I got a deal on Sunday Ticket!

[EaglePC]

called D* tonight to have one of my receivers canceled because when the installer came Saturday to install my HR20-700, he forgot to cancel my H20. While the CSR was changing the primary receiver and blah, blah, blah... I asked her if there was some sort of deal for current customers who have never had the Sunday Ticket. I told her I have always wanted it, but did not want to pay $250 for it and find out I did not like it, yada, yada, yada, and that I know they have a sweet deal for new customers... She interrupted me there and replied "Oh, I can give you that same deal".

So I am now getting the Sunday Ticket for $69.00 a month with the Premier package for free for four months. I asked her if that would include all the games in HD, and she said yes. I asked her if this included the super fan package and she said no, but that I would still get all the games in HD. I am not sure about her logic on this, so if I do not get the games in HD, I will call customer retention and rip them up and down on it.

[Doug Brott]

Congrats on your deal. I believe that this has been a pretty standard deal recently, but it's still a good thing. Enjoy.

[JLove336]

That sucks...I called in and the csr wouldn't give me the deal. Has anybody else gotten that deal as well?

[EaglePC]

10 Year Customer been paying @ 120.00 a month past 1yr in a half
bought 2 hr20 dvr's @ 299 each
i deserve a early bonus you think.

[Ext 721]

The sunday tix games "in HD" are only on the superfan...other games, like the ones on NFL network and your regional sport net are included in the HD access.

Sounds like you got a sweet deal, but some bad info.

[RoundRockJohn]

The sunday tix games "in HD" are only on the superfan...other games, like the ones on NFL network and your regional sport net are included in the HD access.

Sounds like you got a sweet deal, but some bad info.

I thought I read that Superfan was no longer required for the HD feeds, that this was covered by something else.

[markman07]

You need the SUPERFAN package to get NFL TICKET games in HD! The other information was incorrect.

From Directv Website -

NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ SuperFan is an optional add-on to your NFL SUNDAY NFL SUNDAY TICKET" With SuperFan you'll get more with 180 games in HD*, Red Zone Channel (now available in HD), Game Mix**, Short Cuts, Supercast*** and NFL Sunday Ticket Mobile†.

[NYHeel]

Yes you do need the superfan package to get HD however, for the new customer deal I believe that they are including the HD games with the regular Sunday ticket deal. The other features from Superfan are not included. I think the CSR gave you the correct information.

[meanstreak55]

Yes you do need the superfan package to get HD however, for the new customer deal I believe that they are including the HD games with the regular Sunday ticket deal. The other features from Superfan are not included. I think the CSR gave you the correct information.


Agreed. I recently received the "new customer" Sunday Ticket package as well. My line item charges show that I will receive ST in HD without SuperFan.

09/04/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx NFL SUNDAY TICKET - Charge $69.99 $4.20
09/04/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx Sunday Ticket HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00

Also showing in my Subscription Services:

NFL SUNDAY TICKET $69.99 / New Customer Offer: 4 Payments
PREMIER $0.00 / First 4 Months Free
Sunday Ticket HD $0.00 / _2007 HD Games incl w/Q3 Offer

[Skooz]

I just got off the phone with a D* CSR.

I was going to cancel (really, not just a ploy) the NFL ST and SP because the budget is a little tight this year.

Within 15 seconds, the CSR offered a $10 monthly discount for 12 months + free HD for 12 months. That's a savings of $240 over the next year. That makes the ST practically free.

I couldn't turn that offer down.

[markman07]

Guys how many times do I have to tell you. You need the SUPERFAN no matter who you a... whaaaa? huhhh? Seriously? SOB ...I swear every time I post thinking I am 100% right the good old curve ball comes my way and I get caught looking!

Like I said...of course new subscribers get the HD portion as part of the Sunday Ticket. Geeez.... :-D

[dbmaven]

Guys how many times do I have to tell you. You need the SUPERFAN no matter who you a... whaaaa? huhhh? Seriously? SOB ...I swear every time I post thinking I am 100% right the good old curve ball comes my way and I get caught looking!

Like I said...of course new subscribers get the HD portion as part of the Sunday Ticket. Geeez.... :-D

Same reaction here. Looks like I'll be making a phone call tomorrow.....

[EaglePC]

Guys how many times do I have to tell you. You need the SUPERFAN no matter who you a... whaaaa? huhhh? Seriously? SOB ...I swear every time I post thinking I am 100% right the good old curve ball comes my way and I get caught looking!

