NFL Sunday Ticket

[BillsFanNC]

Just placed my yearly call

 

customer since 2002, but not an AT&T customer.

 

First CSR from India offered $16 credit per month for a year. I asked to be transferred to customer loyalty and initially received the same $16/month offer.  I then told her I'd have to discuss with my wife, bills are tight and my wife wants to cancel DTV altogether and cut the "cord" yada yada....  She puts me on hold for 10 seconds and comes back with $55/month credit for 12 months, no contract.  I then asked to have my account noted with that offer as I still have to discuss with my wife.  I'll call back later today or tomorrow to see if I can do better, but if not I guess that's not too bad.

[Jukester]

22 hours ago, Ned Flanders said:

PSA: Beware the Fine Print: As part of my re-upping with DTV, I was given a "free upgrade" to the Genie 2 box.  Tech came out Monday to install, as described in an earlier post, but found out my protection plan goes from $8.99/month to $20.99/month with the Genie 2.  I checked and it's there in the fine print, but of course the fine rep who gave me the "free" upgrade failed to mention that.

 

So, I'll start the merry-go-round again with a call to DTV tomorrow...good gawd, I hate all this.

 

Holy smokes! I had called a few weeks ago and accepted the free upgrade but after reading all of the issues with Genie 2 I ended up calling and cancelling.  This validates it even more.  That same call i got the $60 dollars off for a year offer but very little on the Sunday Ticket so i decided to wait on ST ( I think it was $12 off per 6 payments)

 

Called back a few days ago and they had nothing new for ST but offered me a slew of other freebies - MLB Extra Innings, Showtime & Cinemax (i already have HBO),  and the SportPack which would give me MSG bufflalo.  I accepted all of that but still didn't pull trigger on ST.  When i got home none of the above had been added.  Called back and did the upset customer act and the girl was able to get me $150 off Sunday ticket and free MLB Extra Innings which i accepted happily in lieu of movie channels and SportPack.  Tried to get upgraded to ST Max but was out of offers.  Will continue to try for that before the season starts.  Overall - not as great as it has been in the past but pleased with what i got.

 

A few things i learned that may help your cause.

1.  If they offer something but you're not really sure - don't say 'decline' - say you'd like to think about it.  I was told a 'decline' would remove the offer completely whereas the latter will keep it in the system in case you call back

2. The Loyalty CSR's have a discretionary weekly allowance to dole out discounts.  My CSR said she only had $150 left in her bucket for the week and she used it all on my call (it wasn't an ST specific offer)

3.  She said they usually have discount offers for ST and/or ST Max on the first Sunday of games.  That's 9/9 if you hadn't already double circled that on your calendars yet ?

4.  She also said they often start offering RedZone standalone around the start of the season instead of having to pony up for full ST Max if that's all you're interested in.

5. The $60 off for a year discount that I and many of you received is extendable to a second year (at least for me it was).  So ask about that, have them document, and call back next year to reinstate. There is no extension of contract for this offer.

 

Happy hunting.

[Ned Flanders]

17 minutes ago, Jukester said:

 

Holy smokes! I had called a few weeks ago and accepted the free upgrade but after reading all of the issues with Genie 2 I ended up calling and cancelling.  This validates it even more.  That same call i got the $60 dollars off for a year offer but very little on the Sunday Ticket so i decided to wait on ST ( I think it was $12 off per 6 payments)

 

Called back a few days ago and they had nothing new for ST but offered me a slew of other freebies - MLB Extra Innings, Showtime & Cinemax (i already have HBO),  and the SportPack which would give me MSG bufflalo.  I accepted all of that but still didn't pull trigger on ST.  When i got home none of the above had been added.  Called back and did the upset customer act and the girl was able to get me $150 off Sunday ticket and free MLB Extra Innings which i accepted happily in lieu of movie channels and SportPack.  Tried to get upgraded to ST Max but was out of offers.  Will continue to try for that before the season starts.  Overall - not as great as it has been in the past but pleased with what i got.

 

A few things i learned that may help your cause.

1.  If they offer something but you're not really sure - don't say 'decline' - say you'd like to think about it.  I was told a 'decline' would remove the offer completely whereas the latter will keep it in the system in case you call back

2. The Loyalty CSR's have a discretionary weekly allowance to dole out discounts.  My CSR said she only had $150 left in her bucket for the week and she used it all on my call (it wasn't an ST specific offer)

3.  She said they usually have discount offers for ST and/or ST Max on the first Sunday of games.  That's 9/9 if you hadn't already double circled that on your calendars yet ?

