Is installation always this bad?

**boomer981** · 01-23-2009 04:45 PM

I have Dish. About a year ago, I decided to switch back to DirecTV (I had it years ago when they were still with Pegasus). The installer showed up, then said he couldn't do it that day. Since I had taken a day off for it, I just canceled.

So recently, we got a HDTV and I scheduled installation for today. I have received five confirming emails that they would be here between 12-4 today. At 4:00 today, I received a phone call that the installer doesn't have the equipment, so the installation would have to be rescheduled. I told her it would have to be on a Friday, so she scheduled it for 1/28. That's a Wednesday (which I didn't realize while I was on the phone with her).

I am NOT happy. This is twice that I have tried to go back to DirecTV. If they are this incapable in installing, what is their customer service like when they actually have you as a customer? And how the heck can a satellite company not have satellite dishes?

Sorry, I needed to vent...while I'm holding for a supervisor at DirecTV.

**billunc** · 01-23-2009 04:49 PM

Had my installation a couple weeks ago and have to say it wasn't the smoothest. Still having issues with my HD after a couple of trips out by the installer, not to mention the installer originally cut my telephone line when putting the pole in the ground, knocking out the phone service as well as the DSL. Had the phone service fixed the same day, still working on getting the dtv right.

**skyviewmark** · 01-23-2009 05:17 PM

Local Independent Retailer.. Same deals.. And all the ones I know show up when they say they are going to, and have whatever it takes to get the job done.. I keep seeing people talking about this over and over and It takes all I can do not to scream. We independents take pride in our work, most will go an extra mile to make sure you are happy, and when they are finished they make sure you know to call them if you have any problems. Once we are finished you are just as much a DirecTV customer as if you had called their 800 number.. But you are also our customer, and we want you happy and reccomending us to all your friends. So we take care of you.

**sammy4041** · 01-23-2009 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by skyviewmark

Local Independent Retailer.. Same deals.. And all the ones I know show up when they say they are going to, and have whatever it takes to get the job done.. I keep seeing people talking about this over and over and It takes all I can do not to scream. We independents take pride in our work, most will go an extra mile to make sure you are happy, and when they are finished they make sure you know to call them if you have any problems. Once we are finished you are just as much a DirecTV customer as if you had called their 800 number.. But you are also our customer, and we want you happy and reccomending us to all your friends. So we take care of you.

This would be great if they existed everywhere. I am looking at direct and have searched my area high and low for a independent local retailer. I found plenty for dish, but none for Direct, unless I am looking at the wrong spots. Try googling Eau Claire directv and there are plenty of things that pop up, but they all revert back to 1800 numbers.

**Vic_Mackey** · 01-23-2009 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by sammy4041

This would be great if they existed everywhere. I am looking at direct and have searched my area high and low for a independent local retailer. I found plenty for dish, but none for Direct, unless I am looking at the wrong spots. Try googling Eau Claire directv and there are plenty of things that pop up, but they all revert back to 1800 numbers.

Try this.

DIRECTV - Find a Retailer

**sammy4041** · 01-23-2009 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Vic_Mackey

Try this.

DIRECTV - Find a Retailer

Nothing doing, a couple of walmarts and best buy, I dont think they are considered independent in the same way the other poster is talking about.

There is a place that is over 30 miles away that offers wildblue, but nothing about directv.

**Zynergi** · 01-23-2009 09:20 PM

Well Boomer.. It seems you have had the cream of the crop show up. What I would do if you still want D* service is set your 3rd (and final make D* aware of this) appointment and have them note the work order to send a Senior Tech and Equipment. On the Day of your appointment call 1-800-531-5000 at 9am and ask for an ETA and an immediate tech call back. This will force D* (or the install company) to call the tech that has your job and give you some insight as to what is to come. Be nice to the Tech or you will have problems and just calmly/breifly explain your animosity... not much he can do CSR wise. When all is said and done call D* and explain again in frustration the problems you have had and ask what they can do for you. It is possible he didnt have the equipment, but he shouldn't of even started his day w/o it. Getting the info immediately in the day will help some.

**Joe Diamond** · 01-23-2009 09:46 PM

Originally Posted by sammy4041

This would be great if they existed everywhere. I am looking at direct and have searched my area high and low for a independent local retailer. I found plenty for dish, but none for Direct, unless I am looking at the wrong spots. Try googling Eau Claire directv and there are plenty of things that pop up, but they all revert back to 1800 numbers.

The people who could do your work won't work for the money offered.
Those who show up know what they are worth.
FREE is what it is.

Joe

**sammy4041** · 01-23-2009 10:08 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Diamond

The people who could do your work won't work for the money offered.
Those who show up know what they are worth.
FREE is what it is.

Joe

So where does that leave people. I am a person who is interested in the service as was Boomer. So you do your research, not really knowing who to trust. You have two choices. You can either go with the actual directv website and play your odds with the installer or you can find a independent retailer as I wrote above, I cannot find one of those.

I remember about 10 years ago I had my first ever satellite experience. I joined with Directv through blockbuster. I ordered it through them and the installers came out. Well I had nothing but problems. I called Blockbuster and they were quick to say that there hands were washed of the deal.

Look, I am starting to babble on now. I guess my point is, You know what, this shouldn't be so hard. A guy wants to do something that should be so simple, but yet there are 150 quirks to the whole process. For example make sure you get the right reciever, god forbid you get the buggy one, Make sure you get the one SWM and not the other one because it might catch a cold and decide not to provide you with the HD that you just spent 1500 bucks on a TV so you can watch them.

How is that for a soapbox.

Just my two cents

**sammy4041** · 01-23-2009 10:14 PM

By the way, I am sure that there are many of you that make directv shine. I just wish I could get lucky sometimes and find the good people out there.

Many thanks to the guys on this website that know what they are talking about.

I just like sharing the consumer side.