DirecTV really doesn't want me back - suggestions?

5646 Views 51 Replies 29 Participants Last post by crashHD, Oct 10, 2008

andyjharper

Discussion Starter · Sep 8, 2008

So DirecTV bugs me at least once a week about coming back. Last night I was seriously considering it but decided against it. Maybe someone can give me some tips for getting a deal.

I've talked to two different reps in the last two days and had conflicting stories. With a flier I got in the mail I'm classified as a WinBack customer and I can get the programming at $23/month off and a free HD or DVR receiver (not a HD DVR receiver). The lady last night said it was free for all rooms in the house. The guy today said it was only for the first one and everything after that was full price. Also, new customers get a free HD DVR receiver where I get one or the other. I asked why new customers were more important (especially since they bug me on a weekly basis).

So, out of pocket right away I was looking at $300 ($99 for first HD DVR and $199 for the second). That's just too big a pill to swallow. I'd have to stay with it for 10+ months to break even and then after that it's only about $20 a month savings.

Anyone have any idea how I can get a better deal? How long do I have to be gone from DireTV before I am a "new" customer again? To make matters worse Comcast wouldn't do anything for me either.

1 - 20 of 52 Posts

Grentz

· #2 · Sep 8, 2008

New customers get better deals, that's just how it is.

Deals also vary by CSR depending on what they put together for you, you are not going to get a full free ride. You also dont have to get all HD-DVRs....and $199 is their standard price, so getting one for half off and then getting programming discounted is a pretty decent deal.

Generally I believe it is 2yrs - 4yrs before you are considered a new customer again, there is no stated exact amount of time that I have seen though.

When was the last time you went to best buy and they gave you a TV for half off just cause you wanted it like that? Or when did you cell phone company give you all free phones and discounts on your packages just cause?

The question comes down to in my mind...do you want Directv? In my line of options, Directv is the only one I want right now.

veryoldschool

· #3 · Sep 8, 2008

You'll also have to stay for longer than 10+ months. :lol:
There is a two year programing commitment.

heisman

· #4 · Sep 8, 2008

andyjharper said:
So DirecTV bugs me at least once a week about coming back. Last night I was seriously considering it but decided against it. Maybe someone can give me some tips for getting a deal.

I've talked to two different reps in the last two days and had conflicting stories. With a flier I got in the mail I'm classified as a WinBack customer and I can get the programming at $23/month off and a free HD or DVR receiver (not a HD DVR receiver). The lady last night said it was free for all rooms in the house. The guy today said it was only for the first one and everything after that was full price. Also, new customers get a free HD DVR receiver where I get one or the other. I asked why new customers were more important (especially since they bug me on a weekly basis).

So, out of pocket right away I was looking at $300 ($99 for first HD DVR and $199 for the second). That's just too big a pill to swallow. I'd have to stay with it for 10+ months to break even and then after that it's only about $20 a month savings.

Anyone have any idea how I can get a better deal? How long do I have to be gone from DireTV before I am a "new" customer again? To make matters worse Comcast wouldn't do anything for me either.

Sign up as a new customer in your wife's name.

andyjharper

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 8, 2008

Grentz said:
New customers get better deals, that's just how it is.

Deals also vary by CSR depending on what they put together for you, you are not going to get a full free ride. You also dont have to get all HD-DVRs....and $199 is their standard price, so getting one for half off and then getting programming discounted is a pretty decent deal.

Generally I believe it is 2yrs - 4yrs before you are considered a new customer again, there is no stated exact amount of time that I have seen though.

When was the last time you went to best buy and they gave you a TV for half off just cause you wanted it like that? Or when did you cell phone company give you all free phones and discounts on your packages just cause?

The question comes down to in my mind...do you want Directv? In my line of options, Directv is the only one I want right now.

I'm not disagreeing with you completely. However, the difference is when I buy the TV from BB I don't have to return it when I want to upgrade or switch to a different brand. I'm not looking for a free ride, but if they would knock $100 of each HD DVR then I would probably go for it. Paying $300 for the privilege of leasing a piece of equipment seems pretty high and demands a loooooong commitment before breaking even let along saving money over cable.

Put it in perspective. I'm paying $28 a month for HD DVR service through Comcast (inlcuding an additional receiver). It's $21 through DirecTV (9.99 HD, 4.99 Addt'l receiver, and 5.99 DVR). Over the course of a year I'm only saving $84. However, I'm $216 in the hole from equipment purchases after that $84. Even with the difference in programming packages, that's quite a few months before I start getting more for my money as they always advertise. You'd think they'd do something to entice me to come back. They get the equipment back when I leave so why charge me so much up front?!

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Grentz

· #6 · Sep 9, 2008

But how many HD stations are you getting from cable? The local cable here in town (I cant get it, but I know many that have it) has around 15, some of which are just the local channels in HD, and some are premiums only (HBO, starz, etc.). Not even close to what Directv offers. On top of that, they charge 14.99/mo for their HD package, and 12.99/mo for each HD DVR.

Not saying that this is what your current cable package is, cause obviously its not, but keep in mind what you are getting as far as programming as well.

andyjharper

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 9, 2008

Grentz said:
But how many HD stations are you getting from cable? The local cable here in town (I cant get it, but I know many that have it) has around 15, some of which are just the local channels in HD, and some are premiums only (HBO, starz, etc.). Not even close to what Directv offers. On top of that, they charge 14.99/mo for their HD package, and 12.99/mo for each HD DVR.

