Socrates11
Footballguy
You must have been stuck at the level one customer rep. Say that isn't good enough and you want to start the process to cancel so they pass you to customer retention. That's where the magic happens.
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Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter oukurt
- Start date
Bogeys
Footballguy
I have to wait a month to really get anything going according to customer retentions. They can give me the $15 a month now if that was all I wanted, but since I am getting the $3 whole home DVR discount I can't get anything else in that "bucket" until that discount runs out next month. Guy told me to call back then and they can get to the $30 a month off but there was nothing that could be done until then. 
snogger
Footballguy
Basically what I said "Sorry, still too much so I just want to cancel" ... he said "OK, hang on one second" after about 5 minutes on hold he came back with "OK, I've gone ahead and canceled the Sunday Ticket for you".
Even had a "fun" conversation before it all started telling him how I live in Wisconsin but cheer for the Vikings..
Like I said, next year my 2 year contract is up so they better watch out as I'm coming for it all.
Posted this earlier in the Shark Pool thread.
When I called last year I had a few weeks left on my contract and received the following deal:
Final deal: $100 off regular Sunday Ticket, $30 off monthly bill for 12 months, Showtime free for 1 year. Didn't require any extension on my contract.
Last night I made my annual call, was put on hold for 20 - 25 minutes. First rep I talked to was an idiot, actually downgraded my service even though he never asked if that was what I wanted. I told him that my current bill was about $130/mth. and that with my monthly installment of $38 for Sunday Ticket plus $30 in monthly credits that were about to expire I was looking at a monthly cost of around $200, which I couldn't afford. Right away he started talking about cutting down from the Choice Extra package, removing ST, etc. I told him I wasn't interested in reducing service and that I was looking for some way to save money on the services I already receive. He said he could give me our HBO/Cinemax/Sports Package for free for 6 months. I told him if that was the only way he could save me money I'd be better off canceling service and going to Verizon FIOS TV since we already have Verizon internet. Then I asked if I could speak to someone who could offer a better deal and he said that was the best that they could offer. I repeated that the offer wasn't good enough and he finally offered to connect me to customer retention.
I get a customer retention rep and the 1st thing she asks is if I had authorized anyone to reduce my level of service since it had been downgraded from Choice Extra. I told her no, I was discussing options with a previous rep but had never authorized any changes, so she reset everything back to normal. Then she asks if I plan to renew Sunday Ticket and I tell her only if I can get a bargain because our bill is about to go up by almost $70/mth. She asks a few questions about why we watch the Ticket, what is the best feature of the Ticket, etc. After our chat, she offers ST + Redzone channel for free if I agree to a new 1 year contract, plus $40 off the monthly bill for 6 months, then $20 off the monthly bill for months 7 - 15. Also suggests that if I call back when credits expire in 6 months I can probably get some more credits tacked on. I ask about extending free Showtime and she says we can't do anything about that until the previous Showtime offer ends on Aug. 2nd.
Looks like I'll be making another call in about a week and then again in 6 months.
When I called last year I had a few weeks left on my contract and received the following deal:
Final deal: $100 off regular Sunday Ticket, $30 off monthly bill for 12 months, Showtime free for 1 year. Didn't require any extension on my contract.
Last night I made my annual call, was put on hold for 20 - 25 minutes. First rep I talked to was an idiot, actually downgraded my service even though he never asked if that was what I wanted. I told him that my current bill was about $130/mth. and that with my monthly installment of $38 for Sunday Ticket plus $30 in monthly credits that were about to expire I was looking at a monthly cost of around $200, which I couldn't afford. Right away he started talking about cutting down from the Choice Extra package, removing ST, etc. I told him I wasn't interested in reducing service and that I was looking for some way to save money on the services I already receive. He said he could give me our HBO/Cinemax/Sports Package for free for 6 months. I told him if that was the only way he could save me money I'd be better off canceling service and going to Verizon FIOS TV since we already have Verizon internet. Then I asked if I could speak to someone who could offer a better deal and he said that was the best that they could offer. I repeated that the offer wasn't good enough and he finally offered to connect me to customer retention.
