Could I be doing better on my monthly Directv bill? Retention plan strategy

[Rockstead]

I’m paying a boat load for my Directv services, here is a copy of my charges, how much better could I realistically be doing with a retention type plan if I threaten to leave?

Also, does anyone else have this credit showing up on your monthly bill? I just noticed it and I’m not a wireless customer

8. One Time: AT&T Unlimited Wireless HBO Credit on 09/28 -16.01

I’m also considering canceling the HD extra pack, I think those channels have commercials.

Ridiculous to pay for whole house DVR fee is ridiculous

Same thing for paying extra for DVR, I’m using old HR24s.


ACCOUNT ACTIVITY
DIRECTV Channels
1. PREMIER 137.99
$13 off HBO with AT&T Unlimited Wireless
2. DIRECTV HD EXTRA PACK 4.99
3. Regional Sports Fee 7.29
SUBTOTAL 150.27
DIRECTV Equipment Services
4. Watch DIRECTV on Multiple TVs 28.00
5 TVs at $7 each; Save $7 off 1st TV
5. Advanced Receiver Service - HD 10.00
6. Advanced Receiver Service - DVR 10.00
7. DIRECTV Whole-Home DVR Service 3.00
SUBTOTAL 51.00
Other Charges, Adjustments & Taxes
8. One Time: AT&T Unlimited Wireless HBO Credit on 09/28 -16.01
Taxes
9. Sales Tax 3.84
SUBTOTAL -12.17
Total Amount Due 189.10

 

[Kraven]

Wow! Am not sure if its an "American thing" to pay that type of bill. There's no way I'd agree to pay even half that. 51$ in fees alone...damn!
Colleague behind me saw this and said "holy crap"

If its feasible for you I'd strongly consider Sling.

 

[Ronnie-]

I am sure you can get some sort of discount by calling and asking, but do not be surprised if you threaten to cancel and they call your bluff.

I had the same reaction as Kraven. Wow, that is alot for sat service. Everyones needs and wants are different though, and if its worth it to you, that is all that matters.
I would consider looking into one of the streaming alternatives though if you have the internet to support it. Personally I recommend PS Vue, but there are several options such as Sling, DirectvNow, Hulu Live.

 

[mdram]

fewer tvs, and lower the pack

 

[Jimbo]

He's paying $137 for Premiere ...
I thought that Premiere covered all channels outside of the PPV stuff.
The HD Extra you would think would already be part of that package.

Looks like the OP is a long time sub, seeing the Advanced Recvr Fee is broke down, they don't do that anymore ... HD, DVR fees ($10 and $10) plus the Whole home $3.

 

[Rockstead]

He's paying $137 for Premiere ...
I thought that Premiere covered all channels outside of the PPV stuff.
The HD Extra you would think would already be part of that package.

Looks like the OP is a long time sub, seeing the Advanced Recvr Fee is broke down, they don't do that anymore ... HD, DVR fees ($10 and $10) plus the Whole home $3.

You are correct on me being a long time user, almost going on 10 years.

And yeah it sucks that HD Extra isn’t included.

I was hoping for feedback from other people in a similar situation that were able to reduce their fees.

 

[ejb1980]

Wow! Am not sure if its an "American thing" to pay that type of bill. There's no way I'd agree to pay even half that. 51$ in fees alone...damn!
Colleague behind me saw this and said "holy crap"

If its feasible for you I'd strongly consider Sling.

What other country would English speaking Directv customers be from?

 

[Kraven]

What other country would English speaking Directv customers be from?

Bangkok

 

[Claude Greiner]

Call and cancel, say your getting Dish next week and make the cancellation several days from now.

Keep your phone nearby because they will offer you discounts

 

[El_Viejo]

I have the Choice Xtra Classic which don't contain sports package, but I still get charged 7.29 for regional sports fee!

 

[Jimbo]

I have the Choice Xtra Classic which don't contain sports package, but I still get charged 7.29 for regional sports fee!

That doesn't include any Sports channels ?

 

[mdram]

hers the thing
you knew the price for the full pack when you got it
if your not prepared to pay that price, lower the pack
remove rooms, ect
or just ditch pay tv

 

[raoul5788]

That doesn't include any Sports channels ?

It includes virtually all of them except the oom regional ones.

 

[Rockstead]

hers the thing
you knew the price for the full pack when you got it
if your not prepared to pay that price, lower the pack
remove rooms, ect
or just ditch pay tv

Why lower my plan when I can negotiate a better price through retention, never hurts to try and always helps to learn a from the experience of others in regards to retention pricing.

 

[littlecloud319]

Even dish is a cheaper option. I’d recommend coming over to Dish and getting the Hopper 3 with joeys. If they want to charge extra upfront for the Hopper 3 then go with the Hopper w/sling. Either one will be superior to what you have now. And there’s news that D* is going to be moving to tv via internet only. With Dish you get a 2 year price lock regardless of what plan you have. I think it would definitely be worth a look at least and compare to what you have now.

 

[mdram]

Even dish is a cheaper option. I’d recommend coming over to Dish and getting the Hopper 3 with joeys. If they want to charge extra upfront for the Hopper 3 then go with the Hopper w/sling. Either one will be superior to what you have now. And there’s news that D* is going to be moving to tv via internet only. With Dish you get a 2 year price lock regardless of what plan you have. I think it would definitely be worth a look at least and compare to what you have now.

dish is not always cheaper, in my case it would go up @ $5 a month
hopper has 3 tuners, genie has 5, unless its the hopper 3 its not really better
and directv is not going internet only, that is just laughable

 

[JeremyL]

I'm in the same situation as you. I'm a long time DirecTV customer thinking of switching to Dish.

Here's my bill for comparison:

DirecTV Channels
1. Ultimate - 97.99
2. DirecTV HD Extra Pack - 4.99
3. Regional Sports Fee - 7.29
Subtotal - 110.27
DirecTV Eqiupment Services
4. Watch DirecTV on Multiple TVs (4 TVs at $7 each; Save $7 off 1st TV) - 21.00
5. Advanced Receiver Service - 25.00
6. DirecTV Protection Plan - 7.99
7. Mobile DVR Service (Complimentary) - 0.00
Subtotal - 53.99
Other Discounts
8. $2 Advanced Receiver Credit - -2.00
Subtotal - -2.00
Total Amount Due = $162.26

In the Summer I get MLB Extra Innings which adds another $28 or so to the bill.