Monthly Service Plan-Worth the $6?

[AntiMoz]

In your opinion, is the $6 monthly service plan worth it? I just came off 9 months of service plan credits for the (15/0 plan) and want to know if I should continue paying or "self insure". Thanks!

 

[lsilvest]

IMHO No. Reasons. Paying $15 shipping to replace unit much cheaper. Little chance I would need a service call, even then cheaper than the $6 a month unless you have a lot of them (and I can call my contractor and get a better deal). I have had Dish for about 27 months and have saved $162 so far.

 

[dvrexpander]

No, its not worth it. If your a good customer, pay your bill on time and so on its likely you can argue a service call for free through loyalty or replace the receiver yourself if you have a failure.

 

[navychop]

I believe it is worth it. Peace of mind, clear conscience and lower or no fees when something DOES happen.

 

[gdarwin]

I'll back up navychop. Have had it from day one.

 

[isaacmorseMI]

I believe it is worth it. Peace of mind, clear conscience and lower or no fees when something DOES happen.

I agree it's worth it too. FREE shipping on replacement receivers and $15 service calls. With how often we have to get receivers replaced I think it is a good deal.

 

[Bobby]

I'd hold off until you need it. You can start it up on the same phone call as the service call.

 

[jpd31]

Does it cost anything to get a replacement receiver whether you are on a service plan or not?

 

[isaacmorseMI]

Does it cost anything to get a replacement receiver whether you are on a service plan or not?

You have to pay $15 shipping if you don't have the service plan. If you have the service plan shipping is FREE.

 

[Bob Haller]

I'd hold off until you need it. You can start it up on the same phone call as the service call.

Bingo your a WINNER!

It was worth it when the service plan was only 2 bucks a month, but not today..

 

[samalex]

As others mentioned I see it as a piece of mind. Plus we recently moved, and having it Dish came out and installed a new dish on the house and connected the receiver at no cost which was nice. Also we've had to get our 722 replaced twice in the three years we've had it, and they replaced it at no cost... even sent a tech to replace it for us.

On top of this we've had to have our dish realigned a couple of times in our old house since we were way up on a hill with LOTS of wind. Over time the wind would move it out of alignment and cause the signal to eventually drop off. Each time they came out and fixed it at no cost.

Sam

 

[TalonDancer]

We dropped the 'service plan' as soon as the intro offer expired. We've had two receiver's replaced since then (4 yr's).

Total out of pocket cost 2x$15 = $30 vs 4x12x$6 = $288.
IOW $288-30= $258 saved or $64/yr.

I might consider the Service Plan if I had a complicated Sat dish install and/or a bunch of receivers spread out all over the house. But with a single 622 and only one TV, $6/month is way over priced.

Talon Dancer

 

[cditty]

I say No. As another poster mentioned, if something expensive happens, you can add it. I was going to do the math, but since TalonDancer did it, just refer to the post above. He is correct.

 

[mnevar]

You have to pay $15 shipping if you don't have the service plan. If you have the service plan shipping is FREE.

I had a receiver replaced 3 weeks ago for a bad HDMI port and did not pay for shipping. I asked if there was any charges for the swap and was told no. I don't have the service plan.

 

[Jhon69]

Here's the deal.Do you feel more secure having it?.If you do then get it.If you like to argue that the service should be free with the CSRs then don't.I have it and I don't care what anyone else does that's their problem not mine.I sleep better knowing I'm protected,so I am happy it's worth $6. to me,and if someone else doesn't and their saving all this money?.Good for them.That's the last of my worries.

 

[AntiMoz]

Thanks folks....quite a diverse set of responses. My setup is not complex. My dishes are pole mounted in the ground and easily accessible. I think that I can handle any minor dish alignment problems. $15 bucks for shipping on replacement receivers is something I can handle on the off chance that my 722 or 222 fail. My installer gave me his private number and desires side service work. I think I have my answer! Thanks again.

 

[getstuff4less]

People have said to start it on the call. It was worth it when the cancellation was FREE. Now it's $25 so it may not be worth canceling immediately.

 

[sbsi]

No!!! Unless they help you rewire the entire house again.

 

[Young C]

I'll back up navychop. Have had it from day one.

Agreed. I've also had it since day one.

Problem is, when they told me the service call was $50+ (I think it was in the area of $75) I refused to pay the billionaire more money.
I said no thanks and just dealt with the crappy dishnetwork reception/problem I was having.

I think a service call should be $10.00 flat rate (anywhere in your city) if you're already paying $6.00/month for the protection plan.

Let's see, I've had E* for 4 years. 4 years x $6 a month? I deserve free service calls...

 

[grb]

Since my equipment is leased from Dish, I won't pay to replace defective equipment. I have never paid for any shipping and/or equipment or service to replace defective switches and I was going through a switch every 3 months for a year at one time. In fact, they gave me a credit for lost service time due to bad switches. If it became an issue I would probably cancel my subscription -- I think Dish should be responsible for the reliability of their own equipment. In the future, if they are willing to let me go as a subscriber rather than service their equipment, then so be it.