Like I said...of course new subscribers get the HD portion as part of the Sunday Ticket. Geeez.... :-D

so i got boned i will have the nfl sunday ticket in sd no hd .
how can i know if i am active for hd nfl

[Doug Brott]

Does it say HD on your bill?

[EaglePC]

09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx SHOWTIME HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx HBO HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx LOCALS HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx Sunday Ticket HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx HD Access $1.67 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx PREMIER - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx NFL SUNDAY TICKET - Charge $69.99 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx DIRECTV DVR Service $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx HBO and CINEMAX - Disconnect Adj $-4.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx PLUS HD DVR - Disconnect Adj $-11.67 $0.00

[Doug Brott]

maybe I'm misreading, but it looks like you might be good to go for this coming year.

[bonscott87]

You should get it in HD, you have "Sunday Ticket HD" line item.

Normally you do need Superfan for the HD games. However it's been widely reported that the "new customer" deal which you got includes the HD games but not the rest of the Superfan features (which for me is nothing).

I'd be pretty confident that you'll be set for HD games. Won't know for sure until Sunday.

[EaglePC]

so i done very well
10 Year Customer been paying @ 120.00 a month past 1yr in a half
bought 2 hr20 dvr's @ 299 each
i deserve a early bonus you think.

[Doug Brott]

EaglePC all good customers deserve a bonus. I'm sure DIRECTV has you all figured out in their complex system and does what it can to make you happy.

[Dazed & Confused]

so i got boned i will have the nfl sunday ticket in sd no hd .
how can i know if i am active for hd nfl

Go to channel 719. If you get a blank screen and you do not get a 721 - Channel not purchased then you have the games in HD.

[iowaberg]

EaglePC all good customers deserve a bonus. I'm sure DIRECTV has you all figured out in their complex system and does what it can to make you happy.

So if I 've been a customer of D* for 8+ years and never subscribed to NFL ST, do I have any hope of getting the same deal if I call?

[matty8199]

Just called in, no luck getting the new subscriber deal...I'm only a customer for about two years though.

[JLucPicard]

Same reaction here. Looks like I'll be making a phone call tomorrow.....
Just curious - is the reason for the call because you got the new customer deal but don't appear to have HD, or because someone who was not a new customer got the new customer deal, so you are entitled to it, too?

[iowaberg]

Just called in, no luck getting the new subscriber deal...I'm only a customer for about two years though.

Did you talk with a regular CSR or retention?

[matty8199]

Did you talk with a regular CSR or retention?

Regular CSR...didn't think retention would have any added effect based on the original post. Perhaps it would, though...who knows?

[iowaberg]

Ok, I just called and here is what I got:

4 payments of $69.99 NFL Sunday Ticket
Premier package for free next 4 months

I asked him if I get the HD games and he said no, free preview the first weekend only and then after that $99. ALthough I may still call back later and purchase the Superfan since I got such a good deal.

I did have to ask for retention to get this deal.

[iowaberg]

I just looked at my billing online after I hung up and it DOES have a separate line item for HD. Maybe I will get the games in HD?

09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx SHOWTIME HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx HBO HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx LOCALS HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx Sunday Ticket HD - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx PREMIER - Charge $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx NFL SUNDAY TICKET - Charge $69.99 $3.50
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx DIRECTV DVR Service $0.00 $0.00
09/07/2007 xxxxxxxxxxxx DIRECTV DVR Service $0.00 $0.00

[bonscott87]

I think you will. The key is that this new subscriber deal is supposed to come with the HD games included. If all else fails in week 2 and you don't get HD you can call up retention and see what they will do for you in adding Superfan.

[matty8199]

Ok, I just called and here is what I got:

4 payments of $69.99 NFL Sunday Ticket
Premier package for free next 4 months

I asked him if I get the HD games and he said no, free preview the first weekend only and then after that $99. ALthough I may still call back later and purchase the Superfan since I got such a good deal.

I did have to ask for retention to get this deal.

Interesting...I will call and ask for retention, maybe they will hook me up. I'd love to get ST...

[dbmaven]

Just curious - is the reason for the call because you got the new customer deal but don't appear to have HD, or because someone who was not a new customer got the new customer deal, so you are entitled to it, too?

It is a very long and involved story, and goes back to before D* started broadcasting locals in HD - and the only HD available was HDNet, HBO and Showtime. How many people remember that?

