Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)

[JerkyJoker]

Called Monday and set up my disconnect for Thursday at 8am.  I told them the bill was to high.  Got a phone call today offered me deal where my bill would be $20 this month, and then  starting next month $55 a month for the next 12 months, plus NFL Sunday ticket free.  I keep my same total choice package , and I have 4 dvr genie receivers.  I took the deal.

 

[General Malaise]

Signed a one year deal with Comcast.  Starts Friday.  Cannot wait to tell DirecTV to forget it and get lost.  Used to love them....completely worthless to me now.  Horrendous experience during these last two years.  I'm going to enjoy sending them away.

 

[top dog]

have you checked out the services like Playstation Vue that offer some DVR functions?

I researched Vue, Directvnow, Sling, Hulu, Youtube Red... Directvnow had the best package of channels that my wife cares about for the price.  Directvnow is "ok".  The picture is good, but not great... It takes longer than I'd like to start playing a feed... You only get 2 simultaneous streams.  

They called me on Sunday and offered $54 / month for 12 months and free Sunday Ticket Max.  I ended up taking it.  All in all will run me about $90 (traditional Directv) compared to $65 (Directvnow) but I won't have to hear my wife complain about the streaming not working, her not being able to record her shows, etc.  How does the old saying go?  "Happy wife.... you don't have to hear her complain all day..."  Or something like that.

 

[offdee]

Probably not the correct thread, but whatever.  I'm trying to hook up a stereo receiver and surround sound to DirectTv.   I used to have Time Warner and just mirrored the exact same plugins for my new DTV setup and I can't get it to work.   

Is there something special or different I should be doing for this hookup to the stereo receiver with now having a dish versus non dish before? Also note I'm hooking the receiver up to a secondary smaller DVR box (not the main bigger DVR box)

 

[top dog]

Probably not the correct thread, but whatever.  I'm trying to hook up a stereo receiver and surround sound to DirectTv.   I used to have Time Warner and just mirrored the exact same plugins for my new DTV setup and I can't get it to work.   

Is there something special or different I should be doing for this hookup to the stereo receiver with now having a dish versus non dish before? Also note I'm hooking the receiver up to a secondary smaller DVR box (not the main bigger DVR box)

Not sure of your setup, but I have my soundbar hooked directly up to the TV rather than any of the devices.  That way it just "works" with anything hooked up to the TV.

 

[Hawks64]

Probably not the correct thread, but whatever.  I'm trying to hook up a stereo receiver and surround sound to DirectTv.   I used to have Time Warner and just mirrored the exact same plugins for my new DTV setup and I can't get it to work.   

Is there something special or different I should be doing for this hookup to the stereo receiver with now having a dish versus non dish before? Also note I'm hooking the receiver up to a secondary smaller DVR box (not the main bigger DVR box)

I would check in settings and look for the audio output on both the smaller DVR box and the main genie box. I used a genie in the past and was able to get surround sound but it's just dolby digital.

 

[Wingnut]

Just called and set disconnect for this Sunday. Now we wait. If I don't get a call before then I'll call them and give it a go.

I want my bill to go back to $70 (it's been $70 for the past year and just went up to $120) and free ST Max. I dont really care about a gift card but I'll ask anyway

 

[B Maverick]

Not a billing question but still a DirecTV question. Currently have HD DVR (not Genie), does anyone have issues with the remote/DVR? I just got a new remote because I thought that was the issue but it's not. The buttons either don't work all the time or have some serious lag time. The guide will take forever to come up, switching channels takes up to 15 seconds to switch if the correct number of the channel even takes, fast forward and rewind are a pita as once it starts one direction pressing play or stop don't work. I've replaced the batteries, the remote, and reprogrammed to remote several times and the issues remain. It's very annoying.

That happened to us but once we got new reports everything worked fine.  I may have a genie though, not sure.  May be a silly question but have you reset your box recently?  Red button in one of the doors on the box?  That fixed a couple features that werent working for us (The team recording feature started working again)

 

[Johnny Bing]

First offer was just $20 off my $140 original bill. Set the cancel date to next week. 

Now we wait...

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

sunday ticket renewal not on this july bill will be calling end of august

 

[Mr.Pack]

Score.  Make it 12 years in a row.

