Direct TV
Bait and Switch Pricing: $80.24 Bill, Installer Took HDMI Cable

DIRECTV pulled a bait and switch with their price, a tricky installation and incompetent customer service.

Directv is offering special deals for new customers: $29.99 for their choice packages, etc. Interested? I was. So I called and talked with a very nice customer service rep named Molly, who spent a good hour with me.

After giving her all the information about what I needed, 4 receivers for 4 rooms and 1 HD DVR for 1 TV, I specifically asked her to give me a breakdown of what my charges would be. I wanted to make sure there were no hidden or extra fees.

She stated that for the first 3 months, total payments would be $37.94 a month (this included the package, receivers, monthly DVR fees and credits she was giving me). Then after the 3-month promotion, the rate would be approximately $54 for Choice, or approximately $59 if we wanted to keep Choice Xtra. It sounded like a good deal, so I set up the installation appointment, which was scheduled a week later.

The installation was done on Dec. 28th (so we thought). A couple of days later, when our son wanted to play his PlayStation, we realized it didn't work. Why? Because the installer took the HDMI cable from our PlayStation and attached it to the HD DVR component. He had no business taking a cable from one of our components to use for his. Aren't they supposed to have their own cable to set up their HD DVR? I wonder how many DIRECTV customers are out there paying for HD without a proper HDMI cable. That's $9.99 a month!

Then the installer asked about the DIRECTV protection plan of $5.99 a month. I was surprised. Another charge? I thought everything was taken care of when I first placed my order. He stated this would not be charged until our 3-month promotion was complete.

Well, I got my bill. The total is $80.24, and the protection plan will start after 30 days, not after the 3-month promotion. Obviously, I contacted them. Josh, another very nice customer agent, stated, "Well, it doesn't show your rebate of $18 that you will get in 6-8 weeks, which would bring it to $62.24 a month." This was unacceptable to me. I feel that they played bait and switch. I am upset that they will not honor the price I signed up for, and if I cancel, I will be charged an early cancellation fee of $480.00. So they have no reason to make me happy. This is approximately a $90.00 difference in price for 3 months. In today's economy, $90 is a big difference.

It's the principle of the whole thing. I'll be sure to notify the editor of the Seattle Times and local news to inform the public to beware of DIRECTV practices.

Signing off,
another DIRECTV victim

Company: Direct TV
Country: USA
State: California
City: Los Angeles
Phone: 8005315000
Site: directv.com

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