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Can you negotiate with DirecTV? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter oukurt
- Start date
ACG2x
Footballguy
Nicely done! It's the only way to do it. The people in Loyalty don't have access to those kinds of offers while your account is in an active status. Disconnecting is literally the only way to do it. I learned this after years of haggle and hassle.
It's usually as simple as cancel --> wait 24-48 hours --> call Winback and ask what they can do for you.
You have to cancel though. Doesn't work any other way. The other teams do not even have access to the free ST offers.
sho nuff
Footballguy
I have gotten nearly identical offers almost every years without having to disconnect. The only thing I don't get every time is the gift card.
Titans_fan
Footballguy
Same. If they can keep my bill where it's at year after year with the same (or slightly better) discounts, I'm not worried about having to deal with cancellations and re-hookups.
parrot
Footballguy
Have you called this year sho? Every year this thread makes me nervous I'm finally going to have to do the whole disconnect dance, but it hasn't happened yet.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Yes...posted earlier.
ST Max free, $20 per month off on my internet, I think it was $55 off on my choice package. Already have ATT max free because of having internet with ATT.
ACG2x
Footballguy
I know they told me once that if you have multiple services with them, you get better offers pre-cancellation. I talked with someone in Office of President of AT&T before and she mentioned that. We have an amazing deal for commercial grade internet which is needed for my wife and I to WFH through Comcast and my company pays for my cell so I can't really take advantage of that.
I don't mind playing the disconnect game. It's actually become pretty easy and in the summer we don't use DTV much at all. I have MLB.TV for baseball and streaming for most else. Account just got disconnected again yesterday. Tomorrow will be 48 hours so I'll call Winback and I'm sure get the "usual" of X% off for 12 months (usually $55), ST Max, movie channels for 3 mo. & $100 GC.
sho nuff
Footballguy
Yeah, there are times Id like to diversify a bit off of their services...especially lately with our cell phone service getting worse and worse with ATT. But the deep discounts have helped. Once we are done paying for my son's phone we may move on from their wireless.
The lack of diverse services hit a bit around Christmas when the bombing in Nashville affected the ATT services. No internet, no cell services for a few days. Obviously a small thing compared to the devastation of the bombing.
I moved and finally cut the cord with Directv after close to 20 years of being a customer. I signed up for AT&T internet tv, which I guess what AT&T's U-verse tv became. I always knew that AT&T and Directv either had some relationship or owned by the same company but didn't quite understand it.
Lo and behold, AT&T tv this past week became Directv Stream. I always hated calling Directv before football season, but this time I actually called because I honestly just wanted to know if I could get the Sunday Ticket. Apparently with Directv Stream, the answer is no. Which is ludicrous since aren't they the same company? Rules of the contract with the NFL apparently say that Directv can only provide customers with satellites the service.
How can this be? While chatting with the representative, I was poking around on their website, and there apparently is a standalone Sunday Ticket app. Why didn't the guy tell me this without me having to ask him? No clue. It's only available to customers who aren't able to get a satellite signal at their house, "select metropolitan cities", etc. Luckily when I put in my address, it says I'm eligible. So I'm imagining it's just like pulling up Netflix or the MLB app on my tv and I'd be able to watch there instead of just on a phone or tablet (which I think was how this standalone app worked in the past). Hopefully I'm understanding it right.
The cost is the same as I recall...$293 for regular Sunday ticket, $395 for Max. I think before in recent years you needed the Max if you wanted to watch on your phone? And that Max included Red Zone? Seems like the only difference now between Max and regular is the Red Zone and some Fantasy channel.
So here I am actually happy to just have the opportunity to pay $293 to be able to get the games. How crazy. I know there's some student discount for $80 or something, but I am well past college age so I won't qualify.
The guy threw in $30 off a month for my Directv stream for a year, so I suppose that pays for the service right there. Anyone else with experience negotiating with AT&T tv / Directv Stream?
Lo and behold, AT&T tv this past week became Directv Stream. I always hated calling Directv before football season, but this time I actually called because I honestly just wanted to know if I could get the Sunday Ticket. Apparently with Directv Stream, the answer is no. Which is ludicrous since aren't they the same company? Rules of the contract with the NFL apparently say that Directv can only provide customers with satellites the service.