Not saying that this is what your current cable package is, cause obviously its not, but keep in mind what you are getting as far as programming as well.

I'm not saying I wouldn't get more channels. but how many of those would I actually watch? Also, it sounds like some channels are the infamous stretch-o-vision (someone said He LL must have frozen over because MTV was actually showing true HDTV today).

Also, this is hilarious! They called me last night to offer me the deals, I called today to get more info, and they just called me AGAIN about 30 minutes ago. So I have spoken with DTV three times in the last 24 hours. You'd think with all the money they're wasting to try and lure me back, they'd just knock $100 of each HD DVR and all it a day. That's really all I'm looking for - another $100 off.

mx6bfast

· #8 · Sep 9, 2008

andyjharper said:
That's really all I'm looking for - another $100 off.

Did you tell them that? Tell them if they do that you will sign up right now. If not just deal with it and stay with cable, or spend the extra money and go to D*. D* doesn't really have to offer you anything to some back.

dcowboy7

· #9 · Sep 9, 2008

screw em sign with dish....im in a mood tonite.

Grentz

· #10 · Sep 9, 2008

mx6bfast said:
Did you tell them that? Tell them if they do that you will sign up right now. If not just deal with it and stay with cable, or spend the extra money and go to D*. D* doesn't really have to offer you anything to some back.

Agreed, sometimes when you just ask nicely or tell them nicely what you are looking for, they can pull a few strings. Not always, but many times they can if it is not an unreal request.

dcowboy7 said:
screw em sign with dish....im in a mood tonite.

lol, that will show em'!

BattleZone

· #11 · Sep 9, 2008

Honestly, if your main concern is low price, don't bother. It doesn't seem like you see the value in DirecTV over what you have now, so why change?

If DirecTV had enough value for you to pay what they're asking, you'd have done it already.

inkahauts

· #12 · Sep 9, 2008

Ask them for one DVR for free, and let them know you alreay have another, and you want them to hook up both at the same time.. Then go and get a second HD DVR at costco for 169

mookittybark

· #13 · Sep 9, 2008

Just adding my 2cents here but If you qualify for new customer promo, I believe they are giving a free HDDVR with the NFL sunday ticket with the Premier package free for 4 months. And then you can drop down your package to lower cost on the 5th month. I guess the only catch 22 is, if you want a 2nd HDDVR then you would have to pay 199.

dtrell

· #14 · Sep 9, 2008

mookittybark said:
Just adding my 2cents here but If you qualify for new customer promo, I believe they are giving a free HDDVR with the NFL sunday ticket with the Premier package free for 4 months. And then you can drop down your package to lower cost on the 5th month. I guess the only catch 22 is, if you want a 2nd HDDVR then you would have to pay 199.

depends as usual on who you get. its actually supposed to be 99 if you want an hddvr..by the party line that is...

durl

· #15 · Sep 10, 2008

It sounds as though you don't want to go with Directv but you're complaining that they're not sweetening the pot enough.

Just tell them what it will take to bring you back and let that be the end of it.

andyjharper

Discussion Starter · #16 · Sep 10, 2008

durl said:
It sounds as though you don't want to go with Directv but you're complaining that they're not sweetening the pot enough.

Just tell them what it will take to bring you back and let that be the end of it.

Saga continues. They called me AGAIN last night. So that makes a call on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday from them and one on Monday from me. I told them last night that they need to quit calling me. It was the third time I was told they couldn't offer me $100 off each HD DVR. I told them I was tired of them calling me. He said they'll make a note not to call me but we'll see if that happens.

andyjharper

Discussion Starter · #17 · Sep 10, 2008

dtrell said:
depends as usual on who you get. its actually supposed to be 99 if you want an hddvr..by the party line that is...

They told me if I go with the Premiere package for four months (inlcuding NFL ticket) I would get a free HD DVR and have to pay $199 for the second. I just want the choice extra package and 2 HD DVRs with $100 off each ($200 out of pocket costs to me). I don't watch football so I don't want to pony up the $$ for the extar channels I have no need for. You'd think someone could authorize that if it meant a sale/commitment on my part. Oh well . . .

mx6bfast

· #18 · Sep 11, 2008

andyjharper said:
They told me if I go with the Premiere package for four months (inlcuding NFL ticket) I would get a free HD DVR and have to pay $199 for the second. I just want the choice extra package and 2 HD DVRs with $100 off each ($200 out of pocket costs to me). I don't watch football so I don't want to pony up the $$ for the extar channels I have no need for. You'd think someone could authorize that if it meant a sale/commitment on my part. Oh well . . .

Did they quote you on a price for premiere package? Usually for new subs it's less than it usually is.

I ask because if you can get the premiere package for the price of a lower package, and you are paying a whole $1 more for 2 HD DVR's (you want them at $99 each = $198, they offer one free and the other $199)

Sounds like you got what you want right there.

SDizzle

· #19 · Sep 11, 2008

And the deal is ST and Premier for like $80 or something for 4-5 months.... So, yes, if you don't watch football.....SO WHAT....you get Premier for $20-25 less a month than I pay and ST is free.

RedChef

· #20 · Sep 11, 2008

mookittybark said:
Just adding my 2cents here but If you qualify for new customer promo, I believe they are giving a free HDDVR with the NFL sunday ticket with the Premier package free for 4 months. And then you can drop down your package to lower cost on the 5th month. I guess the only catch 22 is, if you want a 2nd HDDVR then you would have to pay 199.

Or pay $169 for the HR22-100 at Costco!

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