12 Video Store Rules That Kids Had to Memorize
Before streaming, kids had to follow these sacred rules to survive a trip to the video rental store.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Long before Netflix and other streaming platforms, the video store was the place to be on a Friday night. But, navigating those aisles came with a rule every kid had to follow. From late fees to the stress of picking the perfect flick, these 12 rules defined the golden era of movie rentals.
1. Be Kind, Rewind
FoxLad on Wikimedia Commons
Failing to rewind your VHS was basically a crime in the eyes of video clerks. Some stores even charged a fine for it; yep, a literal “rewind fee.” Rewinding wasn’t just courteous; it kept the peace.
2. Don’t Hog the New Releases Shelf
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That wall of new arrivals was prime real estate, and you didn’t just linger. You had maybe two minutes to scan the titles before someone nudged you aside.
3. Only One Rental From the “R” Section (If You’re Lucky)
benjamin sTone on Flickr
Unless your parents were cool or careless, you weren’t getting an R-rated movie past the counter. Most stores had strict age checks, even for older teens.
4. Return It By 6 P.M. Or Face the Wrath
kate mccarthy on Flickr
That return time wasn’t a suggestion; it was gospel. Drop it off late and expect a fee, a scolding, or even a ban. There was no mercy, not even if the VCR ate your tape.
5. Never Open a Sealed Rental Tape
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Some tapes had security seals or stickers over the box flap. Rip one open and you’d get the death stare from the clerk.
6. Don’t Talk During the Browse
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Walking through the aisles was a moment of zen, not social hour. Whispering was OK, but yelling, fighting over picks, or begging Mom for “just one more” was frowned upon.
7. Always Check the Box for the Right Tape Inside
LexScope on Unsplash
There was nothing worse than getting home and finding Free Willy inside a Jurassic Park box. Smart kids always checked the tape before leaving the store.
8. Don’t Touch the Adult Section Curtain
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That mysterious backroom behind the beaded curtain? Off-limits. You’d get a death glare — or worse, a full-on lecture, if you even peeked.
9. Pick Fast or Lose the Movie to Someone Else
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Every second you hesitated, someone else snatched the movie you almost picked. It was a race, not a marathon. If you waited too long, you’d end up watching a documentary on cowboys.
10. You Broke It, You Bought It
Ryan Smith on Flickr
Tear a box, crack a case, or mess with the tape? Say goodbye to your allowance. Video stores didn’t play around with damaged property.
11. Never Rent a Movie Without Backup
LexScope on Unsplash
You never put all your eggs in one VHS basket. Smart kids rented two movies — one you wanted, one in case the first was a dud.
12. Don’t Ask the Clerk What’s Good (Unless You Knew Them)
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Clerks had opinions, and not all of them were helpful. Unless you had a relationship, you risked being judged or handed something weird.