I went about it a different way.  I used the chat off the contact us.  I told them directly I had just disconnected and wanted to know if I qualified for a win back offer.   They said I did.  Gave me a different number.

Got my same programming back @ 79

Got free Sunday ticket

Got free movie channels including HBO for 3 months

Got 200 gc

Got some free hardware too.  One genie

The hardware required a 2 year agreement so they got me there.  I fully intend to cancel again next year though.  I cancelled this time 2 months early and paid no early termination fee. In fact they credited me back my last month s payment and put it towards my first month of this new deal.  I don't pay anything for 2 months.

I disconnected at Midnight last night. Called yesterday morning and set disconnect for Midnight after only getting an offer of $15 off even though I was off contract.

They told me I qualified for Win-Back offers and told me to call 866-284-2816.

I called and talked to a cool guy, we shot the breeze for about 10 mins then got down to business. Offered me $77.29/mo for Choice Xtra, Ticket Max and HBO, SHowtime and Cinemax for 3 mos. Said unfortunately and he wasn't sure why, but I didn't qualify for the $200 GC. It was where I wanted to be so I said, ok, lets write it up. Put me on hold, comes back and says "Wow, I can save you even more money. More discounts just popped up and I can now give you the same package for $52.57/mo AND you get the $200 GC!" ...........Giddddddddy up!...........

All told >$900 in discounts for the one year deal!

30 mins well spent!

 

[mozzy84]

I better get in the game here before it disappears!

 

[General Malaise]

Is there a way to set the cancellation date online or am I forced to talk to somebody?  They could offer me a miniature elephant at this point and I wouldn't stay.  

 

[NewlyRetired]

Is there a way to set the cancellation date online or am I forced to talk to somebody?  They could offer me a miniature elephant at this point and I wouldn't stay.  

you can use chat if you don't want to talk on phone.

 

[Johnny Rock]

I disconnected at Midnight last night. Called yesterday morning and set disconnect for Midnight after only getting an offer of $15 off even though I was off contract.

They told me I qualified for Win-Back offers and told me to call 866-284-2816.

I called and talked to a cool guy, we shot the breeze for about 10 mins then got down to business. Offered me $77.29/mo for Choice Xtra, Ticket Max and HBO, SHowtime and Cinemax for 3 mos. Said unfortunately and he wasn't sure why, but I didn't qualify for the $200 GC. It was where I wanted to be so I said, ok, lets write it up. Put me on hold, comes back and says "Wow, I can save you even more money. More discounts just popped up and I can now give you the same package for $52.57/mo AND you get the $200 GC!" ...........Giddddddddy up!...........

All told >$900 in discounts for the one year deal!

30 mins well spent!

Encouraging! So how much were the discounts and how were they broken down per month? $10 off for this for 12 months. $20 off for that for 12 months, etc. 

 

[Mr.Pack]

Encouraging! So how much were the discounts and how were they broken down per month? $10 off for this for 12 months. $20 off for that for 12 months, etc. 

I'm not sure yet, once they hit my bill I'll be able to see. I didn't have time to ask for a breakdown of everything.

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

I disconnected at Midnight last night. Called yesterday morning and set disconnect for Midnight after only getting an offer of $15 off even though I was off contract.

They told me I qualified for Win-Back offers and told me to call 866-284-2816.

I called and talked to a cool guy, we shot the breeze for about 10 mins then got down to business. Offered me $77.29/mo for Choice Xtra, Ticket Max and HBO, SHowtime and Cinemax for 3 mos. Said unfortunately and he wasn't sure why, but I didn't qualify for the $200 GC. It was where I wanted to be so I said, ok, lets write it up. Put me on hold, comes back and says "Wow, I can save you even more money. More discounts just popped up and I can now give you the same package for $52.57/mo AND you get the $200 GC!" ...........Giddddddddy up!...........

All told >$900 in discounts for the one year deal!

30 mins well spent!

  Ready to get my haul this Saturday morning. 

 

[The Commish]

So, I just got a phone call from Directv, or so it seems.

