Contracts: "Everyone signs a contact"

I was advised by Dish that because I opted to pay a $99.00 activation fee, I will NOT have to sign a contract for a minimum number of months of service (18 or 24, etc.)

However, when the installer showed up at my house on Saturday he said Dish requires that everyone sign an 18 or 24 month contract. He stated that it's very "rare" that Dish will allow an install without a contract. I explained that I had paid the activation fee so that I would not have to sign a contract for a minimum number of months of service. The installer again said "everyone signs a contract." So I declined. I also did not go ahead with the install because the installer's work order incorrectly identified the HD dual tuner DVR as a 625 (and NOT the 722 I specifically requested). The installer said he did not have a 722 with him.

Anyway, I spoke with Dish afterwards and the equipment situation has supposedly been taken care of. A new install (with a 722) is scheduled for next weekend.

I'm just concerned that they will send me the same installer with another contract in his hands. I still won't sign a contract for a minimum number of months of service. However, I can understand signing some paperwork to acknowledge the install, equipment I'm taking posession of, agreeing to return or pay for it if I don't return it upon cancellation, etc, etc.

Anyone ever experienced anything like this?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Ill informed installer.

Ill informed installer.

True. It's been said before but I'll say it again. If I had this to do all over again I probably would not arrange new service direct thru the the Dish "800" #.

I should have sought out a local agent/installer of my choice. Besides.. I've concluded that dealing with 800 # Dish CSR's is soooo much work and a crap shoot at best. It's constantly a different story from a different rep every time you call... it's like playing a crazy tv game show in a whacky alternate universe. ("Wheel of Misfortune"?) Or maybe I could better describe it tnhe way Forrest said it in that movie of his.. "Calling Dish is like a box of chocolates.. you never know what you're gonna get." He said that, right? ;)

All kidding aside.. I really do look forward to giving Dish a try.. the all HD (Gold) package would giive me a lot more HD than a comparably priced package from Comcast. And the package includes a cool dual tuner DVR (assuming next time I actually get the 722 that I requested in the first place).

:yippee:

Perhaps I'll post an update after my Saturday install..

There should be a spot on the contract to decline the 24 month commitment. As long as dish knows, and you did pay the money, there will be no commitment.

There should be a spot on the contract to decline the 24 month commitment. As long as dish knows, and you did pay the money, there will be no commitment.


I'll be sure to look for an opt out on the contract. Thanks!

Or write it on the contract yourself, before signing, see it they decline your counter offer.

when they came out 2 years ago they asked me if i wanted to sighn a contract, that way i would get my install fee back, i did. well my contract was up months ago and ill never sign again. once you sign they got you for that period of time. now if they piss me off i can drop them. so far so good with them.

when they came out 2 years ago they asked me if i wanted to sighn a contract, that way i would get my install fee back, i did. well my contract was up months ago and ill never sign again. once you sign they got you for that period of time. now if they piss me off i can drop them. so far so good with them.

I am in the same boat, month to month, that way you have some power.:cool:

True. It's been said before but I'll say it again. If I had this to do all over again I probably would not arrange new service direct thru the the Dish "800" #.

I should have sought out a local agent/installer of my choice. Besides.. I've concluded that dealing with 800 # Dish CSR's is soooo much work and a crap shoot at best. It's constantly a different story from a different rep every time you call... it's like playing a crazy tv game show in a whacky alternate universe. ("Wheel of Misfortune"?) Or maybe I could better describe it tnhe way Forrest said it in that movie of his.. "Calling Dish is like a box of chocolates.. you never know what you're gonna get." He said that, right? ;)


That's no guarantee. These things vary by area. Some independents are very good, others run it as a side business and don't keep up with all the changes.
I've always gone through Dish (in 2 different locales) and always ended up with very good installation service done by knowledgeable people.
Many exceptions to that, again, depending where you live. If you can't find references from friends/neighbors might as well flip a coin :what:

Good luck anyway on your install! I think once things are smooth runnnig you will be very pleased.

[QUOTE=bella;766720]

I should have sought out a local agent/installer of my choice.


That is an interesting thought. I wished I HAD called the 800 number. I went to an agent and signed up. Now Dishnet Work doesn't want to talk to me because I have a contract with him. The agent wanted to charge me $200 up front for a DVR. WHen I called Dishnet Work they finely told me the list price is $100 and if I hadn't gone to the agent they could give me one for $50. I was told the contract with the agent is for one year and then I will be Dishnet Work's customer. Wished I had known that before I got into this mess.