Quote the Raven

I doubt I’m alone as far as once being a member of the grand supplier of DVDs, also known as Columbia House. Like most people I was taken in by the promises of cheap DVDs and this was when I first started collecting them instead of just watching them. Then I got my cheap ones, you know the 6 for 49¢ deal they broadcast from every available advertising means, and after that I was left with the painful decision of which DVDs I would purchase to fulfill my obligation to the ”Grand Master of Mail Order Media”. In this case, Obligation = purchasing 3-5 more DVDs at their full price with additional shipping and handling charges.

My suggestion is to avoid this offer like the plague, and if you know anyone considering it to warn them as though their life depended upon it. Yes, I know it’s a bit extreme, but once you sign up there’s no turning back! Here’s the truth for those that can’t seem to see the tactics used by Columbia House, or any company stating a deal that just seems too good to be true. The secret they don’t want you to know about it the lethal “Shipping and Handling” charges and their standard pricing structure.
One of my favorite places to purchase media online is DeepDiscount.com, and after several years dealing with them I haven’t had a purchase remotely resemble a negative experience. In most cases their prices can’t be beat, but always double check cause at times some sites do have specials on certain movies, music, etc. that will save you a few dollars or more. Just in case you’re curious Columbia House’s standard pricing is far from competitive, and in most cases its very close to the SRP, which we all know is not exactly the amount of money we want to spend if given a choice. Though it means “Suggested Retail Price”, it should stand for “Standard Rip-Off Price”.

The real perks of dealing with Deep Discount are the following:

Excellent pricing - and their sales are even better pricing. For example I enjoy when they have their Buy One, Get One Free sales which at times include Complete Season DVDs
Free Shipping, no exceptions – if Columbia House did anything like this the world might come to an end.
Excellent Selection – including DVDs, CDs, Video Games, Books, and the list goes on.

I also want to mention one thing that drove me up the wall when it came to Columbia House, and that would be the need to respond to their “suggestions”. I think if I REALLY wanted something I’d actually go out and buy it if I could afford it, it had a good price, and I went through my usual mental wrestling match to determine is it really worth getting. I really don’t need a company suggesting something, and if I don’t “Decline” it then ships it to me. On several occasions I declined something and had a confirmation, and the brain trust at Columbia House sent it to me anyway. So Id contact them to ask them to refund my money and they said they would as soon as I returned it. Can you imagine that? I didn’t want it, I said don’t send it, they send it anyway, and then I get stuck dealing with getting my money back. What great customer service there Columbia House! In short their way of thinking is “Oh well, we’ll just hold on to your money for the purchase you didn’t want till you go through the paces of returning it back to us. Considering it was their fault for sending the media they should have instantly refunded my money due to the mere fact they screwed up, but Columbia House has a very high regard of their company and can’t seem to fathom they could possibly be in the wrong. It was said event that made me close out all accounts held with them, in which you have to do it via phone (God forbid you could actually do it via some online means, oh no perish the thought) so they can try and talk you into staying with them.

So in closing, don’t open yourself up to their lack of service, limited selection, and outrageous shipping and handling fees. Columbia House is living in the past surrounded by online vendors with better selection, pricing, and no shipping costs. Do them a favor and help them come out of their cave and see what the rest of the world has to offer with better pricing and service.