Service start date--getting cheated?

[DrewTivo]

So I ordered a second tivo from tivo (S2 DT model). It came "preactivated". My account shows it was activated the day I ordered it. But I didnt' receive it until nearly a week later.

Kind of cheeses me that the activation date is several days before I started using it (cutting a week off of the length of my prepaid).

Should I bother complaining (for all of the ~$3 or so I effectively lose)? Does this strike anyone as wrong, unfair, or even out of line?

[rainwater]

It's always been like this since they added the preactivation options. I never understood why it doesn't start the day you receive the unit. They could atleast use the expected receive date on the shipping options.

[DrewTivo]

Originally Posted by rainwater

It's always been like this since they added the preactivation options. I never understood why it doesn't start the day you receive the unit. They could atleast use the expected receive date on the shipping options.

Couldn't they also figure it out from when the machine first dials in (or networks in)?

[rainwater]

Originally Posted by DrewTivo

Couldn't they also figure it out from when the machine first dials in (or networks in)?

Yes, but you have to pay for it whether you use it or not. So you shouldn't be able to keep it in the closet for 6 months

It seems to me they should set up a temporary activation (there is a special status for that), then setup the billing to start on the day you receive it.

[DrewTivo]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Yes, but you have to pay for it whether you use it or not. So you shouldn't be able to keep it in the closet for 6 months

It seems to me they should set up a temporary activation (there is a special status for that), then setup the billing to start on the day you receive it.

There's undoubtedly a way.

Although if you keep it in the closet, what would they care? They have the money already. They can give you the year of service later if you want.