Netflix: Should I sign up?

[philosophie_en_rose]

I hate renting DVDs, primarily because I hate having to rush to return the damned things. I also don't want to spend money on DVDs that I'll never watch again. I've heard good things about Netflix. Is anyone a member? How many DVDs do you get? What if one of them is lost in the mail? How much does it really cost (membership+tax+fees,etc)?

Thanks!

[AP]

1. If you cancel cable, yes.

[mopinko]

2. i love it but

the rest of the family is impatient with it. that turn around time adds up. i love the old movies. they want the new releases. blockbuster has the same type of deal now. if you watch a lot of movies, you will get more for your moeny out of that.

[lanparty]

3. If you can pace yourself ...

Yes, it's the best thing in the world. But you do have to "plan".

[philosophie_en_rose]

4. Unfortunately, patience is not my virtue.

Waiting for new releases might be a deal breaker for me. When I joined BMG (Get 12 "free" for only $70 shipping), I couldn't find new music or certain old CDs.

Hmm....

[kstewart33]

5. Netflix is great!

We've been a member for four years, and it's been great especially with young kids (2 girls ages 6 and 8). We're too busy for trips to the video store and also the hassle of late fees. Also, Netflix's inventory is far better than any rental place. With the hundreds of videos we've rented, there has NEVER been a foul-up in the shipping or receiving of the DVDs.

As the other poster advised, watch your pacing. For us, it's not a problem because one of Netflix's warehouses is here in Denver. If I ship a DVD on Monday for instance, we will have another one by Wednesday.

[NashVegas]

6. Netflix is Great

I'm not a member anymore (rent went up, salary didn't) but I loved it. The selection was unbeaten, turnaround time was fine. I did have one get lost in the mail and they didn't charge me. Basically, if it's an aberration, they'll forgive. It's when it gets to be a pattern there's a problem.

[patriotvoice]

7. Netflix sucks:

1. The turnaround time.
2. Atrocious and cumbersome interface.

Get yourself a membership at a local independent video store and work yourself up to a first name basis; you'll be able to keep titles longer (for free), they'll order for you, and you don't have to wait for shipping.

Your mileage may vary, of course, but this works best for me.

[Bridget Burke]

8. Try it. You can always cancel.

It costs $22.00 a month for 3 DVD's; no "membership" charge. There's a shipping center in Houston, so turnaround time is very quick for me.

They've got a great selection. The DVD's of TV shows are especially good==since those sets are so expensive. Lots of British comedies, etc. Working my way through Dr Who now.

Very convenient--you can keep titles as long as you like.