St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
They wouldn't budge on Sunday Ticket.
Oh well, I'll take the $300 and spend it at the bar. 
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Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter oukurt
- Start date
Oh well, I'll take the $300 and spend it at the bar. 
fsufan
Footballguy
![[icon]](/data/avatars/m/5/5167.jpg?1660313464){kind=avatar}
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Insoxicated
Bam
Long ### weight today when you call for customer retention
They must be getting hammered with this VIacom deal. He said they expect it back online within a few days FWIW.
ANGLE: "Perfect storm... double billed for a PPV.... Sunday Ticket hitting bill....and Viacom going out" GF wants to move to FIOS.
FIRST OFFER: Take off Ticket and give us $10/month for 12 months.
MY RESPONSE: No. I want ticket.
SECOND OFFER: Half Price Ticket and $20/month for 12 months
MY RESPONSE: Half price is still a bit high when I can get Red Zone for $5/month on other networks
THIRD OFFER: He offers to throw in Red Zone for Free as well
MY RESPONSE: SIlence....... then "Not sure that's going to get us there.
FOURTH OFFER: "Okay Look.... Free Ticket, Free RedZone, $30/mo off for the next 12 months but you have to agree to contract for 12 months"
MY RESPONSE: Done deal. Write it up.
Long ### weight today when you call for customer retention
They must be getting hammered with this VIacom deal. He said they expect it back online within a few days FWIW.ANGLE: "Perfect storm... double billed for a PPV.... Sunday Ticket hitting bill....and Viacom going out" GF wants to move to FIOS.
FIRST OFFER: Take off Ticket and give us $10/month for 12 months.
MY RESPONSE: No. I want ticket.
SECOND OFFER: Half Price Ticket and $20/month for 12 months
MY RESPONSE: Half price is still a bit high when I can get Red Zone for $5/month on other networks
THIRD OFFER: He offers to throw in Red Zone for Free as well
MY RESPONSE: SIlence....... then "Not sure that's going to get us there.
FOURTH OFFER: "Okay Look.... Free Ticket, Free RedZone, $30/mo off for the next 12 months but you have to agree to contract for 12 months"
MY RESPONSE: Done deal. Write it up.
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St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
Dickmittens, I'm calling back tomorrow.Bam
Long ### weight today when you call for customer retention
ANGLE: "Perfect storm... double billed for a PPV.... Sunday Ticket hitting bill....and Viacom going out" GF wants to move to FIOS.
FIRST OFFER: Take off Ticket and give us $10/month for 12 months.
MY RESPONSE: No. I want ticket.
SECOND OFFER: Half Price Ticket and $20/month for 12 months
MY RESPONSE: Half price is still a bit high when I can get Red Zone for $5/month on other networks
THIRD OFFER: He offers to throw in Red Zone for Free as well
MY RESPONSE: SIlence....... then "Not sure that's going to get us there.
FOURTH OFFER: "Okay Look.... Free Ticket, Free RedZone, $30/mo off for the next 12 months but you have to agree to contract for 12 months"
MY RESPONSE: Done deal. Write it up.
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If I don't get what I want, I always tell them that I have to run the offer by my wife before I cancel, and then call back. They always start off by telling me they'll honor whatever hook up the previous rep was willing to give me and then they add more.Dickmittens, I'm calling back tomorrow.Bam
Long ### weight today when you call for customer retention
ANGLE: "Perfect storm... double billed for a PPV.... Sunday Ticket hitting bill....and Viacom going out" GF wants to move to FIOS.
FIRST OFFER: Take off Ticket and give us $10/month for 12 months.
MY RESPONSE: No. I want ticket.
SECOND OFFER: Half Price Ticket and $20/month for 12 months
MY RESPONSE: Half price is still a bit high when I can get Red Zone for $5/month on other networks
THIRD OFFER: He offers to throw in Red Zone for Free as well
MY RESPONSE: SIlence....... then "Not sure that's going to get us there.
