you might want to check out www.dvd-rental.ca

I'm likely going to sign up with these guys - reason being they treat both games and movies as "disks" where as all the other places in canada make you pay a seperate rate or there is some sort of a catch when games get involved.

They are in Vancouver but to compensate for the extra day or two that shipping will take they will allow us folks on the east coast (toronto -> east) to take out an extra disk on their plan, so if you signed up for the 3 disk plan you can have 4.

Did you check Superstore's Charlottetown location. Most locations have movie stores and they have a deal with http://www.nrexpress.ca. We have a membership at a corner store in K'town through that company. Three movies same as netflix for $19.99 / month. But no 6 day turnaround time. Unfortunately selection is a concern. Check it out.

I would like to recommend DVDFLIX.ca as the premier online DVD place in all of Canada. Their price range is the most affordable among all of the online businesses here. 19.99 per month and a two week free trial is a big plus. They have over 5000 titles and an upgrade program to 5 dvds for 29.99.

I have been a member of DVDFLIX for over one year and have been more than happy with their level of service to me personally. Most places just send out an email. The guys at DVDFLIX actually CALL you to see how things are. More importantly is the turn around time.

Even though headquartered in Vancouver I recieve movies here in Halifax within 4 days at latest.
Movies rarely get damaged and they are right on it when I have needed them after reporting a damaged movie.

If anyone wants to take a chance on a Canadian web-rental company. This is the one to take your chance on.

I've tried both DVDFlix.ca and MoviesForMe.ca, DVDFlix is far superior! On average it would take 4 days for movies to show up from them (Vancouver) while it would take 7 to 10 days from MoviesForMe (Ontario). Unbelievable! They said it was Canada Post's fault... ya right.

Also when I tried to cancell my MoviewForMe account, they kept billing me! Total bad experies from all ends.

I'm about to give VHQOnline.ca a try.

Cheers

Paul, I'm not sure where you are, but here in Yellowknife I only see a slight difference in shipping times from Vancouver and Ontario, since both have to stop for sorting in Edmonton, and most places away from a major posta sorting plant would probably be similar. Short of a company lying about when they actually ship, once they drop the DVD in the mail it is totally up to Canada Post, which can vary a fair bit due to backlogs, items kicked out by sorting machines, etc. I average about 3.5-3.8 business days delivery (not counting day of shipping), but I had some Ontario stuff make it in 2 (ship Monday, receive Wednesday), and some up to 5-6 business days. Faster would be nice, but remember they are doing this all for 50 cents!

DVDFlix has been nice to me as well. They've ordered in a number of titles for me - I'm mainly interested in all the backlist titles I can't get here in town, as opposed to new release service. They seem to be built on top of a Vancouver video store (Odyssey). I tried CinemaFlow as well - similar service, no problems with them - I notice they are morphing into VHQ after being bought. MoviesForMe is supposed to be opening Vancouver and Halifax warehouses over the next couple months, and when I quit recently Scott mentioned they are planning on adding 500 titles a month. It is a little weird that they don't have an account cancel feature on the website, but to be fair I don't see one on DVDflix either (CinemaFlow does).

ZIP had some startup problems (mainly self-inflicted), but they are getting better, and seem to be trying to build a NetFlix-sized inventory. If they can make it happen it would make them hard to beat. I've kept my DVDflix account as a second source for now, but rumour has it we should be seeing spring any month here now, and I'll be ending this recent winter movie-fest I've been on. I suspect ZIP will be the one I'll keep, just for the selection.

I've been trying out some of the companies over the last few months, and have created a webpage with some of the information I've collected. I was playing around with a database at the time anyway, and have used it to do some inventory comparisons, etc. There's also a handy little search page that let's you look up a movie title at all the various companies. Hope it's helpful...

David
Comparing Services

Just a warning about Zip.ca: A couple of weeks ago, they changed their system so that you can no longer specify the order in which you would like to receive DVDs. You can now only specify 2 titles as being desired "ASAP" (but in practice, ASAP status hasn't seemed to make those movies come any faster than others -- for example, I put "Master and Commander" on ASAP, and it never came, after many weeks. Why wait WEEKS when I can get it right now at the video store?) So, with Zip.ca, you never know what movies are going to come next. Also, in practice, the turn-around time is poor -- it takes them more than a week to send out a new movie, and I know for a fact that the postal mail standard between where I live and Zip.ca is typically ONE DAY (as I have a friend who lives in the same place and mails things to me qutie frequently; never has he sent something that took more than 2 days, max.) I can't agree with the fellow who commented above and said they are "getting better" because it is clear that the new "ASAP" system is a blatant attempt to cover their butts for the fact that they are unable to actually often send you what you most want. They do have a good selection, but come on -- what's the deal? Do they only have one copy of each of these movies to send to everyone?

This site has the complete list of Canadian rental companies. There's also a forum with user reviews of the different sites.

