Want to get your $49 DirecTiVo for Free?

[iamcrazy033]

A few things have to happen first.

1) Your 1 year contract with DirecTV must be up, or almost up.
2) You can't have already recieved your $49 directivo. In other words, you're still scheduled.

Call up direcTV and ask when your 1 year contract is up. Somehow let it slip that you're considering switching to the D*SH network because of their 2HD reciever and 2 DVR reciever for free with 1 year contract plan. It's on VCMs website. They'll then try to keep you as their customer and make you a counter offer.

If you get switched over to their retention department, thats fine. They're there to retain you as a customer.

The best I could get is the rest of my $49 tivo and the 14.99 handling fee credited to my account, But I think in the other big thread about the $49 deal, someone said they got a second tivo for free.

See what you can get.

If you've already recieved your TiVo, then theres nothing you can do. Your bound to their 1 year contract. But if you haven't gotten it installed yet, then you can threaten to cancell and goto D*SH.

Of course, we'd never go away from TiVo, but they don't know that ;)

[Jerw134]

I got my Tivo (2nd one, got the first one in September) just a couple weeks ago for $15. I didn't have to threaten to cancel or anything. I just asked the CSR if he could give me a better deal than the current $49. He put me on hold, came back, and said he could do it for $15. I would have bought it for $49 too, but I was just feeling adventurous that day and decided to try my luck.

[bnm81002]

Originally posted by Jerw134
I got my Tivo (2nd one, got the first one in September) just a couple weeks ago for $15. I didn't have to threaten to cancel or anything. I just asked the CSR if he could give me a better deal than the current $49. He put me on hold, came back, and said he could do it for $15. I would have bought it for $49 too, but I was just feeling adventurous that day and decided to try my luck.


did you call Directv or customer retention dept? thanks

[Jerw134]

Just called DirecTV at 800-531-5000 and used option 4 for equipment orders.

[bnm81002]

Originally posted by Jerw134
Just called DirecTV at 800-531-5000 and used option 4 for equipment orders.

no go, the lady said since I had one installed in Oct. not allowed to have another one till after 6 months:(

[Jerw134]

That's weird. They allowed me to have one, and it's only been 4 months.

[bnm81002]

Originally posted by Jerw134
That's weird. They allowed me to have one, and it's only been 4 months.


I'll call again and let you know

[Jerw134]

Apparently my memory is faulty. I just looked back, and I ordered it on June 8th. So when I ordered this second one, I was just barely out of the 6 month period.

[teasip]

I tried earlier and the CSR couldn't find any evidence of a promotion allowing for a $15 TiVo.

[Athenian]

There is only one promotion - $49 + S&H and that is what the regular CSRs are supposed to offer to subscribers who are still within their commitment period.

Retention has an budget for credits that can be used to encourage subscribers whose commitment has expired (or for whom the pro-rated penalty is less than their monthly payment) to stay with DirecTV.

[valgrom]

Hehe...I already did this and funny thing is ....I didn't even know about this post....I did it almost EXACTLY the same way the post says....

I even had the CSR going with me to the Dish site and checking their contract agreement word for word and pointing out to me the loopholes in it...Finally I said it was just too good a deal and she said she would give me the Tivo for free PLUS a 4.99 Credit on my account for 6 months...hehe...

So basically I got $50 bucks and $30 bucks...Yep...they want to keep people allright...

[Paulson]

We got ours for free because DirecTV forgot to bill us.

It's been about 5 months now... :)

[GuidoTKP]

Originally posted by iamcrazy033
A few things have to happen first.

1) Your 1 year contract with DirecTV must be up, or almost up.
2) You can't have already recieved your $49 directivo. In other words, you're still scheduled.

Call up direcTV and ask when your 1 year contract is up. Somehow let it slip that you're considering switching to the D*SH network because of their 2HD reciever and 2 DVR reciever for free with 1 year contract plan. It's on VCMs website. They'll then try to keep you as their customer and make you a counter offer.

If you get switched over to their retention department, thats fine. They're there to retain you as a customer.

The best I could get is the rest of my $49 tivo and the 14.99 handling fee credited to my account, But I think in the other big thread about the $49 deal, someone said they got a second tivo for free.

See what you can get.

If you've already recieved your TiVo, then theres nothing you can do. Your bound to their 1 year contract. But if you haven't gotten it installed yet, then you can threaten to cancell and goto D*SH.

Of course, we'd never go away from TiVo, but they don't know that ;)
Just curious...What are you going to do when you do this and one of these times they just say, okay have a good day your account will disconnect at midnight?

[John Ross]

Originally posted by Paulson
We got ours for free because DirecTV forgot to bill us.

It's been about 5 months now... :) Thank you for telling us. We should be billing you shortly. Sorry for the oversight.:D

[sabre]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
Just curious...What are you going to do when you do this and one of these times they just say, okay have a good day your account will disconnect at midnight?
That is what will happen to me the day I try this.

[John Ross]

A Csr said to me that you are entitled to a free DirectiVo every 6 months. If you ask before you may get lucky. But OY what a deal! I hope to have the max tivos you can have on an account soon. Btw anyone want a replay I have grown tired of it now that i am used to the 30 second skip.

[valgrom]

Originally posted by John Ross
Btw anyone want a replay I have grown tired of it now that i am used to the 30 second skip.

Hell if it's free I'll take it :D

[scalo]

I called DTV and gave them the switch story and was offered my 2nd tivo for free with the shipping credited so the total was $0 for the whole thing. I just got my last tivo in a month ago but I paid $99 for it so I think that is why they had no problem giving me the 2nd one for free.

[Athenian]

Originally posted by John Ross
A Csr said to me that you are entitled to a free DirectiVo every 6 months. If you ask before you may get lucky. But OY what a deal! If that really is what the CSR said, he was wrong. No one is "entitled" to a free DirecTiVo. Subscribers are eligible for some sort of retention concession when there is less than 6 months remaining in their committment. The closer you are to expiration (or if there is no committment), the larger the concession.

[iamcrazy033]

They wont disconnect your service either. As long as they have a chance at making money, why would they cut you off? :P

It really all depends on how convincing you are. If you say stuff like "I like sunday ticket, and direct TV's service, and I really want to stay but this deal looks better" then the CSR might see through your story and notice that you really want to stay but are fishing for a deal. I think thats what happened to me.

But if you get a newb CSR and are convincing, they'll give you their first born.

[94wolfpack]

What dtivo model are they sending out?

[iamcrazy033]

It's whatever the installer has in stock.

But with it being near the end of the Dec 31st $50 off deal DTV is running, chances are that most of the 35hr TiVos have been given out already and you'll get stuck with a 70hr or a new R10.

At least this is what I'm hearing from the other posts on this board.

You'll at least get a 35hr model that from what I understand is easy to upgrade.

I'm getting mine installed tomorrow (Philly, PA) so I'll keep you updated on what model I get.

CAN'T WAIT!

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by iamcrazy033
chances are ... you'll get stuck with a 70hr or a new R10.Oh, that's terrible. I'd hate to get stuck with either of those! :p

[JJA]

I just called to replace my old DSR6000 with a new free one.

I was told that my lifetime would not transfer and my monthly cost would be $4.95 for the new one (vs n/c for the existing).

Also she said it would be a 30g but if I wait a few more weeks, their inventory of 30g will be gone and the next level will be 70 or 80g. Noted on my account that I am entitled to a free one whenever I call. All my receivers now are DTivo (3) so I may as well wait and try to snag an R10 80g.

(customer since 1995 helps)

[icebergz]

A few questions....

1) I got my first DTivo last January. Would this mean my one year committment is almost up? Does DTV website show when my contract is up?

2) Does all of these discounted and free offers also include installation. I would need the installer to move my current TIVO unit up to the bedroom to replace my old standard receiver AND install a second line for it. Then, just put the new TIVO unit in the living room where my current one sits. Would they do all this for free if Im close to my one year committment?

[scalo]

Originally posted by icebergz
A few questions....

1) I got my first DTivo last January. Would this mean my one year committment is almost up? Does DTV website show wen my contract is up?

2) Does all of these discounted and free offers also include installation. I would need the installer to move my current TIVO unit up to the bedroom to replace my old standard receiver AND install a second line for it. Then, just put the new TIVO unit in the living room where my current one sits. Would they do all this for free if Im close to my one year committment?


1) not sure about the website showing your current status but you can call and they will tell you.
2) I got the R10 free with free installation, but if you need them to move your unit to your bedroom they will most likely not run the second line needed, and you will have to do that yourself.

[Athenian]

Yes. You are an ideal candidate for a retention concession. Go to the DISH network site and read through the offer before you call. Then tell the CSR that the offers look very good and ask if you can get another TiVo. The first offer will probably be the $49 promotion and you can answer that DISH includes DVRs free.

The DirecTV deal includes everything necessary to get the TiVo running so you will get the second line and any switch required as part of the package. The installer shouldn't care where the new unit goes but if he insists on putting it in the bedroom, you can just switch them after he leaves.

[mackrich]

OKAY...all you smart guys out there. Where can I get a replacement remote? I have a RCA DVR 40. I don't want to pay $30-$40. Is there somewhere I can call and threaten to bail for a new remote??? :D :(

[Jerw134]

A new remote is $20 from DirecTV.

[goony]

Originally posted by mackrich
OKAY...all you smart guys out there. Where can I get a replacement remote? I have a RCA DVR 40. I don't want to pay $30-$40. Is there somewhere I can call and threaten to bail for a new remote??? :D :(
Try an Ebay auction like this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=79864&item=5740628582&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)? It looks sorta funky though...

