Direct TV - reception lost 6 weeks after installation - installation problem - no help from Direct TV

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on June 25, 2002:

From: BARBARA SHELTON [Email User]

RE: Direct TV - reception lost 6 weeks after installation - installation problem - no help from Direct TV

I had Direct tv dish installed on 3/06/01 and by 4/13/01 I had no reception because the installer had aimed the dish at my neighbor's tree and when the leaves came out reception was blocked!! In my opinion, any reliable and honest company would have sent the installer back out to move the dish BUT not Direct TV. When I called Direct Tv I was told that they were not responsible, they ONLY provide the service and they were not real sure who had sent the installer out but they thought it was Professional Satellite in LaJolla,CA.

When I called that company they did not know who had installed the dish either, they thought it was Digavision but had no address or phone number for that company! All I asked for was the installer to return and determine where the dish should be located and move it or tell me that I could not get reception because of the trees. I was told very rudely that I would have to pay for the installer to come out because I SHOULD HAVE TOLD HIM WHERE TO PUT THE DISH!!!

I had paid $98.99 for this dish and received less than 6 weeks of service. A word of advice to anyone dealing with Direct TV--Get a purchase agreement, contract or anything else in writing. I had ordered mine over the phone using the 800 number in the phone book which is NOT Direct TV, it is one of their agents. I did not have anything in writing, they never sent a purchase agreement or order form and the installer did not have me sign anything or leave any information with me.

At the time I did not think about it because I assumed I was dealing with DIRECT TV and I could rely on them if I had a problem. I filed a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General's office against Direct Tv and their reply was that they were not involved in the sale or installation of my equipment. I then filed a complaint against Professional Satellite and their reply was that they had offered to send the installer back out twice and I had refused!!!

They didn't tell them that their offer was for me to pay for the installer to come back out! They also sent a copy of a CUSTOMER ORDER FORM to the Attorney General's office with all the information about my order, as I said before they never sent me anything like that. Last word from the Attorney General's office was that there was nothing else they could do to get my refund because the company is from out of state and not regulated here.

They said I could contact the FCC but doubt if that would help. So we have a company that, in my opinion, is ripping off consumers, will not accept responsibility for any problems that come up and no one can do anything about it!!!!

I cannot think of any other company that sells to consumers or provides service to consumers that is allowed to operate this way!

And guess who I received a call from yesterday wanting to know why I cancelled my service last year, Direct Tv! I love cable tv and highly recommend it, excellent customer service and in over a year NO interruption in reception!!!