Caution DVR4ME recipients

[calalli]

Just a heads up. I called Directv about another issue this weekend and was shocked when I learned that they contend that my commitment had been extended two years to Feb 2008 when I ordered the free DVR through the DVR4ME promotion.

I confirmed when I placed the order that there would be no commitment.. I was told of the commitment when they had to replace the original DVR4ME receiver and I disputed it.. At that time I was assured that the commitment had been removed. Today - they have no record of that conversation. The guy I talked to in Customer Retention has said he will escalate my complaint and I will called with an answer.

I have found a pasted copy of the terms and conditions here - If I can post a link

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=51630
but cannot find the original offer.

I suggest that anyone else who took "advantage of this offer" call and confirm their commitment status.

cal

[sven_kirk]

Receipts are your best friend. Especially on "free" items.

[Taco Lover]

Holy crap, am I glad to see this.

I just got off the phone with just about everybody about why I'm in a programming commitment that I shouldn't be in. I guess they tacked on a 2-year commitment even though the offer terms and conditions state that it doesn't, and the CSR that activated the DVR said there wouldn't be.

The reason I found this out is because I was getting HD info, and I wanted to confirm that I was not locked in. They wouldn't even get me the HD-DVR for free after I told them I was considering Dish's offer ($200 off for 10 months = free HDDVR). Their statement? "They cannot match that offer because they feel their HDDVR is superior to Dish's". Yeah, right. I told them I've heard it's complete junk.

Ultimately, even the supervisor in retentions wouldn't wave it and said I have to write to the Billing Dispute department. :mad:

Here's the terms and conditions from the order confirmation e-mail:

OFFER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By placing this order you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Offer for existing residential customers only with accounts in good standing, as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion.

Applicable taxes not included in system price.

Within 30 days of equipment purchase you agree to activate the DIRECTV DVR service ($5.99/mo.). In certain markets, programming and pricing may vary.

Limited time offer expires 2/28/2006 or while supplies last.

DIRECTV DVR service fee is $5.99/mo. and covers every DVR in your home. The DVR service fee is waived for customers subscribing to TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER programming.
*Actual recording capacity depends on type of programming being recorded. Land-based phone line connection required. Professional installation highly recommended.

DIRECTV PROGRAMMING AND PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME. Fee for separate programming on second and each additional TV $4.99.mo. You are not obligated to continue your subscription to DIRECTV programming for any specific duration. Existing customers may activate additional receivers with their existing DIRECTV programming package. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE THE DIRECTV SYSTEM WITHIN 30 DAYS OF RECEIPT MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 FOR EACH DIRECTV RECEIVER NOT ACTIVATED. If you return your equipment within 30 days of purchase and prior to installation, you will receive a full refund, minus shipping and handling. Offer void in Alaska and Hawaii and where prohibited or restricted. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer and equipment are non-transferable and may not be resold. Hardware and programming sold separately. Programming and pricing subject to change. Pricing in residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming is subject to the terms of the DIRECTV Customer Agreement; a copy is provided at DIRECTV.com and in your first bill. DIRECTV services not provided outside the U.S. ©2006 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, TOTAL CHOICE and DIRECTV PARA TODOS are registered trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc.

I bolded the part about not continuing programming for a specific time.

[Billy66]

You'll be fine TacoLover. Sorry for the hassle you'll go through to get it removed. For me, I would hold that offer and only try to get it taken care of if I choose to cancel. if I stayed anyway, why have the headache no?


Also, if you think the DVR is junk, why would you want it?

[Taco Lover]

You'll be fine TacoLover. Sorry for the hassle you'll go through to get it removed. For me, I would hold that offer and only try to get it taken care of if I choose to cancel. if I stayed anyway, why have the headache no?
Yes, right... only if I want to cancel. If not, then no need to.


Also, if you think the DVR is junk, why would you want it?
I'm still doing research, but so far the Dish equipment is winning. I've also read that not all HR20s are junk, but a majority of them are. So, homework is still being done.

Also, TiVo S3 is way out of my league monetarily.

Thanks.

[Billy66]

Cool. I'm successfully using the HR20, but do be cautious of the negative experiences of others. Good luck!

[Kablemodem]

I saved the email they sent me just in case this happens.

Gotta go, the cable installer needs me.

[kryte98371]

Here is the original email. I highlighted the "No strings attached" part. I had to argue with the CSR about the comittment when I activated the unit.



Dear <Insert name here>,

Since you're one of our Best Customers, it's our privilege to provide special offers exclusively for you.

We'd like to offer you a reconditioned 40GB DIRECTV DVR from last year's inventory, for free. No strings attached. We have a limited quantity that we are making available only to our best customers and our employees.

We will continue to provide you offers such as this when opportunities arise. We want you to know that we truly appreciate your business and hope you take advantage of this incredible close-out offer.

Sincerely,

DIRECTV


Offer ends 2/28/06. $14.95 shipping and handling fee applies.

[Taco Lover]

Here is the original email. I highlighted the "No strings attached" part. I had to argue with the CSR about the comittment when I activated the unit.



Dear <Insert name here>,

Since you're one of our Best Customers, it's our privilege to provide special offers exclusively for you.

We'd like to offer you a reconditioned 40GB DIRECTV DVR from last year's inventory, for free. No strings attached. We have a limited quantity that we are making available only to our best customers and our employees.

We will continue to provide you offers such as this when opportunities arise. We want you to know that we truly appreciate your business and hope you take advantage of this incredible close-out offer.

Sincerely,

DIRECTV


Offer ends 2/28/06. $14.95 shipping and handling fee applies.
Thanks. I'm looking for that e-mail, but all I have is the order confirm.

[kryte98371]

Thanks. I'm looking for that e-mail, but all I have is the order confirm.

My email was dated 1/26/2006. YMMV.

[Taco Lover]

My email was dated 1/26/2006. YMMV.
Yeah, I can't find it. I'm thinking I saw the code here and used it. No matter.