I get a customer retention rep and the 1st thing she asks is if I had authorized anyone to reduce my level of service since it had been downgraded from Choice Extra. I told her no, I was discussing options with a previous rep but had never authorized any changes, so she reset everything back to normal. Then she asks if I plan to renew Sunday Ticket and I tell her only if I can get a bargain because our bill is about to go up by almost $70/mth. She asks a few questions about why we watch the Ticket, what is the best feature of the Ticket, etc. After our chat, she offers ST + Redzone channel for free if I agree to a new 1 year contract, plus $40 off the monthly bill for 6 months, then $20 off the monthly bill for months 7 - 15. Also suggests that if I call back when credits expire in 6 months I can probably get some more credits tacked on. I ask about extending free Showtime and she says we can't do anything about that until the previous Showtime offer ends on Aug. 2nd.
Looks like I'll be making another call in about a week and then again in 6 months.
Master of Past and Present
Footballguy
Anyone know the answer to this?
Right now we have a game room upstairs that I play video games in or we watch movies. We have never hooked up cable up there because that would require running a cord up the stairs or drilling through the floor which we are not interested in. Does a genie solve this?
GoFishTN
Footballguy
Called back and was able to get:
$15 x 12
$5 x 3
$10 x 6
$40 x 1
Free Redzone
Not the best haul, but I'll take it.
Wingnut
Footballguy
Just recalled. The first CSR transferred me to a nice gal at customer retention, I sparked up some small talk, told her the wife wants to cancel because the bill is too high (I mentioned Netflux, Hulu, etc)...told her I like DTV but the wife is the boss...she laughs and says.'youre a good man'. I tell her if we can get the cost down a bit I could probably talk the wife into keeping DTV...more small talk and I find out she's from the same area I'm from in CA...small world. She offers $30 off my bill for 12 months and I say that's great but I'm not sure if that'll do it. She asks if I'm a football fan.....Here we go. I say yes and she says she can give me the Sunday Ticket for free this year if I sign a one year agreement. I ask if that includes RZ...she says no and asks if I like RZ. I tell her its the best for us fantasy footballers and go on about it for a minute and say Id really love to have it. She says it usually comes with ST Max...I tell her I don't care about Max, and she says well I can go ahead and include RZ for free. I tell her I'm taking the deal and will probably have to cook dinner for the wife for a week to get her to be okay with the deal. She laughs again and says 'you know what they say...happy wife, happy life'...I chuckle and thank her. Done deal.
Entire call took maybe 10 minutes. I probably could have got more, but I'm happy with my winnings.
Had to renew for a year
$30/month discount for 12 months
Free Sunday ticket and Red Zone
Oh, Im not married and don't play fantasy football.
Entire call took maybe 10 minutes. I probably could have got more, but I'm happy with my winnings.
Had to renew for a year
$30/month discount for 12 months
Free Sunday ticket and Red Zone
Oh, Im not married and don't play fantasy football.
southeastjerome
Footballguy
I'd be stunned if they didn't offer you something. Don't always accept the first offer either. Just say you need to discuss with your wife and call back. I usually call 3-4 times, each time you get a better offer. If you are looking for something particular, ask for it.
Just joined DTV last year so still have a year of my contract left.
Got the first "Renewal" notice for the Ticket and the wife started a little
Told her not to worry, I'd call today to cancel.. Maybe with any luck I'll get something for nothing
Abraham
Footballguy
So, things keep getting better. My new receivers got mailed out. When I had the call on Thursday she told me she meant to schedule a tech but accidentally mailed them and installation would be easy. Of course it didn't work that way. I spent 45 minutes on the phone with the Indian fall center before he decided he didn't know what was wrong and would need to charge me $50 for a tech visit. I ask for retentions.
Long story short, tech visit next week will be free. Upgraded my ticket to the Max. And added another $120 in credits.
So all told I got new hardware, free ticket max, 35 off each month for 15 months, plus 360 in credits.
Long story short, tech visit next week will be free. Upgraded my ticket to the Max. And added another $120 in credits.
So all told I got new hardware, free ticket max, 35 off each month for 15 months, plus 360 in credits.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
What was tricky about the install (Genie?).
From reading it looks like it requires a SWIM interface but I don't have that. I am unsure if that needs to be added way up at the lnb are can be changed inside the house where the wires come in.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
What does this require equipment-wise? Do you have to pair each of your pre-existing DVRs with a mini-Genie?