I have no complaints about zip.ca.
It's a great service and I get speedy turnaround.
I live in Southwestern Ontario, btw.
Highly recommend them, and I've all of them in Canada.

Zip.ca gripe

I have been a member of zip.ca for almost 5 months now. To begin with their service was great, I always had at least 2 dvds every weekend. 4 months down the road their service started deteriorating.
It started with receiving a dvd without returned postage affixed to the envelope. I sent two dvds in one return mailer. In spite of receiving the two disks, they only removed one from my out list. I had to call up to have them rectify their error.

Next my movies started arriving late, and two movies didn’t arrive for almost 15 business days. I reported it to zip.ca, who then marked it lost/stolen. They made me fax a signed copy of stolen dvd form. Around 15-16th business day I finally got the two missing dvds in an open envelope.

These guys put your account on hold while they are investigating the lost/stolen dvds.

I returned them after watching it along with another movie that I had with them. 2 weeks after receiving all the dvds back, they still have not resumed my account.

Now their customer service phone number also has gone dead. All one gets is the message – “Customer service dept. is closed – call back during regular business hours 8-8 M-F” – this is the message you get when you call between those very hours.

May be the company is going bankrupt or they folding up their operations. Better watch out.

I would encourage anyone having problems with Zip.ca's service to file a formal complaint to the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Ontario:

http://www.canadiancouncilbbb.ca/ontariobbb.html#Ottawa

I have been having similar issues with Zip.ca. Over 4 weeks ago I mailed back 3 dvds to them (two at the same time and one on a different day altogether) and they claim they never received them. I find it hard to believe that Canada Post "lost" all three dvds in transit...but Zip.ca haven't sent me any dvds back for those three in the meantime, since they are currently "investigating" my claim. So I am currently paying 24.95/month for one rotating title, and I can't cancel or I will be charged for the three dvds they say they don't have! As with other complaints I have read online, the "customer service" is a joke...taking 4-7 days to reply to emails (if at all) and the phone number is down.

I've been a zip.ca member for about three months and all was well until the last month. Suddenly I'm not receiving my movies which they are indicating they have shipped. If I send them an email, I get an automated reply saying basically that if I'm not getting my movies I should send them an email.

We call that an infinite loop.

If I call their 800 number during business hours (a number posted no where on their site) I get the "we are closed" message even though I am calling during the open hours as stated in the message. If I call their local 613 number (another number posted no where on their site), I get a message saying "our customer service reps are unavailable" and telling me to send an email.

Now I do understand the concept of growth and cutting people some slack, but it is not appropriate to do so in a situation where you are being charged for a monthly service and the other party is not performing. It is also important, I believe, to make some noise about this as a warning to others. Obviously their are some issues here since multiple people are reporting service failures and there are no means available to achieve any meaningful communication with the company.

Zip.ca is the worst example of customer service I have ever seen. DO NOT SIGN UP WITH THESE GUYS. You are lucky if you get one movie a week

I have filed a formal complaint with the BBB regarding Zip.ca. I enourage others to do the same.

http://www.canadiancouncilbbb.ca/ontariobbb.html#Ottawa

Check out www.cinemail.ca

This is a Winnipeg company. Based on the local Movie Village store which is known for their large diverse selection and friendly staff. If I remember correctly, the sign out side there door claims they have 20,000 titles. Could be wrong about that though. They also have a two week free trial too.
I signed up for the 2 week trial and got 9 new releases during that time.

Interesting to read about everyone's Zip problems.

I've had a subscription with them for the last year and have definitely noticed the growing pains. The turnaround time for shipment has been getting longer and longer over the last few months. I also had one incident where the movie they said they shipped never arrived and I had to deal with their automated help system (annoying) but it was resolved fine (filled out the form).

My real issue is the fact that I can't specify what order I'd like the movies to arrive in. The system that they use is totally ridiculous - it must be based on availability, because they only seem to send me the worst (and therefore the least rented) films on my list. Designating a movie as ASAP seems to do nothing but guarantee that I WON'T get it any time soon.

Talking to a netflix subscriber is so frustrating because they can actually rank the movies they want. I just don't know who else to use, though. Right now, I'm just really hoping that Netflix comes to Canada soon.

Hi Netflix Has free trial Do You Have a Free trial Offer too

I tried to join but i live in canada you do not have canadian provinces on your list. so i can't join.

Send Zip.ca complaints to:

Rick ... rick@asci.ca

Heather ... heather@zip.ca

They care

No problems with Zip.ca on my end. I live an hour from Toronto (Waterloo) and I've always received at least 3 DVDs a week. I usually return the DVD's the very next day after making temporary copies of them onto DVD-RW's so I can watch them later (while I wait for the next batch to arrive).

The ASAP thing is no big deal, just keep your ziplist small (4 to 6) and you'll get what you want.

how can a company like Zip.ca stay in business? Oh right, the uninformed buyers that feed them money.