In another thread was a post, and I paraphrase here "DirecTV wants you to call in - it's the way they can do something for their good customers." I've got another separate billing issue that needs to be resolved, but I will bring this up - if for no other reason than to see what happens. And no, I don't have the new customer deal.

[matty8199]

Called in and got retention, but still not able to get the new customer offer - they did however offer me a $15 credit for four months to effectively knock $60 off the price of ST...bringing it down to $209. That seems pretty good, I guess...although the new customer offer would be better.

Those of you that have been able to pull that off - how long have you been with D*, and what exactly did you say to them on the phone (how'd you go about getting it)? She put me on hold to check to see if it's available to me and then came back a few minutes later with the $15 / 4 months offer, which leads me to believe I haven't been a customer long enough...

[topcats69]

I got the same deal was told no HD but then I called back asked what the line charge of 0.00 for ST Hd was and was told that was just for the games but she wasn't sure so she added superfan to make sure I don't miss any games and get upset. so retention was good me.

[meanstreak55]

Those of you that have been able to pull that off - how long have you been with D*, and what exactly did you say to them on the phone (how'd you go about getting it)? She put me on hold to check to see if it's available to me and then came back a few minutes later with the $15 / 4 months offer, which leads me to believe I haven't been a customer long enough...

Subscriber for about 6 years with $75 - 100 / month packages through the years. I called to upgrade my HR10 to HR20. Told them I had to have the new HD channels coming online soon and asked what I could get an upgrade for. CSR told me $99 for upgrade, which I wasn't happy with -- many are getting it for free plus extra programming. I asked for retention and politely stated my case. First offer was $99 upgrade with $10/month credit for 12 months. I then mentioned the competition's offer for new customers and that I had been a loyal customer for several years and did not want to leave. She quickly offered the new customer deal to me, although I still had to pay the $99 upgrade. I could have pushed some more, but I thought it was a decent compromise.

Also, I will mention that this is the first time I have ever called and asked for anything, so that may have been a factor as well. Good luck!

[JLove336]

I got the deal...had to talk to retention because the csr didn't have the power to do it.

I actually got a little ticked because the csr was transferring me to retention and somebody hung up on me.

[iowaberg]

Customer for 8+ years and usually spend between $50-75/month. I said exactly what the original poster said.

"ask her or him if there was some sort of deal for current customers who have never had the Sunday Ticket. I told her I have always wanted it, but did not want to pay $250 for it and find out I did not like it, yada, yada, yada, and that I know they have a sweet deal for new customers...can I get the $69.99/mo for premium with NFL ST"

I tried this on the first csr and she wouldn't do anything, so I politely asked to talk to customer retention. No threats and she transferred me. I repeated the same exact line to retention, put me on hold for a couple minutes, and came back and said he could do it. I would just keep trying and trying until you can get a deal you like.

[JLove336]

Go to channel 719. If you get a blank screen and you do not get a 721 - Channel not purchased then you have the games in HD.

I hope your right cause that's what I've got!

[willis134]

Just called D* and told the CSR i wanted to cancel ST because i wanted to buy another HR20 and it is just to much for both. He gave me a free HR20. I don't even have to pay shipping! I had no intention of ever cancelling ST though. Are you kidding me? CSR was great!!!

[iowaberg]

I hope your right cause that's what I've got!

Same here.

[willis134]

Love that avatar iowaberg! GO HAWKS!!!

[matty8199]

Customer for 8+ years and usually spend between $50-75/month. I said exactly what the original poster said.

"ask her or him if there was some sort of deal for current customers who have never had the Sunday Ticket. I told her I have always wanted it, but did not want to pay $250 for it and find out I did not like it, yada, yada, yada, and that I know they have a sweet deal for new customers...can I get the $69.99/mo for premium with NFL ST"

I tried this on the first csr and she wouldn't do anything, so I politely asked to talk to customer retention. No threats and she transferred me. I repeated the same exact line to retention, put me on hold for a couple minutes, and came back and said he could do it. I would just keep trying and trying until you can get a deal you like.

Based on this, I think I will try again tomorrow but I will fire the "I know people who have been given this special deal, what do I need to do to be eligible" bullet...either way I think I'll probably end up taking the full season of ST for $209, but I'd still like to get the new subscriber deal if at all possible (for obvious reasons)...

[mazter]

Just called and to my surprise , I indeed got this deal. I'm a very happy camper.:)

FYI You will need to talk to retention.