This is the deal:

Since I've been with them for so long and since the merger with ATT, they are going to long time customers and offering the following:

1.  Two years guaranteed $79 a month for all channels (not sure of package name these days)

2.  If I sign up by 9pm tonight, I get an additional $100 gift card.

What do I have to do?  Go buy an Amazon gift card and pay 3 months worth of bills up front with that card ($240).  They went through this long spiel about partnering with Amazon etc.  Is this a scam?  I can't find any negatives online...people are saying it's legit.  They gave me a promo code, where I have to call directv myself with the code and pay via the gift card, so I am in control of where the money is going.

Thoughts?

 

[The Commish]

Nevermind....I found a thread at att.com...SCAM  

 

[Johnny Bing]

First offer was just $20 off my $140 original bill. Set the cancel date to next week. 

Now we wait...

Done deal. Bill back to $80 a month for xtra package and equipment. Free Sunday ticket. $200GC. 

1 year contract  

I didn't ask for the hbo for 3 months. Not home enough to make it worth my time to call back to remove it. 

 

[Tiger Fan]

i hate this company more than any other company in my entire life.  But I love gambling and they have the best sports packages for football.  I now just enjoy drinking and calling them about legit complaints just knowing they wont fix anything.

My HBO on demand and HBO go stuff hasn't worked in a month.  Saying I'm not subscribed when I'm clearly paying the fee

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

So, I just got a phone call from Directv, or so it seems.

This is the deal:

Since I've been with them for so long and since the merger with ATT, they are going to long time customers and offering the following:

1.  Two years guaranteed $79 a month for all channels (not sure of package name these days)

2.  If I sign up by 9pm tonight, I get an additional $100 gift card.

What do I have to do?  Go buy an Amazon gift card and pay 3 months worth of bills up front with that card ($240).  They went through this long spiel about partnering with Amazon etc.  Is this a scam?  I can't find any negatives online...people are saying it's legit.  They gave me a promo code, where I have to call directv myself with the code and pay via the gift card, so I am in control of where the money is going.

Thoughts?

Did the guy/girl on the other line sound Nigerian?

 

[skol asylum]

Did the chat today to get Sunday ticket first installment reversed. Offered me $60 total off the package to keep it. Said no too expensive. Also said thinking of switching back to cable or another option. Offered some minor discounts. Said no I'm probably going to disconnect. Didn't have time to setup so will call a number he gave me probably this weekend. My contract should be up August 7th at end of bill cycle if I understand correctly. Trying to decide how far out to set the disconnect date and hope for the win back offers.

 

[Wingnut]

So, I just got a phone call from Directv, or so it seems.

This is the deal:

Since I've been with them for so long and since the merger with ATT, they are going to long time customers and offering the following:

1.  Two years guaranteed $79 a month for all channels (not sure of package name these days)

2.  If I sign up by 9pm tonight, I get an additional $100 gift card.

What do I have to do?  Go buy an Amazon gift card and pay 3 months worth of bills up front with that card ($240).  They went through this long spiel about partnering with Amazon etc.  Is this a scam?  I can't find any negatives online...people are saying it's legit.  They gave me a promo code, where I have to call directv myself with the code and pay via the gift card, so I am in control of where the money is going.

Thoughts?

Just reading this I was thinking oh man I hope he doesn't fall for this. Thats the dumbest thing Ive ever heard.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Is there a way to set the cancellation date online or am I forced to talk to somebody?  They could offer me a miniature elephant at this point and I wouldn't stay.  

An elephant just seems like another expense, in my humble opinion.

 

[fantasycurse42]

I disconnected at Midnight last night. Called yesterday morning and set disconnect for Midnight after only getting an offer of $15 off even though I was off contract.

They told me I qualified for Win-Back offers and told me to call 866-284-2816.

I called and talked to a cool guy, we shot the breeze for about 10 mins then got down to business. Offered me $77.29/mo for Choice Xtra, Ticket Max and HBO, SHowtime and Cinemax for 3 mos. Said unfortunately and he wasn't sure why, but I didn't qualify for the $200 GC. It was where I wanted to be so I said, ok, lets write it up. Put me on hold, comes back and says "Wow, I can save you even more money. More discounts just popped up and I can now give you the same package for $52.57/mo AND you get the $200 GC!" ...........Giddddddddy up!...........

All told >$900 in discounts for the one year deal!

30 mins well spent!

You get the ST too?

 

[The Commish]

So, I just got a phone call from Directv, or so it seems.

