Blockbuster missed the boat (Blockbuster)

Member Name: Absy_Baby

Product:	Blockbuster
Date:	17/04/09 (130 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Rentals and food available

Disadvantages: Scratched DVD's, expensive, i have to go and get the rental

Blockbuster offer a rental service and were probably the largest in the UK until all these other companies sprung up on the internet and took rentals to a whole new level.

Blockbuster operate a members only service, you must be a member of the shop, not the company, so if you are a member in say Watford, don't think you can then go and rent from the St Albans branch.

It's a shame as I think I would definitely use Blockbuster more if you could do this, I know a database with that much information would probably be a massive investment but I think it would help compete with the online market share.

To become a member of Blockbuster you must present ID, either a driving licence or passport as well as a bank statement or credit card bill with your address on. It takes a while to set up. You must also give your bank details so if you run off with the films they can charge you, or if you are late, which is a total pain.

Membership is free, and you can get more than one card on the account, which helps immensely as my boyfriend never has his but I always do in my purse.

Blockbuster claim to have lots of rentals which I'm sure they do, but why is it I never seem to get the film I've gone in there for? Not only that the rentals they do have are not regularly checked for scratches, there is nothing more annoying than going all the way down there, getting a DVD then getting home watching half of it and it freezing, or stopping completely due to scratches. Should these not be checked, i know that is a major resource but could the staff not check for really bad scratches as they take it back?! I myself would tell them, so other people aren't put in the same position.

Blockbuster have also now set up online like competitors Love Film, but really is it too late? I believe so. I mean I haven't even checked out what they offer online because the market is already there for online rentals.

The only advert I've seen says its £4.88 a month, but Love Film's basic package is less than that, and does anyone know about this new online venture by Blockbuster? I don't think it's been marketed very well.

Blockbuster do offer a range of DVD's and games to rent and buy, they also sell food, popcorn, sweets, ice cream and the usual fizzy drinks.

Current offers include mid-week madness when you can rent 2 DVD's for £5, which I think is quite reasonable but then again, I'll have to get my bum back down there to return them, can I be bothered, nope.

Summary: Blockbuster is out of its league now with online competitors