I’m thinking more about getting a DVD player, now that some of them sell for less than $100. (saw a couple at WalMart the other day), and I was wondering whether or not to do the Columbia House (or something like it) DVD club, as a way of getting a few inexpensive DVDs right off the bat.
Anyone have any experience with this?
Will I really save oodles of money, or, after adding in ‘shipping and handling’, is it about as cheap to get discs locally?
And what about those under $100 dvd players? will I miss out on a lot with one of those? (note: I have a 3-year-old [human] at home, so I’m not inclined to spend a lot on a new player that would have a significant likelihood of getting abused or broken)
I have found Columbia House to be a good source for cheap DVDs. If you are careful to just buy the number required to complete your membership requirement then you end up getting 8 dvds for close to $80.00. Look out especially for the ocasional free delivery offer they do on your first 4 at $0.50 + 1 at $15.00 dvds. There post/packaging cost is high about $2.00 per dvd, so factor that in when buying. Works out like this
4 at $0.50 = $2.00
1 at $15.00 = $15.00
3 at $20.00 +
3 x Postage ($2.00) = $66.00
= $83.00 for eight dvds
without the initial postage free special it would be $93.00 for 8 instead.
Columbia House is a good way to build a collection. The important thing is to get out once you meet your minimu, or at least don’t buy anymore. You won’t make out like a bandit but you will save some $$. Even better is if you sign a friend or two up.
Word of warning though: If you want special edition DVDs, make sure that’s what you are getting.
I used it to get a bunch of movies that i had on VHS but I wanted teh DVD. It was easier to justify.
As has been mentioned, if you are careful, Columbia House can be a great way to get cheap DVDs. The important elements in being careful are:[ul][]Get the most expensive DVDs you can as part of your initial purchase.[]Buy the least expensive DVDs you can to complete your obligation.[]Quit and wait until they send you a really good offer to re-join.[]Repeat until you’ve had enough.[/ul]There’s an excellent and very detailed explanation of how to manipulate their rules to your benefit at the DVDTalk forums.
Most of the under $100 DVD players will suit your needs perfectly. Just watch out for the $40 ones and the such. I think anywhere around $80-$150 will get you what you want. Makesure to go with a known brand name and buy from a store you trust. As far as the DVD’s go, I have build a respectable collection (round 250 total) mostly just picking up cheap ones when I find them. Bought some good classics from Wal-Mart a few weeks ago for $5 a peice. Target also commonly offers older type movies (70’s, 80’s) for around $8-$10. Also, check out used CD stores in your area (places like CD Wharehouse, not Wharehouse Music, and Trading Post offer great deals on used DVD’s) Pawn shops are also a good place to pick up deals. I have never used Columbia House for movies, but I did use them for years for music, seemed okay to me as long as you are cafeful enough to return the card saying “no thanks” on that months selection. Good luck and have fun with your new toy.