I live in the Waterloo Region and am a member of Cyberflix.ca. Not sure if they are a regional company or not. So far so good, they seem to stock mostly new releases or titles from the recent past but have noticed there inventory is growing steadily over the past few weeks.

Was a member of both Movies For Me and Zip but was turned off by brutal return times and lack of top titles from my queue.

Anyone else a member?

I've been with Zip.ca for a few months now, and it's absolutely FANTASTIC. I guess they fixed all those problems that were previously mentioned. I live in Toronto and I am on the 4 DVD plan. If I mail out movies on Monday, Zip receives it on the Wednesday and ships me out movies the same day, and I receive them on Friday. Only 2 days for the movies to get to me!!! They have worked 100% of the time. The only bad thing I can say about them is that it is difficult to get exactly what you want. But after reading someone's post above I am limiting my Queue hopefully that works. But Zip.ca is highly recommended, especially if you live in the Greater Toronto Area. FYI, the DVD's come from Ottawa,Ontario and the pre-paid envelopes are addressed to a location in Brampton. I'm assuming they have a distribution centre there. BTW I also signed up for Cyberflix.ca (who are based in Kitchener, Ontario). I am trying their free trial offer. They had shipped me DVD's on Friday, and as of Tuesday I have not received them. So I'm assuming there shipping of DVD's is 1 day more than Zip.ca, because when i get DVD's shipped from Zip.ca on Friday, I receive them on Tuesday. Take care ppl

Hi,
I would recommend dvdflix.ca for those who are interested in signing up the DVDs rental. Based on my personal experience, I signed up for 2 weeks free DVDs and I received them in a timely fashion. Because I was very busy at that time,I didn't continue with the service and decided to cancel the service.I e-mailed them and I got their response within 24 hours. So,now I'm thinking to join them again for good.

what about adult films? none of these companies have any?

I was a happy VHQonline member until Zip.ca bought them, I am NOT a happy Zip.ca customer, in addition to getting 2 of the same title now and then I also keep getting titles that are NOT on my zip list at all! I have since signed up with Starflix, it's not bad except that their list is limited to 40 titles at a time while I had 200 on my VHQ/Zip list. I'm scrapping Zip, they suck, the way they work their list is crap. Zip almost drove me out of the online rental game entirely.

I'm cancelling my dvdflix membership. I sent my last selections back 5 weeks ago! That's right, I've kept being charged while receiving absolutely nothing new for 6 weeks. I've written them 5 emails to complain about this and no response. Even before this problem their turnaround time was awfull. I was waiting almost 2 weeks for new discs despite living about 15 minutes away from them! Avoid DVDFlix.ca at all costs. I wish Netflix would establish themselves in Canada and wipe all of these pretenders off the map. In the meantime I'll go with Zip. They have about 10 times the selection of dvdflix and people I've spoken to seem to be happier with them.

DO not sign up with zip.ca if you want to stay 'safe'! I returned titles faithfully, dropping them off in post office or boxes, and almost ten were 'not received', or 'stolen'. I have kept none, yet in order to rent again, would have to pay for numerous titles not in my possession. It's a good idea, but who knows how people get into other people's mail? Maybe the problems lie at the post office itself...I don't know.

If there is a more reliable way, please post it!

I've stumbled across an interesting site for news about online dvd rental companies in Canada and the USA.

www.cyberflix.blogspot.com

They have some interesting news stories and reviews from the world of movies and dvds.

Maybe its old news but thought I would share it.

Despicable service from Zip.ca

I have had the same issue regarding lost or stolen DVDs when returning the to Zip.ca. I recently cancelled my account with zip.ca and promptly returned the two dvds I still had. I recieved one notice at the same time I had returned the DVD's that they had not recieved them and that if they did not reecieve them within a week I would be charged for them. I did not hear from them for weeks after that so I assumed that they had received them. One month later I received an $86 charge on my credit card for the cost of the two DVD's and an email, after the fact, stating that I was being charged for unreturned DVD's. I replied online and by phone stating that I had returned them and that I did not fill out a stolen report form as I did not know until one month later that this was the case and that I did not have access to this online report form as I no longer was a member. Again they were blaming me for still possessing the DVD's or not filling out a stolen report. This was over a month ago and I have still not recieved any helpfull reply from customer service or the president, Rick Anderson. I would definitely NOT recommend anyone give there money or credit card info to ZIP.CA

I just got into the same boat as Mark above! Same situation to a tee... I just never got the initial notice of missing disks! Four to be exact... mailed on separate dates... all of them presumably lost by the post office. I certainly don't have them. Three of them were stinkers and the other one I bought at retail for my wife this Christmas!

They are "looking into it"... I'll let you know how it goes! I've filed a complaint with the Ontario BBB to help speed this up.

