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Netflix: Frugal or not?

Posted Dec 02 2008, 04:00 PM by Karen Datko
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Is Netflix truly a bargain or does it force you to watch more movies than you'd want because you're overcome with "Netflix guilt"?

That question is the first addressed by the new "Frugal Court," presided over by Richard at Student Scrooge. Read on to get the judge's verdict. (Hint: His post makes the often-missed point that frugality is more than a matter of price.)

Netflix has its drawbacks. He writes, "The charge against Netflix is simple -- that, for most people, unless you are watching large numbers of movies each month, it is simply not worth the monthly rental fee." He's been watching only three films under the $8.99-per-month plan, so the value seems very questionable.

Cheaper or free alternatives exist, if you have Redbox or a library nearby. You can also watch movies online. (Richard makes no mention of Blockbuster or your friendly neighborhood video store. For more on Netflix vs. Blockbuster, read this post at Hacking Netflix.)

Is there value beyond the price per movie? Richard's verdict is yes: excellent customer service, convenience, and great movie recommendations. (He recommends you read this fascinating New York Times article about how Netflix is trying to improve Cinematch.)

Finally, he loves the on-demand feature, a work in progress. He had been ready to cancel his membership, but he was pulled back in when he watched two entire seasons of "30 Rock" via the Netflix streaming-video service. He said, "I have decided to stick around for a few more months and see if I make use of all of this."

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Comments

 

I really enjoy our Netflix.  We are a young family that cannot afford a babysitter or a night out, so every Friday and Saturday night we have movie night!   It is also nice that I don't have to leave my house to get them or drop them off.  It sure is a pain to get a baby in and out of a car just to get a movie!  It is totally worth it for us!

Regan (Posted 12.02.08 4:08 PM ) Report Abuse

I love Netflix, most of the movies I watch are indie or foreign and you can beat their selection on either.  I like not having to go out to pick up and return a movie and I can watch it at my leisure.  I also caught the first season of 30 Rock on the streaming video service.  Unlike Hulu, no commercials.

dym (Posted 12.02.08 4:22 PM ) Report Abuse

I usually subscribe and unsubscruibe from Netflix every 8-12 months or so.  I usually come to Netlix with a set list of movies I want to see (and of course a few get added on because of the great recommendations engine they have) and then leave after I'm done with watching everything.

One great thing about Netflix is the selection, my local library can't match the Netflix offering.

Netflix is really about availability and convenience and not being frugal.

Here is my list of top movies: www.scordo.com/.../top-101-movies-of-all-time-and.html

Best,

Vince

Vincent Scordo (Posted 12.02.08 5:53 PM ) Report Abuse

I am more of a Redbox (free code) kind of person when I can't find a good movie at the library... Otherwise if I want to see a first-run movie I will go to the theater and make it a date night.

~Dawn (Posted 12.02.08 6:36 PM ) Report Abuse

Netflix is a good thing. I use the 2 a month plan for $5.00 plus tax.

Where else are you going to see a movie for $3.25 ea?

Plus I can watch selected movies right on my computer and get to watch blu-ray discs without buying them.

It works for myself and my family.

The local library (NYC)...well, for movies and music it sucks. Plain and simple.

There are too many people using it and the selection is unpredictable and consists mostly of obscure and foreign titles.What good is that?Even for free it stinks.

Like the other poster said, you use Netflix for it's convenience and massive availability of movies and not to be frugal.

But if you stick with the lower priced plans then it's a good deal.

James (Posted 12.02.08 6:46 PM ) Report Abuse

I've belonged to Netflix for several years and love it for the selection and the convenience. Our winter weather is often very severe and I avoid going out unless I absolutely must, combining shopping with trips to and from work. The thought of an extra trip to the library or video store in below-zero high winds and ice is enough to make me stay home and be grateful for movies dropped in my mailbox! And the price is right, since I watch at least one movie per weekend plus the extra free ones I watch on my computer.

barnegat48 (Posted 12.02.08 8:27 PM ) Report Abuse

I love the convenience, the movies I like are sent to me I am not wandering the video store looking in vain for something i want to watch.  then it is so easy to return, I don't know how much I spent on late fees in the past!  I love my Netflix!

tac210 (Posted 12.02.08 9:03 PM ) Report Abuse

Netflix will be the last thing to go for me in a financial crunch...I never belonged to Blockbuster or video rentals stores, I am way to lazy to drive anywhere to get a movie.  I see so many more movies now,  put all those movies on the list, the ones you always say- I should see that- and it eventually shows up.  And I BUY so many less movies too, actually can't remember the last time I bought one.  

Noelle (Posted 12.03.08 9:52 AM ) Report Abuse

Netflix has kept me from missing TV service for the last four years. I've been able to enjoy things that I never would have been able to watch otherwise, like HBO and other premium-channel shows. $20 per month for Netflix is definitely cheaper than $40 per month for cable TV -- and I find that I have more time to get things done.

Bonus: near-total insulation from commercials. Believe me, I was pretty grateful for this during election season.

Mary (Posted 12.03.08 10:01 AM ) Report Abuse

"Mary" cites exactly why I love Netflix - lower priced than cable and no commercials.  I haven't had cable in over 4 years because of the high cost of the channels that actually show things I might want to see (ie, HBO, Showtime).  With Netflix, I can pay about $20 a month to watch shows that would cost me double, or even triple were I to have those channels via cable.  

clv (Posted 12.03.08 12:18 PM ) Report Abuse

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