This is the deal:

Since I've been with them for so long and since the merger with ATT, they are going to long time customers and offering the following:

1.  Two years guaranteed $79 a month for all channels (not sure of package name these days)

2.  If I sign up by 9pm tonight, I get an additional $100 gift card.

What do I have to do?  Go buy an Amazon gift card and pay 3 months worth of bills up front with that card ($240).  They went through this long spiel about partnering with Amazon etc.  Is this a scam?  I can't find any negatives online...people are saying it's legit.  They gave me a promo code, where I have to call directv myself with the code and pay via the gift card, so I am in control of where the money is going.

Thoughts?

Just reading this I was thinking oh man I hope he doesn't fall for this. Thats the dumbest thing Ive ever heard.

These things are getting more and more "real" in their presentation.  No foreign accent, heck the caller ID was even from Directv.  I've had legit promotions before where you have to buy X gift cards.  But it seemed too good to be true....this thread alone reminded me DTV doesn't give #### away...have to constantly call and work for it.  PLUS, I just moved, they gave me all new equipment for a year's contract commitment so I decided to go look it up.  When I put in the combo of DTV and Amazon, I got a flood of threads...prior I was just looking for DTV scams.

 

[Johnny Rock]

I've had legit promotions before where you have to buy X gift cards.

Please tell. 

 

[The Commish]

Please tell. 

Had a promo once with my local internet company during Christmas where if I bought $150 worth of gift cards they'd give me a "free" home security system.  ****'s Sporting Goods used to do a thing where you buy X amount of gift cards and you receive X amount in free merch.  Many places do things like that  

 

[irishnips]

Where on the Directv bill does it give when your contract is up or do you just know by when the discount says 12 of 12? 

 

[Mr.Pack]

Did the chat today to get Sunday ticket first installment reversed. Offered me $60 total off the package to keep it. Said no too expensive. Also said thinking of switching back to cable or another option. Offered some minor discounts. Said no I'm probably going to disconnect. Didn't have time to setup so will call a number he gave me probably this weekend. My contract should be up August 7th at end of bill cycle if I understand correctly. Trying to decide how far out to set the disconnect date and hope for the win back offers.

Disconnect immediately. The next morning call the number I posted, it's the number for winback deals.

Might take 20-30 mins, but it's worth it

 

[Mr.Pack]

You get the ST too?

Affirmative, ST Max

 

[fantasycurse42]

Affirmative, ST Max

Nice deal

This is what I'm looking for.

 

[yellowdog]

I decided to try again with the 210-332-6968 number. (They were not open for business when I tried earlier)

SCORE!!!!

Upgraded to Choice package + Free Sunday Ticket MAX for $65.83 per month for 1 year.

Will do the dance again next year.

I was told when I got this deal, that I wasn't eligible for this deal + $200 GC.

Seeing how many people are getting the $200 gift card, I decided to whine a little bit on directv chat. I got a nice girl named Kate. I was very friendly, told her I have a daughter named Katie, etc. She was gone a couple minutes, then came back with this: 

"yellowdog, I will go ahead and raise an escalation on your account, so that our back end team will investigate on this and you will receive the $200 Gift card within 5 to 7 business days."

Will update further if/when I receive my GC.

 

[Wooderson]

Called disconnect setup for tonight. 

Step one complete. 

 

[irishnips]

Did the chat today to get Sunday ticket first installment reversed. Offered me $60 total off the package to keep it. Said no too expensive. Also said thinking of switching back to cable or another option. Offered some minor discounts. Said no I'm probably going to disconnect. Didn't have time to setup so will call a number he gave me probably this weekend. My contract should be up August 7th at end of bill cycle if I understand correctly. Trying to decide how far out to set the disconnect date and hope for the win back offers.

I also did the chat to get Sunday ticket first installment reversed. They asked "What about downgrading base package to ENTERTAINMENT"? Seriously, ahhh...NO. Then asked "What about deactivating some receivers. You would save $7.00 each one"?...LOL. I kindly asked for a number to call to discontinue my service....Stay tuned.

 

[Wooderson]

Called disconnect setup for tonight. 

Step one complete. 

And just like that a 28 minute phone call i'm setup.

Extra package $70 a month 2 tv's

Free Sunday Ticket Max

$200 gift card

3 months of the movie channels 

All on a 1 year contract. 

