Some companies will allow you to mark a title as "returned" on the day you mail it, afterwhich they immediately send out your next title. This can save the 3 or 4 days that it would normally take for your movie to get back to the company. Since this feature works on the honour system, it is sometimes considered a bonus feature and reserved for established customers in good standing. Naturally, the different companies all have their own names for this feature:
It's also important to remember that the various companies who offer a return feature also set their own policies on who is eligible, and how many titles may be marked "returned" at a time (sometimes referred to as "return slots").
Many people post in our forums asking for help in deciding which rental company would be best for them. Our comparison chart can help with facts about each company, and ultimately it's up to each person to decide which is the best service for them. However, we feel comfortable recommending any of the following companies, listed in alphabetical order....
Canflix is based in Calgary, Alberta, and has been in operation since early 2005. While not having as many unique titles as Cinemail or Zip, their catalogue focuses on popular new and recent releases, along with well-known movies from the past. Canflix has developed an excellent reputation for customer service, and they are continually improving their website. Canflix is generally regarded as having one of the better list management systems (the list of movies you have requested). Canflix also sets itself apart by being the only company to include video game rentals in your regular membership. Users have sometimes reported slightly longer shipping times with Canflix than with the other companies. To their credit, Canflix allows you to Flix Return two titles at a time on the 4-disc plan.
Cinemail's online rentals grew out of Movie Village, a brick & mortar video rental store in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They too have developed an excellent record for customer service. Cinemail's prices are a little higher than average, but because they offer 4 Quick Return slots on the 4-disc plan, Cinemail is a favourite for users who want to maximize their turnover each month. Their library, while half the size of Zip's, is still twice as large as any other company.
Cinemail's manager, George, is an active member of our forums.
Everyone, especially those who want to maximize their turnover each month.
Zip is the biggest in Canada, both in membership and available titles. They are based in Ottawa, Ontario, and have been around the longest out of the three. Zip's biggest advantage is that they stock almost every title put to DVD. Zip's website lets you review movies you've seen, and will then make recommendations based on what you enjoyed watching. You can also read other member's movie reviews. Zip awards points for things like reviewing movies, which can then be redeemed for various bonuses (like an extra rental slot for a month).
The most common complaint comes from members who have had a disc go missing in the mail. Currently, this results in automatic suspension of their ZipRefill privilege, without regard for a member's history with the company. It should be noted that it is uncommon for a disc to go missing, and Zip will often reinstate ZipRefill if the member pleads their case to customer service. However, Zip's customer service is almost always regarded as inferior to that of Canflix and Cinemail.
Zip's president, Rick, can occasionally be found in the forums, along with other Zip staff.