FOURTH OFFER: "Okay Look.... Free Ticket, Free RedZone, $30/mo off for the next 12 months but you have to agree to contract for 12 months"
MY RESPONSE: Done deal. Write it up.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.BTWIf you are hanging up and calling back, they are keeping notes on your previous conversations.
Wingnut
Footballguy
I still have a year on my 2 year contract, but I was a customer for 10+ years before I signed back up last year. I called strictly to try to get a deal on the Sunday Ticket, which I couldnt get a deal on recently when DTV called me to offer me some 2 for 1 movie package deal (which I declined).
So I called them a little bit ago and was on hold for almost an hour. When I finally got a nice female rep in the customer retention dept I told her between the Viacom deal and the fact that the Sunday Ticket is so expensive (even at the 'discounted rate' of $200 for having it last year), that I was considering canceling and switching to cable. I told her that my local cable company called me and offered me RZC for free as well as covering my DTV cancellation fee (if I was still under contract) to switch over to them.
Long story short, I got:
Sunday Ticket and RedZone for $100
$15 off my bill every month for the next 12 months.
So basically I got Sunday Ticket/RZC for free plus $80 in bill credits. Ill take it.
So I called them a little bit ago and was on hold for almost an hour. When I finally got a nice female rep in the customer retention dept I told her between the Viacom deal and the fact that the Sunday Ticket is so expensive (even at the 'discounted rate' of $200 for having it last year), that I was considering canceling and switching to cable. I told her that my local cable company called me and offered me RZC for free as well as covering my DTV cancellation fee (if I was still under contract) to switch over to them.
Long story short, I got:
Sunday Ticket and RedZone for $100
$15 off my bill every month for the next 12 months.
So basically I got Sunday Ticket/RZC for free plus $80 in bill credits. Ill take it.
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shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
$10 off per month for 12 months.
Free Showtime for a 12 months.
Free Red Zone Channel.
Free Starz/Encore for 6 months.
They already gave me an additional $10 off per month for 12 months when I called a few weeks ago and canceled HBO (still not sure why), so I'm fine with this.
Free Showtime for a 12 months.
Free Red Zone Channel.
Free Starz/Encore for 6 months.
They already gave me an additional $10 off per month for 12 months when I called a few weeks ago and canceled HBO (still not sure why), so I'm fine with this.
regularguy
Footballguy
I got basically the same deal except I got $20 off per month for 12 months as I didn't have an existing credit.
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
IvanKaramazov
Footballguy
These two companies seem to be run by 10 year-olds.'3C said:
St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
'shuke said:Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
They offered free Showtime & Starz too but I declined. I'll NEVER watch anything but my wife will and frankly she watches too much TV the way it is.I'm calling tomorrow and complaining about my Icon getting a better deal than me. Thought a $300 credit was good but I want free football damn it. Comedy Central is one of the few channels I actually watch.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
I was laughing at your last statement. Imagining you keep calling and hanging up until someone told you this.'shuke said:Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
I was laughing at your last statement. Imagining you keep calling and hanging up until someone told you this.'shuke said:Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
Oh, yeah.The first chick that gave the $25 a month credit said she could give Sunday Ticket for $99.90 then reneged on it. So I called back and said she told me I could have it for free. That guy, refused too but he was Indian (dot not feather) and I could barely understand him. So I called back again and told the older black gentleman that I was told I could have it for $99.90 when he started reading aloud to himself my previous conversations.Busted. 
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
wow, I did well.
I got through quickly and found a CR guy who was so appreciative that I was trying to be nice to him as people have been so nasty to him on the phone. A little Eddie Haskel in these type of situations never hurts I have found.
I got a great deal as he kept digging for more items I would qualify for. I was out of contract and have been a long time customer so I think I qualified for more items than normal.
$20 off bill for 12 months (general promotion)
$10 off bill for 12 months (general promotion)
$10 credit for Sports Pack for 6 months
$10 off bill for 3 months (specifically for the Viacom mess)
He also offered stuff about free channels for X months or stuff about Sunday ticket but I was just looking to lower my bill so this was great for me.
