When it comes to satellite TV service, there's a lot of competition out there ? at least when it comes to signing up new customers. Dish Network knows that some people will call their corporate sales office and sign up that way no mater what, but savvy consumers are more apt to hit the web looking for a bigger and better deal than they can get straight from the company. That's why they've authorized hundreds of retailers to sell their services online, and this is awesome news for us, prospective DISH Network subscribers. Here's why?

With so much online competition out there, DISH Network retailers know that they must offer something special in order to grab your attention and get you to buy. That's where the fun begins.

Dish Network always offers special promotions and sales incentives, no matter where (or from whom) you purchase your sales agreement. But what online retailers do is take this standard promo package and beef it up ? a little or a lot ? depending on how badly they want to reel in new customers.

Using a special promo code attached to their website, each retailer will offer their own set of freebies and incentives to order your DISH service through them. This promo code is tracked by the people at DISH Network to see which retailer is selling the most packages, thus giving them even better deals and more money. This is great for the consumer, who ends up getting more and more free stuff just by using that specific retailer to order the same exact service they would be getting from the company itself.

For instance, you may be able to get a good deal from DISH Network that gives you free installation, up to four receivers and two satellite dishes for free, but check some online retailers and you may be able to walk away with that, plus a free iPod or a home theater system, as well as package upgrades and additional services for the same monthly fee! Who could resist all of that? And all it took was a few minutes on the Internet to check into who was giving away what.

So, what's the best way to cut a great deal when shopping for DISH Service online? Follow these simple guidelines:

* Check out several retailers for the best deals.

* Keep checking every day if you don't see what you want. These special promos change often ? sometimes every day -- so patience is a key to getting the deal you want most.

* Ask for what you want, no matter how crazy it may seem ? you just might get it!

Ordering your DISH Network service online can be easy and fun, if you know what you want, and you're willing to keep looking until you get it! Personally, I've found a few places that consistently have the best deal, and I've noted these below. But if you want to go ahead and do the research yourself, no one is going to stop you. Good luck!