Complaint Review: Blockbuster

I am not going to address any issues here really. I just wanted to point out that while blockbuster did file chapter 11, we're still currently in business, exceeding the 'lasting another year' comment.

Also, we've gone back to late fees, hahah! Go figure! I wonder why (sarcasm)

Before stating the help I offer to Stephanie I must say one thing. Patrick, you are awesome. Almost every Blockbuster complaint, you take the time to answer it a accurate and proffesional manner. Whenever I've replied, you've backed me up as well. I know you were probably an excellent store manager and probably gave customers the service that they deserve rather than stores that lead customers to sites like these.

Charles- The phone call serves two purposes. One, to verify your phone number like you stated. This is rarely actually done, because it's such a pain to be the opening manager and have to call people and thank them for starting an account. When I used to do this, I always had good reactions ranging from thank yous to pure astonashment that a major corporation would take the time to place a call to a single customer. The second, is to genuenly thank the new customer for choosing blockbuster. HV and MG have the same rules, but like I said, it's a pain and rarily done.

I also have a bit to say about Mr. Steve. Steve, I hope you realize that you have made a fool of yourself and lost all credibility. I will not stupe to your level of ignorance and call you the names that would describe your intelligence level. You should be thanking Patrick for setting you strait on this issue. Confucius once said "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change" Steve, you are not the wisest. Reconsider your opinion.

Stephanie, as a former store manager and now working for a major credit organization I just wanted to offer the advice of possibly contacting your bank instead. I couldn't read every thread that followed yours (not without putting a reply first) so if you have done this I apologize for double advice. What you are basically dealing with is Fraud. Someone has your info and are using it to there advantage. This is something that you would, and should speak with your bank about. If it was a credit card, they would probably be able to write the ammount off as fraudulant charges.

Also, in regards to management problems at the blockbuster, there will be one store manager, and 3 or 4 shift supervisors. Unfortunently, much like other retail locations, blockbuster is on an entry level hiring basis. This means that even ol' steve could get a job there.

Consumers often run into one bad apple, or maybe a few and they think the entire corporation is an evil entity. Stephanie, speak with the store manager, if you experiance disatisfaction, contact the district manager. You should get some type of compensation.

AND FINALLY, to everyone who insist that the "end of late fees is a scam" AAGGGGGGGHHH!!! Try to work at a franchisee store (or be a customer to one) that did not participate in that promotion (which was more than fantastic for the consumer by the way) and try to explain to 50 people a week why they have a late fee.

PS: QUOTE OF THE WEEK: They're in for the $$$$$ --Steve

....I've decided to start a business thats not in it for the "$$$$$". I'll call my store 'IM GOING OUT OF BUISINESS BECAUSE IM NOT IN IT FOR THE $$$$$'

Steve,

Why can't you just butt out for once? Michelle and I were having an intelligent conversation.

I have said it over and over and over again. If you return the movie on time (or even within the 7 day grace period), you should not get your card charged for anything. If you keep it past the 7 day grace, you get charged the cost of the movie. You agreed to this when you signed the membership agreement. BB is doing nothing illegal.

If I return a movie on time whatever this stupid a** policy says I DON'T GET CHARGED FOR THE MOVIE. Matter of fact I will call every credit card company and tell them the bulls**t that BB does to consumers.

If I return a movie on time whatever this stupid a** policy says I DON'T GET CHARGED FOR THE MOVIE. Matter of fact I will call every credit card company and tell them the bulls**t that BB does to consumers.

Michelle,

First of all, thank you for the level headed response (unlike some people that I don't think needed mentioning). I will rebuttal your last post:

Michelle - First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.

Response - If I remember correctly (forgive me as it's been 3 years since my employment with them ended) the membership agreement states that you agree to the terms & conditions of rental, which are subject to change without notice. Granted, when this new program came out, they could have done a better job of communicating the terms to their customers. That's one of the reasons the State of New Jersey AG filed suit. That lead to the posting of numerous signs all throughout the store explaining the program. Unfortunately, I think that was after you had rented (you had said this happened in July, correct?). When this program was first announced, the first thing that came to my mind was "What's the catch?" So I went to the website and looked at the terms. It all made sense to me.

Michelle - No, I am not embellishing...

Response - If that's how she really was, then I am truly appalled. I certainly hope she is/was not the store manager.