Pick
Footballguy
Will try to negotiate a new box tomorrow. Have 3 in the house but one of them is our original and is 7-10 years old I think. Been causing some recording probs lately I think. Anyway, equipment is the only thing I ever negotiate for. We don't get any of the other stuff. We'll see.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok I just got my bill today and officially the last credit I had ran out so I am strapping on the big boy jeans and will call tomorrow and channel my inner Eddie Haskel.
I am hoping for a genie (assuming they say my old wiring is easily upgradable to support SWIM) and maybe $25-30 off a month. Wish me luck!
I am hoping for a genie (assuming they say my old wiring is easily upgradable to support SWIM) and maybe $25-30 off a month. Wish me luck!
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Super Nintendo Chalmers
Footballguy
Took about 5 minutes on Saturday:
$160 account credit applied to coming months bill.
$80 for next 6 months
$45 for the following 9 months
Free Sunday ticket and Redzone
Just got free Genie upgrade in January when I moved and am on a 2 year contract from that date. Told me to call back in a year and they would do pretty much the same again at that time.
$160 account credit applied to coming months bill.
$80 for next 6 months
$45 for the following 9 months
Free Sunday ticket and Redzone
Just got free Genie upgrade in January when I moved and am on a 2 year contract from that date. Told me to call back in a year and they would do pretty much the same again at that time.
Flash
Footballguy
1- Yes it has a wifi box that's hooked up to the Genie and runs off your router. There is a cable that runs from your dish to your Genie.
2- I believe they see each other thru the wifi connection.
3- Not that I'm aware of.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Thank you for the answers.
Do you need to purchase the wifi box separately or does it come with the genie?
Do you know what is involved in upgrading the older cables to support SWIM that Genie requires?
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
Direct tv blows
VA703
Footballguy
i do the same.. only problem is i only find a few movies that i actually want to watch and theyre all on repeat for the whole week so if im lucky ill get maybe 4 movies i am interested inI do this on free preview weekends.I love the free movie channels.. Be it for 3 months or a weekend My DVR gets a work out during that period.. I just go to directTV's TV Guide on the web, look over the schedule and record any all movies I had considered adding to my DVD collection or planned on renting.
Easiest way to save
AUG 9-11 = Free Cinemax Preview on DirecTV
With Genie and two DVRs you can store like 20-30 movies, recording 6-7 at once.
thats the major reason i wont pay for movie channels.. same thing on repeat
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Got $30 off a month for 12 months
Free genie upgrade and install.
Free genie upgrade and install.
=Smackdown=
Footballguy
Just made the annual call - been a customer since 2006
FREE Sunday Ticket MAX ($299)
$10.00 off HBO for the next year
$10.00 off HD for the next 2 years.
Bill going forward will be around $100 per month - I can live with that,
FREE Sunday Ticket MAX ($299)
$10.00 off HBO for the next year
$10.00 off HD for the next 2 years.
Bill going forward will be around $100 per month - I can live with that,
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
1. The main genie box is wired like any box and the small agent boxes are wired as well, but to talk to each other they are wifi connected. I had them give me a free wireless kit to make the whole system wireless.
2. Yes.
3. No - or at least they told me no. We kept one of the old boxes when we got the upgrade so that we didn't lose anything. And we were lucky, we were told, because the box we kept was the most advanced one that wasn't part of the new genie systems and it was the only one that was compatible with the genie system.
The genie boxes I have need wires to be connected to the signal coming into the house - but to talk to each other they use the wifi system. So, yeah you'd have to drill a hole - unles they have changed that already.
Brony
Footballguy
I just had the DirecTV guy at my house to install the Genie system. Our bedroom has the mini-Genie which looks at the DVR in our family room for recorded shows. Anyway, installs as of today need the wire at the Mini-Genie in order to get programming. Our install guy said that the mini-Genie used to be wireless, they were having some problems so they now insist on wired installs, but he said that the wireless 2.0 is just about ready and should be good in a month or two. I'd try back at that time.