I got through quickly and found a CR guy who was so appreciative that I was trying to be nice to him as people have been so nasty to him on the phone. A little Eddie Haskel in these type of situations never hurts I have found.
I got a great deal as he kept digging for more items I would qualify for. I was out of contract and have been a long time customer so I think I qualified for more items than normal.
$20 off bill for 12 months (general promotion)
$10 off bill for 12 months (general promotion)
$10 credit for Sports Pack for 6 months
$10 off bill for 3 months (specifically for the Viacom mess)
He also offered stuff about free channels for X months or stuff about Sunday ticket but I was just looking to lower my bill so this was great for me.
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JShare87
Footballguy
I need a little advice here I'm trying to help my mom lower her bill as I got mine lowered. She has been a customer for about 15 years never had a late payment and has never called to debate her bill until Friday. This is what happened she got 20 off her bill for a year and free Sunday ticket even though she doesn't want it. My mom declined and said she still told them she wanted to cancel thinking they would offer more to try and keep a 15 year customer well no such luck her service will be cancelled Monday but she really wants to keep it. My question is what is the play here? Will the retention department call her and try to get her back (I've read they do that in some cases)? So what is the shark move here fellas?
Hang 10
Footballguy
Damn, sounds like your mom got greedy and got called on her bluff. She should call back and tell the she's reconsidered and take the deal. If she doesn't want the ticket, maybe she could ask for some movie channels.
JShare87
Footballguy
Yea that's what I told her she just wants to get as much as I got 35 off a month free ticket 50 dollar credit and free whole home dvr installation. I've only been a customer 2 years she's been one for 15
Wingnut
Footballguy
This is why you never tell them to cancel service or say you WANT to cancel, but that youre CONSIDERING or THINKING ABOUT canceling (because you have a better offer, or can get cable with more channels cheaper). You give them the "other guys" offer (even if you make one up) and let them try to top it to keep you. That way, if they dont offer enough you can just say "Ill think about it and get back to you". Ive never told them I want to cancel, but I always say the word cancel at least three times in the aforementioned context. Ive hung up plenty of times without a deal only to call back later or the next day and get a better offer.
Txns8
Footballguy
Tell her to call back and ask that they extend the cancellation date as your cable installation is later in the week. Then call back a day or two ahead and say she'll reconsider the cancellation, blah blah blah.
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
Currently am out of contract, almost 3 years with Directv, have $16.00 in credits with $10 cr expiring on 8/6 with Choice Xtra pkg with HD and 2 HD DVRs.
Had my notes all ready and it took 48 minutes total but here's what I ended up with:
$20 off per month for 12 months = $240
$10 off for 3 months = $30
Free Redzone
$10 off HBO including HBOgo.com for 3 months (Reg $15.99/mo. for $5.99/mo.)
Free Showtime for 6 months
I can call back after 8/6 to see what else they may have. He offered Sunday Ticket for $100 or Max for $147 and I didn't push because I really only want to try RZ anyway. That's when I asked for "Something for the wife?" HBO. How about Showtime? Yes.
Cool guy. BS'd about how my little kids know what's going on with Viacom and how they can't get on Nick Jr on the computer. Also talked about the Game of Thrones books and show and that's when he mentioned watching all episodes on HBOgo.com.
Had my notes all ready and it took 48 minutes total but here's what I ended up with:
$20 off per month for 12 months = $240
$10 off for 3 months = $30
Free Redzone
$10 off HBO including HBOgo.com for 3 months (Reg $15.99/mo. for $5.99/mo.)
Free Showtime for 6 months
I can call back after 8/6 to see what else they may have. He offered Sunday Ticket for $100 or Max for $147 and I didn't push because I really only want to try RZ anyway. That's when I asked for "Something for the wife?" HBO. How about Showtime? Yes.