Michelle - I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement.

Response - As of the termination of my employment, there was an established limit of 9 rentals out at a time. And I think it was 3 for video games (high ticket items). And since I am an ex-employee, these items are best addressed to Blockbuster Corp if you are so inclined. As for options of making any program work, I gave you the history of rentals at Blockbuster. This was to show that no matter what program they come up with, people will not be satisfied. And I can guarantee they will complain about the next program Blockbuster comes up with.

Michelle - I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied.

Response - I am glad you are happy with your Netflix service. Actually, if you read some of my other posts, you will see that I actually recommend using them, or others, if they are dissatisfied with the service at the brick & motar stores. However, my challenge dealt only with an actual store, not an online service.

Good day.

Michelle,

First of all, thank you for the level headed response (unlike some people that I don't think needed mentioning). I will rebuttal your last post:

Michelle - First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.

Response - If I remember correctly (forgive me as it's been 3 years since my employment with them ended) the membership agreement states that you agree to the terms & conditions of rental, which are subject to change without notice. Granted, when this new program came out, they could have done a better job of communicating the terms to their customers. That's one of the reasons the State of New Jersey AG filed suit. That lead to the posting of numerous signs all throughout the store explaining the program. Unfortunately, I think that was after you had rented (you had said this happened in July, correct?). When this program was first announced, the first thing that came to my mind was "What's the catch?" So I went to the website and looked at the terms. It all made sense to me.

Michelle - No, I am not embellishing...

Response - If that's how she really was, then I am truly appalled. I certainly hope she is/was not the store manager.

Michelle - I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement.

Response - As of the termination of my employment, there was an established limit of 9 rentals out at a time. And I think it was 3 for video games (high ticket items). And since I am an ex-employee, these items are best addressed to Blockbuster Corp if you are so inclined. As for options of making any program work, I gave you the history of rentals at Blockbuster. This was to show that no matter what program they come up with, people will not be satisfied. And I can guarantee they will complain about the next program Blockbuster comes up with.

Michelle - I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied.

Response - I am glad you are happy with your Netflix service. Actually, if you read some of my other posts, you will see that I actually recommend using them, or others, if they are dissatisfied with the service at the brick & motar stores. However, my challenge dealt only with an actual store, not an online service.

Good day.

Michelle,

First of all, thank you for the level headed response (unlike some people that I don't think needed mentioning). I will rebuttal your last post:

Michelle - First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.

Response - If I remember correctly (forgive me as it's been 3 years since my employment with them ended) the membership agreement states that you agree to the terms & conditions of rental, which are subject to change without notice. Granted, when this new program came out, they could have done a better job of communicating the terms to their customers. That's one of the reasons the State of New Jersey AG filed suit. That lead to the posting of numerous signs all throughout the store explaining the program. Unfortunately, I think that was after you had rented (you had said this happened in July, correct?). When this program was first announced, the first thing that came to my mind was "What's the catch?" So I went to the website and looked at the terms. It all made sense to me.

Michelle - No, I am not embellishing...

Response - If that's how she really was, then I am truly appalled. I certainly hope she is/was not the store manager.

Michelle - I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement.

Response - As of the termination of my employment, there was an established limit of 9 rentals out at a time. And I think it was 3 for video games (high ticket items). And since I am an ex-employee, these items are best addressed to Blockbuster Corp if you are so inclined. As for options of making any program work, I gave you the history of rentals at Blockbuster. This was to show that no matter what program they come up with, people will not be satisfied. And I can guarantee they will complain about the next program Blockbuster comes up with.

Michelle - I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied.

Response - I am glad you are happy with your Netflix service. Actually, if you read some of my other posts, you will see that I actually recommend using them, or others, if they are dissatisfied with the service at the brick & motar stores. However, my challenge dealt only with an actual store, not an online service.

Good day.

Michelle,

First of all, thank you for the level headed response (unlike some people that I don't think needed mentioning). I will rebuttal your last post:

Michelle - First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.