To get the Genie going in our house, they had to put in a new box in on our dish and replace the boxes in our family room and bedroom. The Genie only has component and HDMI outputs so we have to replace the behemoth TV in our bedroom. Aw shucks.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Yeah we needed a new dish for the new HD signal that it has, but it was all free so I didn't care. I actually had a problem with it after it was installed because somehow DTV turned off my whole home system. After figuring out it was them and being on the phone for two days - and me being livid - I got a ton of free stuff on top of the genie system. Not ST though, I never asked for it. Don't get me wrong - I'd love to have it, but with the kids, work and church, I never get to sit still on Sunday's anyway. The only game I get to watch is Monday Night football. Most times I catch the reply on NFLN.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Thanks for the Genie info. I hope my install goes ok on Sunday.
I am just setting up the Genie as a stand alone dvr but I am hoping the wiring can be setup so that I can replace an old DVR in another room later by just simple plug and play.
I am just setting up the Genie as a stand alone dvr but I am hoping the wiring can be setup so that I can replace an old DVR in another room later by just simple plug and play.
mquinnjr
Footballguy
Sorry, but I had to post this here.
http://www.directv.com/premiums/dogtv?om_rid=ADg9XB&om_mid=_BR$uTuB80Qff$6&om_u=ADg9XB&om_i=_BR$uTuB80Qff$6&cmp=emc-rescus-cus-self-en-dashboardactive
I'm not sure if it's more ridiculous that 1) there's a dedicated channel with 24/7 programming geared towards dogs; 2) that it's a Premium that costs $4.99/month; 3) Not even broadcast in HD.
Pretty sure if you asked for this as a throw-in, you could get a concession.
Free preview through 8/14!!!
Wingnut
Footballguy
DTV is running "Worlds most powerful fan" commercials advertising free 2013 Sunday Ticket for all. TV screenshot:
http://imageshack.us/a/img209/6379/6gwa.jpg
So if you've called and they didn't give it to you, they must not like you
ETA: whoops....new customer deal. Still, use it as leverage if you already have DTV.
http://imageshack.us/a/img209/6379/6gwa.jpg
So if you've called and they didn't give it to you, they must not like you
ETA: whoops....new customer deal. Still, use it as leverage if you already have DTV.
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They got killed in earnings today. Looks like a 2 year extension tho.DTV is running "Worlds most powerful fan" commercials advertising free 2013 Sunday Ticket for all. TV screenshot:http://imageshack.us/a/img209/6379/6gwa.jpg
So if you've called and they didn't give it to you, they must not like you
Wingnut
Footballguy
Yup, new customer deal...damn fine print. They made it seem like anyone could call and get it.They got killed in earnings today. Looks like a 2 year extension tho.DTV is running "Worlds most powerful fan" commercials advertising free 2013 Sunday Ticket for all. TV screenshot:http://imageshack.us/a/img209/6379/6gwa.jpg
So if you've called and they didn't give it to you, they must not like you
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
Signal kept freezing when we had bad storms...dropped direct tv once and for all...verizon is much better ...direct tv`s version of in demand was horrible...never will i go back to them soooo not worth the aggravation 
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McGarnicle
Footballguy
Finally got up the gumption to call them back...I just noticed that when the tech moved my dish (tree was starting to block it), he left the old mounting hardware. Not a huge deal, but kind of an eyesore if you happen to look up at the roof and see this random post sticking up. So knowing I could possibly chisel them out of more free stuff, I called. First lady (kind of a rude Laquisha type) said it's not their responsibility to remove the hardware. I asked to speak with a manager. Jennifer gets on, very nice, cute sounding, and I'm nice as pie and explain it all again. She reiterates that they can't remove the hardware, it's not their responsibility, there is liability involved, etc. So I just flat out ask what she can offer me since I'm not satisfied. She looks at my package (hahahahaha!!!) and says she can take off $25 a month for 6 months for a total of $150. So in effect that cancels out the $147 for ST Max which is what I really wanted.
So to summarize:
Free Genie to replace a standard box
$45 off per month for one year ($540 in savings)
Sunday ticket Max half price -- $147 spread over 4 payments
$25 off per month for 6 months ($150 in savings)
So my bill with 2 DVRs plus a Genie, ST Max and every premium channel they offer will be $145 for 4 months, $108 for two months after that, then $133 for 6 months. Before I called the first time, my bill was $178.