[mackrich]

Thanks goony. I did look over the stuff on eBay. I would really prefer a new replacement, otherwise I may go with a multi-device.


Jerw134

I've searched the web site and find nothing about accessories or replacements? Do I need to call them?

Thanks

Found it! Thanks....

[goony]

Well, I tried the "CSR roulette" and neither of them would offer a free DVR :(

I tried to use the "free Dish DVR" deal as leverage. I told them I already have two DVRs and want to replace my vanilla receiver with a 3rd DVR but my wife is being lured by the "free Dish DVR" song. No dice, the CSRs will only waive the shipping fee.

Still, at $49 it's a very nice offer...

[gordon1fan]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
Just curious...What are you going to do when you do this and one of these times they just say, okay have a good day your account will disconnect at midnight?
Directv is not going to say that. Directv is going to try there best to keep you! DIRECTV is not going to lose any customers to DISH Network or Cable!

[bane]

It all depends on who you talk to. Most regular CSRs won't or can't setup a free DVR install and CRG isn't required to give them or anything as a retention offer...although they usually do.

As far as which model you will get...I had two DVRs installed about a month ago. One was an HNS SD-DVR40 and the other was the Samsung SIR-S4040R. My friend had his installed the next week and got an 80GB unit. I think he said it was the HNS SD-DVR80. I wasn't exactly thrilled about that, so I went to Circuit City and just picked up an R-10 to replace my Philips DSR704. So basically, its just "luck of the draw" on which one you'll get.

Also please note that DirecTV will now be the ONLY listed manufacturer on any and all recievers (DVR or otherwise) built in the future. No more brand names.

[randomizzer]

Okay This sounds great and I want in but I have a strange problem, I don't get to deal with DirecTV directly, I am supplied by a local provider, I don't know why, called Brazosvision. When I call DTV it automatically tells me to call Brazosvision.
This is good in some cases since Brazosvision is small (probably one person working the phones) so you don't wait long, but I am not sure they are empowered to give away stuff like this?

Has anyone else experienced this ????

Can anyone tell me more about how this local provider thing works ??

Thanks:D

[iamcrazy033]

just got my new TiVo

Phillips 708

Its the 70 hr model so I lucked out.

My first night of watching 'Futurama' on my new TiVo and the 'now in smell-o-vision" quote at the beginning of the episode was "Hey, Tivo! Suggest This!"

kinda ironic :P

[rborden]

why do ya'll think dtv owes you anything for free,everyday i listen to you guys either whining,begging,or threating to disconnect just to get free equipment,programming,or to get out of the $70 service call fee.dtv is a programming provider,it how they make their $,go ask the guy @ best buy for a free tivo and watch him laugh in your face just as we do,after pressing mute of course. Grow up and stop thinking that anyone especially a major corporation owes you anything!

[gordon1fan]

Originally posted by rborden
why do ya'll think dtv owes you anything for free,everyday i listen to you guys either whining,begging,or threating to disconnect just to get free equipment,programming,or to get out of the $70 service call fee.dtv is a programming provider,it how they make their $,go ask the guy @ best buy for a free tivo and watch him laugh in your face just as we do,after pressing mute of course. Grow up and stop thinking that anyone especially a major corporation owes you anything!
Why go to Bestbuy, when I can call DIRECTV. If you had a chance to get something FREE, you would jump on it. Man you need to wake-up and smell the coffee!

[Athenian]

Originally posted by rborden
why do ya'll think dtv owes you anything for free... No one is entitled to anything for free. DirecTV is offering TiVos for $49.99 (+ S&H) installed. That's a good deal. The retention concessions are just an extra bonus that may or may not be offered.

[TexasRanger74]

hey there!

I tried 2 different approaches today to get a tivo.

First I called the main directv number, and got the hardware department. the woman I spoke to refused to budge on the $49 + 15 s/h price. trust me, I tried talking her down, no luck.

so I hung up and 2 minutes later, I called the customer retention department at 800-600-8977. I told the guy I saw a deal on dish network's site about free dvr's and wanted to see what kind of offers they had. he went on to tell me how great the features of the directv tivo is and how dish's doesn't compare. I told him that I knew the features of tivo because I used to have a standalone.. that some features were good, but some were just ok.. but that basically I wanted to see if there was anything they could do for me. He must have looked at my account and said "oh yeah, no problem. you're a great customer with us" and he went on to schedule an install of a FREE tivo. no install costs or anything.

so basically, my advice, don't even mess with the main number. call retention directly.

btw, my one year committment wasn't even close to being up, but he gladly gave me the free tivo. Man I love this forum and directv!

[Shape]

The person I got wouldn't give it to me for free, but she did give me $10 off for 6 months, so 6 of 1, half a dozen of another. It all works out in the end. :)

[goony]

Originally posted by rborden
why do ya'll think dtv owes you anything for free,everyday i listen to you guys either whining,begging,or threating to disconnect just to get free equipment,programming,or to get out of the $70 service call fee.Can we therefore assume that you always pay full retail price for everything you buy and bypass anything that is sale priced?

Some of us aren't fat with cash and try to latch onto every bargain we can. Getting gear at reduced prices isn't wrong when the companies are willing to do so to retain customers. It also keeps us as DirecTV customers and in the face of competition from cable and DishNetwork I'd say that's a big plus for DirecTV. When a company treats you good you stay a loyal customer.

[baeverly]

Just called Customer Retention at 800.600.8977. I asked very nicely what the best deal was on a second TIVO. He told me that I was in luck that today was the last day for a $49 Tivo and that if I would have called tommorrow it would be $99. I said that $49 sounded OK but that Comcast was offering me one for free. He said well lets take a look at your account (D* since 1996) and came back and said "well" he could do it for free with installation as well!!!!!!!!!!!!

Coming on Tuesday and will even run a second line into the room where they will be installing this!

Too easy.

Thanks!

[mackrich]

If DT didn't want to give this stuff away they wouldn't! And, actually I do think they owe me something. Eight years of paying my bill every month etc. They probably get this stuff for near zero!!!! And, it's called COMPETITION!!! HELLO! Anybody home? Coffee? What coffee?

[iamcrazy033]

I'm a college student. I excell at hunting down and consuming free stuff.

[rborden]

i didn't mean the asking for the sale price was wrong,i said that having the nerve to ask for a free dvr when they are already giving you a good deal,if you bought the same thing @retail the tivo would cost you $80-$100 then you would have to install it or pay to have it done for you,so i think you should be happy with their generosity and not be so greedy.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by rborden
i think you should be happy with their generosity and not be so greedy. I think there's a position open for a corporate ass-kisser at DirecTV. You should apply, you'd be great for the job!

In all seriousness, I don't understand why you have such a problem with people getting deals on the DVRs. If DirecTV cared, they wouldn't give the deals. Obviously they feel it's beneficial to them, so they do it. They don't need you to protect them from the big bad customers.

[Rcrew]

Add me to the list of those that got in under the wire on a free DVR.

No guilt here either. The offer to waive the $99 was done immediately without my asking.

But I too was told that today is the last day.

[bnm81002]

Originally posted by rborden
i didn't mean the asking for the sale price was wrong,i said that having the nerve to ask for a free dvr when they are already giving you a good deal,if you bought the same thing @retail the tivo would cost you $80-$100 then you would have to install it or pay to have it done for you,so i think you should be happy with their generosity and not be so greedy.



so you never asked for something for FREE? plus the fact that Directv is not losing any $ if they do give the customer a FREE DVR, remember all orders of any receiver or DVR requires an additional 1 year of service commitment, it's all about customer service, they treat you right, you would in turn treat them right by telling others about what Directv did for me(the customer), see how many more of yearly commitment of service Directv got just from "offering a free DVR"!!!!!!

[rborden]

not trying to to take up for anyone,i work in tech support and have to listen to you guy's everyday calling and just expecting free stuff,you sound pathetic,and to answer your ? no i don't ask for free stuff if i see a deal i jump on it but i don't beg for anything.and i bet no one of you can give me a reason,other than being cheap, why you think you should not have to pay for a tech to come to your home and fix something that you own.

[bnm81002]

Originally posted by rborden
not trying to to take up for anyone,i work in tech support and have to listen to you guy's everyday calling and just expecting free stuff,you sound pathetic,and to answer your ? no i don't ask for free stuff if i see a deal i jump on it but i don't beg for anything.and i bet no one of you can give me a reason,other than being cheap, why you think you should not have to pay for a tech to come to your home and fix something that you own.



asking for something and someone coming to fix something are 2 different things, the topic here is about getting the best offer possible on a DTivo(DVR), some have received it for free mainly because their required one year commitment of service was or has expired, Directv wanted to keep those customers so they were offering the DTivo for free so that they can have the customers for another year of service commitment, so indirectly Directv was "begging" the person to remain with Directv by giving a DVR for free, if you don't ask for something you'll never know if you'll get it or not, doesn't hurt to ask
:)

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by rborden
not trying to to take up for anyone,i work in tech support and have to listen to you guy's everyday calling and just expecting free stuff,you sound pathetic,and to answer your ? no i don't ask for free stuff if i see a deal i jump on it but i don't beg for anything.and i bet no one of you can give me a reason,other than being cheap, why you think you should not have to pay for a tech to come to your home and fix something that you own.

ok, first. if you don't like your job and "have to listen to us guys everyday", then go find a job you'll enjoy. don't come on here complaining because your job sucks. It's you who sounds pathetic complaining about your job and the customers and not doing anything to better yourself by finding something else.

secondly, who said anything about not paying for a tech to come into our homes and fix something that we own? we are talking about getting the best deal on something that directv owned. competition among companies for customers is what alot of this country is founded on. customers try to get the best deal they can. why do you think directv somehow shouldn't be included in this is beyond me. It's part of everyday business. When you buy a car, do you say "well, you say this is your sale price, so I better pay that", or do you try to get the salesman to lower his price even more so that you can get the best deal possible? if you answered the first one, you're an idiot. it's the same thing here. just because the company is directv and not a car dealer doesn't matter. it's all part of the system, and as other posters have said, if directv didn't want to authorize us to receive free tivo's, then they wouldn't. it's that simple. it benefits them so they are willing to do it. if they are willing to do it, then the customer is willing to get the best deal they can. it's simple business. maybe you should take some classes on it.