4.  She also said they often start offering RedZone standalone around the start of the season instead of having to pony up for full ST Max if that's all you're interested in.

5. The $60 off for a year discount that I and many of you received is extendable to a second year (at least for me it was).  So ask about that, have them document, and call back next year to reinstate. There is no extension of contract for this offer.

 

Happy hunting.

Good post.

 

The Genie 2 has been stable...so far...but if they don't waive the protection plan hike, I'll tell them the thing stinks and come back with the original box.

 

This has been a good and informative thread.  I've been a big fan of DTV since I first got it in 2000, once claimed it was the best consumer decision I ever made, but they've really soured on me this year.

Edited August 23, 2018 by Ned Flanders

[PetermansRedemption]

I have been following this forum religiously for the better part of two years. Finally created an account. My first post is to share my, so far, unfruitful experience with DIRECTV. Called back in early July for the first time. Went great, said I was considering cancelling because Spectrum has a good streaming offer coming up (no they don’t). CSR had no trouble giving me the NFL Sunday Ticket for free, but she couldn’t give the max package for free. The max package upgrade was going to be 17.99 a month and she gave me a $30 monthly credit to compensate for it. Awesome, so all in all my bill was to decrease by $12 a month and I had the Sunday Ticket Max package. 

 

Not so simple. On my next bill I was being charged full price for the max package, 65.99 a month I believe. To make matters worse, I was also being charged the 17.99 monthly upgrade fee. Called in and all the CSR could do was cancel the Sunday Ticket and have it refunded. Also, since the $30 credit was applied they couldn’t even up it to a $60 credit because my promotion credit slot was taken up. No idea if there is any truth to this or if he was just blowing smoke. Moral of this call, always get the reps name, the date and time of the call, and a confirmation number.

 

Since then I have called twice in August and been offered pretty much nothing. $5 auto pay credit, free movie channels for 6 months, and free rest of the season for MLB extra innnings. I declined all these offers. Hoping to have more luck on the first Sunday of the NFL season. 

2 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

Good post.

 

The Genie 2 has been stable...so far...but if they don't waive the protection plan hike, I'll tell them the thing stinks and come back with the original box.

 

This has been a good and informative thread.  I've been a big fan of DTV since I first go it in 2000, once claimed it was the best consumer decision I ever made, but they've really soured on me this year.

 

 

I am with you Ned. Been on and off for DIRECTV for the past 15 years but always because I couldn’t have them where I had moved. Have loved the service this time around, but their customer service has absolutely tanked since ATT acquired them. I have been actively researching online streaming plans in case DIRECTV does not budge on the Sunday Ticket price. 

[Steptide]

On 8/22/2018 at 3:40 PM, nucci said:

A lot of issues with Genie 2...every time I call they try to get me to agree to install it....

I have the genie 2 and have also had issues. Resetting the tower is the easiest way to fix an issue. I spoke with a tech a few weeks back and he told me there's a software upgrade coming in September, so hopefully that'll help. 

[nucci]

7 minutes ago, Steptide said:

I have the genie 2 and have also had issues. Resetting the tower is the easiest way to fix an issue. I spoke with a tech a few weeks back and he told me there's a software upgrade coming in September, so hopefully that'll help. 

Cool, thanks....I'll keep checking...haven't switched yet

Edited August 23, 2018 by nucci

[davefan66]

Did the yearly dance.

 

Been with Directtv for about 15 years, and with AT&T cellular for 6 months.

 

Asked for retention right off the bat, don’t haggle with the regulars reps, they can’t do anything.  At first she offered me internet for $50/month and full boat ST Max with a $55 credit.  Nope.  Told her don’t want the internet.

 

Spoke for about 5 minutes, and she came back with:

 

ST Max - $65 per month

$55 credit on bill for 12 months

$5 credit per month on Cinemax 

 

Comes out out to a total of $300 credit over 12 months, with ST Max totally free.  Did a bit better than last year when I called and they proactively had given me ST Max for free, no other credits.

 

Thing is, some sort of credit is available for al DTV customers, whether it be MLB, NHL, or free movie channels.  Just have to ask.  I also call Time Warner/Spectrum yearly and ask for better rates, they also will offer credits.  Most difficult is cell phone bills, but call every 6 months at least to see if there are better plans that’ll save you a couple of bucks.

