A). And I can tell you that the Netflix plan pays for itself better than the blockbuster plan. Netflix turns around in 4 to 5 days so that is 36 movies (approx.) a month. Blockbuster turn-around is more than a week (3 come in mail, take those to instore for 3, then wait 3 to 4 days for them to clear and send the next three). This equates to 12 to 15 a month at the most. The real kicker is the number of movies that end up in the WAIT status. Using the same amount of queued (approx 100) and the same time period of release (70's to 80's). Netflix has approx 12% in the Wait status. Blockbuster has over 80% in the Wait Status with 60% of those being in the LONG or VERY LONG Wait status. The movies in the Netflix Wait (excluding the Short-Term Wait) will move to the available in 4 to 5 months (yes, they really mean LONG wait). The ones on blockbuster never seem to move out of the LONG-TERM Wait. I have had ALL of them in that status for over two years and they are STILL in that status. This leads me to believe that they use the WAIT status to also hold titles that users have purchased and so are no longer available for rent. Bottom line. if you want a single on-line rental source, go with Netflix, it will usually satisfy you. But if you are like me and enjoy those older movies, then you will probably use both services because there are movies on one that are not on the other (Example: Farscape Season 4 on BBO. But it is also in the LONG WAIT status and has been there for one year, 7 months in my queue). Lance I have BOTH Netflix (6 A-A-T) and Blockbuster (T-A). And I can tell you that the Netflix plan pays for itself better than the blockbuster plan.
Netflix turns around in 4 to 5 days so that is 36 movies (approx.) a month.
Blockbuster turn-around is more than a week (3 come in mail, take those to instore for 3, then wait 3 to 4 days for them to clear and send the next three). This equates to 12 to 15 a month at the most.

The real kicker is the number of movies that end up in the WAIT status. Using the same amount of queued (approx 100) and the same time period of release (70’s to 80’s).
Netflix has approx 12% in the Wait status.
Blockbuster has over 80% in the Wait Status with 60% of those being in the LONG or VERY LONG Wait status.

The movies in the Netflix Wait (excluding the Short-Term Wait) will move to the available in 4 to 5 months (yes, they really mean LONG wait).
The ones on blockbuster never seem to move out of the LONG-TERM Wait. I have had ALL of them in that status for over two years and they are STILL in that status. This leads me to believe that they use the WAIT status to also hold titles that users have purchased and so are no longer available for rent.

Bottom line. if you want a single on-line rental source, go with Netflix, it will usually satisfy you. But if you are like me and enjoy those older movies, then you will probably use both services because there are movies on one that are not on the other (Example: Farscape Season 4 on BBO. But it is also in the LONG WAIT status and has been there for one year, 7 months in my queue).

Lance

]]> By: Bryan http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1182276 Bryan Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:23:00 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-1182276 Netflix offers more movies online and through mail. Blockbuster costs more only offering a limited number of in-store exchanges per month. Netflix was also the first to offer such services while Blockbuster was charging late fees. Mega-company Blockbuster also copied Netflix's business model. Netflix offers more movies online and through mail. Blockbuster costs more only offering a limited number of in-store exchanges per month. Netflix was also the first to offer such services while Blockbuster was charging late fees. Mega-company Blockbuster also copied Netflix’s business model.

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]]> By: Jared Conley http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-920393 Jared Conley Wed, 24 Dec 2008 04:13:06 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-920393 It Really Comes Down to Just One Thing: And that's whether or not you like the convenience of in store returns. BB has made it very easy for in store renters to try out the occasional online rental. Netflix edges them out in most online rental areas (except the throttling of new releases), but can't compete with the physical locations of BB. I've used both and am a current Netflix user, but finding myself at Redbox a couple times per month when I really want to see a movie. Found another good overview here: http://www.joefission.com/2008/02/movie-rental-death-match-blockbuster-online-vs-netflix/ I'd love to see an alliance between Netflix and Redbox. I've used both BB and Netflix and am a current Netflix user. But BB has recognized their strength and their newest plans cater to folks who are primarily instore renters, and might dabble online. I love Netflix, but often find myself at Redbox for rentals. Netflix with any kind of physical presence could be the nail in the coffin. It Really Comes Down to Just One Thing:

And that’s whether or not you like the convenience of in store returns. BB has made it very easy for in store renters to try out the occasional online rental. Netflix edges them out in most online rental areas (except the throttling of new releases), but can’t compete with the physical locations of BB. I’ve used both and am a current Netflix user, but finding myself at Redbox a couple times per month when I really want to see a movie.

