What are the chances I get screwed?

**smokey982** · 02-27-2010 01:00 PM

So long story short. I've got a bad input port on my DPP44 switch. I called Dish Tech support this morning to see what I could do. At first I got the standard reply, "we'll have to send out a tech". So I asked the technician (very nice and knowledgeable man from Colorado), if they could just send me a new DPP44 switch and I could do it myself, because after some trouble shooting we determined that a bad switch is the only thing it could be. He did some poking around on his computer and said that it would not be a problem. He gave me an RA number and asked that I return the defective switch when the new one came in.

But here's the troubling part. He said since I had the protection plan, he could do all this at NO CHARGE. Thing is, to my knowledge, I've never had the protection plan. I've never had it listed on any of my bills. And when I called Dish a few days ago about this same issue, they said it would cost me $95 to send out a tech (which I declined). So either Dish has added the plan to my account without my knowledge or approval. Or I still do not have the plan and they will send me a big fat bill for the new switch after this is all done. I just can't help feeling like I'm about to get screwed when dealing with Dish.

**boba** · 02-27-2010 02:00 PM

Join the rest of the long time subscribers, always waiting for the other glove to drop.

**fredp** · 02-27-2010 02:13 PM

Originally Posted by smokey982

But here's the troubling part. He said since I had the protection plan, he could do all this at NO CHARGE. Thing is, to my knowledge, I've never had the protection plan....

So did you check your account online to see if anything was in fact added or not? I would start there first.

**smokey982** · 02-27-2010 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by fredp

So did you check your account online to see if anything was in fact added or not? I would start there first.

Good idea.

I just checked online. in the bottom right side box it does say "Service Plan (15/25)". But when I look at my most recent statement it doesn't show anything about a service plan. So apparently it has recently been added. I'm just not sure why. I wonder what the 15/25 means?

**SandFarmer** · 02-27-2010 07:23 PM

I have had the Service Plan for years, it has saved me a ton of money, gotten me some really good deals and they look at you a little differently when you need service. I have been waiting for the "new" bill to hit and in looking around my account I see that I have on my service plan (15/0). I have read that would mean that a service call would cost $15 and to cancel a scheduled service call would cost $0. Whether or not that is true, like I said I read that was an explanation for that designation. In the past it was $29 for a service call that was often waived. So . . .

I would cross my fingers and toes if you do not have what "is" going to happen and what charges "might" be levied in writing. I have asked for things in writing before and the CSR said they had no way to get it to me, even though they have FAX machines on site. Then I demanded that the particulars be entered into my account and called back to make sure they were there while the original call was still fresh in the system. But that does not guarantee that the info will not disappear next week. Like all the info on my owned receivers. It has always been kind of a crap shoot with DISH to the point at times, even though I had the service plan, I would be scared to death that a big giant nasty ol' surprise was loaded in the back of the truck when the tech arrived.

Good Luck.

P.S.
The service plan saved me hundreds on remotes when the 6.3's were costing $50 retail and they were dying at an alarming rate. I have a box full of dead 6.3's and to add up the retail cost of them all, and having gotten two 21.0's (junk too) for free, the service plan has paid for itself many times over on that aspect alone.

**Laddyboy** · 02-27-2010 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by smokey982

Good idea.

I just checked online. in the bottom right side box it does say "Service Plan (15/25)". But when I look at my most recent statement it doesn't show anything about a service plan. So apparently it has recently been added. I'm just not sure why. I wonder what the 15/25 means?

$15 per service call, $25 to terminate probably, but who knows for sure.

**dishcomm** · 02-27-2010 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by Laddyboy

$15 per service call, $25 to terminate probably, but who knows for sure.

That is correct. $15 service fee. $25 to drop the service plan.

**TotalEclipse** · 03-01-2010 02:03 AM

Actually, you should probably call back and speak with an account specialist there. It sounds like you may have some Dish Home Protection Plan (DHPP) credits, which may be what the "15/25" is (15 credits used out of 25 total). Ask them to check over the notes on your account and see if they can dig up some info on it. A lot of times when a new customer account is created there are services added and disclosures read so quickly that some information isn't taken in; so there ends up being credits that you're receiving that give you special services or programming for a discount or even for free, and then when those credits run out and charges appear on your bill you're scratching your head as to where they came from. Or, like in your case, a special situation arises and you find you suddenly have something you weren't aware of. Also, some older accounts were set up with a special plan that gives you some services for free or discounted as long as you have at least one of your original receivers still active on your account. It could be worth looking into. It happens with a lot of big companies and corporations, unfortunately.

If you do have the DHPP, I would prooobably have recommended you take the technician appointment. If something should happen that you aren't able to install the DPP44 switch or something goes wrong, you may be charged a $99 Existing Customer service call fee to have a tech come out. Just for future reference. This is a pretty simple fix, though. Good luck, hope all goes well.