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Blockbuster's Offensive Against Netflix Flops

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the can't-stop-the-wheel-from-turning dept.

bigtallmofo writes "With over four million subscribers, Netflix was an obvious target for rival Blockbuster. In 2005, target them they did. Introducing their own DVD-by-mail service and (for a while) undercutting Netflix's price point, Blockbuster went for the jugular. A year later Netflix shows a market value of $1.5 billion with no debt compared to Blockbuster's $684 million worth with $1.0 billion in debt. Is there still a DVD-by-mail war or has Netflix won?"

1 of 302 comments (clear)

  1. Re:They each have thier own issues to deal with... by rolfwind · · Score: 4, Informative

    I think it's their fault for advertising it when they know the postal service doesn't deliver it within a day (I don't believe the postal service guarantees or implies 1 day service.)

    However, despite the nonreality of the 1-day service, I have no problem recommending them. When I used to have their service, I intended to cancel with them before going on a 7 month trip to Europe (mostly because of a lack of anime in their inventory at the time....). Apparently I didn't, when the person keeping my finances in order gave me the CC bills^_^;;;;; - one phone call later, without being put on hold, they gave me my money back in short order without hassle (because there was no account activity) and with still being friendly.

    I think the only thing that might occur within the next ten years is that Netflix's current business model will become obsolete (like Blockbusters) due to bittorrent downloads (and if the studios start offering legal ones).