How can this be? While chatting with the representative, I was poking around on their website, and there apparently is a standalone Sunday Ticket app. Why didn't the guy tell me this without me having to ask him? No clue. It's only available to customers who aren't able to get a satellite signal at their house, "select metropolitan cities", etc. Luckily when I put in my address, it says I'm eligible. So I'm imagining it's just like pulling up Netflix or the MLB app on my tv and I'd be able to watch there instead of just on a phone or tablet (which I think was how this standalone app worked in the past). Hopefully I'm understanding it right.
The cost is the same as I recall...$293 for regular Sunday ticket, $395 for Max. I think before in recent years you needed the Max if you wanted to watch on your phone? And that Max included Red Zone? Seems like the only difference now between Max and regular is the Red Zone and some Fantasy channel.
So here I am actually happy to just have the opportunity to pay $293 to be able to get the games. How crazy. I know there's some student discount for $80 or something, but I am well past college age so I won't qualify.
The guy threw in $30 off a month for my Directv stream for a year, so I suppose that pays for the service right there. Anyone else with experience negotiating with AT&T tv / Directv Stream?
Sunday Gravy
Footballguy
When is the Direct TV-NFL contract up?
Will be a great day when a streaming service hooks up with the league and gives more choices. Full blown package, just RZ, single team package…
Will be a great day when a streaming service hooks up with the league and gives more choices. Full blown package, just RZ, single team package…
Titans_fan
Footballguy
My guess, and it is strictly a guess, is their licensing deal with the NFL is about to expire and they want to show the NFL how many of their subscribers are utilizing it so they can keep it.
skol asylum
Footballguy
Nah, they are done after next year. It's a huge loser for them. A sunk cost at this point but if it helps keep customers...
Imagine people forcing you to ride to work in a horse and buggy. Because something or other monopoly contract.
No way, stick it to the man:
nlfbite dot com All the streams that used to be on reddit. FREE
You can also VPN your IP outside North America where you will be able to purchase Gamepass directly from the NFL at a fraction of Directv's cost too if you want.
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Wow, I didn't know they were doing that for existing satellite customers. How awesome is that? I hated the yearly song and dance. I was often able to get it free or maybe one year I paid something like $75. But the yearly negotiating, culminating in my last year with them needing to actually disconnect service and go without service for a few days was frustrating...
Hmm. Never knew these existed, although I don't really like to delve too much in the dark interwebs nor am I savvy enough to VPN out. Interesting that when I try to go to the website here at work, that my employer's IT automatically blocks the site saying it is a cybersecurity threat. Any credence to that? Might just be worth buying the $300 app.
GoBears84
Footballguy
I also wonder if they have an algorithm of the long time ST subscribers who regularly call in. If they give me ST MAX for free and I don't call in to negotiate that amount, it's a win for them. They don't need to spend that money on customer service. Though we all know by how much their customer service sux that that they don't spend money on it...
If you are considering using the APP, also consider how you are going to watch it. Casting from your phone to your TV likely isn't going to give you the same 1080P or 4K picture you get through the dish.
LOL, I do recall one conversation with customer service that I think netted me over $1200 in value, when I calculated the Ticket, the $50-70 (or whatever it was) off my service for 12 months, the $200 ATT gift card, the free HBO for 3 months, etc. But it took ONE HOUR of smooth talking and playing the game. Mrs. greyhorse was not impressed. Sometimes you just can't win.
I wondered how a rep could spend one hour in his eight hour day with one customer just basically giving stuff away. Yes, it retained me, but they gave away to me more than I paid to them for service for the entire year.
My understanding of this Sunday Ticket app is that it will be a widget, just like I have with Netflix, Disney, Amazon, MLB, etc. through my Apple tv on my actual tv. Sure, I could probably watch on my phone as well, but I'd only do that if I was out of the house.
facook
Footballguy
Moved to DISH just over two years ago when Dtv finally became untenable. My 2 year contract ended 9/4. Called in yesterday, and after a 25 minute hold, in a 10 minute conversation I was able to negotiate my bill back down to within $4 of the introductory offer I'd have the last two years, despite a $10 increase on the regular price in that time. So I'm actually getting a better deal, guaranteed no increase for another 2 years. I don't need the whole Sunday Ticket, Redzone is enough for me, plus I get Pac12 network. I miss Directv not at all.
