Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (2 Viewers)

[NewlyRetired]

at this thread

It was fantastically helpful up until it went to hell yesterday

Oh well, just need to check in this time next year to see what is next.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

No man, just stick to the script

 

[Wingnut]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

If you call to cancel, and set a date, they WILL call and try to keep you. It might not happen until the cancel date is close but they will. They want to keep you as a customer. The best offers dont always come before crunch time.

Has anyone even tried that yet? To wait until the cancel date is close?

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

DO NOT HAGGLE ON THE INITIAL CALL

JUST CANCEL

Wtf is so hard about this? They are going to try and stop you, it's their job. Just say, no thanks and cancel. Set the date for 2-3 weeks out. You have plenty of time at that point to make an informed decision. Wait a day or two and stick to the script. Buncha ninnies in here.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

at this thread

 

[Wooderson]

Strangely I received my boxes from DTV today to return equipment. I hope that it was just sent out before I recommitted.

This happened to someone else as well. It can't hurt to call and just double check.

Oh I've already called and confirmed everything. I always do that a couple days after getting a deal. Not my first rodeo and I enjoy doing this.

Next up those bastards at Comcast. Now those guys know how to put up a fight.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

If you already are getting a great deal, maybe the script isn't for you.

 

[Wooderson]

at this thread

 

[Binky The Doormat]

If you already are getting a great deal, maybe the script isn't for you.

Wish I was getting the deal Willie is ...$35 in credits. Guy has to be a negotiating monster.

 

[Willie Neslon]

If you already are getting a great deal, maybe the script isn't for you.

Wish I was getting the deal Willie is ...$35 in credits. Guy has to be a negotiating monster.

I just stick to honesty. I tell the person that i call every year and am looking to keep the bill down so it's affordable for us. Then I ask for Sunday Ticket. They come through every time. Never had to play chicken. I'm very nice on the phone as well. Saw this thread and went against my instincts.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:

1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

 

[Willie Neslon]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:

1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:

4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:

1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:

4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

6. less profit

 

[Wingnut]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

Script, method...same diff.

 

[fred_1_15301]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

Is it really that difficult to just set a reminder?

 

[Binky The Doormat]

If you already are getting a great deal, maybe the script isn't for you.

Wish I was getting the deal Willie is ...$35 in credits. Guy has to be a negotiating monster.

I just stick to honesty. I tell the person that i call every year and am looking to keep the bill down so it's affordable for us. Then I ask for Sunday Ticket. They come through every time. Never had to play chicken. I'm very nice on the phone as well. Saw this thread and went against my instincts.

That has been my deal with them on getting the bill under $100 ...will take the movies channels if a freebie. Asked for and got ST/Redzone one year.

 

[Willie Neslon]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

Is it really that difficult to just set a reminder?

No but this is how they make huge money.

 

[Wooderson]

If you already are getting a great deal, maybe the script isn't for you.

Wish I was getting the deal Willie is ...$35 in credits. Guy has to be a negotiating monster.

I just stick to honesty. I tell the person that i call every year and am looking to keep the bill down so it's affordable for us. Then I ask for Sunday Ticket. They come through every time. Never had to play chicken. I'm very nice on the phone as well. Saw this thread and went against my instincts.

That's the way iv'e done it as well for the past 10 years. This year doing it this way was even easier. Plus iv'e never gotten a $200 gift card as well.

 

[Wooderson]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

Is it really that difficult to just set a reminder?

Right I have my reminder set a couple days before the the free time is up. I play it safe and cancel then.

 

[flapgreen]

I've been with DirecTV for 15 years. I was on a discontinued channel package for a long time, but switched a few years ago. Now I'm on XTRA, which I was paying $77.99/month for. They lowered that to $34.99/month for 12 months.



It's possible some of the packages you guys are on left you ineligible for the discount, but changing isn't really that big of a deal imo. You can clearly see which channels are offered on their website by package.

I had to switch packages too, I was on a defunct one. I lost 8 channels I never heard of with the new one, so its basically the same.

I just tried to figure out which channels I'd lose and which ones I'd gain and it was tough to figure out. Looks like I'd get something called Boom and then a baby channel. Can I just keep what i have and pay 43 less per month?

I asked that and they told me no.

I don't understand why it is tough to figure out what is different. They line up every channel in a column and it takes less than a minute to see what is different.

