install nightmare...and it hasn't even happened yet.

[asmcbride]

boy 'oh boy, I knew dealing w/ Dish was going to be a pain that's why I waited so long to do the DIU, but so far it's been worse than expected. After calling 3-4 times to get to speak with someone that knew alittle about what they were talking about I finally got my order in for the DIU...getting 2 new receivers in place of my existing 2 and adding a dish for 61.5. The install was scheduled for 2 weeks out, my card was charged the appropriate amount for the 2 new boxes.
I decided to call the local installer a few days before the install just to confirm all the details...they told me that the workorder was only for 1 new receiver and that it also included a 34 switch, which I had explicitly already told Dish would not work in my setup (thanks to research on this forum in preparation). This resulted in 1 hours worth of additional phone calls back to dish to get everything corrected.
The next day I decided to call the local installer back to verify that their work order reflected the new info for both new receivers and the DPP Twin, instead of the 34 switch....Everything sounded good until they told me that the install date had been pushed back another 7 days (I had already scheduled vacation for the original install date), needless to say I was pissed. Had I not called the local installer back I wouldn't even have known that Dish changed the date on me. This resulted in another hours worth of calls to Dish and lots and lots of complaining. I was told so much BS - that adding the 2nd receiver (211) took so much additional time that a new date had to be scheduled. Keep in mind that it's only swapping an already existing receiver. Then they told me that it takes much longer because the have to setup my TV for HD (I guess they forgot to check that I have been and HD subscriber for years, and we all know that this is just BS) They were extremely stubborn and even tried to blame me saying that I should have requested 2 new receivers orginally (keep in mind that I did request 2 and that they gladly charged my credit card for 2).
In the end they decided to do a conf. call with the local installer who agreed to keep the same date and add the 2nd box...
All of this additional phone time and worrying and the the installer hasn't even been here yet, this worries me!

 

[Nyth]

Modifying a work order in D*'s system ALWAYS changes the install date. However, the installer can install at ANYTIME before that date. You should be able to arrange with your installer to come on the original date. When the work is completed he can pull the WO forward and still close it.

I install about 70 systems each month and I often have to modify work orders after I get on site and review the WO with the customer and find that it was wrong. Dish will always change the date on the WO. I don't care. I won't leave and come back a different day. Complete the work and close anyway.

On another note, when a WO is modified they almost never can remove equipment from it. Doesn't matter. Only equipment that is actually used is charged to the installer. Accurate account notes are important.

For example, in the Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay WI DMA's 121 Superdishes were needed for locals from 2004 till Mid-April 2006 when E10 went hot. At that time the locals moved from 121 to 110. Any WO's that I get for HD upgrades for customers that have SuperD's always have a 20in wing dish and a DPP44 switch. Those switches are $200 a pop. They are not needed as you can just disconnect the 121 from the existing DP34 and replace with the 129 or 61.5. We cannot get the DPP44 removed from the WO's as D*'s applications software insists that it IS needed. We just note it on the account that we did not use it and it stays in our inventory and does not get charged. I Have a DPP44 in my truck that has been in there for about 6 months. (I usually modify these WO to use the new K2 dish.)

 

[asmcbride]

What started bad, ended PERFECT!

The installer showed bright and early Saturday morning and everything went perfect, couldn't have been better. My installer was a young guy (early 20s) and was very knowledgable. He installed my 61.5 and did a great job, even used the proper digging tools to plant the post and even backfilled with a bag of concrete.

He installed the 622 & 211 and gave me a very good tutorial on the DVR functions. He was great to work with, very pleasant and answered any questions I had. In fact, he even gave me 2 extra Blue Holland Diplexers and 4 extra Perfect Vision Splitters (this was in addition to the diplexers and splitters he used to install everything). He also gave me an extra 6.3 remote so I could use it to change my 622 TV1 to IR/UHF so I can watch HD in another room of the house with a long set of video cables I had previously installed.

All in all I am very happy with the way the install went and really like the 622. I especially like the way the HD channels are listed in the guide next to their respective SD channels.

One thing I'm wondering, what's the procedure to get the (2) $50 credits for the 2 new receivers?

--mcbride

 

[asmcbride]

charge on bill

just noticed that my online account is showing a charge of $59.95 for 'Equipment Install', even though I was told on several occasions that the install was free of charge. I guess this will result in more dreaded phone calls to the customer service line...

 

[KAB]

They charged me as well, despite the work-order saying N/C. I called and they quickly took it off.

 

[moltomateo]

just noticed that my online account is showing a charge of $59.95 for 'Equipment Install', even though I was told on several occasions that the install was free of charge. I guess this will result in more dreaded phone calls to the customer service line...

Go to tech support instead of billing. Check and make sure it's legitimate, if it adds up to more than the price for diu, it's wrong. Otherwise it's right. You can fill out the redemption form for your credits at www.dishnetwork.com/bonus.

 

[Hall]

Maybe that charge is for the remote that he "gave" you...