Blockbuster Video Ripoff continues!! Blockbuster still has late fees-NEW name!!! Newberg Oregon

Blockbuster has the new policy on every recepit. If it's not printed once on the front, it's printed over and over again on the back.

Also, the policy states that you have a week after the due date, 2-day rentals as well as week-rentals, but the computer doesn't actually charge the movies until the 10th day AFTER the due date.

An individual would have to have kept a 2-day rental 12-13 days or a week-rental 18-19 days after the day it was rented in order for it to be charged. The store does not call until the movie is charged and needs the movie back.

When they started this program at the Blockbuster by my house, they raised the price of their rentals by 30 cents I believe; they said in order to counteract the losses they would take with the new program. Lo and behold, the program no longer exists at this particular Blockbuster, so wouldn't you find it interesting that the rental fees didn't go back down? I sure did...and when I mentioned it to the manager, he acted like he didn't hear me and just kept ringing up my movies...even the employees know it, and there is nothing they can do about it. Blockbuster is overpriced-unfortunately, they are pretty much the only rental place close to my house, so if we want to watch a movie, we really have no choice other than to use them...hakuna matata I guess...

I still do not understand why customers try and complain about blockbuster video and their policies. The new end of late fees program has been in effect for over 1 year now. When the program first started, they had signs hanging in the store everywhere, and flyers at every register, and for 6 months straight, we handed a flyer to every customer that walked through the door, and what did most people do, they just threw it in the trash. When the customers asked us about the new policy, we explained it to them, we didn't lie, we didn't tell them they would never have to pay anything. It is the consumers responsibility to understand a companies polices and procedures. The new program is great. The problem with most customers is they do not know that it's the end of late fees, not the end of due dates. There are still 2 day, and 1 week rentals. You are given a 7 day grace period on top of your due dates to get the item(s) back without incurring any fees. So in reality, you have a 10 day rental, and a 16 day rental, obviously we want you to return the videos as soon as you are done with them so that your neighbors and friends can see the movie also, and If you can't return you tapes by then,then something is wrong with you, and you should not be allowed to shop by yourself. On the 8th day to account for that rental, it is sold to your BBV account, corporate stores I belive still bill your credit card, franchise stores have different procedures, you need to check with them. Our Franchise bills it to your BBV account. That price is determined at the time of your rental, if it's a new title that is not being sold as a previously viewed title, you pay the new cost, the price that it costs us to replace that movie, minus the price you already paid to rent that title. For example, if you paid $4.49 for the rental price, and the movie sells for $20.49, you will pay $16.00, if it is a title that we are currently selling as a previously viewed title, you will pay that price minus your rental. $12.99 previously viewed price, minus your $4.49 rental price, you pay $8.50, that is more then fair. When you check that title out the employee can look and tell you what you have to pay if you don't bring it back. If the item(s) have been sold to your account, you have 2 options, you can pay for the item and it's yours, and as long as you bring it back within 30 days of it being sold to your account you can get either get store credit, or your money back minus $1.32 restocking fee, once again, there are corporate stores and franchise stores, and their polices might be different, you need to check with them. Or, you can go home and get the movie(s) and bring them back. But, customers are ruining it for everyone, they are not brining the movie(s) back for weeks, and it is hurting your neighbors and friends because they are not able to see that movie, and they are going to mess it up for everyone, would you rather go back to the way things were.

Old Policy:

2-Day Rental due by noon on the 3rd day.
4 days late, you paid $2.09 a day per item.
1 movie late, you paid $8.36, 2 movies you paid $16.72 plus tax.

New Policy:

2-Day Rental due by noon on the 3rd day.
4 movies, returned 4 days late, you pay nothing.
4 movies returned 15 days late, you pay $5 plus tax, you do the math.

Now, getting to the customer who states 2 days is 48 hrs, the 2 days is for business purposes, you can't have 50,000 people renting movies at different times and having different days and times to bring the items back. That is too hard to track, you need to be able to have set times that are universal, and be able to schedule check in times. The bottom line is the new policy is better, and it's better than every other store out there. I remember when a 2-day rental was due the next day by noon. Then, for your convience it was changed to the next day by midnight, people still couldn't returne movies on time, then it was changed to the 3rd day by noon, and guess what, people still can't return movies on time, now they are given a 7 day grace period, and guess what, people still can't return items on time and compalin, if we gave you 30 days, people still would not return items on time and complain. We in America are spoiled, and we just need to be thankful. There are people in other countries and our own country that are dying every day, people who can't afford to by food, or medicine, and we have people complaining and taking hours of their time to write bad things about companies because they are unable to return things on time. Complaining about $1.32, and then we wonder why so many countries hate us.

I do not see how people would think that they can just keep a movie out as long as they want that just makes NO SENSE. Blockbuster is still a business and still needs to make money sto stay in business. And a restocking fee is only charged when the movie is brought back 7 days after it was due which means if a customer brings a movie back when they are supposed to then they will have no problem. People always try to bend the rules and when it bites them they get mad but plain and simple is people just bring something back whenit is due then there will be no problems and all those people that complain that there arent enough rentals will have the movie in to rent.

...I'm curious about something in your last post.

"You say what you want but there was another respondent who was true to his word about BB and Viacom and basically answered my questions."

Would you care to elaborate on what Viacom told you? What questions did you ask?

By the way, if they have not yet already, Viacom is getting rid of Blockbuster as it does not fit into their coporate structure.

Move on. Its just not worth arguing with you. You say what you want but there was another respondent who was true to his word about BB and Viacom and basically answered my questions.

When you finally use your brain then maybe you will get a clue too. Blockbuster will see the end sometime down the road.

Steve,

Where you trying to say something in that last post? Because I honestly did not understand a single thing you were trying to communicate.

Come back when you have a valid argument. Until then, please keep your incoherent ramblings to yourself.

It's going to happen. MCD's has been around a lot longer and develop their same system. Those are two different identities.

I've been looking at FTC.gov and just checking from time to time. BB brang in that stupid no more late fees policy bull crap. That is whats wrong with corporate world these days is that America is just upside down. Thats whats wrong with this country. Corporate wants to do what corporate wants to do and its flat out wrong. B/c you have crooks that want to get away with it.

Let me get into the vending. SOme vendors can get machines placed in big chains b/c they know people. I know different people. The companies advertise about all the different venues about it. The mistake that people make are the pro locating companies with the CONTRACT. Did I say that word. yes. Thats where people fail in the business. I lost some money but not as much and starting to see the end of the tunnel. Just like any business its a gamble. So BB is gambling and winning but in the end they will lose. VIacom I heard and oh boy look at them now.

Steve,

At least get my name right. I'm sure you can at least do that much.

I'm not going to waste my time continuing to comment on the credit card thing as I am sure I have provided more than sufficient evidence to show nothing illegal going on. Except to say that the language in the membership agreement is not in fine print. In fact, quite the contrary. Of all the language in the terms and conditions of membership, the language regarding financial responsibility for rented items is IN BOLD CAPS. And this language is about 5 lines directly above the signature block.

As to why I defend Blockbuster when I no longer work there? I defend them as I have no problems with them or their "No Late Fee" program. I fully understand my responsibilities when renting, what the due dates are (actually, I don't worry about that anymore as I am on the Movie Pass program), and what the consequences are if I don't get the movies back by a certain time.

You keep saying Blockbuster will go down in the future. That's like saying McDonald's will go out of business. It just isn't going to happen.

First on BB thats fine about whats in their fine print but do you really think that anyone is paying attention to it.

The credit card companies are tied to the Federal Govt somehow. Thats how they make their money. About BB they will go out some time in the future.

Now on the pizza sites I am on another website which I'm not naming but Dominos isn't perfect either. I want you to ask Dominos about the Delivery charge just DON'T mention my name at all. I want to know what they say.

As for the pathetic spiel that comes from this company the credit card companies can get back at BB for disputes and by the time everything goes through it would be a waste of time.

One other thing if you don't work for the company why are you defending them!

OK Steve, you got me. I give up. It seems that no matter how much information I present, you will continue to say BB is being dishonest or is doing something illegal.

There is nothing more I can say. Good day to you sir.

Hey Paul

How does BB know if someone is late or not. Thats what the problem is. The consumer can just go back to cc people and say that the movie was returned.

BB is using different tactics.

Yes I am a Big D and have my days and make anywhere from $25 on a bad night to $65- $90 on decent nights. I can't give any other info out since were talking about the biggest scam artist out there.

OK Steve, so I decided to exchange my Movie Pass movies tonight at the store by mt house. While there, I managed to get a copy of a blank membership agreement to bring home with me. It is sitting right in front of me, so here is what it says:

"Member agrees that Blockbuster Inc. and its franchisees may pursue all avenues of collection, including use of collection agencies, and AUTHORIZES BLOCKBUSTER INC. AND ITS FRANCHISEES TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT CREDIT CARD CHARGES USING ANY OF THE CHARGE CARDS LISTED ABOVE to recover all charges and all other unpaid amounts due to (a) Member's failure to timely return all items rented through the membership, (b) damages to returned items (not to exceed the retail price of the item), and (c) other unpaid charges and reasonable legal fees resulting from the failure to return rented items."

I put the most important part in ALL CAPS in the hopes that you will finally see that Blockbuster is doing nothing illegal by charging members credit cards for fees due.

Blockbuster has been doing this for years. If it were illegal, don't you think the credit card companies would have sued them by now? It sure didn't take long for lawsuits to be filed when the new policy came out.

So do you understand now? It is not illegal for Blockbuster to automatically charge a member's credit card for fees due as the member agreed to such charges when they signed up for the membership.

And don't mince words about the pizza reports. Come out and admit that you are a driver for Domino's. I'm sure you are doing it to make ends meet until your triple head business takes off.

Well Patrick since you answered back and I guess you have nothing better to do its a fight with the credit card companies then. I'm not lazy but the sales guy was actually cool enough to give me the FAQ.

And its a triple head machines. Yes I'm on the pizza website that is correct and my website is linked on there. I don't give samples out I give out mints and people are really thrilled about it. I've learned more things in my business and its going to get better next year. I have a few leads but things are better.

Let me put it this way, the best way to advertise is word by mouth and I just have to do what I have to do. Simple as that.

Steve,

Since you seem to be too lazy to walk into a Blockbuster and look at a membership agreement, I will tell you what it says. I do not have a copy in front of me, but I did go down to a store during lunch and read the agreement.

It specifically states that Blockbuster has the right to use the credit card information provided on the agreement in order to collect for any fees due. By signing the agreement, you agree to the terms. No laws being broken here.

I can't say it any simpler than that.

Oh, and while in the store, I saw 4 different signs which described the new "No Late Fee" policy. They were on both the entrance and exit doors, on the counter by the registers, and on the freestanding kiosk.

And, now the receipts also have information on them.

Yes, the policy may have been a little decptive in the beginning, but Blockbuster has made changes to make sure customers are fully aware of the policy.

And, how's that gumball business going? I only ask as I couldn't help but notice how you posted on several pizza chain reports that you are currently a driver for one of them. I hope you are not giving out too many free gumball samples. I sure would hate to see you go out of business by giving away your entire inventory.