Cool guy. BS'd about how my little kids know what's going on with Viacom and how they can't get on Nick Jr on the computer. Also talked about the Game of Thrones books and show and that's when he mentioned watching all episodes on HBOgo.com.
flapgreen
Footballguy
Did you get his number so you can text penis pics?Currently am out of contract, almost 3 years with Directv, have $16.00 in credits with $10 cr expiring on 8/6 with Choice Xtra pkg with HD and 2 HD DVRs.Had my notes all ready and it took 48 minutes total but here's what I ended up with:$20 off per month for 12 months = $240$10 off for 3 months = $30Free Redzone$10 off HBO including HBOgo.com for 3 months (Reg $15.99/mo. for $5.99/mo.)Free Showtime for 6 monthsI can call back after 8/6 to see what else they may have. He offered Sunday Ticket for $100 or Max for $147 and I didn't push because I really only want to try RZ anyway. That's when I asked for "Something for the wife?" HBO. How about Showtime? Yes. Cool guy. BS'd about how my little kids know what's going on with Viacom and how they can't get on Nick Jr on the computer. Also talked about the Game of Thrones books and show and that's when he mentioned watching all episodes on HBOgo.com.
Johnny Rock
Footballguy
I laughed. I was referring more to just talking with the guy rather than threatening and getting pissed. If we meet up later for a drink so be it.Did you get his number so you can text penis pics?Currently am out of contract, almost 3 years with Directv, have $16.00 in credits with $10 cr expiring on 8/6 with Choice Xtra pkg with HD and 2 HD DVRs.Had my notes all ready and it took 48 minutes total but here's what I ended up with:$20 off per month for 12 months = $240$10 off for 3 months = $30Free Redzone$10 off HBO including HBOgo.com for 3 months (Reg $15.99/mo. for $5.99/mo.)Free Showtime for 6 monthsI can call back after 8/6 to see what else they may have. He offered Sunday Ticket for $100 or Max for $147 and I didn't push because I really only want to try RZ anyway. That's when I asked for "Something for the wife?" HBO. How about Showtime? Yes. Cool guy. BS'd about how my little kids know what's going on with Viacom and how they can't get on Nick Jr on the computer. Also talked about the Game of Thrones books and show and that's when he mentioned watching all episodes on HBOgo.com.
dancingbones
Footballguy
Called with my mom yesterday (9 year customer, currently no discounts, always pays on time), and explained that her son had recently called & been able to lower his bill, & asked if they could do something similar.
Very pleasant conversation, no threats to cancel or anything.
$20 off/12 mos (programming credit)
$10 off/12 mos (HD credit - their package has HD charge built into it)
Free Sunday Ticket Max (billed as $147 with an instant credit of $147)
Free Showtime for 3 mos (will simply stop working after 3 mos, don't have to remember to cancel it)
Service rep asked what "our" son had got, & I said, "not quite as good of a deal as you just gave us, but close". She comes back with "He should have talked to me!". Gotta love the friendly folks at Direct TV.
Very pleasant conversation, no threats to cancel or anything.
$20 off/12 mos (programming credit)
$10 off/12 mos (HD credit - their package has HD charge built into it)
Free Sunday Ticket Max (billed as $147 with an instant credit of $147)
Free Showtime for 3 mos (will simply stop working after 3 mos, don't have to remember to cancel it)
Service rep asked what "our" son had got, & I said, "not quite as good of a deal as you just gave us, but close". She comes back with "He should have talked to me!". Gotta love the friendly folks at Direct TV.
dancingbones
Footballguy
I think the credits they can give are tied to whatever programing package she has. I'd recommend having a simple & civil conversation & ask for what she wants. I also think a seasoned CR rep knows where to look when other folks may not be able to get it done.
