http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/ Engadget Comments for Wal-Mart frustrates Netflix, drops online DVD rentals to $12.97 a month http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Wal-Mart
$12.97 2 Movies out at a time (unlimited).
$17.36 3 Movies out at a time (unlimited).

Netflix
$11.99 2-at-a-time (4 rentals a month)
$17.99 3-at-a-time (unlimited)
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Proud to say I didn't spend a dime at Wal-Mart in 2004.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
For the "industry standard" 3 DVDs-at-a-time plan, Wal-Mart is charging $17.36 and Netflix is charging $17.99. (Not that much more to pay for a better service).

I'm not sure if the pricing has really changed - the main difference I see is that Wal-Mart is marketing the price of their 2 DVD plan rather than the 3 DVD plan. I'm not sure if convincing people that they don't really need to rent as many movies is a good move for the industry as a whole, but it might persude some new customers to chose Wal-Mart over Netflix. We'll see if Netflix reacts by making similar changes.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Doesn't this remind anyone of walmarts online music sales biz at 88cents a song or whatever...they didnt exactly take over that market just by being cheaper.

Hopefully people will realize that cheaper isn't always better and also that walmart sucks balls.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Blockbuster is still going through growing pains, but they are gaining on Netflix. If they integrate store rentals and online this summer, as expected, it should be an interesting battle to watch.

Also, with Amazon already launched in the UK, this might be a 4-way fight.

- Mike
http://www.HackingNetflix.com]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Tora, Tora, Tora

and

What's up Tiger Lilly

Not to be too much of a snob, but that is sad.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
To a large extent, turn-around time depends on where you live in proximity to the closest distribution center. Netflix has 29 nationwide distribution centers (listed below). Blockbuster has 10 (listed below). However, according to the December 2004 edition of Retail Merchandiser, “As of mid-January BlockbusterOnline will have 23 distribution centers, more than double the service's distribution capacity when the service launched in August 2004.” Blockbuster also asserted early last year (by their Senior VP, Shane Evangelist) that they would use their regular stores to distribute movies. No evidence has surfaced as yet that this is going to happen. As of last year, Walmart had 8 distribution centers (listed below).

I had both Blockbuster and Netflix and mailing movies back from the same mailbox on the same day, I would get my Netflix movies back 2-3 days faster. This was largely because Blockbuster was shipping them from 3 states away as opposed to Netflix, which was in my state.


Netflix 29 distribution centers:
Baton Rouge, LA
Chicago, IL
Cleveland, OH
Columbia, SC
Coppell, TX
Denver, CO
Duluth, GA
Flushing, NY
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Gaithersburg, MD
Greensboro, NC
Harrisburg, PA
Houston, TX
Kansas City, MO
Lakeland, FL
Lansing, MI
Las Vegas, NV
Louisville, KY
Minneapolis, MN
New Brunswick, NJ
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Rochester, NY
Salem, OR
San Jose, CA
Santa Ana, CA
St. Louis, MO
Tacoma, WA
Worcester, MA

Blockbuster distribution center list (as of last year):
Charlotte, NC
Dallas, TX
Denver, CO
Lansing, MI
Miami, FL
Minneapolis, MN
Flushing, NY
Sacramento, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Seattle, WA

Walmart’s distribution center list (as of last year):
Arkansas
California
Georgia
Indiana
Johnstown, NY
Nevada
Macclenny, FL

]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Bushdvd.com has become everybody's darling for having the cheapest 4 DVD plan by shipping 2 DVD's in one envelope. They save, We save.

'We never had late fees']]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Take a stand, Netflix pioneered the DVD by mail business and did a great job. They took the risk to open the market. Now Walmart, the largest company in the world, wants to "compete". Walmart can undercut any competitor, by running at a loss, and drive them out of business because they have very deep pockets. They have already forced Netflix to drop their price by a $1 or 2, and the margins are very slim in this marketplace. Don’t let them suck up this market also, spend the extra $1 or so and keep the people who had the vision in business. This is a quality of life in America issue. Unless Netlix really screws up and does something asinine, we should, as a country of innovators, reward the innovators. As for Blockbuster, every time I have given them my card (in the last 15 years) they ask me to prove that I have a wife who opened the account. This just pisses me off, I have a card they gave me and yet for a decade and a half they can’t figure out who I am. Are there that many spousal identity thefts perpetrated to further the stolen video market that they can’t figure out a decent membership tracking system. I do not support entrenched mediocrity either so off with there heads as well. ‘Nuff said.
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Also, I cannot say enough about the title selection that they have. Thanks to them, I can see just about every Criterion collection title there is. I could never find them anywhere else, and have them delivered to my door.

