$20 off Total Premier Choice still in effect

[ElfenMagic]

I'm sure this topic has been discussed to death elsewhere, and it is really a DirecTV issue rather than a TiVo one. But it seems to me that D* potentially could benefit by doing away with the mirroring fee for Premier subscribers. That would certainly help push me into the next price point from my current TC+, since I am paying $15 a month extra anyway for my 3 extra receivers. I can't imagine their costs per receiver are that high, either (i.e., my hunch is that they'd make more profit off me by getting me to go Premier than by my current mirroring charges).

Of course, I could be wrong about the profit margins. And even if I'm right, if there aren't that many people like me who would jump up, (or if there are a lot of current Premier folk who are paying lots in mirroring charges), then it wouldn't make sense for them.

This thread is long enough, though. Feel free to move this discussion to its own thread, or even in a different forum. My cookies are waiting for me.

EM

[Y2K Falcon]

I'll just add my $.02 here.

My 4 months "free" Premiere Package with NFL ST just ended, so I called to lower my service to Total Choice Plus + Locals. I didn't push hard for the $20 off premiere, as even with that, it is about $25 more for movie channels I didn't really get that much bang for.

Didn't have luck getting her to bite on the $33.99/month price "to match E* prices", but after asking what discounts I could get, she came back 3 minutes later with "HBO and Starz for the price of one", which I rolled my eyes at. She then coughed up the $10 off HBO for 6 months, so I took that. Extended my commitment by four months (since I just signed up 4 months ago). So Total Choice Plus with Locals, plus HBO, for $41.99 (plus 2 mirroring, and one DVR charge). NOTE: Premiere only waived the DVR charge, not the mirroring of the other receivers.

I'll have to change my Premiership Soccer Season Pass to pick up those airing on my local Fox Sports channel instead of FSWD, and I will miss Dead Like Me and Bullsh** on SHO when they come back, but for $25 more a month, I can get the DVD sets of those when they come out. :D

I might email and see if I can get them to bite on the $33.99.

[StarsHockey]

Just called and asked about signing up again for this package. Told them that I couldn't afford the higher rate. They gave me the package again for six months w/ one year commitment.

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Happy Holidays:D

[DBarber600]

I've read through this thread and maybe I missed it somewhere in the 25+ pages, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I am getting Directv installed this week. Since I'll be a new subscriber, can I wait a week and call to get the $20 off deal, ask for it right away, or am I out of luck until I've had Directv for a year? Thanks for your help.

[trainman]

Originally posted by DBarber600
I am getting Directv installed this week. Since I'll be a new subscriber, can I wait a week and call to get the $20 off deal, ask for it right away, or am I out of luck until I've had Directv for a year?

When you're on the phone with DirecTV setting up your account, they may well offer you this very deal, or something similar. (About five weeks ago when I had mine installed, they offered me "pay for NFL Sunday Ticket and get Total Choice Premier free for 4 months," but since the Sunday Ticket season ends this weekend, I would assume they won't offer you that deal.)

[Yosco]

Still in Effect... 5 minutes on the phone saved over 100 dollars.

[Televisionary]

No luck for me... "We have no discounts or promotions at this time." :confused:

[chrishicks]

Originally posted by Starrbuck


Thanks for asking us about the DIRECTV promotions we have for our
current customers. We do have special customer offers that make it easy
to get DIRECTV in another room, order newer equipment, or even add
programming.

I want to reassure you that you are a valuable DIRECTV customer. We
would like to follow up with you by email or telephone in the next few
days to talk to you about your concerns and the options available to
meet your needs. Thanks again for your patience and for giving us the
opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Neha
DIRECTV Customer Service




this is the same thing I just got a few minutes ago.:(

[bert1604]

Its still in effect, I took advantage of this offer about a week ago.
I Sent this E-Mail:

Subject: $20 off premier package
Details: I'd like to take advantage of the $20 off premier package for 6
months. I know of several friends that have recieved this discount
recently, and have read about it in the Tivo Community Forum. If you
need any other information please contact me. Thank you."

Then about 24 hours later they sent me this E-Mail


Thank you for writing. We have processed your email request for changes
to your DIRECTV service by upgrading your programming package to Total
Choice Premier with Local Channels. We have also added the special
discount of $20.00 off this package for 6 months. In addition, you will
receive the DVR/TIVO service free of charge, as it is included in the
price of the Total Choice Premier package. Please be advised that if you
do downgrade your programming package from Total Choice Premier, you
will again be charged for the DVR/TIVO service. You can view these
changes on your next DIRECTV statement.

We hope this information has been helpful. Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,

Liza
DIRECTV Customer Service

[JimSpence]

When I called and ordered the HD receiver deal a couple of weeks ago, I asked about this promotion and got it. :D

[DodgerFan]

I got it for the 4th time. This time I tried the email approach.

[chrishicks]

Originally posted by bert1604
Its still in effect, I took advantage of this offer about a week ago.
I Sent this E-Mail:



Then about 24 hours later they sent me this E-Mail


what was your programming before the email?

[bert1604]

Originally posted by chrishicks
what was your programming before the email?

Total Choice Plus w/ Locals

[DodgerFan]

TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER
with Local Channels

I just ended my 3rd $20 off in december.

[chrishicks]

they just called me regarding yesterdays email. they told me they don't have any offers like that. the rep I spoke with told me it must be something that TIVO themselves must be offering. I guess I should try to speak with someone else.

[Nightfall]

I just took advantage of this deal as well. I had Total Choice Premier with the NFL Sunday Ticket deal. Needless to say, I loved Total Choice Premier. I watch HBO more than the other movie channels to be honest. However, it is nice to have the extra channels.

I was going to get Total Choice Plus with Locals, 2 extra receivers, and Tivo service for $55. I wanted to get HBO to bring the cost up to $67. When I called Directv, the lady mentioned she could give me HBO and Starz for the price of one, OR the $20 Total Choice Discount. $67 for option one or $78 for option 2. I opted for the Total Choice Discount for six months. Can't beat the price for what you get.

Thanks to everyone on this thread. :)

[cdrlawn]

I just took advantage of the Total Choice Premium package with the $ 20 discount for myself last Saturday and for my mom today. We have been with DTV since the beginning, we both have 5 digit account numbers, and this is the first discount we have received. I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been for this forum. I am getting my first Directivo installed this Saturday, can't wait. Thanks to everyone for this forum.

[pecenka]

Not sure if folks are still interested in other's experiences here, but I sent an email yesterday using the feedback form on DTV's web page simply inquiring about the offer (w/o locals, as they are not available in my area). Got a reply stating they wished to follow up via email or phone call last night. I'd say that was about 5 hours or so after I sent the email.

So I called and explained that I had heard about the offer and asked if such a thing exists. The rep quickly said "yes we do have such an offer, would you like to switch to that?" Of course I did.

My situation: Former DTV customer who had just this week come back after a 2 year departure. Still had my original acct. number. New equipment includes DTIVO + 2 standard receivers. Had signed up for TC plus w/o locals at activation of new equipment.

Thanks for keeping this post alive, I'd probably never have heard of the offer otherwise.

[Nightfall]

Welcome to the forum pecenka! Glad to hear you got on the deal as well! :)

[technojunkie]

I just tried to renew. Got a call and spoke to a fellow who was not very nice. Told me he couldn't do it again. That they had lost $120 on me for 6 mos discount...what a joke. Any way I had HBO and Cinemax for $19 now they're hitting me $24!. I told them I'll be switching to Dish shortly but he didn't seem to care. Any ideas what to try next?

[paladin732]

heh my experience is just keeping calling, if you dont get it after 4 retention CSRs you wont get it.. retention does whatever you want usually

[holdshort]

Just tried the 20 dollars off, it took about 5 minutes, and I got it. This is a great forum.

[chrishicks]

well I finally spoke with someone today who gave me the upgrade and discount. no hassles what so ever. the best part was my previous package cost me 106.00 before taxes and when the new package rolls over it will cost me 107.00 before taxes. plus I got all the sports channels that I didn't have before.

I would like to say thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread because you all saved me 20.00 a month for the next 6 months.

[Burt Spielman]

On the other hand, I just returned their call that resulted from my e-mail. The CSR I got not only would not repeat the six-month $20 discount I've had a couple of times in the past, she said she'd put a note on my account stating that I can never get it again!

[MD_TIVO]

Oh boy. You caught her at a bad time.

[Lauri]

In response to my email about the discount on TC+ for $33.99 I sent to Direct yesterday, they called me, I called back and within 5 minutes got my first ever discount. I don't mind saving $72 over the next 6 months!

[MD_TIVO]

Yes, I got that $33.99 deal too. Also got HBO for $2/month.

[Scorch]

I have been trying for days will no luck via email or phone calls

[Lauri]

Damn, I didn't ask for the HBO part! Maybe I'll call or email in a week or two, give it a little time.

[MSN]

What is this $39.99 TC deal + $2 HBO all about? My 6 month $20 off TCP is about to expire and I'm looking for "new" deals? From what I've read, getting an extention on the $20 off deal is not a lock.
Thanks

[Scorch]

Well After 5 emails I guess the right person finally read it and I got the $20 off for 6 months.....

Thanks all for the help

[chrishicks]

in another thread someone mentioned that the discount was prorated. I got this promotion yesterday but my billing actually takes place around the middle of the month. in my account I have a credit of $15 and some change. will this ever work itself out or will I only got this much off every month? another thing, since because of how my billing is, does this mean that on month 7 I'm going to get a huge bill instead of the 107.00/plus taxes?

[JillupM]

I had this offer from July through December 2003. I tried to renew by e-mail. My first e-mail resulted in a phone call from a woman who told me I couldn't get this because I was on the premier package now and the computer wouldn't let her do it. I promptly went online and down-graded to just TC plus, locals, and HBO. I sent another e-mail. This time who ever read it, checked my account and sent back the following..

Thanks for your inquiry. After reviewing your account information, I
found that you had been receiving this $20 discount on Total Choice
Premier package for 6 months. The sixth $20 credit was applied to your
account on 11/20/03. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

This obviosly completely missed the point. So I bit the bullet and called. Told the CSR that I would like to upgrade to premier because my movie-nut daughter just moved back home(true) and I had heard about a $20 discount for six months. No problem. In five minutes I had all the channels back and the discount.


:up:

[teasip]

Just got the same $33.99 TC Plus w/ locals and HBO for $2 over six months. Really appreciate their doing this. The CSR made an interesting comment that DTV is having to "deal" with an online offer that apparently is incorrect but their honoring it. I wonder if it might be the HDTV receiver offer?

[BenArk]

It's all luck of the draw, I think. I sent an email on Wednesday and got a call back this evening at 8:30 PM with an 800# that rang directly to a person instead of the usual CS line. Anyway, the guy that answered was very friendly but said the TCP for $33.99 deal is only for people who are returning to DirecTV from a competitor but that I could get 6 months of free Showtime as a "thank you" for remaining a loyal DirecTV customer. :rolleyes:

I don't really care about Showtime until Dead Like Me comes back on but I won't knock 6 months of free, no matter what it is. He wasn't able to find the $10 off HBO promotion. I think they must have the worst promotion lookup system ever. :mad:

It just occurred to me that if folks posted the actual promotion code instead of just the description, I bet we would have less trouble getting the deals. Unfortunately, I don't have the promotion code for the 6 months of free Showtime. Hopefully if anybody tries to get it, they'll have a CSR that's able to find it!

Maybe I'll try again for the HBO deal in a month or two. :)

[cdma]

Sent the email and got TCP for $20's off

[funeral]

Got the directtivo free in November after calling, all I paid was $15 for shipping. I just called and got the upgrade to TC Prem for $20 off/mo for 6 mos with an agreement to a one year commitment to service, not specifically TC Prem ;)

Thanks for the heads up, now I have some motivation to get the 160GB drive I bought into the unit :D

[dagap]

Just called, got a nice lady who immediately gave me the $33.99 + $2.00 HBO deal for 6 months. Cool.

She did say that it reset the 1yr TC committment, and that the prices would return to their higher levels after 6 months.

She also said that I could only get one deal per year and that therefore I wasn't eligible for another discount until one year from today.

Cross that bridge later.

[NatasNJ]

Just got the $33.99 for TCP with Locals +$2 for HBO for 6 months. 1 yr commitment was started over as of today. Told them I saw deal on their website. They said they had to look for it then gave it to me. NICE!

Saved me some cash.