3 hour lunch
Footballguy
Wow, that's a sweet deal. I finally called today and was offered free Showtime for 6 months and a $10 bill credit. Said that wasn't good enough and asked for customer retention. They offered Sunday Ticket for $99 or free RedZone. Honestly, I'm normally good with the games on regular TV; so I just took RedZone even though $99 is cheap for the ticket. I already had a $20/mo credit through September that I forgot was already on there. Was going to be a #### and press harder for free ticket but just decided to let it go. Probably since I had just gotten off the phone dealing with some morons at expedia. Sounds like Comedy Central/Nick et al will be back soon.Called with my mom yesterday (9 year customer, currently no discounts, always pays on time), and explained that her son had recently called & been able to lower his bill, & asked if they could do something similar.Very pleasant conversation, no threats to cancel or anything.$20 off/12 mos (programming credit)$10 off/12 mos (HD credit - their package has HD charge built into it)Free Sunday Ticket Max (billed as $147 with an instant credit of $147)Free Showtime for 3 mos (will simply stop working after 3 mos, don't have to remember to cancel it)Service rep asked what "our" son had got, & I said, "not quite as good of a deal as you just gave us, but close". She comes back with "He should have talked to me!". Gotta love the friendly folks at Direct TV.
St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
Just got Sunday Ticket as for free as well. I told them I read on my FF message board how a bunch of other people were getting the credit plus ST and I wanted it too. At first I was told that since I was a customer for so long (they said 2000 but it was actually 1996) that I didn't qualify for it. I didn't raise my voice or curse but made it very clear by the tone of my voice that wasn't going to fly. They transferred me to another department, took my info, again, and then transferred me to yet another department. I was pretty pissed by now. The guy that answered took my phone number and name and said ST was activated on my account immediately.I was laughing at your last statement. Imagining you keep calling and hanging up until someone told you this.Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
I still miss Comedy Central though. :(
Zasada
Footballguy
Sent my wife this thread as she has a long history of bending DirecTV to her will.
Ended-up with free Sunday Ticket & Red Zone Channel, plus 2 months of HBO/etc for free. No bill credit. She had to extend our contract another year, but that was from today and not the end of the existing contract, so in effect it was only +2 months.
I
my wife.
Ended-up with free Sunday Ticket & Red Zone Channel, plus 2 months of HBO/etc for free. No bill credit. She had to extend our contract another year, but that was from today and not the end of the existing contract, so in effect it was only +2 months.
I
my wife.
dancingbones
Footballguy
Nicely done.Just got Sunday Ticket as for free as well. I told them I read on my FF message board how a bunch of other people were getting the credit plus ST and I wanted it too. At first I was told that since I was a customer for so long (they said 2000 but it was actually 1996) that I didn't qualify for it. I didn't raise my voice or curse but made it very clear by the tone of my voice that wasn't going to fly. They transferred me to another department, took my info, again, and then transferred me to yet another department. I was pretty pissed by now. The guy that answered took my phone number and name and said ST was activated on my account immediately.I was laughing at your last statement. Imagining you keep calling and hanging up until someone told you this.Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
SHIZNITTTT
Footballguy
We need this page set up so that it sends us email updates every 3 to 6 months. That way we can "bang" directv again when the current discounts expire. I only remember to do it when this thread hits the first page of the forum. I have never paid for Sunday Ticket, and I have been a customer since 1998.
ICLight
Footballguy
Just completed my phone call - 28 minutes.
2 year customer, contract just ended
Sunday Ticket (non-max version) for 1/2 price - $99.96
3 month credit at $10/month for not having the Viacom channels currently available ($30)
12 month credit at $8/month for DVR service ($96)
3 month credit at $3/month for whole-home DVR ($9)
Said that was really holding him back from giving me a big credit was a 12 month/$20 a month credit that I got last year that still has a month left on it. Once that comes off the book, then I'll have bigger credit opportunities available. Suggested calling back once that rolls off to see what they can do to keep my costs down.
Not as good a deal as last year, but my goal was to get Sunday Ticket for free so I'm happy. And will be even happier if I get a nice credit when calling next month.
2 year customer, contract just ended
Sunday Ticket (non-max version) for 1/2 price - $99.96
3 month credit at $10/month for not having the Viacom channels currently available ($30)
12 month credit at $8/month for DVR service ($96)
3 month credit at $3/month for whole-home DVR ($9)
Said that was really holding him back from giving me a big credit was a 12 month/$20 a month credit that I got last year that still has a month left on it. Once that comes off the book, then I'll have bigger credit opportunities available. Suggested calling back once that rolls off to see what they can do to keep my costs down.