Response - If I remember correctly (forgive me as it's been 3 years since my employment with them ended) the membership agreement states that you agree to the terms & conditions of rental, which are subject to change without notice. Granted, when this new program came out, they could have done a better job of communicating the terms to their customers. That's one of the reasons the State of New Jersey AG filed suit. That lead to the posting of numerous signs all throughout the store explaining the program. Unfortunately, I think that was after you had rented (you had said this happened in July, correct?). When this program was first announced, the first thing that came to my mind was "What's the catch?" So I went to the website and looked at the terms. It all made sense to me.

Michelle - No, I am not embellishing...

Response - If that's how she really was, then I am truly appalled. I certainly hope she is/was not the store manager.

Michelle - I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement.

Response - As of the termination of my employment, there was an established limit of 9 rentals out at a time. And I think it was 3 for video games (high ticket items). And since I am an ex-employee, these items are best addressed to Blockbuster Corp if you are so inclined. As for options of making any program work, I gave you the history of rentals at Blockbuster. This was to show that no matter what program they come up with, people will not be satisfied. And I can guarantee they will complain about the next program Blockbuster comes up with.

Michelle - I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied.

Response - I am glad you are happy with your Netflix service. Actually, if you read some of my other posts, you will see that I actually recommend using them, or others, if they are dissatisfied with the service at the brick & motar stores. However, my challenge dealt only with an actual store, not an online service.

Good day.

Sorry for the length!

****Yes they can. How many times do I have to say it, it's in the rental agreement that YOU SIGNED. Did you get that Steve? You SIGNED the rental agreement which says you agree for BB to charge your card for any fees due.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

--> First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.
****First, I'd like to say that if the manager really acted in the manner you described, then she is in the wrong business, and certainly would not be anyone who I would have working for me. Although I'm thinking you may be embellishing a bit.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

-->No, I am not embellishing, I have several witness that were there with me. She put her foot in her mouth when she spoke about having signs posted and then got mad, when she was caught. I am glad however to know, you would not allow that kind of behavior? I applaud you for that.
****You stated that if Blockbuster did not want the movies out for so long, then they should simply not do the No Late Fees program. Let's take a little trip back in time, shall we?///So tell me, what would you have Blockbuster do now? It seems that no matter what plan they come up with, people complain about it.****

-->I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement. Perhaps you were unable to have a rebuttal unless you disregard the second part. I gave you a suggestion on how to make it work, that was just one, I can give others!! I will repost for you now, so you can read again
(If the company fears the movie will not be returned, or they may not have enough in stock, they should not offer the ?no late fee? program. Only allow out a certain number or movies at a time and until they are returned, you cannot rent others, there are several options to make the program work, however perhaps they would not bring in the added revenue for Blockbuster for the restocking fee.)-Michelle, original post

****I challenge you to rent 3 movies from another place and take them back 4 days late (meaning you had them for 9 days total), and come out owing less money than you would at Blockbuster (at Blockbuster, you would not even owe any more money).**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied. Oh and if a DVD does not appear at your door or there's, you can report the claim and they send you out the very next day, the next DVD on your list (This will only be untrue if you have numerous reports). I have reported two claims in my 6 months and I had no difficulty, simply reported and moved on. In fact, both movies were later recieved and sent back as well.

Good Luck to all!!

Sorry for the length!

****Yes they can. How many times do I have to say it, it's in the rental agreement that YOU SIGNED. Did you get that Steve? You SIGNED the rental agreement which says you agree for BB to charge your card for any fees due.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

--> First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.
****First, I'd like to say that if the manager really acted in the manner you described, then she is in the wrong business, and certainly would not be anyone who I would have working for me. Although I'm thinking you may be embellishing a bit.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

-->No, I am not embellishing, I have several witness that were there with me. She put her foot in her mouth when she spoke about having signs posted and then got mad, when she was caught. I am glad however to know, you would not allow that kind of behavior? I applaud you for that.
****You stated that if Blockbuster did not want the movies out for so long, then they should simply not do the No Late Fees program. Let's take a little trip back in time, shall we?///So tell me, what would you have Blockbuster do now? It seems that no matter what plan they come up with, people complain about it.****

-->I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement. Perhaps you were unable to have a rebuttal unless you disregard the second part. I gave you a suggestion on how to make it work, that was just one, I can give others!! I will repost for you now, so you can read again
(If the company fears the movie will not be returned, or they may not have enough in stock, they should not offer the ?no late fee? program. Only allow out a certain number or movies at a time and until they are returned, you cannot rent others, there are several options to make the program work, however perhaps they would not bring in the added revenue for Blockbuster for the restocking fee.)-Michelle, original post

****I challenge you to rent 3 movies from another place and take them back 4 days late (meaning you had them for 9 days total), and come out owing less money than you would at Blockbuster (at Blockbuster, you would not even owe any more money).**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied. Oh and if a DVD does not appear at your door or there's, you can report the claim and they send you out the very next day, the next DVD on your list (This will only be untrue if you have numerous reports). I have reported two claims in my 6 months and I had no difficulty, simply reported and moved on. In fact, both movies were later recieved and sent back as well.

