Directv NFL Ticket.... (2 Viewers)

[FavreCo]

It's amazing, this totally ####ed up business model helps out the economy by hiring a bunch of people it doesn't need if it was run correctly. Somehow it must actually make more money than if you rewarded the loyal customers with savings. By now anyone with the Sunday ticket already knows this scam. The Broncos Orange Mane has the exact same thread running there right now.

 

[bill bates hits hard]

Is the max worth it? I got $100 off regular Sunday Ticket but they won't budge on the max. I don't need the extra stuff like To Go but I do need the redzone. Excuse me if I'm dumb but doesn't the NFL network have their own Redzone on throughout the day Sunday's or is that directv that has the channel with the big eared fella all day? I don't remember who runs that. Isn't that the NFL Network? If so I don't need Directv Redzone. Help? Thanks.

 

[jsharlan]

Is the max worth it? I got $100 off regular Sunday Ticket but they won't budge on the max. I don't need the extra stuff like To Go but I do need the redzone. Excuse me if I'm dumb but doesn't the NFL network have their own Redzone on throughout the day Sunday's or is that directv that has the channel with the big eared fella all day? I don't remember who runs that. Isn't that the NFL Network? If so I don't need Directv Redzone. Help? Thanks.

There are two redzone channels, but directv will not give you the stand alone one.

 

[jsharlan]

You guys that are getting it for free or nearly free, just what are you saying? I have called in four times now and this is what I was told:1. Best we can do is $199 for the Max package2. We have no discounts for you at all3. We can give you $10 off for 6 months4. We have no discounts available.I have been a customer for 7 years and am not under contract. Are you guys offering up sexual favors?

Just called two more times:5. $10 off for a year =$1206. You should call back when your first ST payment shows up on your bill and then there will be discounts available

are you talking to "customer retention"? The regular people you get can't offer anything. You need to say cancel service and make sure you have a customer retention person on the phone with you.It also helps if you have some story about how Dish or Cable would be cheaper

I say "cancel service" to the automated system each time. How do I verify that I have a retention person?

 

[Nipsey]

Is the max worth it? I got $100 off regular Sunday Ticket but they won't budge on the max. I don't need the extra stuff like To Go but I do need the redzone. Excuse me if I'm dumb but doesn't the NFL network have their own Redzone on throughout the day Sunday's or is that directv that has the channel with the big eared fella all day? I don't remember who runs that. Isn't that the NFL Network? If so I don't need Directv Redzone. Help? Thanks.

There are two redzone channels, but directv will not give you the stand alone one.

Sure they will.

 

[bill bates hits hard]

Is the max worth it? I got $100 off regular Sunday Ticket but they won't budge on the max. I don't need the extra stuff like To Go but I do need the redzone. Excuse me if I'm dumb but doesn't the NFL network have their own Redzone on throughout the day Sunday's or is that directv that has the channel with the big eared fella all day? I don't remember who runs that. Isn't that the NFL Network? If so I don't need Directv Redzone. Help? Thanks.

There are two redzone channels, but directv will not give you the stand alone one.

Sure they will.

Are you saying that you could fight for one of the channels?is there a chance that I'll have NFL Networks that does the Red Zone or will they black it out?

 

[Nipsey]

Is the max worth it? I got $100 off regular Sunday Ticket but they won't budge on the max. I don't need the extra stuff like To Go but I do need the redzone. Excuse me if I'm dumb but doesn't the NFL network have their own Redzone on throughout the day Sunday's or is that directv that has the channel with the big eared fella all day? I don't remember who runs that. Isn't that the NFL Network? If so I don't need Directv Redzone. Help? Thanks.

There are two redzone channels, but directv will not give you the stand alone one.

Sure they will.

Are you saying that you could fight for one of the channels?is there a chance that I'll have NFL Networks that does the Red Zone or will they black it out?

I'm saying you can just get the red zone (channel 703) for free if you tell them you're leaving because you can get the red zone on dish for cheap. I don't know why you would though when you can get it all for free. The only problem with getting only the red zone is that when it's down to the last game in the late games, they cut off the red zone coverage and you can't see the finish.