I used Netflix while I had a US address and although it worked sometimes, I encountered many of the same problems with lost DVDs etc. Eventually I quit using them, so not sure having Netflix in Canada would solve the problems. To be fair to Netflix however I thought they may have disappeared from somewhere in the postal service.

I signed up with Zip.ca this past summer. At first things seemed speedy and reliable. (That was when they were shipping from Ottawa, I live in Edmonton!) I would put DVD's in the mail Sunday Night, and get new ones by Thursday, or Friday at the latest. Since they moved they're shipping for Western Canada to Calgary, things have gone down hill.

I think my biggest complaint is the way I was treated (and still am) like a criminal because a DVD they sent me, never got to me. I don't know if a postman stole it or what, they say they are 'looking in to it' and in the mean time, cripple my account by removing features.

Often, DVD's don't get to me for a week or two now, and with the implimentation of they're new shipping limitation (11 a month on a 4 DVD plan unless you want to pay extra S&H) it seems like they're service is going down the hole.

They're service staff often isn't friendly, and don't treat you like a paying customer. I would switch it up to a different company if I could find one that treats me better, sends me movies fast, and has a good selection, but with Zip buying everything up, it looks like that isn't happening anytime soon.

Maybe this abuse is the kick I need to go back to renting from the physical store a 10 min drive away.

Any suggestions? Help?

Couple points:
Moviesforme was the best IF you lived in western Toronto area (they actually used to let members come inside their office & select movies at will! So with a 4 dvd plan you could actually get 80 movies per month! I think 50 was most I ever actually got though)

Zip.ca sucks for 2 main reasons. 1- They dont give you any say on order of movies (the ASAP slots are worthless if its a popular title expect 4+ months to get it) and 2- They are NOT unlimited dvd rentals (check thier page, they now are CHARGING $2.49 S&H per title! I asked customer service about it and they claim thats for "high volume" customers, that a "normal" customer should only rent about 8 dvds per month (on 4 dvd plan)

I just received the noticification from ZIP about charging extra fees for high volume customers, and since I am one of those customers, I will be ending my membership with them very soon.

Does anyone know any other unlimited DVD rental places. I live in Toronto. I checked out Moviesforme, but they no longer exist. Rogers Direct is also part of ZIP and have the same surcharge in place.

Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!!!

I just cancelled my zip.ca membership. What a bunch of liars! They promised "unlimited rentals" at a set price with "no extra charge". Now they want to charge extra and forget the word "unlimited". It's like luring people in with all-you-can-eat buffet and once they're in the restaurant, starting to charge extra after the 3rd plate.

I rented 4 movies a week, mostly old classics. Now with the extra shipping charges, the monthly total is about 38 dollars. 38 bucks for 16 old titles! I can rent 4 old movies from a local video store for less than 4 bucks, up to 12 movies at a time. The problem is they don't have a large selection.

I tried cyberflix and their selection was just pathetic. 68 titles in romance, 95 titles in sci-fi, 172 in drama... No separate genre for classics or anime.

So now, I'm going to give starflix a shot. They're still sticking to their promise of unlimited rentals. Let's see how that goes.

DOWN WITH ZIP!!!

www.zip.ca unlimited.....euh...limited entertainment...

Well, well, well!!!! Was online looking for a dvd rental online cause a friend told me about her netflix. But after reading all the comments above I think I will just stick with blockbuster.

I tried starflix for three months. Never seemed to get movies from the top half of my list. turn around sucked even with a warehouse in BC. 90% still came from and were returned to montreal. their idea of first class post is canada posts basic letter mail $.51 don't seem to have the 30,000 titles they claim. gets worse when you try to cancel. the way they seem to play the mail good luck receiving that last movie and returning it in seven days. so you end up paying another months subscription.

This is all very helpful. I've been using Netflix for about 2 years but will be moving to Toronto in the fall. Netflix is really a nice service. First, their turnaround time is 3-4 days from my door to them and back again. They have local delivery points throughout the country. Second, when disks are damaged they send another one. I've never had a lost one in 2 years. Third, you can list an unlimited number of titles and always get the top of the list first. Also, movie rankings result in recommendations, which improve over time. Fourth, you can link up to friends who use the service and see what they are renting, how they have rated films, etc. Films friends have seen are earmarked when you're browsing.

This message board has convinced me of a horrible reality: it is time to start making the walk to the video store again. Why not do the same until someone makes the move to provide a serious service?

I would not recommend Zip.ca. My impression is that they are actually run by a handful of incompetent persons with a very little resources (including access to a sufficient number of DVDs).

For starters, I don't understand why they wouldn’t follow a proven successful business model (i.e., NetFlix). Instead they provide no way of organizing the order of one’s “ZipList”, handling charges are added if you go over a certain monthly limit. They provide no clear idea of the availability of a particular DVD (only a vague graphic) so you have no real idea of what you are going to receive at any given time.