[JJJumpjet]

I just read the information in this thread, and called DTV Retention Dept, and mentioned that I was thinking of going to Dish. To make a long story short, the lady offered me two DirecTivos with free installation as well as the 2nd lines needed to make it fully functional .. for free. She said tonight was the last of the offer. So, no doubt ...some one will read this thread tomorrow, or next week ... and realize they missed a really great deal. :rolleyes:

[gordon1fan]

I'm calling DIRECTV right now! :) I'm going to see what I can get for FREE! Lets see, I already have two TiVo's, so what should I ask them to give me for FREE. Anybody got any suggestions?

[mackrich]

OKAY, well there's not much time left!!!! Central, Mountain & Pacific time zones....Gosh there is some CSR is just sitting there waiting for midnight. They need stuff to do! Free Tivos, Free Tivos...get'em while there hot.

rborden, aren't you glad you're not working tonight...c'mon man, it's called move the inventory so we don't have to pay tax on it...it's just all bizness. Wutta Country...GOD bless DTV-Tivo...Happy New Year!

[GuidoTKP]

You ever watch sharks in a feeding frenzy?
Getting free stuff is nice and if I am offered something for free I will take whoever offered it to me up on the offer, but I REFUSE to LIE to get what I want...guess it is just me,I like to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning and not have to look away.

My .02

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
You ever watch sharks in a feeding frenzy?
Getting free stuff is nice and if I am offered something for free I will take whoever offered it to me up on the offer, but I REFUSE to LIE to get what I want...guess it is just me,I like to be able to look at myself in the mirror in the morning and not have to look away.

My .02

who is lying about anything? when I called up, I said I saw that dish network was giving away free tivos and I wanted to see what they would do for me. I did see that dish network was giving away free tivos and directv took care of me. how is that lying? it's getting the best deal you can.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
I REFUSE to LIE to get what I wantI don't know about everyone else here, but I didn't have to lie at all to get my $15 Tivo. I just asked them if they could do better than the $49 deal. I didn't threaten to cancel or anything.

[GuidoTKP]

Originally posted by iamcrazy033
A few things have to happen first.

1) Your 1 year contract with DirecTV must be up, or almost up.
2) You can't have already recieved your $49 directivo. In other words, you're still scheduled.

Call up direcTV and ask when your 1 year contract is up. Somehow let it slip that you're considering switching to the D*SH network because of their 2HD reciever and 2 DVR reciever for free with 1 year contract plan. It's on VCMs website. They'll then try to keep you as their customer and make you a counter offer.

If you get switched over to their retention department, thats fine. They're there to retain you as a customer.

The best I could get is the rest of my $49 tivo and the 14.99 handling fee credited to my account, But I think in the other big thread about the $49 deal, someone said they got a second tivo for free.

See what you can get.

If you've already recieved your TiVo, then theres nothing you can do. Your bound to their 1 year contract. But if you haven't gotten it installed yet, then you can threaten to cancell and goto D*SH.

Of course, we'd never go away from TiVo, but they don't know that ;)
If you get your free stuff by doing it this way then you are lying ...period...I am not saying that everyone who is getting this offer is getting it by lying but a good number of the people are...I was also just pointing out that I personally will not do this especially not to save $49 bucks...my integrity is worth more than that to me :) I am not going to condemn anyone for anything but I will point out why I wont do it!

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
If you get your free stuff by doing it this way then you are lying ...period...I am not saying that everyone who is getting this offer is getting it by lying but a good number of the people are...I was also just pointing out that I personally will not do this especially not to save $49 bucks...my integrity is worth more than that to me :) I am not going to condemn anyone for anything but I will point out why I wont do it!

can you show us who all is lying, since you apparently have the numbers to where you can claim that a "good number of the people are" ? otherwise, making false claims just to try to stand on your podium and shout about your integrity is hypocritical. Integrity also implies that you wouldn't sit here and make false claims saying that "a good number of people" are lying unless you have the exact numbers to make such a claim.

[GuidoTKP]

if a person really isnt planning on disconnecting then when they call and say they are going to disco and go to dish unless they get a free TIVO when they do not have any intention of doing this then they are lying and a good portion of the posters in this thread have done this by their own admission...as to my podium and integrity that you mentioned...whatever you say boss.

[TexasRanger74]

well you claimed a large portion of the people on here were lying. you, with all your integrity need to give me some numbers then to back that up, or else you're being a hypocrite.

I never called and said anything about disconnecting, and neither have other posters from what I've seen. I simply said I saw they had a free dvr deal on dish and wanted to see what directv could do for me. tell me how something like that is lying. Not once did I say to them I was planning on leaving or disconnecting. Not once did I lie, nor did I need to... it's not what this thread is about... well, it wasn't, until you decided to start preaching so you could hear yourself talk.

You're taking this high and mighty stance, and basically, you're a hypocrite. why are you even on this thread with all your integrity? you should have said to yourself "here's a thread for a free tivo... no no, my integrity is too great for that, I won't read or post on that thread". If you didn't read and reply on this thread in order to find out how to get the $49 tivo for free, then basically you came on here to read and reply in order to preach to us. get a life.

[mackrich]

Originally posted by GuidoTKP
if a person really isnt planning on disconnecting then when they call and say they are going to disco and go to dish unless they get a free TIVO when they do not have any intention of doing this then they are lying and a good portion of the posters in this thread have done this by their own admission...as to my podium and integrity that you mentioned...whatever you say boss.

C'mom man, get a grip!!! IT'S CALLED SHOPPING!!!! Are you the DT Tivo/morality police? Calling someone a liar is as bad as calling someone a thief. I don't care for the inference. We will all answer for our misgivings when the time comes. And it won't be to you. Do you need a hand down from your pulpit? There are certainly other forums where your accusations and judgments toward others may be appreciated. A Tivo forum misses the mark. That's my opinion...

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by Athenian
If that really is what the CSR said, he was wrong. No one is "entitled" to a free DirecTiVo. Subscribers are eligible for some sort of retention concession when there is less than 6 months remaining in their committment. The closer you are to expiration (or if there is no committment), the larger the concession.
Not in all cases, I think it's still a crap shoot. I wanted a HD receiver a few months back, not the HD TiVo, and did not want to pay the $400 for the receiver, OTA, and SATC kit, plus intallation. It was probably back in October they gave me a quote of $249. I called again in November to see if they could do better than that, and they quoted me at $349.

[EMoMoney]

Just called and they said the price is $99 + $14.95 for the shipping. When I asked about the $49 deal, he said that ended 12/31. Hrm, 4 different calls to DTV and I haven't been offered anything to entice me to stay, and I'm not even locked into any agreement.

[mackrich]

I think DT CSR'S are just wore out...probably need to let them get some rest for a bit. They did come through for 100's though...:)

[vibrantnet]

Raaaats. Missed it! Called a few hours ago and no budging on $99 even though I was cancelling DTivo service.

[walendvay]

I called and asked if they had any FREE deals.... they gave me TWO SD TIVOs plus installation... FOR FREE!!! yipee!!! They're coming out on Friday!!!

[mackrich]

Originally posted by walendvay
I called and asked if they had any FREE deals.... they gave me TWO SD TIVOs plus installation... FOR FREE!!! yipee!!! They're coming out on Friday!!!


Someone, somewhere didn't get the memo....

[mackrich]

Originally posted by vibrantnet
Raaaats. Missed it! Called a few hours ago and no budging on $99 even though I was cancelling DTivo service.

Call again! Tell them a neighbor (albeit distant) was given the deal...Can't hurt.

[GuidoTKP]

Originally posted by mackrich
C'mom man, get a grip!!! IT'S CALLED SHOPPING!!!! Are you the DT Tivo/morality police? Calling someone a liar is as bad as calling someone a thief. I don't care for the inference. We will all answer for our misgivings when the time comes. And it won't be to you. Do you need a hand down from your pulpit? There are certainly other forums where your accusations and judgments toward others may be appreciated. A Tivo forum misses the mark. That's my opinion... I'm entitled to my opinion just like you are...sorry if you dont like mine but oh well it is still my opinion....

[topcats69]

I just got the deal by using my dad as a referral was just asking to get hooked up to DTV and the CSR ask me if I wanted a free DVR I siad sure.

my dad go 50.00 and I got a 50.00 comming the mail for signing up.

[EMoMoney]

I just don't have good luck with the CSRs I guess. Called again today and was told: "We actually had a really good deal last month for $49, but now they're back up to $99."

[moonshine]

I just called CSR (800-600-8977) and asked if they had any free deals or anything.. they said "what were you looking for?"..

I said i wanted some more DVR's (I have 3 already, but not from any D* deal)..

They said "have you seen other offers around?"

I said sure.. everyone is offering DVR's.. Comcast, Dish and D* (I think they need to have the words Dish or Comcast in the sentance, not saying your leaving for them, just the words [as i did not say i was leaving or anywhere, just that everyone including D* is offering DVR's]).. they said they can give me up to 2 DVR's for $49 and they will waive the $49 and shipping, and do free install, and also give me a few months credit of the DVR fee amount (since i already have the platinum package and there is no charge for it)..

