Dockside Chat - Direct TV marketing scam rant.

I used to be a Direct TV customer. Over the last few years, they have sent me numerous offers...each better than the last. The most recent caught my attention. They are offering a selection of the channels I watch for $29.99 a month...in addition, they offer a free upgrade to one DVR and up to 3 other HD receivers. The offer specifically states FREE HD DVR. When I called to speak with a representative, they told me that the DVR service would be an extra $10/month. I told the rep that the notice I received said nothing about an additional charge for the DVR service. He explained to me that the offer only referred to the equipment being free, and not the service. I asked for him to tell me where the notice tells me that...he could not. According to him, the customer is notified of that fact when they call to set up the account. I've gone through the notice with a fine-tooth comb, along with a magnifying glass for the REALLY small print, and no where does it say the service for the DVR is extra. I asked for a supervisor, and he parroted the rep's comments. I asked, "Why would I want a DVR if I didn't have the service?". The response from the supervisor was as if he was reading off a script. He kept saying the DVR equipment was free, but not the service. When I asked why even bother to specifically mention a free HD DVR if the service wasn't free, he could not answer.
Be aware that this offer is not as advertised...

Ya that is pretty shitty. But IMHO DirectTv is far better than Dish, no comparison.

You even state in you post it says Free DVR. It does not say free DVR service or package.

Yeah? well, what do you want, its like a free cell phone, you still have to pay for the service. The service fee is because you are essentially using a lot more bandwidth by your dvr recording shows while you don't have the TV on so it increases your usage and you have to pay for that.

Cox Cable does the same thing. I went to get another HD box for my roommates room and the girl at the Cox store said it would be $8 more a month. What she didnt tell me was that the programming was an additional $15 a month. So once he moves out next month ill be taking the box right back to where it came from.

Cox Cable does the same thing. I went to get another HD box for my roommates room and the girl at the Cox store said it would be $8 more a month. What she didnt tell me was that the programming was an additional $15 a month. So once he moves out next month ill be taking the box right back to where it came from.


Same with Time Warner cable.

I've had all providers.....Dish, Comcast, ATT Uverse and now Directv.
Dish- ok but limited and old
Comcast- cheaper, decent service, fast internet, on demand and movie ordering is great
ATT Uverse- by far the most advanced with technology, best HD service, very fast channel surfing, cool interactive menu and preview of channel you are surfing for, mediocre internet...HORRIBLE customer service
Directv- Good value for package however prices tend to go up on their own, I have trouble everytime I order a movie, lack of on demand built in, annoying mail in movie offers that do nothing when you try to order or pay online, good HD, nice new menu, hate it when there's a bad thunderstorm, customer service scammed me into a new contract by getting HD box and never disclosing or sending paperwork with new box.
Bottom line is I would switch back to ATT uverse in an instant if customer service didn't suck so bad...Usually a 30+minute call and you get transferred to 10 different dept... Would not consider Dish since it's old, Comcast is in the running for my new provider bc I have a bad taste from recent experience nad ordering movies with Directv... Basically you get banged any direction you go

Your argument is invalid. They only said the equipment was no charge.

You even state in you post it says Free DVR. It does not say free DVR service or package.

But what is the use of giving away free equipment that's useless unless you pay the additional fee? That's my problem...they give the impression that the service is free in the publication.

Your argument is invalid. They only said the equipment was no charge.

They didn't on the publication I was sent. I was informed the service was extra when I called...in my world, it ain't so unless it's written down.

Geez...tough crowd.
For comparison, I looked at DishTV's website. They are running basically the same promo with their Hopper DVR. They at least specifically mention that the equipment is free, but the service is at an additional charge.
My beef is full disclosure. DirectTV isn't offering it on on any of the publications I've received in regards to the DVR service attached to this promo. I'd accept it if it was in their microscopically fine print, even...but it's not.

I've had all providers.....Dish, Comcast, ATT Uverse and now Directv.
Dish- ok but limited and old
Comcast- cheaper, decent service, fast internet, on demand and movie ordering is great
ATT Uverse- by far the most advanced with technology, best HD service, very fast channel surfing, cool interactive menu and preview of channel you are surfing for, mediocre internet...HORRIBLE customer service
Directv- Good value for package however prices tend to go up on their own, I have trouble everytime I order a movie, lack of on demand built in, annoying mail in movie offers that do nothing when you try to order or pay online, good HD, nice new menu, hate it when there's a bad thunderstorm, customer service scammed me into a new contract by getting HD box and never disclosing or sending paperwork with new box.
Bottom line is I would switch back to ATT uverse in an instant if customer service didn't suck so bad...Usually a 30+minute call and you get transferred to 10 different dept... Would not consider Dish since it's old, Comcast is in the running for my new provider bc I have a bad taste from recent experience nad ordering movies with Directv... Basically you get banged any direction you go

At some point they record you agreeing to extend the contract so if they do not have that you can break your contract with them.

But what is the use of giving away free equipment that's useless unless you pay the additional fee? That's my problem...they give the impression that the service is free in the publication.



They didn't on the publication I was sent. I was informed the service was extra when I called...in my world, it ain't so unless it's written down.

Geez...tough crowd.
For comparison, I looked at DishTV's website. They are running basically the same promo with their Hopper DVR. They at least specifically mention that the equipment is free, but the service is at an additional charge.
My beef is full disclosure. DirectTV isn't offering it on on any of the publications I've received in regards to the DVR service attached to this promo. I'd accept it if it was in their microscopically fine print, even...but it's not.

Its called a teaser to get you to call so they can sell you the service. Its very effect marketing so its not going away.

I dont know man, it's a flyer not a contract.

If it makes you feel any better I payed for the receiver AND the service with Comcast.

Nope, I don't read free service based on what you described. Only the receiver is free.

I guess my ethics are out-dated and old-fashioned. I am in sales, and if I treated my customers like DirectTV treats their(prospective)customers, I'd go hungry from the lack of repeat business. Google DirectTV...I am not the only one who feels this way.
Over and out...

I agree that DTV's marketing approach is flawed. I went about 20 hours with them last year about the NFL package. They were giving it free to new people. I had bought it the last 7 years. I called and explained that as a good existing customer with a great payment history and long term DTV service I should get it before someone new. They disagreed, we went back and forth, they eventually came down to 50% and I said no thanks to it and told them I'd be shopping. So I did.

A few days later I get a call. 60% off. No thanks. Kept shopping.

One more week passes. 80% off. I let them know that it was free or nothing.

Three more calls like this at the 80% level with free moving credits, etc. No thanks.

Finally they called and gave it to me free if I would renew my contract for two years. No thanks.

Very next day I got a call. Free with no strings. I said thanks and promised to be a customer for at least another year but wouldn't sign a contract.

I mean c'mon, why work so hard to acquire new but fail at retention.

Now, having said all of that I have to ask the OP. If you got a card in the mail that said you won a free car, would you be pissed that it didn't include a lifetime of free gas/insurance/maintenance? Similar issue, no?