Toodles.

I have in front of me the FAQ. I don't have the membership material so if an employee can answer me about it I want to know.

It says movies and game rentals due back by the due date.

then it says you won't be charged an extra day or two.

After 8 days convert to a sale.

Misleading advertisement to the public.

It says a restocking fee.

ABSOLUTE FRAUD AND RIPOFF.


Then its called stealing from the public. Just another way for scambusters to make more money and pocket it in their pockets. Thats not fair at all. There are anti trust laws in states so go figure

Also viacom owns the rights to blockbuster. What a joke? If a mom and pop store did this practice they would be out of business and sued.


The credit card companies are going to have fun with this one.

I want someone to tell me what the credit card application says b/c if I rent then your telling me they will find a way. Bullshit.

Go BB online rental, you will never pay the late fee or restocking fee, it works pretty well for me.

BB is my favorite store, I have plenty of pleasant experiences with them, one time I was charged for $0.83 late fee but surprisedly got a free rental when I paid off, online rental also has great customer services, they usually response your questions within 24 hours.

I didn't go through all the posts, sorry if my sugguestion is duplicated with other's.

It's amazing that some people can't grasp this: a restocking fee is not a late fee. If you buy something at Best Buy or Circuit City and return it, you don't pay a late fee. You pay a restocking fee. So every company has the right to charge a restocking fee but not Blockbuster?

You used to pay late fees plus, the film was sold to you 12 days after the due date. If you returned the film, you still paid the late fee, up to 25 dollars on a 2-day rental. Now, you don't pay the late fees anymore and instead, they charge the restocking fee like any other business. You pay 1.25 instead of 25.

And it's always been posted everywhere. It's just that people never READ any of the signs and then complain about nobody telling them. Now, it states on the receipt how much you'll be charged for the film, how much the restocking fee is, what dates these kick in, etc. And people still whine that nobody told them.

Sorry we can't babysit you because you can't function in the real world, but anybody who thinks they should be able to pay 4 or 5 bucks for a rental and be able to keep it for life has got to be a little out of touch. But hey, you're free to go to other stores. They still charge you the late fees, though.

It's not the policy, it's the way they PROMOTE it.

If they promoted it as: "Keep the video 14 days, and you just bought it!" I'm sure their results would be very different. Nobody would go to BB, but the advertisement would be completely honest.

Okay, that's not gonna happen. So how about: "14 day rentals!" (or, say, "13 day rentals!" 'cause it's converted to a sale on the 14th day or whatever.) Or maybe, "7 day grace period!"

Then, at least customers would know, "gee, I can keep this up to 13 days or so, then something bad happens, I don't know exactly what, but at least I have a little more time than before. Cool."

See the difference?

They're still selling a positive advantage (extended rental periods), but it is NOT misleading.

By selling it as, "NO LATE FEES!" it leaves you up in the air. No late fees? Are they giving the store away? Of course not, they can't do that, but what exactly _are_ they doing? My receipt still has the same old seven-day due date on it. What's that all about? Does it mean I can ignore the due date? Well, is there a _new_ due date now? What's this fine print about converting my rental to a sale? What's that all about? And since this is obviously a pre-viewed video (it has scratches on it and this obviously isn't the original box, there's no art or liner notes) does this mean they'll charge me the _pre-viewed_ price? Or the "new" price? (Etc.)

Of course, now that I'm used to it, I mentally translate "No late fees!" to "7 day grace period" or "13 day rentals" -- which is probably what they should have advertised it as in the first place. I get tired of mentally translating all this corporate fine print.

And then, the cynic in me occasionally wonders, do you think they WANT people to misread or ignore the fine print? So they can charge them the full "new" price on a scratched, used dvd? And maybe most people won't complain since after all it was in the fine print. Naaah. . .I'm being paranoid. Right.

Hey Moby d**k:


What do you think? No I'm not jealous. You couldn't ask for permission if you wanted to. The corporate stores won't give permission due to their stupid regulations but I have other places in mind. Second of all they're not giant machines. There are people that love these attractive machines and they serve purpose well. I'm not a Shriner and help the charity as best I can and thank god I'm not out of it. I love what I do and have other ideas and plans. www.wanderfulvending.com

Feel free to email me and the rest of the board.

The machines can go anywhere you'd be surprised. How many other vendors donate money to charity. Ask that question when you see an independent vendor.

Steve,

Admit it, you're just mad because BB won't let you put one of your three-headed monsters in their store. I mean, come on, do you think a candy store would let you put one in? You're asking them to allow DIRECT COMPETITION in their own store, with no benefit to them. How about I put in a four-header, and put it right in front of yours?

BTW, are you a Shriner? I think your fez is too tight.

You have whats called a PHD.

Understand where I come from. Its called and I use the term loosely Player Hater Degenerate

Or Player Hater Degree . I like the first one and I'm going all the way with this.

You have whats called a PHD.

Understand where I come from. Its called and I use the term loosely Player Hater Degenerate

Or Player Hater Degree . I like the first one and I'm going all the way with this.

First off vending isn't a scam unlike other businesses. I'm a local vendor in the city of Phila. I make .05 on the gumballs and sell them for .25 . Its that simple. I have in a diner, haircut place, nails place etc.


Tell me a scam. People give up in the business b/c they are told different things. I overcome that. You say I won't be a millionaire. By spreading word that I give free candy will get peoples attention. I have guts and determination. Feel free to find my website and then contact me and we can talk on the phone. You work for a million dollar company with ways to get people and con them out of their money. Thats what big businesses do and they find ways. I ask permission on owners and businesses and that the machine is free of charge and with the charity. I'm not going to go off on you or anyone else on this site. I am also going to doorhang so people know it. I am putting together a foundation for illnesses.

You work for a company. I am an entrepeneur and love what I do. It takes patience and time to build on it. I'm not perfect but have ways.

Steve, first of all, every business is out to make money. That's why you're selling gumballs, right? To be a millionaire?? Call it a scam if you want, but since the new policy, complaints in my store have decreased by 99%, which would leave only the 1% of people like yourself that just need to be mad about something. People don't become millionaires by letting their anger control them. An inside glance: Blockbuster offers a fun and supportive work environment, educational support, and excellent benefits; also they support local and national organizations of all kinds, something many large companies do not invest in - the local communities. It takes money to make those investments. You call them bad names, say anything hateful that comes to mind, but let me say this. As an individual and a manager, I hold myself accountable for my actions. Not to do so is immature. That's why kids point fingers and blame everybody else. As we grow and mature, we begin to see that we may actually be responsible for the consequences of our actions. As a manager, I make mistakes, but I do not turn around and blame my customers for them. That would be about as rational as you holding a company responsible for you, or in your case "the people you talk to" not picking up a movie and putting it in a dropbox. I don't call my customers names and say mean things when they return movies late, even though it only costs them $1.25 if anything, but is costing me a bonus check. One more thing. How much do you charge for your gumballs? Last time I checked, most machines sell them for $0.25 or more. That would be more than what.... 1000% profit? Surely that isn't considered a scam...a machine that appeals to small children, charging them $0.25 for a gumball that costs you $.02. Can't you become a millionaire by selling them for a nickel?

Joe,

It is your perogative to rent from wherever you like. And if that doesn't include Blockbuster, then so be it. But I must say your "conspiracy theory" just is not true. Yes, mistakes happen, just as with all businesses.

You commented again about not getting any calls. Again, I say make sure they have your current information on file. The automated system is very good about calling people who have late rentals still out.

I rented at Blockbuster for 10 years prior to ever becoming an employee there. In that time I paid my share of late fees (as they were deserved), but never have I had any problems with being overcharged, or being charged for lost movies, or anything. To me that says there is no conspiracy.

Joe,

It is your perogative to rent from wherever you like. And if that doesn't include Blockbuster, then so be it. But I must say your "conspiracy theory" just is not true. Yes, mistakes happen, just as with all businesses.

You commented again about not getting any calls. Again, I say make sure they have your current information on file. The automated system is very good about calling people who have late rentals still out.

I rented at Blockbuster for 10 years prior to ever becoming an employee there. In that time I paid my share of late fees (as they were deserved), but never have I had any problems with being overcharged, or being charged for lost movies, or anything. To me that says there is no conspiracy.

Joe,

It is your perogative to rent from wherever you like. And if that doesn't include Blockbuster, then so be it. But I must say your "conspiracy theory" just is not true. Yes, mistakes happen, just as with all businesses.

You commented again about not getting any calls. Again, I say make sure they have your current information on file. The automated system is very good about calling people who have late rentals still out.

I rented at Blockbuster for 10 years prior to ever becoming an employee there. In that time I paid my share of late fees (as they were deserved), but never have I had any problems with being overcharged, or being charged for lost movies, or anything. To me that says there is no conspiracy.

Joe,

It is your perogative to rent from wherever you like. And if that doesn't include Blockbuster, then so be it. But I must say your "conspiracy theory" just is not true. Yes, mistakes happen, just as with all businesses.

You commented again about not getting any calls. Again, I say make sure they have your current information on file. The automated system is very good about calling people who have late rentals still out.

I rented at Blockbuster for 10 years prior to ever becoming an employee there. In that time I paid my share of late fees (as they were deserved), but never have I had any problems with being overcharged, or being charged for lost movies, or anything. To me that says there is no conspiracy.

"And lastly, if you take your movie back to BB for a refund (less the $1.25 restocking fee) then it is no longer your property, and BB can do with it what it sees fit. Either by offering it for sale as previously viewed, or placing back in rental inventory. If you take a sweater back to Macy's for a refund, does that give you the right to tell them what they can do with it once they purchase it back?"

Except what I am talking about is recieving NO phone calls and returning the movie not knowing that my credit card had already been charged, and them having an item that I have been charged for, then being charged a "restocking fee" because I brought it back, and never having the money returned to my credit card. This makes me have to go back there with a credit card to get my money back.

The same goes with a debit card, you are not technically "paying" a percentage, but you are however LOSING a percentage by having Lackluster make 4% on your money instead of you.

I wouldn't think this is shady if they returned the money to your card, if they can take it off they can put it on.

I KNOW that I am not the only one that this has happened to and I can only shudder at the profits that have been made at the cost of people who don't know or understand this policy.

As far as I am concerned it is an indefensible, reprehensible and disengenuous marketing SCAM.

No I will not use their services in the future... I didn't like them in the first place because of their prudish nature and other walmart-like business practices.

Jake no its not a fetish. Second of all its bulk vending something that you might want to get a clue to your head b/c your a player hater. If I get $500 K then its awesome for me. Your waisting your time dude.

Jake,

Thank you for the support. Unfortunately, this is not the end of this thread as I now have to correct Joe from Maryland.

Joe, if you have a title rented out, and it has gone past the regular due date (not yet past the additional 7 days), then you should receive a MINIMUM of 2 phone calls from the automated system before the movie is sold to your account. When would this not happen? If your phone number listed on your account is inaccurate.