Guess they are still honoring the deal that was supposed to end 12/31.. as this was 1/3..

So, if you missed out on the deal, try calling, if they want to charge you the $99, call back till you get someone to do the $49 deal (or better)... I called on 1/1 and they said the deal was over.. waited till this AM and they gave it to me with a Friday install date.

[EMoMoney]

Sigh. Maybe God is telling me I watch too much TV.

[bubbadawg]

I just called and inquired about getting an R10 Unit. Imagine this....they knew nothing about "Models" and send they simply ship out DVR units. Also, no deal for the $49, now $99.

Does anyone know if the CC Units they are offering for $49 (80GB) are R10s?

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by TheMonkOfFunk
Sigh. Maybe God is telling me I watch too much TV.

which number are you calling and what are you saying to them?

[chuckwny]

I just callled (800-600-8977) and said I was thinking about switching to DISH since the best offer for an additional DVR was $99. He immediatelly offered me the $49 DVR with free installation and a $10 discount on HBO for six months. So I am actually saving $10 and getting a free DVR. Great deal!

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by TexasRanger74
which number are you calling and what are you saying to them?

Originally posted by Jerw134
Just called DirecTV at 800-531-5000 and used option 4 for equipment orders.

That one. Just asking them if they have any deals right now.

[Tonedeaf]

The 800-600-8977 number is the best one as it is retention adn they can offer you the most. Try again with that number.

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by TheMonkOfFunk
That one. Just asking them if they have any deals right now.

yep, quit calling the main directv number. the regular CSR's that answer that line are not going to offer you anything. as others have said, call the retention department and mention that you've seen dish network offers for free dvr's and you want to see what they will do for you at directv.

800-600-8977 is the retention department. never call the main number for deals and such. they'll give you the runaround.

[Shape]

I just got mine installed today. A 70 hour Philips DSR708. Gotta say, that is the most attractive Tivo I have seen yet. Big upgrade over my Series 1. I should have copied down my season pass list BEFORE I unplugged the old one from the satelite! :( I can watch all the shows recorded on the Series 1, but I can't look at my season passes.

[mmoulder]

I just tried and the $49 has expired and they didn't offer me anything. I have been a member for about 2 years now. They CSR just said sorry when I said I might be switching to Dish Network. Any suggestions?

[dishrich]

Originally posted by JJA
I just called to replace my old DSR6000 with a new free one.

I was told that my lifetime would not transfer and my monthly cost would be $4.95 for the new one (vs n/c for the existing).

This is totally incorrect - the lifetime fee is on the account, NOT the actual box. You can add/switch/delete boxes all you want & you should NEVER loose the lifetime. I have lifetime & have done this very thing several times with NO problems at all.

[moonshine]

Originally posted by mmoulder
I just tried and the $49 has expired and they didn't offer me anything. I have been a member for about 2 years now. They CSR just said sorry when I said I might be switching to Dish Network. Any suggestions?

I would just try again.. i had no issue this AM when i did it (but got that same response on Saturday when I called), all I said this morning was "i was wondering what kind of free equip deals you were offering"..

[birdman1089]

Ok Ihave been reading about the free and $49 Tivos with DTV. I am wanting to replace my ultimate tv with a Tivo. I currently have 1 Tivo now and love it. The UTV is slow plus you pay more for the service.:D

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by TexasRanger74
yep, quit calling the main directv number. the regular CSR's that answer that line are not going to offer you anything. as others have said, call the retention department and mention that you've seen dish network offers for free dvr's and you want to see what they will do for you at directv.

800-600-8977 is the retention department. never call the main number for deals and such. they'll give you the runaround.
Called it, same answer. $99.

[birdman1089]

Originally posted by EMoMoney
Called it, same answer. $99.
Not bad at $99 with install. $49 would be better.

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by birdman1089
Not bad at $99 with install. $49 would be better.
Not when other on this board are getting them for the $14.95 shiiping only or for free. I don't even need the thing installed, it would just replace my regular receiver in the bedroom.

[Shape]

If you have a dual tuner receiver in your bedroom, there would be no need for an install. But if it is a single tuner, you would need some wire and hardware installed.

[rmasonjr]

I got mine yesterday for $14.95

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by rmasonjr
I got mine yesterday for $14.95
New subscriber or were you already a customer?

[EMoMoney]

After 5 calls, they finally gave me the $49 deal and waived the $14.95 shipping. Installer will be here tomorrow morning.

[serenstarlight]

they really need to change the retention depts number

[kkern]

Don't they keep track of how many times people call in? I would think if you have called 5 times in the last few days that would be on recored and it would be obvious what you were trying to do. Just wondering :confused:

[EMoMoney]

You would think so.

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by kkern
Don't they keep track of how many times people call in? I would think if you have called 5 times in the last few days that would be on recored and it would be obvious what you were trying to do. Just wondering :confused:

Usually, they do but sometimes they don't pay attention to the dates the customer calls, especially if it's busy with unnecessary calls ;) . There are certain customers that have every right to talk to retention and then there are those customers that keep calling trying to get a free ride. If you'd all take a moment and close your eyes. Imagine you're calling a company.. say directv and you had a legit question regarding a double billing problem on your bill. You've been on hold for at least 10 mins but it feels like forever because you have other agenda. The 10 mins turn into 20 mins because there's atleast 150 other people on hold to talk to reps now imagine half of those people are waiting on their 5th call trying to get some rep to give them a DVR for free. Would you not get just a bit upset knowing that you were going to be late for work because you were waiting for someone to hear their 5th no?

[EMoMoney]

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. What is wrong with soembody who's been a DTV customer for over 3 years and has never gotten a free DVR trying to get the same deal that others have gotten even though they've received 2 or 3 free DVRs already?

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by serenstarlight
Would you not get just a bit upset knowing that you were going to be late for work because you were waiting for someone to hear their 5th no?

a) I'd never know that.
b) I'd realized that I poorly planned my phone time if it was making me late for work.
c) I'd use my cell phone on the drive in so I wouldn't be late for work.

and d) I'd just blame D* for under staffing the call center during peek periods.

[scalo]

I have been a D* customer for years and never got anything free, except the occasional showtime or HBO. As of now I have gotten 3 DVR's for free, but I paid for it in phone calls and time. I ordered the first one and the installer did half the job he was there to do, so I got credited for the first DVR. Then the installer was supposed to come back and put in a multiswitch to finish the original job and never showed up so I got a second DVR for free for my pain and suffering. then on friday I got stood up again and a very nice girl in tech support helped me get a 3rd DVR for free and it is being delivered tomorrow and I will do the install myself. D* will take care of customers who have been with them for years, I have heard a lot of people complaining that they get nothing from D* and then find out they have not even had D* for a year yet.

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by EMoMoney
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. What is wrong with soembody who's been a DTV customer for over 3 years and has never gotten a free DVR trying to get the same deal that others have gotten even though they've received 2 or 3 free DVRs already?

I honestly don't find anything wrong with a loyal customer getting a discount or getting something for free. The constant calling, calling wrong numbers, sneaky things like that I do disagree with. I know when I've got people calling me unnecessarily it makes my job harder. There are ways to get what you need without demanding or threatening the person you're talking to. Not that I'm saying you did to get what you wanted. I'm less likely to give someone free equip if I know they've called 10 times before and everyone else has said no.

[CsrLiz344]

I don't agree with calling back numerous times either, just to get something free. I ended up with an R10 for $49, I'm not gonna complain about paying it, it's a good deal.

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by serenstarlight
There are ways to get what you need without demanding or threatening the person you're talking to.

I didn't even threaten to leave DTV, nor was I demanding. Everytime I called, I simply asked if there were any deals. Each call lasting less than 1 minute.

[rdefino]

I just called and they offered me a Hughs DVR-40 for Free. She said they just ship what's in stock.

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by EMoMoney
I didn't even threaten to leave DTV, nor was I demanding. Everytime I called, I simply asked if there were any deals. Each call lasting less than 1 minute.
like I said I never said you were demanding or threatening

[psnow02]

My original DSR6000 finally gave out about 6 weeks ago. I called and was offered the $49 deal for a 40 hour unit. I mentioned I was interested in the 80 hour unit. They passed me to someone else who offered the 40 hour unit for free, so I accepted (free shipping as well). The unit came and it is an 80 hour philips box. I can live with that until I can find the time to add a larger drive.

[GadgetJunkies]

Just called and asked what equipment deals they had and they said the Free DVR deal was a "Holiday Special" and it ended. New deal $99 plus 14.95 S/H and free install. She then said because I had been a sub for so long (8 yrs) that she could give me a $50 credit. Not sure which receiver I'll get, but they'll be out on the 13th to do the install.

[topaz]

Just got off the phone with the Retention #

Asked this question: "I've been looking around at Dish Network and noticed they have DVRs for free and wanted to know what deals you might have". After a few rants about how Dish doesn't have the Tivo service, she comes back with "I can offer you a free Directv DVR with free shipping and free installation" I ask, "is this the 35 hour or the 70 hour unit?" She says I can't purchse the 70 hour through Directv (not sure if this is true or not), only the 35 hour. I mention Dish has the higher hour DVR's and she says she could offer me a $150 credit if I go buy a 70 hour DVR from CC or BB or the like, but I would have to install it myself.

So I guess the best option is to head over to CC and purchase the R10 instead of the SD-DVR80. Is this way you all would go?

Topaz

[rmasonjr]

Originally posted by EMoMoney
New subscriber or were you already a customer?

already a customer - in good standing...

[jrinck]

Dumb question, but are people getting R10's for free?

