Standard vs VIP Installation [Archive]

CJTE

07-06-08, 05:23 PM

Like I said in the other thread, if I remember correctly you can get up to 2 wall fishes for free, and I think the pole mount is free if you need it, but everything else is about the same.

There may be some other minor differences. If you call DirecTV they should be able to tell you.

Also, the tech may fight what DirecTV told you, so if you do decide to actually take them up on the VIP offer, be prepared to stand around for a while, and talk to a techs supervisor.

joe diamond

07-06-08, 06:43 PM

Do you pay for this VIP thing?

How do you get it?

Someone should have explained this already.........never heard of VIP.

Joe

NYCEGUY01

07-06-08, 06:51 PM

A pole mount is supposed to always be free if its a line of sight issue.

This is one of those everybodys wrong kinda things. lol

On a VIP workorder DTV adds a line item called custom labor ( something like that, I havent seen one for a while ) but by the time it gets to the HSP and tech there isnt really any way for them to get paid for that line item so they will want to charge you for it.

Generally in the days before siebel ( basically a computer that does all the scheduling and routing ) the HSP would try and make sure that a In -House tech and usually a Lead would get the order but now the computer does it all so its a coin flip.

NYCEGUY01

07-06-08, 06:54 PM

CJTE

07-06-08, 07:15 PM

Also a VIP w.o. can be had several ways.

A current employee of DTV ( or call center etc... ), Sometimes a mover of a long time customer, A customer that has extrodinary circumstances or problems etc.. , alot of commercial jobs have that as well.

There is a ton of ways to get that but the only way that is certain is to be an employee.

The only other time I can think of for sure is if you have get the friend/family deal, I dont remember what its called, but theres a specific number you have to call, like refer-a-friend, and you have to give the CSR your friends DirecTV Employee Number. The offer is valid for 1 year of protection plan free, and VIP install.

Now that you've brought Siebel up, did you guys ever get those imaginary "handsets" that allow you to remotely access it (it was supposed to help eliminate calls to the dispatch office) or was that somebody blowin' smoke?

NYCEGUY01

07-06-08, 07:27 PM

They exist but most have never actually seen one in person.

PANCHITO

07-06-08, 08:25 PM

different type of VIP, depend who you are. VIP 1 , VIP 2 and VIP 3, in-house tech jobs. I know 1 of those get everything they want , if they want 3 extra line to the same location they can have it. no questions ask.

Mertzen

07-06-08, 09:19 PM

At our HSP either the special project devision had to do the job or at least a supervisor. Once did a 6 set ka/ku VIP job.

Justin23

07-06-08, 09:25 PM

I got my VIP referral from a D* employee.

J

BattleZone

07-06-08, 11:07 PM

VIP-1s get pretty much anything they want. These are very, very rare, as they're limited to executive management for the most part. We did the Mover's Connection for the DirecTV exec who ran the TiVo project when she moved to the East Bay, after 2 other contractors and an in-house tech refused to do the job. (Of course, the HSP was supposed to pay for the custom work, but that never happened...)

VIP-3s, which are far more common, basically get nothing extra, except a greater effort is made to make the appointment window, usually by making them the only AM or only PM for the installer, if possible.

I've never seen a VIP-2.

Drew2k

07-06-08, 11:40 PM

I got my VIP referral from a D* employee.

JThe DIRECTV employee should have explained what is provided with the VIP installation. I'd call back and ask for clarification on the differences between VIP and standard installations, simply so you know what to expect and can ensure that the installer provides what you expect him or her to ...

ironwood

07-06-08, 11:45 PM

The only other time I can think of for sure is if you have get the friend/family deal, I dont remember what its called, but theres a specific number you have to call, like refer-a-friend, and you have to give the CSR your friends DirecTV Employee Number. The offer is valid for 1 year of protection plan free, and VIP install.

Now that you've brought Siebel up, did you guys ever get those imaginary "handsets" that allow you to remotely access it (it was supposed to help eliminate calls to the dispatch office) or was that somebody blowin' smoke?

Its cheaper to have girls overseas answering the phone. But honestly if I were DirecTV I probably would not trust an expensive device (basically a mini computer) to some tech who is gonna break it and quit tomorrow or "forget" to return it back after he quits.

ironwood

07-06-08, 11:50 PM

All DBStalkers should be VIP.

TigersFanJJ

07-07-08, 07:40 AM

VIP on the workorder doesn't change anything about how I do an install. All of my customers are VIP.

NYCEGUY01

07-07-08, 07:52 AM

So everyone of your customers gets free wallfishes and extra outlets ran to the rooms without recievers etc..???

Justin23

07-07-08, 08:06 AM

It will probably be easy for my installer because I just have 1 TV. I live in an apartment and the dish will be on the porch which is about 10 feet from my TV.

J

RobertE

07-07-08, 02:24 PM

It will probably be easy for my installer because I just have 1 TV. I live in an apartment and the dish will be on the porch which is about 10 feet from my TV.

