Better deal with installer directly?

[neworder71]

I've heard that if you talk to the local installer directly you can get a better deal (freebies, better mounts thrown in, etc), does anybody find this to be true? Does anybody have any advice on what I should look for or demand?

Does anybody have a recommendation on a Memphis installer?

Thanks!

[Cap'n Preshoot]

No.
No.
And no.

First of all, there's no such thing as a "better" mount for the same type of installation, at least not in their working inventory. For the local contract installer a pole is a pole, a roof mount is a roof mount and an eve bracket is an eve bracket. That's not to suggest there aren't better models of each, but the contract installer only has what he has.

Now, that having been said, it has been my experience that once you've made initial contact, the contract installer will often give you a number to reach them direct rather than going through the E* customer service number. My own hypothesis behind this is it allows the contract installer to better control his "callbacks" so that any marginal work doesn't get back to the mother ship.

[harsh]

I've heard that if you talk to the local installer directly you can get a better deal (freebies, better mounts thrown in, etc), does anybody find this to be true?Unless the local dealer is running some sort of DISH-backed special promotion, the deals will likely be the same.

I worked a deal through a local retailer and he gave me a deal because most everything was already set up. My two receiver install took all of 45 minutes including the training session. I've also been able to swing some subsequent deals on other goodies as a result of the relationship I built.

[Kman68]

My installer told me that if you subscribe with E* directly he makes less money and has less flexibility with installation because E* audits installs done for E*. They do not audit if the contract is made through a third party.

I wanted the dishes on the back of the house. Since I went through E* the installer was under contract to mount on the front of the house. He said that if he mounted them on the back of the house he could receive a charge back unless it is a line of sight issue. He also said that in addition to the same deal E* offers, his company throws in an iPod clip and HDMI/optical cables. Even after the gifts, he makes more money.

If I had to do it again, I would contract through a third party. It is good to spread the wealth locally.

[BattleZone]

Okay, just so we're clear, what you're REALLY talking about is ordering through a RETAILER (not an installer; normal installers can't sell DishNetwork directly). Yes, retailers do have more leeway to do non-orthodox installs than a Dish "DNS" in-house or contractor does.

[topcat0399]

im not really sure im getting this part:


My installer told me ....blah blah blah....

I wanted the dishes on the back of the house. Since I went through E* the installer was under contract to mount on the front of the house. He said that if he mounted them on the back of the house he could receive a charge back unless it is a line of sight issue. .......blah blah blah.....

i ALWAYS try to avoid installing a dish in a location that detracts from the appearance of a property if possible. that usually means avoiding somewhere in the front of the house.....

am i missing something?? is it all only about advertising?? oh god say it isnt so!
now im finally positive that i suck as an installer

:icon_lame

[TBoneit]

Strange. I had no problem getting dishes mounted on the back of the house. Who would want to be installed if they were on front. Mine shoot over the roofline.

[Artorture]

Has anybody ever heard of Dish Installation Inc? I am thinking of going back to E* (because I have finnaly had enough of TWC) and I saw an ad that claimed a free four room system and a free HD-DVR upgrade, of course I know that I have to sign a 24 month commitment. Are the reputable or should I go through E* directly?

[boba]

Has anybody ever heard of Dish Installation Inc? I am thinking of going back to E* (because I have finnaly had enough of TWC) and I saw an ad that claimed a free four room system and a free HD-DVR upgrade, of course I know that I have to sign a 24 month commitment. Are the reputable or should I go through E* directly?DII sounds like a retailler rather than part of DISH. That is a standard DISH offer that DISH or any retailler should be able to offer.:)

[TBoneit]

Isn't that the new customer offer? Are you sure you qualify as a returning customer? Not to hurt anybody's feelings but I've seen via a co-worker the lies some of these sellers do.

[grooves12]

My installer told me that if you subscribe with E* directly he makes less money and has less flexibility with installation because E* audits installs done for E*. They do not audit if the contract is made through a third party.

I wanted the dishes on the back of the house. Since I went through E* the installer was under contract to mount on the front of the house. He said that if he mounted them on the back of the house he could receive a charge back unless it is a line of sight issue. He also said that in addition to the same deal E* offers, his company throws in an iPod clip and HDMI/optical cables. Even after the gifts, he makes more money.

If I had to do it again, I would contract through a third party. It is good to spread the wealth locally.

Sounds to me like your installer was feeding you a load of crap because he was being lazy and wanted to do the easy and quick install. And he SURE as hell wasn't going to go out of his way for you on a "lesser" payment because it was a direct order.

[Artorture]

Isn't that the new customer offer? Are you sure you qualify as a returning customer? Not to hurt anybody's feelings but I've seen via a co-worker the lies some of these sellers do.

Technically I will a new customer because the previous account was under another name.

[TBoneit]

Ok I see you have checked things out. I just didn't want a surprise Bill coming along later.

[mattfast1]

I always recommend going thru E* directly. I have taken calls from people with 3rd party installs (and contracts) where they have LOS issues 45 minutes after the install leaves, and if they want us to come fix it we have to (well, should anyway) charge them for a service call.

If you go direct, even if they end up subcontracting the work to a retailer, and the genius decides to hook up your power inserter for your DPP44 to port 3 and ends up frying the switch, it's covered. Completely.

[tdutcher]

I went with a local retailer. He's been in business 15 years, has done several installs in the area, and I was very happy with the job he did. Plus he did throw in a free HDMI cable - even though that wasn't part of the up front agreement.

[mattfast1]

Sometimes retailers do throw in the HDMI cable. Most don't. And DISH doesn't. As long as you got a good install though, who cares who you sign up through, really?

[jsk]

If you deal directly with E*, it's luck of the draw. If you go with an installer that has a good reputation, then you have a much better chance of a flawless install. All you have to do is ask on this board and could be referred to a great installer. It's worth it do do your homework, especially if you want your dish mounted on your roof.