DIRECTV has announced its newest company revision. Beginning March 30, 2005 DIRECTV will expand on its normal credit check by processing the credit check at the time of ordering. This is good news to many thousands of interested DIRECTV consumers. In the past, DIRECTV has handled credit checks at the time of activation. With the new program these checks will be processed up front allowing the customer to know whether any additional fees will be necessary to begin service. One thing that hasn’t changed, DIRECTV will continue making “soft” credit checks so customers have no need to worry about changing requirements. Basically, instead of waiting until the day the installer comes out to find out if additional charges are necessary customers will know immediately.

Announcing the pending credit reform may appear slightly daunting at first. Honestly, this new system will allow the company to increase product value that will be passed onto the consumer. Performing the credit check upfront allows customers to be aware of any fees that may be necessary and also allows everyone to take advantage of the national offers. Although not everyone will pass with flying colors, no one will be denied service. All customers, as in the past, will maintain the offers DIRECTV publishes regardless of their credit status. The only changes are the initial set up fees, which are credited back to the consumer 100% over a set period of time. Each consumer paying the initial fee will enjoy a $10 credit to the bill each month, lowering the monthly out of pocket rate. Although the thought of paying a set rate upfront may sound intimidating it will actually help out in the long run. Especially knowing right away what is to be expected and what one can expect from DIRECTV.

The credit check is not a new installation into the world of satellite TV service. Most every satellite company runs a check at some point along the process. By changing the time when the credit check is processed time will be saved for everyone involved. Isn’t it more satisfying to know everything straight out instead of waiting? Many new customers are much happier that the credit check can be done at the time they order as opposed to asking them to wait until the day of installation. No surprises, no worries. Rest assured, all information necessary is included when ordering satellite service.

Weary about being credit checked? Don’t want an inquiry on your credit to receive satellite TV? No problem. Customers always have the option of not obtaining a credit check, however these accounts are handled as requiring the initial set up fee. You are not obligated to give out any information you are uncomfortable with, though this may result in an incomplete credit check (or lack of credit check) and fees may apply. If you opt for this option you do qualify to receive the $10 credit per month on your DIRECTV bill. Also, if you are worried about inquiries made you opt to pay the fee without a credit check or rest assured that only one inquiry will be made in a 60 day period. This means that once you’ve gone through DIRECTV’s credit check you will not be required to go through the process again even if you decide to use a different DIRECTV retailer to get your satellite TV service and installation than the company who originally processed the order.

In reality, this change will not have a negative effect on most new customers. Whether the initial fee is required or not should not be a major selling point since credit checks are general requirements for most all home services (electric, telephone, internet all require a check). If the credit check is flagged as passing, the customer will enjoy the national offers and simply pay monthly programming fees. If the customer does pay the initial fee, they will enjoy the national offers and receive a $10 credit on each month’s bill. Another positive effect this change has created is the elimination of the standard $50 prepayment at the time of install. For all the negatives that may first appear with the announcement of the required credit check, DIRECTV has positive outlooks for this change. Reestablishing the market will allow retailers to remain competitive while creating offers positively effecting the consumer. No one will be turned away from the quality programming and everyone will continue to receive the national promotions. In essence, this new program is implemented to be a win-win situation.

By:
K Riley