My extra Receiver & TIVO service remains unchanged. Also said I would still be charged $12 for HBO but would recieve a $10 credit each month on the bill. FYI!

[lgkahn]

I Posted a question on their web site requesting the total choice premier for 6 months and 20.00 per month off as somone suggested here is the response I got back..


Thank you for writing. We notice you currently subscribe to Total Choice
with Local Channels (the base package). The discount ($20.00 a month)
will last for six months once the Total Choice Premier with Local
Channels is added to your DIRECTV account at the discounted price.
Please note that the offer once applied renews your one year commitment
towards the DIRECTV services.

Please write us back or call at 1-800-531-5000 and one of the
Entertainment Consultants will assist you further.

I called and gave them the coupon code that was in the subject which by the way is: offer (KMM2653651C0KM)

I got the deal and it even includes no 4.95 per month tivo charge for the 6 months.. thanks for the tip.. before I was paying more for just hbo, showtime, cinemax and tmc without stars and total choice basic with local channels ....

[wyatt9696]

just got the tc+ w/ locals for 6months($33.99) & free showtime for 3 months. took like 5 mins w/ a csr. first she said there's no such deal. I said a bunch of my friends got it yesterday. she put me on hold for like 5 mins, then came back and told me i was eligable. done deal. thanks all. once again, this forum, by far is the most valuable tool for DTV and DTivo available. take care all. :D

[jara]

I got TC+W/Locals for 33.99 for six months but no luck on getting HBO for $2.00 more.

[BenArk]

I tried again and was able to get $10 off HBO but the CSR was "not able to offer me that promotion" referring to the $33.99 for TC+w/Locals. I emailed again after that asking why I wasn't able to get the $33.99 deal and got the generic "we'll call you back in 2-3 days" reply.

I just got off the phone with a polite but stubborn CSR who explained that I already had two promotions so she wasn't going to do anything else. She tried to explain that the $10 off deal would've been available even if I didn't have HBO. Oh well. Free Showtime and HBO for $2 is still better than full price!

[marrone]

Total Choice + w/locals and a premium package? Exactly what did you all tell a CSR?

[edit] Ok I read the thread a little better...I'm going to try email, since that seems to work better. Are there any promo codes I can suggest to them to make their life a little easier to "look it up"?

AND, more importantly, I just added another receiver (SD-DVR40), so that reset my 1year committment. Would that affect my ability to do this?

Thanks
-Mike

[vanduse1]

Originally posted by marrone
Total Choice + w/locals and a premium package? Exactly what did you all tell a CSR?

[edit] Ok I read the thread a little better...I'm going to try email, since that seems to work better. Are there any promo codes I can suggest to them to make their life a little easier to "look it up"?

AND, more importantly, I just added another receiver (SD-DVR40), so that reset my 1year committment. Would that affect my ability to do this?

Thanks
-Mike

Nope if you are in a 1 year commitment it shouldn't matter. I have done this deal twice now. They have just kept extending my 1 year commitment from the time I call for the discount.

[lkkl]

Does this offer apply to TOTAL CHOICE PLUS with Local Channels or just for TOTAL CHOICE® PREMIER with Local Channels?

[cmcgill]

I sent an email asking about the $33.99 deal and the $2 HBO. I got an email back saying these discounts are available and it hinted there might be more. So I replied and asked if there were any others available. I got another email back (from a different person) saying I could only take advantage of 1 discount at a time. I didn't do anything for a couple days, then last night I got a call from Sylvia in CSR. She said since I've been with them so long (since 1995), getting the above two deals was "the least they could do". I then asked if there was anything else, and she said "Showtime free for 6 months". So she asked if I wanted that, and we both agreed that since it was free, what the hell. Then she put me on hold to set it up. When she came back, she realized that she made a mistake and put on Starz! instead of HBO for $2/mo.

So, I ended up with TC+, HBO and Showtime for $2 less per month than I've been paying for TC+ by itself. I'll be getting our locals this spring once DirecTV 5 moves to the new slot.

You may be able to get Starz! for $2 month instead of HBO.

[MD_TIVO]

When I asked about the $33.99/month and the $2 for HBO promotion, I was told by the CSR that I could select any one of the premium movie channels for $2, not just HBO. So yes, I believe I could have gotten either Starz, HBO, Showtime, or Skinemax for $2.

[LarryInAz]

I've been a long TiVo user - however I just joined the D* version of the TiVo-lution yesterday. My new user promotion offered the 3 months of Free HBO. When I turned on my receivers/cards the CSR made the HBO offer, I asked if there were any other special offers if I wanted the full out TC Premium package. They asked me to hold while they checked and came back a few minutes later and said sorry, only the free HBO. I then asked specifically about the $20 off and they said sorry only the HBO. :rolleyes:

Not being one to give up I decided to send a request for the Premier package via email and this was the reply:

Dear Larry,

Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately, you are not eligible to receive this promotion. In addition, we show that you are already receiving credit for the HBO package. While we do run promotions for current customers from time to time, we have an outbound department that will call and offer those promotions to eligible customers.

Sincerely,

Chris Y.
DIRECTV Customer Service

:mad:

[Chris Blount]

I just got my discount! I signed up for DirecTV with free HBO 3 months ago . I sent them this e-mail as posted by Bert earlier in this thread:

Subject: $20 off premier package
Details: I'd like to take advantage of the $20 off premier package for 6
months. I know of several friends that have recieved this discount
recently, and have read about it in the Tivo Community Forum. If you
need any other information please contact me. Thank you."

24 hours later, I received a call from DirecTV and I told them about what I read here. She let me have the discount as long as I gave them a year commitment to at least their minumum package. Heck I was only 3 months into a year commitment anyway so what the heck.

The only mistake I made is not specifying that I also wanted locals. I didn't discover until later that my locals were missing so I had to call them back.

Oh, and by the way, I tried calling them first to get the discount but they wouldn't let me have it and said there were no promotions of this sort available.

[LarryInAz]

Originally posted by Chris Blount
I just got my discount! I signed up for DirecTV with free HBO 3 months ago . I sent them this e-mail as posted by Bert earlier in this thread:

Subject: $20 off premier package
Details: I'd like to take advantage of the $20 off premier package for 6
months. I know of several friends that have recieved this discount
recently, and have read about it in the Tivo Community Forum. If you
need any other information please contact me. Thank you."

24 hours later, I received a call from DirecTV and I told them about what I read here. She let me have the discount as long as I gave them a year commitment to at least their minumum package. Heck I was only 3 months into a year commitment anyway so what the heck.

The only mistake I made is not specifying that I also wanted locals. I didn't discover until later that my locals were missing so I had to call them back.

Oh, and by the way, I tried calling them first to get the discount but they wouldn't let me have it and said there were no promotions of this sort available.

That's EXACTLY word for word the email I sent also having seen it here on the forum. :rolleyes: Maybe the "trick" is to wait until after my free months of HBO is used up and then ask for the $20 off. :confused:

[wscato]

I just got the TC+ $33.99 deal also. Thanks for the great tip!!!!! I was also offered the HBO deal but declined it.

[bert1604]

I think it all depends on who you talk to, if at first you don't succeed try, and try again till you do ! These are for the main part Customer Retention Packages, if they feel you are unhappy with your service they might feel more obliged to offer you a special package. For the most part you are agreeing to a 1 year commitment as well. If your First E-Mail doesnt work, E-Mail and E-mail again. Although if you are already recieving a special package, you would probably have a difficult time convincing them.

I forgot to even mention that.. Yes those discounts are in fact available and they have been for a long time. There is no word of getting rid of them.. Those that have Total Choice Premier are eligible for a $20 discount for 6 months. Those with at least Total Choice and 1 premium package, such as HBO are eligible for a $10 disc for 6 months.

All agents have about 15 discounts available to customer. The only qualification is that you are not past due. After that it is given based off of the agents judgement. Agents are required to offer you a discount if you ask though.

Just remember that anytime you get a discount it does add a one year commitment to Total Choice Programming... even if you only keep the discount for 1 month out of the 6.. you still have the commitment...

[AL 2]

Just called and got it. TC+ and HBO for $2 extra. I just told them that I herd about a promotion for TC+ for 33.99 and the HBO add on. CSR told me no problem. GREAT!

[Seminole]

I just got my total choice with locals down to 28.00 a month. D* really knows how to keep a customer happy

[MrBigglesworth]

Woohoo. I just got the TC+ Locals, HBO and DVR Charge for $40.98 all together. About $17 less than I was paying at normal price. I asked if I could get the 33.99 Deal above with HBO if I recommited to another year and the CSR said no problem, he adjusted my past bill since I was into the new month for 2 days and is getting everything straigtened out for me.

[LarryInAz]

After being connected to the D* service for all of 24 hours. I called a CSR because one of my 2 D* TiVo's had "heat issues". That particular box I bought from my local Best Buy so rather than waiting for D* to send a replacement I just took it back and got another from BB. My point to all this is while I was on the phone with the CSR turning off the one receiver and enabling the new one I said "by the way, while I have you on the phone..." :D

I siad Ihave several friends that are D* users and several have the Premier package however they told me they were offered a special package price for 6 months with $20 discounted. At first she said this was only for users that have been with D* for more than a year. I said I know someone that was only using their satellite for about 2 or 3 months. She said she'd talk to a supervisor and came back and said I could have the special but only after my first 3 months and the free HBO had expired. Even though I said I'd waive the HBO freebie in exchange for the Premier special now she wouldn't bend.

I don't mind waiting 3 months but I sure wouldn't be happy waiting a full year.:cool:

[oiler_head]

OK - I'm trying to read the thread but I am getting confused as to what the offer is or what to ask D*.

I currently have TC+locals (39.99) and NHL Centre Ice. I also have six months of Showtime free due to poor customer service in September.

What deal should I be asking for? Does it include the DVR (which I will upgrade to shortly)? I am mostly interested in picking up HBO for a while or the sports pacakge...

Thanks

p

[dmwierz]

After having tried ten times via telephone and being stonewalled, I sent an e-mail per the above. I received a phone call back, and my wife took a message. I returned the call this evening and was told that there was no such offer, and that nobody was receiving the $20 discount. I asked the guy if he was calling me or the others on this forum liars, and he said no, but there was no such discount.

He then explained that any offers like this were only for special customers or special situations. I told him I have been a DirecTV customer for almost as long as they have been in business (since '95), and that I currently subscribe to their most expensive offerings including Full Court and NHL - how much more special can a customer get? I got really pissed and threatened to quit, and at that moment, I was close to doing just that. As soon as I said this, his whole demeanor changed, he offfered me the discount, went off line for a few minutes, then came back and told me I had been given the 6 month discount of $20 per month.

One of the more bizzare customer service experiences I've had, but I guess all's well that ends well.

[yngdiego]

After several calls I was finally able to get $10 off for 6 months on my Total Choice (not Premier) plus locals package. On my first call they didn't want to give me anything, then on the 2nd call they were offering me free locals for 6 months, and then the last call I got the $10/mo off.

The first call I argued with the CRG guy and he said the $20/mo off was only available to certain customers and I didn't qualify. I asked him what would make me qualify and he said he couldn't tell me. I then threatened to disconnect and he said he would be happy to help me disconnent. What a looser.

On my last call the guy also mentioned the $20/mo off for TC Premier, but that actually cost me more per month and I wouldn't watch the extra channels.

So I'm saving $60, which isn't bad. Last year I got the $20 off TCP for 6 months.

These forums are sure awesome for finding out about these deals.

[smitmor]

My DirecTV system was installed back in October, so I am quite definitely still under contract. I called DTV earlier this week and inquired about the $20 TC Premier discount. First rep told me there was no such thing. I argued with him, but he persisted. Next rep. said he was unaware of such an offer but would look in the system. Sure enough, he found it but had to transfer me to the retention group for me to get it. Retention group rep. upgraded me to TC Premier and applied a $20/mo. credit for 6 mos. She also said that she would not reset my one year commitment since I already had so long to go.

Guess it all depends on who you talk to. Gotta love this forum! :p

[gfish]

I got a the $20/mo 6-month discount in December, 2002. Last July I called to ask for another, but the Customer Retention rep told me that they could only issue the discount once a year.

I called today, explained the situation, was referred to Customer Retention and immediately received the $20/month discount--no discussion, no need to tell a long story... The rep was very pleasant and the whole transaction was complete in less than 5 minutes.

Thanks to the forum!

[bshef]

Hey.....here's my follow-up to yesterday's failed attempts post.....

Today, I revceived the following email from DTV....

