If you’ve ever used Redbox to rent a movie, you probably have a frustrating story to tell. Not necessarily about the Redbox machine, but probably about the people using it. In a perfect world, here are the rules I would make for using Redbox:
1. You are not allowed to read the plot description of every movie in the machine
Some people have no idea what they want to rent, they just know they want to read about every single movie that’s available. I can understand taking a look at the plot for an Academy Award winner, or even checking the rating so you don’t get something that’s inappropriate for kids. But please don’t read the description of every D-list movie that involves zombies, killer geese, and Pauly Shore.
2. Verify you have a credit card before you start browsing
After waiting 10 minutes for someone to rent Scary Movie 16, it’s a little bit annoying to hear, “You have to have a credit card?!?!?!” followed by profanity, profanity, and even more profanity. Then they look at the next person in line like they should volunteer their credit card.
3. If you can’t figure out which way to swipe your credit card, you’re shouldn’t be in possession of a movie
It happens…a lot!
4. Anyone renting more than 2 movies must first yell, “Anyone returning a movie or picking up an online rental can get in front of me!”
What a utopia!
5. You have only 3 minutes to select a movie
Friday night I went by Redbox to pick up at movie. It was located outside of Walgreens. When I got there, a guy and his family were selecting a movie. The line was about 4 people deep so I decided to go inside, pick up a few things, and come back. I went in, looked up, found what I needed, waited in line to pay, and got my items. This took about 7-8 minutes. When I got outside, the same people were still going through movies, trying to make a decision. I got at the end of the line (now about 8 people deep), waited another 5 minutes, and then left. Quick and easy idea: you get 3 minutes to select a movie. If time runs out, you go to the end of the line where you can ponder your movie choice.
6. If you are at the machine and there is a line behind you, you are not allowed to pull out your cell phone, call someone, and ask, “What should I rent?”
If you need help making a decision between two movies, that’s fine and acceptable. But please do not call your “boy” and go through every movie in the machine and see what he thinks.
7. Do not block the handicap parking spaces or the drive-thru with your car
I’m talking about you Hickory Harlem and Highway 30! “Hmmm…I could let that handicapped person have a close parking space…or I could stay here and rent Tyler Perry’s Why Are All My Movies the Same?”
July 27th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
You are an angry and bitter man…
July 27th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Not only do I exceed the statistical probability of guessing wrong when I swipe my credit card, I usually try to return the DVD backwards. Those machines are tricky.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Jeff,
You’re not alone. I have trouble too. I think the credit card swipes at the weirdest way ever! But you do “swipe” which is better than some who just leave it there…or look for the $1 slot on the back of the machine.
July 27th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I completely agree. I also think that there should be a drop box just for those trying to return their movie before 9 p.m. and are stuck standing behind the people who are looking at every movie a zillion times.
July 28th, 2009 at 10:17 am
One word. Netflix.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
I used the redbox for the first time ever. It’s a pretty good idea. I went to the one at my local Walmart and there was no waiting when I rented or returned the movie. Overall it was a pretty pleasant experience and will definintely use again.
July 31st, 2009 at 9:37 am
For the most part, it’s not bad at all. The worst times are Fridays and Saturdays between 7-9 PM. That’s when some of the “crazies” come out. I prefer reserving online, and then picking it up on my way home from work. Not too shabby.