Netflix finally got there
Written: Feb 28 '00 (Updated Aug 10 '02)
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Movie junkies unite. There is finally a low cost, flexible way to see just about every movie you can think of.
I wrote the original version of this review of Netflix nearly 3 years ago - I was a charter member. My original quote: "The idea is great, but the implementation is not quite there yet, as shown by the third change in the program in as many months."
Well, Netflix finally got there. The basic plan includes a "queue" of movies (mine is 60 movies long). Netflix sends you movie after movie, and you can hold the movie as long as you can (that's right, no late fees). The only catch is that you don't get the next movie in your queue until you send one back. I have held some movies for a day, and some for months.
What plan you get will depend on how much you want to spend and how often you watch movies. Typically, you can get a movie on Friday, watch it that night, mail it back saturday (they pay postage as part of the fee), and have a new one by the next Thursday or Friday.
Plans range from a monthly cost of $12.95 (2 at a time) to $29.95 (8 at a time). I have the $19.95 (3 at a time) plan. It used to be 4 at a time for that price, but they have me so hooked on the service, I didn't even complain when the upped the price (4 at a time costs a few dollars more per month). I figure if it helps Netflix stay in business, I'm game.
Nonetheless - in the beginning it was rough, and to be complete, I will leave in my old review, which is below. The difference between their original plan of 4 a month and the current plan of unlimited moves, with 3 or 4 at a time is huge. There are months when I have rented 16 movies for the $19.95.
[Author's Note: Some of this is out of date, as Netflix has added other options, such as 2 movies at a time for $12.95. However, this review still lays out important issues in the choices for DVD rental, so I leave it unchanged]
Here is the history:
A. December (1999) - I get a flyer for 16 movies, and after that, I pay $3.50 each for a week.
B. January - I sign up for the free movies - but they say, sorry, you now pay $15.95 a month for 4 movies a month (and you get 4 at a time) - note that this is different than now, as it is unlimited with 4 at a time.
C. February - I cancel - it would be cheaper just to do the weekly movies! And I don't have to prepay if I do it that way.
D. February - now the program is $19.95 for unlimited movies. Better - at least my per movie cost can go down if I view a lot
I am looking for a plan that is 8-10 movies for $10-$12 dollars. Maybe I am out to lunch on the price point, but that would be my goal. One thing for sure - it beats going to the video store - but not by a lot yet.
I attach below my "cancelling" survey, so you can get an idea of where I am coming from.
1. After trying NetFlix.com's Marquee program, you recently cancelled your
membership. Which best underscores why?
[ ] I do not regularly rent 4 or more DVD movies per month. As such,
$15.95 is not cost effective for me.
[ ] On average, I rent 4 or more DVD movies per month but do not want to
be part of a "subscription" service that bills my credit card every month.
[X ] Generally, I rent 4 or more DVD movies per month but can rent them at
a much cheaper price per movie (as compared to the $15.95 / 4 = $3.99)
[ ] My DVD movie renting patterns are erratic: some months I rent less
than 4 and some I rent more than 4. I am not consistent enough to make a
regular Marquee subscription cost effective.
[ ] I cannot afford $15.95 per month regardless of how many DVD movies are
included in the fee.
[ ] If I were to continue to be a Marquee member, I fear that I would
incur significant overage charges (discs beyond the 4 that are included in
the monthly fee) since I rent so many movies. I do not want to be surprised
by a huge credit card charge.
[ X ] I generally return my rented DVD movies before their due date and
rarely incur late fees. Thus, I do not want to pay extra for a service that
I would not fully utilize.
[ ] Other [ ]
2. Please share with us any additional thoughts and opinions you have about
why you cancelled Marquee.
[ X ] I filled out detailed info when I cancelled. The gist is that the amount per DVD is too high and 4 a month is too few. I might pay $10-12 for 6-8 DVD's a month
2. On average, how many DVD movies per month do you rent? (from all
sources) [ 1 ] But I would rent more if they were cheaper and I could get more a month
3 We recently introduced "rolling credits" which means that any
credits that you have not used at the end of a monthly cycle would be
carried forward to use in future months. Were you aware of this feature?
[ Y ] But so what. I would always hit 4 a month, and paying $16 is too much for the 4. Rolling was only important for the 15 free movies
4 If NetFlix.com offered a smaller version of Marquee that cost $8.95 per
month, included the ability to keep 2 movies in your home at any time, and
the first 2 movies each month were free, would you have signed up for it
instead of canceling your Marquee subscription?
[ N ] NO! This is MORE per movie, not less, and FEWER movies per month, not more. The queue makes no sense unless you can have a constant flow of movies - 1 every week or 1 every two weeks is hardly a constant flow
5. If NetFlix.com changed the Marquee program to be all the discs you want
per month for $19.95, would you have remained a Marquee member?
[ N ] No, but this is closer. I would want less than $16, but more than 4 a month (but not necessarily unlimited). Maybe this is not cost effective
6 If NetFlix.com changed the Marquee program to be all the discs you want
per month at the current $15.95 price, would you have remained a Marquee
member?
[ N ] Maybe - this is really close. I probably would do this for a few months, until I saw everything I wanted. As noted above, a limit of 6 or 8 for less money would keep me interested for a longer period.
Recommended:
Yes
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