Dear Brad,

Thank you for contacting us about your DIRECTV account. Please know, to
receive this discount, you need to commit to Total Choice or Opción
Extra Especial or above for 1 year. This offer is for 6 months and
after that period, the Total Choice Premier package will roll back to it's
regular monthly price.

Please reply us back saying that you accept the one year commitment
so we can process your request.

Sincerely,

Amit
DIRECTV Customer Service

Original Message Follows:
-------------------------
DIRECTV FEEDBACK MESSAGE


[Topic Selected: Programming]

Subject: Subject: $20 off premier package

Details: I'd like to take advantage of the $20 off premier package for
6 months. I know of several friends that have recieved this discount
recently, and have read about it in the Tivo Community Forum. If you
need any other information please contact me. Thank you."failed attempts post

[southernbills]

Thanks again to this forum for yet another inside tip. My first e-mail to DirecTV received a "no such offer" reply. E-mail number 2 told me to call their 800# and ask about special offers. One phone call and a transfer later.... $33.99 TC+w/ locals and the $10 HBO discount for 6 months!
BTW, the CRS asked me what website I had heard about the offer on, but after she had applied the discount.

[jrock]

I joined in October and got the NFL Sunday Ticket with Total Choice Premier for $59 a month for 4 months. That ends Feb 1st. I just called and tried to get them to give me the $20 off thing if I keep Total Choice Premier but they said no I was just coming off a promotion so I can't get another one =(

[JimSpence]

This just makes me wonder what percentage of subscribers have some sort of promotion? Either $20 off Premier, $10 off HBO or whatever.

[marrone]

I emailed them yesterday about the TC+ for 33.99 deal, etc. They emailed back saying they'd like to further discuss my concern either by email or phone.

I got no phone call yet (though I was out of the house this evening) and no followup email. Hopefully one will come soon (hopefully email...I hate talking on the phone about stuff like this)

-Mike

[bobojay]

Same situation here. I'm debating on whether or not to try for the HD pkg. for $99.00 deal also.

By the way, Ultimate Electronics had an ad in today's paper for an 3 receivers, one of which is an HD/w phase 3 dish & installation for new accounts for $199.00.

Getting better all the time!

[SteveSatch]

Originally posted by yngdiego
What a looser.



How "loose" <sic> is he?

[turbo92awd]

i am on hold right now... i called and asked for the 33.99 tc+ promo with the $2 hbo and the csr totally ignored me and asked if i would like to add HBO for $12. I said nooooo... i want the 33.99 tc+ w/ $2 hbo - she asked if i wanted 2 for one showtime and hbo... i don't think she wants to hear me. i asked again and she put me on hold.


still on hold.... 3 mins...

5 mins...

FINALLY CAME BACK.... said i could not get it because of fact i had $20 off tc premium... asked to speak to cusotmer retention and guess what... on hold again...


CAME BACK...

said i could not get this deal because i had too many discounts already.... i asked for customer retention and she said ok but she is noting in my account for them NOT to give me this deal.

her name is irene csr #25948 - note.. she is not nice


justin with customer retention...


He hooked me up with the $33.99 deal but gave me free showtime instead of $2 HBO...

done... so much for noting my account

[swannie04]

Can I get this deal if I am a current subscriber to the Total Choice Premier with locals, High Def package, TIVO,playboy and NFL ticket? I have been a subscriber for 3 years or so? If I can get $20 off a month why not? Or if someone now of a different deal I should ask for please let me know! I love this forum!!

[Nightfall]

swannie04: I don't see why you can't. You can either give them a call or send them a mail. When I got this deal, I sent their customer service a mail message on their website. I told them I wanted to change my plan to Total Choice Premier for $20 off and renew my contract for a year. They just went ahead and did it. :)

[newtome66]

Done,

Just got a call back from D* after emailing them about the offer. Took five minutes, no hastles or questions. This is my second time to take advantage of this offer. Thanks Tivo Community!

[marrone]

Well, they still haven't called me back.
I'm assuming they got me lost somewhere.

Either I should call them, or email them again.
It seems here people are getting called within one day.
*sigh* I'm hoping to get this in before they raise their rates!
-Mike

[khill821]

I just got the deal yesterday. Sent them an email on Thursday and got an email response back next day stating that they wanted to talk to me. I never received a call, so I called yesterday. I mentioned to the deal to the first CSR and she transferred me to retention where they checked my account to see if I qualified. Five minutes later I had TCP programming with a $20/month discount.

[dallasviper]

Called today 01-21-2004 @ 4:45PM CST and the gentleman who answered the phone said he knew exactly what I was talking about. 30 seconds later...wham...I have every channel with locals & Tivo for only...

$67.99


WOW! What a deal. I was paying $65.99 for Total Choice w/ Locals + HBO & Showtime.


Thanks everyone. :up:

[marrone]

I just called, and they told me no such promotion (the TC+ w/locals for $33.99), though they did mention the 2 for 1 HBO/showtime deal. The CSR didn't seem willing at all to look it up, so I didn't push.

I just sent them another email.

-Mike

[Indiana627]

I just called and after putting me on hold for a couple mintues, the rep came back and said I could get either the TC+ w/locals for $33.99 a month for 6 months OR the HBO for $2.00 a month for 6 months, but not both together. I said people here were getting both but she wouldn't budge so I told her I'd think about and call back (and hopefully get a rep that will give me both).

And I asked her about the price increase rumor. She said she had heard there is one coming, but didn't having any details of how much and when.

[Athenian]

You do better if you call ad press the button to cancel. Ask the rep how much it will cost you to end your contract and he'll come back with whatever it takes to keep you.

[Ricko]

I just had my system installed last week.... when calling to activate, I thought I'd give the "$33.99mo+$2.00HBO" a shot... I was told as a new subscriber I was only eligible for three months free HBO... but after putting me on hold for a few minutes, the CSR came back and told me I would be eligible for it at the end of the three months and to be sure to call back then...
We'll see...

But I must say... after 15 years with analog cable and a SA series 1, I finally understand the excitement expressed in all those newbie posts...
I'm f'ing ecstatic.... :D

[Indiana627]

Just called back and got both the TC+ w/locals for $33.99 and HBO for $2 for 6 months. Another great reason to keep checking this forum! Thanks!

[marrone]

Ok, they answered the 2nd email with "We tried to get ahold of you, but only got the answering machine". which is possible...I've been working late, and my daughter is very sick, so my wife probably didn't answer the phone.

Luckily I was smart enough to leave them my work number. So they called me here today. I was out, but they left a direct 1-800 number, which goes right to a person (though not the one who called me). Which is fine.

Short and sweet: I'm now (well, effective end of billing cycle) paying $33.99 for TC+ w/locals, plus $2 HBO, and free showtime :). [had to slightly push for the showtime; they didn't volunteer it] Apparently that works with the 2 for 1 promotion, and the $10 off promotion is separate from that, so we can get both.

Thanks all! Now I'll have plenty of stuff to fill up my extra 105 hours I just put in!

-Mike

[Felix T Cat]

OK, I'll add my experience:
Had TC+, HBO, Showtime, Tivo Service, 2 mirrors

Called to order my second Tivo and "while I had her on the phone" asked about the $20 off. She denied any knowledge of it even after I pushed a little.

Sent the e-mail, got a relpy that they would like to speak with me, they called 2 days later (around 8pm) and after a short 5 min conversation I am getting the $20 for 6 months.

[mmihalik]

Short and sweet:

My $20 for 6 months just ended last month.

Email to DirecTV after logging into my account at www.directv.com:
- stated how I had received the Customer Appreciation credit, and my 6 months just ended
- indicated how happy I was with the service
- asked about any HDTV promotions they might have
- asked if I could get the $20 credit again for 6 months, and I agreed to extending my Total Choice Premier w/Locals contract for another year
- included Account Number in the blank provided on the email form

That was yesterday.

Today, I received an email reply:
- pointers to HDTV info on the website, but no special offers
- yes, by the way, we are giving you the $20 Customer Appreciation credit for another 6 months, and my contract was extended to a year.

I think the key here is what this thread was about originally:
- Total Choice Premier w/Locals is sort of Top Tier
- credit easily given if you are a Premier subscriber, and have been for many years like I have

Here is the actual text of the email I sent:


DIRECTV FEEDBACK MESSAGE

Name: Your Name

Status: Subscriber

[Account Number: Your Acct. Number ]

E-mail Address: name@email.com

[Topic Selected: Billing]

Subject: RE: Premier Subscriber

Details: Last year I received a $20 credit for 6 months that was applied
to my Total Choice Premier w/Locals account.

I have been a DirecTV subscriber at the highest level for several years.

I would like to get this credit this year, and will gladly extend my
agreement for another year.

Also, on another matter, are there any incentives for adding HDTV
channels to my account?

Thanks in advance for your reply.


Could not be more simple!

Mike

[Randolph Damore]

I called about the Total Choice Premier for $67.99 today and had absolutely no problems. The rep I talked to knew about the deal, had no qualms about signing me up, and didn't even add a year to my contract.

Needless to say, I am pretty pleased. I added about twenty movie channels and dropped my bill by a dollar. w00t!

[qdoggg]

Originally posted by Ricko
I just had my system installed last week.... when calling to activate, I thought I'd give the "$33.99mo+$2.00HBO" a shot... I was told as a new subscriber I was only eligible for three months free HBO... but after putting me on hold for a few minutes, the CSR came back and told me I would be eligible for it at the end of the three months and to be sure to call back then...
We'll see...

But I must say... after 15 years with analog cable and a SA series 1, I finally understand the excitement expressed in all those newbie posts...
I'm f'ing ecstatic.... :D

I just got DTV last week as well... and got the same story "wait one year" But i kept sending the e-mails and finally got a rep to help me out. Just keep trying it can't hurt.

good luck!!

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by Randolph Damore
I called about the Total Choice Premier for $67.99 today and had absolutely no problems. The rep I talked to knew about the deal, had no qualms about signing me up, and didn't even add a year to my contract.

Needless to say, I am pretty pleased. I added about twenty movie channels and dropped my bill by a dollar. w00t!

With the price increases coming up, you should want them to start the year requirements of at least Total Choice service so you are price protected.

[deuce]

I've had DTV of one sort or another for 8 years now. I called for the $33.99/mo + $2.00 HBO and free Showtime.

CSR tried to pass a 3 free months of Cinemax offer my way. I countered with "I'd rather have the other three, unless you're telling me they are no longer valid." He responded they are still valid, and within 30 seconds I was hooked up. funny, he only said the Showtime would expire in 6 months, not the TCP & HBO specials.

Reminds me of the awesome deals one used to be able to get with USSB!

[spartanstew]

I'm moving in about 5 weeks so I called them today to see what they could do. It turns out that my commitment ends on February 8th (2 weeks from now) and I told them I was trying to save money due to the new house expenses. Here's what they're giving me:

Movers program at NO charge, including triple LNB dish and 5X16 multi-switch.
TCP w/locals for $33.99
HBO for $2 for 6 months
free Showtime for 6 months.


I've used the $20 off Premier twice in the past and realized I don't need all those movie channels and would rather save the $26 per month on a cheaper package.




Stew

[MCodanti]

Originally posted by spartanstew
TCP w/locals for $33.99


I assume you mean TC+ and not TCP (Total Choice Premier) right?

[spartanstew]

Yes, TC+ (which also starts with P) :)




Stew

[dtvuser95]

The $20 off thing must be an ongoing promo since this thread was started eons ago (last october) and when I asked for it tonight, I got it. Conditions were that I stay with DTV for 6 months or something like that.

[spartanstew]

Originally posted by dtvuser95
The $20 off thing must be an ongoing promo since this thread was started eons ago (last october) and when I asked for it tonight, I got it. Conditions were that I stay with DTV for 6 months or something like that.


Yep, I got it for the first time in July of 2002, then again in February of 2003 and now a third discount deal.


Usually you have to agree to remain for 1 year.





Stew

[chicagogreg773]

i got the discount back in november but have yet to get my december and january 20 discounts. all the drones at directv keep telling me are they are "working on crediting my account 40dollars"

what a bunch of b/s directv customer service has become!!!

[marrone]

Originally posted by deuce
funny, he only said the Showtime would expire in 6 months, not the TCP & HBO specials.

Probably meant that showtime would automatically be cut-off, whereas HBO won't be (but will then start charging you full price unless you cancel it). That's what I was told.

