Thumbsdown to Shaw...warning to those upgrading to HD - UPDATE

[Impossibles]

On boxing day I bought a HDTV, and a few days before, I ordered my HD PVR from Shaw (I knew what I was going to buy). I called up shaw and scheduled them to come in and install the box (so I could use their easy pay service). Box was delivered on Jan 2, I had a couple minor problems, but was happy with the service.

Surfing around the net, I found some mentions of a 'trade-in' program when people are upgrading to HD.

So today I called up shaw, and was informed there is a trade in program and they could have given me a $180 credit for my DCT. But they can't do it retro-actively. I was not informed of this option when I ordered the HD PVR, and if I was, I would have definately done it.

They told me to go to a retail location and try my luck there.

I'll update this thread after I try on Saturday.

[Icedawn]

oh common... do you seriously expect a company to go out of its way to inform a buying customer that ... oh, btw, you can save 180 bucks even though you were going to buy this anyways?

That's why sites such as RFD exist... because the people who care do the research first since its slightly unreasonable to expect companies to, at the time of purchase, to themselves tell you how to get the best price.

[Kwirky]

CAn you return the PVR, get your money back, and buy it again using the trade in option?

[etherboy]

oh common... do you seriously expect a company to go out of its way to inform a buying customer that ... oh, btw, you can save 180 bucks even though you were going to buy this anyways?

That's why sites such as RFD exist... because the people who care do the research first since its slightly unreasonable to expect companies to, at the time of purchase, to themselves tell you how to get the best price.

Depends on the employees... there are those there to help customers and those there to help the company...

And those who do a mixture of both...

[Impossibles]

oh common... do you seriously expect a company to go out of its way to inform a buying customer that ... oh, btw, you can save 180 bucks even though you were going to buy this anyways?

That's why sites such as RFD exist... because the people who care do the research first since its slightly unreasonable to expect companies to, at the time of purchase, to themselves tell you how to get the best price.

I did do my research, nowhere on shaw's site do they mention this.

[ichpen]

But seriously, what's the problem?? You only have yourself to blame so don't take it out on the company. If you're not happy, feel free to cancel.

Buyers need to be more savvy about new services and promotions.

Say you go out to buy a watch, the shop that sells watches has a trade-in program that's not advertised. You come in and say I want that watch and I want it now. Do you think the seller has any obligation to let you know that there's a promo going on? If you came in and said I'm thinking about buying this watch but it's a little beyond my range, do you have any sales/promos, then I would expect a good seller to dish out some info.

[Impossibles]

But seriously, what's the problem?? You only have yourself to blame so don't take it out on the company. If you're not happy, feel free to cancel.

Buyers need to be more savvy about new services and promotions.

Say you go out to buy a watch, the shop that sells watches has a trade-in program that's not advertised. You come in and say I want that watch and I want it now. Do you think the seller has any obligation to let you know that there's a promo going on? If you came in and said I'm thinking about buying this watch but it's a little beyond my range, do you have any sales/promos, then I would expect a good seller to dish out some info.

??? What's the point of having a trade-in program if you don't tell anybody??

When I call in and say 'I am planning to buy an HDTV and so I want to upgrade to the HD PVR', they should tell me my options.

[Cas77]

oh common... do you seriously expect a company to go out of its way to inform a buying customer that ... oh, btw, you can save 180 bucks even though you were going to buy this anyways?

That's why sites such as RFD exist... because the people who care do the research first since its slightly unreasonable to expect companies to, at the time of purchase, to themselves tell you how to get the best price.

Very well said.

OP: If you think a corporation's mandate is to look for your own financial best-interest, you need to open your eyes and look around you.

Sales & promotions do not cater to the impulse buyer, they're designed for the RFDer mentality. These companies love the impulse buyer and know that when a clueless person calls in they can finally get rid of that piece of swamp land.

[Aske001]

I would hesitate to buy any HD PVR these days. The market is very volatile, the hardware is buggy, the service providers are making big changes to their offerings that could make you want to switch, and the current inflated prices for the hardware are being propped up only by protectionism policies which could be altered at any time.

Shaw's buddies over at Starchoice just raised their prices and are about to start charging $5/month extra for HD channels that were free until now. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I'd just plunked down $699+tax for their HD PVR!

[Kamloops]

I quik google on the net seems some people get great trade in deals and others not. Looks like you do better going into a shaw location rather than doing it on the phone.

This is interesting but expired
http://www.shaw-cable.com/internet_services/satellite-exchange.htm

[Impossibles]

I would hesitate to buy any HD PVR these days. The market is very volatile, the hardware is buggy, the service providers are making big changes to their offerings that could make you want to switch, and the current inflated prices for the hardware are being propped up only by protectionism policies which could be altered at any time.

Shaw's buddies over at Starchoice just raised their prices and are about to start charging $5/month extra for HD channels that were free until now. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I'd just plunked down $699+tax for their HD PVR!

That's always the case with any new technology.

The HD and PVR components of box are great...I've never had a PVR before.

The SD picture is significantly worse than the older DCT I have. I'm considering just keeping the old DCT and switching over when I want to watch a SD channel.

[Cas77]

Shaw's buddies over at Starchoice just raised their prices and are about to start charging $5/month extra for HD channels that were free until now. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I'd just plunked down $699+tax for their HD PVR!

Why are you spewing heresay and false rumours??

StarChoice sent a receiver mail message yesterday saying the A&E HD and the Discovery HD free trials were ending on the 12th and would now be available for $4.99/month

In the 'Inside Scoop' included in the bill it said the "No Extra Cost HD" channel line-up will be capped at 17 and all others will be pakaged for subscription.

I have no problems with this, as it's 17 more free HD channels than Hell or Robbers will ever offer!

[Impossibles]

Update:

So today I go to the shaw retail center with my old DCT ready for a fight.

Absolutely no problem whatsoever trading in my DCT for a $180 bill credit.

Silly shaw customer call center.

[weedb0y]

??? What's the point of having a trade-in program if you don't tell anybody??

When I call in and say 'I am planning to buy an HDTV and so I want to upgrade to the HD PVR', they should tell me my options.

Because you are then lowering the gross margin. Profit. The company is there to make money. Its not Salvation Army.