I hate Direct TV
Complaint
Johanna
Country: United States
I signed up for Direct TV in August 2005, with a one year contract. I'm a grad student, so I knew I would be graduating in June 2007. After a year of interrupted service, and a summer during which my service was disconnected (even though I was paying for it in absentia), I called Direct TV in October of 2006 because my service was interrupted for a few days. As an apology, the customer service rep offered me 6 months of $10 off/month. I agreed, a little happier. When it came time to cancel, I received no less than 3 incorrect bills noting that I owed additional money as well as an early cancellation charge. To my surprise, apparently, the rep signed me up for another year's contract, even though she never mentioned it, and I certainly never would have renewed it since I knew I was moving 8 months later. Because of this, I have spent hours arguing on the phone with the customer service reps, who either cannot or will not help me. The end result is that I will have to pay the early cancellation charge, even though I never agreed to a new contract. There is no proof on either side because they claim it was a "verbal agreement". Truly the worst service experience ever. I will never use Direct TV, and in fact, I plan to be an anti-Direct TV evangelist to spread word for people never to use it.
Comments
They said they could not honor what I was told and that the phone recordings were probably erased since the phone conversation was several months ago. My last e-mail to Dish Network is below and explains the problem. The advertisement and the salesperson stated that new customers would receive the (1) $19.99 for 10 months, "plus" (2) 3 months of Showtime "plus" (3) a $100 new customer sign-up bonus.
There were 3 different items that were offered and verified by the salesperson. My father heard the conversation on the speaker phone and if you check the recorded phone sales conversation, it will verify that my father and I were both offered the $100 new customer sign-up bonus in addition to the first two items if we signed up. We both signed up believing what we were told.
The 10 month $19.99 fee was not the same as the $100 new customer sign-up bonus. Please listen to the recorded phone conversation and review the SHOPWISE advertisement. I hope that my busines is really appreciated and this matter can be cleared up quickly.
Read my story here: http://www.pbase.com/jwkramer61/dtvsux
-Jim
Contact Dish Network and ask to speak to their Executive Resolution Team. Be sure to mention that you were scammed by Marketing Guru or Elephant Group.
They were supposed to be here Wed b/t 8 and 12. Didn't show up. First, they had the wrong phone no. Then, when I finally got the service gentleman on the line, he said he couldn't do it that day anyway b/c he knows my building is a custom job requiring metal drill bits.
Fine.
Resched to Fri b/t 8 and 12.
Call DirectTV on Thursday just to CONFIRM. Make sure he is here b/t 8 and 12 and has metal drill bits, I asked. I rearranged work and doctor's appts for two separate days now, like they care.
It's all in front of me, the DirectTV lady assured.
Thur night, get a call from the installation service company, not DirectTV, stating they can't install in my bldg. I call back. Office is closed. I call DirectTV and they so wisely advise that I confirm with the service company in the morning. Thanks!
Fri b/t 8 and 12. Never show. Two phone calls b/t 8 and 1 to service co. He is on his way, I'm told.
2pm - call service company again. You were told that we can't install in that building, she says.
2:15 - call DirectTV. It indicates you delayed your order, she says. I AM SCREAMING at this point. I speak to her supervisor. She calls service company. Best they can do is reschedule for Tue. And, oh of course, we can install in your building, she tells me.
Others in my building have DirectTV. DirectTV NEEDS TO GET THEIR [***] TOGETHER WITH THE INSTALLATION SERVICEMEN. THEY NEED A DATABASE OF ALL BUILDINGS WHERE THEY HAVE INSTALLED BEFORE SO THEY KNOW IT'S POSSIBLE AND THEY KNOW WHAT THEY NEED. Does that make too much sense??
So, 7 hours wasted and countless phone calls and minutes wasted on my phone. NO THANK YOU. Just got regular cable instead.
Shouldn't DirectTV have the installation down pat by now? Isn't that the main part of their business?
I encourage everyone to email the President of Direct TV. Chase Carey. chase.carey@directv.com
What has he been DOING? Honestly.
http://web.mac.com/bstegall1/DTVhatesMe/Direct_TV_Hates_Me.html
This will probably be lengthy, but I haven't been able to find an answer. I am going to use dates because they are essential to my problem. In September 2007 I moved into my apartment. Responsibly, prior to moving in, I set up the electricity to be turned on and I made an appointment with Comcast to install digital cable, dvr, and cable internet. When the technician arrived he informed me that my apartment complex was not wired for digital cable or internet, basic cable was all I could receive. I was pretty upset that the complex manager had not informed us of that. I quickly realized that almost every apartment had either a DIRECTV dish or Dish Network. When I called to set up service with DIRECTV, I was told I would have to sign a contract. Of course I got a little upset, because I had planned to only living here for a year. The representative accurately told me I would be able to move my equipment with me. So that solved it. I ordered DIRECTV, signed the contract and had it installed. This is where it gets interesting. I am on the north side of the building, but since every apartment has a screened in patio, there is a small indented section in the building between apartments that gets southern access over the building. Now, nobody ever walks there. It is dirt, palms, and trees. Drilling obviously was not a problem; every apartment had wholes drilled through for service. In January or February of 2008, we received a letter stating that the complex had been wired "upgraded" for digital service and all dishes were to be phased out. DIRECTV was kind enough to put the service on a hold, because I thought I would be moving as I mentioned. Well that is not going to be happening now for a while unfortunately. I would in no way consider that small inlet a "common area," but I can't lie and say that I have exclusive access to it. If a dog wants to go there or a kid wants to hide there they can. I actually liked and would continue to like directv "programming," but their contracts and total lack of human understanding is intollerable. I am being screwed by both for no other reason than greed. If I cancel directv I get charged an ETF, if I leave my apartment without 60 days noticed I will be charged 2 months rent! Of course most of my irritation stems from my apartment complex, Directv should have some compation! This was in no way my doing. Truth be told, when I finally am able to purchase a home, i would use Directv, even if only for the Sunday Ticket, but why would I want to give my hard earned money to someone who isn't willing to help their customer when they are truly in a bind?
Thanks,
Shelly