2 things I hate about Redbox
I'm a pretty consistent Redbox user. It's so easy to just dial up a movie on my iPhone using the Redbox app, reserve the movie and then pick it up at my convenience. And when I'm done watching the movie, I just drop it off at whatever Redbox is closest to me.
I've even been known to rent Redbox movies for my kids on long car trips. Rent the movie in one state, drop it off in another. What's not to like?
Well, two things to be precise. And those two things are coupons and coupons.
The first reason I hate Redbox coupons is that you can't use them when reserving a movie. There goes getting a free movie by using the iPhone app. Don't ask me why but you can only use Redbox coupons when you are physically renting a movie at a Redbox kiosk.
The second reason is that, even when I have a coupon code, I always miss the place during the checkout process where you are supposed to enter it. It's buried under a tiny little button on the very first screen. And, if you're like me, by the time you get to the 3rd screen and realize you missed entering the coupon code, you just forego it rather than starting the entire checkout process over.
So there you have it. I'm officially complaining about coupons on a DVD that cost me $0.99.
16 comments for this blog post so far...
February 23, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Kacey
We gave up using Redbox because it seemed like every time we would rent a movie, it would be so scratched up that we couldn’t watch it. If you rent from a store, at least you can see the condition of the movie before you take it home. But now with Netflix, we don’t really have much use for rentals anymore!
February 23, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Patric Welch
Kacey, I’ve had that happen once or twice. But usually I’m renting a fairly new movie and it isn’t in that bad of shape yet. Even with Blockbuster, I used to get badly scratched DVDs despite my pre-purchase inspection.
March 01, 2011 at 7:00 am
Serina Kelly
I’m right there with you, Kacey! That was the big thing I hated about Redbox. We would be in the middle of watching a movie - and bam, it would not go any further because of the condition of the DVD.
We are now a Netflix family as well.
March 01, 2011 at 8:11 am
heather
I keep forgetting to enter the code at the beginning too. It’s very frustrating.
The few times I’ve had trouble with redbox (couple of scratched discs, and a box frozen over) I’ve called the 800 number. They quickly resolved it by putting a free coupon in my inbox or by refunding my money.
We’re a mostly Netflix family, but it is nice to have the redboxes near.
March 01, 2011 at 8:37 am
Chris Theisen
I forgot to enter the code once also and it drove me nuts. My wife couldnt believe I was complaining about spending a dollar but to me it was the principal. I have also handed out the free codes to other people behind me in line. They have been a tad skeptical. Have you used or heard of Inside Redbox?
March 01, 2011 at 10:18 am
Rosey
I have never tried Red Box but am always curious about them. ISo far we are still a drive to the movie store family (we’re so outdated). :)
I don’t even know what Netflix is, though I’ve heard of it...is it a mail service where they send you DVDs in the mail for a time and you send it back via a monthly fee? That is my vague idea of it, but it could be way off.
I’ve downloaded movies on iTunes here and there, but it takes so looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong, and I don’t really like to watch a movie on the computer versus the TV. iTunes television shows are great if you want something to entertain little ones here and there (my son is going through a Backyardigans phase now, and it’s genius for that, but even though the episodes are short, it still takes awhile to download).
March 01, 2011 at 11:13 am
Bnpositive
I’m a Netflix account holder, but I currently have the account on suspend for a few months. My problem with Netflix, and why I moved to Redbox more, is that I have all the intentions of watching $8/mnth worth of movies and shows, but sometimes (frequently) it just doesn’t happen. Then why am I just giving $8 to Netflix for nothing. I like Redbox option because I only pay for the service when I use it. If Netflix could give me that, I’d be streaming movies on my schedule as needed instead of dropping by a Redbox every now and then.
March 01, 2011 at 11:36 am
Allison
Seriously? Awwww, man - come on - you can still reserve it from your iPhone app and it sounds like a ‘user error’ issue with the free codes! You’re a tough guy - you can master it! LOL =)
March 01, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Justine
Serious? If you really want to use the code then start again, it takes less than one minute! And I don’t know how all these people are getting scratched discs, I’ve never had one ever and we’ve rented a lot! Besides, I’d rather take my chances for $1 than spend $5 at a regular store, geesh! Seems like lots of complaining for such a great deal!
March 02, 2011 at 8:22 am
Patric Welch
Heather, Chris, you hit the nail on the head. It’s not really about the $1.00. It’s about how the coupon code entry is almost deceiving. They put it at the front of the checkout process instead of the end where I’m accustomed to seeing it.
March 02, 2011 at 8:24 am
Patric Welch
Rosey, your assumption of Netflx is right on. But they also include 1000s of movies available for instant streaming to devices like TiVo, Roku or several gaming systems and Blu-ray players where you don’t need a DVD at all. The DVDs and streaming are all available for a monthly fee.
March 02, 2011 at 8:26 am
Patric Welch
Bnpositive, that’s really my only issue with Netflix. I have 2 kids that keep me busy, busy, busy. So I have great intentions of watching DVDs but it may take me 2-3 weeks to watch just one. So the monthly fee thing never works out for me. $1 on-demand from Redbox is perfect. Plus it forces me to watch the movie that night knowing I’m back to having a due date.
March 02, 2011 at 8:27 am
Patric Welch
Justine, it’s not about starting again. The last time I rented a DVD with a coupon code in hand, I thought the next screen was going to be a confirmation screen where I enter the coupon code. Instead, the checkout was complete and my DVD spit out of the kiosk. My point is that the coupon code entry is on the very first screen and is hidden with a tiny button at the bottom of the screen. By the time you realize you missed it, it’s too late. You have the DVD in your hand.
March 02, 2011 at 8:42 am
JamieHS
Patric,
I’ve had the coupon codes not work. Meijer would txt me the code and then I would drive there and then I’m paying the $1. It’s not the $1, it’s that I went out to get it.
The other bad thing is racing back to the Redbox at 8:59pm to return the DVD the next day.
March 02, 2011 at 8:48 am
Patric Welch
Allison, not sure what you are saying. You can’t use the coupon codes when you reserve using the iPhone app. That’s one of my gripes. If you could, all of my coupon complaints would be moot.
March 02, 2011 at 8:49 am
Patric Welch
Jamie, gotta love the “sprint to the Redbox before I get charged another $1” drive! :)
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