 

[Eraser]

My experience with getting Cancellation Department:

When in the voice prompted part I said "cancel directv service"

Actual person answered and she asked purpose if call....I said "cancel directv service"

She replied and said she had to transfer me to that department......the 2nd live voice is the one that helped me out. Didn't even try to talk to the first one.

Please don't assume thst the first person you talk to us the one you want.

 

[Shane Falco]

You guys that are getting it for free or nearly free, just what are you saying? I have called in four times now and this is what I was told:1. Best we can do is $199 for the Max package2. We have no discounts for you at all3. We can give you $10 off for 6 months4. We have no discounts available.I have been a customer for 7 years and am not under contract. Are you guys offering up sexual favors?

Just called two more times:5. $10 off for a year =$1206. You should call back when your first ST payment shows up on your bill and then there will be discounts available

are you talking to "customer retention"? The regular people you get can't offer anything. You need to say cancel service and make sure you have a customer retention person on the phone with you.It also helps if you have some story about how Dish or Cable would be cheaper

I say "cancel service" to the automated system each time. How do I verify that I have a retention person?

My experience with getting Cancellation Department:When in the voice prompted part I said "cancel directv service"Actual person answered and she asked purpose if call....I said "cancel directv service"She replied and said she had to transfer me to that department......the 2nd live voice is the one that helped me out. Didn't even try to talk to the first one.Please don't assume thst the first person you talk to us the one you want.

what he said. And you can always ask them if they are in the ret. dept.Asking stuff is kind of a theme here....

 

[GDogg]

You guys that are getting it for free or nearly free, just what are you saying? I have called in four times now and this is what I was told:1. Best we can do is $199 for the Max package2. We have no discounts for you at all3. We can give you $10 off for 6 months4. We have no discounts available.I have been a customer for 7 years and am not under contract. Are you guys offering up sexual favors?

Just called two more times:5. $10 off for a year =$1206. You should call back when your first ST payment shows up on your bill and then there will be discounts available

are you talking to "customer retention"? The regular people you get can't offer anything. You need to say cancel service and make sure you have a customer retention person on the phone with you.It also helps if you have some story about how Dish or Cable would be cheaper

I haven't called yet this year, but my story always revolves around my cheap wife. They must think I'm miserable. I tell them how much I love DirecTV, ST, and all the movies and shows, but we are in a neighborhood that has FiOS and Dish as other options and those companies call us or come by daily and speak with my wife offering much better packages. Only once have I had the first person I spoke with not give me a great deal on the Ticket + a ton of discounts and free movie channels or free Ticket + a ton of discounts and free movie channels.

 

[dancingbones]

Just made my annual call, and I'm pretty sure this is the best result with the least BS that I've ever had.

Said "cancel service" at the initial prompt, and then "cancel service" at the 2nd prompt.

Got the guy on the phone & told him that I noticed my bill had been going up recently (previous credits had been expiring), and that I was looking for a way to get it back down & to also get the Sunday Ticket Max if the numbers worked. He asked what monthly number I was looking at getting to, & I said I'd like it in the low 70s/month (only 1 receiver, HD w/DVR, plus HBO).

He started asking me which channels I watched & started to go down the road of getting a lesser package to save $$. I told him although I basically only watched HBO, I still liked having the other channels available, and was more interested in getting to a lower number with credits, as they had been able to do for me in the past.

He said he'd check out what he could do, acknowledged my history with them since August of 2003 (almost 9 years), and my payment history (always pay on time, etc.), and said that they appreciate how I've been a loyal customer, and that he was able to offer me $20/mo for 12 mos off my existing package ($240), and ST for free ($199), with an agreement to stay with Direct TV for 1 year. I thanked him for that offer and explained that I actually needed the MAX package with the Red Zone & To Go option, since I often need to see games remotely & always stream the Red Zone while watching the Browns game.

He said I could add the MAX package for $100, in 4 payments of $25. I asked him if there was anything he could do to offset that charge with a 1 time credit, and he said that he couldn't do anything for that. I then noted that a $8/month credit for my DVR had recently dropped off, & asked if there was any way I could get that renewed for a year, and that if he could do that, it would seal the deal.