[scalo]

I got the R10 for free

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by topaz
I mention Dish has the higher hour DVR's and she says she could offer me a $150 credit if I go buy a 70 hour DVR from CC or BB or the like, but I would have to install it myself.

So I guess the best option is to head over to CC and purchase the R10 instead of the SD-DVR80. Is this way you all would go?

Topaz

I considered going that way, thinking the credit might be up to $100. But I need a multi-switch upgrade too.

That's why I went with what ever D* sends. It would be great if it's an R10, but what ever comes, once LBA48 supported software is out I'll be doing an upgrade.

If you don't need a multi-switch upgrade, sounds like the credit would net you the most bucks.

[topaz]

BTW, I've been a customer for 4+ years. I doubt they're going to give machines away to new or fairly new customers.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by topaz
I doubt they're going to give machines away to new or fairly new customers. New customers get some of the best deals.

[lilzaphod]

Just got off the phone with retention.

When I got my 2nd Tivo 9-10 months back, the jackass only ran a single line to the bedroom. I said that I was a little miffed at the install job, and that I was thinking about switching to Dish for the 4 room/2 dvr setup, but I wanted to see what they could do to make me happy. I mentioned I had 2 old school RCA recievers that had the craptastic channel guide. The bad news is I didn't get anything for free. For $97 and change, I'm getting a tripple LNB dish, 2nd wire run to the bedroom, 2nd wire run to both offices, and 2 tivos.

I love retention. I never had to push. All I had to do is say that I was persuing my options, and wanted to offer to let DirectTv keep me as a customer.

[teggy95]

Spoke with retention last night...I asked if they had any deals right now. She asked what I was looking for, and I told her I wanted to upgrade a regular receiver to a TiVo. She gave me the $49 deal right from the start, but wanted to charge me shipping. After some small talk, she waived the shipping and setup the install for Friday. She said it would be a 40 gig machine. I asked if I could have 80, and she said no guarantees, but it's possible I could get an 80 or 120 depending on what the installer brings. I know it wasn't free, but I still feel like it's Christmas in January right now!

[CsrLiz344]

Depending on the area, most installers only have the bigger DVR's, the small ones all went with the $49 deal.

[EMoMoney]

Instsaller came and went already. I got the HDVR2 40. Just in time for the new shows starting this month. Seems all our shows are stacked on Wednesday and Thursday.

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by lilzaphod
The bad news is I didn't get anything for free. For $97 and change, I'm getting a tripple LNB dish, 2nd wire run to the bedroom, 2nd wire run to both offices, and 2 tivos.

:D

Well, for $99 anyone can get a TiVo, and installation, and maybe a dish.

So you got one free TiVo!

[vigfoot]

Originally posted by topaz
So I guess the best option is to head over to CC and purchase the R10 instead of the SD-DVR80. Is this way you all would go?

Topaz



I was given this same deal and I chose the DVR80 instead of the R10. I decided to go w/ the tried and true and hope the upgrade happens.

[cindyanded]

I called 800-600-8977 today, told them I moved back to the Toledo area and wanted to stay with DTV and asked if they had any specials.

The guy asked if I had anything in mind and I said I'd like to get a tivo for the bedroom. He said sure no problem, you've been a great customer we can send one out for free.

Then he asked if I wanted free install so I said sure. He then checked for local channels and said that we'd need a new dish to get them so that would be included.

He also noticed we have a Sony TiVo and said the Sony would not pick up the new satellites for the local channels and asked if we wanted that replaced, also for free.

So we're getting two Tivo's and a new dish. Not bad all said and done.

He was a pretty nice guy. Mike was his name.

[topcats69]

Originally posted by topaz
BTW, I've been a customer for 4+ years. I doubt they're going to give machines away to new or fairly new customers.

I got one free on a refferal

[TexasRanger74]

Originally posted by serenstarlight
Usually, they do but sometimes they don't pay attention to the dates the customer calls, especially if it's busy with unnecessary calls ;) . There are certain customers that have every right to talk to retention and then there are those customers that keep calling trying to get a free ride. If you'd all take a moment and close your eyes. Imagine you're calling a company.. say directv and you had a legit question regarding a double billing problem on your bill. You've been on hold for at least 10 mins but it feels like forever because you have other agenda. The 10 mins turn into 20 mins because there's atleast 150 other people on hold to talk to reps now imagine half of those people are waiting on their 5th call trying to get some rep to give them a DVR for free. Would you not get just a bit upset knowing that you were going to be late for work because you were waiting for someone to hear their 5th no?

people shouldn't be calling in to the retention department for billing issues anyway. they would be calling the main directv number for that, and they are two totally different queue's independant of one another.

on a side note, I closed my eyes like you said, but I fell asleep and hit my head on the keyboard. now I have "ASDFG" imprinted on my forehead.... thanks! :D

[yaddayaddayadda]

I called yesterday, asked if I could get the $49 deal to upgrade my D*Tivo, and purchase the box myself (had a gift card and wanted to make sure I got an R10).

Initially she balked at that, and offered to send one with an installer for $49.99 + $14.95 shipping.

We talked further, and since there was no installation needed whatsoever, she finally agreed that I could go to a local retailer and purchase the DirecTivo, and get $50 credit on my account.

Went to Best Buy, bought an R10, used a $30 gift card, so the net cost to me was $19 plus tax.


PS - to all those who feel the need to chastise people who call retention, please note that at NO TIME DID I EVER THREATEN TO LEAVE D* OR LIE TO THE REP I SPOKE WITH. I asked for the credit - she mentioned that since I was a good customer I would qualify. I made it perfectly clear that this was an UPGRADE from my 40GB to the R10 - 80GB.

[Schnitty]

ok so check this out. i just called the number and spoke to a totally cool CSR. she asked what i was looking for in the upgrade and i mentioned the new sw version and features like the folders. she said that she couldn't guarantee the R10 would be the unit they sent me but would be happy to credit my account $100 after i purchased a new tivo. she put a note on the account and said to call back after i buy the one i want. then to make matters even better, she told me that the monthly tivo service charge is a flat fee no matter how many tivo's you have, so i can keep the old one and replace one of my vanilla receivers without any additional charge (i didn't know that, but it rocks!). so long story short, i'm getting my R10 today!

any new news on an official HMO announcement? or pushing the new sw to all S2's?

[Schnitty]

Quick update: picked up an R10 at bestbuy tonight (had $20 gift certificate, so it was $79). They gave me a song and dance about address and phone number info, not sure what that was about. They also ended up giving me a rebate form for $50, but i think that was a mixup on their part, so i'm not going to hold my breath (requires me to send in a copy of my bill showing new activation, which i don't think i'll be able to do). But when i got home, i called in to activate it and altho they are having computer trouble, they were able to apply the $100 credit, which i just verified on the dtv site.

so long story short, this site rules, i just got a new unit (that will potentially support HMO) and actually made $20 in the deal, and i owe it all to this forum. Thanks to everyone who participates - this site really makes a difference!

[rborden]

After reading the replies to my post telling you that you were wrong for asking for the tivo for free I started thinking.I also started asking so ?'s of the customers and thought about their feedback.Then i started trying the same thing w/my cell phone co. and phone co. that ya'll were doing to D* and it worked.Just by mentioning the competition or disconnecting they started giving out free stuff.So I regress it is not completly wrong to ask for free stuff,it's actually good if you don't abuse it.But you should draw a line somewhere and not get mad when we sometimes tell you no,cause eventually D* or any other company is going to decide you are not worth the trouble.I have realized my error and was to quick to criticize you guys,Sorry!

[rborden]

RE:hmo support///there are currently no plans to activate the usb ports or to offer hmo support

[heyitscory]

Originally posted by John Ross
A Csr said to me that you are entitled to a free DirectiVo every 6 months. If you ask before you may get lucky. But OY what a deal! I hope to have the max tivos you can have on an account soon. Btw anyone want a replay I have grown tired of it now that i am used to the 30 second skip. That pisses me off because my cat just destroyed my old unit and they were going to charge $50 for a new one but I called back and told them it didn't sit right with me that I would've been better off lying to them, but I didn't. The lady only gave me $30 (I think the shipping was waived to begin with.)

[heyitscory]

Originally posted by rborden
RE:hmo support///there are currently no plans to activate the usb ports or to offer hmo support

2005 is the year. :D

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by heyitscory
2005 is the year. :D What, did you just come back from a vacation and not read any of the other threads on this site? HMO isn't coming.

[moonshine]

Originally posted by yaddayaddayadda
I called yesterday, asked if I could get the $49 deal to upgrade my D*Tivo, and purchase the box myself (had a gift card and wanted to make sure I got an R10).

Initially she balked at that, and offered to send one with an installer for $49.99 + $14.95 shipping.

We talked further, and since there was no installation needed whatsoever, she finally agreed that I could go to a local retailer and purchase the DirecTivo, and get $50 credit on my account.

Went to Best Buy, bought an R10, used a $30 gift card, so the net cost to me was $19 plus tax.


PS - to all those who feel the need to chastise people who call retention, please note that at NO TIME DID I EVER THREATEN TO LEAVE D* OR LIE TO THE REP I SPOKE WITH. I asked for the credit - she mentioned that since I was a good customer I would qualify. I made it perfectly clear that this was an UPGRADE from my 40GB to the R10 - 80GB.

I just got 2 free tivos installed today (and no i did not threaten to leave or anything).. also, installer was late, so they gave me $20 credit, and, there is some promo now for $20 off the Premier choice package for 6 months, so they gave me that too.. not too bad for just calling and asking if they had any deals for me..

they brought and installed two 80GB R10's, and also cascaded a 2nd 4x8 multiswitch to add enough ports for all the connections.. glad i had them do the install, as i am sure BB or CC would have charged me a ton for the multiswitch and the install...