My personal experience was that they shipped my very first DVDs to the wrong address. I reported and corrected the address myself but since then it has been a nightmare: the Post Office returned the DVDs to them. They claim they re-shipped the original DVDs (I did not ask them to do this). I never received them. I reported this to them and received various responses. Depending on who I was dealing with my account was de-activated and then re-activated (with apologies) several times. In the meantime, I started receiving my allotted DVDs from my remaining queue (not the original DVDs which they claim they re-sent). I firmly believe they have re-shipped the DVDs to the wrong address again.

Finally, despite the fact that I have continually been in contact with them regarding this matter, they deactivated my account again. At that point I insisted they cancel my account and provide a refund. They said they would only provide a partial refund for 1 of 3 months because my account was 2 months old. This regardless of the fact that my account was repeatedly deactivated and I had only received about 8 DVDs in a two week period.

Thanks to Mr. Stephen DesRoches for getting this sort of information out! I'm a happy netflixer trying to spread the word to my Canadian brethren, but it looks like there just isn't much worth trying yet - largely due to Canada post's much higher mailing costs in general. So thanks to Mr. DesRoches and the various writers - saved my friends some $$$! Truth to power!

well count me as a zip satisfied customer. Been a customer for more than two years and have not had problems with lost DVDS. I find that Zip gets the discs to me quickly.
Their main advantage is the incredible catalogue, some wonderful obscure finds (try looking for Aaron Sorkin's Sports Night sitcom on any other Canadian company. Yes, I agree that the frustrating aspect of zip is that you have to wait a long time for popular films and that they need to develop a new priority system as the ASAP is ineffective. Bottom line, for now I can live with those problems when I am able to order films that are just about impossible to find. When I have made a request for a DVD that is not part of their catalogue, they have come through.
So, perhaps things aren't so black and white, I'm sticking with Zip until a better alternative comes along.

Hi Bernie, I am sorry you feel this way! They must have sent you your discs to the wrong address - because you had the wrong address in your account. They only know what you tell them, and nothing more! I guess I am lucky that I have never experienced an undelivered disc!
I would definately recommend Zip.ca!
Zip.ca has now changed their priority lisiting back to full control by numerically listing the titles you want to see first! And they have re-introduced their Unlimited 3 DVD plan! I am so happy about this, I have rejoined for these two reasons and to take advantage of their outstanding title library. They also have a great Gotta Have It feature, that allows you to have an extra rental (above your plan)shipped right away for $2.99!
I noticed too, they offer HD and Blu-ray titles too (but of course you have to purchase the correct player)!
Now all they need is games!!!

Gee Kellee - you sound enthusiastic and know the product line very well! Do you happen to work for zip.ca? If not, it sounds like they could use more customers like you. I for one will wait until Netflix arrives in Canada. They offer an infinitely better product.

Ironically, Netflix is now carrying the US postal system on its back. I say ironic, because if we had netflix here, maybe the increased volume would keep the price of postage down...

I find it odd that someone actually seeks out a website to post that they like a service, sorry but I call BS on that one. You no doubt are an employee of the zip.ca. You know its not the good reports I look for when I'm checking out a product or a service but the bad reports because those are the ones which really tell you what a product/service is really like. Sorry Zip you lose this one.

I am a Netflix user. Their system has problems. First, good luck contacting customer service when you have a problem - they also have the email endless loop (and no phone number for you to call or email). I had a problem with a DVD that had no sound - sent it back, got another one with no sound, sent that one back, received another one with no sound - gave up on that movie after the fourth DVD with no sound. I also mistakenly sent a movie back without its envelope and they have it listed as lost (months later!). Some movies show up two days after their "sent date," some show up 8-10 days later (even movies shipped on the same date - not sure how that happens, but it does). Although you can number the movies you want to see, the popular "just released" movies now are listed as "very long wait," and you are never sure when you will receive it even if you have it listed as your number one movie. All in all, I have seen a lot of great movies for a good price and the turn around has been pretty good, but it seems Netflix has similar growing problems.

I have been a member of zip.ca for a year. It started off great and then got very slow. The new problem to add to being slow is now every 3 dvd's won't play. I even got a DVD the appeared to be glued together ... lol. I am going to wait until the Christmas rush is over to see if maybe that is the problem. In general if your combine any new company with Canada Post your asking for trouble ... LOL

Big surprise..Netflix $4.99 in US and no complaints ever. DVD's arrive next day, never any questions asked, just what can we add to your list. J

I've been a member at Zip.ca since November 2005 and I've been quite happy with the service and the customer support. In that time we've managed to average about 10 movies a month. On a few occasions I've received discs that we broken in transit or wouldn't play properly. I notified customer service of the problems and they sent out replacements right away without having received the bad discs back from me. One time I was expecting a title to arrive, and it never did, but it showed up as returned in my zip list a short time later. I told customer service that I had never received it so they sent it out again, right away.