-Mike

[GoldenTiger]

I got the deal $33.99 deal with HBO for $2 a month and Showtime free for 6 months... loving it! $4 off a month and approximately 18 movie channels for saving money! I decided the extra money per month to do the $20 off a month Total Choice Premiere package with all 4 movie channel packages wasn't worth it over this package, which I'm perfectly happy with. Thanks so much for the heads-up in this thread, everyone! I did the $20 off TCP awhile back, and now I have this deal. The savings DirecTV is offering to their customers right now are great!

[wilsonc]

Just adding my experience here. I emailed last Friday (01/23/04) the following:

I have been a happy Directv customer for a few years now. I
have the Total Choice Premier package and I was looking at alternatives
to keeping this package. I was talking to a friend and he told me he
was offered $20 a month for 6 months off the Total Choice Premier
package if he agreed to commit to another year of Total Choice service
with Directv. I have no problem in committing to another year of Total
Choice service with Directv, but I would like to know if I would be
eligible in receiving this credit. Thanks for your time.

And the next day, I received the following reply:

Thanks for taking the time to write us and let us know your concerns
about your DIRECTV programming costs. I want to reassure you that you
are a valuable DIRECTV customer. We would like to follow up with you by
email or telephone in the next few days to talk to you about your
concerns and the options available to meet your needs.

Thanks again for your patience and for giving us the opportunity to
respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrea
DIRECTV Customer Service

Today, I received a phone call and they left a message asking them to call them back at 1-800-824-9081 and when I called back I basically asked for the $20 off deal, they said yes, they do have the discount available for specific circumstances and that she would be able to offer it to me and that was it.

[Shark73]

I had the same experience as wilsonc, I've checked my account online and I don't see any activity in regards to the $20 off TCP. I called the rep back on Saturday so it's been a few days now.

Those of you who have received this discount...can you please let me know if I should see something on my account now or will it just be reflected on my next bill?

Thanks,

Jim

[jrvtecaccord]

I have the $20 discount off TCP, I have noticed that they apply the credit around a day or two before it is due. When I receive my online statement it list with out the discount, but when I pay on the due date, the discount is there.

[tmcabee]

I've only been a DTV subscriber for about 4 months now, but I tried for these deals (the $33.99 and the $67.99) anyway. The CSR was very nice, but said that I couldn't get the deals I was asking about because I hadn't had service for at least a year yet.

My Sunday Ticket promotion was up though, so I switched down to TC+ for $39.99 and got the 2 for 1 HBO/Cinemax (for 3 months) for $12. Has anyone had any luck getting those deals despite not having DTV for at least a year? If so, how? :)

-Tracy

[farleyruskz]

I have only been with DirecTV for three months. When I called yesterday asking about the TC+ for $33.99 & HBO for $2 deal, the first thing the CSR commented on was the fact that I just recently activated. She put me on hold for a few minutes and when she came back told me she could give me a $5 credit for the next 6 months. Figured that was better than nothing and happily accepted. To my knowledge, it did not require a renewal of the one year committment (something I actually would have preferred, for the extended price protection once D* raises rates next month).

[gtnuke]

I also got the $20 off Premier for 6 months.

I've only been a DirecTV customer for ~7 months.

I now have TCPrem, locals, HD package, and ESPN FullCourt. Talk about a lot of channels. My TiVo can hardly keep up :D

BTW my online "Recent Transactions" now says "We Appreciate Your Business - - charge". I guess that's the $20 promo. I did have to extend to 1 year from yesterday, but that's just built in price protection for the rate hike coming in March.

I also noticed someone talking about when the $20 credit shows up. Mine showed up yesterday with the change in service for the first month.

[Shark73]

Originally posted by tmcabee
I've only been a DTV subscriber for about 4 months now, but I tried for these deals (the $33.99 and the $67.99) anyway. The CSR was very nice, but said that I couldn't get the deals I was asking about because I hadn't had service for at least a year yet.

My Sunday Ticket promotion was up though, so I switched down to TC+ for $39.99 and got the 2 for 1 HBO/Cinemax (for 3 months) for $12. Has anyone had any luck getting those deals despite not having DTV for at least a year? If so, how? :)

-Tracy

I joined D* in Aug 2003 and was given the TCP for $20 off.

[keyuser]

I joined in November and was given the 20$ off premiere promotion. The first CSR told me that the promotion did not exist but I insisted in a nice tone of voice and she transfered me to another dept.

I originaly had TC+ and 3 months HBO free. Now my DVR charge is removed and a 2nd DVR is on its way.

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by gtnuke
BTW my online "Recent Transactions" now says "We Appreciate Your Business - - charge". I guess that's the $20 promo. I did have to extend to 1 year from yesterday, but that's just built in price protection for the rate hike coming in March.


The $20 discount should be listed as "6 Mo Spec Discount". I believe the "We Appreciate Your Business" is for the 1 year commitment.

[Phil T]

I have been unable to get the Total Choice + & locals 33.99 and $2.00 HBO deal. Two calls and an e-mail did get me 3 months of free Showtime.

I subscribed in November and was told I needed to be with them at lease 1 year.

I will try again on Friday, when I call to cancel my HBO.

[The Spud]

I emailed them yesterday with a sob story about how I cancelled HBO & Showtime a few months ago for financial reasons and had heard about the $33.99 TC+ w/locals, $2 HBO & free Showtime deal. Tonight I received a call and the guy said I wasn't eligible for these promotions, but did agree to give me 6 months of Showtime for free.

[cboylan3]

just got off the phone with csr. they told me that i could get the TC+ w/locals for 34.99 (not 33.99) and that the HBO for $2 had expired as well as the hbo/showtime 2 for 1 deal. when i asked the csr when the hbo offer expired......the phone went dead.....hmmm

guess they dont like me. I'll try again later

Well, tried again. This time the CSR told me that thay have no promotions what-so-ever on packages. I mentioned the different deals that are in this thread and she again said that they didn't have any and if they do, they will send me info in the mail

boy, they must really no like me :(

[mlobitz]

O.K., I'm on the phone right now with a CSR trying to get the $2 HBO and free Showtime. Gave him the "DTV CSR was rude to me", which is true, story. He says, "Now you've got the guy who is going to take care of you." $2 HBO and six months of Showtime. Showtime drops off automatically and HBO is up to me. Great deal. Let's see, in the last week I've got $1,000 worth of HD hardware and install for $99 and $132 worth of programming for $12. Can Comcast, et. al. even come close to this???

[Nutter]

I called last week and got the HBO for $2. But no TC+/w-locals, so I emailed and got a call back, I was nice and a little dumb and got TC+/w-locals for $33.99

thanks everyone :)

[mlobitz]

I've gotta work that angle too...I just e-mailed and will now wait for TC+ w/locals for $33.99. I will have it! Yes, I will have it...

[cboylan3]

ok, what am i doing wrong?????

got another csr...said only offer they have is order HBO and get showtime for 3 months. other than that ..nothing. I mentioned the other offers I've heard about (the ones you guys are talking about) and tells me they dont offer those and as far as he knows, have never offered those.:mad: I told him about the csr that told me about the TC+ w/locals deal but that we got disconnected....he said that he doesn't see that coversation in my file.

thats why i cant stand csr...all you get is bs.:mad:

<sorry, little frustrated now>

[rdl44]

Does anyone know if the TC Premier includes the HD package, or do you have to pay for those channels separately?

And in trying to read back through the last 10 pages or so, am I correct that the current deals are:

1) $33.99 for TC Plus w/ locals and $2/mo HBO for 6 months; or

2) $20 off TC premier for 6 months?

Any others?

Thanks!

[mlobitz]

O.K., I'm on the phone right now with a CSR trying to get the $2 HBO and free Showtime. Gave him the "DTV CSR was rude to me", which is true, story. He says, "Now you've got the guy who is going to take care of you." $2 HBO and six months of Showtime. Showtime drops off automatically and HBO is up to me. Great deal. Let's see, in the last week I've got $1,000 worth of HD hardware and install for $99 and $132 worth of programming for $12. Can Comcast, et. al. even come close to this???

[kroddy]

Originally posted by rdl44
Does anyone know if the TC Premier includes the HD package, or do you have to pay for those channels separately?


HD Package is extra.

[dtvuser95]

This deal is even better than you would imagine since it also creates an annual commitment. In my mail today I got a letter from DTV about new rates (increasing) effective March 1, but it says that they will honor current prices for the remainder of my one year commitment. So others that don't take advantage of the current promo will be paying higher prices come March, while I'll be getting a discount for a whole year, plus $20 off for 6 months!

[dlott]

Took an e-mail and 2 phone calls, but I finally got a hold of the right CSR and got the $20 off on the Premier deal. Thanks for the heads up.

[haggis444]

Don't let them fool you, it's still out there. Sent an e-mail last Monday, got a VM on Tuesday, they called back today (Saturday) and got me this time and applied the discount---they told me that I had to commit for a year. No problem! I committed to another yearabout a month ago because I got the free Sat-C kit. (Subscriber for 3+ years).

[cboylan3]

well heres an update to me neverending saga ....hehe..

anywaym as you know, 3 phone calls got me nowhere. as as some of you suggested I emailed from their website...2days later (saturday) I get a call from DTV telling me that they were told to call me 'cause I had a question about programming. I told them that i was interested in one of the deals that they have and I stated the ones i've read about here. He told me he's never heard of such deals, but would check.
:confused:

so, he comes back and says, tes we have 2. $5 off of TC+ w/locals and a prem channel at $2 for 6 months. But he can't give me both. only one or the other. So I take the $5 discount. I asked him about the price increase and he said that even though i'm committing to a year contract, I will NOT be protected from the price increace. When the increase kicks in, it will be $5 less from that. So, $34.99 for feb, then $37.99 for 5 months then $42.99 for the remainder of my contract.:confused:


wish a could get a strait story from this company.

[lcrowe]

I called in on this three times yesterday. I've been with D* for a little over 2 years and the best I could get was $5 off the TC+ package I have for the next six months.

[purpleclad]

I just called on Friday and received $33.99 for Total Choice Plus/ with locals, $2/month HBO for 6 months and FREE Showtime for 6 months.

[newsposter]

After 31 pages you think you would all learn to email them :) Talking is a crapshoot at best. The email can be short and sweet and they will respond promptly. it saves so much aggravation with CSR roulette. Plus you and they both have it in writing.

My extra 1 year commitment looks like it will pay off with the price increase ahead.

[rdl44]

Arrgh! Can anyone help me cut through all of the DTV bullsh*t?!

I e-mailed, got a call back, but wasn't home. The message the guy left was so mumbled that I couldn't understand the 1-800 # he left. All I got is 1-800-824-9??? Does anyone know the rest?

When I call the main DTV line, all I get is the stock response is that the $33.99 TC+ option and $10 off HBO is not available to me; it's only available to customers reconnecting (which is clearly not the case based on what everyone has said in this forum).

What are the magic words? "Open sesame"?

[newsposter]

well with rdl's posting perhaps it's not as ez as email before, maybe I was one of the lucky ones that got it the first try out. Or they ARE really out to get you!

[cboylan3]

newsposter -

did they tell you that you would not be subjected to the price increase until your 1 yr commitment was up?

[newsposter]

Originally posted by cboylan3
newsposter -

did they tell you that you would not be subjected to the price increase until your 1 yr commitment was up?

I anxiously await my bill to see what's up. The screwed me out of 2 months of discounts and it took me over a month to get that straightened out so I can't wait to see how they handle my one yr commitment that started in Oct.

[itsmeitsmeitsme]

Just for info.....I too had problems with the 20 dollar discount for premiere. It was no problem getting the discount but had 2 months of problems getting them to take it off my bill each month. The reps. were very nice and understanding but still had problems getting the actual discount. Just yesterday I noticed that they are finally taking the $20 off of my bill....oh well better late than never I guess.

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by newsposter
After 31 pages you think you would all learn to email them :) Talking is a crapshoot at best. The email can be short and sweet and they will respond promptly. it saves so much aggravation with CSR roulette. Plus you and they both have it in writing.

My extra 1 year commitment looks like it will pay off with the price increase ahead.

I sent an email yesterday to see if I can get better results that way. I'm still waiting to hear back. Hopefully I'll get a call back from someone that can help me...

[newsposter]

Originally posted by lcrowe
I sent an email yesterday to see if I can get better results that way. I'm still waiting to hear back. Hopefully I'll get a call back from someone that can help me...