Good Luck to all!!

Sorry for the length!

****Yes they can. How many times do I have to say it, it's in the rental agreement that YOU SIGNED. Did you get that Steve? You SIGNED the rental agreement which says you agree for BB to charge your card for any fees due.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

--> First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.
****First, I'd like to say that if the manager really acted in the manner you described, then she is in the wrong business, and certainly would not be anyone who I would have working for me. Although I'm thinking you may be embellishing a bit.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

-->No, I am not embellishing, I have several witness that were there with me. She put her foot in her mouth when she spoke about having signs posted and then got mad, when she was caught. I am glad however to know, you would not allow that kind of behavior? I applaud you for that.
****You stated that if Blockbuster did not want the movies out for so long, then they should simply not do the No Late Fees program. Let's take a little trip back in time, shall we?///So tell me, what would you have Blockbuster do now? It seems that no matter what plan they come up with, people complain about it.****

-->I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement. Perhaps you were unable to have a rebuttal unless you disregard the second part. I gave you a suggestion on how to make it work, that was just one, I can give others!! I will repost for you now, so you can read again
(If the company fears the movie will not be returned, or they may not have enough in stock, they should not offer the ?no late fee? program. Only allow out a certain number or movies at a time and until they are returned, you cannot rent others, there are several options to make the program work, however perhaps they would not bring in the added revenue for Blockbuster for the restocking fee.)-Michelle, original post

****I challenge you to rent 3 movies from another place and take them back 4 days late (meaning you had them for 9 days total), and come out owing less money than you would at Blockbuster (at Blockbuster, you would not even owe any more money).**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied. Oh and if a DVD does not appear at your door or there's, you can report the claim and they send you out the very next day, the next DVD on your list (This will only be untrue if you have numerous reports). I have reported two claims in my 6 months and I had no difficulty, simply reported and moved on. In fact, both movies were later recieved and sent back as well.

Good Luck to all!!

Sorry for the length!

****Yes they can. How many times do I have to say it, it's in the rental agreement that YOU SIGNED. Did you get that Steve? You SIGNED the rental agreement which says you agree for BB to charge your card for any fees due.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

--> First I want to say, you did not address my statement about those who signed up for the Blockbuster accounts before the new promotional, no notices were sent to customers who signed up before the new service about the charges and policies of the new "no late fee" program.
****First, I'd like to say that if the manager really acted in the manner you described, then she is in the wrong business, and certainly would not be anyone who I would have working for me. Although I'm thinking you may be embellishing a bit.**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

-->No, I am not embellishing, I have several witness that were there with me. She put her foot in her mouth when she spoke about having signs posted and then got mad, when she was caught. I am glad however to know, you would not allow that kind of behavior? I applaud you for that.
****You stated that if Blockbuster did not want the movies out for so long, then they should simply not do the No Late Fees program. Let's take a little trip back in time, shall we?///So tell me, what would you have Blockbuster do now? It seems that no matter what plan they come up with, people complain about it.****

-->I love how you conveniently looked over the rest of my statement. Perhaps you were unable to have a rebuttal unless you disregard the second part. I gave you a suggestion on how to make it work, that was just one, I can give others!! I will repost for you now, so you can read again
(If the company fears the movie will not be returned, or they may not have enough in stock, they should not offer the ?no late fee? program. Only allow out a certain number or movies at a time and until they are returned, you cannot rent others, there are several options to make the program work, however perhaps they would not bring in the added revenue for Blockbuster for the restocking fee.)-Michelle, original post

****I challenge you to rent 3 movies from another place and take them back 4 days late (meaning you had them for 9 days total), and come out owing less money than you would at Blockbuster (at Blockbuster, you would not even owe any more money).**** Patrick - Gilbert, Arizona

I have already taken your challenge, its called Netflix and I have been a very satisfied. Oh and if a DVD does not appear at your door or there's, you can report the claim and they send you out the very next day, the next DVD on your list (This will only be untrue if you have numerous reports). I have reported two claims in my 6 months and I had no difficulty, simply reported and moved on. In fact, both movies were later recieved and sent back as well.