He checked it out, again acknowledged my 9 year history as a customer who paid on time & said he could get that credit reinstated for 1 year ($96).

I thanked him & said "let's get it set up then". I then asked him how long I was under contract for (until 7/10/13), and asked him how long I had been under contract for (7/19/13) - knowing already that I was under contract for about 1 year anyway.

So, net result =

no contract extension (since I was already under contract)

$240 off bill ($20/mo for 1 year)

$96 off bill ($8/mo for 1 year)

Free Sunday Ticket basic (not auto renew) ($199 value)

I pay $100 one time payment for MAX upgrade

Boils down to FREE Sunday Ticket MAX + $236 off my bill over the next year, or $535 value for a 20 minute call. I already have a $5 month credit for 24 months that runs through the duration of my contract, and I'm halfway through free showtime for 1 year - all of which remains intact.

Also, the only time I said I was going to cancel my service was at the 2 prompts - never mentioned Dish or cable or anything else, just asked for what I wanted.

A bit of a pain to have to make the call every year, but definitely worth the trouble.



Edit: after that 1 time charge, my bill will be about $70/mo for the remainder of contract, with all credits expiring on 7/28/13.

 

[thetaxman]

I am thinking that I will call Direct TV tonight; with their issues with Viacom custumers may have some extra leverage during this dispute. I could care less about the viacom channels.

 

[I was in the pool]

Last year and this year, my wife made the call to Directv. She is a master negotiator to get discounts and deal with customer service type issues. I admit that it is one of my big weaknesses, so here was her result this year:

I watch all the shortcuts during the week, so the $199 package is not an option for me.

Total time on the phone: 90 minutes or so between a few different people.

Premise/argument: My husband really likes football and we love Directv, but his friends have been talking that RZ channel is available elsewhere for a lot less and he is seriously considering changing to another provider to save money.

First offer: $5 off for 6 months.

Second offer: Free $199 package of ST

Third offer (accepted): $30 bill credit for 12 months. Essentially paying us money to get ST this year.

Big thanks to my wife and her skills in this area. I would have received little (if anything) or somehow actually canceled my service.

I love seeing this thread each summer as it is cheaper to keep the current customers for DTV than find/sign new ones (who are given ST for free anyway). Capitalism at work in my eyes.

My wife said she is available to negotiate on your behalf (need a female account member I assume) on a percentage of your savings if anyone out there is like me and this is not a strength of yours....

 

[Nipsey]

Last year and this year, my wife made the call to Directv. She is a master negotiator to get discounts and deal with customer service type issues. I admit that it is one of my big weaknesses, so here was her result this year:I watch all the shortcuts during the week, so the $199 package is not an option for me.Total time on the phone: 90 minutes or so between a few different people.Premise/argument: My husband really likes football and we love Directv, but his friends have been talking that RZ channel is available elsewhere for a lot less and he is seriously considering changing to another provider to save money.First offer: $5 off for 6 months.Second offer: Free $199 package of STThird offer (accepted): $30 bill credit for 12 months. Essentially paying us money to get ST this year. Big thanks to my wife and her skills in this area. I would have received little (if anything) or somehow actually canceled my service.I love seeing this thread each summer as it is cheaper to keep the current customers for DTV than find/sign new ones (who are given ST for free anyway). Capitalism at work in my eyes.My wife said she is available to negotiate on your behalf (need a female account member I assume) on a percentage of your savings if anyone out there is like me and this is not a strength of yours....

Callback and get a 4th offer. $30 off per month and free ST.

 

[I was in the pool]

Wow - really?

I am happy with our deal, but surprised you got all that. By free ST, you are referring to the $299 package, right?

 

[RalphMouth]

Just off the phone w/Jaleel (great guy)

He was the first rep I spoke with. I mentioned that all I want is the Red Zone Channel and that

if I have Dish I can get it for cheap. I then mentioned that my 3 year old daughter (true story)

was upset because no 'Dora The Explorer' this morning.

Jaleel thanked me for my 9 years of being a valued customer & gave me the Sunday Ticket and the Red Zone Channel for free

I didn't even have to extend our contract with them.

