Official authorized Dish retailers?

4060 Views 22 Replies 5 Participants Last post by James Long, Mar 4, 2012

antdude

Discussion Starter · Mar 3, 2012

Hello.

I recently got two paper flyers about Dish services, but I wasn't sure if they were legit. Their web sites are at *************.com and ***********.com ... Both said authorized retailers. If these are legit, then why go through them instead of going through Dish itself? Also, is there a list of the official ones?

Thank you in advance.

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1 - 20 of 23 Posts

garys

· #2 · Mar 3, 2012

They are trying to get commission off your subscription. New customers are usually better served going through Dish as many retailers make promises and Dish does not honor them or they are in conjunction with some other service which makes the customer's jump through hoops or waste a lot of time and don't get what they sold. Yes, they are authorized retailers, but don't think they are worth what they promise.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 3, 2012

garys said:
They are trying to get commission off your subscription. New customers are usually better served going through Dish as many retailers make promises and Dish does not honor them or they are in conjunction with some other service which makes the customer's jump through hoops or waste a lot of time and don't get what they sold. Yes, they are authorized retailers, but don't think they are worth what they promise.

Ah OK. Thanks. I will skip these third parties then. There are so many too!

garys

· #4 · Mar 3, 2012

Yes, it makes it hard to keep track which are ok and which should be avoided. You will see a lot post regarding customers not getting what they were told and it's hard to tell them that they are not dealing with Dish directly.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 3, 2012

garys said:
Yes, it makes it hard to keep track which are ok and which should be avoided. You will see a lot post regarding customers not getting what they were told and it's hard to tell them that they are not dealing with Dish directly.

What about the ones shown in this retailer list: dish.com/support/tools-apps/locate-retailer/ ? Still to avoid?

James Long

· #6 · Mar 3, 2012

There are two types of retailers ... and no, I'm not going to say good and bad - although that is two different types that also apply.

Some retailers have established local brick and mortar businesses where they sell service and do the installs themselves. Many of these businesses have been in the satellite business since the C Band days pre-DBS. They have local reputations to uphold. Some of these local retailers are very good at going beyond the typical install and do whatever it takes to get a customer connected. Not all improvisation is good - but as a local business they can be held accountable.

Other retailers are simple resellers. They have never rolled a truck to a customers house. For all we know they are running their business out of a spare room in their house or their mother's basement. Their installs are done by the same people as you would get if you called DISH directly ... and install creativity would be limited to DISH's install rules ... so I see no benefit in dealing with a reseller that doesn't install. At least when it comes to quality of install.

I prefer brick and mortars and I like the idea of supporting a local reputable business (although I've had DISH long enough that I bought my initial equipment at Walmart and did a self install, which appeals to me even more than scheduling time with *any* install company).

Retailers are paid for selling you a DISH subscription. The sales only and larger retailers can afford to share some of that payment with you in order to make the sale. If they can offer you an additional $200 rebate for signing up that isn't always a bad thing. The biggest problem is you are signing a contract with two companies - both DISH for your satellite service and the retailer for your rebate. If you cancel you will not only be on the hook for what DISH wants back ($17.50 per month remaining on a 24 month contract) but you will be responsible for returning any rebates.

As usual, READ the terms of any contract you sign. Resellers are not all bad, but they are not all good either and there are too many examples of resellers who have promised something that DISH will not honor.

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James Long

· #7 · Mar 3, 2012

antdude said:
What about the ones shown in this retailer list: http://dish.com/support/tools-apps/locate-retailer/ ? Still to avoid?

It is a verification that the company actually exists and isn't a 100% scam factory ... but once you retrieve a list of retailers via that tool ask around locally. Most of the ones that come up on the list for my zip code are resellers who don't install - so I would not use them. The local retailer I would choose isn't actually on that list, but I know he still sells DISH.

The kiosk at the mall or strip mall store that sells DISH as part of a cell phone reseller business isn't likely to be any better than calling DISH directly.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 3, 2012

James Long said:
It is a verification that the company actually exists and isn't a 100% scam factory ... but once you retrieve a list of retailers via that tool ask around locally. Most of the ones that come up on the list for my zip code are resellers who don't install - so I would not use them. The local retailer I would choose isn't actually on that list, but I know he still sells DISH.

The kiosk at the mall or strip mall store that sells DISH as part of a cell phone reseller business isn't likely to be any better than calling DISH directly.

Thanks again.

garys

· #9 · Mar 4, 2012

Totally agree with Mr. Long, if you are someone who never had satellite, it is hard to know which retailers are good and which aren't and not having a good understanding of satellites, you may not know what to ask or how the retailer should be checked out. If you have a friend or close relative who will refer a local retailer to you, they may be good for you. Just because someone sends you a brochure in the mail just doesn't make them qualified. IMHO.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 4, 2012

garys said:
Totally agree with Mr. Long, if you are someone who never had satellite, it is hard to know which retailers are good and which aren't and not having a good understanding of satellites, you may not know what to ask or how the retailer should be checked out. If you have a friend or close relative who will refer a local retailer to you, they may be good for you. Just because someone sends you a brochure in the mail just doesn't make them qualified. IMHO.

