This appeared in the latest InstallationPro newsletter:
We’ve received a number of calls from our installation network asking about the expiration of Metron North America’s contract with DIRECTV and what it means for InstallationPro, LLC. We’d like to take a moment to directly address some of those questions.
Will InstallationPro still do DIRECTV installations? Yes. The expiration of the contract does not prohibit Metron from continuing its relationships with retailers in providing installation services through InstallationPro.
Will InstallationPro be able to do other types of DBS installations? The expiration of Metron’s contract means InstallationPro is no longer tied to any exclusive agreement with DIRECTV, opening up the market to other DBS opportunities. We are currently discussing these opportunities and will keep you posted.
Will the number of offered installations go down? As DIRECTV has taken more control of the entire business, everyone has seen a decline in installations. We have every reason to believe the business has stabilized. To make sure you are being offered every type of installation you are qualified for, we encourage you to update your information.
Does InstallationPro do DiRECWAY installations? Yes. InstallationPro will continue to do DiRECWAY installations. In fact, Metron recently signed an agreement that will increase the number of DiRECWAY installations for InstallationPro.
What other types of installations does InstallationPro perform? In addition to DBS, InstallationPro currently provides installation services for a variety of industries and applications. If you have experience in installations of Powerline communications (PLC), telephony, computers, home networking, home theater, or any similar industry, we’d love to hear from you. Contact your customer service representative or email InstallationPro.
Are you actively recruiting in any areas? Yes. Some of the areas for which we’re looking for additional coverage include CT, NE, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, UT, WA and TX. Again, we’re asking that all installers in all states update your files so we can document your experience and certifications.
How will payments to installers be affected? As long as installers fulfill the requirements under the terms and conditions, they will be paid as usual. We intend to maintain our excellent reputation as a company that is fair and pays on time.
I’ve heard rumors about installers not getting paid. Are the rumors true? All installers who deliver service in accordance with the terms and conditions are paid. The only installers awaiting payment are those who have not yet fulfilled the requirements under InstallationPro’s terms and conditions. Quality work is a requirement. We are committed to the InstallationPro network and the installation industry-- bad installers damage all of our reputations.
Is Metron going out of business? Absolutely not. Metron’s contract with DIRECTV involved only distribution of DIRECTV equipment. This simply means Metron will no longer sell DIRECTV dishes and receivers.
Did Metron do something wrong? No. DIRECTV has been actively shrinking its distributor base for some time now, taking on many distributor responsibilities in order to reduce costs. Many of you will remember the reduction to three distributors a year ago. The decision not to renew Metron’s contract was simply a part of this larger plan.
How does Metron view installers? Are they important? Metron is committed to providing fair and excellent service to both consumers and installers. Metron is targeting new clients that will fit well with the existing InstallationPro installer base in order to provide installers with more installation opportunities. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your contractor account representative.
Does the change affect Metron’s relationship with TiVo? DIRECTV and TiVo are completely separate companies. Metron’s relationship with TiVo will continue as usual.
What does Metron do? Metron North America, Ltd. is a business process outsourcing company. This means they provide contact center services, commercial and residential installations and field repair services, logistics services, product sales services, web development and marketing services to a variety of clients.
Which companies use Metron? Metron has an extensive client list that includes some of the biggest and most respected industry names around, including XM Satellite Radio, Polk Audio, Westinghouse Digital, Wireless Extenders, TiVo and more. Metron also services a long list of retailers.
I’m a retailer/installer. Will I still be able to purchase products from Metron? Yes. The only products Metron will not carry are DIRECTV IRDs. Metron will continue to distribute a wide variety of products from DVRs to flat-panel televisions to antenna systems and more. New products are added all the time. To be added to our catalog mailing list, send an email request to Metron [marketing@metrononline.com]. If you would like to be notified of pricing specials, you can send an email to Metron asking to be added to our retail email list.
Will I still be able to purchase installation accessories? Yes. Metron will continue to carry a full line of top-of-the-line installation products. If you would like to be notified of pricing specials, you can send an email to Metron asking to be added to our installations email list.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your contractor account representative (the contractor phone line is 800-959-8168, ext 3817). Thank you for all your hard work, as well as your continued support.