 

 

[BillsFanNC]

Update on call back today.

 

Original offer yesterday was $55 of bill for 12 months

 

Today I was able to get $16.50/month off ST Max and $60 off for 12 months. 

 

One option she gave me was to completely cancel today and call back before the season and I might get an even better offer, but I decided to just take what I could get now.  Either way she did recommend to always cancel the package after the season so that it doesn't auto renew as it puts you in better position to negotiate and get enhanced discounts in the future.

 

 

[nucci]

9 minutes ago, BillsFanNC said:

Update on call back today.

 

Original offer yesterday was $55 of bill for 12 months

 

Today I was able to get $16.50/month off ST Max and $60 off for 12 months. 

 

One option she gave me was to completely cancel today and call back before the season and I might get an even better offer, but I decided to just take what I could get now.  Either way she did recommend to always cancel the package after the season so that it doesn't auto renew as it puts you in better position to negotiate and get enhanced discounts in the future.

 

 

That's what I got as well.....I think some movie channels for a few months too.

[plenzmd1]

Finally worked up the psyche to make the call. 10 minutes with first guy, offered me $12 a month of Sunday Ticket..I then asked for cancellation department.

 

Get on the phone with a woman and explain my frustration as  I have Sling at a second home, online DVR., 5 logins...and if I add in HBO and Showtime( what I have extra with DTV) all that for $60 a month..and for the equivalent I pay close to $145 with DTV. Also added in I am Bills season ticket holder, watch 8 Bills game a year on the Ticket..hard to justify $1400 a year to watch 8 Bills games.And all that is absolutely true.  She was gone 5 minutes, came back and said $60 off Bill for a year, Sunday Ticket and Max for free..i said done!

 

20  minute call total

 

Maybe be prepared with those numbers..and she did say promos get better closer to season.

Edited August 28, 2018 by plenzmd1

[Jerome007]

On 6/2/2018 at 3:41 PM, joesixpack said:

One word: Reddit.

 

two more words: !@#$ directv.

Is there also a place to see the game hours later or the next day?

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

6 minutes ago, Jerome007 said:

Is there also a place to see the game hours later or the next day?

 Don't know.

 

[Steptide]

27 minutes ago, joesixpack said:

 Don't know.

 

I'm 99.9% sure they do a recap of each game broken down over 40 mins or so. At least I know they used to. Pretty sure it's a few hrs after the game. Check the guide on game days. They show them on the Sunday ticket channels 

[MrEpsYtown]

On 8/23/2018 at 2:35 PM, Ned Flanders said:

Good post.

 

The Genie 2 has been stable...so far...but if they don't waive the protection plan hike, I'll tell them the thing stinks and come back with the original box.

 

This has been a good and informative thread.  I've been a big fan of DTV since I first got it in 2000, once claimed it was the best consumer decision I ever made, but they've really soured on me this year.

 

I got the genie 2 and my protection plan stayed at 8.99. My technician offered me the whole 21.99 upgrade thing and I declined. Apparently that protects other devices like TVS and such. Perhaps the technician tried to screw you over by getting you to sign that agreement? It was right next to where I had sign for the upgrade of equipment. 

[Ned Flanders]

14 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

 

I got the genie 2 and my protection plan stayed at 8.99. My technician offered me the whole 21.99 upgrade thing and I declined. Apparently that protects other devices like TVS and such. Perhaps the technician tried to screw you over by getting you to sign that agreement? It was right next to where I had sign for the upgrade of equipment. 

Well, I don't recall being presented with an option...my bad, I guess.

[Matt_In_NH]

People actually pay for the protection plan?

[The Process]

I get the Sunday ticket free every other year.....When I call and ask "when is my contract up?"

[MrEpsYtown]

4 hours ago, Ned Flanders said:

Well, I don't recall being presented with an option...my bad, I guess.

 

They should be able to switch it back. Good luck

[Xwnyer]

12 hours ago, mattynh said:

People actually pay for the protection plan?

I actually did once.  I was having major issues bought the plan had them fix and replace everything and than dropped it.   Actually the CSR was the one who suggested it 

[kevnallen]

I just did my annual threaten to cancel call. I got my regular package back down to the promotional rate (from $104 -> $54) and got $75 off Sunday Ticket. It took 25 minutes though.

