DBS Installers...

[CrankyYankee]

If this topic has been discussed before, forgive me, I'm a recent arrival to this board.

Let's say you live in an area that is serviced by one or two satellite dealers who handle both Direct and Dish.

You hear an ad on the radio, or see an ad in a national publication to sign up for service by calling an "800" number.

What are the chances that a local dealer, one who lives nearby and can be counted on for service if(no, make that "when") something goes haywire, will get your call and do your install?

I've heard it's almost never.

Your call to an "800" number from a national radio program or newspaper/magazine ad will be routed to an independent tech who might handle the whole county or half the state.

Then, when something goes "on the Fritz", you wind up calling the local authorized Dish or Direct agent, and explain what happened.  How willing are they to come out and work on something you didn't buy from them?

Your thoughts, please.

[Geronimo]

I purchased my DISH system from CostCO. It was installed by a contractor as you describe. Whaile I sometimes wish I had done my homework first and found a local installer. I have used one for the rare occasaions when service was required---usaully a DISH update. They come out and do a highly professioanl job.

[waydwolf]

    The bulk of installers are contract. Nationally, only Halstead, which is a contract DTV installation company, and Echostar itself with its DNSC centers actually have direct employees. Very few subcontractors don't actually subcontract yet again to their so-called men.

    Do a lot of research, find someone who seems experienced and can show you proof. Make sure he doesn't spend all his time talking sales. Make sure his talk doesn't make you nauseous with the feeling that he's trying to rip you.

    For a four set installation, pay should be approximately $200. For a single set, about $100.

    Make sure he grounds your connections properly in line with electrical code and make sure he understands that you will have your local building inspectors check his grounding. Make sure he believes that you will do it as if he does, he will do it right without actually having them check.

[Jacob S]

Its advisable to go to a local retailer because if you do not go to the same retailer that sold you the system for service later, you may get charged more while some may even get turned down for service.

Also Dish does not list all of their retailers on their database that they refer people to, only selected ones.

[bills976]

Originally posted by Jacob S
Also Dish does not list all of their retailers on their database that they refer people to, only selected ones.

This is true. The installer who put in my Dish system was quite upset over lack of sales due to his removal from Dish's website. Do get it purchased/installed by a local installer, though. You will have an insurance policy in your back pocket and they need the business. When I switched to D*, the only retailers around here were Best Buy, CC, and dirty looking cell phone joints also selling satellite. I would stay away from those if possible....

[boba]

Dish Network does not list favored dealers on their website they list only the dealers that meet the requirements for listing. To be listed on DISH'S website a dealer must meet these conditions: Must have a minimum of 4 activations per month
Must be actively selling and promoting DISH Network promotions
Must have an active showroom account
Must operate your business out of a retail storefront located at a business address
Must have a satellite representative available during business hours
Must be in good standing with DISH Network or an authorized distributer
Must have an answering machine and attempt to return calls within one business day.
THESE REQUIREMENTS SHOULD HELP A NEW CUSTOMER FIND A RELIABLE DEALER, or at least they are intended to help with referrals to qualified DEALERS.

[Mark Holtz]

Originally posted by boba
Dish Network does not list favored dealers on their website they list only the dealers that meet the requirements for listing. To be listed on DISH'S website a dealer must meet these conditions: Must have a minimum of 4 activations per month

I thought Dish tightened up the requirements in order to ensure good quality signups (i.e. customers who won't default on the service).

[Jacob S]

There were more requirements than that even. I thought they had also required a retailer to participate in ClubDish, do credit checks and scoring, do Digital Home Plan, have a very low churn rate, etc. Just because they are not listend on the website (VRU) that does not mean that they are bad retaliers. I bet they list every Sears, Wal-Mart, and Radio Shack without as many requirements. I dont remember seeing any showroom in any Wal-Mart and I dont think they have answering machines either or would call back the next day.

Also I dont think those chain stores would have nearly as much knowledge if any like the local retailers would. I suppose even if we are not talking about the chain stores and just the individual retailers then yes, they do this to make sure the customer finds the best retailer out there.

[boba]

Jacob S those are the requirements currently listed on DISH'S site for being listed on the VRU. Sears is generically listed but Wal Mart and Rat Shack aren't listed