I have to admit that every once in while it takes, what seems like, a long time for some movies to arrive but, like most Canadians, I blame the Postal Service. Afterall, the only mail that we ever receive in record time is bills. And if you mail a cheque to pay one of those bills it seems like the cheque gets cashed before you get home from the mailbox.

My 2 cents. Zip.ca is alright by me.

Here is an email I have sent ZIP.ca upon terminating my account:

Hi,

Having used Netflix for over a year in the US (and being a complete addict of the service) I hoped that zip.ca would be even 50% the service that netflix was. I expected a slower delivery due to Canada Post. And perhaps delays in getting popular movies.

However, Zip.ca has fallen far short of even these modest expectations and, in my opinion, has missed an outstanding business opportunity to do in Canada what Netflix has done in the US. What has Zip.ca failed to do, which leads me, a former netflix addict back to the depressing aisles of Blockbuster? I list these things in the hope that ZIP will take note and make the simple changes needed to expand to its full potential:

1. web interface: this is by far the easiest problem to fix, and it is a HUGE problem. I urge you to try netflix's interface for rating films, receiving recommendations based on ratings, linking with other users to learn about movies, etc. Netflix is brilliant not only because it delivers films to your home, but almost equally because it provides a way of discovering new films. Ask any former user about this and I assure you they will agree that it is THIS that makes the service so addictive: always finding new gems. This is truly impossible on ZIP. There is no decent way to find things that you don't already know about, aside from the rather limited top 10 and top 100 lists. Not adequate and so painfully easy to fix with a small investment.

2. availability of films. Come on: invest in your FUTURE!!! By purchasing more films and getting everybody their top item at least within a month, you would not be losing users but instead gaining many, many more. I personally recruited many users to netflix when I used it, but have told people not to use ZIP. Here's why: I have received almost none of my top items since signing up for ZIP many months ago. It is impossible to get new releases. I have gotten NOTHING even remotely recent from your service. The films I do get from ZIP can be rented very inexpensively for 7 day periods from video stores. The purpose of ZIP is completely defeated, because I have to go to the video store to rent new movies, and because older movies can be gotten at what works out to be a far better rate.

This sounds cynical, but I now wonder if ZIP even owns copies of new releases, and if you do WHO on earth is the lucky devil to get the copy? Here's a challenge to your company: post the number of copies of each film you own on your site, and next to each the number of requests for each. I just cannot understand how it makes good business sense to not fill the demand of your customers. For goodness sake, raise your prices if this is what it takes! I would pay more for the service if it worked.

3. customer service. About 4 weeks ago, I noticed that I had sent back a movie and had not received a replacement for a whole 2 weeks. However, I had sent the movie in question with another film, and clicked both as returned the same day. I reported this delay to ZIP and the response was to (1) leave the missing film in my list indefinitely, thereby limiting my access down to 2 films, and (2) sending a very threatening sounding email noting that ZIP takes issues of film theft very seriously. Now, I never mentioned that I thought the film was stolen in my complaint. I suspected, instead, that it had been lost in the mail. As it turns out, the film popped back into existence about 2 days after my complaint. Either ZIP had lost it internally or Canada Post had taken nearly 3 weeks to deliver one of two films sent the same day. Who knows? Two questions: (1) why would you ever send an email assuming that someone had stolen the movie (in language that does not exclude the possibility that it was the consumer, in fact, who had) when many other things can lead to missing films, and (2) why, given the very small expense of a single lost film - the first ever reported lost by this customer - would you not free up my third spot during your "investigation"? Your email and suspending of my ZIP slot made me feel like I was being investigated, all for a single DVD??? That is insane business practice. I strongly recommend you reconsider this policy for future customers.

I will now cancel my zip subscription, sadly, and return to blockbuster and similar evils, until Netflix eventually moves to the Canadian market, at which time I will quickly subscribe to their service.

I've been a Zip.ca user since early 2006 and have now closed my account. It's been disappointing to see the deterioration of a once great service.

I heard it was a great service and much cheaper than the likes of Blockbuster and Rogers Video. It was, but what really impressed me was the speed at which they delivered the disks in your ziplist. I didn't even mind when they changed their pricing plan in the summer of 2006. Every company needs to make price adjustments from time to time to improve service with a growing user base.

However, I started noticing soon after that I had to wait longer for disks to physically arrive, even for those titles where availability was high. And like "Former Netflix user", I'm started doubting the fact that they even had any new releases. One time I waited two months before receiving my first newly released title. And yes, my ziplist was always very full.

Ok, so I save a couple bucks with Zip.ca, but at least with Blockbuster, new titles are guaranteed. I don't like to wait,

When I canceled my service, they asked for my reason. I gave them some positive criticism, but they never got back to me or even acknowledged they received it...I don't know, maybe they're overwhelmed with the number of users they now have.

Oh well, it was a nice ride while it lasted. Eventually they became just like any other service here in Canada that's slow and costs more than equivalent services in the U.S.