There's 6 different packages and hundreds of channels to scroll through. You have to remember which ones you're getting and which ones you're losing. Then you have to figure out what the channels even are. How about just a list saying you lose these but gain these and here's what the Boom channel is (is it porno?). Then I have to figure out how much I'm going to pay when the credits roll off.

dear god man, this is not rocket science.

You are being asked to do less than a minutes "work" to have a chance at $500-$700 off your bill in the next year.

I make the call every year just have never had to set up a cancellation date or change plans. I haven't paid for sunday ticket ever. Some years I get it, some years i only get the red zone channel. It's the game of chicken that gives me pause.

Nothing to be scared of. Just a game you have to play with these companies.

 

[flapgreen]

Strangely I received my boxes from DTV today to return equipment. I hope that it was just sent out before I recommitted.

This happened to someone else as well. It can't hurt to call and just double check.

Oh I've already called and confirmed everything. I always do that a couple days after getting a deal. Not my first rodeo and I enjoy doing this. Next up those bastards at Comcast. Now those guys know how to put up a fight.

Screw Comcast. They couldn't care less if you stay or leave.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

 

[avoiding injuries]

Even though I already got my deal, I find myself checking this thread more than any other for some reason.

 

[SHIZNITTTT]

Willie? Update?

 

[Willie Neslon]

Willie? Update?

 

[sho nuff]

So the script is different for everyone?

Or, basically the script is "Give me a discount!"

LOL script

script is:1. call to schedule cancellation

2. wait for call or call them back and ask for deal

3. profit?

For a few there is more to the script:4. forget to call and cancel movie channels in time

5. get charged for month of movie channels

Is it really that difficult to just set a reminder?

No but this is how they make huge money.

I forgot one time...even forgot to place my yearly call on time and they auto charged me for the ticket.

I called and they took care of the charges.

Its not that hard.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

The key here is to just cancel and disconnect immediately. That's what I did, they disconnected me at Midnight Weds. By 9:30am Thursday I had a "We want you back email" Called and was up and running with a new deal in place (12mos), upgraded package, and reconnected by 10am.

 

[Willie Neslon]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

The key here is to just cancel and disconnect immediately. That's what I did, they disconnected me at Midnight Weds. By 9:30am Thursday I had a "We want you back email" Called and was up and running with a new deal in place (12mos), upgraded package, and reconnected by 10am.

That's not the script.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Just canceled. Put the disconnect date at 6/22 to play it safe.

No contact here. I've been with them since the mid 90's when you actually had to buy the equipment FWIW. I'll wait them out. No reason to freak IMO.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I was paying 72, with good discounts. Now I'm paying 65 with free st max and $200 gc and free movies for 3 months. I will have to call back mid August and cancel the movies. Oh noes!!!!

So you didn't get $43 off your bill for 12 months? that's all I was saying. Some of us aren't going to get $43 additional dollars off our bills.

yes i did.

 

[JaxBill]

So looks like I'm moving in about six weeks. Should I follow the script and get the discounts and then call back a couple weeks later with move info or wait and combine calls?

 

[DrrDetroit]

There is no script. Unless making a phone call to say cancel is a script.

Cancel and if they throw enough credits your way to make you happy sign up again.

 

[Tango]

this thread

Cant say this thread is much of a version of comedy for me, but whatever floats your boat...

 

[Tiger Fan]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

Just verified, my discounts expired yesterday and they just offered me everything that everyone else is getting (w/o the gift card).

 

[fantasycurse42]

Gift card received

 

[NewlyRetired]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

Just verified, my discounts expired yesterday and they just offered me everything that everyone else is getting (w/o the gift card).

Double check your statement. The $10 credit might be for 24 months instead of 12. I think when the gift card went away, they extended the $10 credit an extra 12 months.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

Just verified, my discounts expired yesterday and they just offered me everything that everyone else is getting (w/o the gift card).

Double check your statement. The $10 credit might be for 24 months instead of 12. I think when the gift card went away, they extended the $10 credit an extra 12 months.

It's a waste if you call again in 12 months and old/existing credits will be cancelled.

 

[jeter23]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

Just verified, my discounts expired yesterday and they just offered me everything that everyone else is getting (w/o the gift card).

Did you call back for this, or you got a call/email from them?

 

[Tiger Fan]

Fwiw, I, in the same boat as willie Nelson fan and there telling me the same thing. My discounts are up at the end of this month and they told me to call back on the first and they should be able to offer me a "win back" promotion again.

Just verified, my discounts expired yesterday and they just offered me everything that everyone else is getting (w/o the gift card).

Did you call back for this, or you got a call/email from them?

