The Direct TV Dance

[fweegy]

Haven"t seen anything posted here on this yet so thought I would comment. Made the annual phone call to Direct TV to plead poverty over the price of the football package. I got the full package for free again...so folks, call away.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

This only works if you don't have the 2 year contract for free equipment upgrade.

EDIT: I did get 20% off, but I'm sure when I let the contract expire, I will have more leverage.

 

[fweegy]

I'm under contract until June 2016 and still got it free. And the dude is a Commanders fan, and STILL got it free.

 

[FolsomCowboy]

What number did you call?

 

[Boyzmamacita]

I'm under contract until June 2016 and still got it free. And the dude is a Commanders fan, and STILL got it free.

Yeah, what number did you call? I now have hope. I'm a long time customer but ever since I got the contract I haven't been able to get much of anything out of those people.

 

[Garrettop]

I called to cancel/exit the contract early when my discounted year ended and they surprised me by calling back later that day and offering to continue the discount + a gift card + free Sunday Ticket. Looks like I'm going to keep calling to cancel service every year.

 

[fweegy]

1-800-531-5000......after confirming security questions I said "Cancel service". I was redirected to a "retention specialist" Sometimes you have to call back 2-3 times until you get the right person.

 

[superonyx]

I am still waiting for NFL Ticket to release details of this seasons streaming only options.
Last year you have to be a college student at certain universities, or live in an apartment in certain markets ect.
Hopefully they have some easy way to trick the systems again. Otherwise I will have to buy the European game pass.

 

[jazzcat22]

I was a customer with NFL ST for 16 years, never got anything free from them except half a season of NFLST, because the card they sent me for the box was defective 3 times mid season. Had to go to a sports bar a few weeks, as I was in CT at the time, to see games. By the time they mailed a card that worked, they gave me rest of the season for free, as I threatened to cancel. this was in 2000.

when I called to change up my subscription 2 years ago all the rep did was insult me and called me stupid. so I cancelled everything. Though I complained all I ever got was offered a 2 year contract with ST free the 1st year. told them to ...@ off....

They will need to give me 2 years of free ST and no contract, I can cancel or change anytime I want, to return as a customer...other than that they are useless at this point.
I don't miss ST, as I could see some games on first row sports or wiziwig.tv, but those are getting cracked down on. I never missed a cowboys though, as I have slingbox on my tv at home, for when I am traveling for work. So I haven't missed ST all that much. I do like watching other games though, but not at their price, not anymore.

 

[jazzcat22]

I am still waiting for NFL Ticket to release details of this seasons streaming only options.
Last year you have to be a college student at certain universities, or live in an apartment in certain markets ect.
Hopefully they have some easy way to trick the systems again. Otherwise I will have to buy the European game pass.

That is what I wanted to do when I tried to change my subscription, on line only, as I was out of town, staying in a hotel. They rep started calling me stupid. So I cancelled everything.

 

[superjoe]

Same here. I mainly watch Netflix and was going to use HBO Now on my tablet to my tv, called dtv to disconnect and they bumped me down to 39.99 with the free Sunday Ticket...one receiver no dvr though...I'll call closer to the start of the season and get the dvr added on, hopefully for free.

FYI the rep said the Sunday Ticket price was $167, that's allot less than I remember.

 

[jazzcat22]

Since AT&T bought out DTV, wonder if they will try any bundle packages. I have AT&T U-Verse now, but even it has it's issues.
Anyone see any thing out there on this yet?

 

[tyke1doe]

I called last year, and when the customer service rep didn't give me a deal, I cancelled. About a week before the season, I called back and asked for the retention department. I told them I had cancelled because Sunday Ticket was too expensive and asked if they had any deals because I'd love to get it back but not at the full price.
The customer service rep in the retention department was more than willing to help. I got it at a very good rate, about $150, and a reduction on my overall DT bill for six months. And they allowed me to keep my years of service, even though I had cancelled.

I've never gotten ST for free. I may have to try that this year, but the key to getting a deal is asking for the retention department. The regular customer service reps can only give you the deals they have available. The retention department can give you better deals because its job is to retain customers.

If the customer service rep is insulting or won't budge just say, "Connect me to the retention department." If they don't, call back and immediately ask, "Connect me with the retention department."

No one on this board should be paying full price for the Sunday Ticket, not if you understand the system, and it's been explain repeatedly in these yearly threads. DT is making MILLIONS off Sunday Ticket. It can afford to cut deals here and there.

 

[jaybird]

Haven"t seen anything posted here on this yet so thought I would comment. Made the annual phone call to Direct TV to plead poverty over the price of the football package. I got the full package for free again...so folks, call away.

W
Who else offers ST? Wouldn't that be leverage, if you don't offer a better deal I will go with ______

 

[TheBigEasy]

Thanks for the reminder OP!!! Been with Directv for 20+ years. Call the main number, ask for customer retention. If the first person you speak with tries to sway you into speaking with just them, just demand to speak with customer retention until they give in. They eventually will. No matter if you're in a contract or not, and if you have been with them for 5+ years, you can get the ticket free + some additional discounts on your bill. They truly are awesome to deal with, even if you are on the 'TV is a ripoff' side of the fence.

 

[FolsomCowboy]

So when you get to retention do you say "I'm thinking of quitting can you give me a deal?"

 

[TheBigEasy]

So when you get to retention do you say "I'm thinking of quitting can you give me a deal?"

No...I would never take it that far especially since that's not my intention. Just say I'm a loyal subscriber, see my years with you, and that I've had a few friends just receive the ticket for free so am I able to get the same deal? If they try to use a 'discount' instead, I won't give in until I get it free. The key is to be nice, and if you're happy with their service, tell them that.

 

[fweegy]

I always start with, "I'm calling to inquirw about what I have to do to cancel service." I then wait for the beautiful, magic words "Why do you want to cancel?" When I hear those words, I know I'm in.

 

[JackOfNoTrades]

No...I would never take it that far especially since that's not my intention. Just say I'm a loyal subscriber, see my years with you, and that I've had a few friends just receive the ticket for free so am I able to get the same deal? If they try to use a 'discount' instead, I won't give in until I get it free. The key is to be nice, and if you're happy with their service, tell them that.

Does Direct TV offer internet service as well or do you need to use a separate company?

 

[tyke1doe]

So when you get to retention do you say "I'm thinking of quitting can you give me a deal?"

Or say, "I really would like to keep the Sunday Ticket, but the family finances are tight, and I have to take care of my NECESSARY expenses. I hear you're offering the ST for free/for a discount. I'd really like to explore this option."

That's how I usually handle it. I'm not lying that way because, if you're like me, you're not rich and carefree with your money. You likely have financial responsibilities like most people.

And, as it has been suggested, be nice. No one wants to be pushed into a corner or given an ultimatum, and customer service reps don't either. Try some sugar. It will work wonders.

Good luck.