Not as good a deal as last year, but my goal was to get Sunday Ticket for free so I'm happy. And will be even happier if I get a nice credit when calling next month.
Don't Noonan
Footballguy
Made the annual call today. I got Sunday Ticket Max for free again this year. I also got $20 off for 6 months. Perfect!
St. Louis Bob
Footballguy
Nicely done.Just got Sunday Ticket as for free as well. I told them I read on my FF message board how a bunch of other people were getting the credit plus ST and I wanted it too. At first I was told that since I was a customer for so long (they said 2000 but it was actually 1996) that I didn't qualify for it. I didn't raise my voice or curse but made it very clear by the tone of my voice that wasn't going to fly. They transferred me to another department, took my info, again, and then transferred me to yet another department. I was pretty pissed by now. The guy that answered took my phone number and name and said ST was activated on my account immediately.I was laughing at your last statement. Imagining you keep calling and hanging up until someone told you this.Got a $25 a month credit for 12 months.
McGarnicle
Footballguy
I've been a customer since 2003 and I call and threaten to cancel every year around this time, saying ST is too expensive. They always give me a good deal. This year I used the Viacom thing to complain though really I could give two ####s. Interestingly it involved more transfers and more lines of BS on my part than usual, but I got the free ticket, free whole house DVR, $15 off for a year plus $10 off for 6 months. Second year in a row with free ticket (mover's deal last year). We'd pay crazy money for the ticket + RZ if we had to but they bend over for us every single year.
Beerguzzler
Footballguy
Great stuff guys!
Just got off the phone with them and got a lot of the offers you guys posted about. The 20 off for 12 months is pretty key that you fight for imo. Then they throw in a bunch of other crap that adds up.
Make sure you get transferred to the retention center if at first you don't succeed.
Just got off the phone with them and got a lot of the offers you guys posted about. The 20 off for 12 months is pretty key that you fight for imo. Then they throw in a bunch of other crap that adds up.
Make sure you get transferred to the retention center if at first you don't succeed.
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Mrs. Rannous
Footballguy
For some reason the moron I talked to just didn't get that I wanted be transferred to customer retention. I was persistant, and he finally did it.I got ST+RedZone for $100 plus $28 off/month for a year. I couldn't really get free Showtime this time since the old offer hasn't run out yet. But I'll probably try next month. If they don't get the Viacom thing fixed soon, it may not matter. I want my channels back.
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beavers
Footballguy
My contract is up in August. This is a stupid question but can I cancel and renew the next week to get the new customer deals?
The offer that I received from them today is:
$200 Sunday Ticket Max ($100 off)
6 month free HD ($60)
New HD / DVR box ($200 value)
$5 off family package ($15 value - I downgrade the package during the summer)
New On Demand features ($99 value)
Free Starz for 6 months (I have no idea that value)
Total savings is $475 (not including free Starz)
I want the Ticket Max for $50 or $100.
The offer that I received from them today is:
$200 Sunday Ticket Max ($100 off)
6 month free HD ($60)
New HD / DVR box ($200 value)
$5 off family package ($15 value - I downgrade the package during the summer)
New On Demand features ($99 value)
Free Starz for 6 months (I have no idea that value)
Total savings is $475 (not including free Starz)
I want the Ticket Max for $50 or $100.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Just one if you do it right.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Whats this?
beavers
Footballguy
Good question. He said it was something that were new OnDemand features. I didn't ask much about it -- I will though the next time I call and report back.
beavers
Footballguy
WTF. Can you PM me your acct number? Directv thinks I am lying when I said that others have gotten this deal!!!!!
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I was sent from the phone prompt directly to customer retention. Make sure when asked by the computer the reason for calling to say "cancel service". You get immediately directed to customer retention. Then you can explain, as polite and as calm as possible, what your issue is. You can say you are thinking of switching to Fios, etc. Just be polite. I was lucky in this I got it all done with one rep, but it took a while because I let him vent about how nasty most callers are. After he vented he went and found another deal for me just for being nice. These CR guys get crapped on by the customers so some politeness can go a long way.
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