Here's where I will admit one flaw in the current system. All stores (that I know of) run independent databases of customer information. So if you sign up at Store A, and then later use your card at Store B, only the then current information is tranferred into Store B's database. If later you move and go back to Store A (or even go to a new Store C), and update your address and phone number, it only updates at that particular store. It does not automatically filter through to all stores you have rented from. If you then go back to Store B and rent a movie, and are late getting it back, the system does not have your current phone number to contact you with. I hope that made sense, kinda hard to follow.

When I left last year, there was an initiative underway to convert all stores to a new national database, and to update the rental software system wide (they were still using the old program from 1988 when I was still there). Hopefully that will be done soon. It will alleviate alot of problems.

As for the credit card issue, you can use a debit card. That way you are not paying interest. I use mine for my monthly movie pass fees. The deal with having to take your card back to the store to get a refund is current policy. I honestly don't know why it is that way, but that was the only way we could take the fees from your BB account and refund them on your card as it had to be swiped through the card reader. Maybe this will change with the new system.

And lastly, if you take your movie back to BB for a refund (less the $1.25 restocking fee) then it is no longer your property, and BB can do with it what it sees fit. Either by offering it for sale as previously viewed, or placing back in rental inventory. If you take a sweater back to Macy's for a refund, does that give you the right to tell them what they can do with it once they purchase it back?

If you are so disgusted with BB and it's policies, then please feel free to rent elsewhere.

Jake,

Thank you for the support. Unfortunately, this is not the end of this thread as I now have to correct Joe from Maryland.

Joe, if you have a title rented out, and it has gone past the regular due date (not yet past the additional 7 days), then you should receive a MINIMUM of 2 phone calls from the automated system before the movie is sold to your account. When would this not happen? If your phone number listed on your account is inaccurate.

Here's where I will admit one flaw in the current system. All stores (that I know of) run independent databases of customer information. So if you sign up at Store A, and then later use your card at Store B, only the then current information is tranferred into Store B's database. If later you move and go back to Store A (or even go to a new Store C), and update your address and phone number, it only updates at that particular store. It does not automatically filter through to all stores you have rented from. If you then go back to Store B and rent a movie, and are late getting it back, the system does not have your current phone number to contact you with. I hope that made sense, kinda hard to follow.

When I left last year, there was an initiative underway to convert all stores to a new national database, and to update the rental software system wide (they were still using the old program from 1988 when I was still there). Hopefully that will be done soon. It will alleviate alot of problems.

As for the credit card issue, you can use a debit card. That way you are not paying interest. I use mine for my monthly movie pass fees. The deal with having to take your card back to the store to get a refund is current policy. I honestly don't know why it is that way, but that was the only way we could take the fees from your BB account and refund them on your card as it had to be swiped through the card reader. Maybe this will change with the new system.

And lastly, if you take your movie back to BB for a refund (less the $1.25 restocking fee) then it is no longer your property, and BB can do with it what it sees fit. Either by offering it for sale as previously viewed, or placing back in rental inventory. If you take a sweater back to Macy's for a refund, does that give you the right to tell them what they can do with it once they purchase it back?

If you are so disgusted with BB and it's policies, then please feel free to rent elsewhere.

Jake,

Thank you for the support. Unfortunately, this is not the end of this thread as I now have to correct Joe from Maryland.

Joe, if you have a title rented out, and it has gone past the regular due date (not yet past the additional 7 days), then you should receive a MINIMUM of 2 phone calls from the automated system before the movie is sold to your account. When would this not happen? If your phone number listed on your account is inaccurate.

Here's where I will admit one flaw in the current system. All stores (that I know of) run independent databases of customer information. So if you sign up at Store A, and then later use your card at Store B, only the then current information is tranferred into Store B's database. If later you move and go back to Store A (or even go to a new Store C), and update your address and phone number, it only updates at that particular store. It does not automatically filter through to all stores you have rented from. If you then go back to Store B and rent a movie, and are late getting it back, the system does not have your current phone number to contact you with. I hope that made sense, kinda hard to follow.

When I left last year, there was an initiative underway to convert all stores to a new national database, and to update the rental software system wide (they were still using the old program from 1988 when I was still there). Hopefully that will be done soon. It will alleviate alot of problems.

As for the credit card issue, you can use a debit card. That way you are not paying interest. I use mine for my monthly movie pass fees. The deal with having to take your card back to the store to get a refund is current policy. I honestly don't know why it is that way, but that was the only way we could take the fees from your BB account and refund them on your card as it had to be swiped through the card reader. Maybe this will change with the new system.

And lastly, if you take your movie back to BB for a refund (less the $1.25 restocking fee) then it is no longer your property, and BB can do with it what it sees fit. Either by offering it for sale as previously viewed, or placing back in rental inventory. If you take a sweater back to Macy's for a refund, does that give you the right to tell them what they can do with it once they purchase it back?

If you are so disgusted with BB and it's policies, then please feel free to rent elsewhere.

Jake,

Thank you for the support. Unfortunately, this is not the end of this thread as I now have to correct Joe from Maryland.

Joe, if you have a title rented out, and it has gone past the regular due date (not yet past the additional 7 days), then you should receive a MINIMUM of 2 phone calls from the automated system before the movie is sold to your account. When would this not happen? If your phone number listed on your account is inaccurate.

Here's where I will admit one flaw in the current system. All stores (that I know of) run independent databases of customer information. So if you sign up at Store A, and then later use your card at Store B, only the then current information is tranferred into Store B's database. If later you move and go back to Store A (or even go to a new Store C), and update your address and phone number, it only updates at that particular store. It does not automatically filter through to all stores you have rented from. If you then go back to Store B and rent a movie, and are late getting it back, the system does not have your current phone number to contact you with. I hope that made sense, kinda hard to follow.

When I left last year, there was an initiative underway to convert all stores to a new national database, and to update the rental software system wide (they were still using the old program from 1988 when I was still there). Hopefully that will be done soon. It will alleviate alot of problems.

As for the credit card issue, you can use a debit card. That way you are not paying interest. I use mine for my monthly movie pass fees. The deal with having to take your card back to the store to get a refund is current policy. I honestly don't know why it is that way, but that was the only way we could take the fees from your BB account and refund them on your card as it had to be swiped through the card reader. Maybe this will change with the new system.

And lastly, if you take your movie back to BB for a refund (less the $1.25 restocking fee) then it is no longer your property, and BB can do with it what it sees fit. Either by offering it for sale as previously viewed, or placing back in rental inventory. If you take a sweater back to Macy's for a refund, does that give you the right to tell them what they can do with it once they purchase it back?

If you are so disgusted with BB and it's policies, then please feel free to rent elsewhere.

Steve..... enough with the gumball crap already, your wasting your breath.
If you make more than 500,000 dollars doing it, youd be up to your anus in gumballs... which sounds like some wierd kind of fetish :/
Patrick.... I agree with you, you have won this argument, end of thread :) lol

Most of the replies here have totally missed the point in my opinion.

Blockbuster does not contact you until after you have already been charged for the movie because it is after the late period, then they send you a postcard.

You are now paying upwards of 20+% on this item if it is on a credit card.

If you returned the item a day after it was charged then Blockbuster not only has your money, they also have the item you "purchased" and they charge you a "restocking fee" for something that you now technically own. So, now restocked they are making money by renting or reselling an item you have purchased, and are making about 4% or so from your money which is now in their bank.

If you read the fine print it seems Blockbuster is more than happy to take money off of your credit card without the card being there, but WILL NOT credit your card UNLESS you actually present the card to them, and to add insult to injury they CHARGE YOU MORE MONEY (remember that restocking fee?) to sell or rent something that NOW BELONGS TO YOU.

Rip-off on a genius level of scum.

Steve,

All differences about Blockbuster aside, as I have stated before, good luck in your vending business. I wish you nothing but success. If you put as much effort into your business as you have on these reports, then I have no doubt you will succeed.

Getting off the subject for a minute about scambusters I have a goal and that is to get the rest of my machines placed depending on location. I will be a millionaire once I get more machines. It takes guts and determination and it will be up there. I already talked to someone planning to take this bar restaurant over and I will have machines in there too. Depending on the product I will be very successful.

Like I said there are thousands of places. I'm not giving up unlike some of the business opportunities out there where people claim they can and don't.

Vending is very big, so big you have to order books from Barnes and Nobles to get additional info. If you go to my website you will see. I'm the first independent vendor to have a site and not afraid to show anything. About the charity didn't know that was required before I started in the business. People see my advertisement everyday as I have magnetic piece on back of my vehicle.

I have been told by a number of people that I will be rich down the road. Now about Phila. your thinking b/c its run by assholes that the city is the worst city in the country and where your at your areas out west are growing b/c people want a better place to live. I've been out there and definitely see the difference. Over we have Jersey and Delware plus NY

Steve,

Let me give you a little inside information about Hollywood Video. It was founded by former Blockbuster employees. They thought they could break off, open their own stores, and do a better job than Blockbuster. Well, they have the same problems too. Blockbuster attempted to acquire them simply to eliminate the major competition.

You see, Blockbuster lost a lot of customers to Hollywood when they first opened. They thought they would get better treatment and service than at BB. But guess what? That's right. The same things happening at BB happen at HV too.

And let me just correct you on a misunderstanding of my last post. I did not say you weren't able to place machines in Philly. I said I doubt you will become a millionaire simply by placing machines around Philly, no matter what the location. It's great that you have this ambition and goal. Just don't get to where you can't see the forest for the trees.

Did someone say Hollywood. Scambusters wanted to purchase the company that also scams people. Hollywood sucks also. I actually go to amazon to see what they have. Yes I did say millionaire. I don't expect that until like 5 years from now. If the machines do at least $20 per location its a start. Now I'm not too much a math wiz but I know my stuff when it comes to machines and locations. Corporate won't do it at all and I'm not ticked off about it since there are 1000's of places. You say not in Philadelphia area. I just placed one on South St at a famous bar where all cool people hang out at and I acquire advertisement and other cool stuff. All you have to do is look up Wanderful and you will see. Since you know I'm in the Phila area thats a hint right there.

why that name b/c its different and interesting. One thing I learned about the business is to know so many different people. I am going to pay for lunch and dinner as well as $50 a location for maybe another person to drive me around Center City since Phila has a million meters throughout. With the right product and placement as well as clean machines and low maintenance I have what it takes to get really awesome in the business as well as awesome attitude unlike some people who claim it.

I have heard negative and I don't let it bother me. I do wear gloves at all locations so that if people are watching they can be happy. I also give away free candy at all locations b/c I like to give back. Whats the point of putting product back in when it has to sell.

Steve,

I know I have wished you good luck in your vending business, but I don't have any magical powers. I'm sorry, but I just don't see how you will become a millionaire by placing triple heads around Philly, no matter how good the locations are. You certainly don't have a corner on the market.

You had mentioned previously that your machines are associated with the Shriners. As I said before, I hope that they are getting their fair share from your proceeds. Lord knows they certainly deserve it for all the good things they do with kids.

Again, don't get me wrong. I do hope you succeed in this business venture. I just found the millionaire comment to be somewhat comical.

Steve,

Then your solution is simple. Don't rent from Blockbuster ever again. Go instead to Hollywood Video, MovieGallery, or the mom & pop store. But, make sure you get your movies back in 2 days to avoid those lates fees!