I've been a member of Zip.ca for about 2 years now. Recently I started having problems.
It began with a missing movie - not too serious other than for the period zip was investigating I only had 3 movies at home instead of 4.

Shortly after this I started noticing a very very long delay in getting my movies. In the past I would recieve return my movies on Monday and by Friday I would recieve 4 more; now I'm lucky if I get 1 or 2 by Friday.

Another problem I have been having is zip is sending me movies that aren't even on my zip list. It's getting so bad that this week alone all four of the movies shipped to me are movies I never requested.

To make matters worse I have been navigating the zip.ca site for well over an hour just trying to phone their phone number or e-mail address so I can complain and I cannot find it. There is this continuous loop on their site whereby you click "contact customer service" then it takes you to "frequent problems...select from the following" next I click "contact customer service" and it takes me back to the lobby.

I'm so fustrated that I'm on some random site complaining and as soon as I can figure out how, I will be cancelling my zip membership.

Oh my god finally there's Canadian companies that are similar to Netflix because they don't cater to Canadians. It would really help Canadians to have Netflix only for Candadians. I hate it when American companies only cater to the Americans and not the Canadians who want to use them but can't. All these horror stories.

Zip's website seems cheap. Search function is poorly designed. If you search a director's name, you always go to a "Title" tab with no results, then you have to click on the "Director" tab, which is a new separate search. "My Rental History" list only has Previous & Next buttons, so you have to go through every single page to get to the beginning of the list.
The wait for new releases, not Hollywood blockbuster but independent films, could take more than 5 months. I suspect that they ignore the Ziplist's priority numbers or they simple don't have some titles that they claim they have. I have more than 150 in my list, but I don't think this could work when it gets to under 50.
The worst thing about Zip.ca is their standard policy of accusing honest and law abiding customers of stealing if a DVD goes missing in transit. I do not understand the logic behind their attitude and arrogance since I have no control over what happens to a DVD after I drop it in a mailbox. I understand this is a corporation and it only cares about recovering cost. But the fact is that the majority of customers do not steal from them, and treating them this way would simply offend them and drive them away to Zip's competitors.
The only reason why I joined Zip is their huge selection. Most films I watch are foreign, old, hard to find. For people who are interested in mostly mainstream commercial films, there's no reason to join Zip, stick to your local rental store. I'll probably switch to Cinemail soon.

Basically, Zip is a poor imitation of Netflix.
Zip works like a communist regime - controlling what you watch by sending you movies according to their unreliable availability rather than sending you movies according to your ranking.

I use Blockbuster's new DVD Mail Plan + 1 free game per month for $14.99 here in California that is way better than Netflix and I am wondering if Blockbuster in Canada has the same plans like in the US. If they do, I would recommend all of you to switch to Blockbuster. I can order all my DVDs online and drop them off at any blockbuster if I want and exchange it for another dvd in the store while my next dvd's from my list are being sent. They have a huge selection and I like being able to exchange them at the store for free so I always have a DVD. I also like that fact that they automatically email me a voucher for a Free Game or DVD Rental each month in store. I have an XBOX 360 so this comes in very handy since I also use GAMEFLY.COM for all of my XBOX 360 games instead of buying them which I dont do anymore unless the game is a really good one. Most of the games I have rented I would not waste the money on purchasing so Gamefly is a great deal. Also games depreciate so fast that its a waste to buy them.

I just relocated from the US where I was a netflix customer for three years. Its true that the US has a far superior postal service than Canada. Mail moves much faster. That would be the main contributor to the low quality of service of the many Canadian netflix style copycats.

Can someone tell me if there is a dvd movie download service such that the postal services can be bypassed and the movies can be straight downloaded ? Netflix just started such a service at no extra cost but the download only works from a US based IP address.

Zip.ca Customers Beware!!!

When ending your "relationship" with Zip.ca - Only Use Registered Mail to return DVD's.

I sent back all DVD's to them.. and 15 months later I get a bill from a Credit Agency for $130.. no warning Nadda.

Zip Refuses to talk to me, and the Credit Agency says if I was stupid enough not to use Registered Mail.. then I'm outa luck.

These people are Crooks.

I am new to Canada and have been a Netflix member for 4 years now in the States. I have LOVED them and have never once had a problem with them in all four years. Now I have signed up for Zip.ca and I found this website. I am very affraid from all this negativity that this service is gonna suck! Being spoiled by Netflix you can GUARANTEE I'll be back here to give you the lowdown if it DOES suck!

So yeah, I have been a member if zip.ca for over a week now and not a single movie has arrived. I am glad I only signed up for the 5 movies a month plan because at this rate I'm not sure if all 5 movies will even arrive within the month.

Only a week and a half and already disappointed.