[zow2]

After a few calls over the course of three weeks, the final tally is $16.50 off NFL ST Max for 6 months,  and $50 credit for 12 months.    Of course I'm always happy to get a break on the bill but it's nowhere near the credits/discounts/freebies I used to get. 

The AT&T crew has definitely clamped down on all the giveaways.   

[billscsg]

Long time TBD follower. Just got off the phone with DTV. i got the  $60 off /12 months. Free NFL Sunday Ticket. Guy transferred me to "Ace" department because i insisted on getting the Max. 

Ended up paying $17/6 months for basically NFL Sunday Ticket Max plus the  $60 off a month for the year! I'm happy!  Good luck! Go Bills!

[zevo]

So i called twice today...almost agreed the first time when they offered me 65$ off per month free 3months hbo and Sunday ticket max....I didn’t like the 12 month agreement part...called back 2 hours later...told them i had a cancelation request in but I believe the person thought my service was already disconnected....she offered me all of the above and a 300$ visa gift card....probably the best offer I’ve received to date.

[dba4life]

Long time customer that cancelled a few weeks ago.   Called back last week and got $60off per month for 12 months, free Sunday Ticket Max and a $200 gift card.   Based on what I had been reading about their lack of deals this year, I was OK with spending another year with DTV for this.   I used the "winback" number 888-333-0804.   Seems to be a lot of inconsistencies in what people are being offered and they made almost no effort to retain me.   Did get one letter that mentioned the $200 gift card.

[Bills Oil Company]

4 months ago I called because all of my credits had expired.   I got $60 off for 12 months (no contract), 3 months Showtime and 6 months HBO.

 

I called 3 weeks ago.  Told automated system i wanted to cancel.   Specifically asked for relief on my Sunday Ticket renewal (no max).   Said he could offer me 25% off.    He also said I could call back during Week 1 and there would likely be other offers I would be eligible for as well.   I took the 25% off and plan to call back next week. 

 

Interesting customer service model with "call back later for more discounts".  

[notwoz]

After the various discounts applied to my account, I'm paying about $4 a month more than I would have without Sunday Ticket. Seems about right. But I do wish I could get a CFL package on DirecTV. 

[row_33]

Toronto cable wants $200 CDN for the full NFL package.

 

They are showing at least 10 games on regular and pay sports channels.

 

 

[SoTier]

DTV is offering free NFL Sunday Ticket this Sunday.  Channels 701-718 I believe.

[nucci]

2 minutes ago, SoTier said:

DTV is offering free NFL Sunday Ticket this Sunday.  Channels 701-718 I believe.

Correct, 1st week of every season is always free

[PetermansRedemption]

Tried to call again. Best offer was $12 off per month of Sunday Ticket. They are just unwilling to play ball this year. Will be cancelling next week once my bill skyrockets as I have a bunch of credits falling off. Now to figure out which of the streaming options are the best. 

[BillnutinHouston]

A few days ago I got an email from the NFL offering a credit on Sunday Ticket due to my status as a season ticket holder.  Once processed, this showed up on a later email message as a $49 credit.  BUT upon checking my account, I discovered that they changed my order from regular ST to Max, and bumped up the cost!  So now I'm not sure if the "credit" I was offered was really just a roundabout way of upselling me to Max.

 

Between stunts like this and the barely passable English spoken by their phone reps, I'm really getting irritated with DTV. 

 

 

[BuffaloButt]

2 hours ago, nucci said:

Correct, 1st week of every season is always free

Is the 1st week Sunday Ticket Max or just the regular Sunday Ticket?  I may need to watch it on my phone. 

[nucci]

15 minutes ago, BuffaloButt said:

Is the 1st week Sunday Ticket Max or just the regular Sunday Ticket?  I may need to watch it on my phone. 

Good question....going to guess Max...it's a promotion to get people to sign up so may as well show it all

[Nebillzfan]

On 6/2/2018 at 4:01 PM, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

 

Its gotten better every year. $100 is a great deal for 16 games 

 

On 6/2/2018 at 4:01 PM, Over 29 years of fanhood said:

 

Its gotten better every year. $100 is a great deal for 16 games 

 

I guess there is going to be a new app for the Sunday nfl ticket and was wondering if it has come out yet or what the deal I with that