Good luck to you my friend.

I am from this country. MAybe you should watch what you say also. I have comprehension problem but that doesn't stop me from posting on this board. I will also be a millionaire one day when I get my business rocking and not ripping anyone off.

I won't rent from BB b/c they're policy and procedure mean absolutely nothing. They rip people off. You can see it in their disclosure in the commercials. They want to take the extra money and keep pocketing. They are so worried about their profits. If I ever do rent from BB and they do this s**t to me I will call the corporate people and make the employees do it. I will also tell the employees that next time they will be unemployed and call the news up and make such a big stink about it that finally someone from the offices will finally hear something. I will also call all the credit card companies and tell them BB has NO RIGHT SCAMMING PEOPLE. This whole thing with the late fees is called a scam.

If this is the way corporate america is then something will happen.

Chris,

Thank you for supporting my position, and also confirming that I am not the only one having trouble figuring out what Steve says sometimes.

With regards to your comment, I know that places like Wal-Mart and grocery stores use a system that processes a paper check almost like a debit transaction. I think it's called Tele-check, or something similar. I noticed that the last time I wrote a check at Wal-Mart, but that was like almost 2 years ago.

Don't know how big your business is, or what expense is involved, but it might be worth looking into.

Good luck!

first to patrick, i am behind you on this all the way. it appears that there is no longer any accounting for personal responsibility any more. I discovered the other day that I , as a merchant, can not, in some cases, call a bank and ask them if a check a customer just wrote me, is good or not anymore. nor can I call them when the check is returned NSF to find out if funds are available. so it would appear that anyone can write a bad check anytime they want and get away with it.
no one wants to be responsible for them selves anymore.

next to steven, the problem with all your responses is that you most likely have your responses all figured out in your head, they just arent making to the keyboard my man. the words that you type are not understandable to myself and others(i think).

Patrick asks you a question and your answer has nothing to do with the question. you should calm down abit and stop letting your anger issues clog your replies and perhaps others might understand you better. maybe you were born in a foreign country and do not have a good grip on the english language as a written language? dunno.

Steve,

Again, let me say this. I am happy for you that your business is taking off. 22 machines placed, that's pretty good. I hope your business continues to increase. And I hope that Shriners is getting their proper share.

Now, I can say without a doubt that I am not a "player hater", or even a "player" for that matter. I am truly an ex-employee who's sole purpose here is to offer information based on my previous experience as an ex-employee, and my opinions of the new policy.

Let me ask you this. Have you been ripped off by BB since the new policy took effect at the beginning of this year? Now don't go off on a tangent. I'm not talking about gumballs, or what your "friends" have told you. Have you, PERSONALLY, been ripped off by the new policy? I have re-read all of your posts, and the best you can come up with is "I have talked with a lot of people about bb and the rules and regulations mean nothing. I read everything in the disclosure and its bullshit."

Steve, I have provide clear, concise and informative posts regarding the new policy, how it affects current customers, and what BB is doing to make sure everyone is properly informed of the new policy. All you can do now is hurl insults and foul language. Either present some valid information, or this debate is over.

Not to do anything with the gumball issue. I have talked with a lot of people about bb and the rules and regulations mean nothing. I read everything in the disclosure and its bullshit.

Second of all they won't tell you if someone gets sick. You see I know different tricks on how to get a machine placed and just by listening to what people tell me. I just placed my 22nd machine in a major night spot in the city. Does that tell you something.

Also your a player hater and remember that. I've heard it all.

See, I told you that you were mostly steamed about the gumball issue, and not about the new rental policy. Your entire last post just proved that. Please present a case where someone got sick from getting a gumball out of a BB machine, and I will then start listening to your comments about them being unsanitary. Otherwise, that is just your unfounded opinion.

Participating stores only. Boy, if you hate it for BB, then you must not shop much. Almost every single retail/food chain (McD's, BK, Wendy's, Wal-Mart, etc.) uses that exact disclaimer on an almost daily basis in their ad campaigns.

Corporate only has so much control over what their individual franchisees do.

First off I click on consumer comment so learn to read that.

About the vending I can't get any corporate places b/c they all claim company policy but they still decide well lets play the competition game. Second of all they don't clean their machines out thoroughly which means if people get sick then they better have a better way. Second of all I watched another bb commercial and you state not all the stores participate in this practice of ripping off the customer. I'm so sick and appauled that a company can do what they want and when they want. I hope things do backfire and this company goes out of business.

Really quickly on my machines I always clean them and have them presentable for customers to look at and a decent snack.

Come on people how long do one need to watch a video? When Blockbuster started the no late fees program I grabbed a copy of the rules and guidelines while I was checking out my movies. It does state they will charge a restock fee after 7 days. But it still brings the question how am I going to rent a movie when customers like Mreen wants to keep the movie for over 10 days. They have to get their money somehow suppose she would have had them for a month? What if someone stole the movie out her car? Blockbuster would be out of a movie thats why they charge the restocking fee. Its people like that make it hard for others. I know in these times taking accountability for your actions is almost unheard of but it is not a sin. Admit you just forgot and got charged. People are so quick to scream lawsuit.

Steve,

Normally, I don't respond to such harsh language and childish attitudes, but in your case I will make an exception.

First, read the rebuttal header above, it says EX-employee, not currrent employee.

Second, not all stores participate in the "No More Late Fees' campaign. There are some franchise stores that still charge late fees (very few, but there are some). Is it illegal for them to charge a late fee? No. However, if they choose not to participate, then they cannot post anything in the store saying no more late fees.

Again, here is the legal tagline on all advertising:

"Participating Stores Only. See Store For Details."

You say all BB cares about is making money, and not making the customers happy. Then please answer me this: Why have they continually changed their policies in response to customer complaints and suggestions? First, people were upset that new releases were due back the next night by midnight. So BB extended the due date by 12 hours to make it Noon on the following day. They also change the non-New Releases to weekly rentals from 5 days. People were still not satisfied, so they came up with the No Late Fees plan. People still aren't happy.

Maybe they should just give the movies away from now on and not worry about making any money. However, I bet people would still find something to complain about.

C'mon Steve, admit it. You are just steamed about the gumball issue.

There are late fees. Yes there are. I will tell you what. I will rent from Scambusters and when the stupid fony charge goes on my charge without permission I will call every single card out there. I will send a message and demand someone from the corporate offices to get on this. You can't charge a late fee to the consumers. I will call the attorney generals office up and the place I rented from have them fired for doing something illegal.


Its all about greed. How do you work for a bunch of assholes that don't give a s**t.

All they care is about naking their money and don't care about the customers.

You don't think I could. I will also go as far as the news media and then watch what I do. Then they will kiss my a*s for it.

Steve,

Your last post was somewhat cryptic, so I will do my best to respond.

If you rent a 2-day or weekly movie/game and return it on time, thank you. You are then following the rules by returning the rentals by the due date.

Which policies are you referring to? What do you still have a problem with?

There are no more late fees, so I do not know what you are referring to by that statement.

Not sure what kind of scanner you are talking about for the returns. Are you saying that BB should get an automatic scanner, like someone had described in another BB report? If so, my explanation of why that wouldn't work was posted on that report. Basically, what if it was returned without the DVD in the case, or the wrong one? There is no way BB can account for customer errors in an automated check-in system.

And finally, the dreaded gumballs. I believe I have already provided sufficient responses in earlier posts on this report. Anyone caring to see how I addressed the issue can scroll up. I do not feel like typing it all over again.

I was reading just as you put in.

Blockbuster is doing their way. Post notes and memos out to all customers including the commercials.

If I were to rent 3 day or 7 day and return on time what does the difference make. I have a few problems with their policies and feel they should wake up and smell the coffee. How are they to confuse the public. If I rent from them and then get charged a late fee there is a problem. They make all this money so why can't they get a scanner on all their systems and then when a customer returns on time that takes care of the problem.

And on my business it will get way better. Those machines that bb has they suck. You have to take the top part off and follow certain instructions as to what part is next. Second of all if that 360 globe is near the sun the metal bakes and then the gumballs aren't good at all. BJS has it and I think other various places have it.

Basically I don't want to rip you but make my point.

Hey Steve,

It's great to hear that your business is picking up. More power to you man. But how am I putting words in your mouth? All I said was that you and I were mostly arguing over the gumball issue, not the "No More Late Fees" issue. Yes, we did go over it, but the majority was about gumballs.

I also saw your posts on the other reports about Blockbuster, but I have pretty much ignored you on those.

Don't put words into my mouth. They should have a documentation on why they scam so many of us. You mentioned about having battles. I will be laughing to the bank when my business goes really big. They should rename Blockbuster to scambusters , " We steal from the public". I'm so sick of these frauds getting what they want.

In case your wondering how my business is doing its picking up. I'm paying people to locate my machines anywhere and its all for a great cause unlike the what the giant rental company is doing.

Chuck,

First off, who the hell are you to say I need help? My mental state is perfectly fine, thank you very much.

Yes, I am an avid reader (and defender) of this website. Without the assistance of the Rip Off Report, I would not have received a refund of $685 from a company that ripped me off by using false and misleading advertising. Thanks again ED and Frank Torelli!

I have always identified myself as an ex-employee (Store Manager) on this report. Why is that an issue? In fact, ex-employees are encouraged to provide information on these reports, whether it be positive or negative in nature.

Most of my posts are women bashing? What the hell are you talking about?!?! Who am I bashing? If the OP of this report were male, my response would have been no different!

Yeah, this turned into a pissing match with Steve from Philly at one point, but Steve has other issues with Blockbuster than No Late Fees.

It's amazing how many frivolous lawsuits are filed and won in this country these days. Although I disagree with the AG's decisions, there really is nothing I can do about it.

Blockbuster on the other hand has modified it's advertising accordingly. Just last night I saw a new one. Some guy standing on the sidewalk talking about how silly it is to think you can keep a rented product as long as you want without penalty. I thought it was pretty funny. I saw it as a direct message to all the "complainers and whiners".

Oh, and the tag line at the end of the spot? See store for full program details. I am by no means any type of legal expert. I am just telling it like it is.

And I'll say this for the last time loud and clear so that everyone can understand. THE DUE DATES HAVE NOT CHANGED! You simply now have one extra week to get the movies back, otherwise you bought them.

ok...just pay the fee...hell when i return a movie late..guess what..i pay the d**n fees!!..do i like it; no..but its my own fault..it's called RESPONSIBILITY..i have a calendar and am educated so i can read and do math...pretty cool huh?..
class action lawsuit?..who are you kidding?..for a $1.25??..the attorneys fees alone just to file the paperwork will be in the hundreds if not the thousands....not to mention that class action means you have a lot of people with the same problem and that it is truly a problem...
just suck it up and remember to take the movies back on time...it seems to be that blockbuster was being more than fair with you...

This guy needs help. He describes himself as an avid reader and then we find out he is a "former" blockbuster employee. Most of his post are women bashing so beware. But then,stop the press I'm sure his input will be vital. NOT. Apparently, 1/2 dozen consumer assistance State's Attorney General's disagreed with Gilbert and decided Blockbuster was wrong. But then I'm sure Gilbert will be able to share his vital knowledge and his legal prowness on some other hot topic.

