Upgrading mid contract - advice appreciated

[t282c]

First, a big thanks to all those who spend time filling the forums with valuable content. I feel enlightened with all I've learned here.

I'm mid-contract with 1 HDDVR, 1 StdDVR, and 1 Std. box. HDTV #2 shows up on Saturday and I'm looking to swap out the standard box to an HD box. I've called D* twice and call #1 the best offer was $199 for an HDDVR, $20 shipping fee, self install. I then renew for 2 years at full price. Call #2 was 99$ for HDDVR or 69$ for HDnonDVR. $49 install fee (no self install option). 2 year renewal, $10 discount for 2 years.

My question is should I expect a much better deal if I keep calling? If I buy the box elsewhere (D*Store, S*signal) would I be eligible for a bigger monthly discount ?

Thanks in advance. Happy Holidays to everyone.

 

[dishrich]

Considering you're in mid-contract, you probably should have jumped on #2.
$150 up front, but then (according to yourself) you're getting $10 off EACH month for TWO years - in essence, you would have MADE $90 (compared to your current monthly price) after 2 years!

Since you are an existing customer, NO store is going be able to get you a monthly discount - you probably should try D* again & if the 3rd offer they make you is not better, try & get the 2nd one instead.

 

[raoul5788]

t282c, to Satelliteguys!

I agree with dishrich. The second offer is not a bad one, especially considering you are still under contract. BTW, since this is an upgrade, you will be under a new two year contract as you know. There is no way out of this.

 

[dishrich]

Actually it would not matter if he was upgrading an existing box, OR just adding the new HD DVR as an additional receiver - you get hit for 2 years either way...

 

[raoul5788]

Actually it would not matter if he was upgrading an existing box, OR just adding the new HD DVR as an additional receiver - you get hit for 2 years either way...

True. I guess I was thinking of if you are replacing defective boxes there is no change in commitment.

 

[Mr Tony]

interesting that they want to do a install on #2. When my stepdad did this upgrade about 2 weeks ago they sent him the receiver to do the install.
If you're mid contract you are like me then. Coming up on year 1. When I upgraded to HD they offered me 99 bucks for the HD reciever, 20 "shipping" and free install (they had to install a new dish for me as I upgraded to HD)

#2 sounded like a heckuva deal

 

[satjay]

The 99.00 is a pretty good deal, recently that is the price I got so I took it, I wanted a another HR 24 rolled the dice that I would get one, and did get it. Where I had to play a little roulette was the install. I did not want the install a few CSR's were pretty solid in saying we will not mail HDDVR out, so I held off then I finally got a CSR that would mail. While it added a new 24 months, I am not leaving so it was not a big deal for me

 

[t282c]

Update - pulled the trigger

I made a third call yesterday and was planning on taking #2. I did find out that the $10 discount was good for 2 years from my contract start date (~1 year ago).

After a semi-heated discussion, she firmly said they CAN NOT just mail me the box, even though it's replacing a standard receiver, in the exact same room! (I'm already on a SWM system) She says this is because they need to run a 2nd line from the dish, and it covers running a line up to 100 feet long from the dish to the box (clearly reading off her script). Figure that one out! I then asked what the "2nd line" was and she said its the HDMI cable. Lol. I turn off my brain, gave in, and told/asked her that the installation/service call was free, right? and after checking with her manager, they threw that in as well.

So in the end, $99+tax for swapping my standard receiver for a HDDVR (crossing fingers for a 24!) free service call (next tues), and $10 off for the next year, with a 2 year contract extension.

Thanks for the advice. Happy holidays!

 

[Mr Tony]

After a semi-heated discussion, she firmly said they CAN NOT just mail me the box, even though it's replacing a standard receiver, in the exact same room! (I'm already on a SWM system)

thats funny. Because I know when my stepdad upgraded from a SD receiver to a HD receiver they fedex'd it to him....and he has a SWM setup..now maybe the HD DVR's they cant mail out as you say thats what you upgraded to.

Or maybe they want to make sure the tech gets that SD receiver back

 

[KraziJoe]

#2 sounds good to me.