I 'know' you meant to say an email back, not a call right? :)

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by newsposter
I 'know' you meant to say an email back, not a call right? :)

Actually they did call... Still didn't have a clue and both the CSR I spoke with and his supervisor told me that not only was this offer not available but that it has never existed and anyone that claims to have gotten it is lying.

I did get the HBO for $2/month and 6 months of Showtime...

[lgkahn]

I posted the offer number earlier in this thread for total choice premium for 20.00 off go get it and call them back

[utvnut]

Originally posted by mlobitz
O.K., I'm on the phone right now with a CSR trying to get the $2 HBO and free Showtime. Gave him the "DTV CSR was rude to me", which is true, story. He says, "Now you've got the guy who is going to take care of you." $2 HBO and six months of Showtime. Showtime drops off automatically and HBO is up to me. Great deal. Let's see, in the last week I've got $1,000 worth of HD hardware and install for $99 and $132 worth of programming for $12. Can Comcast, et. al. even come close to this???

Hi,

What hardware did you get? I am thinking of trying to get a directivo deal and new dish from them to transition from UTV, can I get that AND a service discount like you discuss?

[Shark73]

I'm still not seeing any activity on my account regarding the $20 off promo. Should I call back to check or wait for the next bill?

Thanks,

Jim

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by Shark73
I'm still not seeing any activity on my account regarding the $20 off promo. Should I call back to check or wait for the next bill?

Thanks,

Jim

If you do see the following on the "view activity since last bill" on the my account page, you may not have the discount on your account. I would call back right away.

01/27/2004 xxxxxxxx - 6 Mo Spec Discount -$20.00 $0.00 -$20.00

01/27/2004 xxxxxxxx1316 We Appreciate Your Business - - Charge $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Total -$20.00

[mlobitz]

DTV sent out the latest phase III dish(integrated triple lnb) and the Samsung SIR-TS160. It's a decent receiver. The installer came with a 5x8 multiswitch and easily exceeded the 125 feet of cable. Called a few days later to get the HBO/Showtime deal. Called again to try and get the TC+locals for $33.99 and had to work for that one. Just keep peppering the goal and you'll eventually score.

[mavrcksd]

We'll see if mine goes through - i just sent the email! :)

[TivoPete1]

Just wanted to say thanks again for the info regarding the $20/month savings on TCP. Over the next 6-months I will be saving $120 which will probably go to DTV anyway for PPV movies!

The CSR handled my request quickly and without hassle. She sounded "Indian" and I asked where she was located. She said that FCC regulations forbid her from disclosing her location and she wouldn't even confirm if she was in the United States. When the transaction was complete she said "Good-night" (I spoke with her at 1pm PST) which leads me to suspect that she could very well have been in India. Does anyone know if DTV CSR's are "offshore?"

Thanks again.

[newsposter]

Originally posted by lcrowe
Actually they did call... Still didn't have a clue and both the CSR I spoke with and his supervisor told me that not only was this offer not available but that it has never existed and anyone that claims to have gotten it is lying.

I did get the HBO for $2/month and 6 months of Showtime...

your experience should dictate to others to stick with email until you get a satisfactory email reply. Talking to people sucks!

hope you get it

[newsposter]

Originally posted by Shark73
I'm still not seeing any activity on my account regarding the $20 off promo. Should I call back to check or wait for the next bill?

Thanks,

Jim

Call for sure. For 2 months they had a note on my bill that I was getting the 20 discount but never subtracted it. Then the CSR had the gall to ask me why I was getting the 20 credit. I said LOOK at the bill on your screen, it says Thank you for your business 20 credit. I think she finally figured it out. I mean, it was self explanatory to even a 1st grader. No explanation should have been needed.

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by newsposter
your experience should dictate to others to stick with email until you get a satisfactory email reply. Talking to people sucks!

hope you get it

I guess what floors me is the continued insistence that this promotion does not exist and never has. I would not be happy about it but could understand it if I was told that I didn't qualify for some reason. It's the insistence that it does not exist and that everyone here that has it is just lying about it. He even went as far as to say that he has been out on the various messages boards at times to get names and look up accounts to see if people had what they claim to have and that most people are claiming to have things that are not accurate. Maybe I'm just gullible but I tend to believe what I read here more than what I'm told from D*...

[Shark73]

Originally posted by lcrowe
I guess what floors me is the continued insistence that this promotion does not exist and never has. I would not be happy about it but could understand it if I was told that I didn't qualify for some reason. It's the insistence that it does not exist and that everyone here that has it is just lying about it. He even went as far as to say that he has been out on the various messages boards at times to get names and look up accounts to see if people had what they claim to have and that most people are claiming to have things that are not accurate. Maybe I'm just gullible but I tend to believe what I read here more than what I'm told from D*...

I'd like to know how he does that when not everyone uses their real names on these boards. :rolleyes:

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by Shark73
I'd like to know how he does that when not everyone uses their real names on these boards. :rolleyes:

I wondered that myself, maybe that's why he is not finding anything...:D

[Kressley]

This is exactly what the CSR told me. "She doesn't know anything about these deals"

I sent an e-mail first, got a message on my answering machine to call, and I did.

The CSR was RUDE!. She said in a snippy voice "We only give deals out under certain circumstances like missed installs and things like that. Not just to anyone who calls up"

I referenced the forum, still nothing. I even told her I have been a subsciber since '95. She then put me on hold for at least 5 minutes and when she came back told me she had consulted with her supervisor and is authorized to give me the $2 deal with HBO. Nothing else. No showtime.

At that point with the fact how rude she was I politely turned it down and told her it was because of this experience I would not be interested.

I asked if she was in the retention dept. and she said yes.
With retention CSR's like that, they won't be keeping too many customers.

[newsposter]

Originally posted by itsmeitsmeitsme
Just for info.....I too had problems with the 20 dollar discount for premiere. It was no problem getting the discount but had 2 months of problems getting them to take it off my bill each month. The reps. were very nice and understanding but still had problems getting the actual discount. Just yesterday I noticed that they are finally taking the $20 off of my bill....oh well better late than never I guess.

I hope they reversed any late fees. I paid the 'correct' amount of my bill even though they showed I was 20 short because of their error. No way I'm messing with the convoluted system.

[itsmeitsmeitsme]

Yes the took all late fees off my bill and now account shows as iin good standing......that was bugging me too when it showed as payment overdue but finally all is well....for now at least

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by TivoPete1
[BThe CSR handled my request quickly and without hassle. She sounded "Indian" and I asked where she was located. She said that FCC regulations forbid her from disclosing her location and she wouldn't even confirm if she was in the United States. When the transaction was complete she said "Good-night" (I spoke with her at 1pm PST) which leads me to suspect that she could very well have been in India. Does anyone know if DTV CSR's are "offshore?"

Thanks again. [/B]

Directv does own their own call centers and they also use convergys for other call centers. Convergys has operations all over the globe and you could have been talking to someone in India. It is funny that she said FCC regs won't let her disclose her location.

[Rayo]

I cannot get programming and billing through DirecTV. I live in an area that is covered by Pegasus and was unable to secure any of the deals that have been mentioned on this thread. I will try the e-mail route, but I don't know that I will have any luck since I am not dealing with DirecTV directly.

I was able to get free HBO and Cinemax for two months. Better than nothing, but I like the sweet deals I've read here better!

Anyone else have this issue through a DirecTV provider? Any luck?

[marrone]

Originally posted by lcrowe
He even went as far as to say that he has been out on the various messages boards at times to get names and look up accounts to see if people had what they claim to have and that most people are claiming to have things that are not accurate.

That's pretty funny.

Then again, I haven't checked my online bill for the month, yet. I assume I'll get it in the mail soon, so I'll just verify it then. But my showtime and HBO have been activated, and since I got the $10 off discount a year or two ago by pulling the same stunt, I have no reason to believe I haven't gotten it.

I wonder if these CSRs can only dish out a few discounts/day (like a max quota, or something), and when they hit the limit, they have to start giving the customers dumb lines like you were given.

-Mike

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by marrone
That's pretty funny.
I wonder if these CSRs can only dish out a few discounts/day (like a max quota, or something), and when they hit the limit, they have to start giving the customers dumb lines like you were given.

-Mike

I wonder if most of the CSR's are that stupid or if they just think we are...

[dlott]

Within 2 days of getting the $20 discount on the Premiere I was able to go to the DirecTv website and look at my bill and see the credit. I would advise after you get the credit give them a few days to let the credit work thru to show up on the website and check your bill. The credit should show up there for the current billing cycle.

[kevostl]

I sent an e-mail requesting the Total Choice Plus/ with locals for $33.99, $2/month HBO for 6 months and FREE Showtime for 6 months and received the following email back:

Thanks for taking the time to write us and let us know your concerns
about your DIRECTV programming costs.

I want to reassure you that you are a valuable DIRECTV customer. We
would like to follow up with you by email or telephone in the next few
days to talk to you about your concerns and the options available to
meet your needs. Thanks again for your patience and for giving us the
opportunity to respond to your concerns.

Sincerely,

Swati
DIRECTV Customer Service

So we will see what happens and then go from there..... ugh!

[wilsonc]

That was the same exact email I received back when I emailed about the $20 deal. Look for a phone call in the next couple days from a CSR and just ask for the deal again or if they leave a message, call them back and ask again.

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by wilsonc
That was the same exact email I received back when I emailed about the $20 deal. Look for a phone call in the next couple days from a CSR and just ask for the deal again or if they leave a message, call them back and ask again.

And when you called back dod you get the deal? I went that route and both the CSR I talked to and his supervisor said that the offer does not exist and never did...

[rdl44]

I did get a call back after some further back and forth over e-mail. All I was able to get was $5 off TC+ and free Showtime for 3 months. But it was better than what they were offering before (which was only the Showtime).

When I pressed for the $2/month HBO, the CSR said that wasn't available.

Oh well - luck of the draw didn't work out entirely for me. Maybe next time.

[Shark73]

I just called back to see why my $20 off was not processed for the bill I received yesterday. I spoke to a very nice rep named John who apologized about 10 times for the mistake on their part. I had requested the $20 discount about 2 weeks ago and nothing ever showed on my account or bill. 10 mins after hanging up the phone, it now shows on my account online.

He was so nice, I should have asked him to turn no CBS-HD for me!!! Maybe next time.

Thanks to all for this info. With out all of you I would have been paying $20 more a month.

Jim

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by lcrowe
And when you called back dod you get the deal? I went that route and both the CSR I talked to and his supervisor said that the offer does not exist and never did...

I did get the deal. How long have you been a Directv sub?

[lcrowe]

Originally posted by wilsonc
I did get the deal. How long have you been a Directv sub?

I've been a subscriber a little over two years.

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by lcrowe
I've been a subscriber a little over two years.

I don't know why you would had problems getting the deal then. I would suggest calling back.

[marrone]

Sounds like the email they give is just a cut & paste. Either that, or it's automatic, probably timed, as it's sent off to someone to call.

[Shark73]

Originally posted by lcrowe
I've been a subscriber a little over two years.

Try this number...800-824-9081. It's a direct line, no waiting.

[mavrcksd]

Originally posted by wilsonc
That was the same exact email I received back when I emailed about the $20 deal. Look for a phone call in the next couple days from a CSR and just ask for the deal again or if they leave a message, call them back and ask again.

Yep : got the same email - got the voicemail about 10 min ago, called them back, the CSR asked me about the problem, i was very nice and stated that I'm inquiring about the TCP package with HBO and showtime.

She put me on hold, 2 mins later - it was taken care of, and my account online reflects it!!

WOO HOO

[newsposter]

sorry to post this again but I had to fight for the 3rd month to get my 20 off, they can't get it in the system right.

[marrone]

Ok guys, I just got my bill, and I don't like what I see.

This is in reference to the $10 off deal.

My HBO and my Showtime are activated.

I did this on 1/23, but effective 2/1

It comes to $80.14 It should come to $55.90, before any discounts (TC+ w/locals, one additional receiver, and TiVo)

Looks like they did not give me the $10 discount (Although there is a line on my bill that states "see $10 credit above"). but there is no such credit.
My online statement reflects a $13.58 credit for this month; I suppose they are realizing they didn't apply the $10 off.

And a question: was the HBO only supposed to be $2 or so, or is that the effect of the $10 off the total bill? (they are charging me $12 for HBO, plus the free showtime).

What happens if I cancel HBO (if it is indeed $12 and not $2)? What will happen? Can I and keep showtime? Is that part of the committment?
I thought I saw someone post that theya re only being charged in the mid $30's...that's why I'm asking.