 

[[icon]]

Bam

Long ### wait 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.

MY ANGLE: "Perfect storm with the GF (who pays the bill)... we got double billed for a PPV.... Sunday Ticket hitting bill....and Viacom going out" GF is pissed and 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.

$650 Value for 30 minutes on hold (speakerphone while cooking dinner) and 7 minutes on the phone.

 

[Texasmouth]

You guys had better luck than me. All I got was Starz for free for 3 months. The lady said I already had too many discounts. I disagreed. She was the 2nd person I talked to.

 

[[icon]]

You guys had better luck than me. All I got was Starz for free for 3 months. The lady said I already had too many discounts. I disagreed. She was the 2nd person I talked to.

What discounts do you have? You're limited to something like 20-30% of your bill. Are you talking to retention? Doesn't sound like it. How long have you been with them? Are you ON TIME with your bill payment?

 

[jsharlan]

If you dont like your deal, keeping calling. On my 8th call, I hit the motherload.

1. $25 off for 12 months

2. $5 off for 3 months (viacom deal)

3. 50% off Sunday Ticket Max ($150)

4. Free Whole-Home DVR upgrade ($199)

5. Free HD reciever upgrade for kids room ($99)

6. waived installation fee for the service rep coming to install ($49)

If you are keeping score thats an $811 value. I did have to agree to a 24month contract.

The viacom dispute helped alot. I told them I was pissed my kids couldnt watch nickjr today, and that my internet provider which is cable is offering me a bundle deal that is cheaper than directv alone a month. I then mentioned that Charter is giving new customers a whole-home dvr system for free. It was awesome, I just kept asking for things, and he just kept giving them to me. I gotta hand it to directv, verizon always treated me like #### until I dumped them, directv at least tries to keep me every year.

 

[SammyJankis]

I might recommend that if you make the call you might wait until this Viacom situation is resolved. I made the call yesterday and it just seemed to complicate things. I got it done, but it took longer than I would have liked.

Background: Long time customer. We pay the bill on time. I call and complain every year and get free ticket. I actually called in April to complain about a mistake/runaround I had with DTV and they gave me $200 in credits then, so I figured they might be reluctant to give up the ST since I just got free goodies.

(I call, get voice prompt. Instead of going to the usual menu options, the computer voice says something like "if you're calling to complain about Viacom, please say "Yes", to which I reply "cancel service".)

Operator: How can I help you?

Me: I'm ready to cancel. Cable is much cheaper. I subscribed originally only for ST, now you've price me out. This Viacom deal is the last straw.

Operator: But sir, don't you know that we have other channels *like* Comedy Central and Nick?

Me: That's ridiculous. I want what I paid for. Regardless, I know you can't magically snap your finger and make those channels reappear. You can give me free Sunday Ticket to ease my pain.

Operator: Oh sir *I* can't do that, you'll have to talk to customer retention.

Me: What? I thought you were customer retention. Please transfer me.

(On hold for ten minutes)

Operator 2: Hello sir. How can I help you?

Me: (Repeats above)

Operator 2: But sir, did you know these channel disputes don't usually last long? You should write Viacom a letter. Also, I can point you to at a website with the latest news on the dispute.

Me: I don't care about any of that, I just want you to comp Sunday Ticket.

Operator 2: Oh, sir I can't do that. You want to talk to customer retention.

Me: What? I was told I was being trasferred to customer retention.

Operator 2: I'll transfer you now.

(On hold for almost 20 minutes.)

Operator 3: Hello sir. How can I help you?

Me: Before I say anything, I need to confirm you're the customer retention rep.

Operator 3: Yes, I am.

Me: Well, I'm unhappy with my service. I'd like free Sunday ticket.

Operator: Give me one second. OK, sure. You've got it, anything else?

So the point of the above, was that at least for me, this far and away the easiest negotiation I've had with them, but it took quite awhile to get connected to the correct person. I am guessing if you wait until the Viacom situation is resolved, your call may go a lot quicker.

 

[Banemorth]

Guys something a little different here...

