XM Radio -- How to get the discount

[BassBud]

There have been multiple threads on this topic -- How to get the discounted $77.00 annual fee once the 3-month tirial expires. Having sorted through all of the posts, and having just had an easy, successful renewal experience, I thought it might be a good idea to start a fresh thread.

o Situation: My three-month trial expires a month from now (February 2, 2006), and I received the normal renewal notice last week (no discounts mentioned).

o Phone number - This is key! Thanks to Joe (and others), I learned that it's best not to call the renewal number they provide on the renewal notice. Rather, do call: (800) 732-6360.

o What to tell them - I said: "I am a Honda Ridgeline owner and just received my notice that the 3-month free trial period will expire in a few weeks. I'm also a member of the Ridgeline Owners Club, and I understand that you are making available to us a special offer of $77.00 for an annual renewal."

o What they said - The agent said: "That's correct, please hold while I set up your renewal." After a short wait, he confirmed that it was all set and asked if I wanted to pay by credit card or receive a bill in the mail. Taking no chances, I paid by credit card. He then confirmed that my card had been charged for $77.00 and that my renewal period was for one year, from February 3, 2006 to February 2, 2007.

My thanks to everyone for all of the trials and tribulations for getting out the word on this deal. Hopefully, we'll be able to work out someing for future (post 1-year) renewals, too!

[rtraviator]

BB, do you know if they would have let you do a multi-year deal, say; $77x3 years for $231?

Thanks,
TL

[BassBud]

PS --

I know there have been wide and varied experiences in obtaining this discount. And I know that there are many ROC-heads who have not been granted the discount. I'm wondering if it could be the way in which the service was initiated/activated in the first place?

In my situation, the XM service was activated by the dealer (not by me). Guess that could be a variable that makes a difference in obtaining the renewal discount?

Or is it a matter of calling the correct number and/or having the luck to get a good agent? Some of us have been successful in getting the discount by making repeated calls -- i.e., keep asking until the discount is granted, and not renewing until it is obtained.

[BassBud]

Originally Posted by rtraviator

BB, do you know if they would have let you do a multi-year deal, say; $77x3 years for $231?

TL, That's a GREAT question! I meant to ask, but I was so stunned at how easy I obtained the $77.00 renewal that I forgot to ask for the multi-year discount! Let's be sure to try that going forward and see what happens!

Thanks for bringing this up!

Sid

[SmokyMtnRidger]

BassBud - Great thread.

XM would NOT let us have more than one year at the $77 rate. They said that this was a special, promotional rate and that it was for one year only.

Also, we bought a second Honda, with XM, at the same time and they would NOT, no matter what, give us the same $77 deal on it. We got $88 per year on the second car. We haggled for days with them on this. They said that we were getting a multi subscriber discount. We finally just gave up as the hassle wasn't worth the $11 anymore.

At any rate, we are keeping our eyes open for another discount that we can use next year.

Smoky

[rtraviator]

[quote=BassBud] the XM service was activated by the dealer (not by me). QUOTE]

Mine came with a three-month service, activated by the dealer. I would guess that the dealer notifies XM when they sell a vehicle, in order for XM to start the three-month trial period? I will wait for XM to make the first move and then take it from there.

TL

[BassBud]

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnRidger

BassBud - Great thread.

XM would NOT let us have more than one year at the $77 rate. They said that this was a special, promotional rate and that it was for one year only.

Also, we bought a second Honda, with XM, at the same time and they would NOT, no matter what, give us the same $77 deal on it. We got $88 per year on the second car. We haggled for days with them on this. They said that we were getting a multi subscriber discount. We finally just gave up as the hassle wasn't worth the $11 anymore.

At any rate, we are keeping our eyes open for another discount that we can use next year.

Smoky

Thanks Smoky!

I guess we just keep at it! Wonder what would happen if we approach them as a "club?"

With several thousand members you'd think that might count for something!!??

Sid

[mike kennedy]

I wonder if Sirius will match that offer?

[SmokyMtnRidger]

That is a great idea to approach them as a Club! I know that I love my XM, as does my hubby, and I tell everyone about how much I love it. I want XM to do well, but honestly, I am only willing to pay so much for the service.

On a seperate note, I can't get over Sirius paying $500 million over 5 years to Howard Stern! I doubt we would get a $77/year deal with them! That is some high priced .....er, talent(?).

Smoky

[BassBud]

Originally Posted by SmokyMtnRidger

I can't get over Sirius paying $500 million over 5 years to Howard Stern! I doubt we would get a $77/year deal with them! That is some high priced .....er, talent(?).

Smoky

Smoky,

No kidding! I also have Sirius via my wife's vehicle. I have to admit that I do prefer Sirius since it has all of the NFL football games, and NASCAR is moving to Sirius in 2007. However (and I guess I'm in the minority), I detest Howard Stern, and I think what Sirius has done is totally wacko -- They have stooped to a new, scummy low in my book! And I've told them so (not that they care)! When I renewed my XM subscription, I did tell the agent "Thanks for NOT having Howard Stern on XM."

Anyway....enough of that..... I do enjoy XM and I'm glad we have the $77.00 deal for now!