Ways to get a cheaper HR20?

[yourbeliefs]

I've posted allusions to this in other threads, but basically I'm in dire need of a HR20. Right now I just have a H20 and I just can't throw down more than $200 for this thing. I've heard people have been able to get "deals" by talking to people at D*. I've only been a subscriber for about 2 years, so I don't have the "long time subscriber" card I can play, but I know they prefer to give such things to people who are not a "regular" subscriber.

Does anything think I may be able to do some swaying with the following "evidence?"

All my equipment I have ever got I purchased directly from D* and not from Circuit City or Costco.

I have the HD package and subscribed to Sunday Ticket and Superfan (a $400 value) as well as the NBA League Pass twice (which is currently NOT delivering on its promise for HD content in terms of quantity.)

I currently own a regular DVR through them and have paid for that service for over a year.

I've had to deal with delayed service calls (every time they had to come out for something they never kept the original appointment.)

My current H20 has a defective HDMI port.

So.. given all of this.. does anyone think I may be able to sway someone over there to cut me some slack with the price tag? I mean.. for the entire NFL season my bill was over $200 a month each month.

Will that CSR's heart grow 3 times with my phone call?

 

[scottie_h]

I'd say simply play CSR roulette, and hopefully you'll luck out.

Call and say 'cancel' at the voice prompt. From there, it's up to what you're comfortable with. You don't have to actually threaten to cancel. I would simply say you want to check into upgrading your DVR to an HD-DVR. If they don't give you the answer you're looking for, ask if they're sure that's the best they can do, because you're read of others getting them for free. If you don't get the right offer, simply say thank you and call back another time.

I got a free HR20 last year, but it took 3 calls to do so. I never threatened to leave or mentioned a competitor. I was polite and professional, and finally got the right person.

You might not have any luck getting an HR20 though.....

 

[yourbeliefs]

But won't they add me to their CSR log and then see that I had tried previously to get a DVR? Also won't the "threatening to leave" excuse not work since I signed a contract?

 

[drbonbi]

But won't they add me to their CSR log and then see that I had tried previously to get a DVR? Also won't the "threatening to leave" excuse not work since I signed a contract?

Saying "Cancel service" at the automated voice prompt is simply a way to access the Customer Retention staff. Note that scottie_h said "You don't have to actually threaten to cancel. I would simply say you want to check into upgrading ... to an HD-DVR." The Customer Retention staff are more experienced and have lots more options to keep you satisfied.

When I returned to D* back in October, I had some installer issues and called the installation support line. A regular D* Customer Service rep told me at one point, "I can't give you any 'free stuff.' Retention can." She transferred me. The Retention rep was very helpful and resolved all i$$ues. The more competent, experienced staff work for Customer Retention. (I'd call during the work week to get the senior staff.)

Then, when I wanted to add more HD boxes, I called them using the automated attendant. They have no way of knowing what you say to the automated attendant or that you even used it. Their phone rings, they answer it. They were helpful again. $$

You are right in that they do maintain a log on contacts with you. And also be aware that if you get a HD DVR, it will extend your contract. That's one reason it's called "Retention."

I worked as a Cust Service phone rep for a major mail order retailer for nine years before retiring. We had a small staff of specialists who essentially did the same thing. I think it's not unusual.

Dana

 

[yourbeliefs]

Saying "Cancel service" at the automated voice prompt is simply a way to access the Customer Retention staff. Note that scottie_h said "You don't have to actually threaten to cancel. I would simply say you want to check into upgrading ... to an HD-DVR." The Customer Retention staff are more experienced and have lots more options to keep you satisfied.

When I returned to D* back in October, I had some installer issues and called the installation support line. A regular D* Customer Service rep told me at one point, "I can't give you any 'free stuff.' Retention can." She transferred me. The Retention rep was very helpful and resolved all i$$ues. The more competent, experienced staff work for Customer Retention. (I'd call during the work week to get the senior staff.)

Then, when I wanted to add more HD boxes, I called them using the automated attendant. They have no way of knowing what you say to the automated attendant or that you even used it. Their phone rings, they answer it. They were helpful again. $$

You are right in that they do maintain a log on contacts with you. And also be aware that if you get a HD DVR, it will extend your contract. That's one reason it's called "Retention."

I worked as a Cust Service phone rep for a major mail order retailer for nine years before retiring. We had a small staff of specialists who essentially did the same thing. I think it's not unusual.

Dana

Just to clarify one thing: I am not looking to upgrade my EXISTING DVR to an HD DVR. I want to keep the regular one and also have a HD DVR (I only have 1 HD television and I dont' want to deprive others of their DVR, especially since I bought it myself.)

 

[bfpdb25]

Get on EBAY and buy one, they go for around $100.

Good luck

 

[yourbeliefs]

Get on EBAY and buy one, they go for around $100.

Good luck

I may try Ebay as a backup plan. From what I've seen most are over $100.. and I'd have better piece of mind getting it directly through D*. I'll likely call them tomorrow.. since calling D* at night is nearly an act in futility.

 

[jacmyoung]

Given your history with DirecTV, I think DirecTV should give you an HDDVR for free, replace your H20 for free, provide free installation for both and throw in free HD pack for 6 months while they are at it

I agree that one needs to be courteous talking to the rep, but disagree that you can not mention the competition. Tell them you get free HDDVR offers from cable and DISH constantly, and your getting a lot of pressure from your significant other to take the better deals.

 

[yourbeliefs]

Given your history with DirecTV, I think DirecTV should give you an HDDVR for free, replace your H20 for free, provide free installation for both and throw in free HD pack for 6 months while they are at it

Yeah well.. just a discounted HR20 will suffice quite nicely for me.

Also what is the difference between the HR20-100 and 700?

 

[yourbeliefs]

Ok I think I have a good plan of attack..

Aside from mentioning to them what I put in my original post.. I will try one of two possible attacks.

I do honestly plan on moving out of my current house in the near future (especially since I just got a new job.) The question is what happens to my service when this occurs.

A: I transfer the current D* service to my mother (the bill is currently in my name) and when I get to the new place I use Dish Network or even cable instead, since Dish Network gives me a free HD DVR and Cable does not require that I purchase their equipment (and even has some TiVo capabilities.)

B: I take my equipment with me. Rather than have my mother get her own D* service I recommend E* instead because she does not watch the HD channels that D* offers that E* doesn't, not to mention the fact that she loves her DVR service and D* does not offer a free HD DVR to new subscribers. And that's her only option because she's not going back to cable and she leaves me in charge of such decisions.

I think A may give me a better chance of getting what I want, but B is a more realistic scenario. If I get a decent Comcast package where I move to, I would strongly consider doing that, especially because of their onDemand service and more accessible equipment.

Which route do you all think I should go with?

 

[yourbeliefs]

Well.. tomorrow (or rather later today) I will be calling in my attempt to get the HD DVR that I feel I deserve (at a discounted rate.) If you have any parting reason let me know.. if not then wish me luck! I'll post the results (hopefully positive.)