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Blockbuster Online Ripoff, Where's My DVD's! Internet
I'd been a longtime (10+ years) Blockbuster gold card member which means I rent a lot of movies.
I'd been on the Freedom Plan program but decided to use their online service since I'd been with Blockbuster all that time and thought customer loyalty still meant something in this country.
Well, I bought the prepaid coupon which comes with a free mousepad at my local store. The introductory one month plan cost 9.99 for three DVD's at a time.
On October 8th, I followed the instructions on the coupon. I created my login account and started choosing movies and entering them into my queue. I noted immediately that there no activity when I saved my queue selections.
On Monday, October 10th, I got three emails that my DVD's had been shipped and that I should get them in 1-3 days. The estimated date of arrival was the 12th. That sounded ok.
At this point, I noticed that I'd been charged as of the 8th instead of the 10th and I made mention of that fact in a complaint email I sent to them via their customer service.
A day later, their response was:
"Your membership begins the day your account is activated. We apologize for the delay; it can take up to 24 hours for your first shipment to process. Please keep in mind that we do not ship or check in titles on Sundays.
As of today, our records reflect your first three DVD's have been shipped to you. We want to thank you for joining our online service. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us."
Well, that great! Then they shouldn't accept the new accounts until they're able to service them, Monday thru Friday. Accepting an account on a Saturday means a 48 hour delay, right? I think they should charge the day they either service the account or get your first DVD.
It's now October 14th and I still haven't received any DVD's. That means out of a thirty day rental cycle, I haven't received any service for nearly 7 days.
As far as I am concerned, this constitutes fraud. I sent them an email outlining the problem and requested a cancellation of my service with a full refund. I expect I'll get another flippant reply on either Saturday or Monday since they don't work on Sundays.
Either way, I'd highly discourage anybody from using their service. The customer service system is terrible. There is no phone support to talk to somebody live about problems like this which makes it really aggravating.
I'd like to add that I used the (competitor's name deleted - see below) two week trial and that I was amazed that the DVD's were so quick to ship and receive.
I will probably go with (deleted) permanently. And I will probably continue to use the local Blockbuster stores for rentals.
Alfredo
North Bergen, New Jersey
U.S.A.
sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company your comments on this policy are welcome! CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
11 Updates & Rebuttals
Patrick
Mesa,Arizona,
U.S.A.
I need to calm down?
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, December 18, 2006
Heather,
Precisly what do I need to calm down about? I thought that was a well thought out and reasoned response I had posted.
Anyways, Steve called me out, so obviously I had to respond and defend myself. I see nothing wrong with that.
And Steve, if you're still reading these reports. Well, it's near the end of 2006 and Blockbuster is still in business. In fact, they now have a new program that sort of combines the online and in-store Movie Pass. Now I can get new movies either by mail or in the store. Pretty convenient. Doesn't look like Blockbuster is going out of business anytime soon as you had predicted. So, how's the gumball business treating you?
Pat in Mesa, AZ (formerly Gilbert, AZ if any of you are confused, eh Steve?)
Heather
Mcm.,Tennessee,
U.S.A.
hmmm
#12Consumer Comment
Mon, December 18, 2006
Wow , You guys need to calm down Steve and Patrick and act like some adults here .If a company upsets anyone that bad then stay away from them .
Bonnie
Hawley,Texas,
U.S.A.
I won't be signing up!!!
#12Consumer Comment
Mon, March 20, 2006
Thanks Guys,
I was thinking about signing up for this, but not after reading all these complaints. Its so nice to come here and see what other people's experiences were with a company , before you sign up for something.
Bonnie
Patrick
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
OK, I'll oblige you Steve.
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, February 13, 2006
OK Steve, since you seem to "know me so well", I guess I might as well oblige you on this report.
I got news for you if you think I "kiss Blockbuster's a*s". Anyone (except for you obviously) who reads any of my replies to any of the Blockbuster reports realizes that all I do is speak the truth. Not once have I ever said Blockbuster is better than any other rental establishment. Most of what I do is to correct some people's (especially yours) misconceptions about certain programs and terms.
Heck, on most occasions, I offer advice on how someone can fix a problem they are having. I notice that you never show your face on those reports, huh?