If you're savvy enough to download an app you're savvy enough to use a VPN. Download app, sign up for $2-$3/mo, and push a button. Once your app has you in Turkey, or Brazil, NFL.com will let you sign up for full Gamepass even with your real address and credit card in the US. I suspect they know about and allow this work around because they make money and it doesn't violate the contract they have with Directv. Think of it this way - you are a service member stationed in Turkey where you cannot get Directv, yet all your bills etc. still go to your home in the US.
If you're trying the FREE route with nflbite dot com it does not surprise me that work would block the site. You do have to be familiar with this type of streaming and how to avoid the "pop-ups" or you could accidentally download something on your computer that you don't want to. That is true.
fatness
Footballguy
greyhorse said:
I watched streamed NFL games for several years. I'm in part of MD where the local coverage is Ravens, yet I'm a Washington masochistic fan. It's the only way I could see their games until Directv decided to let me see them for free. No VPN, just my regular connection. The only downside was that streams sometimes would be taken offline and I'd have to find another one which was not difficult. If anyone gets in trouble over streaming games it's whomever is streaming them, not people watching them.
Agree. Best practice is to use VPN when streaming just in case, but, never really heard of anyone getting into trouble.
The VPN is required to purchase Gamepass directly from NFL.com. Unless you really do live outside of North America.
shadrap
Footballguy
I pay direct around $200 a month for everything they have. Because of this thread called in to see if I qualified for the free NFL max. About a 1/2 hour & they gave it to me. didn't haggle on anything else as I spend 6 months in ND & 6 months in AZ so constant suspend & reconnect..
anyway thanks people!
anyway thanks people!
PRAE
Footballguy
On my most recent electronic billing statement, under "what I need to know", it says "Enjoy 2021 NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX at no cost! It's our way of thanking you for being a loyal customer!".... Guess I just got lucky. In the past I had to go through the round and round, but I always ended up getting it for free.
parrot
Footballguy
skol asylum
Footballguy
Called and spoke to Jamal in the loyalty dept. No offers showing on my account. Should call back after my current offer expires on 18th then new stuff should be available. I said go ahead and cancel my service. So now I play the waiting game.
skol asylum
Footballguy
need2know
Footballguy
skol asylum
Footballguy
skol asylum
Footballguy
They wanted me to call after the 18th when my promo expires but I didn't want to pay for another full month at the jacked up price. Because they only disconnect at full months now I believe that's how it would have worked if I wanted to try the disconnect game. I assume mine should be shut off the night of the 18th since that's the last day of the billing cycle and when my promo ends.
skol asylum
Footballguy
Called Winback and spoke to Kimberly Grace who was very nice and got the following:
Extra Package for 3 TVs regular price $151.08 plus tax.
- 12 mo's at $54.01 discount
- Sunday Ticket Max free
- All movie channels free for 3 mos
- $100 gift card
Bill should be $99.07 a month, a few pennies more than last bill.
Tried to push for more discounts but all they could do. Said call loyalty after 1-2 bill cycles and ask and they can sometimes add more.
Asked for just HBO Max for a long period but they couldn't offer.
Works for me. Now just have to 1) make sure all channels activate properly and 2) account shows what was agreed to.
Extra Package for 3 TVs regular price $151.08 plus tax.
- 12 mo's at $54.01 discount
- Sunday Ticket Max free
- All movie channels free for 3 mos
- $100 gift card
Bill should be $99.07 a month, a few pennies more than last bill.
Tried to push for more discounts but all they could do. Said call loyalty after 1-2 bill cycles and ask and they can sometimes add more.
Asked for just HBO Max for a long period but they couldn't offer.
Works for me. Now just have to 1) make sure all channels activate properly and 2) account shows what was agreed to.
skol asylum
Footballguy
need2know
Footballguy
They wouldn't budge. I setup disconnect for a couple weeks from now. Don't owe them anything. Gonna get youtube tv and Redzone. Good riddance
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skol asylum
Footballguy
need2know
Footballguy
I'm sending their hardware back. I'm done.
