In a press release today, Comcast announced they have partnered with Nintendo to offer a free Nintendo Wii to new Comcast Triple Play subscribers who sign up for service between today and August 17th. However, don't let them fool you. It may be a "Free Wii," but it will really cost you a little less than $400 in the end.
Funny story, it just so happens I signed up for a new Triple Play package last week (I'm moving to a new area, and they're pretty much the only game in town for now). In fact, it hasn't even been installed yet. After reading the press release, the first thing I did was call Comcast. Between "no free Wii" and "Free Wii" I'll take the freebie every time.
After being connected to a customer service rep, I explained I just signed up for a Comcast Triple Play package, and that I read today they're offering a free Wii as an incentive.
What I was told was that the Triple Play package I signed up for doesn't qualify. To get a Wii, I have to sign up for the $129 dollar package (so to note, the cheaper packages won't net you a Wii). I may have been willing to pay an extra $15 a month for more TV and a free Wii, but (of course) there's a kicker...
In true Comcast style, the deal REQUIRES a two year commitment. Okay, not a huge deal, right? BUT, the $129 package price is only valid for the first year of your two year commitment. After the first year, the minimum package price jumps to $183 per month; $54 dollars more per month for 12 months (plus any other service increases) with no option to renegotiate or cancel. Those who don't opt for the Wii are under no long-term commitment, meaning you can back out whenever you want.
Given that you're forced to pay an extra $54 a month for a full year, you're talking about a grand total of $648 more for service through year two. You still get the free Wii, which (at retail) costs $249. Subtract the savings on the Wii, and you're out an additional $399 for the second year.
Now, the rates get jacked after your first year whether you take the Wii or not; the only difference is that by skipping the Wii you give yourself an out to cancel your service if you don't like the taste of eating the 30+% increase in your monthly payment. So, if you're going to stick with them for two years regardless of the monthly price, go ahead and take the 'Wii-bie.'
Me? I'll stick with the lower priced package and just go buy a Wii for $249. When the Comcast gouging starts, I'll take my business elsewhere.
Comments
This is a pretty typical
This is a pretty typical scheme - give the customer something "free" up front, then get back your investment (plus interest) on the back end. As we all know very well, this is a common approach with cellphones, too.
The attitude of "I'll pay whatever, as long as I get it cheap/free now" is a dangerous one. That's why I'm not buying the iPhone 3G - sure, it's only $199, but after a shiny new 2 year contract, the phone now costs me about an extra $360 per year for the same level of service I have now (other than being faster, of course.)
And I already have a Wii, so I won't be rushing to Comcast to get one ;)
The problem with these things
The problem with these things is that it works for the seller! Most people don't analyze everything and get sucked into what they think is a good deal. So at the end of the day they sell a bunch of this stuff and keep offering them.
I think you did the right thing with this one. Wait till XMas and you can probably get a WII under $200.
I believe we can prevent this
I believe we can prevent this from happening if we give this issue to the attorney general. I believe if this can be proven to mislead consumers in unfair tactics, You could probably get the wiii for nothing and the $99.99 a month for triple play. Better yet type in the comcastmustdie.blogspot.com you'll be amazed what you will read.
Not really the case, at the
Not really the case, at the end of the one year you are allowed to cut your coverage to a minimum of phone and internet only.... you do not have to keep the extra hbo and starz or even cable at all..you just cant cancel the service entirely.
I agree it is all a scam though. the phone would be what i want to get rid of and you also have to wait to get the forms, mail them in, then it is still another 6-12 weeks for the wii to be delivered
Ok what you failed to mention
Ok what you failed to mention was this. If you decide to not to keep the triple play after the year the Wii will cost you $125.00. If you cancel your triple play or service before the first year is up they will bill you the $250.00 for the wii. Cancel between 1 and 2 years they bill you $125.00. After 2 years, obviously, its free. So indeed it costs more if you choose to keep the triple play package.
I did everything that was
I did everything that was required to revcieve the free wii and I am still waiting to get it! I think that nobody knows what they are doing at Comcast. I feel that I am calling weekly with problems with Comcast service. And now I am fighting with them to get my wii. How hard can it be?