We’ve received a number of calls from our installation network asking about the expiration of Metron North America’s contract with DIRECTV and what it means for InstallationPro, LLC. We’d like to take a moment to directly address some of those questions.
Will InstallationPro still do DIRECTV installations? Yes. The expiration of the contract does not prohibit Metron from continuing its relationships with retailers in providing installation services through InstallationPro.
Will InstallationPro be able to do other types of DBS installations? The expiration of Metron’s contract means InstallationPro is no longer tied to any exclusive agreement with DIRECTV, opening up the market to other DBS opportunities. We are currently discussing these opportunities and will keep you posted.
Will the number of offered installations go down? As DIRECTV has taken more control of the entire business, everyone has seen a decline in installations. We have every reason to believe the business has stabilized. To make sure you are being offered every type of installation you are qualified for, we encourage you to update your information.
Does InstallationPro do DiRECWAY installations? Yes. InstallationPro will continue to do DiRECWAY installations. In fact, Metron recently signed an agreement that will increase the number of DiRECWAY installations for InstallationPro.
What other types of installations does InstallationPro perform? In addition to DBS, InstallationPro currently provides installation services for a variety of industries and applications. If you have experience in installations of Powerline communications (PLC), telephony, computers, home networking, home theater, or any similar industry, we’d love to hear from you. Contact your customer service representative or email InstallationPro.
Are you actively recruiting in any areas? Yes. Some of the areas for which we’re looking for additional coverage include CT, NE, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, UT, WA and TX. Again, we’re asking that all installers in all states update your files so we can document your experience and certifications.
How will payments to installers be affected? As long as installers fulfill the requirements under the terms and conditions, they will be paid as usual. We intend to maintain our excellent reputation as a company that is fair and pays on time.
I’ve heard rumors about installers not getting paid. Are the rumors true? All installers who deliver service in accordance with the terms and conditions are paid. The only installers awaiting payment are those who have not yet fulfilled the requirements under InstallationPro’s terms and conditions. Quality work is a requirement. We are committed to the InstallationPro network and the installation industry-- bad installers damage all of our reputations.
Is Metron going out of business? Absolutely not. Metron’s contract with DIRECTV involved only distribution of DIRECTV equipment. This simply means Metron will no longer sell DIRECTV dishes and receivers.
Did Metron do something wrong? No. DIRECTV has been actively shrinking its distributor base for some time now, taking on many distributor responsibilities in order to reduce costs. Many of you will remember the reduction to three distributors a year ago. The decision not to renew Metron’s contract was simply a part of this larger plan.
How does Metron view installers? Are they important? Metron is committed to providing fair and excellent service to both consumers and installers. Metron is targeting new clients that will fit well with the existing InstallationPro installer base in order to provide installers with more installation opportunities. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your contractor account representative.
Does the change affect Metron’s relationship with TiVo? DIRECTV and TiVo are completely separate companies. Metron’s relationship with TiVo will continue as usual.
What does Metron do? Metron North America, Ltd. is a business process outsourcing company. This means they provide contact center services, commercial and residential installations and field repair services, logistics services, product sales services, web development and marketing services to a variety of clients.
Which companies use Metron? Metron has an extensive client list that includes some of the biggest and most respected industry names around, including XM Satellite Radio, Polk Audio, Westinghouse Digital, Wireless Extenders, TiVo and more. Metron also services a long list of retailers.
I’m a retailer/installer. Will I still be able to purchase products from Metron? Yes. The only products Metron will not carry are DIRECTV IRDs. Metron will continue to distribute a wide variety of products from DVRs to flat-panel televisions to antenna systems and more. New products are added all the time. To be added to our catalog mailing list, send an email request to Metron [marketing@metrononline.com]. If you would like to be notified of pricing specials, you can send an email to Metron asking to be added to our retail email list.
Will I still be able to purchase installation accessories? Yes. Metron will continue to carry a full line of top-of-the-line installation products. If you would like to be notified of pricing specials, you can send an email to Metron asking to be added to our installations email list.
If you have any additional questions, please contact your contractor account representative (the contractor phone line is 800-959-8168, ext 3817). Thank you for all your hard work, as well as your continued support.