Any tips for a NEW customer? How much should I push for? What should I get? Should I push for a 12 month contract over the 24? I'm on cable right now and will hopefully be buying my first home in the next few months and want to switch to D-TV.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Guys something a little different here...Any tips for a NEW customer? How much should I push for? What should I get? Should I push for a 12 month contract over the 24? I'm on cable right now and will hopefully be buying my first home in the next few months and want to switch to D-TV.

Comp your DVR fee and a monthly reduction. Don't bring up contract length and if they do, do not go over 12 months.

 

[Wingnut]

Guys something a little different here...Any tips for a NEW customer? How much should I push for? What should I get? Should I push for a 12 month contract over the 24? I'm on cable right now and will hopefully be buying my first home in the next few months and want to switch to D-TV.

They give new customers the world. Among other things youll get free HD equipment, free Sunday Ticket Max, free movie channels for up to a year, and courtesy BJs every Sunday during footballs offseason.Just tell them Cable is offering you a deal and ask what theyre willing to do to convince you to sign up.

 

[Texasmouth]

You guys had better luck than me. All I got was Starz for free for 3 months. The lady said I already had too many discounts. I disagreed. She was the 2nd person I talked to.

What discounts do you have? You're limited to something like 20-30% of your bill. Are you talking to retention? Doesn't sound like it. How long have you been with them? Are you ON TIME with your bill payment?

I have almost every discount everyone is talking about except the movie channels. Talked to retentionBeen with them for yearsBill is on auto pay

 

[RADCON]

I might recommend that if you make the call you might wait until this Viacom situation is resolved. I made the call yesterday and it just seemed to complicate things. I got it done, but it took longer than I would have liked.Background: Long time customer. We pay the bill on time. I call and complain every year and get free ticket. I actually called in April to complain about a mistake/runaround I had with DTV and they gave me $200 in credits then, so I figured they might be reluctant to give up the ST since I just got free goodies.(I call, get voice prompt. Instead of going to the usual menu options, the computer voice says something like "if you're calling to complain about Viacom, please say "Yes", to which I reply "cancel service".)Operator: How can I help you?Me: I'm ready to cancel. Cable is much cheaper. I subscribed originally only for ST, now you've price me out. This Viacom deal is the last straw.Operator: But sir, don't you know that we have other channels *like* Comedy Central and Nick?Me: That's ridiculous. I want what I paid for. Regardless, I know you can't magically snap your finger and make those channels reappear. You can give me free Sunday Ticket to ease my pain.Operator: Oh sir *I* can't do that, you'll have to talk to customer retention.Me: What? I thought you were customer retention. Please transfer me.(On hold for ten minutes)Operator 2: Hello sir. How can I help you?Me: (Repeats above)Operator 2: But sir, did you know these channel disputes don't usually last long? You should write Viacom a letter. Also, I can point you to at a website with the latest news on the dispute.Me: I don't care about any of that, I just want you to comp Sunday Ticket.Operator 2: Oh, sir I can't do that. You want to talk to customer retention.Me: What? I was told I was being trasferred to customer retention.Operator 2: I'll transfer you now.(On hold for almost 20 minutes.)Operator 3: Hello sir. How can I help you?Me: Before I say anything, I need to confirm you're the customer retention rep.Operator 3: Yes, I am.Me: Well, I'm unhappy with my service. I'd like free Sunday ticket.Operator: Give me one second. OK, sure. You've got it, anything else?So the point of the above, was that at least for me, this far and away the easiest negotiation I've had with them, but it took quite awhile to get connected to the correct person. I am guessing if you wait until the Viacom situation is resolved, your call may go a lot quicker.

Thanks! Did exactly what you stated. I got the ST for free and knocked off 10-bucks a month from my bill!

 

[th3f00l]

I had one year remaining on my contract.

Got $20/mo off my bill, Starz & Showtime free for 3 months, and sunday ticket. Stay on the line, and keep saying that you the offer isn't good enough. I got offered %50 off ST first, and it seemed like that was the final offer. It helped that I was actually serious about cancelling services. Also, if you send an email to the office of the president they will call you back. Just list the dissatisfaction you have with their services and that you are canceling, I got a call back within a few hours.

