If you are a displaced Blockbuster customer and you are looking for a new home, you probably came across Netflix Underground while looking for information about Netflix. If you are considering singing up with Netflix, make sure to do plenty of research before you give them your credit card or bank information. If you browse through the years of articles on this site, you will find Netflix has a sketchy reputation built around more than a decade of sleazy corporate behavior. Make a list of everything you hated about Blockbuster Online and multiply that by three.
Yes, Blockbuster was a profoundly lousy company with many sleazy tactics, but many of their tricks in the DVD-by-mail business were pioneered by Netflix long before Blockbuster Online even mailed their first DVD. If you are a Blockbuster refugee and you are considering giving Netflix a try, do yourself a favor and first browse this site or do some Internet searches with the following terms.
Netflix throttling
Netflix lawsuit
Netflix credit card charges
Netflix missing DVD charge
Netflix cancellation problem
Netflix delay
Netflix tactics
Netflix staging media event
Netflix price increase
Netflix shipping
What you will find will not be pretty, but at least you will be armed with some knowledge before making a decision that could lead to a lot unnecessary aggravation.
Showing posts with label credit card. Show all posts
Showing posts with label credit card. Show all posts
9/19/2011
Netflix Quickly Takes Cover with Qwikster
Facing an overwhelming backlash from subscribers, Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings has come forward and apologized for what has probably become the biggest public relations debacle in the history of Netflix.
When Netflix abruptly spilt its DVD-by-mail service and streaming video service into two separate services and effectively increased subscription fees by 60%, many--perhaps millions--of Netflix's subscribers became angry and threatened to close their accounts. Arrogantly, Netflix did little to manage the crisis. Netflix's attitude seemed to be: We are the leader in the video rental business. If you want our services, you will accept delivery however we choose, and you will pay whatever we tell you to pay.
Netflix did not use those exact words, but that is what the public heard. Rightfully so, the subscribers rebelled and began canceling their subscriptions.
Under such pressure, one would assume Netflix might retreat and come up with a plan to assuage consumer anger, but Netflix did not do that. Sure, Reed Hastings/Netflix apologized for being arrogant and communicating poorly, but that is about it. In a further act of arrogance, Netflix has chosen to rename its original DVD-by-mail service and permanently break it off from Netflix (as if that will fool enough people).
The new name is Qwikster. Yes, Qwikster is a cheesy hipster appellation, and this playfully misspelled name is so 1990s. Sure, Qwikster sounds like some shady file-sharing Web site from Romania, but it is actually a repackaging of Netflix's DVD-by-mail business. (Yes, this probably will fool enough people.)
If you want to be a member of Qwikster, you are going to have to pay for it, and it will show up as a separate charge on your credit card each month. Even if you maintain a Netflix subscription for streaming content, your credit card statement will have a charge for Netflix and another charge for Qwikster.
Adding to the inconvenience for subscribers, Netflix and Qwikster are to function independently. For example, if you review a movie on Qwikster, the review will not appear on your Netflix account, even though you may be paying for both services. Also, if you need to update your credit card information, email address, home address, phone number, or other account information, you will have to do so twice: once on the Netflix site and once on the Qwikster site.
Some consumers may feel more comfortable with paying for two subscriptions when the subscriptions are under different names, but the reality has not changed. Netflix has reduced subscriber benefits and is charging significantly more for significantly less. If making payments under two different company names makes subscribers feel better about it, then so be it.
When Netflix abruptly spilt its DVD-by-mail service and streaming video service into two separate services and effectively increased subscription fees by 60%, many--perhaps millions--of Netflix's subscribers became angry and threatened to close their accounts. Arrogantly, Netflix did little to manage the crisis. Netflix's attitude seemed to be: We are the leader in the video rental business. If you want our services, you will accept delivery however we choose, and you will pay whatever we tell you to pay.
Netflix did not use those exact words, but that is what the public heard. Rightfully so, the subscribers rebelled and began canceling their subscriptions.
Under such pressure, one would assume Netflix might retreat and come up with a plan to assuage consumer anger, but Netflix did not do that. Sure, Reed Hastings/Netflix apologized for being arrogant and communicating poorly, but that is about it. In a further act of arrogance, Netflix has chosen to rename its original DVD-by-mail service and permanently break it off from Netflix (as if that will fool enough people).
The new name is Qwikster. Yes, Qwikster is a cheesy hipster appellation, and this playfully misspelled name is so 1990s. Sure, Qwikster sounds like some shady file-sharing Web site from Romania, but it is actually a repackaging of Netflix's DVD-by-mail business. (Yes, this probably will fool enough people.)
