Are Screenselect ripping us off?

[pmc]

I have been with Screenselect for about 6 months. Signed up for the 3 at one time with unlimited per month deal. I don't think they do it totally unlimited anymore, there is a cap on how many rentals you get a month now. But since I'm already signed up there is nothing they do about it. Or is there?

For the last couple of months I've noticed that loads of DVD's that I send back 'get lost in post'. You have to wait 5 working days before you can report them missing so it slows down your turnaround pretty badly. I can't believe as many are going missing as I am seeing. One or two every now and again sure, but this is something like 50% of the DVD's I return. If it's true it must be costing them a fortune. They have never pulled me up about it either. If it was just me you would think they would.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[dr_mabuse]

Screenselect are sh*te mate - bin 'em and save yourself the aggravation. Do a search and you'll find older threads about the disappointing service of these type of companies (including other DVD rental companies, in fairness).

dr_m

[west]

Lovefilm used a similar trick delaying films! trust me if your turnaround was much lower they miraculously return them faster

[pmc]

Sounds like it's pretty standard behaviour then.

[grimoor]

I was with Lovefilm and they were good to start then slowed down, then lost films. Have moved to Screenselect and they are fine at the moment, but as soon as they start slowing down I'll move to another one.

From what I read in past posts it seems they look after new customer then the people who only watch the odd movie and hand on to the disk for ages. Those who try to make the most of the deal with quick turnaround get shafted.

[Charlton Fan]

To be fair to Lovefilm, when the slow-down and lost DVDs happened to me, they extended my billing dates each time by a couple of days after I complained. Might be worth trying this with Screen Select.

Chris

[west]

Originally Posted by Charlton Fan

To be fair to Lovefilm, when the slow-down and lost DVDs happened to me, they extended my billing dates each time by a couple of days after I complained. Might be worth trying this with Screen Select.

Chris

Lovefilm did no such thing for me, I complained and complained the only thing that sped up things was by hanging on to the DVDs longer

[cwick]

No complaints here - have been with Screenselect for ages now, and I'm comfortably getting 2 DVDs a week, and no problems with returns. I've had a couple go missing, and I'm pretty sure I know why that was (company post room - all the DVDs I left in there never made it back).

So I like the service, but they're not doing themselves any favours by sending everything out in such obvious packaging. I'd guess that something a bit more anonymous would result in fewer items being 'lost' on the way back.

Cheers, Carl.

[Kenny Glasgow]

I've tried loads of rental companies and here's my thoughts :

Sainsbury's (Love Film) - teriffic service during free trial then abysmal after that

Blockbuster - Have nearly everything but rarely get anything at the top of your queue. Turnaround of discs is pretty good

Tesco (Video Island) - Great during trial, slow afterwards with no chance of getting your top picks

DVDS365 - Were probably the best I've tried but still had problems especially if you returned a disc on a Friday. They have now been swallowed up by Screen Select and so far they have been very good. Mind you the first payment to them is not due for another week so I'll wait and see what happens when they start taking my money

[JohnG]

I gave up with Lovefilm as their service became abysmal and some weeks I only got 1 DVD a=when I was supposed to be on 3 unlimited. I tried Blockbuster but canceled with them after 2 weeks as they sent 1 wring disc and 1 broken one during this period
I was about to try screenselect, but might wait and see what others think.

[Serpico]

Gash! The last thing I want to read is problems with Screenselect. I've just binned Lovefilm after 3 happy years.

If the business model they are working to isn't profitable, then put the prices up or limit the number of rentals, but for the love of god, let us the customers know clearly what's happening.

[JohnG]

My first couple of weeks with Screenselect has been a good experience, and I really like their search facilities on the site and the ability to get them to send a box set in order. Thumbs up with fingers crossed so far from me !

[soup nazi]

never liked screenselect.

[pmc]

Well now they've cancelled my account. What a load of bs.

[LFC]

From my experience all the rental companies have these kind of problems, i have used both screenselect and blockbuster. Both very good during free trial with service trailing off th elonger you stay with them. And major problems getting the titles you want.
It would not be hard for them to change their model to improve service, allowing you to define one your rental slots for a certain title would help as you either have the 2-3 dvd you actually wnat on your list and wait for them to get posted or have loads of title and constantly be sent the crap at the bottom of your list.
In the end get what you can out of the free trials and move on.