My weekend call /MPEG4 upgrade "news"

[landlocked]

I called DTV over the weekend regarding the dying E86 I own and was told by someone in the tech department (so take it for what it's worth) that when the MPEG4 upgrade happens in my area, she anticipates the same upgrade deal currently being offered:

$99 dish and one HD receiver. $99 to swap out each additional receiver for HD.

I went ahead and bought a new H20 last night even though the lease is around the corner. What's to say I wouldn't have gotten a H10 as part of the lease? If they want to make money, I would guess they would offer the cheaper one as part of the $5 lease and let customers buy better versions at stores or pay a higher lease price for D* to send one out.

 

[Alan Lackey]

I must stink at negotiations because the CSR I tried tonight only wanted to give me the HR10 for 599 minuse the 200 MIR plus 100 for installation and didn't even offer any free programming...all that for the benefit of signing up for 2 years....

Didn't take it that is for sure...

 

[javahh]

I must stink at negotiations because the CSR I tried tonight only wanted to give me the HR10 for 599 minuse the 200 MIR plus 100 for installation and didn't even offer any free programming...all that for the benefit of signing up for 2 years....

Didn't take it that is for sure...

When they do this escalate up to the next level. I did the other night and got the H20 and AT9 dish installed for $99. Sometimes you gotta push to get a good deal. And yes looks like I am committed for another 2 years but what the heck. I hate Charter and am not even interested in DISH.: for HDTV

 

[Alan Lackey]

So how do you get them to move you up...I did move up one level when the lady I was talking to was obviously reading their deals right off the website...it was sad. The second tier seem much more knowledgeable...but basically offered me the same deal.

 

[javahh]

So how do you get them to move you up...I did move up one level when the lady I was talking to was obviously reading their deals right off the website...it was sad. The second tier seem much more knowledgeable...but basically offered me the same deal.

First thing I do is put them at ease. But don't do this by losing control of the conversation. Always stay in control. Let them know you are completely pleased with thier service. Chat about how you love HD. I know this sounds kinda corny, but it works. If they turn you down, keep going. I know a lot of people will disagree with this method, but over the 5 years I have had D* and the 1.5 years of HD, I have gotten free programming, free recievers, and discounts worth close to $600. For this they have a sub who plans to stay with them for many years to come. Sure they have made some mistakes, but always corrected in short order. Second Tier is just the start for me. And although they have some customer service issues, for the most part all the CSR's do a fairly decent job.

 

[VIPERS-PIT]

I must stink at negotiations because the CSR I tried tonight only wanted to give me the HR10 for 599 minuse the 200 MIR plus 100 for installation and didn't even offer any free programming...all that for the benefit of signing up for 2 years....

Didn't take it that is for sure...

I signed up with the 4 free recievers and install. 1 mounth later got a 100% free TIVO reciever and install. Then added a 5th standard reciever for 50 bucks. Last mounth got an H10 free after rebate and free install with 6 mouths free HD programing. 1 week later the H20 went nation wide and I got a H20 with AT9 dish for free and free install (plus I got to keep the H10). Plus 3 free service calls!!

so for 5 SD recivers, a TIVO unit 2 HD units and the 4 dishes they have installed I have spent a total of $50 bucks!! I did buy a 2nd TIVO at walmart for $80 bucks (but D* wasnt involved in that one).

I guess I have been lucky.

 

[javahh]

So how do you get them to move you up...I did move up one level when the lady I was talking to was obviously reading their deals right off the website...it was sad. The second tier seem much more knowledgeable...but basically offered me the same deal.

So what did you come up with??

 

[Alan Lackey]

I have not called them back yet. Busy with getting the new TV setup in my wall unit.

I will give them another ring probably later in the weekend.

 

[javahh]

I have not called them back yet. Busy with getting the new TV setup in my wall unit.

I will give them another ring probably later in the weekend.

OK sounds good..remember to be patient..good luck

 

[landlocked]

The woman I spoke with couldn't offer me the $99 deal yet since MPEG4 isn't in my market yet. She just said that was in the current offer in rollout areas.

After talking for about almost an hour about DTV service & troubleshooting a receiver, the lady gave me $5 off the monthly price "for being a nice guy." I have no doubt CSR people there are given some room to work with customers to keep them happy. Heck, I'm happy that my "preferred member card" cuts my call wait time down...and I can speak with someone who has clear English!

 

[VIPERS-PIT]

I live in DMA market 102 (def over 100)I believe and got the free H20 upgrage.

 

[ricard2798]

To the guy that could not upgreade because the mpg 4 programing is not available in your market yet... well, the rep is wrong... they can do it. They did for me.

I live in miami Florida, and just upgraded to the $99 dollar deal (dish and receiver) today feb 28.

Basically after getting a clueless rep, i asker for a supervisor (and got something called a resolution specialist). She was able to place the order in the nick fo time since tomorrow you cant buy the units anymore. $99 dollars for the installation, and 200 for the equipment (mins 200 rebate)

Funy thing is that i was not aware about the lease program till I loged in here tonight.

 

[charper1]

I live in DMA market 102 (def over 100)I believe and got the free H20 upgrage.

FYI (not sure of your DMA)

Youngstown #102

 

[landlocked]

Here's an update on my situation. I called back yesterday asking if I could get a second H20 unit w/ $200 rebate from a retailer even though I had picked up one H20 a couple of weeks earlier with the rebate. I was told no deal. I was also told no go on the new dish since MPEG 4 wasn't in my market yet and to call back when offered.

The seemingly new CSR didn't sound confident so I called back.

The next woman, bless her, was able to get me a new dish and 2 x HD20 for $99 installed next week. She even threw in free HD for 3 months.

I chalk my getting the deal more to her being aware of her customer appreciation lattidute than my being smooth.

They are, however, going to take my Samsung 360 and Hughs E-86 -- but what good will those be in a year??

 

[waja]

I called DirecTv (800-824-9081) on Monday after seeing that Newegg had the H20 for $169. I had already bought the HR10-250 with the $100 rebate and decide to get the H20 if I could get a good deal. Called Customer Service at the above number and told her about the Newegg price. I was offered an H20, 5 lnb antenna, and installation for $215 plus a credit to my account for $31, 3 months free Showtime and 3 months free HD Package. After $200 rebate, I'm ahead ~$50 and I have some Showtime to watch.


Rick

 

[MichiganFan]

I got the hr10-250 lease this afternoon through retention. Got $150 off the lease, free HBO for 6 months, and free install (all leases are free install, so not really a perk). I was also told by two different reps that the HR20 mpeg4 dvr upgrade would be free when available. One even said they would be available in April, but I doubt that.

I figured that $349 box with no rebates and no install charges was better than the $599 purchase with the $200 rebate and install charges pre-lease. Plus this has TiVO and can pull in more OTA locals than the four mpeg4 locals. There are probably better deals out there, but that's my story.

I didn't get an answer on whether they would swap H20's or purchased equipment. I could see D* forcing people to turn in their purchased boxes once the HR20 comes out - "Get a $300 credit for turning in your HR10 and owning the HR20 (pay $499) or lease one for $499 and keep your H10"

 

[Alan Lackey]

So what number did you call to get to retention??

 

[MichiganFan]

800 824-9081

You connect immediately. From what I hear, some people get better deals than others, possibly based on service history, the rep who answers, or patience. Some escalate the call to get more. Some have to call 2 or 3 different times. I figure $150 off the phone price is a start, since the website lists a $100 instant rebate for web orders. Should also be able to get some premium programming. I'd love to hear what others are getting.