Anyone remember Columbia House?

Yep, I remember both. I built my CD collections from the ages of 13-17 via Colombia House and BMG.... Yeah...

I lived in Indiana where both originated out of; Columbia House in Terre Haute and BMB in Indianapolis. I was only with Columbia House for a little while, but I was huge with BMG. I couldn't possibly tell you how many C.D's I got through those guys. I use to order under my name, my middle name, my Mother's name, my Father's name and maybe even my brothers. I would literally be getting 60 C.D's for free and only have to pay for 5 plus the shipping and handling charges. Then, I wouldn't order for two months and quit the subscription. BMG like clockwork would want my business from all five back in a matter of another month, and I was back to it again.

When I was at Indiana University I lived with two girls. I got called Jack Tripper all the time, it was hilarious. But anyways, one of them worked for BMG during the summer; she said not only did BMG know people were using false names, but they didn't really seem to be all that concerned with that practice. The only thing they cracked down on was the number of orders going to one residence. For instance, one of my buddies who was in a fraternity told me that BMG said there were too many people at one address and I think all business ceased at that particular address.

metalinmyveins wrote:

I couldn't possibly tell you how many C.D's I got through those guys. I use to order under my name, my middle name, my Mother's name, my Father's name and maybe even my brothers. I would literally be getting 60 C.D's for free and only have to pay for 5 plus the shipping and handling charges. Then, I wouldn't order for two months and quit the subscription. BMG like clockwork would want my business from all five back in a matter of another month, and I was back to it again.

This sounds exactly like me, because this is what I used to do all the time in the same manner.

GrandNational wrote:

metalinmyveins wrote:

I couldn't possibly tell you how many C.D's I got through those guys. I use to order under my name, my middle name, my Mother's name, my Father's name and maybe even my brothers. I would literally be getting 60 C.D's for free and only have to pay for 5 plus the shipping and handling charges. Then, I wouldn't order for two months and quit the subscription. BMG like clockwork would want my business from all five back in a matter of another month, and I was back to it again.

This sounds exactly like me, because this is what I used to do all the time in the same manner.

me too

I knew lots of guys who pulled that scam on Columbia House, but even though I was tempted to try that game as well, I stuck with my single membership. I guess I was afraid that I'd be the ONE guy they'd nail to the wall and make an example out of.

Quote :

I guess I was afraid that I'd be the ONE guy they'd nail to the wall and make an example out of.

Somebody at Megaupload that said the exact same thing. Weird.

I started ordering LP's and tapes when I was about 12. Ordered them all the time. Then I discovered BMG which had a better deal (buy one get 2 free). I was in it until a few years ago and I had no idea they went out of business.

I also bought my boxed sets from there. I bought The Police "Message In A Box" and when I did I qualified for "2 free of equal or lesser value". So yeah, it was a great place to buy boxed sets.

I also discovered two bands by not sending back those annoying return cards. Got Tesla "Mechanical Resonance" on cassette and thougth "What is this?!?". Played it and loved it. Same with MegaDeth "Countdown". Had no idea what it was played it and loved it. To this day those 2 are still on my playlist. Two best albums I had never heard at the time.

Many of my CD's still have the BMG stamp on the back. They play fine. I remember the tapes were cheap but don't remember ever comparing them to originals. Never complained about them then but also do not own them anymore.

I also remember Columbia House was still printing up Metallica's "Garage Days Re-Revisted 9.98 CD" long after it was out of print. That's how I got my copy when I upgraded from cassette.