J

Blue card with the DirecTv logo on one side then on the other it says:
Certificate entitles you to one exclusive Directv offer through the employee VIP program (phone # followed by a handwritten number)

Right?

Justin23

07-07-08, 05:08 PM

It was actually an emailed pdf file that had the flyer.

J

TigersFanJJ

07-07-08, 05:25 PM

So everyone of your customers gets free wallfishes and extra outlets ran to the rooms without recievers etc..???

No, but neither will the "VIP" customers from Directv. What I was saying is that I treat all of my customers as a VIP. However, I don't work for free. Someone will pay for the custom work or I won't do it.

Drew2k

07-07-08, 06:33 PM

No, but neither will the "VIP" customers from Directv. What I was saying is that I treat all of my customers as a VIP. However, I don't work for free. Someone will pay for the custom work or I won't do it.Earlier posters were saying that if a customer gets "VIP" installation from DIRECTV, they don't pay for it (so it's free to them) and the installation includes wall-fishing and more that is not included in a standard installation. It sounds like you're saying that customers who have true DIRECTV-sponsored VIP installation are not entitled to wall-fishing.

So which is it - VIP entitles the customer to free wall-fish or it doesn't?

What exactly does VIP installation get that isn't included in standard installation?

CJTE

07-07-08, 06:48 PM

Earlier posters were saying that if a customer gets "VIP" installation from DIRECTV, they don't pay for it (so it's free to them) and the installation includes wall-fishing and more that is not included in a standard installation. It sounds like you're saying that customers who have true DIRECTV-sponsored VIP installation are not entitled to wall-fishing.

So which is it - VIP entitles the customer to free wall-fish or it doesn't?

What exactly does VIP installation get that isn't included in standard installation?

Just because DirecTV says you can have something, doesnt mean the tech is going to give it to you. This usually applies to equipment, but especially applies to labor.

As far as I'm aware, Techs dont get paid any more for VIP installs vs Standard installs. So, DirecTV offering customers custom work that techs could usually charge for, for free, might piss some techs off.

I thought I indicated that. Guess not.

Drew2k

07-07-08, 06:57 PM

Just because DirecTV says you can have something, doesnt mean the tech is going to give it to you. This usually applies to equipment, but especially applies to labor.

As far as I'm aware, Techs dont get paid any more for VIP installs vs Standard installs. So, DirecTV offering customers custom work that techs could usually charge for, for free, might piss some techs off.

I thought I indicated that. Guess not.It will also piss the customer off. It makes no sense for a customer to be told that they are entitled to free wall-fishing only for the customer to find out it's up to the tech whether or not they feel like it. Payment issues are between DIRECTV and the HSP and the tech, but a customer told he's entitled to a wall-fish should get a wall-fish.

CJTE

07-07-08, 07:03 PM

It will also piss the customer off. It makes no sense for a customer to be told that they are entitled to free wall-fishing only for the customer to find out it's up to the tech whether or not they feel like it. Payment issues are between DIRECTV and the HSP and the tech, but a customer told he's entitled to a wall-fish should get a wall-fish.

Oh no... Although I dont remember the exacts, VIP Customers are supposed to get special handling. I think its 2 or 3 wallfishes, among possibly other things.
Wether the tech actually does the work, at no cost... Thats where the 'issue' will come into play. Which will result in the customer calling the HSP Sup, and or Caling DirecTV, who'll call the HSP Sup.

Grydlok

07-07-08, 07:10 PM

Oh no... Although I dont remember the exacts, VIP Customers are supposed to get special handling. I think its 2 or 3 wallfishes, among possibly other things.
Wether the tech actually does the work, at no cost... Thats where the 'issue' will come into play. Which will result in the customer calling the HSP Sup, and or Caling DirecTV, who'll call the HSP Sup.

It's one task. one wall fish, or one pole mount, or one mirror. ISS can always tell how many freebies to the customer.

CJTE

07-07-08, 07:48 PM

It's one task. one wall fish, or one pole mount, or one mirror. ISS can always tell how many freebies to the customer.

ISS gave you that information, or an HSP?

NYCEGUY01

07-07-08, 07:51 PM

That makes sense.
Sometimes there would be 1 or 2 or 3 lineitems for the extra work on the order.

ironwood

07-07-08, 08:27 PM

Blue card with the DirecTv logo on one side then on the other it says:

Certificate entitles you to one exclusive Directv offer through the employee VIP program (phone # followed by a handwritten number)

Right?

:lol: :lol: :lol: Here ya go everybody can become a VIP.

THis whole VIP thing with DIrectv seems like discrimination to me. Everybody is paying the same price but I guess some people are more "white" than the others.

dmurphy

07-07-08, 09:16 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: Here ya go everybody can become a VIP.

