Dish Won’t Limit Sales of $40 Converter Box to Its Online Store
Dish Network won’t restrict sales of its $40 coupon- eligible converter box to its online store, as its announcement this week on the product’s availability had implied, a spokeswoman told Consumer Electronics Daily. Dish’s TR-40CRA box, available at no charge except for tax and shipping when bought using an NTIA coupon will be sold through Dish retailers that have been “approved to accept coupons,” the spokeswoman said.
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Dish also may offer the TR-40CRA for sale through retailers that aren’t approved for the coupon program, she said. Her advice to consumers: “I'd call first to make sure they're selling them and if they're accepting coupons.” Dish’s announcement Wednesday said consumers could begin ordering the TR-40CRA immediately through the company’s online store, www.TRA40.com. The site accepts coupons toward purchase of either the TRA-40CRA or the company’s DTVPal, available since June at $59.99. The site limits purchases to two boxes at a time, regardless of the number of coupons redeemed. Those who want to buy three or more boxes are redirected to a toll-free order line.
Dish’s announcement said the TR-40CRA would be available in limited quantities and “while supplies last.” But the spokeswoman skirted our questions about how many boxes Dish would make for sale and when it expects to run out. “We do recommend people purchase their boxes as soon as possible, since the feedback we've gotten from consumers is quite positive in terms of their intention to buy,” she said.