 

[[icon]]

You guys had better luck than me. All I got was Starz for free for 3 months. The lady said I already had too many discounts. I disagreed. She was the 2nd person I talked to.

What discounts do you have? You're limited to something like 20-30% of your bill. Are you talking to retention? Doesn't sound like it. How long have you been with them? Are you ON TIME with your bill payment?

I have almost every discount everyone is talking about except the movie channels. Talked to retentionBeen with them for yearsBill is on auto pay

Odd. If you already have a ton of discounts then yeah, they probably can't give you much more.

 

[meyerj31]

I had one year remaining on my contract.Got $20/mo off my bill, Starz & Showtime free for 3 months, and sunday ticket. Stay on the line, and keep saying that you the offer isn't good enough. I got offered %50 off ST first, and it seemed like that was the final offer. It helped that I was actually serious about cancelling services. Also, if you send an email to the office of the president they will call you back. Just list the dissatisfaction you have with their services and that you are canceling, I got a call back within a few hours.

Email of the office of the president?Also, did you have extend your contract longer than the current year?

 

[meyerj31]

Here's mine:

1) Currently have Choice ULTIMATE package (74.99 normal cost)

2) AT&T Bundle Discount ($10 discount)

3) HD Free HD Access w/Auto Bill Pay ($10 discount)

4) One-year left on contract.

Best offered deal:

1) Sunday Ticket MAX w/ redzone for $118 (normally $300)

2) Did not have to extend contract (up next July)

So I have a decent set-up already with a couple discounts. After back and forth with the guy he stalled on this as the best offer, and started on the process to cancel the account. I caved and told him to back up and give me the deal. It's basically $78 for the Ticket and $40 for the MAX upgrade.

Maybe I could have called back and gotten it totally free, but given that I already have some discounts and that I didn't have to extend my contract, I took the discounted price.

I'm OK with it. Really did not want to have to extend my contract.

 

[fatness]

Contact DIRECTV Office of the President

 

[thetaxman]

Just got done with my second call; complained about my kids not being able to watch Sponge Bob (I have no kids), and stated I had contacted DISH and they could provide service and the redzone channel stand alone. I had the prices from dish handy to demonstrate I was about to cancel and switch. I have only been with Direct TV one year. I was able to get the basic Sunday Ticket for $97.94 and the stand alone redzone channel for free, the only catch was I had to agree to make a single payment; he explained why but I didnt care one payment is better for me. I am pretty happy with this deal, I didn't have to extend my contract and got what I wanted for less then $100; I do not really care about the Short cuts or the online streaming of games. My contract is up next year, so I will have more leverage.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Just getting to retention dept is a giant pain in the ###

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I played the wife loves FIOS and they are offering me the redzone channel card. 15 minutes on the phone and got Sunday ticket with Redzone channel (but not the full max package) for $100. He also is taking off $10/month for 12 months so I'm saving $20 in total. Good enough for me.

 

[solorca]

Not sure how close what I got was to everyone else, but I got the following (I originally was paying $125 per month for everything DTV offers except Starz)...

$5 per month off HBO for six months

Free Showtime for a year

Free Starz for six months

$20 off per month for six months

$10 extra per month for three months

Redzone for free (this really was all that I wanted, since I just like to keep up with the 4:00 games after watching the Panthers games, usually at 1:00)

No contract renewel (currently out of contract, so when all this stuff falls off in six months, I can probably get some more discounts)

Total cost for the next six months - $58

Total cost from months 6-12 - $93 (still a $32 discount over what I was paying)

 

[scools12]

Went pain free for me. Called earlier and cancelled the Ticket and did't ask for anything. Called back about 5 days later and first person I talked told them I was going to switch to Dish. I have been a loyal Directv custonmer for many years and I was upset about the Viacom thing going on and new customers getting the Ticket free by going to Dish I could save $60 a month on my bill. Told customer service there must be something they can do at least about the NFL Ticket.

Was offered $20 off my bill a month for a year and free ST Ticket for this season. Had to agree to a 1 year contract.