[mackrich]

Well, installer finally showed up today....a couple delays due to weather.

He installed the FREE FREE FREE DT TiVo in the MB. With a little help from me, we were able to do a back feed with dual cable right through the wall box!!! Sweet install.

It's the Phillips DSR708R/17 80gig + added another multi-switch. Sweet!

The installer (who contracts for Ironwood) told me anytime they are late or miss an appointment they automatically upgrade that customer to a 80 gig. Otherwise, (he said) everyone gets a 40.

All I know is, it looks and works great! Things always work and look so much better when it's FREE, doesn't it?

Thanks DTV

[nick2168]

Wow thanks for the thread, called the retention # and asked what they could do for me since my equipment was outdated and not properly installed. Moved a year ago and dish still on a tripod. hehe I did mention the dish ad i recieved in the mail but never threatened to leave. Anyway been a customer forever and she said she could honor the holiday deal of dvr for 50 bucks, which was fine with me cause she was also offsetting cost with a programming credit of 6 months. I also need the dish updated and properly installed so final deal about 20 bucks for dvr and a second reciever. So i agreed and she puts me on hold and then comes back and says well you have been a long standing customer so no charge for equipment, dvr tivo and a second reciever and new dish installed plus 6 month credit. I have install on Tues. will post back on what dvr i recieve, hope its 80gig. I love Directv and many thanks to posters.
EDIT: well i got to thinking that i am seting myself up for dissappointment with a plain reciever in 2nd bedroom, so i called back and got a 2nd tivo for a package deal of 49.00(dish upgrade and 2 tivos with install) Thanks directv!!!!!

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by TexasRanger74
people shouldn't be calling in to the retention department for billing issues anyway. they would be calling the main directv number for that, and they are two totally different queue's independant of one another.

on a side note, I closed my eyes like you said, but I fell asleep and hit my head on the keyboard. now I have "ASDFG" imprinted on my forehead.... thanks! :D

people shouldn't but don't you think they do? working customer service I've decided people are very animalistic, they'll do anything necessary to get what they want RIGHT NOW RIGHT NOW DARN IT, haha anyways back to the point, if the wait is shorter they'll call who they want

and on your side note, not a problem at all happy to be of service and thank you for calling directv :D

[Rcrew]

Success! The installer just left, good job.

I'm sitting here looking at my 3rd DTiVo... except this one is an R10!

I'll have to verify when the new bill comes, but there should only be the shipping charge, and the $4.99 receiver fee!

I'm a happy camper!

[chuckwny]

FYI, After my new DTivo was installed on 1/5 I called the Customer Retention department and asked for a replacement for my other DTivo. Rep gave me the $49 offer (free install) for my second unit. I couldn't threaten to cancel since I already received one new unit. I just asked nicely. I ordered the first on 1/3 and received it for $49 and a 10$ 6 month credit on my bill. So after I sell my old unit on eBay for ~$70 I will have two new DTivos and be ahead $20. Not a bad deal.

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by mackrich
The installer (who contracts for Ironwood) told me anytime they are late or miss an appointment they automatically upgrade that customer to a 80 gig. Otherwise, (he said) everyone gets a 40.


Interesting. I don't know who/what Ironwood is, but here in Sacramento, that is the name my installer mentioned too.

He was on time, on schedule, and delivered an R10.

[Tonedeaf]

The CSR's are still able to do the $49 Tivo, I just got one, even though I got a free one back in October. :)

My daughter will be xtremely happy with a Tivo in her room.

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
The CSR's are still able to do the $49 Tivo, I just got one, even though I got a free one back in October.

Just curious. What did you have to agree to in terms of a contract extension?

[Tonedeaf]

Originally posted by Rcrew
Just curious. What did you have to agree to in terms of a contract extension?

1 year. Already had 1 year to October from my free Tivo. Another couple months is no biggie as I am not going anywhere. Get my HD from D* aswell. That deal was a good one for me also. D* has been great to me this year. $149 for an HD receiver and 2 Tivo's. :) Not to mention all the free premium programming that they throw my way.

Hoping I get an R10. If I get one, my upgraded Hughes will go into my daughters room with the original HD put back in. :D

[robgettier]

got a $100 credit on my bill for a Hughes 80g unit I bought in December from retail

I mentioned my concerns about the D* press release and how us loyal TiVo subscribers have been left out in the cold. I also mentioned the deals that Dish Network is offering.

I never really threatened to leave. I just said that with all the changes going on, it may be time to start considering my options (which is true).

Rob

[GaryGnu]

OK, I took the plunge. I feel uneasy about complaining to a company I am happy with. But my old 35 hour unit reboots by itself a lot. It seems like its getting ready to die. I called and got my account credited $60 (this is as high as she would go) for a 70 hour unit + $5 off the service for 6 months. The only question now is what to buy? The Hughes unit or the R 10? Thoughts?

BTW, my contract was up. I am month-to-month until I activate the new tivo.

Gary

[Athenian]

Originally posted by GaryGnu
BTW, my contract was up. I am month-to-month until I activate the new tivo. If that's true, I wouldn't take the deal. I'd call Rentetion again and tell them that after looking at the true costs, you would prefer to get your TiVo from DirecTV with free installation. $60 is not enough to cover both the box and installation. Even if you get a referral card from Best Buy, installation will cost a minimum of $49. If they are going to leave it to you to buy and install the unit, you want the $150 credit.

[GaryGnu]

Originally posted by Athenian
If that's true, I wouldn't take the deal. I'd call Rentetion again and tell them that after looking at the true costs, you would prefer to get your TiVo from DirecTV with free installation. $60 is not enough to cover both the box and installation. Even if you get a referral card from Best Buy, installation will cost a minimum of $49. If they are going to leave it to you to buy and install the unit, you want the $150 credit.

Huh? What install charge? I'm just swapping out a 35 hour unit for a 70 hour unit. Besides, she mentioned DTV does not have any more 70 hour units.

[Athenian]

If you are just swapping boxes, then the deal is more reasonable -- although you shoudl be able to get a $100 credit to cover the full price of the box.

As far a not having any more 70hr units -- It's the other way around, no one is making 40-hr units anymore and contractors have just about exhausted older stocks.

[theman1971]

Thank you for this thread. My old Sony T60 is finally failing and I was going to buy a new dTivo until I saw this thread. A phone call to retention and they gave me $125 to go spend on a new dTivo unit of my choice. Picked up a Hughes DVR80 at Best Buy and all is good again! Thank you thank you!

[3dtim]

I called asked what kind of a deal they had. Told her I had been with them a long time. Got a R10 and install FREE. Had my brother call and she gave him one to. Thanks guys for the INFO. tim

[lilzaphod]

Installer came today. 2 new r10s up and loading the guide as we speak.

[GadgetJunkies]

Just a follow up. My $49 deal from D* got me a Hughes 100hr unit. I'm happy!

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by Tonedeaf
Hoping I get an R10. If I get one, my upgraded Hughes will go into my daughters room with the original HD put back in. :D

Just delete the porn before moving it. That way you don't have to physically remove the drive.

[jganz28]

im past the 1 year commitment. can i still get a free DTV Tivo receiver? if i do get a free receiver, is this an upgrade, where they take the old TIVO receiver back? do i get to keep the receiver?

[Shape]

The guy who came to install mine wanted to take it (and my extra 40GB hard drive I installed in it) away. I said no way because I had recordings on it. He just said to note on the invoice that I kept the old receiver, and he left it.

[dgpiii]

I have got to say, I love this forum!!!

I just called DTV customer retention asked for what offers were out there and they hooked me right up with the "Free DVR" for the cost of shipping (14.95 plus tax). I need to agree to an additional year of programming, but I was going to do that anyway.

And I had got the $20 off Total Choice Premier only two weeks ago.

They will be doing the install on Monday. (for free!) :cool:

Now I just have to see what machine they bring me....

G*D Damn! It has been beneficial to read this forum every day.

I hope I get an 80 gig R10!

Thanks to everyone who posts regularly.

[mackrich]

Originally posted by Rcrew
Interesting. I don't know who/what Ironwood is, but here in Sacramento, that is the name my installer mentioned too.

He was on time, on schedule, and delivered an R10.

The installer told me that "Ironwood" is the largest DTV/TiVo installer in the nation....

[phang]

When will people figure out that NOTHING is free?

People call me all the time threatening to discounect service if I don't give them "this or that" for free. If our retention department is closed I generally call thier bluff and turn them off. It is amazing how fast they change thier tune.

Dtv only "gives away" products and services when we know we can regain our loss though profits from the customer. So, when the networks raise thier price we need to raise ours to maintain the profit margin to allow us to give stuff away "free". How many people do you think complained when service went up $2 a month?

Eveyone pays for it. You can either pay for the DVR up front or you can pay us over time with program rates. it's all the same to us. Nothing is ever free.

And quite honestly I'm tired of all the begging.

I have people who have had service for 3 months claiming how much of a "good, long time customer they are"

Or people who only pay thier bill after services are disconnected telling me "I pay my bill every month"

Or people who rake up $100 bills on pay-per-view complaing about the cost of thier bills.

I work for DTV. I have rabbit ears attached to my TV.
There is more to life.

~D

[gordon1fan]

TO phang:

I think you are full of SH**!! If it was not for US The CUSTOMERS, you would not have a JOB! If you don't like your job at DIRECTV, then get another one! Without the cusotmers their is NO DIRECTV!

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by Shape
The guy who came to install mine wanted to take it (and my extra 40GB hard drive I installed in it) away.He was trying to rip you off. The installer is never supposed to take away a receiver. It's yours, you bought it.