Found another good overview here:

http://www.joefission.com/2008/02/movie-rental-death-match-blockbuster-online-vs-netflix/

I’d love to see an alliance between Netflix and Redbox. I’ve used both BB and Netflix and am a current Netflix user. But BB has recognized their strength and their newest plans cater to folks who are primarily instore renters, and might dabble online. I love Netflix, but often find myself at Redbox for rentals. Netflix with any kind of physical presence could be the nail in the coffin.

]]> By: Bobby http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-906016 Bobby Fri, 12 Dec 2008 06:15:33 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-906016 Blockbuster Sucks. I reactivated my blockbuster account 3 day ago Have over 500 in my queue & they Have shipped nothing. I planning on canceling very soon. netflix is the best at least they deliver what the promise. Blockbuster Sucks. I reactivated my blockbuster account 3 day ago Have over 500 in my queue & they Have shipped nothing. I planning on canceling very soon.

netflix is the best at least they deliver what the promise.

]]> By: Nick http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-819694 Nick Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:14:55 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-819694 I am having the same problems everyone else has had with blockbastard. They ship fast for the first 2 weeks free trial, once you have paid the they ship slower and slower. Then I canceled because of the slow service and they just stopped shipping my movies. I paid for the whole month, but have another 11 days paid up! They claim you will receive your movies in a 1 or 2 days. That is far from being right. This is what I have come up with. Movies in 1 day 10% Movies in 2 days 30% Movies in 3 days 40% Movies in 4 days 7% Movies in 5 or more days 3% I told them I do not renew and cancel my account when the monthly fee runs out. They shut my account off 9/29 I still had another 11 days left to receive at least 3 more, but no. They said the month ends at the end of each month. I did not pay for a partial month, that was not an option. If you start up with them during the month, they have found a way to steal from you. They owe me $6.33 for the unused portion and will NOT send me anything. The emails I receive trying to get my movies or money back are just unbelievable, they are just down right stupid. Even when blockbastard receives a movie it takes them almost 48 hours before they ship the next one out - if you sign-up with blockbastard, you should receive 3 movies a week and that is it! Go with Netflix, All the movies I have received from them are next day except for one that shipped from New York and that was 4 days. You should recieve 6 a week with Netflix. Never again blockbastard!!!! I am having the same problems everyone else has had with blockbastard. They ship fast for the first 2 weeks free trial, once you have paid the they ship slower and slower. Then I canceled because of the slow service and they just stopped shipping my movies. I paid for the whole month, but have another 11 days paid up!

They claim you will receive your movies in a 1 or 2 days. That is far from being right. This is what I have come up with.

Movies in 1 day 10%
Movies in 2 days 30%
Movies in 3 days 40%
Movies in 4 days 7%
Movies in 5 or more days 3%

I told them I do not renew and cancel my account when the monthly fee runs out. They shut my account off 9/29 I still had another 11 days left to receive at least 3 more, but no. They said the month ends at the end of each month. I did not pay for a partial month, that was not an option. If you start up with them during the month, they have found a way to steal from you. They owe me $6.33 for the unused portion and will NOT send me anything. The emails I receive trying to get my movies or money back are just unbelievable, they are just down right stupid.

Even when blockbastard receives a movie it takes them almost 48 hours before they ship the next one out - if you sign-up with blockbastard, you should receive 3 movies a week and that is it!

Go with Netflix, All the movies I have received from them are next day except for one that shipped from New York and that was 4 days. You should recieve 6 a week with Netflix.

Never again blockbastard!!!!

