No matter what someone tells you here, or what Tivo c.s. tells you on the telephone(or what you "think" someone told you), the best policy is to follow the
written policy.
It's really best to read and understand such agreements before the purchse is made. Keep records of all correspondence(dates, names, etc). If you are really worried, follow up with a written letter sent by certified mail(keep receipts). If the credit transaction does not show up promptly by the date promised(should be a matter of days), immediately contact your credit card company to file the complaint. As long as you show you followed the agreed to terms, you will typically have the backing of your credit card company. When a company knows you are serious, they usually get on the ball and do the right thing(follow their policy).
http://www.tivo.com/abouttivo/policies/tivoservicepaymentplanstermsandconditions.html
click on "30 day guarantee" for these details:
"
30-day money back guarantee
TiVo packages (combined sales of DVR and Service)
TiVo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for TiVo packages as described herein. Only initial activations of TiVo packages are eligible for this offer. TiVo package payment plan changes, and hardware replacements are not eligible for this offer. You may cancel your TiVo package within 30 days of activation (which is typically your order shipment date) and return the DVR to TiVo for any reason for a full refund.
The shipping charge for the return is at your expense. If you cancel your TiVo package within the first 30 days under this offer, you are exempt from your TiVo package commitment. No early termination fee will be applied in that event. However, if you fail to return your DVR received as part of your TiVo package within 15 days of your cancellation date, you will be charged a "Non-returned Equipment Fee" equal to the MSRP of the TiVo box and applicable taxes, minus the upfront cost of the box, if applicable. If you change your subscription plan within the first 30 days of activation, you may be charged a fee equal to the MSRP of the TiVo box and applicable taxes, minus the upfront cost of the box, if applicable, depending on the subscription plan you choose.
For details about how to return your DVR, please call 1-877-367-8486.
Returned DVRs must include all original components, literature, warranties and packaging in the same saleable condition in which it was received. Refunds for returns will cover product amount and any sales taxes charged. Refunds will not be made for any shipping and handling charges. Returns not meeting these requirements may be subject to a restocking fee equaling 15% of the retail value of the DVR (not including taxes). Damaged merchandise, cosmetically or otherwise, is subject to an increased restocking fee on a case-by-case basis. If an order has shipped, it is the purchaser's responsibility to accept the shipment and return the order per our return policy. Orders that are refused at the designated shipping address may incur a 15% restocking fee.
TiVo service
Try the TiVo service, risk free, for 30 days! If you don't absolutely love it, we'll give you your money back. Just call us at 877-367-8486 within 30 days of activating TiVo service to cancel your subscription if you are not completely satisfied. Only initial activations of TiVo service are eligible for this offer. Service renewals and payment plan changes are not eligible for this offer. If you cancel your TiVo service within the first 30 days under this offer, you are exempt from your TiVo service commitment. No early termination fee will be applied in that event. Please see separate return policies applicable to TiVo gift subscriptions and TiVo gift cards.
TiVo accessory purchases
TiVo offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as described herein. You may return merchandise purchased from TiVo for any reason for a full refund within 30 days of receipt of your shipment. The shipping charge for the return is at your expense. If you fail to return your merchandise received as part of your purchase within 15 days of your cancellation date, you will be charged a "Non-returned Equipment Fee" equal to the MSRP of the TiVo merchandise and applicable taxes. For details about how to return your DVR or other merchandise within 30 days, please call 1-877-367-8486.
Returned merchandise must include all original components, literature, warranties and packaging in the same saleable condition in which it was received. Refunds for returns will cover product amount and any sales taxes charged. Refunds will not be made for any shipping and handling charges. Returns not meeting these requirements may be subject to a restocking fee equaling 15% of the price paid for the DVR or other merchandise (not including taxes). Damaged merchandise, cosmetically or otherwise, is subject to an increased restocking fee on a case-by-case basis. If an order has shipped, it is the purchaser's responsibility to accept the shipment and return the order per our return policy. Orders that are refused at the designated shipping address may incur a 15% restocking fee."
