Dish Network - cancelled service - charged over $900.00 for not returning the equipment on time

Dish Network - cancelled service - charged over $900.00 for not returning the equipment on time

Dish Network

We had a year contract with Dish Network. Within 7 months we were forced to move out-of-state. Since we understood we had an obligation for the remaining months, we called to set up the cancellation and wanted to pay off the contract. When we called we found out that,

1- We were responsible to return the equipment (but not until the end of our contract - they wouldn't accept the equipment prior to the date of expiration),

2- If we cancelled the contract we had to not only pay the remaining months, but also a penalty charge,

3- If we transferred service, we would still have to pay a penalty,

4- We could continue to pay monthly payments, then cancel the service at the end of the contract, but had to contact them 1 month before expiration and they would send out special packages for us to return the equipment.

This seemed quite ridiculous to us, but if we had to pack up and move the equipment (they specified what needed to be returned), then we would do it. One month before the expiration date we called for the boxes. At that time the customer service agent advised us that we were also responsible to return some small device attached to the outside dish - and if we didn't we would get an additional charge of hundreds of dollars! Well, we couldn't drive 9 hours (one-way) to retrieve a part we didn't even know where to find, or what it was .

We argued that we were not told to return that part, but they insisted that it was in our "contract" to return it. After looking at the contract, all parts are in technical terms...only a TV/Dish Network technician would understand what parts are all included in the satellite dish, etc. After a month had gone by, and we never received the special "packages" from Dish Network, we called them to see if they sent them out yet. That is when we found out that:

1. They mailed the packages to our old address in error, and

2. They charged us over $900.00 for not returning the equipment on time.

3. They wouldn't tell us on what charge card they charged our account, and advised they are not in anyway responsible for any interest charges - even though they are the ones in error here!

4. They advised they only send out packages ONCE, so we are responsible to find packaging, pay shipping, etc.

We are in the process of working this out, but it is definitely not over. We have called Dish Network over 10 times through this ordeal - and everyone tells us something different.

It is also rare to talk with a friendly, helpful customer service rep. I would strongly advise anyone looking into using this company as a satellite TV provider, to seek another company!

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