INTRODUCTION:

* After you have tried all the advice in this DIY blog and you still have a tricky problem, you might want to resort to a professional for help.

Here we will show you exactly how to quickly find the right person for the task you require. We want the best deal for you, as well as the installer and this is possible, if we just keep a few factors in mind.

HOW TO FIND A THE BEST DSTV INSTALLER IN CENTURION OR ANYWHERE ELSE IN S.A:

My very best advice here is, to ask your family or friends for a recommendation.
Your previous installer might have left an address sticker on your decoder, or check your phone”s contact list.
Look for a Whats-App or Facebook group in your estate or direct close area, for some one that they can recommend.
The next option is to look on DSTV.co.za – (click self-service tab).
If you bought a new decoder there will be a QR code on the box that you can scan.

*The following information will help you find the right person for the job so you can, when all is done, feel that you have had a win-win deal.

Where to find a trustworthy DStv installer:

Dealing with a total stranger is always awkward. You already feel much better if your brother or best friend had a great experience with a specific qualified installer. Good communication is vital and if you know beforehand that the installers language skills are good, it makes for a better dealing.
You surely would like to get to know someone that you can build a long term relationship with and who you can trust inside your home not to leave dirty marks on your carpet.
There are absolutely great installers out there that will go out of their way to please you with the most excellent work. Your job is to find one that you can get along with best.
That said, concludes that there is nothing better than a recommendation from a friend.
If you call DStv, they can look up the details of the previous installer that did your original installation.
When your usual installer is unavailable you can always get an appropriately qualified installer on DStv.co.za. Here you will find a list of DStv Accredited installers in your area, who have the backing of a large organization.
What about the local guy that advertises in the newspaper or on a lamppost? If he is not accredited & qualified by DStv it usually leaves a question mark. All that is good about some of these installers , are their prices. They usually do not have the appropriate tools and cannot give you any guarantee on items like decoders. Because they are often under priced, it is usually hard to get them back to fix any problems.
Through the years I have had many customers who had to get an accredited installer out to fix others shoddy workmanship, then having to pay a second time. OUTCH!

What type of services are provided by DStv accredited installers?

Most installation businesses have technicians that are qualified to do the whole spectrum of DStv jobs required in domestic homes. They can install dishes, decoders, 3 environment Xtraview and WiFi for your Explora.
Such technicians will also be able to install extension tv points with Tv-links in places like Lapas, as well as services like OVHD for domestic quarters. ( A non-subscription service). They can also connect up Free to Air decoders for channels like Netherlands Tv BVN and numerous religious channels. ( All on the same or adjacent satellites to DStv).
Many installers are also qualified to work on DStv systems in complexes, Hotels and Stadiums with communal systems. Some of these systems can be very complicated and requires special knowledge, tools and experience.
Then you have a certain sector of installers who also specializes in other areas like CCTV, who are able to service cameras and recording devices.
Now that we have become so reliant on the internet, some installers have started to install improvements to the standard WiFi systems, giving one stronger reception throughout the home.
Home automation is also starting to interest some technicians.
Integrating your sound system to the DStv decoder is done by most installers, and some even do the sound systems through-out the house.

What is a DStv Accredited installer?

Installation companies have to apply for accreditation by DStv. There are stringent rules and specifications that they have to comply with in order to be honored with this status. A contract is then entered into.
Part of the process is for them to have the appropriate tools, testing equipment, vehicles and also office equipment approved.
The technicians working for them also have to pass certain levels of theoretical and practical exams. After passing the exam they are then referred to as “qualified Installers”.
Examples of their work is also inspected by a field representative annually, to ensure that the quality of material and workmanship is adhered to.
This means that you as a customer will get someone to fix your system that will do it efficiently, as fast as possible and properly using only high quality approved equipment.
Accredited installers also give you a three month guarantee on all work done. You therefor have recourse, if required.

How does vouchered DStv installations work?

Vouchered installations is a concept designed by DStv in order to make it cheaper for new customers and existing customers to get their systems up to date, upgrade or expand their DStv system to more decoders.
Each system is subsidized in such a way that you just only pay for the decoder up front. DStv then pays for the dish, LNB, bracket, cable, connectors as well as the labour to install everything.
You do not pay anything towards the one decoder installation, toward the voucher stipulates. The voucher does not include a few things: 1) Only 1.5hours of labour is included. If you happen to have a double storey house, any extra labour will be for your account. 2) The same applies to any cables to be pulled into trunking or conduit. 3) Connecting your new decoder to the existing ones, require additional parts and labour and is also excluded from your voucher. 4) Any task that requires the installer to be exposed to any risk, will attract a danger fee that is only fair towards the installer.

What does the installer require from me as a customer?

Name, Surname,address, cell.no, e-mail and any other contact details.

DStv account number or Id. no, in order for them to access your account.

Gate code to the Estate, or any relevant info. on how to reach your house.

A clear written list of instructions unless you will be home.

Domestic or housemates to be informed of the arrival.

All dogs and pets to be taken to a separate area.

Any feedback is always appreciated to be able to improve service levels.

Please to remove all special breakable items where the team will work.

You should familiarize yourself beforehand with the abilities of new –

-devices to be installed concerning what it can, or cannot do.

How are prices structured for DStv work?

Like most other service providers, you will need to pay a service fee covering the cost to get a team with their tools to your premises. This is charged at a rate that the Automobile Association calculates and covers the vehicle costs for the contractor.
Unlike many professions, most installers do not charge for the technician salaries during travel time, for domestic work. This impacts very negatively on their profitability. Many hours are lost this way for them. At least the customer benefits.
You are charged for any material that the technician uses, which will include a small profit for them.
Then there is the charge for labour. This is the main form of income for the business. Every hour worked by a team must bring in a fixed amount for the company, other wise they will soon work at a loss.
Like most of us know, when we take our car in for a service, the labour cost is around R900.00/hour .(With one mechanic working) Dstv technicians work in a team of two and charge anything from R250-R550/hour. This is getting top class service at half price!
Qualified technicians have spent a lot of money and time on extensive training, frequent refresher courses and updating their tools and equipment. They deserve to have a decent standard of living.
Vouchered installations are priced according to the specific deal that DStv has running at the time. You therefor know beforehand what your expense is going to be. Just keep in mind the extra costs as described above under voucher-ed installations.
Also keep in mind that the installer does not make any profit on the material during a Voucher installation.

General things you need to know:

I would be very wary of the technician that charges as cheaply as R250/h. Such a person surely does not rate his own abilities very high and would surely only deliver substandard work.
Kids and pets can be bothersome to the workers, taking them longer to complete the task. You will thus save money, if you can have them out of the way.
Installers prefer that you are on the property when they come out to work. In this way, they can ask you questions, and make sure they do everything to your liking. There will no need for them to come back in the event of your dissatisfaction.
If there is something that you discover that is not to your liking, please call the installer and explain to him what you want him to change. Most installers I know would go out of their way to please each customer. If you were not on site the first time, he might charge you a traveling fee to to so.
You have the right to report any installer to DStv Technical, if they should refuse to rework any mistakes. If required DStv will send a representative to inspect their work and then ask another installer to do the rectification, if this is required.

DSTV ACCREDITED INSTALLER NEAR ME?