If you people would pay attention to what the Employee has to say, there wouldn't be a problem. They say "A few more days". Not three weeks. It is also printed on the bottom of every receipt. If that isn't good enough, what do you want?? Should there be someone standing at the exit telling you the drawn out process?? No. Why?? Because you are the member renting the product. If you are unsure about it, ask. Not to mention you receive letters, and get phone calls. If you move, it is your responsibility to change your address and phone #. We as the employee can't go to every customer and say "Have you recently moved?? If so, what is your new address??" "Have you been getting prank calls and decided to change your #??" If we were to do that to every customer you would still be upset. Why, because you are in a hurry. You don't want to take the few extra minutes to read over something that is plainly stated. So, if it is anyones fault you were charged, it is yours. You are respnsible for returning the movies. Not the employee.

Everyone knows that there doesn't have to be a reason to file a law suit. That's what all of this is about. It has nothing to do with being mislead, etc. BB picked up business, yes, but it's because any sensible person would rather pay $1.25 than the enormous fees that other stores charge. And, the only reason any consumer would be charged that $1.25 RESTOCKING fee is for violating their contract with the company, the contract that states that a consumer is paying X amount of dollars to keep a movie X number of days.

The policy before was that a movie would be sold to your account after X number of days, but if returned within 30 days the money would be refunded. However, before Jan, 2005, you would be charged up to $30 for late fees. At least now you get to keep the movie for less money than you were paying before, even after returning it. The company analyzed the biggest complaint in the business and changed policy to accomodate the majority. Of course it was a business strategy to help the company, but let's see....a consumer keeping a movie past the due date costs the company up to $2.50 a day, therefore saving the consumer up to $2.50 a day.

From most of what I read, nearly everyone posting has internet access. All of the complainers have access to all of the new policies. It's you own fault if you make the irrational assumption that there is no penalty for not returning a rented product, hence the term "rented." That means it doesn't belong to you. And, I would hardly call $1.25 a penalty. You signed a contract before you rented anything, and any sensible person would read a contract before signing.

If you're complaining about BB's new policy, you are simply looking for something to complain about. Life doesn't have to be miserable, but it will continue to be for those who have nothing better to do than get mad because a company is successful, which is what of a lot of these complaints come down to.

Alex,

The biggest problem with this program (besides the fact that Blockbuster did not disseminate the information properly) is that there is a misconception about the due dates. As I have stated several times on this particular post, the due dates have not changed from what they were (2-day and 1-week).

You simply won't be charged late fees for seven days past the original due date. After that, the movie is considered to be sold to you, and you have 30 days to return it for a refund minus the restocking fee.

People see "No More Late Fees" and think nothing more of it, and then think they can keep the movie as long as they want. I terminated my employment with Blockbuster 9 months before this program rolled out. When I heard about it, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere. So I researched it and found the full terms on their website.

Hope that answers your question.

why is it when you rent a two day movie that you have a seven day grace period? Why not just call it a nine day rental since that is really what it is? I mean there is no fee if you return it in nine days so why make it so complicated? I mean I like that Blockbuster is trying to take a different approach (although not a very intelligent one) but the consumer is going to pissed because it is a little misleading. I am sorry if someone already answered this question, I got bored about half way through the post and just thought someone could explain this thing in a way that made sense.

Brent,

My apologies for inferring the meaning of your general comments. And I agree with you about what most companies are doing regarding contracts and fine print. However, BBV has not made it an "Easter Egg Hunt" to find the terms of the new return policy. It has always been readily available both in the store and on the web.

In fact, due to recent lawsuits filed (by the State of NJ for example), there is now a direct link on the front page of the BBV website that gives you the full terms in a nutshell. Then, there is another link to a Q&A page that goes into more detail. And I'm sure that stores will be handing out flyers with the terms more now than before.

Now, I will admit that to some degree, someone at corporate did come up with a brilliant marketing strategy when creating the "No Late Fee" policy. But this is what really gets me. The due dates for movies HAVE NOT CHANGED. Two day rentals are still due back in 2 days, and weekly rentals are due back in 7. Customers now have a 7 day grace period to get the movies back.

What is so hard to understand about that? You would think everyone would be grateful that they have more time now to watch a movie. And if for some reason they could not get it back before the 7 day grace period, they would be happy that all they had to pay was a $1.25 restocking fee.

But Americans nowadays expect to get everything handed to them on a silver platter. Most have not realized that you still can't get something for nothing. There is almost always a catch. Just yesterday I got a check for $50 from Bank of America to deposit in a new checking account. I thought I'd just hop on down, open an account, put in the $50 and then close it and get the money. But then I thought, there must be a catch. Sure enough, in the small print, one of the requirements was that you had to have direct deposit set up to the account. No way in hell I'm leaving my Credit Union for a measly $50. Most people would have just trotted on down to the bank for their $50 bucks, not realizing what all needed to be done just to get it.

I did not actually write that BBV did not disclose the terms of the new policy. I only inferred that. I have no clue what BBV has posted in their store. I went by own personal experience of marketing ploys over the last several years and by what M'reen wrote in her original report. And, I did generalize my entire post.

*full terms of the membership ARE stated on the membership agreement* Well, I may just drive down and take a look, (for the sake of argument ;-)

I do not think that all Americans are too lazy to read the fine print, but we are getting really tired of the continuous Easter Egg Hunts involved in *finding* the fine print. Makes us lackadaisical, in essence implying laziness.

Just yesterday I was auditing a bank offer on their homepage for *$100 free money for switching to our bank*; *click here for details*; OOpsssie, not the details I was looking for, just more propaganda, hmmmm. Long story short, I ended up clicking about 40-50 times, opening four web browsers, just to get the *WHOLE PICTURE* of the particular deal.

(I never actually got to read the fine print, I now have to take my Easter basket to the local bank to actually get the fine print, maybe, I hope, it is an online offer... Is it really worth it? maybe I'll just go with the info I have now, d**n YOU LACKADAISICALNESS!)

My point is, this is intentional marketing strategy that a majority of corps are using to train the masses into becoming misinformed about products/services which ends up costing the masses money.

My last rebuttal did not post. So I will respond to all of the most recent posts.

First, Guten Tag Thomas, my angry German friend. As I stated in another thread, go back to Germany. We Americans have no use for people like you who come to America, enjoy the freedoms and opportunities provided, then trash our country and citizens.

Next, Brent. Ah, finally! Someone who can carry on an intelligent conversation and one with whom I can debate facts. Believe me, I gave up on Steve a long time ago. I must admit, I just kept egging him on. His responses provided a chuckle for the day.

Now, on to your comments. You stated BBV did not disclose the terms of the new policy. If you go into the store, there is what we called the "Coming Soon" kiosk. Basically, it is a 3-sided stand that lists things like upcoming new movies and video games, policies, flyers, etc. In every store that I have been in since the change on 1/1/05, there was information on there outlining the new policies. If you look at the back of the membership agreement, it states the rental policies. It also states that policies may change without notice, and that you agree to all current and future terms as long as you have an active membership, which can be cancelled at any time. And by the way, the full terms of the membership ARE stated on the membership agreement. However, you do not get a copy of what you sign, unless you ask them for one.

All of this information is also stated on the website. And all advertising I have seen so far states "See store for details". Why? To save money, of course. That way they don't have to mail the new terms to every member.

You also said don't trust the employees to tell you everything. On this point, I wholeheartedly agree. Most are over-worked, under-paid teenagers who couldn't give 2 craps about how well informed the customer is. Always seek out a manager for information. If you have complaints about a particular store or employee, the board above the cash registers usually has both the Store Manager's name and number, along with the name and number of the District Supervisor.

And finally, to Dave in Lynn MA. So you're saying you would rather pay $7 in late fees, than a $1.25 restocking fee? Did you miss the fact that if a movie or game is sold to your account for non-return, and you return it within 30 days, the charges will be reversed, save for the $1.25 restocking fee? That means that you can keep a movie out for up to 44 days for the cost of the original rental fee plus $1.25. How is that not fair?

And Brent, you're correct that America is too lazy these days to take the time to sit down and read the terms of an agreement before signing. This fact has given companies the agency to go and write contracts any way they see fit, because most consumers won't read it. And in the end the consumer gets burned on something. As soon as I heard about "no late fees", I knew there had to be something more to it. So the first thing I did was find the new policy and read over the terms.

I for one like the new policy, and have benefitted from it several times. Even though I do the online thing, I get two free rental coupons per month. With one of those I did not want to wait for the Incredibles in the mail, so I went to the store to get it the day it came out. My daughter watched it for 7 days straight, and I got it back to the store before my account was charged. So I enjoyed a 2-day rental for 7 days. Not bad if you ask me.

so instead of paying like 7 dollars for something late i have to pay a restocking fee tat would be charged to my credit card for 50 dollars for a video game.Hmmm does this seem fair no.I am personally boycotting blockbuster.


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.

Hey M'reen, I agree with you 100%. When these companies roll out new products/services, they must disclose all information and make it readily available. But they don't!

I really think it is a marketing ploy; they offer something really nice on big placards and in small print *see store for details*. Then you go to the store and the employees (sic) don't know all the info, or ran out of the terms and agreements forms, too busy, etc.

BUT they will ALWAYS take your money! They can do that part of the job exceptionally well! (though they can't figure out your change worth a crap)

It is really sad, but this is what our society is based on nowadays: Bait, hook, screw, point the finger at someone else. These Corporations *KNOW* people are overworked, forgetful, lazy, etc. and are capitalizing on it most thoroughly.

Unfortunately, you signed the agreement without full knowledge of the terms. I wish there was law still in effect that all terms *MUST* be written on the actual contract, but there isn't. Live and learn; wait an extra week before committing to a deal and *research* before you sign. At least you did not have to buy the movies.

NEVER EVER trust any employee to tell you the whole truth.

You can usually get an honest issue resolved satisfactorily by communicating directly to the corporate level: District Manager, Owner, VP, etc. The more time we spend wasting the higher-ups time to resolve an issue might just start these corps to realize they need to rethink their marketing strategy.

$1.25 = 1/2 gallon of gas.

Hey Patrick Gilbert Arizona and anyone else that agrees with blockbuster,

you are stupid americans. only americans rip off people. no other country is like the usa. this country is not free like everyone says and thinks it is. anyhow heard in the news that blockbuster is a rip off with that no late fee. the people at blockbuster should clarify it and say what will happen if its late due to some cop out american policy.

Can anyone makes sense of what Steve just said? I know I sure can't.

"Learn to live that the disgrace of the company." What does this mean? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Come on Steve, make some sense in your argument.

Learn to live that the disgrace of the company. To Gilbert, the second thing I mentioned corporate won't win and just get worse. To the other guy go take my business somewhere else, my business is around and will stay.

About Shriners it will get better.

The other guy that stated blockbuster will do this and that. Blockbuster can go to hell. Its all these corporate places that take the edge and you know what pretty soon there won't be any jobs around which is what makes me sick to my stomach.

