kefrank

Neither you, nor I would have any way to verify it either way, but if such a policy is now in place, I think it's somewhat naive to think it has absolutely no correlation to the coupon abuse, particularly given the alleged timing right in the middle of the sale.

Classic Films

In the past when I have been denied, I asked them to scan the coupon. If it worked I got the $5 off. Not sure if they have changed the policy to not even try to scan the coupon. I was denied the coupon at the 5th Avenue store in NYC on Sunday. I was late so didn't have time to argue and just walked away. First time I was denied at that store. I was told the DVD had to be $20 after all discounts. Since with the 10% off membership discount the price was $18 they refused the coupon.

BuckNaked2k

You have no way to gauge the level of "coupon abuse". Don't assume the actions of a few avid DVD Talkers represent any measurable impact felt across the B&N chain. Many here have reported standard, one-time use of the coupon, while others have been smart, and spread out their purchases over multiple stores and visits. Others have offered to do multiple transactions, while still others have met with helpful clerks who have themselves, made this suggestion.

I would be very surprised if the use/abuse of this coupon has had any measurable impact detected by or acted upon by the corporate higher-ups. It is far more likely that some rogue manager has made up (yet another) excuse. Time will tell if this report is systemic or anecdotal.

ProfessorEcho

I need to earn some miles on my frequent flier account and was wondering if after I go through the airline site to B&N's site, I might still be able to get a discount on the Criterion sale besides the token half-off? Since I'm not using AAA as I normally would, what would be the best alternative if it is possible to get a further discount when going through an airline site. Thanks for any assistance you can render.

nando820

I tried to use two of the $5.00 coupons (for M and House both in blu-ray) and the cashier said I couldn't use both. My girlfriend said "well I'll get the other one then" but the cashier wouldn't let us. So I said fine I would just get "M" and then she told me I still couldn't use the coupon because it has to be $20 or more and with my Member discount it brings down the price to less than that, I said "What??" and my girlfriend looked at her like "You must be making a joke here" and then she said "Ahh I guess I would accept it"

Rypro 525

I actually didn't realize that the retail price on newer criterions had gone down to 29.99. Which meant everything I wanted was 15 bucks a piece. So 45 bucks for 3 dvds made me very happy

sumdeus

Latest trip yielded two more $13 BD movies:

Antichrist
House

stiroe

First time using the coupons this time around and have been successful each time, but haven't pushed my luck with using more then one per visit. Also I wasn't able to get away from work today to pick up antichrist and by the time I did hit the store it was gone.

Had to be you guys from the forum taking all the good ones!

Mosskeeto

You must have been VERY lucky previously because fairly consistently I have been rejected on using the coupon at that location. A year ago almost always denied, in the July sale they were quite good in accepting it, and now again almost consistent denial. I stop by every 2-3 days so far.

Mosskeeto

I assume they decided to institute a new policy that BluRay releases would command a premium over standard def. So even the 2-disc releases are now $29.99. Doesn't seem reasonable to charge 33% more for BR but that's their decision.

Mosskeeto

I've spoken with cashiers at BN who've said they've never seen the New Member's coupon until I present it. So then I don't try to use it a second time immediately. Others CSRs have told me many people buy stacks of DVDs 15-18 in. tall and aren't even members, or members buying huge stacks too but never using a coupon. I have seen people buy 10 or more titles at once on several occasions. These sales allow Criterion to move inventory out the door that otherwise would remain in warehouses (with stock expenses) and slowly show the return on investment they hoped for. Most businesses hope to turn over their stock in a timely manner to enable them to order new stock.
...and sometimes they lose the license to a title and have to destroy or return the unsold titles upon expiration.

ctyankee

Borders just put local price-matching into effect. So, for those that can't/won't do Internet purchases and couldn't find the Criterion item at B&N, print out the 50 percent in-store notice from B&N if you can find it in-stock at Borders. Then you can get it for half-off.

Details:

http://www.borders.com/online/store/...id=SL_20101109

dex14

I suppose thats nice for non members who only have a Borders by them. Maybe some coupons would sweeten the deal?

CardiffGiant

All they did was lower the MSRP of DVDs; the standard MSRP of Blu-ray remains unchanged. A number of people started complaining to Criterion about the "extra cost" of Blu-ray, but all they did was give DVD-only households a discount. I know it might seem like I'm saying the same thing as you are, but this reflects a "discounted" price for DVDs rather than a "premium" for Blu-rays.

kefrank

Obviously all we have to go on is anecdotal information, but the reports in this thread of CSRs and managers being more cranky about coupons indicates that, at least at some stores, the abuse is being noticed. It doesn't take that many store managers reporting up the chain that the coupon situation is causing major headaches for them and their employees with this sale for corporate to start noticing.

I'm not saying the policy claimed by the manager is actually in place. If you notice my original response, I made it very clear that I'm skeptical he was being truthful. I'm only saying, no one should be surprised if something like that has happened or does happen.

My wife owns a retail business with multiple stores and they've learned that they have to very carefully devise the terms and enforcement process for all promotions and policies because consumers will either try to take advantage of any loophole/wiggle room or will outright attempt to circumvent the terms completely. It's disgusting and it often makes them want to never offer any kind of promotion at all, because at some point, it's no longer worth it.

macnorton

Has anyone been able to located Antichrist on Blu? I have gone to my two stores twice (once today and yesterday) and have had no luck. Is it really that popular of an item?

BuckNaked2k

I understand your point, but I can remember clearly, that same rumor/excuse reported here during previous B&N CC 50% off sales, that's all. And no, I wouldn't be surprised if that policy IS eventually promulgated chain-wide. I know (more than most), that we've gotten away with bloody murder over the course of these four sales, and that sun may (sadly) set one day.

kefrank

Fair enough. I think we're on the same page.

Dr. Mantle

I wish I'd gone earlier. They were all out of Thin Red Line and Paths of Glory.

I just got Antichrist, Seven Samurai and House (you weirdos better be right about that one )

smurr05

Tried to order House & Shock Corridor CC for in store pick up BUT they were full price in store and I thought the stores were honoring the 50% sale as well!!! Oh well ended up ordering on line @ 50% off. Am anxious to see House!

jrsl76

Well, I'm down to this:

Definitely still picking up:

Night Of The Hunter BD
The Thin Red Line BD
Modern Times BD

Seriously Considering picking up:
Everlasting Moments BD
El Norte BD
Black Orpheus BD
Oshima Sixties Eclipse
Postwar Kurosawa Eclipse
First Films Kurosawa Eclipse
Rossellini War Trilogy

Definitely trying to pre-order at 25% off:
BBS Set BD

I'm interested in all of these, but I've now bought 18 BDs this sale (1 for a trade) and may have to hold off on the interested, but on the fence titles.

BuckNaked2k

What?? They absolutely are 50% off in-store.

smurr05

Well I tried to order online for local in store pick up here in Ft. Myers, Fl. and each DVD was listed @ full price $29.99 each in my cart! Don't know why or what happened, thats why I said the hell with it and ordered online. Still got free shipping...just have to wait a while longer to get them!

ctyankee

Just saw House. If you're into young Japanese girls and acting as a real loose concept than House is the low-budget film for you. It's not that the director lacks for some ideas, there just aren't enough ideas to recommend this to anyone. Rental.

larry47591

It's just a glitch. I did that too. but when i got the conformation they were 50% off