[17 Josh Allen]

ok I made my annual call I got sent right to the end your account department. My 1 year contract was up. Been with Direct TV for 15 years. I have 6 Iphones on Att family plan plus Direct TV. I spend over $4,000.00 a year with them. I explained my side of why I was going to cut the cord. The agent was very nice and listened to what so had to say. Last year end of August 2017 I canceled my service because they would not give me any kind of a deal. Then 3 hours later I got the call from Diect TV,  they wanted me to come back. So they gave me good discounts and Free Sunday Ticket to come back. Fast forward to this year. I did not have to cancel. I got Sunday Ticket for free with Sunday Ticket max. Also $110.00 in credits each mouth. So my bill ends up $105.00 a mouth when I have NFL Sunday Ticket. When The sunday ticket is over my Bill goes to $67.00. I have all movie channels too. I scored big time but I do spend a lot of money with ATT who owns Direct TV. So it was nice they took care of me. also note I am not on a 1 year contract, I can leave anytime I want. Go Bills 

 

Mickey in Rochester NY 

 

 

Edited September 5, 2018 by 17 Josh Allen

[MILFHUNTER#518]

2 minutes ago, 17 Josh Allen said:

ok I made my annual call I got sent right to the end your account department. My 1 year contract was up. Been with Direct TV for 15 years. I have 6 Iphones on Att family plan plus Direct TV. I spend over $4,000.00 a year with them. I explained my side of why I was going to cut the cord. The agent was very nice and listened to what so had to say. Last year end of August 2017 I canceled my service because they would not give me any kind of a desl. Then 3 hours later I got the call from Diect TV and they to get me come back. I got good discounts and Free Sunday Ticket. Fast forward to this year. I did not have to cancel. I got Sunday Ticket for free with Sunday Ticket max. Also $110.00 in credits each mouth. So my bills ends up $105.00 a mouth when I have NFL Sunday Ticket. When The sunday ticket is over my Bill goes to $67.00. I have all movie channels too. I scored big time but I do spend a lot of money with ATT who owns Direct TV. So it was nice they took care of me. also note I am not on a 1 year contract, I can leave anytime I want. Go Bills 

 

Mickey in Rochester NY 

 

 

That is strong, bro. I am in same boat, 3 att phones + direc tv. going to make the call after sunday, some have said the best deals are AFTER the first game. Guess I am going to find out, as I always wait until late august.

[17 Josh Allen]

11 minutes ago, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

That is strong, bro. I am in same boat, 3 att phones + direc tv. going to make the call after sunday, some have said the best deals are AFTER the first game. Guess I am going to find out, as I always wait until late august.

When you call you get the computer. Say cancel my account. Eventually you’ll get to the department that handles canceling your account then what you need to do is calmly explain how many AT&T phones you have and how much you spend between your family phone plans and Dircet TV. Tell them that there are much better options out there at lower rates with local cable company or Ruko or Apple TV and then say I’d like to stay as a customer but you need to really take care of me. Report back and let us know how you make out. If you don’t get a good deal and they don’t play ball then just cancel your account I did that last year and then three hours later I got a call from DIRECTV saying they wanted me to keep me as a customer and that’s when they gave me really good discounts and free Sunday ticket so just speak calm and explain why you should get it over somebody that just joined as a DIRECTV as a customer and doesn’t have AT&T cell phones and they get free SundayTicket and all the good deals and you as a loyal customer he has to beg for it so see what happens and tell us how you make out

Edited September 5, 2018 by 17 Josh Allen

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

1 hour ago, Nebillzfan said:

 

 

I guess there is going to be a new app for the Sunday nfl ticket and was wondering if it has come out yet or what the deal I with that

 

For dtv streaming I used to use PlayStation.  The past few years AppleTV and iPhone have worked well, are almost real time and have decent quality. 

 

Im surprised the nfl doesn’t just take it all over directly and take all the ad revenue themselves

[17 Josh Allen]

6 hours ago, Bills2ref said:

Tried to call again. Best offer was $12 off per month of Sunday Ticket. They are just unwilling to play ball this year. Will be cancelling next week once my bill skyrockets as I have a bunch of credits falling off. Now to figure out which of the streaming options are the best. 

cancel and then wait. You will get a call back the same day offering you all sorts of discounts and free sunday ticket. Just cancel I did last year and 3 hours later I got the call and got the deals. Read my post above. Good luck and report back. 

[BuffaloButt]

12 hours ago, nucci said:

Good question....going to guess Max...it's a promotion to get people to sign up so may as well show it all

I believe you're right.  Thanks!