[kevred9]

Short Question:

What alternatives are there to using an HSP for installation?


Long Reason for Short Question:

Ordered directv directly from directv.com on Tuesday, for a Friday morning install.

Half way through my install appointment this morning, the HSP called and said they do not have any HD (non-dvr) equipment. Wanted to reschedule for next week, but couldn't say when they would get the equipment. I questioned how they could setup an appointment without knowledge of when the equipment would arrive. They just said they will call to reschedule if they don't have it. (Great, just like this time where I wait for 2 hours before they call...)

I was worried the install wouldn't take place before the 24th, which is a requirement for the $23/month off deal I was using.

I said no thanks, I'll call directv directly and re-verify. On the phone for 1.5 hours to directv with 3 different CSRs because they kept putting me on hold and after awhile it disconnects. However, all 3 CSRs verify there is not a national shortage of HD (non-dvr) equipment.

Last CSR conferences in HSP office to discuss. HSP says they have no idea when they will get additional HD equipment but they would be happy to reschedule the appointment. Directv CSR (supervisor at this point) says they would have it in 2 days if they ordered it. HSP just reiterates they have no idea when they will get equipment.

Now the HSP appears to be located in California, and I'm in Iowa. Odd, but I suppose they must have local contractors. Their website claims they do 8000 installs a year, so they should be getting a fair amount of HD equipment in. I found it funny they actually have their individual tech stats (including names) available on their website for anyone to see. (Glad I don't work for them)

I originally ordered through directv.com, and the CSR said this was the only HSP to service this area and they couldn't do anything about the HSP not ordering the correct equipment.

I'd rather not be stuck in 2 contracts (local dealer + directv), which is why I went directly to directv to order in the first place.

Help!!!

 

[Mertzen]

With a dealer you still only have a contract with D*, they just are responsible for your system rather then the HSP. And they have much better picture of their inventory.
Local HSP here gets 1 or two trucks a week from D* always on same day.

 

[kevred9]

With a dealer you still only have a contract with D*, they just are responsible for your system rather then the HSP. And they have much better picture of their inventory.
Local HSP here gets 1 or two trucks a week from D* always on same day.

I thought most dealers had you sign *2* contracts. One for them and one for D*. If you disconnect you are typically responsible for *both* fees...

 

[SebastianBlack]

HSP's just install and service your system. You have no other obligation to the HSP. The HSP probably did not order enough HD receivers which is why they wanted to reschedule. All they had to do is ask the techs who had one. I'm sure depending on how many techs they have, one of them had one HD receiver.

 

[kevred9]

HSP's just install and service your system. You have no other obligation to the HSP. The HSP probably did not order enough HD receivers which is why they wanted to reschedule. All they had to do is ask the techs who had one. I'm sure depending on how many techs they have, one of them had one HD receiver.

I realize an HSP does not require a second contract. I thought dealers (not an HSP) typically required a second contract. This is why I went through directv.com directly.

The HSP wanted to move the install to Sunday (it was Friday). If it was truely a "no equipment" problem they should have known before two hours AFTER the scheduled appointment. They also wouldn't guarantee they would have the equipment on Sunday either, but said they would call sometime during the appointment to reschedule again if needed. Thanks, but no thanks.

I'll live without directv and I'm sure they will survive without my business.

Hopefully directv will fix their HSP problems. It really shouldn't be this hard to give your money to somebody...

 

[joe diamond]

I thought most dealers had you sign *2* contracts. One for them and one for D*. If you disconnect you are typically responsible for *both* fees...

Actually, DTV charges the retailer if the customer cancels. So the retailer protects themselves by deciding if the customer is serious and financially stable enough to keep the service. There are less retailers these days because of the DTV charge backs due to cancellations. This issue has evolved over the years.

Joe

 

[diggerg56]

Who is serving Iowa now? This is former Premier territory and Directv( rightfully) kicked them to the curb in June.

 

[EricJRW]

Sorry, what's HSP? Did not see it in the http://www.dbstalk.com/acronyms.htm list.

Thanks

 

[kevred9]

Who is serving Iowa now? This is former Premier territory and Directv( rightfully) kicked them to the curb in June.

Connect Television is who called me. Their parent office is in California, and it looks like they have some stuff in Ohio, but their website is pretty old. If it just changed in June, they are probably over booking any new techs they have in this area...

 

[kevred9]

Sorry, what's HSP?... list.

Thanks

HSP: Home Service Providers

This is how directv subcontracts most of it's installs...

 

[SDizzle]

Connect Television is who called me. Their parent office is in California, and it looks like they have some stuff in Ohio, but their website is pretty old. If it just changed in June, they are probably over booking any new techs they have in this area...

As others have said, only 1 contract, whether you use a local installer or the HSP. I personally always have used local installers, and have had my friends and family do the same. Many times I have seen local installers at Circuit City or Best Buy picking up equipment that they were short, they WANT to work! Anyone who can chime in with HSP knowledge, can they NOT do the same and stop by a retailer like BB or CC and pickup equipment like the local installers?!?

 

[kevred9]

As others have said, only 1 contract, whether you use a local installer or the HSP. I personally always have used local installers, and have had my friends and family do the same. Many times I have seen local installers at Circuit City or Best Buy picking up equipment that they were short, they WANT to work! Anyone who can chime in with HSP knowledge, can they NOT do the same and stop by a retailer like BB or CC and pickup equipment like the local installers?!?

Is it Dish (not Directv) that requires 2 contracts if you use a dealer??? I know I have read people being responsible for multiple cancellation charges...

I would have preferred to use a local installer anyway. Live and learn.

 

[kevred9]

I did some digging, and it looks like Premier (the previous HSP) did suddenly shut down not too long ago. Connect appears to have taken a lot of their territory, but I hear mostly as subcontractors (for very little $$$).

I would guess they don't even have techs here currently, so I suppose the "no equipment" excuse was somewhat valid, if a little vague.

Upon thinking about it, I realized I haven't even seen *any* vehicle in the area with a directv logo in the last month or so. They used to be all over...