[mackrich]

Hey phang dangle>>>>>>

So, let's get this straight. Since you have such a FULL life, you spend part of it reading and writing on a DTV/TiVo forum!!!! And, you work for DTV????
Who the he!! cares if you're tired of it.

You most likely can't afford DTV. I certainly hope I never get you when I call again for my "FREE" stuff. I would go over your head in a heartbeat. Get plenty of rest for the next promotion!!!

Now, get back on the phone and take care of the customers....

[rborden]

First of all noone mentioned they didn't like there job.I think she said she was tired of you calling in and begging.And you are probably one of the ones who she is talking about.Read the post b4 you start running your mouth!

[rborden]

p.s # 24 sucks

[Manchesters]

After reading this post yesterday, I told my sister about the topic. She just got a new R10 installed day before yesterday. She paid $49 for it. We both checked out the posts on this subject together yesterday, and I suggested she try calling Retention.

A few hours later I got an e-mail from her and she said that the guy in retention said that you people are all liars. There is no free R10.

I myself just now got off the phone with some little chippy in retention who again stated that anyone who is claiming that they got a free r10 is nothing but a liar.

I have never before heard of a company where their CSRs were so ignorant as to call the customers a bunch of liars!!!!!!!

If any of you folks have receipts or something that proves the free R10, it would be a big help, and something to shove down the throats of these pipsqueak CSRs!!!!!!!!

It pissed me off all night about the guy calling us liars!!!! Then again today someone else does it???? I think it is a good thing that we now know what Direct TV thinks of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carole R. Ernst

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by phang
When will people figure out that NOTHING is free?

People call me all the time threatening to discounect service if I don't give them "this or that" for free. If our retention department is closed I generally call thier bluff and turn them off. It is amazing how fast they change thier tune.

Dtv only "gives away" products and services when we know we can regain our loss though profits from the customer. So, when the networks raise thier price we need to raise ours to maintain the profit margin to allow us to give stuff away "free". How many people do you think complained when service went up $2 a month?

Eveyone pays for it. You can either pay for the DVR up front or you can pay us over time with program rates. it's all the same to us. Nothing is ever free.

And quite honestly I'm tired of all the begging.

I have people who have had service for 3 months claiming how much of a "good, long time customer they are"

Or people who only pay thier bill after services are disconnected telling me "I pay my bill every month"

Or people who rake up $100 bills on pay-per-view complaing about the cost of thier bills.

I work for DTV. I have rabbit ears attached to my TV.
There is more to life.

~D

Seriously, you need to take some anger management courses.

[EMoMoney]

Originally posted by serenstarlight
Seriously, you need to take some anger management courses.
I didn't sense any anger in that post. Consumers, including myself, can act like a bunch of babies. I blame whoever was the moron that coined the phrase, "the customer is always right."

[serenstarlight]

The fact that this rep was going against directv policy and taking in his/her own hands to disc an acct out of pure spite is a sign that this rep is clearly upset or even bitter at their job. I've had my share of difficult customers and it's very true that the customer is not always right. But we have a job to do an it's not to be vindictive towards and angered customer.

[Tonedeaf]

Originally posted by Rcrew
Just delete the porn before moving it. That way you don't have to physically remove the drive.

Oh good idea. Good looking out. :D :up:

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by Manchesters
If any of you folks have receipts or something that proves the free R10, it would be a big help, and something to shove down the throats of these pipsqueak CSRs!!!!!!!!

12/31/2004 xxxxxxxx DVR Equipment Upgrade - Gen Reten CR -$99.00 -$7.68 -$106.68
12/31/2004 xxxxxxxx DVR Equipment Upgrade - Charge $99.00 $7.68 $106.68
12/31/2004 xxxxxxxx $14.95 Delivery and Handling - Charge $14.95 $1.16 $16.11
12/31/2004 xxxxxxxx 1 Year Commitment - Charge $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Haven't received my mailed bill, but I cut and pasted the above from my online account.

[lew]

Originally posted by serenstarlight
The fact that this rep was going against directv policy and taking in his/her own hands to disc an acct out of pure spite is a sign that this rep is clearly upset or even bitter at their job. I've had my share of difficult customers and it's very true that the customer is not always right. But we have a job to do an it's not to be vindictive towards and angered customer.

Not sure I completely believe the post but the story was a customer basically said if you won't give me a free unit I'll disconnect. The CSR honored the customers second request by disconnecting the service.

The internet makes it harder for companies to give special secret deals to customers that do a good job begging.

[Athenian]

Originally posted by Manchesters
After reading this post yesterday, I told my sister about the topic. She just got a new R10 installed day before yesterday. She paid $49 for it. We both checked out the posts on this subject together yesterday, and I suggested she try calling Retention.As noted in the first post in this discussion, the time to negotiate the price for a DVR is before it is installed and activated. Once it has been activated, your only options are programming concessions
A few hours later I got an e-mail from her and she said that the guy in retention said that you people are all liars. There is no free R10. The CSRs you talked to are correct, there is no program to provide free R10s to existing subscribers. There was a limited time promotion to provide DVRs to existing subscribers for $49 and there are always retention concessesions that may be offered to encourage subscribers to remain with DTV. None of those programs specify any particular model of DVR; what is delivered depends on what the local installer has available.If any of you folks have receipts or something that proves the free R10, it would be a big help, and something to shove down the throats of these pipsqueak CSRs!!!!!!!!No one can provide such proof because there is no such offer -- all you will ever see is a charge for a non-specific DVR with varying rebate amounts.

Any CSR who calls a subscriber a liar is rude and could use some additional training. If all he/she said though is that there is no program to offer R10s for free though, he is 100% correct.

[dgpiii]

When I called customer retention, a very friendly CSR answered the phone and asked me what he could do for me. I said to him: " I understand there are some deals out there for historical customers". (I have been a customer for 2.5 years now). And that I understood that DISH was offering free DVRs with a joining there serive. He told me that there were some things DirecTV could do for me. I then asked about an additional DVR to add to my home. He told me that there were some programs. I told him that I had read on a TIVO forum that I had heard they might be able to offer me a free additional DVR for the cost of shipping. He told me that he could offer me that specific deal.

He was polite. :D

I was polite. :D

No one begged. :D

No one chided anyone else. :D

No one threatened to quit service. It was an exemplary experience. :D

So, I just want to say to the poster phang: "go Jump" (I had something funny here before it was deleted)... for making assumptions regarding the tenor of the discussions going on between the posters on this board and the CSRs that are assisting us. I am the manager of a CS department and have working in a call center environment for the last 4 years. I know that some CSRs get very bitter after dealing with problematic customers. But if you are so cranked off that you blast the people here in this forum, you really need a vacation or perhaps you should consider a job change, for your mental health.

Just my 2 cents.

Now I am going to sit and think about my new additional DIRECTIVO DVR and forget that you exist.

HMMMMMM..... Good!

[teeveeboy]

I also got a new Tivo for $14.95 installed.

Question: What should I expect from the installer for the job of installing a 2nd receiver? I am actually replacing a standard receiver with the tivo, but there is only a single coax run to the location.

My current installation (dish, multiswitch, all cabling) is a "non-professional" self install. can I expect dish alignment, grounding checked, new multiswitch? I'd REALLY like a better dish mount (mine is on a peice of board on the side of the house). What is included in a receiver-only install job?

Thanks

[serenstarlight]

Originally posted by lew
Not sure I completely believe the post but the story was a customer basically said if you won't give me a free unit I'll disconnect. The CSR honored the customers second request by disconnecting the service.

The internet makes it harder for companies to give special secret deals to customers that do a good job begging.

Directv has policies, if you don't work in the retention dept then you don't disc accts. It's as simple as that, you do your job that was designed for your dept.

[Rcrew]

Hey teeveeboy! When you got your 'deal' what did you tell the CSR or Retention person you needed?

I was very specific, no wiring needed, no dish work, but yes on a new multi-switch.

When the installer came, he didn't have those details. He didn't have a 2x6 multi-switch, but came up with two 2x4 switches that were cascadeable.

And he spent time grounding my dish, which my original install had not done. I already had the wiring, power, and phone connections at the location.

So, your experience could be great in that the tech will 'fix' everything, or not. Did you get a phone number for the installer? You might consider calling to talk about the specifics of what their work order says. If there's something you need/want they aren't scheduled to do, give D* a call back and ask for it.

[phang]

Maybe I should clerify:

There have been a few people that I belive have gotten the wrong idea about what I wrote.

I am not bitter about my job. Although, I have no plans for this to be long term. (Just working though college.) I do not have any problem with the customers that call that have actual issues that need to be addressed. I enjoy working with them. I like the challange.

I do have issues with people that call DTV (or Dish, or the phone company or any business) threatening this or that to get what they want (free stuff/reduced price stuff). I have issues with people that call constintly every few weeks or months fishing for deals. Especially if these people refuse to pay the bill they have.

I have no problem with a person that has an account in good standing, that talks politely, and asks for deals on the DVR system. All CSRs have the ability to provide credit to offset equipment or programing, at thier DISCRESSION. I have provied several free DVR's and service and other arrangments for customers. I have no problem with that. But, Descression can be a touchy thing. CSR are not required to go beyond the official offers. And Free DVR's is not an official offer. Officially they are $99 with $50 rebate/credit (with delivery) And even that was not planned be around for long.

I have also refused requests from people that call in yelling and screaming at me without reason. People that, had they called and talked to me as opposed to yell at me, may have gotten exactly what they were after.

