Dead 721, easiest way to get new unit?

[iKramerica]

This is my fourth dead 721 since I got my first one in 2003. Quality product, not, but I love the damn thing. I've been a Dish customer since 1996, continuously, and they've been good enough to send new 721s with minimal fuss (often for cost of shipping or a nominal replacement charge, fist time at no cost at all).

I'm not averse to getting a more modern DVR replacement at this point if they insist, even paying a bit extra for the 622 or 722 HD models (even though it means a DVR fee, which i've avoided by sticking with the 721). After all, i do have an HDTV. My problem is, I can't sign a long term contract because I may be moving in 3 months. I'd gladly return any leased equipment when I move if I can't hook up Dish where I end up. I just don't want to pay $300 for a unit I'll be giving back, or have a $200 cancel fee, since that's basically the same thing...

At this point, what are my options? One of course is to switch to cable, since they don't have contracts. I hate that thought, their equipment stinks, but I can live with it for a few months if I had to.

The second is to convince Dish that I don't need a contract due to length of time as a customer and because Cable doesn't require it.

Then there's the cost of the box. Who pays? Does Dish 'n it up still exist and how will that work? And can I convince them not to send some installer out here when all I need is a box? I don't want them messing with my cabling.

PS - I know the 721 is dead due to the very nice screen that comes up telling me the HD Has Failed and to call Dish, then if I pull the plug, it reinstalls the system, reformats the drive, works until I try to record something, then fails again once the recording has been going for a few minutes. lather, rinse, repeat.

 

[Charise]

I think I'd call Dish and see how much a replacement 721 would cost, especially since you own it, right? Then if you move and want to upgrade, you can still try to sell the 721 (though I have no idea if anyone is still buying them).

I think if you do the Dishin' It Up route, you may have to go with the 18 month contract.

 

[iKramerica]

Thanks, but I'm looking for a more insider's POV on this. Obviously I can just go the retail and current joe shmoe promotions, but I know there are also all sorts of customer retention options that aren't publicized but that people here have been successful with. Special phone numbers and email addresses, etc.

That's what I'm after.

 

[Van]

Set up the dish home protection plan then call back the next day and start the process of replacing the receiver, short of that your only other options are to check with claude at dishstore.net or get one off ebay.

 

[bestrealtor]

When I upgraded to the 622 after my 500 died, I got it for FREE because I extended my service for 18mo. I first had to pay $149 for it with a credit card, and they rebated 100% of the cost as a credit towards my monthly service fees, so after 2 months, it was completely reimbursed.

Moving has no effect on the service extension, since I moved 3 mo. after the new contract was signed. Moving goes with you the subscriber, not the location of the house. They even did the free "Dishmover" program, so basically nothing had ever costs me a dime.

This is one reason I am still with them after 10 years.

 

[Claude Greiner]

Set up the dish home protection plan then call back the next day and start the process of replacing the receiver, short of that your only other options are to check with claude at dishstore.net or get one off ebay.

I actually got one in stock which is a referb still wrapped in the plastic for $200

 

[iKramerica]

Moving has no effect on the service extension, since I moved 3 mo. after the new contract was signed. Moving goes with you the subscriber, not the location of the house. They even did the free "Dishmover" program, so basically nothing had ever costs me a dime.

Yep, Dishmover has been easy for me. The only problem is that if I do move, I may not be able to hook up Dish depending on my circumstances.

I think I may buy a 722 and then sell it if I can't use it in the future. The net cost would be less than Dish 'n it up + cancelation fees + monthly leases and i won't have to have the installer in my house, screwing up my stuff in the name of science.

So I'll contact Dish retention about the lowest sale price they can give me on a 722, then contact a retailer.

Or should I contact "CEO" instead? Or retention department? Which seems to be better at getting decent deals?

PS - the unit went completely dead, can't even watch shows without recording anything anymore. Had to take my old model 5000 out of the guest bedroom and put in in the main system. Amazing that the 5000 still works flawlessly after 11 years. Rock solid unit, even after all the dish FW upgrades and various new smart cards over the years.

 

[DougE]

This is my fourth dead 721 since I got my first one in 2003. Quality product, not, but I love the damn thing. I've been a Dish customer since 1996, continuously, and they've been good enough to send new 721s with minimal fuss (often for cost of shipping or a nominal replacement charge, fist time at no cost at all).

I'm not averse to getting a more modern DVR replacement at this point if they insist, even paying a bit extra for the 622 or 722 HD models (even though it means a DVR fee, which i've avoided by sticking with the 721). After all, i do have an HDTV. My problem is, I can't sign a long term contract because I may be moving in 3 months. I'd gladly return any leased equipment when I move if I can't hook up Dish where I end up. I just don't want to pay $300 for a unit I'll be giving back, or have a $200 cancel fee, since that's basically the same thing...

At this point, what are my options? One of course is to switch to cable, since they don't have contracts. I hate that thought, their equipment stinks, but I can live with it for a few months if I had to.

The second is to convince Dish that I don't need a contract due to length of time as a customer and because Cable doesn't require it.

Then there's the cost of the box. Who pays? Does Dish 'n it up still exist and how will that work? And can I convince them not to send some installer out here when all I need is a box? I don't want them messing with my cabling.

PS - I know the 721 is dead due to the very nice screen that comes up telling me the HD Has Failed and to call Dish, then if I pull the plug, it reinstalls the system, reformats the drive, works until I try to record something, then fails again once the recording has been going for a few minutes. lather, rinse, repeat.

I have two 721's not being used. Both have been activated until earlier this year when I upgraded. Any offers for one of them? They are complete with remote control and manual.

Doug E

 

[iKramerica]

RESOLVED:

I contacted the ceo email address and detailed my problem (3 failed 721s over time, inability to commit to 18 months as a renter with a lease up in 5 months). They promptly called me, and I couldn't take the call at the time, so called them back via a direct phone number, and we worked out a deal where I would be sent a 625 for nothing (no replacement fee, no $49 dish-it-up fee, no activation charge, no shipping, no anything) and would not be obligated to an 18 month contract. I do have to pay the DVR fee now of course (one of the 721 perks was no fee), and the lease fee. But I think that's pretty fair. I just hope I like the 625 as much as I liked the 721 (when it was working). I am happy about the agile stereo output vs. the old mono channel 3 only output.

I am also eligible for the 722 upgrade in the future should I want to, for $99 after discounts and no 18 month commitment according to the woman I spoke with, which I might opt for when I move if I can still get Dish. I just didn't want the hassle of getting a new dish installed and the logistics of a 50 foot cable run for HD to my TV was not something I wanted to deal with for only a few months (my 721 is located in a central cabinet). I'm happy with off-air HDTV for now.

Anyway, Dish does respond to long time customers, especially ones who mention they may be forced to switch to Time Warner even if they don't want to rather than commit to 18 months.