Steve,

I only said I won't respond unless your posts made any sense (please brush up on your reading comprehension skills). Since your last post actually had some understandable statements, I will respond accordingly.

The new rental terms are posted in the store. When you signed up for your membership, you agreed to the rental terms, which are subject to change. As I have said in previous posts, if you disagree with the new policy, then take your business elsewhere. I myself still prefer to pay $14.99 for BB Online (3 out at a time, unlimited monthly rentals) rather than $17.99 for the same program with NetFlix.

Regarding the tripleheads, I sincerely wish you good luck in that, especially if some of the money (most I would hope) would go to the Shriners. They are a very good organization. They do great things for children.

As far as the BB gumball machines are concerned, most are placed far enough into the store as to not be exposed to sunlight for extreme periods of time. And as I had stated before, they go quick, so they usually don't get stale. I used to go through 800 pieces a month.

One last observation. In your last post, you said "I hope BB gets sued big time for two things. One is their 360 degree globe that heats from the sun. Second the company will go down. Corporate can't win." I'm sorry, what is the second thing? Again, cryptic statements that have no meaning. Please avoid these in the future.

Blockbuster is here 2 stay and I love them. I use the online service which is not as good as Netflix, but you do get coupons each month for free in-store rentals. But if enough people complain about some big business,then a politician or lawyer will always jump on the bandwagon and use the dreaded "class action lawsuit" threat.
What that means is after 2-3 years of lawyering,threats and court,Blockbuster will say OK, here's what we will do: we'll post clearer notices of our policies in our stores and all of our customers will get a coupon for a free movie. What the lawyers will get is several MILLION dollars in fees.
Also some politician will look like a hero to the working man and get re-elected (although it was probably his law firm making most of the money). Blockbuster is doing the right thing. They will probably buy out Hollywood video and be the only game in town soon. Learn to live with it. Just rent the movies, bring them back so other people can watch them (which will help keep rental cost down) and if you owe $4.25,just pay it and move on.

You won't respond to my post anymore. Blockbuster is scamming people all over the country b/c of bogus late fees. They send the message" Ok we can't do the late fee anymore so we change it". Charge it on your credit card and we will get the customers that way. I also heard a rumor that the FTC as well as other gov't agencies might be investigating that and something else.

One other thing I will make it big with my triple head machines. I hope BB gets sued big time for two things. One is their 360 degree globe that heats from the sun. Second the company will go down. Corporate can't win. I can go to Netflix and enjoy what I want.

I return movies late once in a while. I Forget before leaving town etc. I have always paid my fees and been done with it.

Last year, I guess i returned 3 movies late. I NEVER RECEIVED a notice. Just a Collection letter. Turning me in. One day late, 3 movies over $30.00.

I went in and paid after being told I lied about not getting any notices. I paid every other time I was late at time of return or within one week. Why would I ignore three late notices this time.
Well the employee told me here is you card back; and I told him where he could put it.

I rent from Hasting now. 5 Days for all movies, great late fee policy at the one near me. Never had a problem with them. When they contact me, Funny somehow they get ahold of me.

Barely 24 hour with blockbuster to return movies. Why go there a all no matter if you had a problem or not.

The new no late fee policy? TOO LITTLE TO LATE. I drive by the one blockbuster in my town, It is always empty. Hope it closes along with the rest.

I return movies late once in a while. I Forget before leaving town etc. I have always paid my fees and been done with it.

Last year, I guess i returned 3 movies late. I NEVER RECEIVED a notice. Just a Collection letter. Turning me in. One day late, 3 movies over $30.00.

I went in and paid after being told I lied about not getting any notices. I paid every other time I was late at time of return or within one week. Why would I ignore three late notices this time.
Well the employee told me here is you card back; and I told him where he could put it.

I rent from Hasting now. 5 Days for all movies, great late fee policy at the one near me. Never had a problem with them. When they contact me, Funny somehow they get ahold of me.

Barely 24 hour with blockbuster to return movies. Why go there a all no matter if you had a problem or not.

The new no late fee policy? TOO LITTLE TO LATE. I drive by the one blockbuster in my town, It is always empty. Hope it closes along with the rest.

I return movies late once in a while. I Forget before leaving town etc. I have always paid my fees and been done with it.

Last year, I guess i returned 3 movies late. I NEVER RECEIVED a notice. Just a Collection letter. Turning me in. One day late, 3 movies over $30.00.

I went in and paid after being told I lied about not getting any notices. I paid every other time I was late at time of return or within one week. Why would I ignore three late notices this time.
Well the employee told me here is you card back; and I told him where he could put it.

I rent from Hasting now. 5 Days for all movies, great late fee policy at the one near me. Never had a problem with them. When they contact me, Funny somehow they get ahold of me.

Barely 24 hour with blockbuster to return movies. Why go there a all no matter if you had a problem or not.

The new no late fee policy? TOO LITTLE TO LATE. I drive by the one blockbuster in my town, It is always empty. Hope it closes along with the rest.

I return movies late once in a while. I Forget before leaving town etc. I have always paid my fees and been done with it.

Last year, I guess i returned 3 movies late. I NEVER RECEIVED a notice. Just a Collection letter. Turning me in. One day late, 3 movies over $30.00.

I went in and paid after being told I lied about not getting any notices. I paid every other time I was late at time of return or within one week. Why would I ignore three late notices this time.
Well the employee told me here is you card back; and I told him where he could put it.

I rent from Hasting now. 5 Days for all movies, great late fee policy at the one near me. Never had a problem with them. When they contact me, Funny somehow they get ahold of me.

Barely 24 hour with blockbuster to return movies. Why go there a all no matter if you had a problem or not.

The new no late fee policy? TOO LITTLE TO LATE. I drive by the one blockbuster in my town, It is always empty. Hope it closes along with the rest.

Steve,

Your last response is still somewhat cryptic, and does not make any sense. As such, I will no longer respond to any of your comments, unless of course you actually say something that is understandable.

For everyone else that thinks the new rules for Blockbuster suck, either get your movies back by the due dates (which have NOT change by the way), or stop renting from Blockbuster altogether.

Or, get the movie pass, or do the online thing. Then, you don't have to worry about due dates at all as there are none.

You know the funny thing about big corporations in America(and the world for that matter)is that if they didn't make money and went out of business then none of us would have jobs would we? Are any of you willing to work for less or not get raises just to increase the "morality" of American business? Blockbuster is not run like Enron or Worldcom and they are not evil. The only people that think they are are evil are foreign terrorist and Americans that feel they can't get a break in life so they have to blame someone else. Either you are part of the system or you are an outcast trying to change the system by spitting into the wind. Maybe if you put up your own money,started your own business and had shareholders, thousands of employees and your own family relying on you to make money,you would see things differently.

I'm not the idiot renting the videos out #1.


#2. I used to do atms and know something about on credit cards as well as atms and vending. Vending is a $40 billion dollar business. The next thing is that those vending machines that are 360 degree globes they suck. Its all metal and once the sum hits it the product will go bad.

Blockbuster will find a way to make more money than they want to. I don't care how many times you all so called employees scan those videos in or not.

Next thing is if New Jersey gets their way it will open up a smoke screen with BB just like what happened to Enron. I'm sick and tired of Corporate getting the way they want and getting away with it.

I cant stand people who complain that they got charged for a movie that they had out for 15 days. YOU HAVE 15 DAYS TO RETURN YOUR MOVIES WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?

Also the computer system we use to check in tapes wont actualy mark them late unless they are checked in afer 3:00pm?

About minors, i bet your the same kind of person who would flip out and say "IM NOT PAYING THAT MY SON RENTED IT" thats why we need id. Its to avoid idiots who give thier children a bb card. If you want them to be able to rent just tell the cashier to add them. You cant have your cake and it eat to.

No attempt made. You probly didnt give bb your updated address or just threw out the letters, they kinda look like junk mail.

YOUR PAYING LESS!!!!!!
for example, under the old system if you rented a DVD (4.86) and kept it out 8 days past its due date you would owe bb 4.86*4 - 19.44.
Now all you would owe bb is a 1.25 no matter how long you kept it out (up to 30 days)

Employees. If your a d**k to us we know it, we make notes on the account we know who the people who try and rip us off. If you dont treat me like a human being i just mihght lose your tape, rember we are human beings a little kindness goes a long way.

Steve,

I will say this as clearly and concisely as possible. I use my debit card for BB Online. I balance my checkbook at least 4 times a week (online with my bank).

Never, I repeat, NEVER, have I found any erroneous charges from BB. In October, November and December, I paid $17.49 plus tax for my membership. Since January I have only paid $14.99 plus tax.

I'm sorry to say that your little conspiracy theory just isn't true.

And I'm not saying this as an ex-Store Manager. I'm saying it as a loyal customer.

What do you mean your confused?

I will bet anyone money that thats what the Creeps and crooks of this mastermind company are doing in a way of making more money and then they will look like fools. If you go online your info is exposed to a point. Just remember thats your opinion. I'm telling you thats what they are doing. They took one way and now a different way. These people are scam artists getting away with it. If I want a video I'll go to mama pop shop or somewhere else like Netflix.

When you received yout Shrek for free did you check your credit card.

I'm not trying to be like this b/c they won't accept unsolicited email but I make my point clear. I hope if and when another class action suit that someone gets the message.

Steve,

Your last post still did not shed any light on how I am being ripped off using the online program.

You said:

"The CEOS are going into the creditors illegally and stealing the funds from the customers and online anything goes."

Please explain this statement. It makes no sense. What information do you have to back this up?

You also said:

"If you utilize a credit card you will see hidden charges."

Hidden charges? What are you talking about? Again, please elaborate.

I have been using the Online thing since October. When I signed up, I got a free copy of Shrek 2 on DVD. I did not pay any extra fees to sign up, other than the first month at $17.49 plus tax.

In January, I noticed that the amount being taken out of my account every month changed. It went DOWN. Turns out they lowered the price of Online to $14.99 a month. How nice of them to include me in that price reduction. In the past, I would have been kept at that rate, and only NEW customers would get the lower rate.

So Steve, again I ask you, how am I being ripped off? Please be specific in your response this time.

If you utilize a credit card you will see hidden charges.

I haven't rented from BB in about so long. I also looked up their policy about the late fees. They are cutting corners. They know they're being watched so lets take a different turn lets say. Lets get rid of late bogus fees and let the customer do the decision making.

The CEOS are going into the creditors illegally and stealing the funds from the customers and online anything goes.

I hope Jersey kicks a*s in court b/c this still won't end.

Hey Steve,

I understand your frustration with BB because of the charity thing, but I'm curious about one of your last comments. You said BB is ripping off the Online customers too. How is that?

I pay $14.99 a month ($16.16 after tax) for all the movies I want. I average 12 movies a month, so let's do the math. Rentals at the store are $3.79 ($4.09 after tax), times 12 movies equals $49.08 after tax.

Then, every month I receive coupons for 2 free rentals at the store. Those can be for movies or games. Usually I use those for PS2 games to see if they are ones I want to buy. Game rentals are $5.99, $6.46 after tax. Two rentals equal $12.92.