15 years of free ticket and gift cards though. It was a good run
skol asylum
Footballguy
For those that are still with direcTV...do you get an autopay discount? I don't think I have for years but I've always been autopay. Think I need to call.and see what's up.
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skol asylum
Footballguy
FYI...turns out that you have to turn off and then turn back on your autopay status to.get the $5 a month discount, then adding back in your payment info. Chatted with customer service and told them I had been autopay for years but hadn't been getting the discount and that's what they advised I expressed frustration and they gave a one time.credir.of.$10. I grumbled a bit.more.that there really isn't clear instructions and I'm disappointed in the small one time adjustment. Also told them im sure many customers miss this. They gave me a $25 credit instead saying that's all they could do.
Looks like my bill was going to be $105 instead of $99 as quoted but adding autopay gets it back to $100.
TLEF316
Footballguy
Man, I dont know if i got an intern or something, but what a waste of time that first call was.
Currently paying about $160 for the Xtra package, HBO, showtime, cinemax and Starz and the regional sports package. 3 TV's (1 normal receiver and 2 wireless mini genies). $60 a month discount set to expire next week. So I'll be at freaking $220 once the discount goes away.
Took a look back at last year when I last called. They gave me the $60 a month discount, $15 a month for 3 months off the movie channels and free Sunday ticket.
First the guy tried to get me to drop down to a lower package (no-go due to a bunch of sports stuff) and then offered me a whopping $5 a month off HBO for 3 months. Wow....what an offer. No offer on Sunday ticket even though I brought it up like 4 times. So I just scheduled cancellation for November 1st.
I'll try calling back again next week to see if I can get someone with some actual authority, but if not....I'm gonna have to price out a move to Verizon Fios.
No wonder this company is just casually bleeding to death.
Currently paying about $160 for the Xtra package, HBO, showtime, cinemax and Starz and the regional sports package. 3 TV's (1 normal receiver and 2 wireless mini genies). $60 a month discount set to expire next week. So I'll be at freaking $220 once the discount goes away.
Took a look back at last year when I last called. They gave me the $60 a month discount, $15 a month for 3 months off the movie channels and free Sunday ticket.
First the guy tried to get me to drop down to a lower package (no-go due to a bunch of sports stuff) and then offered me a whopping $5 a month off HBO for 3 months. Wow....what an offer. No offer on Sunday ticket even though I brought it up like 4 times. So I just scheduled cancellation for November 1st.
I'll try calling back again next week to see if I can get someone with some actual authority, but if not....I'm gonna have to price out a move to Verizon Fios.
No wonder this company is just casually bleeding to death.
skol asylum
Footballguy
skol asylum
Footballguy
Seems like they aren't authorized to give any discounts until your current discounts drop off. They told me to call right after and there should be offers available. I didn't want a new month to start I'd be responsible for paying at full price so I did the disconnect/winback. As usual the best offers are given that way.
DA RAIDERS
Footballguy
ST was free last week. I got some mailer telling me it was going to free for me this year. We’ll see if it’s there this week. 
I did not call them this year.
I did not call them this year. I just got off a call with the reconnect department and for the first time in many years of being a customer they didn't offer me anything, not even a $1 off. So I think my current plan is to use a YTTV 2 week trial and then a Fubo 1 week trial to get me through the next 3 weeks and then switch over to Stream if reconnect won't offer me something.
It's possible that I have hit the end of the road with Directv after 20 plus years. I saw here that some people had luck reaching out through social media so I facebook messaged. I was told that my service had to be reactivated in order to see if there are any reconnect offers on my account. When I asked if that would put me on the hook for paying full price if there wasn't an offer for me to get they said yes. I told them to pound sand, why would I want to reactivate at full price without an offer in place.
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
sorry man - and I thought I was the DTV gimp.
this is ridiculous.
I didn't go any further than your last 2 posts but did you completely disconnect?
we had to do that in order to qualify for much of anything.
still haven't gotten my GC.
Yes I am disconnected. I called right after my disconnect so maybe I need to wait to see if offers go on my account after a few days. But in past years I called right after disconnect and I was back up and running.
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
OK thanks for that info. In past years I've reconnected right away. I think my last reconnect deal was still under Directv so maybe with ATT it's different? I 'll wait a few days to see what happens. I'm not sure where you posted your deal do you mind posting it again?
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