Thanks
-Mike

[newsposter]

Originally posted by marrone

Looks like they did not give me the $10 discount (Although there is a line on my bill that states "see $10 credit above"). but there is no such credit.


Re: that part of your post, get on the phone and politely ask for a supervisor and begin a log of dates, times etc. You will need this in the future. Now I'm already getting the 20 off TCP, but if they keep missing my credit, I'm gonna ask for something else after the 4th or 5th month of incorrect billing. It ain't right! You and others have demonstrated their system is very poor.

When the supervisor told me their computers weren't ready for the year 2004, I wanted to rip into her big time but I did NOT. I wanted to take the high road because next time there is a billing error, I'll be calling her butt to likely yell this time.

There's no way a company that runs million dollar satellites can 'not' manage the year 2004 right???? No wonder my locals quality sucks

[RexTrout]

I called yesterday, talked to a very nice CSR. First she offerred me $10 off my HBO, and I aksed if there was a $20 off TCP. Had to agree to a 1 year committment, no biggie.

[newsposter]

I'm beginning to thing we should take down the names of the CSRs that give the deals and post them here :)

[marrone]

An email back from them told me they agreed the $10 discount wasn't on my bill, but that it was applied afterwards.

Didn't mention anything about the other stuff I wrote in, but that they were escalating it to billing, so hopefully someone with some sense will see it.

I don't mind if a mistake is made, but somehow I don't think DirecTV credits their credits properly. From how I read the bill, they didn't take off the credits that were shown!

I specifically mentioned in my email that TC+ w/locals should be $33.99 and that I should have $10 off HBO. Hopefully that will be noticed.

-Mike

[JohnA]

I have been having trouble getting my $20 credit. There is a line in the statement that says see $20 credit above, but there is no such credit. I called for the second time about this and was told it would be on my next statement however I consider myself out $40 because it hasn't been creditied as it should have been.

[mmihalik]

Look at a couple of statements, especially if you have autopay.

On my bill, Customer Appreciation message is on one line with a specific date. The actual credit is applied on a different date.

Sometimes it is only reflected after the bill is automatically charged to my credit card.

Bottom line: whether you pay online or get a paper bill, make a copy of the invocies you get in case there is a problem down the road.

Also, a comment to the people complaining about not getting any offers of credits or adjustments:
- $20 credit comes easy to those subscribers who have been with DirecTV for a long time, subscribe to Total Choice Premium, and have more than one receiver
- problems to those who are relatively new subscribers, have only Total Choice, or only one receiver
- extra problems to those who are rude and demanding

I've subscribed to this thread for several years; have read just about every message. Most success comes to those who are clear in their request; sincere in their words; courteous in the phone or email messages.

Mike

[drew2k]

Originally posted by mmihalik
I've subscribed to this thread for several years; have read just about every message.

Mike Wow. This thread is one day away from being one-year and four months old! I'm just sad that I missed it's first birthday last October ... :p

[cactus46]

Evidently the $20 off the Total Choice Premier package is still alive and well. After talking with a friendly Entertainment Consultant today and being put on hold for a few minutes, my package was activated.

I guess now the question is "How will I ever have time to watch all of those channels?" :)

John

[yst347]

After a few weeks of research I finally took the plunge and ordered Tivo, many thanks to this board for providing its wealth of information.

As a DirecTV subscriber for several years I was intrigued to discover the offers on these threads. I emailed Sunday morning about the TC+ with locals 33.99, $2 HBO free SHO offer. I was contacted today. The CSR offered me the $5 off per month for the TC+ but would not give the HBO or SHO deal.

I mentioned my interest in Tivo and he offered a $60 credit for ordering the $99 box with installation included. This seemed fine to me as I have never subscribed to any of the premium movie channels anyway.

Here is the end of story,

TC+, locals, 3 boxes, Tivo service = $54.96 (58.39 with tax)

I specifically asked if this price was locked in for the duration of the contract and he said “It Was”. That means my base package is locked at $39.99 and I avoid the $3 price increase for 1 year in addition to the $60 credit on my account.

My thanks to you guys, this is a sweet deal for me.

If anyone is looking into Tivo as I was take advantage of this deal, I will have the box, the switch and 2 new lines installed for just over $50 out of pocket, I can’t wait!

[Don_Corneo]

I emailed DTV about the price increase and how it is now cheaper for cable in my area. In a few minutes I received an email stating I would be called by a CSR. I was called by a CSR just a few hours afterwards. They offered the $20.00 off for the next 6 months for me to stay (which I did take). When asked if this is good, I mentioned that my cable offered 18 more premium (HBO, etc.) channels then DTV. I said that if DTV adds at least half of these premium channels I would think about staying with DTV after my one year contract is up. I made sure they understood competitive pricing to MY cable service is the major concern here, not the quality of the picture or the cost of TiVo service, etc. I can live without the bells and whistles for the right price.
Maybe if more of us emailed (it appears this is the quickest way to the right CSR) customer service stating we want more premium programing for our dollar or a lower price for the current offerings, we can get DTV to either add more premium channels or lower the prices. It's worth a try.

[newsposter]

Originally posted by cactus46
Evidently the $20 off the Total Choice Premier package is still alive and well. After talking with a friendly Entertainment Consultant today and being put on hold for a few minutes, my package was activated.

I guess now the question is "How will I ever have time to watch all of those channels?" :)

John

See upgrade section on how to add a few hundred gigs and put in your time request for a 25 hour day :)

Impressive, you got a friendly person. I got one the first time around. Decided to email this time around. I'm glad they reward loyal customers but their billing credit system really sucks as evidenced on this board. I just pity the people that overlook the credit and miss out on it. We call those 'unclaimed credits' where I'm from.

[Don_Corneo]

I checked the "activities since..." and the credit is already posted. Everything in one day! I guess they are trying to keep loyal customers. But, we will see in six months when i call again about the pricing. I will post results then.
Again, I think the more we (the customers) ask/complain, the more we will get.

[APU2100]

Thanks for the info everyone....called DTV and got a $75 credit (w/autopay....$30 if I wanted paper bills) and $2/mo HBO and Showtime for 6 months. (you can choose any 2 premiums you want!). No 1 year committment. What a great deal!!

[MSN]

my expererience: had the TCP with $20 discount (just expired). Emailed to see about going to TC+, locals, $2HBO and free SHO. Got a phone call from DTV saying that since I just had the $20 discount, they couldn't give me this deal. What they offered was TC+ ($39.99), HBO ($12), free SHO for 6 months. I think her name was Amy.

[newsposter]

Originally posted by APU2100
Thanks for the info everyone....called DTV and got a $75 credit (w/autopay....$30 if I wanted paper bills) and $2/mo HBO and Showtime for 6 months. (you can choose any 2 premiums you want!). No 1 year committment. What a great deal!!

I've never heard of a different price etc if you have autopay. Is this on their site or just a phone in deal?

[kevostl]

I sent an email last week asking for the:
TC+ w/ locals for 33.99 and the $2 HBO free SHO.

Received a message back that someone would call in a few days.

Rec'd the call from them and called them back. Got a very nice lady who explained that the TC+ w/ locals for 33.99 and the $2 HBO free SHO was for returning customers or customers who recently left. She mentioned that I was not able to get that but she would give me $10 off a month for 6 months. Said that would be fine! All of this took about 5 minutes. Very nice lady.

[marrone]

Ok, has anyone actually gotten a bill stating $33.99 for TC+ w/locals? (along with the $10 off HBO & free showtime)
A bunch of us say we got it (including me) but I wonder if it actually is reflected on the bill.

-Mike

[minorthr]

Originally posted by newsposter
I've never heard of a different price etc if you have autopay. Is this on their site or just a phone in deal?

I had a CSR offer me like $3 off a month if I auto paid. Since I had so many problems in the past with them taking out random amounts of money I declined.

[marrone]

Ok, this is interesting.

I just called them. Yes, they never gave me the $33.99.

Now they're saying it's $34.99, that it is a $5 off special (as opposed to $6).

I told the CSR (politely) that I was told $33.99 (and that many other people have gotten it) (he agreed that it used to be, but not anymore, and that I was misquoted on the phone), but then went ahead and credited me the $5/month. Why it wasn't done initially, I don't really know. Maybe they figured I wouldn't notice?

So unless people are calling in and still getting $33.99, I guess they bumped it up a buck. I'm certainly not going to raise hel1 over a buck.

As for my previous problem of my receiver switch costing me $$$, well, he's claiming it didn't, and that the amount shown isn't the exact amount charged to my CC. So now I gotta check my CC statements (would have done it on the phone with him, but my connection was so slow, it wasnt' worth it, and he didn't seem terribly patient (oh, I called 800-824-9081, figuring they'd know best what the promotions are).

-Mike

[marrone]

For anyone interested, here's what my current montly statement looks like.

I have a credit of $15 on the top, but yet a $28.58 credit on the bottom. Not sure what the difference is (probably due to the overpayment from the discover card (my bill before any of this nonsense) was $55.90)

Make what you want of it.

02/02/2004 xxxxxxxx - Monthly Bill $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

02/02/2004 xxxxxxxx - Payment - CCard -$69.48 $0.00 -$69.48

02/02/2004 xxxxxxxxxxxx DIRECTV DVR - Charge $4.99 $0.00 $4.99

02/02/2004 xxxxxxxxxxxx TOTAL CHOICE PLUS with Locals - Charge $39.99 $5.27 $45.26

02/02/2004 xxxxxxxxxxxx Additional Receiver - Charge $4.99 $0.66 $5.65

02/10/2004 xxxxxxxx - 6 Mo Spec Discount -$10.00 $0.00 -$10.00

02/10/2004 xxxxxxxxxxxx We Appreciate Your Business - - Charge $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

02/11/2004 xxxxxxxx - Program Cr 6 Mos. -$5.00 $0.00 -$5.00

02/11/2004 xxxxxxxxxxxx To Our Valued Customer: - Charge $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

Total -$28.58

[minorthr]

I was able to get the $20 off premium package for 6 months. I was calling about the local cable company offering me $20 off for a year if I gave them my dish and they offered it to me so I took it. I was required to give a "soft" commitment of 12 months. I don't know what a soft commitment is. I assume it is the same as a 12 month commitment.

[willardcpa]

"I don't know what a soft commitment is." That's one sans viagra.;) :D

[newsposter]

This was a few months ago but here is the text of my email. I hope it gets you the deal as easy as it was for me. I still think it must be CSR roulette or else they don't want to give out the deal so easily. I'd say just keep on emailing. IMHO talking to someone is much more difficult than a plainly worded email. There is a chance for too many variables on the phone. (they may not like your tone etc) Email is yea or nea and if they say nea, you can just email in again instead of begging on the phone. I guess we all pick our poison so to speak :)

--------------------------
Topic Selected: Billing

Subject: request

Details: I am requesting the $20 off Premier package for 6 months and I agree to start a new one year commitment.

Please email me back if you need more information.

Thank you,

------------------------------
Thank you for writing. We have processed your email request for changes
to your DIRECTV service. I have added the TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER W/Locals
with the $20 off for 6 months to your account. You can view these
changes on your next DIRECTV statement.

Sincerely,

[mortimer]

I did it via the e-mail route! I used the same language suggested on this thread and now have the Premier package at $20 off. You guys are the best! (Of course, now I am worried about what I will do in 6 months.)

Thanks!

[Acerxz]

:up:

[newsposter]

Originally posted by mortimer
I did it via the e-mail route! I used the same language suggested on this thread and now have the Premier package at $20 off. You guys are the best! (Of course, now I am worried about what I will do in 6 months.)

Thanks!

Wait a month or so then try emailing in again. They have no clue what they are doing there anyway.

[susanandmark]

In November, I was (supposedly) able to get the $20/off per month for the second time (the first was over a year and a half prior). Since then, the credit has never been posted. There is a line on each bill that says "We appreciate your business--see $20 credit above," but no credit and the total amount charged (I auto-bill to a credit card) has never reflected any $20 discount.

I called and emailed twice and was told it was fixed but, as of my most recent invoice, it still hasn't been. I called again today and, after talking to someone named "Tiffany" who hung up on me (I assume accidentally), who said she would "re-start" the promo with this month for another six months but didn't, I called back and spoke with someone named "Lisa," who said she would re-start the promo and give me $50 off (that's all she'd do--not a retroactive credit from November) to make up for the months missed. (She didn't feel I was losing out on anything and, technically, she's right, since she's restarting the promo for another six months, so I guess the $50 was for the hassle.)

