Subscription Renewal (via Starter kit)

[Zorilla]

Hi All

For alot of us, subscription renewal time is looming, and the need to have our credit cards debited with £39.99 (which if you ask me, is pretty good value - however please don't start a 'flamming' session if you think otherwise!)

Last year there was a 'loophole' (if that is the correct term) - which allowed you to avoid the £39.99 credit card charge, by purchasing a "Starter kit" and entering the subscription code into the XBOX dashboard.

See last year's thread by clicking here

As you can see - the benefits of doing this are:
1) Cheaper - Can get Starter kit for just over £30.00
2) Get spare headset
3) Get a few demo 'live enabled' games.

Looking at the XBOX FAQ this year, it seems that the wording has changed very slightly (xbox.com FAQ on billing)
But I still get the impression it will work.

Has anyone tried it again this year?
If not, then I'm about to order a starter kit, and I'll let you know if it works!
(If it doesn't work - I'll be selling a cheap starter kit if anyone's interested! )

[NEONKNIGHT]

I can see the benefit of a new headset (Don't M$ give out free replacements anymore?) but for the actual money you will save over the year it equates to 15 pence a week (Amazon price £32.99 - M$ price £39.99 a difference of £7.00). Unless you find some where really cheap that is!!!!

The demo's don't seem much to rave about either...FIFA 2005, Outrun 2, Rainbow Six 3

Cheers

[zoombini]

I'd be interested to find out if they give out new headsets still, it's the same naff design.

I'm about to sign up again using a £19 kit from game (cheap as chips!) and spare headsets are always useful.

[TigaSefi]

heh GAME was giving out £20 Starter Kits online for a week, so I got one and entered it in. AND it renewed all the way to March 2006 now hehe.. and I got a spare headset if it ever breaks. Bottom line is that the starter kits will allow u to extend ur "live" for another year.

[STONEISLAND]

How do you chancel your subscription? I have a starter kit card as well.

[TigaSefi]

You need to ring MS on the phone to cancel. I presume u want to change your "Gamertag" name ?

[STONEISLAND]

Originally Posted by TigaSefi

You need to ring MS on the phone to cancel. I presume u want to change your "Gamertag" name ?

Spot on. How did you know that?

Have you got the number?

[TigaSefi]

no but it should be on www.xbox.com someplace.... usually under support.

Try 0800 587 1102

[mikafire]

There are two ways it works.

1. If you are on your first subscription its a simple case of getting your starter kit and bunging in the new number. A whole year is added to what already exists and everyone is happy.

2. If like me you have paid for your second year and enter a new subscription code the sub will start from that day forward. I was more that a little worried when this happened to me but was mighty relieved to find four days later MS refunded £12.38 for the seven weeks I had left on my old one.

I too bought the £20 special offer from GAME and am well chuffed as I basically got a year for just over £7

[Emperordalek]

Q: If I enter a subscription code from an Xbox Live Starter Kit to renew my initial subscription, what will happen to my initial subscription?
A: If you currently have a 12-month initial subscription (from a Starter Kit) and you modify your subscription by entering another subscription code, your current subscription will not be affected. Your renewal subscription will be modified to an additional 12-month subscription that will begin after your initial subscription ends.

Q: If I enter a subscription code from an Xbox Live Starter Kit after my initial subscription has already been renewed, will I be charged the full amount for that renewal subscription?
A: If your initial subscription has already renewed into a monthly or annual subscription and you modify your subscription by entering a code from a Starter Kit, your active subscription will be prorated and you will receive a refund for any unused time on the service. Your new active subscription will be a 12-month subscription that begins on the date that you enter the subscription code.

I think these two points from the Xbox Site clearly show what happens if you use a new starter kit.

[dragon]

you can definatly use the starter kit i just got the trail to play on bros xbox then orderd a starter kit