Video Chain Quietly Changes Late Policy

The next time you go to rent a movie, your wallet might get a shock at your local Blockbuster.  Last night, an Annapolis resident was shocked that there was nearly $30 in late fees assessed for four movies that were a week late.

Five years ago, Blockbuster rolled out a consumer friendly plan where late movies would be re-stocked for a nominal fee. There was great fanfare and promotion of this new initiative. This time around, not so much. In a decidedly consumer unfriendly move, Blockbuster has reinstated (without much announcement) stringent late fees. We visited the Blockbuster on Hillsmere Drive in Annapolis and the only notice of the change was a photocopy of the new corporate policy taped to the door. It was hardly obvious. And in another non-obvious move, the video store changed their rental period from 7 days to 5 days. When we tried to obtain a copy of the policy (which is not readily available online) and the manager refused and asked us to leave.  When we attempted to take photographs of the policy through the window, he informed us that it was “illegal” to take pictures.

The new plan calls for $1 per day and after 15 days, Blockbuster will charge anywhere from $2.99 to $29.99 per film to your account–after which you own the film.

While Blockbuster claims that they initiated the new plan to remain competitive, many see this as a precursor to their demise.  Just two days ago, Blockbuster announced that they are considering bankruptcy.

It appears that Blockbuster is doing what they can to keep this hidden moneymaker a secret from their customers.

To read the vague text from their new policy, we have tried to transpose it from the photographs we were able to obtain. (after the jump)

Continue reading “Blockbuster: Return Of The Late Fees” »