[matty8199]

Eh, again the best they can do is a $60 credit to get the price to $209...but she said (direct quote) "no existing customer is eligible to receive that deal." This is obviously a load of BS...not sure how to go here. Maybe I'll just take the $209 offer, that's still decent...

Those of you getting this - how are you going about it? Are you having to argue with the CSR to do it?

[Max_Pauer]

I just got the new customer deal. I've been a customer for about 3 years and have the Premier package now. I told them that our local area has an aggressive cable company trying to win people back from DTV (which they are) and they sent me to a retention person. She checked my account and then gave me the 69.99 deal for 4 months with Sunday Ticket, but I had to get Superfan at full charge. In the end, I am back to my normal monthly charge, but with the full ST and SF packages.

The CSR was very polite and helpful as was the retention person.

[matty8199]

Yeah, everyone has been very polite, no disagreement there...just not sure why everyone else seems to be able to get this deal but the best I can get is $209 for the full season of ST...

[herkulease]

Yeah, everyone has been very polite, no disagreement there...just not sure why everyone else seems to be able to get this deal but the best I can get is $209 for the full season of ST...

luck.

I tried 9 times before they'd give me a reasonable deal for the hr20. Others get it on 1 or 2 tries and paid its just shipping.

I hinted at I wasn't going to pay for superfan just to get HD games. they didn't budge. I ended up cancelling sunday ticket all together. they never bothered to try and keep me. No offers for half price, or anything.

So you could either play the game and keep trying or take what they give you. Or don't sign up. We all lived without the sunday ticket some time before in our lives. Its not that hard to going back to watch just local and nationally broadcasted games.

[iowaberg]

Yeah, everyone has been very polite, no disagreement there...just not sure why everyone else seems to be able to get this deal but the best I can get is $209 for the full season of ST...

Don't give up. Just keep trying to spin the CSR roulette wheel and ask for retention everytime if you need to. How long have you been with D*? It may ultimately come down to that. I was a little surprised to see a person who has been with them for only 3 years get the deal. Have you used the lines I mentioned before?

[Deftones]

I'm trying right now. The CSR at retention said that deal is only for new customers. Waiting to see what kind of "deal" she can work for me.

[jake446]

I agree that it must be luck. I called in to request the 4 months at $69.99 with Premier deal for Sunday Ticket. I didn't threaten to cancel or anything, just asked if I was eligible. Sure enough, the CSR set me up with no questions asked. Pretty cool! Bring on the games. I asked about Superfan, she said she could add it for $99, since it is free preview the first week, I will see if I "need" it and possibly add next week.

[Deftones]

The CSR hooked me up with the deal, too. I figure this is going to save me about $50 a month. :lol:

I asked about HD games, and she said she'd have to add the Superfan. I would assume there's a package deal in the computer that she'd add for new customers (that has HD already), so hopefully that'll get added too, so all games will be in HD.

[ralphfurley]

I got the deal too (thanks DBStalk). First, the CSR you get is probably overseas; they have no authority. So, tell them you're thinking about cancelling. They will transfer you to retention. I was honest with retention. $200/mo is too much.( premier, plus 6 receivers plus tax plus ST) he asked if i wanted to keep ST. I said yeah. he said he could give me the new customer deal $69.00/mo. he even gave me an extra $10 off. nice guy. retention is the best. so i will be paying $59 plus mirror fees and tax for 4 months.

[fochs13]

I just called in and got the deal! You guys are awesome. Thanks for posting!

[Doug Brott]

All of this new NFL Sunday Ticket Activity is exactly what I was saying in other threads as to why the HD channels would probably be at least a week out. Congrats to all of those getting Sunday Ticket for the first time. I've really enjoyed it myself and already have my games scheduled to record tomorrow ..

Earl .. We're gonna be on opposite sides tomorrow after noon ;) :)

[JLucPicard]

One of the factors that comes into play when deals are "being handed out" is how many times your hand has been in the cookie jar. I always dread these "I got the Deal" threads because there will always be people who for whatever reason (and it is NOT always just CSR Roulette) don't get the deal. But from looking at what is posted it's not clear why some people get it and some don't, and it all just looks like D* is out to just screw some people over. I really don't think that's what's happening - and certainly not to the extent it appears from the posts here at DBSTalk.

If you get in on every deal that comes along, eventually the trough will dry up on you. It also wouldn't surprise me if notes are made in the account each time a deal is requested and denied as much as when a deal is requested and granted. And if a CSR sees notes all over an account about someone continually calling in to get deals on this, that and the other thing, they would be much less inclined to offer them. And in fact, may get written up for giving away too much.