At that time I also asked why DirecTV customer service was so hit-and-miss and why some people were offered great deals and others got nothing. (On a side note, we've been DirecTV subscribers since 1997, always with the highest-level package, and have never made a late payment, so I know we're customers they want to keep.) She was told things were reviewed on a "case by case" basis and I mentioned the free DirecTV DVRs some people here report receiving, just for asking. Lisa said that was "very out of the ordinary," and when I assured her it did happen, she did offer a $99 Series 2 to me for "only" a $14.95 handling charge. But, I don't really need another TiVo (I've got two upgraded units now, and with only two TVs and two people in the house what would I do with a third?) and DirecTV won't just give you the DVR, you MUST have it professionally installed and activated on your account for one year. (Otherwise, let's face it, I would have taken it and given it as Christmas gift or something.) When I asked if I could have the $99 credit (in lieu of the $50) and they could keep the DVR, she said they just couldn't do that.

I'm not miffed or anything, it's just that since everyone's experience with DirecTV seems to be so arbitrary I just thought I'd report mine. Oh and, Lisa did add that they were having problems "across the board" with getting the $20/off per month applied since Janauary. (My problems started before that though ... So, who knows how accurate that info is.)

On a personal note (and I don't know if this has been mentioned here before) I think that the reason email may be better than phone service is because DirecTV does outsource some, but not all, of their customer service. (I'm just guessing, but email might go to DirecTV reps, instead of outsourced ones.) I know this because locally (Oklahoma City-area) a company called "Convergys," which doesn't advertise that way but is a call-center-for-hire organization, is always running ads in the paper for "customer service specialists" and saying that one of the benefits is "free DirecTV equipment and service" after 90 days of employment. I believe Convergys also does Williams-Sonoma customer service because I had to call them before and, when I give my phone number they said "we're not supposed to tell you this, but we're right up the street." The location they gave sounded like the Convergys location I've passed before on the I-35 highway.

[willardcpa]

Susan, I'm having the same problem as you right now - got "upgraded" in Nov, I did get a $20 credit in Nov - but none since. I have e-mailed them yesterday and today got the "canned" response saying someone would contact me later. I only post this now because I went through the same thing about a year ago. Eventually, via e-mail I got a name and ended up emailing with that individual - I just kept using "reply" so the email bounced back to the same area on their end. After about a month of nothing on their part - the system apparently isn't conducive to the $20 for 6 month deal - they gave me a single credit for $100.

[expectatious2]

I guess i was lucky . Last week i emailed a polite letter asking if A few discounts I heard of here could be made available to me.
I received a phone call a few days after i sent my email, from DirecTV. After all was said and done , I just about cut my bill in half. I did however downgrade from 'Premier', to just 2 movie packages.
DirecTV has been very good to me , and i do appreciate that.

[newsposter]

Originally posted by susanandmark


I'm not miffed or anything,

You have been more than tolerant. I think you should expect exactly what you were supposed to get. More would be nice but for them not to do that retro is wrong! You should get it retro to the beginning of your period, no questions asked, especially since you have it in writing a-la your bill.

They did it for me after I politely asked for a supervisor and told the CSR calmly that I needed to escalate to a supervisor. I got the 40 back plus the 20 for the current month. Next month I expect to have to call again. I have come to accept it. After the 5th or 6th month, a letter will be sent to HQ.

Oh and I also got the late fees reversed. I find that if you pay your CORRECT bill, not what they say you owe, you will have less hassle figuring things out. So I pay the same 78 and change every month and tell them, hey, I paid what was due, do what you have to to fix the bill. I think that is fair and equitable.

but that's me :)

PS definitely keep names and times and dates of calls. They help immensely to at least prove you are 'legit' if they say they don't have notes on your account. Plus when/if you write a letter, that gives the boss something concrete to look at.

[llurgy]

I just yesterday finished my 4 month promotional off with the NFL sunday ticket with Premier free.
Just now phoned up to say I was wanting to downgrade my programming because my introductary off had finished.
The customer representative asked my what I wanted downgrade to, I said I wanted to cancel my Sunday ticket and I told her that unless they had any special offers at the moment that I would like to downgrade to Total plus with locals.
She put me on hold and came back with the $20 off premier package for six months.
It was as simple as that, I was expecting to have to bring her attention to the premier offer but she just came straight back to me with it, no arguing.

NICE :)

Mandy

[Don_Corneo]

I just checked my bill. The $20.00 credit was there. There was also a $3.00 credit (- RCREDIT-06 ). I have no idea what this is about. I do not have autopay, but I do pay via Internet. I will see what happens on my next bill.

History
Started Promo February 9, 2004:
Feb bill was credited $20.00 same day.
Mar bill had $20.00 credit (plus unknown $3.00 credit).
Apr ?
May ?
Jun ?
Jul ?


NOTE: I didn't ask for the Promo; I complained about the recent increase in service cost, and that D*TV is severely closing the gap to the cost of Cable in my area. I shrugged off all the commercialized reasons why D*TV is better than Cable and told the CSR that for me it boils down to dollars and sense. In August, I will see what they say about that problem.

[wilsonc]

The $3 credit is because Directv just raised their prices effective March 1st. The beauty of the $20 credit is that you are locked into another 1 year commitment and that in effect keeps your prices locked in. Directv charges you the higher rate, but until your 1 year commitment is up, Directv will credit your account $3 to offset the rate increase. Try to get that level of service from your cable company.

I should add that subs with TCP without locals will just see a $2 credit on their bill as that is the difference between the old rate and new rate on that package. Those folks with TCP with locals will see a $3 credit as their monthly price went up $3.

[newsposter]

I checked my bill for March. Seems they got the 20 bucks right. However there was no sign of any increase whatsoever. Maybe they forgot about me!

[XMnut]

Originally posted by llurgy
I just yesterday finished my 4 month promotional off with the NFL sunday ticket with Premier free.
Just now phoned up to say I was wanting to downgrade my programming because my introductary off had finished.
The customer representative asked my what I wanted downgrade to, I said I wanted to cancel my Sunday ticket and I told her that unless they had any special offers at the moment that I would like to downgrade to Total plus with locals.
She put me on hold and came back with the $20 off premier package for six months.
It was as simple as that, I was expecting to have to bring her attention to the premier offer but she just came straight back to me with it, no arguing.

NICE :)

Mandy

This must be very CSR dependant...I just tried the same, as my 4 mo Premier/NFL will expire this Sunday, and the best he would do was $10
off for 3 mos.:(

[Shark73]

Originally posted by XMnut
This must be very CSR dependant...I just tried the same, as my 4 mo Premier/NFL will expire this Sunday, and the best he would do was $10
off for 3 mos.:(

It is very much so. If you don't get the deal, say thank you but no thanks...and then call back and try again.

[newsposter]

Just got my paper bill. Unbelieveably (actually not) the bill does NOT include the 20 off but as I stated before, the online does and when I call the 800 number it's ok. But what about people who don't check online or over the phone? they would be paying extra for the month. I simply don't get why DTV can't put the credit on the bill that it's due. 20 bucks float for one month for one person is not significant, but if they do this for everyone, they sure will be making out.

[El Gabito]

I just called today and ordered my Tivo and Directv service, and they could only give me $10 off. ????

[newsposter]

Originally posted by El Gabito
I just called today and ordered my Tivo and Directv service, and they could only give me $10 off. ????

I think you are lucky as a new customer to get anything. You shoulda joined when they had the NFL package. That plus premier is 50 a month for 4 months.

[Kal-El]

This is my first post, but I've been a long-time lurker. Great forum, btw!

FYI, as of today, 4/30/04, the $20 off is still in effect. I just asked for the Total Premeire Choice w/Locals with the $20 discount, and the "Entertainment Consultant" that answered the phone gave it to me, no questions asked. I also mentioned that it's a retention package, but the rep already seemed to know about it.

[bobpenn]

I also received it a week ago along with a Showtime $10 discount for three months. They offered it without prompting.

[mavrcksd]

Yeah - i signed up for it - and hopefully when it expires. i'll call in and have it re-isntated :) or i'll go to dish and SbC :)

[cwmatthew]

I just got it again for the second time.

[mattm29]

Seems like you just have to call over and over again until you find someone that actually looks it up in the computer to see if you are eligible. I called 2 days ago and asked about it and the girl on the phone said that it was no longer running and that I was not eligible for anything else. Today I call and the guy actually says 'please hold and i'll check with my manager' and he came back and said as long as I agree to another year of service then I'm eligible. I told him thank you for taking the time to actually check with his manager.

[FastEddieG]

I just was able to take advantage of this offer. $20 off a month to make it $70.99/month for 6 months, and then have to maintain at least their lowest package for the remaining 6 months.

Sweet deal, thanks!
-Ed

[sbergstc]

I'm a new member, and I'll say thanks to you all for the info contained in this forum as well as the info in this thread. I called today and asked for the $20 off/month and at first the rep couldn't find it, but after a little digging there it was. Also ordered my DirecTivo at the same time. I did have to agree to a new 1 year contract for the $20 deal, but that's ok by me. The $20/month savings will pay for the Tivo ($99 + $20 tax/delivery). COOL!

I've found answers on this forum to all the questions I've got about DirecTivo and am very appreciative.

Take care,
sbergstc

[Directvlover]

I just got it too....Fantastic!

[Rkkeller]

I didnt get it ! I called a few times and kept getting
told there is no discount for the TCP package like
I was asking about.

One rep said that they only offer packages like
that to people that want to cancel DirecTV. I
cant cancel as I just got my DirecTivo and reupped
for another year contract.


Rich

[Directvlover]

Keep calling....i got it on my first call...this is what i said.

"I have a friend who just called and got a great deal on TC Premier and i want to get the same deal...It was $20 off for 6 months on TC Premier with locals" and he said...."Let me see.....(clicked around in his computer) ok, yeah do you want me to go ahead and set you up with that today?" To which i said, "Sure."

It was that easy.

[TeeVoo43]

I'm doin' it tonight. I've had DTV since 6/02. Do you think they'll still give it to me. Sorry if an answer is already provided previously...

[taylor2767]

I just called and said the same thing that my neighbor had just got the TC Premier for $20 off/month for 6 months and they were more than happy to give it to me as long as I re-upped for 1yr. committiment. Great thread!

[Directvlover]

It's really going to save me money too, because the DVR service is free with TC Premiere, meaning i pay for one less reciever.

[Manchesters]

I just called, and after reading several posts from this board (the more recent posts) to the CSR, the young fellow finally got me signed up for the $20 off.

And of course you get the $4.99 off every month for the Tivo fee. Plus I get $5 a month off for being a BellSouth customer! But even with all that I will still be paying way more than I SHOULD, lol.

[pyrrhus]

Just got the package myself. These forums are a wealth of information.

[Directvlover]

Originally posted by Manchesters
I just called, and after reading several posts from this board (the more recent posts) to the CSR, the young fellow finally got me signed up for the $20 off.

And of course you get the $4.99 off every month for the Tivo fee. Plus I get $5 a month off for being a BellSouth customer! But even with all that I will still be paying way more than I SHOULD, lol.


Just curious, what did the CSR say after you read these posts.

[Manchesters]

I explained to him that several posts were from folks who had had Direct Tv for awhile, so it did not appear to be for new customers only, and I read him the dates on the posts. He then told me to give him a chance to dig for some information. He then said that he had found some info buried in the fine print, and that I could get the offer.

The posts were a firm foundation to base my request, since the poor fellow would have no way to explain why others could get it but I couldn't, lol. So, I guess I had him over a barrel as we old folk used to say!

[wallace]

YEAH! :D

I oiriginally had this deal over a year ago and loved the savings I got from it. When it ended I tried to get it again by calling in, but they flat out refused and told me they made a note on my account not to give it to me which made me really sad. It has been many months (maybe 6 or more) since that attempt and I saw this thread coming to life again and decided to try it because I had nothing to lose. They gave me the deal again and I am very happy!!

[schnebbles]

Does it work with new customers? I have my TiVo & am awaiting installation. I will ask when we call I guess.

That would be great!

[mulscully]

CAll last night 6/10/04 and got it no problem........

[marrone]

Originally posted by wallace
YEAH! :D

I oiriginally had this deal over a year ago and loved the savings I got from it. When it ended I tried to get it again by calling in, but they flat out refused and told me they made a note on my account not to give it to me which made me really sad. It has been many months (maybe 6 or more) since that attempt and I saw this thread coming to life again and decided to try it because I had nothing to lose. They gave me the deal again and I am very happy!!