I called back on June 1. When I followed the initial script, the person on the 2nd phone # said I was already getting the best "win back" promotions available and I couldn't get anything back until after they expired...which happened to be May 31. He said, call back on June 1 and we'll be able to give you everything available (but he said the GC would not be there).

I called back and got the $42 off, free STMAX and free 3 months of movies. Also, I still had 12 months outstanding from an initial 24 month contract, so I literally have the same expiration date as before but just all the savings now included.

They had to disconnect me at midnight last night and will reconnect me this morning. FWIW, the DVR service was not active during the disconnection. I don't think I lost any shows, but it just wouldn't let me access it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Gift card received

I had to use the mail in form but I did receive confirmation today that the card has been shipped to me.

 

[Willie Neslon]

On the phone now.

 

[nirad3]

On the phone now.

MAKE SURE YOUR SPEAKERPHONE IS UP ALL THE WAY!

 

[Willie Neslon]

I got not call or email so I called the 877 number.

Got $43 off per month for 12 months of full price Xtra package. (lose 8 channels, gain 5, nothing of note)

Sunday Ticket Max

one time credit of $17.99 for hbo

Calling me back to see if 3 months of free movie channels can happen. Because I already had HBO was told it couldn't happen.

No gift card.

So my bill goes from $76 a month with HBO to $66 a month with HBO for 12 months (plus that one time credit). My old credits were expiring in September anyway so timing is good and now don't have to make that annual august sunday ticket call now. Told me to call back next May for more deals. Just a heads up if you weren't aware, you'll be auto renewed for sunday ticket max in 2016 if you don't call them and cancel it. Despite my confusion everything ended up ok. Thanks guys.

 

[goblue4016]

hey all - new to the forum and have a question relating to this topic... i have had comcast forever and am moving so i think i might want to try Directv (or Dish) so i can use for tailgating..

when i called Directv yesterday to give me a qoute they said i would get their special "promotion price" for 12 months, and if i called back on the 12 month that they would be able to discount the 2nd year of the 2 year contract as well. They said not as low as the 29.99 a month for the first 12 months i will get - but more like $45 a month for the last 12 months instead of the $70 a month or so full price.

will they actually negotiate that 2nd year? because im hesitant to believe what the directv guy told me as i have read a bunch of places that they dont negotiate the 2nd year.. i see here that some have had luck negotiating the 2nd year but i wonder what they will do 12 months from now..

any advice would be appreciated!

 

[JaxBill]

So looks like I'm moving in about six weeks. Should I follow the script and get the discounts and then call back a couple weeks later with move info or wait and combine calls?

 

[Willie Neslon]

So looks like I'm moving in about six weeks. Should I follow the script and get the discounts and then call back a couple weeks later with move info or wait and combine calls?

I'd get the discounts first then call to move. Just make sure you're able to get directv where you move because if you lock in for 12 months for have to pay a cancellation fee if you can't have directv at the new place.

 

[Willie Neslon]

hey all - new to the forum and have a question relating to this topic... i have had comcast forever and am moving so i think i might want to try Directv (or Dish) so i can use for tailgating..

when i called Directv yesterday to give me a qoute they said i would get their special "promotion price" for 12 months, and if i called back on the 12 month that they would be able to discount the 2nd year of the 2 year contract as well. They said not as low as the 29.99 a month for the first 12 months i will get - but more like $45 a month for the last 12 months instead of the $70 a month or so full price.

will they actually negotiate that 2nd year? because im hesitant to believe what the directv guy told me as i have read a bunch of places that they dont negotiate the 2nd year.. i see here that some have had luck negotiating the 2nd year but i wonder what they will do 12 months from now..

any advice would be appreciated!

I think they would. it's usually easy to get your bill knocked down and people here have gotten deals still having many months left in their contract.

 

[nirad3]

So looks like I'm moving in about six weeks. Should I follow the script and get the discounts and then call back a couple weeks later with move info or wait and combine calls?

I'd get the discounts first then call to move. Just make sure you're able to get directv where you move because if you lock in for 12 months for have to pay a cancellation fee if you can't have directv at the new place.

I dunno, I think I might combine the calls. Say that you're moving and that while you enjoy their service, you've been offered something super cheap by the local cable company.

They will remind you that those are promotional offers that will eventually go up; just assert that you know this and you're willing to give them a shot unless they can come close to what they're offering... at which point they'll likely start giving you discounts and free ish.

They want their dishes on as many rooftops as possible, trust me.