So let's add it up, $49.08 in movie rentals plus $12.92 in game rentals equals $62.00 worth of rentals, all for only $16.16 per month. Again, how am I being ripped off?

Yes if you take your business elsewhere than BB will have no jobs and layoffs. This company with others who have a corporate make me sick to my stomach. AS for the online bs are they scamming people online as well. That late fee crap is bs also.

CEOS pocket the money to make themselves look good. MAybe I should rent from bb so that if I find an extra charge on a credit that shouldn't be I'll raise hell and call the BOH in to file a complaint on the food. This topic will never end thats for sure.

About all the associates nice way to kiss the companies a*s and then you won't have a job b/c your a name and a number

I hope BB disappears b/c the company makes me sick

How much was the commercial?

B,

To some extent, I can agree that someone at Corporate came up with this brilliant idea of no more late fees as a way to increase their revenue. To be honest, I too was sceptical when I first heard about it.

But when I did, I went directly to their website (as I left them last March) to see what the new program was all about. I read and understood the terms (even though they really don't apply to me as I do the Online program for $14.99 a month). But occassionally I use free coupons in-store.

There are two items in your post that need to be corrected. First, about the credit if you return a movie that was charged to your account. They will refund the purchase price to your credit card. According to their website:

"We will gladly let you return the movie or game within 30 days of the sale. If the selling price has been charged to your credit card, we will credit the amount charged to your credit card when you instruct us to do so in person (otherwise we will place this amount on your BLOCKBUSTER membership account). If this amount has been charged to your membership account, we will remove the balance. However, in both instances you will be charged a restocking fee plus applicable taxes."

So you need to go to the store in person and request the refund. Also, don't forget to bring the credit card it was charged to. Makes things go a lot smoother. And the refund can only be done back to the card which was originally charged. Some people just don't get that.

Next, you were unsure of the cost of the movie. The rule is, if it is still a new release that it not yet available to be puchased "Pre-Viewed", you will be charged the full retail cost of the movie when it is new (usually $21.99), less the amount you initially paid to rent it. So if you paid $3.79 to rent it, then the remaining amount charged for a $21.99 movie would be $18.20 (plus tax, of course). But if the movie is available to be purchased "Pre-Viewed", it will be sold to you at the then-current previously viewed price. Here is the quote from the website:

"If you still have a movie or game seven (7) days after the due date shown on your receipt, we will convert your rental to a sale. The movie or game will be sold to you at the selling price in effect at the time of rental, which is either the retail price, or, when available, at the previously-rented selling price, less the initial rental fee you paid."

This makes the most sense. If all movies were charged at the pre-viewed rate, then people would rent brand new movies and keep them, just so they could buy them at the pre-viewed price, instead of the retail price. It is quite possible that the clerk you spoke with did not fully understand the new policies, and provided you some inaccurate information. Having formerly been a Store Manager, I can fully understand this. Not all employees are mental giants. I would trust what the website says as those are the published terms.

As I had posted earlier, the actual due dates have not changed. Two-day rentals are still due back in 2 days, weekly rentals in one week. You just now have 7 grace days to get it back to the store, and to the store it was rented from by the way. For those who can't remember which store you rented your movies from, look at the top left side of the movie case. The address and phone number is right there.

Having spent a major portion of my working career in retail of one kind or another, I know that it is impossible to please all customers, all the time. That is the nature of the beast. However, it seems to me that Blockbuster has tried to accomodate customers as much as possible. First, they extended the return time by 12 hours. Now, they are giving customers an additional 7 days. To some people, this still is not enough. Now they will complain about the restocking fee, or having had to buy the movie. To those people, I say go to Hollywood Video, Movie Time, or any other video store. Chances are, they all still charge additional fees for keeping movies longer than the standard rental period.

I'm not a shill because I was formerly employed there. I am just trying to educate the consumer. If you do not agree with the terms of the new policy, then by all means take your business elsewhere. That is your right as a consumer.

Thank you for your patience with my ramblings. They were a little long this time.

The $1.25 restocking fee is insignificant, and is not (as I understand it) why the NJ Atty General is suing Blockbuster. The reason is the false/misleading advertising of their new "no late fees" policy. When this new policy came out, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere; otherwise, Blockbuster would be losing money as soon as their customers realized they could keep a movie for up to 30 days and only pay a piddly $1.25 restocking fee.

As I read on their website, and was explained to me by the store clerks, if you don't return a movie after the "grace period" (i.e. 7 days for a new release), you'll get charged the cost of the movie, but if you return it before the 30 days are up, you get the cost of the movie credited back to you, less the restocking fee. That's fair, I thought. In reality, however, Blockbuster will only give you a STORE CREDIT equal to the amount they charged you for the cost of the movie; you will not see a credit on your statement. That's a big difference, and very misleading (regarding the use of the word "credit"). It's also a much easier way for them to make a lot more money off individual customers, as opposed to hassling with late fees... They've got your money ($20-$40) in their pockets, and it'll be up to you to get it back by renting more movies. And I'm sure they're also banking on the "gift certificate syndrome," where you give/get a gift certificate, but it never gets redeemed. Cha-ching cha-ching. This is why the NJ Atty General is going after Blockbuster... and I'm thankful they brought it to my attention as quickly as they did.

One other note: the cost of the movie is apparently also under dispute. As was explained to me by a store clerk (and also makes logical sense), the cost of the movie is supposed to be equal to that of a "previously viewed" movie, NOT a brand new one. This makes perfect sense, since (by the time you rent it) the package has been opened. If anyone happens to get snagged by this new policy of Blockbuster's, make sure you're not billed full price for it.

Beware and good luck.

The $1.25 restocking fee is insignificant, and is not (as I understand it) why the NJ Atty General is suing Blockbuster. The reason is the false/misleading advertising of their new "no late fees" policy. When this new policy came out, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere; otherwise, Blockbuster would be losing money as soon as their customers realized they could keep a movie for up to 30 days and only pay a piddly $1.25 restocking fee.

As I read on their website, and was explained to me by the store clerks, if you don't return a movie after the "grace period" (i.e. 7 days for a new release), you'll get charged the cost of the movie, but if you return it before the 30 days are up, you get the cost of the movie credited back to you, less the restocking fee. That's fair, I thought. In reality, however, Blockbuster will only give you a STORE CREDIT equal to the amount they charged you for the cost of the movie; you will not see a credit on your statement. That's a big difference, and very misleading (regarding the use of the word "credit"). It's also a much easier way for them to make a lot more money off individual customers, as opposed to hassling with late fees... They've got your money ($20-$40) in their pockets, and it'll be up to you to get it back by renting more movies. And I'm sure they're also banking on the "gift certificate syndrome," where you give/get a gift certificate, but it never gets redeemed. Cha-ching cha-ching. This is why the NJ Atty General is going after Blockbuster... and I'm thankful they brought it to my attention as quickly as they did.

One other note: the cost of the movie is apparently also under dispute. As was explained to me by a store clerk (and also makes logical sense), the cost of the movie is supposed to be equal to that of a "previously viewed" movie, NOT a brand new one. This makes perfect sense, since (by the time you rent it) the package has been opened. If anyone happens to get snagged by this new policy of Blockbuster's, make sure you're not billed full price for it.

Beware and good luck.

The $1.25 restocking fee is insignificant, and is not (as I understand it) why the NJ Atty General is suing Blockbuster. The reason is the false/misleading advertising of their new "no late fees" policy. When this new policy came out, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere; otherwise, Blockbuster would be losing money as soon as their customers realized they could keep a movie for up to 30 days and only pay a piddly $1.25 restocking fee.

As I read on their website, and was explained to me by the store clerks, if you don't return a movie after the "grace period" (i.e. 7 days for a new release), you'll get charged the cost of the movie, but if you return it before the 30 days are up, you get the cost of the movie credited back to you, less the restocking fee. That's fair, I thought. In reality, however, Blockbuster will only give you a STORE CREDIT equal to the amount they charged you for the cost of the movie; you will not see a credit on your statement. That's a big difference, and very misleading (regarding the use of the word "credit"). It's also a much easier way for them to make a lot more money off individual customers, as opposed to hassling with late fees... They've got your money ($20-$40) in their pockets, and it'll be up to you to get it back by renting more movies. And I'm sure they're also banking on the "gift certificate syndrome," where you give/get a gift certificate, but it never gets redeemed. Cha-ching cha-ching. This is why the NJ Atty General is going after Blockbuster... and I'm thankful they brought it to my attention as quickly as they did.

One other note: the cost of the movie is apparently also under dispute. As was explained to me by a store clerk (and also makes logical sense), the cost of the movie is supposed to be equal to that of a "previously viewed" movie, NOT a brand new one. This makes perfect sense, since (by the time you rent it) the package has been opened. If anyone happens to get snagged by this new policy of Blockbuster's, make sure you're not billed full price for it.

Beware and good luck.

The $1.25 restocking fee is insignificant, and is not (as I understand it) why the NJ Atty General is suing Blockbuster. The reason is the false/misleading advertising of their new "no late fees" policy. When this new policy came out, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere; otherwise, Blockbuster would be losing money as soon as their customers realized they could keep a movie for up to 30 days and only pay a piddly $1.25 restocking fee.

As I read on their website, and was explained to me by the store clerks, if you don't return a movie after the "grace period" (i.e. 7 days for a new release), you'll get charged the cost of the movie, but if you return it before the 30 days are up, you get the cost of the movie credited back to you, less the restocking fee. That's fair, I thought. In reality, however, Blockbuster will only give you a STORE CREDIT equal to the amount they charged you for the cost of the movie; you will not see a credit on your statement. That's a big difference, and very misleading (regarding the use of the word "credit"). It's also a much easier way for them to make a lot more money off individual customers, as opposed to hassling with late fees... They've got your money ($20-$40) in their pockets, and it'll be up to you to get it back by renting more movies. And I'm sure they're also banking on the "gift certificate syndrome," where you give/get a gift certificate, but it never gets redeemed. Cha-ching cha-ching. This is why the NJ Atty General is going after Blockbuster... and I'm thankful they brought it to my attention as quickly as they did.

One other note: the cost of the movie is apparently also under dispute. As was explained to me by a store clerk (and also makes logical sense), the cost of the movie is supposed to be equal to that of a "previously viewed" movie, NOT a brand new one. This makes perfect sense, since (by the time you rent it) the package has been opened. If anyone happens to get snagged by this new policy of Blockbuster's, make sure you're not billed full price for it.

Beware and good luck.

Blockbuster is here 2 stay and I love them. I use the online service which is not as good as Netflix, but you do get coupons each month for free in-store rentals.I don't know or care about gumballs but this I do know: if enough people complain about some big business,then a politician or lawyer will always jump on the bandwagon and use the dreaded "class action lawsuit" threat.

What that means is after 2-3 years of lawyering,threats and court,Blockbuster will say OK, here's what we will do: we'll post clearer notices of our policies in our stores and all of our customers will get a coupon for a free movie. What the lawyers will get is several MILLION dollars in fees.