Good Luck to all!!

You didn't pay attention to my point. The original complaint was about late fees. The online services let you keep the DVD for as long as you want with no late fee.

The only "scam" was the biggest online company was taken to court for throttling customers who rent a lot of DVDs a month. That has nothing to do with the OP.

It's going to be long, so bear with me. First, I have to address "Steve".

Steve said: "The company doesn't have a right to charge to consumers like that." (meaning, BB can't charge a customers credit card for unreturned rentals).

Yes they can. How many times do I have to say it, it's in the rental agreement that YOU SIGNED. Did you get that Steve? You SIGNED the rental agreement which says you agree for BB to charge your card for any fees due.

Steve said: "They're in for the $$$$$. Do you understand english."

Well, of course they're in it for the money. Isn't that what a commercial business is all about, to make money? Isn't that why you go out putting triple heads everywhere you can, to make money?

Steve said: "They want money really bad and infringemt as well as other illegal things that they are doing."

Please post here one thing BB is doing that is illegal. And don't bother with the credit card thing, I've already proven to you (numerous times in fact) that it is not illegal.

Steve said: "If I rent something and return I'm not getting charged for something I don't have at all."

OK, this is a little confusing, but I think you're saying that if you rent something and return it, then you don't expect to be charged for it later. Of course, that all depends on when it is returned. If it is within the 7-day grace period, there should be no charges. After the 7-day grace period, you get the $1.25 restocking fee because the rental had been sold to you.

Steve said: "I'm so sick of this whole topic and it won't go away b/c you and the no brainers on here are letting it get to your brains."

It won't go away because you keep dredging up these reports after they have been dormant for a while. What's in my brain is the posted policy of the "No Late Fees" program. I know it in and out. Everything I post here about it is fact. If you're sick of the topic, why not just excuse yourself from these reports then? Seems to me all you want to do is piss and moan because they wouldn't let you put your gumball machines in their locations as they would compete directly with their own machine.


For Michelle,

First, I'd like to say that if the manager really acted in the manner you described, then she is in the wrong business, and certainly would not be anyone who I would have working for me. Although I'm thinking you may be embellishing a bit.

You stated that if Blockbuster did not want the movies out for so long, then they should simply not do the No Late Fees program. Let's take a little trip back in time, shall we?

Way back when, Blockbuster rentals were for 2 days for everything. Meaning, you had the day you checked it out, and the following day. Rentals were due back by midnight on the following day. If you were late, you were charged so many $$$ per day (usually $1 depending on the store). People complained.

So then they decided to make all non-new releases a longer rental (5 days instead of 2). People still complained about the 2-day rentals.

And since people were also complaining about late fees, they decided that instead of charging a per day fee, they would charge the full regular rental fee, and the customer could keep the movie for the length of another rental period. People complained.

Then they extended the rental period by 12 hours, meaning the rental was not due back until Noon on the 3rd day. And the 5-day rentals were extended to 7 days. People complained still.

Then they come out with No Late Fees. You have a 7-day grace period beyond the regular rental period, then the movie is charged to you as a sale (obviously, if you want to hold on to a movie for 10 days, it must mean you wish to keep it). That was sarcasm in case you didn't figure it out. And if you returned the rental within 30 days, you would get your money back, less the $1.25 restocking fee. And guess what? That's right, people are still complaining. So much so, they have even filed lawsuits (this is such a letigious society nowadays, it makes me sick).

So tell me, what would you have Blockbuster do now? It seems that no matter what plan they come up with, people complain about it. Think about it this way. If you keep a rental car out one day longer than you contracted for, would you complain because they charged you more money? I don't think so.

I challenge you to rent 3 movies from another place and take them back 4 days late (meaning you had them for 9 days total), and come out owing less money than you would at Blockbuster (at Blockbuster, you would not even owe any more money).