I certainly get the occasional deal. If I call and the deal is not available to me, that's fine with me. In fact, thinking about it, the vast majority of the deals I've gotten have been a result of either an e-mail offer I received, or the CSR offering something out of the blue without me making a request at all.

Bottom line for me, I have no idea what all the criteria are that D* uses to determine who gets deals and who doesn't. I just subscribe to what I want and pay my bill each month. That is where I set my expectations. If I am offered other incentives/deals/whatever along the way, I consider that a perk for my loyalty. For me, thinking about it that way keeps me from getting in a lather about deals that others are getting that I'm not. Works for me anyway.

[MikeR]

One of the factors that comes into play when deals are "being handed out" is how many times your hand has been in the cookie jar. If you get in on every deal that comes along, eventually the trough will dry up on you. It also wouldn't surprise me if notes are made in the account each time a deal is requested and denied as much as when a deal is requested and granted. And if a CSR sees notes all over an account about someone continually calling in to get deals on this, that and the other thing, they would be much less inclined to offer them. And in fact, may get written up for giving away too much.


Bottom line for me, I have no idea what all the criteria are that D* uses to determine who gets deals and who doesn't. I just subscribe to what I want and pay my bill each month. That is where I set my expectations. If I am offered other incentives/deals/whatever along the way, I consider that a perk for my loyalty. For me, thinking about it that way keeps me from getting in a lather about deals that others are getting that I'm not. Works for me anyway.

Good points JLuc. My hand has been in the cookie jar often enough for me. I feel comfortable with what I have paid, and appreciate each deal offered. The CSRs and management understand what has been credited, and I'm certain that certain guidelines must be met before offering again.

Example: I received my first Hr20 for shipping (after 4-5 polite calls). A month later, I was at my parents house and called D* on their behalf for a HR20 (they were using a H20 and R15 in combo to receive HD signals, yet have DVR capabilities on SD channels.) Anyways, I requested a HR20 and what would the price be for such?....few seconds later (possibly checking the system) - the rep stated 19.95. Since that was so easy, I feel bold and call for my 2nd HR20. Not quite as easy (not a long time subscriber <2 years and I just received a HR20 for shipping). Best offer was initially 199 for the second. I mentioned I was interested in Sunday Ticket, and would that help with the price on the HR20. After supervisors approval I received the 2nd for 19.95. Good for me and I paid for the Sunday Ticket.

Each customer meets certain criteria and probably different levels of compensation, part of the deal game is how often have you played. In my situation, I felt satisfied with the offers in the past, and enjoy the services I have available to me.

[Harrisment]

Wow, I got a heck of a deal today.

I've had Sunday ticket the last 3 seasons, but decided not to renew this year because of the price. After reading this thread this morning, I decided to call and see if they'd give me any kind of discount. After being denied by the first CSR, I asked to speak to retention and told them I wanted to see if I could get the same deal offered to new subscribers. Not only did she give me that deal, but then she asked if I was interested in SuperFan for an additional $99. I told her I couldn't afford it, so she said she'd go ahead and give me that for free as well. :hurah:

[JDubbs413]

New subscribers get SuperFan free too technically. We can view all the games in HD.

[matty8199]

Eh, I guess the reason I can't get the deal is because I've only been with D* for about two years (actually under 2 yrs, it'll be 2 yrs in February). I think I'll just wait until later in the season when they run the "get the rest of this season and all of next season for one low price" deal like they did last year...

[Racer88]

WOOT! I just got me this deal too :D

Thanks OP.

Like everyone one else I had to got thru retention by saying "cancel" at the automated system. Told the very nice lady what I wanted. She put me on hold for a minute or two to check into it and when she came back she had it set up.

I did make a point of saying that I paid for and installed both my HR20 and AU9 dish out of pocket just as I have done with every other piece of D* equipment I have ever had. May or may not have been a factor but it does make it all worth while in my mind at least. LOL

Oh and on a side note I asked if we would be looking at new HD channels by this time next Sunday and she said yes with complete cerainty that we would.

[bjamin82]

I called last night and got the deal. The trcik is talking to someone in retention.

I also asked about the new HD channels, and this guy did say next week, but didn't have a day.

[NCLou]

Wanted to thank you guys. I called three times last week with no luck, tried again this morning and asked for it, and I got it no questions asked. Including free Superfan.

And the CSR told me the new channels would be available 9/19.