]]> By: K http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-611444 K Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:38:29 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-611444 I have BB online and I'm getting ready to switch to Netflix. At first BB was great, I did the 3 at a time unlimited plan, I got my movies within two or 3 days and it stayed that way the first two weeks. i would send them back one at a time every other day so It would be nicely spread out and I would always have a movie to watch. Then it started taking 4 days, then 5...I've sent all three movies back, which takes me 6 days, and the first one went back over a week ago and I haven't gotten anything yet. I've called the corporate/customer service number and got nothing but 'you should have your three movies right now. We show that you do.' On my movie list page it doesn't even show that they've recieved the three I sent back! My sister has Netflix and has never had a problem with it, longest turnaround on her DVDs was 3 days between sending out one and getting a new one. So sorry BB, but if I'm paying you $20 a month of my hard earned money I expect better customer service and a slightly faster turnaround time. If there's a movie I HAVE to have right away I might go to a BB store, but no BB Online for me. I have BB online and I’m getting ready to switch to Netflix. At first BB was great, I did the 3 at a time unlimited plan, I got my movies within two or 3 days and it stayed that way the first two weeks. i would send them back one at a time every other day so It would be nicely spread out and I would always have a movie to watch. Then it started taking 4 days, then 5…I’ve sent all three movies back, which takes me 6 days, and the first one went back over a week ago and I haven’t gotten anything yet. I’ve called the corporate/customer service number and got nothing but ‘you should have your three movies right now. We show that you do.’ On my movie list page it doesn’t even show that they’ve recieved the three I sent back! My sister has Netflix and has never had a problem with it, longest turnaround on her DVDs was 3 days between sending out one and getting a new one. So sorry BB, but if I’m paying you $20 a month of my hard earned money I expect better customer service and a slightly faster turnaround time. If there’s a movie I HAVE to have right away I might go to a BB store, but no BB Online for me.

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]]> By: DP15X http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-323121 DP15X Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:04:38 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-323121 I find it hilarious that people are this passionate about this argument. This is the equivalent of arguing the Coke is better than Pepsi or vice versa. Both services are more or less the same. I personally use Netflix because it came out before Blockbuster online, but if I did switch, I'm guessing it wouldn't have very much impact on my movie-watching... I find it hilarious that people are this passionate about this argument. This is the equivalent of arguing the Coke is better than Pepsi or vice versa. Both services are more or less the same. I personally use Netflix because it came out before Blockbuster online, but if I did switch, I’m guessing it wouldn’t have very much impact on my movie-watching…

]]> By: cheryl bailey http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-315696 cheryl bailey Mon, 28 Jan 2008 01:34:29 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-315696 I was a member of blockbuster when you got a free movie each time you took your online movie back. Then after a couple of months of that it cost me $10 more for the same plan. That was bad enough but then when I took dvd's back to some of the stores they would hold on to them for several days and at the end of the month it would take a week to get one movie to return. Everytime I would contact blockbuster online they would back up the store and did not check into the problem. Also, since I like to rent classic and foreign movies instead of the most popular movies I would have to wait and wait and rarely could I watch the movies I really wanted to. So before I switched to netflix I checked all the movies that were "long waits" and found 95% of them were available at netflix. Also the receive my movies either the same day I mail them or the next day. The service and availability has been superior to blockbuster. I hope this helps you in your evaluation. I was a member of blockbuster when you got a free movie each time you took your online movie back. Then after a couple of months of that it cost me $10 more for the same plan. That was bad enough but then when I took dvd’s back to some of the stores they would hold on to them for several days and at the end of the month it would take a week to get one movie to return. Everytime I would contact blockbuster online they would back up the store and did not check into the problem. Also, since I like to rent classic and foreign movies instead of the most popular movies I would have to wait and wait and rarely could I watch the movies I really wanted to. So before I switched to netflix I checked all the movies that were “long waits” and found 95% of them were available at netflix. Also the receive my movies either the same day I mail them or the next day. The service and availability has been superior to blockbuster. I hope this helps you in your evaluation.