Exactly. I am a newbie. I never had satellite TV service before. All I know is connected TVs to indoor antennae.

I did have cable TV before back in the mid 1980s/80s in PA when I was a kid/child. I have been using over the air (OTA). Where I am moving to will be impossible to get OTA due to the giant hill blocking the transmitters' views.

I don't know of any close friends and relatives currently with DISH service (most have DirecTV or cable). I know one had it, but his parents got rid of it since his family doesn't watch TV much and was a waste of money. I was told Dish was the cheapest for local broadcast channels (don't care for movies and the other channels).

garys

· #11 · Mar 4, 2012

Sounds like you want the Welcome Package w/locals, by far the most inexpensive way to get locals. You may need to buy your receiver, doubt you can get a leased one with this package.

http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/welcome/

Depending on whether you want one or two tuners, I would check e-bay. Get Receiver# and Smart Card # before you buy and check with Dish that there is no outstanding balance. If there is one/or the receiver is listed as leased, you will either be forced to pay the balance before Dish will activate or Dish may not activate it and make you send the receiver back to Dish. Note that there may be additional fees for dvr and for having more than one receiver on the account.

eddwall

· #12 · Mar 4, 2012

Everybody is different or has a different circumstance. For me I have had DirecTV for 12 years, I installed it myself and purchased the equipment at several different stores and sometimes I went directly to DTV for my equipment. Whoever had the cheapest price. Back in October 2011, I started looking for a change, I searched all types (cable, Satelite, Uverse) whoever I could find. I decided I would try Dish after a one week stay at a friends vacation home. I noticed he had Dish, we liked what we were watching and I was intrigued by one receiver feeding two independent TV's. I contacted Dish and discussed switching and all my options as a new customer. I went to their web site and provisioned my setup. The best setup for me at that time was three 722 receivers, 3HD sets & 3SD sets + 2 sling adapters. All pricing from web site said I would be out around $300 for up front cost. I started saving my Dish flyers in the mail. Soon I made phone calls to check things out, I found out that their was a big difference in pricing. See I already completed my install and was ready for plug & play, all I needed was the equipment. I made a deal with a retailer for three 722 receivers "all free" and the sling adapters would be free after the $99 rebate. I was very excited and ready to go until I read about the Hopper & Joey coming out back I'm January. I read the specs on both systems and decided to wait for the H/J system. I have since rewired my house and I am ready for plug & play with the H/J system. I have already contacted about 8 retailers to let them know what I want (2 Hoppers & 4 Joeys + 2 slings) .... We will see where this takes me , all I want is the best price for the equipment ....I can plug it in myself...." if they let me" !! I have already seen several different options or promises as you call them. Don't knock the retailers, for me it is good option. Now I am trying to find a way to get my 2nd Hopper at a price other than $198 and my fourth Joey for free instead of $99. The two sling adapters appear to be set at $30 a piece. Well good luck everyone and happy hunting.

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antdude

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 4, 2012

garys said:
Sounds like you want the Welcome Package w/locals, by far the most inexpensive way to get locals. You may need to buy your receiver, doubt you can get a leased one with this package.

http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/welcome/...

Or DishFamily package that is viewable online (10 bucks more) and does have leased receivers and DVRs. If not leased, what about the new ones from local stores (Costco, Best Buy, Radio Shack, Fry's Electronics, etc.) since I don't do online shoppings? I do need to get a DVR (dual tuners would be useful) since I can't use my DTV Pal DVR (only for over the air (OTA); has dual tuners) and don't want to reuse my old VCRs.

I also found out America's Top has HD and not the lower packages. So if I ever replace my CRT TVs with HDTVs, then I will need to get the higher packages and they aren't cheap.

James Long

· #14 · Mar 4, 2012

eddwall said:
Don't knock the retailers, for me it is good option. Now I am trying to find a way to get my 2nd Hopper at a price other than $198 and my fourth Joey for free instead of $99. The two sling adapters appear to be set at $30 a piece. Well good luck everyone and happy hunting.

A lot of the discounts one can get are based on starting a two year commitment. DISH has limited new equipment in the past where getting the first of the latest whiz bang receiver was reasonable but getting the second one was more expensive ... sometimes full retail price.

When you become a customer DISH spends a lot on equipment and install (and the first year discounts). I wish they would credit a "self install" against a discount on more equipment but they don't do that. Getting a self install without paying full retail is a major challenge.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 4, 2012

James Long said:
A lot of the discounts one can get are based on starting a two year commitment. DISH has limited new equipment in the past where getting the first of the latest whiz bang receiver was reasonable but getting the second one was more expensive ... sometimes full retail price...

Yeah, I was researching the prices based on after promotions so I know who is the cheapest. Time flies too.

James Long

· #16 · Mar 4, 2012

Sorry, I was replying to Ed and your message snuck in the middle.