And she said I should call back in March to ask for additional savings when this latest deal expires.
So to summarize:
Free Genie to replace a standard box
$45 off per month for one year ($540 in savings)
Sunday ticket Max half price -- $147 spread over 4 payments
$25 off per month for 6 months ($150 in savings)
So my bill with 2 DVRs plus a Genie, ST Max and every premium channel they offer will be $145 for 4 months, $108 for two months after that, then $133 for 6 months. Before I called the first time, my bill was $178.
And she said I should call back in March to ask for additional savings when this latest deal expires.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
My genie and mini genie upgrades were installed yesterday. The guy did fantastic work and wow is the SWIM so much easier to install than the old days.
Everything is up and running well.
The only problem I have is that my ipad can't see the Genie. They told me to wait 24 hours to let everything percolate back to their systems but I have a feeling I may have an issue in my local network. I will give them one call back though in case some can help debug more than the normal basics.
Everything is up and running well.
The only problem I have is that my ipad can't see the Genie. They told me to wait 24 hours to let everything percolate back to their systems but I have a feeling I may have an issue in my local network. I will give them one call back though in case some can help debug more than the normal basics.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
I either sounded like I was my request to cancel was non-negotiable or my bluff was too easy to call. After I passed on a free Genie, she started asking me about cancellation dates. She wanted to state for the record that she offered a free Genie and free cinema connection kit and I said, "wait wait what's this about a cinema connection kit?"
I also was able to get her to take 25 off a month for 12 months.
I also was able to get her to take 25 off a month for 12 months.
Ray Karpis
Footballguy
Pick
Footballguy
Tangent: Got a new box and the whole-home sharing of lists didn't work for that specific box. Works on the other two (your favs can be accessed at any receiver). So I call and we work on it for 30 minutes no dice. They say they'll call back. In the meantime I realize I could've just set the lists up again in less time. 
McGarnicle
Footballguy
They sent me a bill for $375. Charged $200 for my free Genie. 
This should be interesting.
This should be interesting.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Looks like the problem is with my router.
For those of you that control your genie with your ipad, can you tell me what router you have and if you had to make any setting changes in it?
lumpy19
Footballguy
I don't have the genie setup but I have whole home setup and can control all my DTV boxes with the DTV app. Is that what you're doing or something else?
Hawks64
Footballguy
I wound up getting the following, have been with DTV for 10 years and had free ST last year with a new 2yr contract.
10 off my bill for 2 years
10 off my bill for 1 year
100 Visa gift card
Free Genie, mini Genie and Genie Go (this is used to stream your DVR content to iPad/iPhone/Android)
Half off ST Max.
Not the best but am happy with it. I likely could have gotten free ST Max if I didn't opt for the Genie Go since cost was about the same but the Genie Go is something the wife wants so she can watch her crap while at the gym, kids swim/gymnastics practice, etc.
10 off my bill for 2 years
10 off my bill for 1 year
100 Visa gift card
Free Genie, mini Genie and Genie Go (this is used to stream your DVR content to iPad/iPhone/Android)
Half off ST Max.
Not the best but am happy with it. I likely could have gotten free ST Max if I didn't opt for the Genie Go since cost was about the same but the Genie Go is something the wife wants so she can watch her crap while at the gym, kids swim/gymnastics practice, etc.
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Yeah I checked last night and they haven't reduced my bill either. I'll be giving them a call again this week.They sent me a bill for $375. Charged $200 for my free Genie.
This should be interesting.
Brony
Footballguy
Just got the genie installed last week and works great with ipad. I have Medialink N router (the one with all the good reviews on Amazon). Didn't have to change a thing. They also told me to wait 24 hours when I first got it installed. The first couple of days were hit and miss for remote recording from the iPad on my family room Genie, but now it's pretty rock solid.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Ok cool, thanks for the info.Brony said:
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Yes that is what I am trying to do.lumpy19 said:
Before the genie upgrade I was able to use the app to control my receivers but after the upgrade, the app does not see any receivers in the system.
In googling online this seems to be a common issue with some routers.
DirectTV wants me to open port 1701 using L2TP, but as far as I can tell going through my router advanced config, it does not have a L2TP option.
