Skip to main content

Consumers now dislike Netflix as much as Blockbuster

netflix-envelopes
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In a study this week by YouGov BrandIndex, consumer perception of Netflix plummeted after the company announced a 60 percent increase in pricing by splitting streaming and DVD rentals. YouGov measures the buzz around brands on a scale from -100 to 100. Previous to the pricing announcement, Netflix dominated rivals such as Redbox, DirecTV and Blockbuster with a 39.1 score on the chart. Since the announcement, consumer sentiment plummeted to -14.1 and Netflix is now tied with the previously bankrupt Blockbuster at -6.

netflix redbox blockbuster directv buzzRival Redbox has seen a sizable bump nearly doubling the perception of the brand without having to pursue any marketing. Blockbuster hasn’t seen any major bump in perception since offering  a 30-day free trial for Blockbuster Total Access in response to the Netflix pricing. While the Total Access 1-disc-at-a-time plan is $2 more than Netflix’s new pricing structure, consumers have the ability to drop off rentals at physical store locations and there is no 28-day window on waiting for new releases. The plan also includes video game and Blu-ray rentals at no extra cost.  However, Blockbuster’s recent announcement of another 200 store closures isn’t likely to help consumer’s opinion of the brand.

Recommended Videos

Morgan Stanley also released a study this week regarding Netflix consumer loyalty after the price increase. Approximately 50 percent of people surveyed are currently using the $9.99 one-DVD-at-a-time plan with unlimited streaming. Of that segment, more than one in four planned on canceling Netflix service when the price increase goes into effect on September 1. Thirty one percent plan on switching to the streaming only plan while 13 percent are opting for the one-DVD-at-a-time plan. Only 15 percent are planning on upgrading to the more expensive $16 hybrid plan. Promised cancellations were a bit higher with consumer using the two-DVD-at-a-time plan, but fell to about 12 percent for those with three discs or more.

If these numbers from Morgan Stanley represent an accurate depiction of Netflix’s subscriber base after September 1, the company will see a 22 percent decrease in subscription revenue and a 2 percent decrease in revenue per user. Morgan Stanley believes that the survey results could be skewed due to temporary consumer outrage over the price increase and actual cancellation numbers are likely smaller.

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
Best Bluetooth speaker deals: Save on Bose, Sonos, JBL, and more
The JBL Boombox 3 Bluetooth speaker, placed outdoors.

Shopping Bluetooth speaker deals can be a great way to take your music on the go with some savings. You could even consider a Bluetooth speaker for your home theater if the current soundbar deals and subwoofer deals aren’t dropping prices enough for you. Some of the best Bluetooth speakers can get the job done with a home theater while simultaneously making a great portable audio option, and we’re currently seeing Bluetooth speaker deals across all price points. We’ve pieced together all of the best Bluetooth speaker deals going on right now, so read onward for those details. And if you need a device to pair with a new Bluetooth speaker don’t miss out on today’s best phone deals, best tablet deals, best laptop deals, and best TV deals.
JBL Flip 6 — $110 $130 15% off

One of JBL’s most popular Bluetooth speaker options is the JBL Flip 6. It offers louder, more powerful sound than earlier versions of the Flip, as it has a two-way speaker system. This speaker system is designed to deliver loud, crystal clear, powerful sound. This Bluetooth speaker is IP67 waterproof and dustproof, so you can take it to the pool, park, beach, or trail without worry. It will reach up to 12 hours of life on a single battery charge, making it a great portable audio option for just about everyone.

Read more
Best Bose deals: Save on soundbars, headphones, and earbuds
A woman in a park wearing Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth wireless noise canceling headphones.

Even though Bose is one of the more highly regarded audio brands it still manages to offer some affordability for its various lineups, with Bose often finding itself among the best headphone deals, best Bluetooth speaker deals, best soundbar deals, and best subwoofer deals. All of these kinds of devices are in play for a discount right now, which is why we’ve rounded up all of today’s Best Bose deals. Read onward to get a jump on all of the details, and if you need some additional tech to pair with any of these Bose deals be sure to check out today’s TV deals, phone deals, tablet deals, and laptop deals.
Bose QuietComfort II — $219 $279 22% off

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are often recognized as some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. They have great noise-cancellation capability, which makes getting your work done at the office a less distracting endeavor, and which makes taking in movies on your laptop or home theater a more immersive experience. They also have a feature known as Aware Mode, which allows you to hear both your music and your surroundings at the same time. This makes them a safe option for daily commuters, fitness nuts, and bicyclists as well. Along lasting battery and easy phone call controls round out the top features of the QuietComfort II wireless earbuds.

Read more
One of our favorite Hisense TVs has a $400 discount today
Hisense U7N review

Hisense TVs have been rising in our ranks of the best TVs recently. This budget-friendly brand has climbed the ladder of TV stardom over the last few years and is now responsible for some of the most popular LED-LCDs and ULEDs (what Hisense calls a QLED TV). We’re always looking for great TV deals, and it just so happens that one of our favorite markdowns of the week is on an awesome Hisense:

For a limited time, when you purchase the Hisense 65-inch U7N ULED at Best Buy or Amazon, you’ll pay $700. At full price, this model goes for $1,100. Here’s an idea: why not put that $400 you saved toward one of the best soundbar deals we found?

Read more