I just came online to see if we had netflix in canada (I didn't think it was possible given my many unsatisfactory experiences with canada post in terms of delivery speed if ever). I lived in the USA for 10 years and was always impressed by the speed of mail. I can't apologize for any of the companies but I strongly suspect that canada post is at the root of the problem. 4 days and more to get a letter from point a to b in the same country (if it gets there at all!)? Level the place and start again.

all i can say is...WOW...i was sick of blockbuster and decided to try netflix,discovered it was unavailable and thats how i found my way here.after i read the first comment i was about to google zip right away,but thankfully i read a few more and ended up reading them all.im definitely sticking to blockbuster now.SORRY I EVER COMPLAINED ABOUT UR PRICES BLOCKBUSTER!I LOVE YOU

Well, despite all of the terrible reviews of Zip.ca I've decided to give them a try. I went for the 6 dvd option, since it's a free trial and I'd like to see what they're capable of. So far the selection seems pretty decent. I've found two movies I could not find ANYWHERE. Although they're recommendation system only really recommends popular titles (as a documentary buff this kind of blows), I was able to find a good 34 movies I'm eager to see. I'll be sure to post once I know more.

ha ha

I am not the only with bad experience from Zip/Zap.ca. After canceling my account with them I searched online to find an alternative to their service. Interestingly enough I came across "onlinedvdrentalguide.ca". This site has list of different providers offering same services as Zip/Zap.

I have used their recommendation and signed up with DVDLink.ca.. So far I have been impressed with DVDLink's service. These guys are pretty good than anyone else offering online movies or games rental services in Canada.

I agree with Tim. Count me in as their happy customer. DVDLink.ca is the only choice when it comes to rent movies and games from one supplier.

I was about to sign up for DVDlink but have never used an online service before. Just looking for more feedback on them if anyone else has tried them. I only want them for movies, so the game aspect is not an issue. Thanks.

I would like to recommend DVDLink.ca as the premier online DVD place in all of Canada. Their price range is the most affordable among all of the online businesses here. 19.99 per month and a two week free trial is a big plus. They have over 25000 titles of Movies plus 1500 Blurays and over 1500 Games.

Best thing i like is you can get both Movies and Games at same time. Before this I was having two account with two different companies, One for Movies and One for Games, Now I enjoy both things with DVDLink.

I have been a member of DVDLink for over one year and have been more than happy with their level of service to me personally. Most places just send out an email. The guys at DVDLink actually CALL you to see how things are. More importantly is the turn around time.
Even though headquartered in Vancouver I recieve movies here in Halifax within 3 days at latest.

If anyone wants to take a chance on a Canadian web-rental company. This is the one to take your chance on.

I was searching around for an alternative to zip.ca a while ago when I came across this blog, I've been meaning to post here now for a few months, just remembered today lol.

So, story is, I wasn't too pleased with my service and delivery times for zip, sometimes they'd even send me movies from BC, and it would take forever to get it here in Montreal! I asked them to stop doing that, to please send only from Ontario, they told me there's nothing that could be done. I spoke to a few people, even the manager and they all gave me the same story (one of them was Really rude as well), that really ticked me off, so I cancelled soon after.

I searched around some more (this is when I came across this site) and over the next few months I signed up to a couple other ones that I found on dvdrentalguide, still wasn't happy with either the serice (star flix by far the worst) or long delivery times (ones coming from out west). Finally I signed up to kaku.ca, I gotta admit, and I haven't looked back. The customer service was right on the ball (I had some questions before signing up, they were quick to answer!), they even sent me a little gift when I signed up :). The delivery times are next to nothing, and my returns are just as fast.

Also want to add, I referred a friend, she only speaks French (very little English), the website and customer service personnel are perfectly bilingual, she also told me that she requested some French movies (there's an option to request a movie once you're a member) and within 2 days she got an email saying that they added it for her! Which reminds me of another annoyance, when I was with zip there were movies on the list that they didn't actually carry! What a scam! They give this HUGE "titles" count, but they don't actually have some of them !? apparently they wait until Enough people put them on their lists, then they buy it, so I spend all this time making a list, and they didn't even carry over 20 of my requested movies... Kaku's numbers aren't as high, but (and I asked them about this) all the movies on their list are actually in their inventory.

My friend and I go on kaku.ca just about every day now to submit reviews on movies we've seen (gets us bonus points :o) ), and we've both noticed that they add new and old movies every time we've visited, so they must be adding new stuff every day as well.

One last thing, they rent games as well, I've rented few Xbox360 and Wii games for my nephew, I found renting them at the local stores cost too much, so I was really happy that this was included in my usual subscription :)

So, I hope I haven't written too much, but I feel compelled to share when I've actually had a good experiences with a Canadian company =D

Suggestion: DVDLink.ca

used zip for 2 years until i found out about another great site. This site is mix of zip(for movies) and gameaccess(for games) DVDLink.ca is only site in Canada to offer movies and games for one price. Great selection, price and customer service

So far there hasn't been a single incident where I’ve received movies from the bottom of my list. Everything is coming from top 5. Give these guys a try before turning back to local video stores.