THis whole VIP thing with DIrectv seems like discrimination to me. Everybody is paying the same price but I guess some people are more "white" than the others.

My previous employer was a partner with DirecTV. As part of that, all employees of that particular company were entitled to VIP Installations .... it's basically a "perk" given to employees of partner companies ....

... very much like the GM Supplier Discount I received when I bought my '08 Acadia. My current and previous employer are both GM suppliers, and as such, their employees are eligible for "GM Supplier Pricing". It's a pre-negotiated discount on the vehicle, typically right around invoice price. No hassle, no haggle car buying ...

CJTE

07-07-08, 09:18 PM

:lol: :lol: :lol: Here ya go everybody can become a VIP.

THis whole VIP thing with DIrectv seems like discrimination to me. Everybody is paying the same price but I guess some people are more "white" than the others.

Thats the point, everybody ISNT paying the same money.
DirecTV's employees, there Vendors, HSPs... All are a little different.

For example, as a DirecTV employee, you OWN all the equipment and if I remember correctly you only pay for PPVs.
As a tech, you get Choice for free, and can get Choice Extra for $5/month. They pay for mirror fees, & PPV fees. I think they get the minor sports subscriptions free, sometimes.

DirecTV is kinda hanky about it.

Drew2k

07-07-08, 10:03 PM

What is ISS?

RobertE

07-07-08, 10:06 PM

What is ISS?

International Space Station. :grin:

or

Installer Support Services

Your choice. :D

Drew2k

07-07-08, 10:12 PM

Thank you sir!

Justin23

07-07-08, 10:38 PM

TigersFanJJ

07-07-08, 10:58 PM

Earlier posters were saying that if a customer gets "VIP" installation from DIRECTV, they don't pay for it (so it's free to them) and the installation includes wall-fishing and more that is not included in a standard installation. It sounds like you're saying that customers who have true DIRECTV-sponsored VIP installation are not entitled to wall-fishing.

So which is it - VIP entitles the customer to free wall-fish or it doesn't?

What exactly does VIP installation get that isn't included in standard installation?

Sorry I wasn't a little more clear earlier. I don't work directly for an HSP, but instead am a sub with a contract company that the local HSP uses (basically a sub of a sub of a sub :lol: ). There are three options that the customer will have if I get a VIP workorder that requires custom work. First option is I try to sell it to the customer just as I would for anyone else. If they don't want to pay, I then call my contract company and see if they will pay the custom fee (the one time I have had to do this, they took care of me). If neither of the above happens, I'll reschedule the job for one of the local hsp techs (paid hourly) to wallfish the hell out of it.

ironwood

07-08-08, 12:05 AM

My previous employer was a partner with DirecTV. As part of that, all employees of that particular company were entitled to VIP Installations .... it's basically a "perk" given to employees of partner companies ....

... very much like the GM Supplier Discount I received when I bought my '08 Acadia. My current and previous employer are both GM suppliers, and as such, their employees are eligible for "GM Supplier Pricing". It's a pre-negotiated discount on the vehicle, typically right around invoice price. No hassle, no haggle car buying ...

Well I understand it does make sense to discount for your people give them perks. I am just a guy with my narrow tech view of things around. Its not only VIP installs, its also case managements, service calls/reinstalls etc. When DirecTV management gives free perks to themselves and certain groups of customers they "forget" to pay technicians for special extra services. Instead they send an order down the ladder to make sure its done or else.

Grydlok

07-08-08, 06:29 AM

ISS gave you that information, or an HSP?

ISS

dmurphy

07-08-08, 08:50 AM

Well I understand it does make sense to discount for your people give them perks. I am just a guy with my narrow tech view of things around. Its not only VIP installs, its also case managements, service calls/reinstalls etc. When DirecTV management gives free perks to themselves and certain groups of customers they "forget" to pay technicians for special extra services. Instead they send an order down the ladder to make sure its done or else.

Well, that I have an issue with. It's one thing to offer perks, but the employees doing the work should be fully compensated.

One of the nice things about the telephone companies (doesn't matter which) is that their technicians are full company employees and are paid well. To this day, I still think that the telephone company does some of the best work and the cleanest installations. Very professional.

I recently had FiOS installed at my mother-in-law's house. It took them hours to rip out the disaster that the cable company had left in her house over the years, and re-wire it properly so the FiOS signal was strong as could be. So strong, in fact, they had to put an attenuator at the FiOS terminal because the signal was -too- hot!

dkouz

07-13-08, 08:15 PM

From the manual:

Addendum A: VIP (Friends and Family Installs):
I. Routing of cable through attics and/or crawlspaces, wall fishes, customer requested pole
mounts (including cable drop and bury), non-pen or sled mounts, custom mounts (including but
not limited to, tripods, and balcony mounts), diplexers (2), wireless phone jacks (including base
and extensions) are considered standard work on all VIP installs.

(note: this is is the only one I could find, it's over 2 years old)