Apparently netflix wants to improve its estimated delivery dates (EDD). I just received the following email:

Dear Elliott,

We are always making improvements to ensure you receive your movies quickly. As part of this process we like to ask our members how we are doing from time to time. Please tell us your delivery experience for The Running Man (1987), which was shipped to you on Monday, August 08, 2005 by clicking on the appropriate link below.

* I received the movie Tuesday, August 9th 2005

www.netflix.com/DeliverySurvey?&qlineid=672684989&adate=09082005&adays=1

* I received the movie Wednesday, August 10th 2005

www.netflix.com/DeliverySurvey?&qlineid=672684989&adate=09082005&adays=2

* I received the movie after Wednesday, August 10th 2005

www.netflix.com/DeliverySurvey?&qlineid=672684989&adate=01013001&adays=99

Thanks for your help!

-Your Friends at Netflix

If you look at the URL they use, it’s pretty funny that they encode “late” as estimated arrival date = 01/01/3001 and days late = 99. Hackery aside, this technique is important for building a good distribution network. The more information they have about actual delivery dates, the better their statistical models will be and the sooner you, the customer, will get your stuff.

Since Netflix is facing stiff competition from Blockbuster and Amazon, they need to make sure they have the best possible distribution network. If Amazon does step into the US DVD rental game, it will bring with it the world’s best distribution network and data, and then Netflix would be stuck doing catchup. However, it looks like they’ve tried to get an early start on the game.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 9th, 2005 at 8:20 pm and is tagged with rental game, delivery experience, statistical models, netflix, delivery dates, catchup, estimated delivery, distribution network, stiff competition, amazon, blockbuster, arrival date, improvements, thanks for your help. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback.

One Response to “Netflix Estimated Delivery Date”

1. Gerald Stinnett says:

   10/21/2007 at 8:56 am

   I receive the movie on Saturday October 20, 2007

   Reply