One of the easier years i've ever had getting the "deal"

 

[rail]

And just like that a 28 minute phone call i'm setup.

Extra package $70 a month 2 tv's

Free Sunday Ticket Max

$200 gift card

3 months of the movie channels 

All on a 1 year contract. 

One of the easier years i've ever had getting the "deal"

Did you call them back, or did they call you? Which phone # did you use to get the deal?

 

[russinfortworth]

Is there anyway to get your local sports channels (Fox SW) without getting the Premier package?  

 

[Mr.Pack]

Is there anyway to get your local sports channels (Fox SW) without getting the Premier package?  

I have my local FOX Sports channels but din't think I have a Premier package. What is the Premiere package?

 

[russinfortworth]

It is the highest package available.  We need local sports, but am currently paying 160/month (have all movie channels)......4 boxes (1 that records) but they are all 10+ years old.  $40 credit is expiring and I'm not paying 200 for TV.  Will give  up movies if necessary.

 

[russinfortworth]

I've been on "chat" with them for 60 minutes and they have not even been able to pull up my account yet.  Says that they are having "issues" and I keep getting transferred to other agents.  Luckily I'm watching baseball on TV and have nothing else to do.  

 

[Wooderson]

Did you call them back, or did they call you? Which phone # did you use to get the deal?

They called me back exactly 4 hours after I called 1800-494-4388 and said to cancel my service. 

 

[Wingnut]

They called me back exactly 4 hours after I called 1800-494-4388 and said to cancel my service. 

Wtf. I've been a customer for 15 years total (at 2 diff addresses)...no call yet but I'll take the wheel Monday and work these bastards. Im so ready.

 

[Wooderson]

Wtf. I've been a customer for 15 years total (at 2 diff addresses)...no call yet but I'll take the wheel Monday and work these bastards. Im so ready.

I've been a customer at least that long. But don't kid yourself that customer loyalty means anything to them. 

 

[Wooderson]

Wtf. I've been a customer for 15 years total (at 2 diff addresses)...no call yet but I'll take the wheel Monday and work these bastards. Im so ready.

Definitely call them. Be nice and slow play it when you  ask for things. 

They will offer the package discount out of the gate. 

Causualy mention how you enjoy football your favorite team  ..... They will give you ST

Might have to straight ask for gift card next.  

Final step say to get your wife to sign off you need something for her like movie channnels. 

 

[Wingnut]

Definitely call them. Be nice and slow play it when you  ask for things. 

They will offer the package discount out of the gate. 

Causualy mention how you enjoy football your favorite team  ..... They will give you ST

Might have to straight ask for gift card next.  

Final step say to get your wife to sign off you need something for her like movie channnels. 

Oh I've been doing this song and dance for 10+ years...ive never paid for ST...i have zero doubt I'll get an offer I can't refuse. 

 

[Wooderson]

Oh I've been doing this song and dance for 10+ years...ive never paid for ST...i have zero doubt I'll get an offer I can't refuse. 

Give em hell. 

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

BOOM!

Disconnected at midnight. After a 30 minute phone call, got:

Ultimate Package: $73/mth for 24 months (same package I had before and was paying $125/mth)

Free ST MAX

Free HBO, SHO, CINE for 3 months

She went back in and added a $100 Gift Card too.

$20/mth combined billing discount with my cell phones.

$10/mth autobill pay discount for 24 months.

I'm happy

 

[Wooderson]

And just like that a 28 minute phone call i'm setup.

Extra package $70 a month 2 tv's

Free Sunday Ticket Max

$200 gift card

3 months of the movie channels 

All on a 1 year contract. 

One of the easier years i've ever had getting the "deal"

I might have celebrated a bit to early. This morning woke up my DTV was disconnected. Never reconnected like it should have. After more then an hour and a half dozen agents It's now working and I was able to confirm the offer I got above. So still go the deal I wanted but had to work a little harder to make sure they got their end together. What a waste of my morning. 

Customer service tip I'm going to start using when I call into places would have saved me a lot of time. When you call in and you can tell the person is either clueless or has a bad attitude just make up an excuse and call back. The right agent makes all the difference in these situations can turn a 1 hour call into 10 minutes.