If you want to be a member of Qwikster, you are going to have to pay for it, and it will show up as a separate charge on your credit card each month. Even if you maintain a Netflix subscription for streaming content, your credit card statement will have a charge for Netflix and another charge for Qwikster.
Adding to the inconvenience for subscribers, Netflix and Qwikster are to function independently. For example, if you review a movie on Qwikster, the review will not appear on your Netflix account, even though you may be paying for both services. Also, if you need to update your credit card information, email address, home address, phone number, or other account information, you will have to do so twice: once on the Netflix site and once on the Qwikster site.
Some consumers may feel more comfortable with paying for two subscriptions when the subscriptions are under different names, but the reality has not changed. Netflix has reduced subscriber benefits and is charging significantly more for significantly less. If making payments under two different company names makes subscribers feel better about it, then so be it.
7/23/2011
Notify Your Credit Card Company About Netflix Membership Cancellation
Even if you take great care to properly close your Netflix account, it is possible that Netflix may still try to hit you with additional charges after your subscription has ended. Netflix could make claims of an improperly closed account, missing DVDs, missed deadlines, etc. If this happens, you have the right to dispute the bogus charges with your credit card company, and, if you are a customer in good standing, there is a decent chance your credit card company could side with you.
You do not have to wait for a problem to occur to take action, however. If you are concerned that Netflix could hit you with bogus credit card charges after you close your Netflix account, you might consider being proactive and contacting your credit card company before you close your Netflix account. You can notify your credit card company of the date you plan to close your Netflix account and the date after which Netflix should not be billing your card. You could still get hit with additional charges, but you may then have a stronger case if you need to dispute any suspicious charges from Netflix.
You do not have to wait for a problem to occur to take action, however. If you are concerned that Netflix could hit you with bogus credit card charges after you close your Netflix account, you might consider being proactive and contacting your credit card company before you close your Netflix account. You can notify your credit card company of the date you plan to close your Netflix account and the date after which Netflix should not be billing your card. You could still get hit with additional charges, but you may then have a stronger case if you need to dispute any suspicious charges from Netflix.
7/22/2011
Charges for "Missing" DVDs After Canceling Netflix
Too many people are making a costly mistake when canceling their Netflix subscriptions, and since there may be many Netflix membership cancellations between now and September, this is a very important special reminder to help save you from a nasty surprise after canceling your Netflix membership. If you read only one thing on this site between now and September, read this:
Absolutely, clear your Netflix queue of all DVDs and make sure all of your Netflix DVD returns have been acknowledged by Netflix before closing your Netflix account. If you do not take this precaution, Netflix may charge you for DVDs they claim are "missing."
Numerous former Netflix members have reported that Netflix charged their credit cards for missing DVDs after they properly closed their accounts and returned all of Netflix's DVDs. Unfortunately, Netflix is always in control of any evidence when this happens, so there is no way to prove the fraud.
Once you close that Netflix account, barring signature confirmation, you have no way to prove Netflix received all of the DVDs you returned to them. Netflix may claim you did not return your DVDs, and they may stick you with a charge of $20, $40, $60, etc. on your credit card. If Netflix does this to you, you may have little recourse. You will have to dispute the charge with your credit card company. If your credit card company does not side with you, you will be responsible for the additional charges from Netflix.
So, clear your Netflix queue, and return all of the DVDs well before your cancellation date. If all DVDs have not cleared your account, report them as missing before closing your account. If you really want to be safe, you might consider sending your DVDs back with signature confirmation. Yes, signature confirmation is a pain, but so is paying for DVDs you already returned. If you can produce proof of delivery, you will have a much better case if you need to dispute Netflix's charges with your credit card company.
Absolutely, clear your Netflix queue of all DVDs and make sure all of your Netflix DVD returns have been acknowledged by Netflix before closing your Netflix account. If you do not take this precaution, Netflix may charge you for DVDs they claim are "missing."
Numerous former Netflix members have reported that Netflix charged their credit cards for missing DVDs after they properly closed their accounts and returned all of Netflix's DVDs. Unfortunately, Netflix is always in control of any evidence when this happens, so there is no way to prove the fraud.
Once you close that Netflix account, barring signature confirmation, you have no way to prove Netflix received all of the DVDs you returned to them. Netflix may claim you did not return your DVDs, and they may stick you with a charge of $20, $40, $60, etc. on your credit card. If Netflix does this to you, you may have little recourse. You will have to dispute the charge with your credit card company. If your credit card company does not side with you, you will be responsible for the additional charges from Netflix.