 

[BlackHole]

Half off ST Max package ($149 saved)- note I have to have on the go ST for home games (Raider season tix holder)

$5 off per month for three months (no biggie, but already getting $30 in credits so not much room here)

Enc/STRZ/SHOW - Free for 6 months

 

[rail]

Finally got a deal done with the 3rd call. And this is with me having a year left on my contract:

ST MAX for free (At first they just offered ST, so I just asked for the max - her response, "If that's what it will take to keep you, we'll do it). Various discounts that will lower my bill about $15 / month for a year. No extension of my contract.

 

[notdarkyet]

I called under the Viacom premise. First two were offering pretty much nothing so I asked how much it was to get out of my contract (I am less than a year in.) Long hold for a retention person. Got $10/month for a year, free ticket and redzone, no extension on my contract. I figure next year my contract is actually up so that will be an easy one.

 

[th3f00l]

I had one year remaining on my contract.Got $20/mo off my bill, Starz & Showtime free for 3 months, and sunday ticket. Stay on the line, and keep saying that you the offer isn't good enough. I got offered %50 off ST first, and it seemed like that was the final offer. It helped that I was actually serious about cancelling services. Also, if you send an email to the office of the president they will call you back. Just list the dissatisfaction you have with their services and that you are canceling, I got a call back within a few hours.

Email of the office of the president?Also, did you have extend your contract longer than the current year?

No I didn't have to extend my contract. Sorry I didn't post sooner, I was camping this weekend. Here is the link to send an mail to the office of the president.http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageIF.jsp?assetId=P4580012#h:556.269

 

[Master of Past and Present]

Had a DVR box that was dying. This is like the 4th or 5th one that has died on us. Called to get a new box sent and then mentioned the wife is annoyed and with football coming up, it wasn't a great time for more money to be given to them. Without any hassle he gave it to me free after looking at what he could do. I didn't figure it was worth pushing further at this time for a better deal since I will be calling back once the NBA Season Pass information is out and I will barter for something on that (with the complaint that Comcast and Direct TV have never come to a deal on showing Blazer games here in Portland so we are shut out on direct tv.) Not sure how easy it would have been without the box dying but it chose a good time because he came straight out with it. I'm happy even if I could have squeezed more out right now.

 

[Kev4029]

Just getting to retention dept is a giant pain in the ###

You can get directly to retentions at 800-824-9081 and when it prompts you for a pin use 1945. Makes things a whole lot easier. I called yesterday and was on the phone for 13 minutes total and that included setting up an install for two new receivers which took easily half of those 13 minutes.

 

[Childress]

Just getting to retention dept is a giant pain in the ###

You can get directly to retentions at 800-824-9081 and when it prompts you for a pin use 1945. Makes things a whole lot easier. I called yesterday and was on the phone for 13 minutes total and that included setting up an install for two new receivers which took easily half of those 13 minutes.

Your PIN is expired, if you have another PM pretty please.

 

[Kev4029]

Just getting to retention dept is a giant pain in the ###

You can get directly to retentions at 800-824-9081 and when it prompts you for a pin use 1945. Makes things a whole lot easier. I called yesterday and was on the phone for 13 minutes total and that included setting up an install for two new receivers which took easily half of those 13 minutes.

Your PIN is expired, if you have another PM pretty please.

It worked yesterday for me.

Here is the slickdeals thread about basically what we are talking about.

 

[49er fan]

does Direct TV have DVR? or does that need to be purchased separately a la TIVO?

 

[ICLight]

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.

 

[Shane Falco]

does Direct TV have DVR? or does that need to be purchased separately a la TIVO?

yes and whole home DVR. I got that upgraded free when I called

 

[beavers]

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.

 

[cvnpoka]

had 2 yrs left on my contract. got 20 off per month for a year. free ticket max or watever. now is the time to pounce. proly coulda got moar but im lazy.

 

[Garrett]

Just made the annual call, I have 12 months left on my contract.

Sunday Ticket - Free

Redzone Channel - Free

HBO - Free 6 Months

24 Month $10 HD Credit

No contract extension.

Just be nice; if the deal isn't good enough, ask for what you want.