My guess (and judging my previous posts on this thread) is that you can only get it once/year. The deals last for 6 months, and require a 1 year committment. So after the 6 months, you can't threaten to leave (well, you can, but you then owe them some major cash) for another 6 months, so they have no real incentive to give you another deal. That might be the "note" they were referring to, and just phrased it differently so you'd get scared (and hopefully never call again).

After your year committment, you can leave, and they might as well give you the discount, or else face losing a customer.

-Mike

[colorman]

Thanks to all the forum folk for their advice. After the first rep transferred me to customer retention, I was easily able to get the $20 off for six months w/ 1yr commit on TCP, PLUS I got a free 99.95 Tivo box + free install and got free shipping on it too. Not bad for a 10 minute phone call!

[sbergstc]

Wow! How'd you get the Tivo free w/no shipping?
sbergstc

[colorman]

I just asked for it after mentioning that Comcast was offering me a free PVR to drop DTV.

[jillker]

fyi, if you've had it before, you'll need to call each month to get the credit applied. according to a supervisor I spoke with several months ago, the offer is only supposed to be available once so the credits don't automatically add on if you have had it before

[Mondo_man]

Just called for the TCP package with locals. No go. Said it expired. BUT since I was new customer, 3 weeks ago, I still get the $10 off dicount for 6 months + the new Starz/Encore package for $11 off a month for the six months + a $20 VISA gift card. After talking to him for a few more minutes, he said he was just gonna turn them all on for the six months. So actually I came out $1 better than the $20 off a month PLUS a $20 gift card. Not bad I'd say...Just keep at them & they most likely will give in..:)

[bewshy]

This just made my whole weekend :D I called and said my neighbor got the Total Choice Premier w/ locals for 70 bucks. The rep gave it to me for 70.99 and I've been a customer for about 3 weeks now. This is my 3rd call to DTV and every call has been a good one.

[mulscully]

I don't think it is a commitment thing. I recently got the DTIVO deal $99 about 2 months ago and has to commit to 1 year there. When I called the other night, the CSR asked be to describe the deal and only after I did that did he say "Yes we have that and you qualify". It may also be your previous levels of service. I had the deal last year June - Dec then when I couldn't get it again, held on to HBO for my wife's SATC I also added 2 more DTIVO in the last 6 months. Now when I called this time, no problem

I would just keep calling until you get a rep who a) knows about it, or b) is willing to give it to you..

[phodg]

Wow - this just worked for me too. I emailed DirecTV, a rep called me back, asked me if I would like the deal and I said "Yes please". Easy money. :)

[judson_west]

The DirecTV rep I spoke with said that the $20 off TCP is only good once in an accounts lifetime. Since I had received it last year, I could not receive it this year. I did take advantage of the HBO/Skinamax 2for1 offer. This offer lasts for 3 months and you get HBO and Skinamax for $12/month.

[mmihalik]

I've posted priveiously about this offer, and most recently got the offer this past January.

Called last week, as my 6 months of $20/month had expired.

Asked if I could get it again, and after a few minutes where the rep checked with their supervisor, was granted another 6 months of $20/mo as long as I agreed to the 1 yr contract extension.

It may help that I've had TCP for several years, and have 3 receivers. Also mentioned that I was investigating the offers from local Comcast cable operator for HD TV. I do happen to be a Comcast subscriber for both basic cable as well as cable internet.

Be nice, be courteous, and you too can win in Customer Appreciation Credit Roulette.

Note well to ask for the Customer Appreciation Credit.

Mike

[Rkkeller]

I FINALLY got the $20 off Total Choice
Premier special last night. It took
about 2-3 weeks of calls and constant
turn downs but last night I got it.

Woooooooo!!!!!!

Rich

[steves36]

My $10 off HBO expired 2 days ago so I picked up the phone 2nite and just asked in a very polite way if I could get the $20 TCP. It took the guy about 2 min's to research it and bam it was done. He could not find it at first, but he took the time to look after I told him I know a few other's that have got it. He said no problem and it was turned on.

[susanandmark]

Originally posted by me on February 25th of this year
In November, I was (supposedly) able to get the $20/off per month for the second time (the first was over a year and a half prior). Since then, the credit has never been posted. There is a line on each bill that says "We appreciate your business--see $20 credit above," but no credit and the total amount charged (I auto-bill to a credit card) has never reflected any $20 discount.

I called and emailed twice and was told it was fixed but, as of my most recent invoice, it still hasn't been. I called again today and, after talking to someone named "Tiffany" who hung up on me (I assume accidentally), who said she would "re-start" the promo with this month for another six months but didn't, I called back and spoke with someone named "Lisa," who said she would re-start the promo and give me $50 off (that's all she'd do--not a retroactive credit from November) to make up for the months missed. (She didn't feel I was losing out on anything and, technically, she's right, since she's restarting the promo for another six months, so I guess the $50 was for the hassle.)

At that time I also asked why DirecTV customer service was so hit-and-miss and why some people were offered great deals and others got nothing. (On a side note, we've been DirecTV subscribers since 1997, always with the highest-level package, and have never made a late payment, so I know we're customers they want to keep.) She was told things were reviewed on a "case by case" basis and I mentioned the free DirecTV DVRs some people here report receiving, just for asking. Lisa said that was "very out of the ordinary," and when I assured her it did happen, she did offer a $99 Series 2 to me for "only" a $14.95 handling charge. But, I don't really need another TiVo (I've got two upgraded units now, and with only two TVs and two people in the house what would I do with a third?) and DirecTV won't just give you the DVR, you MUST have it professionally installed and activated on your account for one year. (Otherwise, let's face it, I would have taken it and given it as Christmas gift or something.) When I asked if I could have the $99 credit (in lieu of the $50) and they could keep the DVR, she said they just couldn't do that.

I'm not miffed or anything, it's just that since everyone's experience with DirecTV seems to be so arbitrary I just thought I'd report mine. Oh and, Lisa did add that they were having problems "across the board" with getting the $20/off per month applied since Janauary. (My problems started before that though ... So, who knows how accurate that info is.)

OK, so now I'm more than miffed. I'm disgusted with DirecTV!

After never getting the promised "restart" of this promotion last February and sending three emails since June 16th, not to mention SEVEN previous emails regarding this same matter and an inordinate number of phone calls, I finally received a call back from a DirecTV rep on July 5, 2004.

The phone call began with the rep asking me “So, I guess you sent us an email. What’s your problem?,” in those exact words. Had she read the email, which detailed the problem including names and dates? No, of course not.

Then, when I explained the problem, for the umpteenth time, that I was not receiving a promised $20/month off my premier service for six months that, due to a host of problems having the darned thing applied in the first place, was supposed to have restarted in February.

I was told that I did receive $80 worth of credit at various, random times, and that was my promotional offer. Well, by my math, $20/month x six months is $120, not $80 and $50 of the $80 credit the rep kept citing was given to me in February (as stated above) by "Lisa" to make up for the errors to this point. I was told, specifically, since I asked, that this $50 credit was TOTALLY SEPARATE from the $20 off/month, for six months that I was PROMISED would be restarted in February. It’s now July and I got exactly $30 (how did they come up with $30?) of that promised $120 credit, if you disregard the $50 one-time credit in February that was not supposed to be in any way related to this “offer.”

When I pointed these things out, and even cited the financial discrpency between $80 and $120, the DirecTV representative simply repeated, over and over, the same so-called “facts”: I’ve had $80 off since February, that’s my credit. There’s no problem on DirecTV’s end and they’re not going to do anything else for me. Eventually, I told the rep that it was obvious DirecTV did not want our business and that I would not continue to argue with her when she clearly wasn’t listening, then I hung up.

Since we first subscribed the customer service at DirecTV has gotten worse and worse, the channel options more and more limited (digital cable offers more, for less) and the attitude less and less acceptable. If we didn't have two upgraded DirecTiVos (or whatever we're supposed to call them now), I'd switch in a heartbeat. As it is, I'm still tempted to ditch the dish!

[baeverly]

Does TC Premier include the HD Package? I do not see anywhere that it says it includes TIVO Service either? Anyone have a link to where it states everything you get with TC Premier?

THANKS!

[edc]

Does TC Premier include the HD Package? I do not see anywhere that it says it includes TIVO Service either? Anyone have a link to where it states everything you get with TC Premier?



Total Choice Premiere does not include the HD package.

==
Total choice Premiere does include DVR service.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/imagine/TIVOQA.dsp

The subscription fee for DIRECTV® DVR with TiVo® service is $4.99 per month. TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER customers will receive the DIRECTV® DVR with TiVo® service free of charge as long as they maintain their subscription to the TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER package. If they downgrade to a package other than TOTAL CHOICE PREMIER, a $4.99 monthly fee will apply.
==

[Octavio]

Second time was the charm!!
They told me that it was a one time deal only, I'll worry about that in January '05.

[MattDing]

Since the cooler weather is setting in and we'll be inside watching more TV until spring, I sent an email to DirecTV on Friday using the Feedback link. The message was very similar to the one in this post. (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=1736085#post1736085)

This is what I received:

Dear Matthew,

Thank you for writing. As you requested, I have added Total Choice Premier with Locals with the $20 discount. At the end of the 6 months you will be charged the regular price for Total Choice Premier with Locals. You can change your package back to whatever you would like after the 6 months offer. Total Choice Premier includes the DVR service so you will not be charged for this service while you subscribe to Total Choice Premier. Just as a reminder, you are required to keep our service for 1 year.

The changes to your account will be reflected on your next DIRECTV bill, or you can see them immediately by signing into your DIRECTV account online at DIRECTV.com/MyDIRECTV and clicking on "View Activity Since Your Last Bill" in the My Account column.

Our online services -blah, blah, blah. (Edited to keep you awake.) :)

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to DIRECTV.com for the latest news and information about our services.

Sincerely,

-----------
DIRECTV Customer Service


Now I'll just have to keep an eye out to make sure they actually give me the credit.

[willyg]

Anyone know if a new sub could get this deal?

[LarryInAz]

Originally posted by willyg
Anyone know if a new sub could get this deal?

I got the $20 off Premier after I my original 3 months specials had expired.
I had to call 3 times and talk to different CSR's before one saw fit to upgrade me to Premier with a 6 month $20 customer appreciation discount.

[TiVo'er]

Go it with no problem. First call, 5 minutes. TCP with 2 Tivos and one additional receiver for $70.99! Very nice!

[buckeye1010]

Does TCP include the HD package?

[willyg]

nope! 10.99 i think on top of the TCP cost....

[V Funk]

Make sure that there is an actual $20 credit on your bill....I always struggle with this where it says there is a $20 discount but not actually $20 deducted. It's usually solved via email pretty quickly.

I've gotten this deal like 4 times now with no problem...I just received my most outrageous bill to date today, though...$290 for the month (and not a single adult PPV in that). Ouch!

[willyg]

Originally posted by V Funk
Make sure that there is an actual $20 credit on your bill....I always struggle with this where it says there is a $20 discount but not actually $20 deducted. It's usually solved via email pretty quickly.

I've gotten this deal like 4 times now with no problem...I just received my most outrageous bill to date today, though...$290 for the month (and not a single adult PPV in that). Ouch!

holy crap. How many recievers do YOU have!?!?!?! :)

[V Funk]

Originally posted by willyg
holy crap. How many recievers do YOU have!?!?!?! :)

Ha....it's actually just a whole bunch of sports PPV.

Payments of $75 for the English Premier League soccer package, $50 for ESPN Gameplan, $55 for De la Hoya v Hopkins...plus Total Choice Premier with locals (plus E/W distants). I've got three DirecTiVos running in the house.

[jricha51]

Originally posted by TiVo'er
Go it with no problem. First call, 5 minutes. TCP with 2 Tivos and one additional receiver for $70.99! Very nice!

DirecTv says the TCP package is $90.99 and specifically states you still have to pay $5 per additional receiver. Minus the $20 discount, I calculate that I would be paying $75.99 for TCP on 2 receivers ($80.99 for 3 receivers). What am I doing wrong? I want to have my story straight when I call and ask. Thanks,

Justin

[wilsonc]

Originally posted by willyg
nope! 10.99 i think on top of the TCP cost....

Buts that now free for 6 months also, just add it via the website and you'll see listed as $0.00/6 Months free. If you currently subscribe to it now, just goto the website and take it off and add it back and you get the same deal.