So, clear your Netflix queue, and return all of the DVDs well before your cancellation date. If all DVDs have not cleared your account, report them as missing before closing your account. If you really want to be safe, you might consider sending your DVDs back with signature confirmation. Yes, signature confirmation is a pain, but so is paying for DVDs you already returned. If you can produce proof of delivery, you will have a much better case if you need to dispute Netflix's charges with your credit card company.
6/24/2010
Netflix Fails to Honor Free Month Offer for Returning Customer
Netflix Undergrounder, Renée claims to have been cheated by Netflix on a free month membership incentive. Renée was a former Netflix customer for a couple of years and eventually received an invitation to rejoin Netflix for a free month of service. It was one of those "It's been awhile. Try Netflix free for a month," emails.
Renée decided to give Netflix another try. According to Renée, after just two weeks of service, Netflix charged Renée's debit card. Renée called Netflix to raise attention to the billing error. The customer service representative claimed the free month was only for new customers. When Renée called attention to the personalized email from Netflix and offered to forward the email as proof, the customer service representative hung up the phone.
Perhaps Renée's story is unusual, but the tale seems consistent with the sort of behavior that has made Netflix infamous. If you were wise enough to have already canceled your Netflix account, be thankful, move on with your life, and don't look back. If Netflix contacts you and tries to entice you back into the Netflix fold with special offers, consider Netflix may not fully honor those deals. If you do take the risk and rejoin Netflix under a special offer, make sure to check your account diligently. Make sure Netflix fully honors whatever promises they make to you. If Netflix pulls any tricks, cancel your account and report any fraudulent or unscrupulous activity to your bank/credit card company. If Netflix cheats you, you might be able to get some or all of your money back through your financial institution.
8/04/2008
Missing-DVD Pitfall in the Netflix Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
If you intend to exercise your settlement benefits from the Chavez vs. Netflix class action lawsuit, be very cautious about the missing-DVD pitfall in the settlement. If you accept DVDs from Netflix, you will have to make certain you return the DVDs within the allotted timeframe and that Netflix acknowledges the returns. Otherwise, you risk being charged for the missing DVDs.
Many former Netflix subscribers have complained their credit cards were charged for missing DVDs after canceling their Netflix accounts. The reports of this practice are so common that Netflix looks suspiciously as if they might be pretending to not receive DVDs from canceling subscribers just to squeeze extra money out of each departing subscriber. This practice has never been proven, but the occurrences raise suspicion.
If this dishonest business practice does exist, the Chavez vs. Netflix settlement beneficiaries are at a considerable risk of being charged for DVDs which Netflix does not acknowledge receiving. A beneficiary ending a three-out plan could easily be on the hook for $60 or more after his/her free subscription month. That is a lot to pay for one free month of DVDs.
If you are concerned that Netflix may fraudulently charge you for DVDs you actually returned, you may reduce your risk by taking some extra precautions. The steps below could help you dispute any illegitimate charges on your credit card from Netflix.
If you feel Netflix is a completely honest and ethical company who would never attempt to cheat you, then none of these precautions are necessary. However, if you think Netflix may be a shady and greedy company, which is always looking for ways to milk its customers, be cautious. If Netflix fooled you once, shame on them. If Netflix fools you twice, shame on you.
Many former Netflix subscribers have complained their credit cards were charged for missing DVDs after canceling their Netflix accounts. The reports of this practice are so common that Netflix looks suspiciously as if they might be pretending to not receive DVDs from canceling subscribers just to squeeze extra money out of each departing subscriber. This practice has never been proven, but the occurrences raise suspicion.
If this dishonest business practice does exist, the Chavez vs. Netflix settlement beneficiaries are at a considerable risk of being charged for DVDs which Netflix does not acknowledge receiving. A beneficiary ending a three-out plan could easily be on the hook for $60 or more after his/her free subscription month. That is a lot to pay for one free month of DVDs.
If you are concerned that Netflix may fraudulently charge you for DVDs you actually returned, you may reduce your risk by taking some extra precautions. The steps below could help you dispute any illegitimate charges on your credit card from Netflix.
- A few days before your free subscription ends, delete every title from your queue. This should prevent Netflix from shipping more DVDs to you.
- At least one day before your subscription ends, use the Netflix Web site to report as missing any DVDs you have not yet received.
- Return all of your DVDs to Netflix within the allotted timeframe, mailing the DVDs using USPS tracking numbers and/or signature verification. This will provide proof of return.
- Save full documentation of your actions.