And like Jamie said, if you don't like going to a brick & motar storefront (any of them for that matter), then sign up with one of the online companies. But be warned. As Alma stated, they are not without fault either. Just wait until one of the shipped movies does not show up at either destination, and see what they have to say about it.

I worked at Hollywood Video, and had a lot of contact with both BB and MG. In every case, an attentive manager will make sure all new account holders are called within 24 hours to VERIFY the phone number. With HV and MG it is stated policy that all new members are called the following day. This is to insure that phony accounts have not been established (a major cause of internal theft).

Any store manager worth their salt will waive late fees if the customer is reasonable. I have waived a lot of them in my tenure, and the result was having returning customers. If a store manager is unwilling to be reasonable, then by all means close your account, rent from another store.

Given that the rental business has decreased by 18% over the past two years, I am surprised that any BB, MG, or HV store manager would be so insolent. But again, with over 300 million people in the USA, there are bound to be some ding a lings!

Before anybody considers to use any on-line DVD renting businesses, please online search for :
"name of the online renting business" +scam, + "class action", +ripoff

No, they are not angel either....

Before anybody considers to use any on-line DVD renting businesses, please online search for :
"name of the online renting business" +scam, + "class action", +ripoff

No, they are not angel either....

There are online rental places that do not charge any late fees. i cant' say who cause the editor will take them out anyways. Why people bother with the brick and mortar locations anymore is beyong me.

****When you sign up for an account with us you are given the terms and conditions section which we personally hand to you which states that you authorize us to charge to your credit card if your movie is more than half a month late (15th day).***** Derek - Urbandale, Iowa

I was a member of Blockbuster prior to the new no late fee scam and therefore any terms and conditions would not include the new policy. I was not mailed, nor did I receive any updated terms and conditions in reference to your new policy, therefore I would not know, unless told about the restocking fee.

I had this happen to me about 6 months ago; I rented several movies and returned them in about 10 days later. I was unaware about a restocking fee, my receipt does not reflect it either (I still have it). So when I received notice in the mail, I owed money, only on 1 apparently the others were longer rentals, I called the Blockbuster and inquired. The manager was ignorant and stated that there were signs posted about the fees; I told her I did not see any signs, could she tell me they were. She then stated she was new to the building and was not aware where they were located, so I asked, could it be there are not any, in this building.

She began to get huffy and said she would search the store and find the signs. I agreed and held about 10 mins (Wow, it took her that long to find these signs that are supposed to be posted for all to see) and when she returned, she stated the only sign was posted at the drop box where you return your movies. So, they do not tell you about the fee, until you are already returning the movie and there is nothing that can be done at that point?!?

I asked the Manager if she felt that was fair or perhaps should they put the notices at the checkout desk or on the receipt where the customer could in fact see them before they were returning the movie. She simply stuck to her guns, saying it was a valid charge and I have to pay. I told her to close my account and I would not be paying anything. She said because it was such a small amount, she would waive (What I have been asking for since the beginning and the whole 20+min. phone call could have been done with the simple courtesy in the first 3 mins.) the fee and close my account. I have not been back since and love my service from Netflix.

****With our no late fees policy you can essentially keep a week rental for 30 days in a 31 day month, bring it back on the 30th day and you're only charged a 1.25 restocking fee. That is completely insane in my opinion, but obviously blockbuster corporate is interested in your business.**** Derek - Urbandale, Iowa

If the company fears the movie will not be returned, or they may not have enough in stock, they should not offer the no late fee program. If you cannot work out all the logistics, don't do it, especially if your own employees do not support the decision, stating it's insane. Only allow out a certain number or movies at a time and until they are returned, you cannot rent others, there are several options to make the program work, however perhaps they would not bring in the added revenue for Blockbuster for the restocking fee.

The company doesn't have a right to charge to consumers like that.

They're in for the $$$$$. Do you understand english. They want money really bad and infringemt as well as other illegal things that they are doing.

If I rent something and return I'm not getting charged for something I don't have at all.

I'm so sick of this whole topic and it won't go away b/c you and the no brainers on here are letting it get to your brains.

First, all I did was ask Stepahnie for more details. Then, I gave her some advice on what to do to help resolve her problem. Then Charles added his little bit of vomit (which I almost always ignore), then the report died.

