Renting DVD’s online has boomed, causing millions of consumers to leave their local video stores for good.  Or has it?  Here is the information that online providers may not want you to hear.

The Big Three:

While other providers exist, Netflix, Blockbuster, and Wal-Mart control the market.  Netflix boasts the most subscribers and selections, having pioneered the business in the late 90’s.  Blockbuster is the hottest of three, and continues to grow at an exponential rate.  The global giant Wal-Mart is the weakest of three, due to their unwillingness to go full-steam into this ‘project’.  With Wal-Mart’s power and capitol, this could change at any time.    

How much does it cost?

Unlike paying flat fees at your local video store, this is a monthly service, which means another bill added to your credit card statement.  The standard 3-at-a-time plan is cheapest at Blockbuster for $14.99/month, while Wal-Mart and Netflix both run over $17/month.  Additional plans do exist and prices fluctuate accordingly.  Netflix and Blockbuster offer two-week trial periods while Wal-Mart offers an entire month of free service.  The good news for consumers is that the competition continues to lower prices, a factor that might favor Wal-Mart in the long run.

Ordering, shipping, and receiving:

Log on to the corresponding website, search or type in your selection, and click to order.  As long as you have availability and your title is in stock, your movie is shipped from the nearest distribution center within 24 hours.  You'll receive a confirmation email of your order with an estimated time of arrival, which you’ll also receive upon returning their product.  A few days later, your movie will appear in your mailbox, and it's yours for as long as you wish to keep it. When you're finished with your film, return it in the same envelope in which it was delivered and mail it back.  There are no hidden shipping or postage costs, everything is paid for by the online provider.