If you feel Netflix is a completely honest and ethical company who would never attempt to cheat you, then none of these precautions are necessary. However, if you think Netflix may be a shady and greedy company, which is always looking for ways to milk its customers, be cautious. If Netflix fooled you once, shame on them. If Netflix fools you twice, shame on you.
6/16/2008
The Credit Card Chargeback: Your Magical Ability to Turn Back Time
Did you know, that if any shifty merchant ever places an illegitimate charge on your credit card, it is your consumer right to dispute the charge with your credit card company? All you have to do is dial the toll-free customer service number on the back of your credit card and tell a service representative that you wish to place a particular charge in dispute.
Your credit card company will investigate your claim. If your credit card company determines the shifty merchant has unjustly charged your card, your credit card company has the power to recover your money from the shifty merchant in the form of a chargeback. In a chargeback, money is taken from the merchant (often along with penalties) and refunded back to your credit card account. In summary, the shifty merchant loses your money and you get it back like nothing ever happened.
If a shifty DVD-by-mail company places illegitimate charges your credit card, consider opening a dispute through your credit card company. You might just find you have the magical ability to turn back time.
Your credit card company will investigate your claim. If your credit card company determines the shifty merchant has unjustly charged your card, your credit card company has the power to recover your money from the shifty merchant in the form of a chargeback. In a chargeback, money is taken from the merchant (often along with penalties) and refunded back to your credit card account. In summary, the shifty merchant loses your money and you get it back like nothing ever happened.
If a shifty DVD-by-mail company places illegitimate charges your credit card, consider opening a dispute through your credit card company. You might just find you have the magical ability to turn back time.
9/07/2005
Canceling Your Netflix Subscription
The two happiest days of your Netflix membership are the day you begin your subscription and the day you end your subscription. There is an ugly and unexpected twist to this, however. A surprising number of former Netflix subscribers have reported that after they canceled their memberships, Netflix denied receiving their final DVD returns.
When Netflix denies receiving a returned DVD from a customer who has recently canceled, Netflix charges the former customer’s credit card for that DVD. This practice exposes the former customer to dozens of dollars in additional charges after their subscription has ended. Unfortunately, the former customer is left holding the bag and has the burden of proving that the “missing” DVDs were actually returned.
If you want to cancel your Netflix subscription and minimize your exposure to additional charges, consider following the steps below.
After you have canceled, carefully check your credit card statements. If Netflix still charges your credit card for missing DVDs (or any other unjustified charges), immediately contact Netflix via email to dispute the problem. If Netflix does not fully credit the unjustified charges to your credit card, contact your credit card company and dispute the charges. In many circumstances, your credit card company will reverse the charges.
When Netflix denies receiving a returned DVD from a customer who has recently canceled, Netflix charges the former customer’s credit card for that DVD. This practice exposes the former customer to dozens of dollars in additional charges after their subscription has ended. Unfortunately, the former customer is left holding the bag and has the burden of proving that the “missing” DVDs were actually returned.
If you want to cancel your Netflix subscription and minimize your exposure to additional charges, consider following the steps below.
- Determine your billing date by viewing your account information on Netflix’s Web site. Since Netflix cancellations are immediate and Netflix does not give refunds for partial months, you should plan to cancel shortly before your next billing date.
- Several days before you cancel your Netflix subscription, delete every DVD from your queue. This should prevent Netflix from shipping more DVDs to you.
- Send all of your DVDs back to Netflix. (Consider taking the extra precaution of sending these DVDs certified mail. Include a brief letter detailing the exact contents of the envelope. Keep copies of all documentation.)
- As Netflix notifies you of receipt of returned DVDs, save the notification emails in case you need them later for proof.
- The day you intend to cancel your subscription, check your account to see which DVDs have not been checked in by Netflix. Report any outstanding DVDs as lost. This should completely clear your queue.
- Send an email to Netflix informing them that you are canceling your membership. This will create more of a paper trail. (Note: Do not tell Netflix that you are canceling because you were not getting enough DVDs. Netflix loves when heavy users cancel.)
- Cancel your subscription using the Netflix Web site. Make sure to follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
- Sit back in your chair, grin, and enjoy a beverage of your choice as you celebrate the end of the dysfunctional relationship you had with that company.
After you have canceled, carefully check your credit card statements. If Netflix still charges your credit card for missing DVDs (or any other unjustified charges), immediately contact Netflix via email to dispute the problem. If Netflix does not fully credit the unjustified charges to your credit card, contact your credit card company and dispute the charges. In many circumstances, your credit card company will reverse the charges.
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