Redbox Raising Prices

4

The walk-up movie rental giant is set to raise their prices, but does it matter?

Redbox Raising Prices

Redbox has announced price raises across the board starting December 2nd.

DVD rental prices will increase by 30 cents to $1.50 a day, while Blu-ray rentals will increase to $2 a day. Shockingly, video game rentals will increase from $2 to $3 a day.

So why raise prices? It seems the Blockbuster killer is taking a bit of its own medicine. Sales have been dipping even though Redbox’s parent company Outerwall saw an increase in their stock values after the news was announced.

The bigger picture here is this: is Redbox still viable? Forget the price raises, is the hard copy rental industry even viable anymore?

I think the answer for Redbox is pretty clear: they aren’t adaptable, and it’s going to cost them. It already has, apparently, in a way you might not realize.

Video gamers, I’m talking to you here. Redbox refused to embrace the new generation of gaming consoles, and yeah, while there are still a lot of people out there firing up Xbox 360’s, more people are powering on an Xbox One or Playstation 4; some people own Wii U’s too, and Redbox doesn’t have anything for you. A few weeks after these consoles launched, we here at justusgeeks.com reached out to Redbox to ask them when we could expect to pick up copies of new games for our new consoles. Their answer?

“Redbox will soon be bringing you the latest in video games at a location near you.”

They must still be playing Wii Sports and watching DVDs.

Redbox was revolutionary in presenting a service to us we had always used, but in a quicker and cheaper way. Maybe Redbox has seen the writing on the walls. Digital streaming and rental services are the future, and there are plenty of places for you to “try before you buy” with the latest game for you Playstation 4.

I can’t even tell you the last time I used a Redbox kiosk, and there are 10 within a reasonable distance to us here. iTunes, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services offer me movies well before Redbox has them, and I never have to leave my house. I can watch them on any of my devices, there are no late fees, and honestly, it’s just easier.

Change or die Redbox? Too late.

Have you heard the latest episode of The JustUs Geeks Podcast yet? WHY NOT?!? Listen to it here!

Here’s lots of other things you can also do:

Don’t forget to Like Us On Facebook and to follow us on Twitter!

Check out our Instagram!

About author

Josh Steen

Josh Steen is the founder of the JustUs Geeks, and is the host of the JustUs Geeks Podcast. Josh is also a dad, husband, and graphic designer. He geeks out over sports, video games, music, and Transformers. Have an idea for a story or podcast topic? Let him know via social media or email!

4 comments

  1. Eric Plunk 27 November, 2014 at 20:02 Reply

    I have never once used Redbox. Granted, I did work at Blockbuster until 2011 and got free rents. Since then, it’s been all streaming for me. It’s only a matter of time for Redbox I fear.

Post a new comment