Directv: Complain or Not Complain?

[CY ST8T]

That is the difference between a local company and fulfillment through Directv. If you call a local installer and get service through there they don't have to wait for the equipment to be shipped and deal with booking appointments through a third party. They just tell you when they will be there and they are there and have their own equipment on hand. And yes things have changed at Directv for installers and it isn't a good career choice.

 

[Whitey]

Go through a local provider. DirecTV itself uses horrible contractors. The local guys have to provide good service to get word of mouth business.

 

[247cy]

Call Wayne Morgan.

 

[isucyfan]

Call Wayne Morgan.

Hey, now that you mention it, my installer talks about jazz guitar a lot and has accidentally called me "Blaylock" on more than one occasion.:wink:

 

[isucyfan]

I did find out that I lucked out and will (hopefully, if the dude ever installs it) get the new HR-22, which has 100 hour HD recording capacity, instead of 50.

 

[mkcrawford]

As a long time DirecTV customer...YOU NEED TO COMPLAIN. It will take some effort, some time on the phone, etc, etc. But they will always give you free stuff if you complain about things like this. Every 6 months or so I make it a point to call and complain about something. It's stupid but they will always take some money off your bill, free updgrade, etc.

Anytime their expenses go up, they pass them on to their CURRENT subscribers. Potential subscribers always get better deal options, etc. It really makes me mad but they always "take care of me" when I threaten to switch to Dish, etc. I enjoy their programming but at some point I'll probably switch.

Bottom line, don't let this go. You'll get something out of it. I got them to give me a FREE HD / DVR and free extra (4th in our house) standard receiver because I was mad their HD / DVR's were still $200 and I could get form Dish for free.

Long story, long sorry.

Jake,
When you call in, do you just talk to the first person you get in customer service? My story goes...been a customer for 2 1/2 years and was late on one payment by a couple days. Had been paying my bills online with e-checks, but when I was late with that one payment, they took that option away. Now I have to send in a check with my bill. I've tried twice to call and talk to someone about getting back on online paying, but they say I have to wait a given time until that "mark" is removed from my account. I threatenend to drop their service, but the CS rep got snotty with me.

Are you asking for a manager or someone farther up the chain??

 

[akclone]

Sorry to hear about your bad luck with the install. The guy that came to my place to do HD was very good. He called me personally and let me know exactly when he would show up. He even brought a reciever that has a coax input for an off-air antenna so I can get my locals in HD because DTV doesn't have them yet. I was so impressed I gave the guy 5 bucks to have a couple of beers on me.

DTV did screw up the service appointment to begin with but I called and ended up getting Superfan for free!!

 

[Rogue52]

Unfortunately, it doesn't matter whether you have Mediacom, Dish Network, or DirecTV, we are at the mercy of their contractors.

If there is a really good one in your area, you have a great experience. If there is a really bad one, you hate the company.

I'd say you should complain, but I don't know how far you'd get. I would, but I would then become more frustrated by the lack of help I got.

 

[isucyfan]

The guy's up on my roof now. I'm holding him hostage until he gets this done right.

 

[coachdags]

The guy's up on my roof now. I'm holding him hostage until he gets this done right.

take the ladder away.........:wideeyed:

 

[isucyfan]

Just to wrap up the story...

The guy finished in two hours yesterday, after having to move my dish twice. He finally realized that there was a switch that had been painted over and was messing with the signal strength.

I called to complain, and got NOTHING but sympathy. I was surprised they didn't give me anything to console me. I am thinking about calling another rep and testing the waters with them.

I do have awesome HD now, though, just in time to see the ISU-KU game in HD next weekend!!