Direct TV - Are all providers this bad

[garyde]

Try Nextel/Sprint . If your phone breaks, tough luck. Theyll replace it , with a 2 year contract agreement.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

I write letters to the Chairmen and CEO's of companies like that. Nothing really changes, but I feel really good expressing myself.

In the case of a regulated company such as ATT include a copy to your state's Public Utility Commission. We in essence allow if not encourage such shitty service by accepting it as normal. When I am forced to talk to several automated machines before even getting a human I am already spring loaded to explode so if I get the slightest hint of resistance I ask for the supervisor and work my way up the food chain by talking calmly and firmly about how I expect my problem to be resolved. Asking for people's names and the correct spelling seems to set the tone with folks to help them understand I am not going to be bullied.

So far there have been times when my problem was not immediately resolved, but by the time my letter to the Chairman is working its way down the food chain the cooperation I get is excellent.

BTW, I have yet to find a large company that has a web site for us mere mortals with the chairman's name and mailing address, but if you look for investor information you not only get the mailing address, sometimes you get his phone number and email address which significantly shortens the time between the problem and resolution.

[merle&louise]

Louise has found a way to cut quickly thru the recorded messages; just say customer service at each prompt! It gets you thru to a human and then they can put you on hold!

I have dropped DirecTV also. I just use the campground cable service or just use the local channels thru the batwing antenna when we are dry camping.

[phorner]

Guess I got lucky. I actually had excellent customer service from DirecTv.

We were in a campground in Arkansas when my receiver went out. After a call to customer service, they said that a replacement would be on its way overnight.

Sure enough, a replacement DVR receiver arrived by FedEx the next day, I called in the new access card number, and I've been in business ever since. Apparently, I happened to get the right guy, or a new guy that didn't know any better....

After reading this thread, I'm now hoping that my receiver lasts a long, long time!!

[edsaylor]

I have had excellent service from DirecTV. I have had receivers sent to me while travelling twice. We have a cabin in Dillard, GA and it has a different dish from the one at our home in Ocean Springs, MS. In May when I took boxes from MS to GA, I could not get them to work. DirecTV sent a guy out and got everything working plus changed out one box, all at no expense to me because I pay $5 per month for their box and wiring warranty. So far, my experience with DirecTV has been excellent. They know I have to houses plus a coach all on one account.

[Danss]

Everyone please note!!! 1-800-769-4635 is the Direct Tv number you can call an avoid all prompts. This number was set up to really service customers that have Rec. in the RV and the home. Suprise, they even know what an RV is!!!
I have never had a problem with Direct TV or there service. You have to have them ZAP your receiver if you haven't used it for awhile is the only problem.

[merle&louise]

Thanks Dan, I put the new number in my cell phone.

Just for the fun of it I tried calling the number - the guy hung-up on me!

Just kidding!