]]> By: Jennifer http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-301778 Jennifer Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:06:08 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-301778 I really like Blockbuster for awhile. We got the 2 movies out at a time option, and it was great to drop the movies off at the store and immediately get (free) replacements for them. We also got an extra coupon a month from the website. Awesome!!! Then, something strange happened. I took my mailers in and was told I had reached my exchange limit for the month. Questioning this, I was told that the online rentals were no longer unlimited exchanges - we had up to 5 each month. This happened in December. So, all right, I figured that wasn't too bad - the price was still reasonable, and really, do I have time to watch more than 10 movies each month? But then in January, I took some movies back & was told (again) that I had reached my exchange limit. I was pretty flabbergasted by this - after all, I'd only turned in two previous movies in the month. Turns out, they changed their policy again and now I only had 3 exchanges a month - this on the heels of them raising their rate $2 a month. I went home, canceled my online subscriptions & signed up with Netflix. Love it!! I know what I'm getting (1 movie at a time, unlimited exchanges, PLUS unlimited online viewing time) and I know what I'm paying for it. For me, no contest. Netflix it is. I really like Blockbuster for awhile. We got the 2 movies out at a time option, and it was great to drop the movies off at the store and immediately get (free) replacements for them. We also got an extra coupon a month from the website. Awesome!!! Then, something strange happened. I took my mailers in and was told I had reached my exchange limit for the month. Questioning this, I was told that the online rentals were no longer unlimited exchanges - we had up to 5 each month. This happened in December. So, all right, I figured that wasn’t too bad - the price was still reasonable, and really, do I have time to watch more than 10 movies each month? But then in January, I took some movies back & was told (again) that I had reached my exchange limit. I was pretty flabbergasted by this - after all, I’d only turned in two previous movies in the month. Turns out, they changed their policy again and now I only had 3 exchanges a month - this on the heels of them raising their rate $2 a month. I went home, canceled my online subscriptions & signed up with Netflix. Love it!! I know what I’m getting (1 movie at a time, unlimited exchanges, PLUS unlimited online viewing time) and I know what I’m paying for it.
For me, no contest. Netflix it is.

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]]> By: Paul http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-262961 Paul Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:44:53 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-262961 Blockbuster doesn't treat their customers very well at all. I signed up for their online service when it was pretty new. I got a plan that allowed 1 at a time by mail, unlimited in store exchanges and 1 rental coupon per month which was good for games as well as movies, all for $10/month. Then Blockbuster started to get comfortable and decided to change their plans and rates. They upped the monthly subscription costs and put limits on in store exchanges unless you paid for an even higher premium plan. "Oh no, this won't effect our existing customers. This is just for new members. You're plan is locked in. Don't worry!" they said. Then they took away my monthly free rental coupons. "Shenanigans!" I cried. This was one of the best features since their game rental prices are absurd. ($8 for a game? Come on!) I voiced my concerns with their customer service staff which is near impossible to actually get on the phone. They couldn't figure out their own story. They told me it was a mistake and they'd add it back, then that they couldn't help me, and finally that there was a system problem and they should have it back the way it was the following month. Months went by and no fix was made. Now they've decided they are going to up my monthly rate from $10 to $12. Apparently they aren't getting enough money out of me. Honestly, I can see them doing this little by little until my rate matches their new rate plan for unlimited in-store exchanges for $17. Why should I believe anything they say from here on out, when they can't keep their promises they've made in the past? This is unreal. It's the classic bait and switch and I'm fed up. Is this how a company treats its loyal customers that were there from the start helping them to get their online service off the ground? Netflix may have a new customer. Blockbuster doesn’t treat their customers very well at all. I signed up for their online service when it was pretty new. I got a plan that allowed 1 at a time by mail, unlimited in store exchanges and 1 rental coupon per month which was good for games as well as movies, all for $10/month.

Then Blockbuster started to get comfortable and decided to change their plans and rates. They upped the monthly subscription costs and put limits on in store exchanges unless you paid for an even higher premium plan. “Oh no, this won’t effect our existing customers. This is just for new members. You’re plan is locked in. Don’t worry!” they said.

Then they took away my monthly free rental coupons. “Shenanigans!” I cried. This was one of the best features since their game rental prices are absurd. ($8 for a game? Come on!) I voiced my concerns with their customer service staff which is near impossible to actually get on the phone. They couldn’t figure out their own story. They told me it was a mistake and they’d add it back, then that they couldn’t help me, and finally that there was a system problem and they should have it back the way it was the following month. Months went by and no fix was made.

Now they’ve decided they are going to up my monthly rate from $10 to $12. Apparently they aren’t getting enough money out of me. Honestly, I can see them doing this little by little until my rate matches their new rate plan for unlimited in-store exchanges for $17. Why should I believe anything they say from here on out, when they can’t keep their promises they’ve made in the past?

This is unreal. It’s the classic bait and switch and I’m fed up. Is this how a company treats its loyal customers that were there from the start helping them to get their online service off the ground? Netflix may have a new customer.

]]> By: L http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-262903 L Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:36:42 +0000 http://blog.compete.com/2007/03/01/netflix-blockbuster-most-browsed-movies/#comment-262903 I've been trying to decide which service to get for a few weeks now. After reading many testimonials here and on other sites, it's Netflix for me. I’ve been trying to decide which service to get for a few weeks now.

After reading many testimonials here and on other sites, it’s Netflix for me.

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