Also some politician will look like a hero to the working man and get re-elected (although it was probably his law firm making most of the money). Blockbuster is doing the right thing. They will probably buy out Hollywood video and be the only game in town soon. Learn to live with it. Just rent the movies, bring them back so other people can watch them (which will help keep rental cost down) and if you owe $1.25,just pay it and move on.

I thought that the following information may shed some light on the behavior of Blockbuster:

Net income/loss per year (source: Blockbuster.com & Quicken.com)

1998: $336,600,000 loss
1999: $69,200,000 loss
2000: $75,900,000 loss
2001: $240,300,000 loss
2002: $1,630,000,000 loss
2003: $983,900,000 loss
2004: $1,290,000,000 loss (first 9 months)

Folks, for those of you not keeping score, this is a total loss of $4.6 Billion with a capital "B". That amount would make Bill Gates nervous. That is almost $17 per American man, woman, and child! Drastic times call for drastic measures. And by the way, the CEO gets a weekly paycheck of $138,000. That will buy a lot of gumballs! Hmm, I wonder if he pays "restocking" fees.

Well Steve,

As an ex-Store Manager, I can tell you that the gumball machines come directly from the Corporate Warehouse in Texas. Whenever a new store is opened, it is included in the initial shipment of store related items. I can't remember if the gumballs also come from the same place. Maybe they were delivered by our candy distributor.

As for the quality, all I can say is mine were never stale. I went through about a case (800 pieces) per month. And mine store was very low volume. They go even faster when they put up the "free rental with a white gumball" sign. With that kind of revenue coming in, Blockbuster won't add competition to it.

As for the lawsuit, NJ has to be basing it on something other than a "late fee", as late fees no longer exist. If they do succeed, more power to them. California is a close second for wackiness.

I for one do not worry about restocking fees as I use Blockbuster Online. It only costs $14.99 a month and the movies are delivered to my home. I watch as many as I can, 3 at a time. I even get two free rental coupons every month that I can use in the store, which are good for anything, including games and new releases. Most times I use them for PS2 games, so I can see if I like them before I buy.

As for you trying to get your machines into the store, I hope you realize that I was not defending them, but instead trying to explain the policy and reasoning for it. Try the fast food joints, or the local mom & pop places. They are usually good for allowing fundraiser machines on site.

Good luck.

We are almost on the same page. Like I said the state of New Jersey is the worst state in the country. They will find a way thats for sure. Jersey also has the strangest laws in the country

About the gumballs I don't know where BB gets their stuff from but those machines that they have stink. Those gumballs are out of sight. I'm not saying where I did get the info from but I know.

The gumballs that I get can make .2024% of profit which isn't bad at all and .05 per gumball. I also get different kinds of gumballs from a company out west and people love them.

This whole topic isn't going to go away at all.

Here's the deal with the gumball machines. Those machines and the gumballs are owned by Blockbuster. The cost per gumball is less than a penny apiece. So the money made off gumball sales is almost pure profit. Blockbuster also sells food and drink items, so they are not inclined to place anything in the store that will potentially take revenue away. Well, we did let the Girl Scouts sell cookies out front, but that is a little different.

However, this does not mean they are a heartless organization. In my area, my store participated in several fundraisers every year, including ones for the Phoenix Children's Hospital and the MDA Telethon. Plus, they will allow things to be placed in the store that are free to the public (employment/apartment guides, discount tickets to local events, etc.).

Now, about the suit being filed by the State of NJ. I can't see how that will succeed. Mainly because the $1.25 fee is a restocking fee, not a late fee. And the fee is valid because when the item comes back to the store after it has been sold to the customer, then it does in fact need to be repackaged in order to be rented/sold again. Blockbuster has to use man hours/supplies in order to accomplish this.

I'm sure that the legal team for Blockbuster researched this thoroughly before going forward with the policy. Especially after all the prior suits filed regarding late fees.

What will it take to make the consumers happy? Let them check out the movies for free and keep them as long as they desire with no penalties at all? Yes, Blockbuster is in business to make money. That's what business is all about. It's what makes this country strong.

Blockbuster has given customers a MINIMUM of 9 DAYS to watch a movie, 14 days if it is not a 2-day new release. What more do you want?

Now I know that New Jersey is the most strangest state in the country but I have to go along with them.

I had sent an email to Blockbuster Video for two things. One was a reply about my vending business and we work with Shriners to get permission to place at least a vending machine triple head in a store for charity purposes. If any Blockbuster stores have a gumball machine I hope for god sake a customer sues your pants out b/c those gumballs are expired and "out of sight". They told me they don't take any kind of solicitation. Your company makes me sick to my stomach.

Second thing is those bogus late fee charges. The State of New Jersey is suing Blockbuster video b/c if you don't return it its yours. I hope your ceos go to jail. I don't need to read the comments and opinions by all customers as well as employees b/c employees know that the big wigs are pocketing money. Look what happened to ENRON and it makes me sick to my stomach.

I'm surprised that no one has taken their life b/c we will see.

I was also surprised by the restocking fee. I was a few days past the grace period and introduced to the fee charge. The rebuttal responses thus far seems to be in favor of Blockbuster. However, the Attorney General of New Jersey states that Blockbuster has violated the state's consumer protection laws with its new policy on late fees.

In reality, restocking fees are generally applied to big ticket items that must be re-packaged before they can be re-sold. One of the rebuttals by D. from Naples asks the question how Blockbuster could stay in business if everybody thought they could just keep the movies.

Well, this is why they charge you for the movie. What it boils down to is that this is a marketing gimick, much like the commercial for the $199 lease payment on a new BMW. "If it sounds too good to be true....."

M'reen,

You are missing the point. It is correct that there are no more late fees. BUT, the due dates have not changed.

Right now I am looking at a receipt for movies I checked out yesterday. Two of the movies are 2-day rentals, with a due date of 12 Noon on 2/18/05. The other is a week rental, due on 2/24/05. But, I have a 7-day grace period for each movie. After that, I bought them.

When I went into the store, there was a flyer on the counter outlining the new policy. There was also a poster on the new release kiosk with the same information. These are pretty standard to all Blockbusters, whether they be corporate or franchise stores.

Here is what is printed at the bottom of the receipt:

The End of Late Fees.
The Start of More.

Participating stores only.
See store for details.

What more do you want?

M'reen, I have a question for you. How do think that Blockbuster would be able to stay in business IF Everybody started to think as I bet you did at first, "I can just rent this movie and not have to worry about late fees. Why don't I just keep the movie. Why should I return the movie since there isn't late fees anymore". Can you answer that?

M'reen, I have a question for you. How do think that Blockbuster would be able to stay in business IF Everybody started to think as I bet you did at first, "I can just rent this movie and not have to worry about late fees. Why don't I just keep the movie. Why should I return the movie since there isn't late fees anymore". Can you answer that?

M'reen, I have a question for you. How do think that Blockbuster would be able to stay in business IF Everybody started to think as I bet you did at first, "I can just rent this movie and not have to worry about late fees. Why don't I just keep the movie. Why should I return the movie since there isn't late fees anymore". Can you answer that?

M'reen, I have a question for you. How do think that Blockbuster would be able to stay in business IF Everybody started to think as I bet you did at first, "I can just rent this movie and not have to worry about late fees. Why don't I just keep the movie. Why should I return the movie since there isn't late fees anymore". Can you answer that?

It's so funny that the original author has nothing better to do than start trouble over $1.25. I haven't been to Blockbuster since the "no late fees" thing started, so I can't say whether my local store has the 'terms and conditions' posted somewhere. HOWEVER, I'd have to be completely dense not to assume I would be charged SOMETHING if the movies were kept as long as they were! Otherwise, I'd be buying new realeases everyday for the price of a rental, and put Blockbuster out of business in a month!

As for the "conversation" during which no mention of the restocking fees were made, do you really expect the high school, minimum wage employees to say to every customer,
"now these are due on such-and-such a date, but if you want to keep them for an extra 7 days, we won't charge you a late fee, however, after that, we'll charge you for the full purchase price of the movie (usually 20-40 dollars), but if you bring it back sometime within 30 days after that, we'll refund that money, but keep $1.25 for each movie to cover the cost of having to re-enter the movie into the computer, and before you leave let me make sure we have your area code right ......"

Come on! You'd be the first one to complain that you could have gone to dinner AND a movie in the time it took you to stand in line to rent!

Time is money, and it just cost me $5.00 to witness your stupidity!

Are you people thick? I filed the report because there is no disclosure. As stated, If it had been put anywhere in sight, mentioned when the videos were handed to me or mentioned when I responded to the statement, "Did you know that we had no more late fees?" with an "are you sure? Really?". The only response given to me by the employee who approached me about the no rental fee policy was "nope, no more late fees." There was zero disclosure-hence the report.

Again, I state that Blockbuster could save a lot of bad PR by disclosing their new policy.

Do you get that? I don't have a problem paying late fees, I have a problem with their sneaky and underhanded approach that they have taken.

If I'm not mistaken, the normal due dates are still printed on the receipt, 2 days for a new release, 7 days for all others. The only change is that you now have a 7 day grace period on the due date. After the 7 day grace, you bought the movie. Return it within 30 days for a refund, less the $1.25 restocking fee.

Why the restocking fee? To make up for the time you wasted by the employees having to put the movie back into the rental system and post a refund on your account. That's fair, I think.

The terms & conditions are posted in the store, and are available probably in several flyers. But since we live in such a letigious society, I'm sure someone somewhere will start a new Class Action suit again saying the restocking fee is unfair.

This whole report is just senseless.

I originally filed this rip off report. I would have had no problem paying any late fee if and I say IF there had been disclosure. If you read the whole report, nobody mentioned anything about charging for the whole movie and then refunding less a "restocking" fee.There was no literature handed to me, there was nothing on my rental receipt. Again, I have no problem paying if I am told that I will have to pay. But, to say that there is no late fee and then pull this was very dishonest.

Blockbuster could fix this big problem by handing out info with rental, putting it on the receipt or verbally informing the customer.

When Blockbuster revealed the new "no fees" policy, I went to their website to find the catch. I noticed a mention of a restocking fee. I thought it was misleading though fair.
It plainly states in the q and a about the new policy about the restocking. At least they returned some of the charges.

OK, you "found" the movie on your car seat 10 days after is was checked out. How in the world do you go so long without noticing a video on your car seat?

You complained about late fees, and what did Blockbuster do? Gave you an additional 12 hours to return the movie. But, that was not good enough, and you complained further.

Then, they give you an additional SEVEN DAYS to watch a movie, and you still can't get it back in time, and complain that you have a $1.25 restocking fee to pay. Under the "old system", you would have had at least $12 in late fees as it was a 2-day rental.

It was bad enough listening to customers complain that we did not have enough copies of titles in stock to rent, but then you keep a popular 2-day rental out for 10 days. How many more customers would have had the opportunity to watch that movie in that time?

All I can say is I'm glad I don't work there anymore and have to deal with customers like you. I could go all day with no problems, and then someone like you would come in complaining about a measly $1.25. That's a small price to pay for keeping a movie an additional 7 days. I'd like to see you get the same from Hollywood Video.

It's time to take responsibility for your actions.