I seriously doubt I could see any Criterions at Wal-mart or Blockbuster. I watch about 4 titles a week with ONE day turnaround here in Minneapolis. Just unbelievably awesome.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
i've been on & off with these guys through college and since it's ended i've been doing the netflix thing since college ended some 4 whatever years ago and i love it. netflix, kozmo.com and homegrocier ruled, totally lived on these(kozmo was speed dial #7 on my phone for a bit). it feels good to still be supporting netflix for having a great idea and doing it well. i'm glad that they've gone so far and i really don't want to see blockbuster or walmart(gag) profit off of their idea. even if walmart undercuts them horribly(which they will because that's how they operate), i'm still going to be a netflix subscriber. hope the rest of the crowd will too.


"Folks:
Take a stand, Netflix pioneered the DVD by mail business and did a great job. They took the risk to open the market. Now Walmart, the largest company in the world, wants to "compete". Walmart can undercut any competitor, by running at a loss, and drive them out of business because they have very deep pockets. They have already forced Netflix to drop their price by a $1 or 2, and the margins are very slim in this marketplace. Don’t let them suck up this market also, spend the extra $1 or so and keep the people who had the vision in business. This is a quality of life in America issue. Unless Netlix really screws up and does something asinine, we should, as a country of innovators, reward the innovators. As for Blockbuster, every time I have given them my card (in the last 15 years) they ask me to prove that I have a wife who opened the account. This just pisses me off, I have a card they gave me and yet for a decade and a half they can’t figure out who I am. Are there that many spousal identity thefts perpetrated to further the stolen video market that they can’t figure out a decent membership tracking system. I do not support entrenched mediocrity either so off with there heads as well. ‘Nuff said."]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
i've been on & off with these guys through college and since it's ended i've been doing the netflix thing since college ended some 4 whatever years ago and i love it. netflix, kozmo.com and homegrocier ruled, totally lived on these(kozmo was speed dial #7 on my phone for a bit). it feels good to still be supporting netflix for having a great idea and doing it well. i'm glad that they've gone so far and i really don't want to see blockbuster or walmart(gag) profit off of their idea. even if walmart undercuts them horribly(which they will because that's how they operate), i'm still going to be a netflix subscriber. hope the rest of the crowd will too.


"Folks:
Take a stand, Netflix pioneered the DVD by mail business and did a great job. They took the risk to open the market. Now Walmart, the largest company in the world, wants to "compete". Walmart can undercut any competitor, by running at a loss, and drive them out of business because they have very deep pockets. They have already forced Netflix to drop their price by a $1 or 2, and the margins are very slim in this marketplace. Don’t let them suck up this market also, spend the extra $1 or so and keep the people who had the vision in business. This is a quality of life in America issue. Unless Netlix really screws up and does something asinine, we should, as a country of innovators, reward the innovators. As for Blockbuster, every time I have given them my card (in the last 15 years) they ask me to prove that I have a wife who opened the account. This just pisses me off, I have a card they gave me and yet for a decade and a half they can’t figure out who I am. Are there that many spousal identity thefts perpetrated to further the stolen video market that they can’t figure out a decent membership tracking system. I do not support entrenched mediocrity either so off with there heads as well. ‘Nuff said."]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
I use to work for wal-mart, and love the company, but let someone else have a business.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Long live Netfilx!!!
]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Having said that, perhaps what Netflix needs is a two-tier service: a cheap one with a reduced library to compete with the Walmarts for the average customers, and a regular one for the more sophisticated folks. (they may already have this, I'm not really into the scene).]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Far quicker than mail.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
I have been strongly considering signing up for one of these things when I'm in my final destination, but right now I've a movie pass type thing at Hollywood Video that I "beta tested" around 6 months ago. I say beta because there were only a few locations that were doing it at that time, to see if they would continue doing it. The deal is $19.99 for 2 movies out at a time, unlimited rentals. At the time I could have selected $24.99 for 3 out at a time, but it didn't seem worth it. They've since changed it(don't know details) to something not as good, but if Hollywood Video signed up with Netflix to offer free in store rentals, I'd be more inclined to sign up with them over blockbuster.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/which has the best deal. Annual plan is 8 out at a time for 14 months, for $222. They have Games and Movies. I hope they do well, for competition is a "good thing".

]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
OK, I exaggerate, but half of them probably aren't available at WalMart. I'm doing a film-school education courtesy of NetFlix. $17.99 a month is cheap tuition.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/The service WAS terrible. I guess everything is getting better now with the company!
Now I get DVDs with a 2-3 day turnaround time after mailing them out.
Cheapest around and great service!!!]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Walmart's video rental service and Netflix use the same PO Box here in the Northwest...]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/
Will Amazon do Online Rentals? Would they buyout other companies, such as Netflix or another? Sure is getting interesting.]]>Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/http://www.engadget.com/2005/01/10/wal-mart-frustrates-netflix-drops-online-dvd-rentals-to-12-97/Dec 19th 2005 12:09AM