Purchased unit listed as Leased

[njmurvin]

I bought my second HDTivo from Costco on Feb 28. I activated it on March 30. When activating, I specifically told the CSR that it was a purchased unit. They asked me where I bought it and how much I paid. Then, they said that they would have to transfer me to a special dept to activate a purchased unit.

So, I figured they'd get this right on my bill and profile. WRONG!!!! I got my first statement reflecting the new DVR and it is listed as a leased unit. I called support and they told me "no problem" but it would require a supervisor to change it. They put me on hold which, after a few minutes, became a dial-tone.

I figured, OK, they must have changed it - I just wouldn't get the verbal confirmation. WRONG AGAIN!!!! I checked my profile online and it's still listed as leased.

What's the upside/downside of leaving it that way? Will they fix/replace a leased unit? Is the monthly cost any different? I realize if I stop using it, they may want it back. But, without D*, it's really of no use to me and likely wouldn't be worth much on the resale market. Am I missing something?

[ebonovic]

Pretty much you hit the nail on the head with your last paragraph.

What's the difference... nothing really... The montly cost is the same, your up front cost was pretty much the same (or maybe even less).

You probably will benefit with your fix/replease scenerio.

The only difference is what "might" happen when you terminate service or usage of that unit. They may want it back, they may not.... It will all depend on when that event occurs (IMHO)

[Jon J]

When I recently activated a couple of replacement receivers that the Protection Plan sent me, they both mistakenly showed up on the website as leased. It took two calls, but a CSR was able to correct it by deactivating the "leased" receiver and then simply reactivating it the old way.

You can follow this on the DirecTV website by signing in then checking on account activity since last bill.

[shadrach]

I bought my second HDTivo from Costco on Feb 28.

Is this unit still available at Costco? Which one did you buy it from and if you don't mind, how much did you pay?

Thanks.

[njmurvin]

Is this unit still available at Costco? Which one did you buy it from and if you don't mind, how much did you pay?
I bought it at the Costco in Westlake Village, CA. I haven't been in there for a couple of weeks. So, I don't know if they still have them. I paid $549 but saw it 5 weeks later for $429 (within a month you can get a refund off just the receipt). If they still have them, I'll unhook it, drag it in there, return it and then repurchase for the lower price.