There is no need to go as far as the Retention department. To request the retention department is generaly heard as a wish/or threat to disconnect service. And even the retention department is not required to keep someone as a customer. If it is determined that DTV is looseing money with a particular customer they can let them go. I've seen several accounts where after 3-4 months of the customer calling and getting this or that they were finaly disconected. The account turned over to collections and were barred from reciving DTV service in the future. Admitedly this is an extreme example, but it has happened.

And yes, there are more people other than the retention department that have autherization to disconnect accounts. For example: supervisors, managers, and departments that handle specialty accounts. If your call reaches one of them they can, and will, disconnect the account like the you asked. Supervisors have been known to "slum" with the CSR taking regular calls working overtime.

Had dgpiii called me I may very well have provided the free system.
After all, we are still going to get paid out of the profits from the programing service.

All I want to say is if TV and DVR means that much to you that you just can't live another day if you can't get a free system, then at least when you call try to treat the poor, over-worked, under-paid, person on the other end of the phone with kindness and respect. Don't beg, don't threaten, don't assume you are "intitled", and don't forget there is more to life than TV. And remember, nothing is really "free"

~D

[gordon1fan]

Originally posted by fang
Maybe I should clerify:

There have been a few people that I belive have gotten the wrong idea about what I wrote.

I am not bitter about my job. Although, I have no plans for this to be long term. (Just working though college.) I do not have any problem with the customers that call that have actual issues that need to be addressed. I enjoy working with them. I like the challange.

I do have issues with people that call DTV (or Dish, or the phone company or any business) threatening this or that to get what they want (free stuff/reduced price stuff). I have issues with people that call constintly every few weeks or months fishing for deals. Especially if these people refuse to pay the bill they have.

I have no problem with a person that has an account in good standing, that talks politely, and asks for deals on the DVR system. All CSRs have the ability to provide credit to offset equipment or programing, at thier DISCRESSION. I have provied several free DVR's and service and other arrangments for customers. I have no problem with that. But, Descression can be a touchy thing. CSR are not required to go beyond the official offers. And Free DVR's is not an official offer. Officially they are $99 with $50 rebate/credit (with delivery) And even that was not planned be around for long.

I have also refused requests from people that call in yelling and screaming at me without reason. People that, had they called and talked to me as opposed to yell at me, may have gotten exactly what they were after.

There is no need to go as far as the Retention department. To request the retention department is generaly heard as a wish/or threat to disconnect service. And even the retention department is not required to keep someone as a customer. If it is determined that DTV is looseing money with a particular customer they can let them go. I've seen several accounts where after 3-4 months of the customer calling and getting this or that they were finaly disconected. The account turned over to collections and were barred from reciving DTV service in the future. Admitedly this is an extreme example, but it has happened.

And yes, there are more people other than the retention department that have autherization to disconnect accounts. For example: supervisors, managers, and departments that handle specialty accounts. If your call reaches one of them they can, and will, disconnect the account like the you asked. Supervisors have been known to "slum" with the CSR taking regular calls working overtime.

Had dgpiii called me I may very well have provided the free system.
After all, we are still going to get paid out of the profits from the programing service.

All I want to say is if TV and DVR means that much to you that you just can't live another day if you can't get a free system, then at least when you call try to treat the poor, over-worked, under-paid, person on the other end of the phone with kindness and respect. Don't beg, don't threaten, don't assume you are "intitled", and don't forget there is more to life than TV. And remember, nothing is really "free"

~D
I wish you would have stated this in your first post. As for your second post, you are 100% right. My apologies.

As for me, yea I got a $49.00 deal on a DIRECTV TiVo about 10 months ago. I did not have to beg or threaten to switch to cable or dish. I called DIRECTV and they very nicely set me up.

I don't care if I have to pay $500.00 for a DIRECTV TiVo, I would never switch to dish or go back to cable! :)

[simsarge]

Hmmm. Just got off the phone with a DIRECTV CSR and he basically told me no way Jose. Unless you're a new suscriber, you aren't getting the $49 deal let alone free. I was plesant and polite. Should I call back and try the I'm thinking of switching to DISH as they're offering free ones? Are they possibly hedging their bets as I'm a 3 year subscriber that gets the D* propriatary Sunday Ticket?

[transpizzle]

Originally posted by simsarge
Hmmm. Just got off the phone with a DIRECTV CSR and he basically told me no way Jose. Unless you're a new subscriber, you aren't getting the $49 deal let alone free. I was pleasant and polite. Should I call back and try the I'm thinking of switching to DISH as they're offering free ones? Are they possibly hedging their bets as I'm a 3 year subscriber that gets the D* proprietary Sunday Ticket?
I got mine for free a week ago. I called twice, first the normal DirecTV number and they told me 99. I asked if they could do any better and they said how about 49? I told 'em I'd think about it and call back. I called them back, but this time used the number to get straight to retention and told him that some of the people in my house were wanting a TiVo and that they had seen the Dish Network deal where you can get 2 DVRs for free and asked if they could do anything for me. At first, he said $49 w/ free installation. I again asked if he could do any better and he said he'd send one for free if I paid 14.95 for S&H and I agreed. What I'm not sure about is, don't the installers already have the boxes in stock? Why is it a shipping charge when the installers probably already had a stack of them to bring to me? It's not like it was delivered to my door by UPS. But oh well, I'm happy. They brought me the R10 and that baby is definitely faster than my HDVR2.

[Jerw134]

The $14.95 is actually just called a "handling fee". But, it was still $14.95 back when DirecTV actually used to ship the DVR directly to you. So they cut their costs, but kept the price the same.

[dgpiii]

My installer came out today an installed my new R10 I got for about 17 bucks after taxes.

Whoboy.... does it ever pay to try and see what you can get by asking nicely.

I say that there was one problem on the install. The installer left without making the set up call for the TIVO and I was missing a filter for my DSL line. I had to run out to Radio Shack to buy one so I could do the call out. But a very nice CSR at tier 2 support helped me with a credit to offset the cost of the filter, since the installer left without completing the install properly.

All in all I am a happy guy. But I will tell you my girlfriend looked at me kinda funny when I told her we were getting a brand new DTIVO for only 17 dollars. She figured I was telling her a story.
Who knew that free stuff could cause such suspicion?

Thanks again DirecTV!

[sjlush]

Originally posted by goony
Some of us aren't fat with cash and try to latch onto every bargain we can. Getting gear at reduced prices isn't wrong when the companies are willing to do so to retain customers.

Asking for free stuff because you can, even though you have no intention of switching providers is lying. There is nothing wrong with shopping for the best deal and considering different providers when it comes to spending your hard earned dollars. But feigning willingness to cancel your service just to get something free is dishonest and morally wrong, regardless of your financial status. Guess who pays for large numbers of people acting in this fraudulent way. We all do. Think about it next time OUR rates go up.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by sjlush
Asking for free stuff because you can, even though you have no intention of switching providers is lying.Not everyone threatened to switch. I didn't, I simply asked if they could give me a better deal than the $49. They were free to say no, and I still would have bought it. But there's nothing wrong with asking.

[sjlush]

Very true. Asking is fine. I didn't mean to pick on you. A lot of people do lie about switching to get free stuff. Others give advise on how to lie to CSRs. My comments are intended for those people.

[sigs21]

New here Been Reading The Forum For a while.

Called DTV on Sat, They Came today to Bring me A FREE 70 Hr Hughes with install No cost to me :) They ran 50 feet of cable for free .. Called the Retention Department..

Thanks very much for the help..

Oh my contact was not up till MAY..

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by Jerw134
The $14.95 is actually just called a "handling fee".

Guess you missed my Billing Detail (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=2519330#post2519330) a couple of posts before yours. Actually it's still called shipping and handling. And apparently it's taxable.

You may have also missed my Shipping Poll (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=215651) asking how your TiVo got to your home. That was intended to help figure out if D* was just looking for a little extra revenue.

[Jerw134]

Originally posted by Rcrew
Actually it's still called shipping and handling.No, it's not. Check back to your post for what you copied and pasted. It's not just "handling", but it's not "shipping and handling" either.
Originally posted by Rcrew
You may have also missed my Shipping Poll (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=215651) asking how your TiVo got to your home.I may have actually been the 4th reply in that thread.

[Rcrew]

Originally posted by Jerw134
No, it's not. Check back to your post for what you copied and pasted. It's not just "handling", but it's not "shipping and handling" either.
IMHO
Shipping = Delivery

Regardless, it's not "just handling" as you indicated. It's a bogus additional charge that D* can get away with. While it's an easy pill to swallow when you're getting free or discounted hardware, it's the same charge to those that paid full price. For them, it might not be so palatable.

[utabb5]

I want to thank every one on this forum for helping me get a free DirecTiVo receiver. I came across this forum while searching for info on TIVO, which I was thinking of buying at BB or CC. Then I saw this this thread.

I have been a DirecTV customer over 8 years I believe. I have two old RCA receivers. I called DirecTV CS and asked what deals they had available for TiVo receivers. He started at $99 and came down to $49, told him I would think on it. I called the Retention line a bit later and asked what deals they had on TIVO receivers. The lady said they are normally $99, but since I was a long time customer, they would give me one for the $14.95 haling fee. No begging or whining, didn't have to ask for it, they just offered it.

I feel kind of stupid now for not doing this years ago. But thanks to this forum for educating me. You can bet that in a year, I'll be calling DirecTV again for deals.

Steve:) :) :) :)

[NJStealth]

Whats the best deal you can get an HDDVR for?

[maliboo]

Just called Directv last night. Got 2 tivos (installing Friday) for 49 plus shipping. 6 months free Showtime and Starz added for 2 dollars a month for 6 months. Then the guy on the phone knocked 5 dollars a month off for six months. Didn't have to whine cry or anything just asked w