You don't have to upgrade to HD just because you get a HD set down the road, but you will want to. In most cases it is cheaper to get the HD equipment as a new customer even if you don't have a HD set than to add it later.

If your "ant farm" is in the eastern half of the US you may live in a market where HD equipment is the norm - even for SD subscribers. But if you're in the western states ordering a SD system is going to get you SD equipment. If you have not run through the order form at DISH.COM and described your setup there do that ... it will provide a baseline to compare any other offers. You do not have to submit a final order to see the suggested equipment and pricing.

antdude

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 4, 2012

James Long said:
Sorry, I was replying to Ed and your message snuck in the middle.

You don't have to upgrade to HD just because you get a HD set down the road, but you will want to. In most cases it is cheaper to get the HD equipment as a new customer even if you don't have a HD set than to add it later.

If your "ant farm" is in the eastern half of the US you may live in a market where HD equipment is the norm - even for SD subscribers. But if you're in the western states ordering a SD system is going to get you SD equipment. If you have not run through the order form at DISH.COM and described your setup there do that ... it will provide a baseline to compare any other offers.

I am in Los Angeles/L.A., CA area.

This is what I have in my research notes...

Cheapest Packages (SD and HD packages):
Welcome (no free installation and no 24 Month Digital Home Advantage (DHA 24) contract like Family Pack) -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/welcome/
America's Top 120 ( -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/americas-top-120/

$14.99 (Welcome -- non-HD local broadcast channels + 40 extras; not shown when online ordering [have to ask for it and its difference would be credited with an active account on phone])
OR
$44.99 (America's Top 120 -- HD requires its addon; local broadcast channels + 120 extra; orderable online)

$14 = Two more SD receivers for the other two SDTVs without DVRs
$6 = DVR Service (one DVR)

Total = $34.99/$64.99 per month

Additionals If Needed:
$6 per month = Protection Plan (warranty)
$$99 one time fee OR $10 per month = HD addon for future HDTVs with America's Top Pack
$10 - $27.99 per month = Chinese -- http://www.dish.com/entertainment/packages/international/

http://www.dish.com/redirects/partners/amazon/ for a $100 Amazon gift card (expires on 5/20/2012).

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James Long

· #18 · Mar 4, 2012

Online there is an additional $10 x 12 month bonus credit that you can sign up for after activation that is not shown on the totals page. It would bring down the cost of AT120 to $49.99 before tax for the first year, $64.99 (or whatever is current) after the first year.

This includes HD and three HD receivers (one DVR and two non DVRs) at no cost other than the monthly lease (assuming you fill out the form saying there are three HD TVs in your house - otherwise they'll want you to share a two tuner receiver between two rooms).

If money is tight and $49.99+tax is too much for the first year I can see going with the Family Package or Welcome Package. It is also good to look at that second year.

Are you looking for Chinese programming or just seeking minimum cost programming?

antdude

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 4, 2012

James Long said:
Online there is an additional $10 x 12 month bonus credit that you can sign up for after activation that is not shown on the totals page. It would bring down the cost of AT120 to $49.99 before tax for the first year, $64.99 (or whatever is current) after the first year.

This includes HD and three HD receivers (one DVR and two non DVRs) at no cost other than the monthly lease (assuming you fill out the form saying there are three HD TVs in your house - otherwise they'll want you to share a two tuner receiver between two rooms).

If money is tight and $49.99+tax is too much for the first year I can see going with the Family Package or Welcome Package. It is also good to look at that second year.

Are you looking for Chinese programming or just seeking minimum cost programming?

Interesting. I didn't know America Top 120 come with free two receivers. Online forms didn't show that: http://i.imgur.com/zdQNh.jpg ... I tried selecting HD instead of SD, but still got charged ($7 each).

Chinese is for my folks since they watch Chinese stuff even though they're not the same ones from over the air (OTA -- channels 31.x, 62.x, etc.). I am researching for them.

James Long

· #20 · Mar 4, 2012

antdude said:
Interesting. I didn't know America Top 120 come with free two receivers. Online forms didn't show that: http://i.imgur.com/zdQNh.jpg ... I tried selecting HD instead of SD, but still got charged ($7 each).

The monthly lease is charged based on the number of outputs ($7 for a single and $14 for a duo for non-DVRs, $10 for a single and $17 for a duo for DVRs). The highest priced receiver is free (in your case, the 622 which would be $17).

What I was referring to is the start up cost ... there is no additional fee to get HD equipment. You would have to pay an additional start up fee for a second DVR but if you wanted HD equipment for another room you could get it now.

Chinese is for my folks since they watch Chinese stuff even though they're not the same ones from over the air (OTA -- channels 31.x, 62.x, etc.). I am researching for them.

OK. It helps with the two year commitment. If they don't want to maintain DISH Family as a minimum they can keep their commitment with qualifying Chinese programming. HD equipment would not be available unless they signed up for a regular plan and either Chinese or International Basic would be required in addition to the $19.99 Chinese Basic programming (unless they had DISH Family or above from the English selections).

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