Then you come along with this:

"You people are brainwashed from Patrick or whoever you are again and the other associate. That is why big companies get away with it. The contract about signing off as well as the credit card is bull s**t. You CANNOT authorize a credit card without proper authority from the owner of the card in their name. That is exactly why BB will go down. If you charge my card without my permission I'm suing for slander. Bullshit."

How many times do I have to spell this out for you? When you signed the membership application, you expressly gave Blockbuster permission to charge your card for the collection of any fees due. How is that brainwashing? All I'm doing is posting facts. Don't you think that if Blockbuster had been doing something that was illegal all these years, they would have been shut down long ago?

Oh, and good luck with a slander lawsuit. Didn't know you could sue someone for slander, when nothing was said verbally.

I'll be back on the other report come 1/1/07 to prove that Blockbuster has not been put out of business, but is alive and well, thriving as big business does.

You people are brainwashed from Patrick or whoever you are again and the other associate. That is why big companies get away with it. The contract about signing off as well as the credit card is bull s**t. You CANNOT authorize a credit card without proper authority from the owner of the card in their name. That is exactly why BB will go down. If you charge my card without my permission I'm suing for slander. Bullshit.


Its fraud and deception.

If I ever do rent from Scambusters and they do this s**t I'm fighting the charges.

I'm an employee of the Blockbuster in West Des Moines, Iowa. Firstly I don't appreciate the condescending generalization you've made about the employees there. I only make seven dollars an hour but I provide excellent customer service to the customers in our store, most of whom seem to respect our employees the same way we respect them. Secondly, Blockbuster scams no one. When you sign up for an account with us you are given the terms and conditions section which we personally hand to you which states that you authorize us to charge to your credit card if your movie is more than half a month late (15th day). With our no late fees policy you can essentially keep a week rental for 30 days in a 31 day month, bring it back on the 30th day and you're only charged a 1.25 restocking fee. That is completely insane in my opinion, but obviously blockbuster corporate is interested in your business.

I don't rent from blockbuster I haven't rented anything from blockbuster in 5 years due to their stupid rules. First they call your phone # to make sure that you live their, most video stores do not do this that is why many people hate block buster them calling your house to make sure your the person that lives their is stupid another thing is that they got my name wrong on my membership card they have some stupid people working at blockbuster. I don't see why they have to verifie your telelphone # to see if you reside at your home that is just plan stupid that is why I do not rent from blockbuster. Movie gallergy does not call your home to make sure you live their I manily go to movie gallergy blockbuster has stupid rules & my advise to people is to stay from blockbuster to keep from being ripped off!!.

Stephanie,

Here is some additional information about your last post. The charge to your debit card was not unauthorized. When you signed up for a membership, it specifically states that you authorize Blockbuster to charge your card for any unpaid collections. Otherwise, they would be wide open for lawsuits without that clause. Now, I'm not saying here that they're right and you're wrong, I'm just stating facts.

As far as the employees go, no store can operate on just managers alone. My old store was the slowest in my district, and even with 4 managers, I still had to have at least 4 regular CSRs. That's why I said speak only to the Store Manager about your situation, as they have the most pull in the store. And if you get nowhere, contact the District Supervisor, or Blockbuster Corporate.

And please provide some additional information. Your initial report is a little unclear. Are you saying that someone illegally used your card to rent movies, then did not return them, or did you rent movies twice and not return one of them before the end of the 7 day grace period?

I have found out that they can charge the full price of the movies to your debit card without your authorization and when you return the movie they "kindly" credit back all but $1.75 to restock the movie.

The "no late fees" is a scam. I called blockbuster to see if they were able to help me with any of these charges. They basically said sorry about your luck. They have the worst customer service out of any company I have ever delt with. Also I asked to speak with a manager and I guess everyone in the store is a manager. They dont hire any regualr employees.

Stephanie,

It is difficult to make specific comments about your report as you did not give much detail, but here is what I suggest you do:

Call and ask to speak to the Store Manager. If they are not available, then find out when they will be there so that you can go down and speak to them. DO NOT speak further to anyone at the store except for the Store Manager, even if they say they are a manager themselves and can assist you.

Then, discuss the situation with the Store Manager and ask for some resolution to your problem. If you get no satisfaction from the Store Manager, then get the name and number of the District Leader (usually found on the borad above the registers).

Good luck.