I had Blockbuster Online at one time, and I sang it's praises. Why? Because I got good service, never had any problems with the system, and was happy with the monthly fee amount.
However, I did decide to stop using the service. Why you ask? Simple. I wanted to have the ability to get new release movies the day they became available. To do that, I had to go back and sign up at my local store for the Movie Pass. It costs more per month, but at least my wife can go down on Tuesday morning and get a couple of the new releases before anyone else.
Have I ever been scammed by Blockbuster? No. Have I ever gotten charges I did not deserve? No. All because I decide to follow the rules.
Now, get your panties out of a bunch from when Blockbuster declined your offer to place gumball machines in their stores (as they would compete directly with their own gumbal machine, duh!) and stop pissing and moaning about how Blockbuster is out to scam everyone. Pull your head out of your arse man!
I hope you appreciate my response Steve.
Now, as far as Alfredo's troubles are concerned, I don't blame him for switching over to that "other" online service. Had I gotten the same treatment as he did, I probably would have done the same. My opinion is Blockbuster dropped the ball on this and lost a valuable customer. Too bad for them. My advice would have been to go with the "other" company, had he not already done so.
Patrick
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
OK, I'll oblige you Steve.
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, February 13, 2006
OK Steve, since you seem to "know me so well", I guess I might as well oblige you on this report.
I got news for you if you think I "kiss Blockbuster's a*s". Anyone (except for you obviously) who reads any of my replies to any of the Blockbuster reports realizes that all I do is speak the truth. Not once have I ever said Blockbuster is better than any other rental establishment. Most of what I do is to correct some people's (especially yours) misconceptions about certain programs and terms.
Heck, on most occasions, I offer advice on how someone can fix a problem they are having. I notice that you never show your face on those reports, huh?
I had Blockbuster Online at one time, and I sang it's praises. Why? Because I got good service, never had any problems with the system, and was happy with the monthly fee amount.
However, I did decide to stop using the service. Why you ask? Simple. I wanted to have the ability to get new release movies the day they became available. To do that, I had to go back and sign up at my local store for the Movie Pass. It costs more per month, but at least my wife can go down on Tuesday morning and get a couple of the new releases before anyone else.
Have I ever been scammed by Blockbuster? No. Have I ever gotten charges I did not deserve? No. All because I decide to follow the rules.
Now, get your panties out of a bunch from when Blockbuster declined your offer to place gumball machines in their stores (as they would compete directly with their own gumbal machine, duh!) and stop pissing and moaning about how Blockbuster is out to scam everyone. Pull your head out of your arse man!
I hope you appreciate my response Steve.
Now, as far as Alfredo's troubles are concerned, I don't blame him for switching over to that "other" online service. Had I gotten the same treatment as he did, I probably would have done the same. My opinion is Blockbuster dropped the ball on this and lost a valuable customer. Too bad for them. My advice would have been to go with the "other" company, had he not already done so.
Patrick
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
OK, I'll oblige you Steve.
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, February 13, 2006
OK Steve, since you seem to "know me so well", I guess I might as well oblige you on this report.
I got news for you if you think I "kiss Blockbuster's a*s". Anyone (except for you obviously) who reads any of my replies to any of the Blockbuster reports realizes that all I do is speak the truth. Not once have I ever said Blockbuster is better than any other rental establishment. Most of what I do is to correct some people's (especially yours) misconceptions about certain programs and terms.
Heck, on most occasions, I offer advice on how someone can fix a problem they are having. I notice that you never show your face on those reports, huh?
I had Blockbuster Online at one time, and I sang it's praises. Why? Because I got good service, never had any problems with the system, and was happy with the monthly fee amount.
However, I did decide to stop using the service. Why you ask? Simple. I wanted to have the ability to get new release movies the day they became available. To do that, I had to go back and sign up at my local store for the Movie Pass. It costs more per month, but at least my wife can go down on Tuesday morning and get a couple of the new releases before anyone else.
Have I ever been scammed by Blockbuster? No. Have I ever gotten charges I did not deserve? No. All because I decide to follow the rules.
Now, get your panties out of a bunch from when Blockbuster declined your offer to place gumball machines in their stores (as they would compete directly with their own gumbal machine, duh!) and stop pissing and moaning about how Blockbuster is out to scam everyone. Pull your head out of your arse man!
