[KnightHawk9]

My contract with DTV just expired. I currently have Choice Xtra HD with one HD DVR and one SD receiver. I'd like to get a lower price. So here's my questions:

1) What's the best way to go about this? I've heard some people say to just call and ask what deal they can give me. Some say to tell them I'm cancelling or ask for the Retention Department right away.

2) What's the best deal I can expect? I see they're giving new customers $34.99 for Choice Xtra for a year (with a 2-year deal). Can I get that? What is the price in year 2?

When I got my first deal, I got a free HD DVR (that I own). I wouldn't mind trying to get something like that again as it saves me paying for the device plus the monthly lease cost. Do they ever give out receivers or DVRs any more?

[DexterMorgan]

I had DTV for free for 6 months by doing this.

Call and say "cancel my service"

This will get you to the retention line. Actually go through the process of cancellation. Tell them it's too expensive. They'll offer you a deal to stay on. Decline it, They'll go ahead and give you a shut off date and go through the motions of cancelling your service.

They'll call you back the next day with a better offer. They gave me a $300 credit, then after that was up called to cancel again and got $200 credit.

[BlckNGldHwk]

1. Be polite and matter of fact. Don't be demanding. Don't be threatening.
2. You have to be willing to pull the trigger on cancelling if you aren't satisfied with their offers.
3. Don't directly ask for things, lay down hints at what you are dissatisfied with or interested in and they will offer what they can.

"How can we help you today Mr/Mrs...?"

"Hi, I am calling to go ahead and cancel my service."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that Mr/Mrs... Can I ask why you are wanting to cancel your service?"

"Well we really enjoy the service and have had a great experience with you so far. With our promotional price expiring we just can't justify spending that much each month for the service. we just feel like the added costs of HD service, DVR service, leasing receivers etc... were more than we had really anticipated and decided we aren't willing to pay that much for television."

"I'm glad to hear you have had a good experience thus far and I understand where you're coming from. If we could reduce your monthly cost would you be interested in that?"

"Yeah, that might interest us. We can't really afford to spend much more than we already were so anything you could do would definitely help."

"Okay, let's see what we can do..."

....
Things they can offer...
Monthly credit for (1) receiver leasing fee
Monthly credit for HD service fee (up to 24 months)
Monthly credit for DVR service fee (6-12 months)
Monthly credits of ($5-15)
Unadvertised Plans (Direct TV Choice Classic)
NFL Sunday Ticket (probably less likely at end of NFL season)
3 months of HBO or 3 months of Showtime/Starz
....

The key is to be polite and matter of fact. Be appreciative of their offers. Be complimentary of their service. If you are polite and you come off as wanting to keep their service then they will be more than willing to do what they can to keep you as a customer. They need to feel like they are convincing you instead of feeling like you are convincing them. Threats/demands/etc... will not work.

They can offer multiple credits and discounts. Don't get greedy but don't sell yourself short either.

[KnightHawk9]

Hmm. Two very different approaches. Thank you both.

Another question: will they make me sign a new 2-year contract to get a deal?

[DexterMorgan]

Originally Posted by KnightHawk9

Hmm. Two very different approaches. Thank you both.

Another question: will they make me sign a new 2-year contract to get a deal?

I didn't with my approach. But i never got a "new deal" just a credit.

[hoffahawk]

If you don't have at least some discounts all the time you are doing it wrong. I just called a couple of months ago to drop the premium package and they gave me all the movie channels free for 6 months. Also have free HD service.

[Golfer]

Originally Posted by hoffahawk

If you don't have at least some discounts all the time you are doing it wrong. I just called a couple of months ago to drop the premium package and they gave me all the movie channels free for 6 months. Also have free HD service.

Correct in my case Mr. Hoffa.

[ameshawkeye]

Originally Posted by KnightHawk9

Hmm. Two very different approaches. Thank you both.

Another question: will they make me sign a new 2-year contract to get a deal?

Generally you only have to sign a new contract if your equipment is upgraded. If you are only taking programming/pricing changes, you shouldn't have to.

[9YRPLAN]

if you get an uncooperative agent just hang up in mid sentence and pretend you got disconnected.

[9YRPLAN]

Originally Posted by ameshawkeye

Generally you only have to sign a new contract if your equipment is upgraded. If you are only taking programming/pricing changes, you shouldn't have to.

this is correct, but 2 new HD-DVRs and redoing my system for the SWM setup was worth a 2 year contract.

tell them that the wife only gives you $XX to spend each month on the TV or else you will get divorced.

[Cyhawk]

A friend of mine had DTV for years and was fed up with new customers getting all the good equipment and special pricing. He cancelled and signed a new contract in his wifes name. Problem solved.