I hope you appreciate my response Steve.
Now, as far as Alfredo's troubles are concerned, I don't blame him for switching over to that "other" online service. Had I gotten the same treatment as he did, I probably would have done the same. My opinion is Blockbuster dropped the ball on this and lost a valuable customer. Too bad for them. My advice would have been to go with the "other" company, had he not already done so.
Patrick
Gilbert,Arizona,
U.S.A.
OK, I'll oblige you Steve.
#12UPDATE EX-employee responds
Mon, February 13, 2006
OK Steve, since you seem to "know me so well", I guess I might as well oblige you on this report.
I got news for you if you think I "kiss Blockbuster's a*s". Anyone (except for you obviously) who reads any of my replies to any of the Blockbuster reports realizes that all I do is speak the truth. Not once have I ever said Blockbuster is better than any other rental establishment. Most of what I do is to correct some people's (especially yours) misconceptions about certain programs and terms.
Heck, on most occasions, I offer advice on how someone can fix a problem they are having. I notice that you never show your face on those reports, huh?
I had Blockbuster Online at one time, and I sang it's praises. Why? Because I got good service, never had any problems with the system, and was happy with the monthly fee amount.
However, I did decide to stop using the service. Why you ask? Simple. I wanted to have the ability to get new release movies the day they became available. To do that, I had to go back and sign up at my local store for the Movie Pass. It costs more per month, but at least my wife can go down on Tuesday morning and get a couple of the new releases before anyone else.
Have I ever been scammed by Blockbuster? No. Have I ever gotten charges I did not deserve? No. All because I decide to follow the rules.
Now, get your panties out of a bunch from when Blockbuster declined your offer to place gumball machines in their stores (as they would compete directly with their own gumbal machine, duh!) and stop pissing and moaning about how Blockbuster is out to scam everyone. Pull your head out of your arse man!
I hope you appreciate my response Steve.
Now, as far as Alfredo's troubles are concerned, I don't blame him for switching over to that "other" online service. Had I gotten the same treatment as he did, I probably would have done the same. My opinion is Blockbuster dropped the ball on this and lost a valuable customer. Too bad for them. My advice would have been to go with the "other" company, had he not already done so.
Steve
Phila,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
bb I won't ever rent or go online with these thieves
#12Consumer Comment
Sun, February 12, 2006
I'm not surprised. I won't ever rent or go online with these thieves. That no late thing is horrible. ANd alfredo your correct about their day charges.
The company is a fraud and they will go down.
I'm curious if whats his face is going to say something since he kisses a*s to the company. Everyone knows who I'm talking about.
Karen
Big Rock,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Also no service once you cancel
#12Consumer Comment
Fri, February 10, 2006
Once you cancel with Blockbuster online, not only do they stop sending movies, even if you have paid for another month, but they will not answer any of your emails complaining about this fact. I too will never use BBonline again.
Ken
Randolph,Massachusetts,
U.S.A.
Flippant?
#12Consumer Comment
Sun, October 16, 2005
It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but it was anything but flippant. I thought they took pains to explain how it worked, and seemed sorry you weren't happy.
Alfredo
North Bergen,New Jersey,
U.S.A.
Blockbuster Online - No service
#12Author of original report
Sat, October 15, 2005
It's now Saturday, a week since I created my online account and still no DVD's. I sent them an email requesting cancellation of my account and a refund.
This was their flippant reply:
Thank you for contacting BLOCKBUSTER Online Customer Service.
We are very sorry to hear you did not receive your movie. Thank you for reporting the concern using your DVD issue web tool. We have logged your request for another copy of the movie to be sent to you and have placed a priority on your account for that DVD.
Our goal is to ship movies to you in the order you request them. In order to do this and give you a high level of service, your movies may ship from multiple shipping centers. This could result in your movies arriving a little bit later than anticipated. As we continue to grow, more movies will be available in each shipping center and shipping times will continue to decrease.
While we have no control over the U.S. Postal Service, you should receive most DVDs within two to three days. If your shipments consistently take longer than this, please go to the My Account area to check your address information and ensure that your address and zip code are correct.
Thank you for your patience.
Your Friends at BLOCKBUSTER Online.
I am now going to file a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center and the local Austin TX Better Business Bureau.