Regulator Service

[ScubaTodd77]

Hi,

I bought my oceanic equipment from scuba.com last August. I took it to a local dealer and had my bcd, reg, octo serviced and battery changed in my computer (all oceanic). I was charged 150.00 and was charged for parts even though I had my warranty cards with me. The owner told me he had to charge me b/c I did not have any paper work on the Alliance Service Agreement. I then asked to have the old parts that were replaced and he told me that he threw them away and did not have them. He told me that he could not give me the parts anyway b/c it would be a liabilty, in case I were to put them in another reg. I'm a new diver, and had only about 20 dives on my new reg and thought that I probably didn't need it serviced but went ahead anyway b/c it has not been used in about 6 months. Is there anyway I can get a refund on the parts? Also, not being able to at least see the parts that were replaced kinda throws a red flag up for me.

Thanks

 

[DiverLS]

I haven't seen a warranty that covers servicing of your reg. As a matter of fact, any warranty I've seen requires annual servicing to keep the warranty in effect.

On the other hand, because the shop wouldn't give you the parts they replaced, that raises a red flag for me too. My shop, Sierra Dive in Reno always gives me back the parts. I have not used other shops but I would expect it there too.

 

[jmani]

I would find a new dive shop. The shop I use regularly does not service my brand of regs, so they send them to the owner of a different shop and he services them. I pay a small shipping fee, and my shop marks up the service a bit. (I don't mind so much as I like this shop, they are upfront about the charge, and I would hate to see them out of business). And even with them sending the regs out I get free parts replacement, and old parts back.

 

[jmani]

I haven't seen a warranty that covers servicing of your reg.

I know both ScubaPro and Aqualung both have free parts replacement for life as long as you service them every year by a "authorized" dealer. ScubaPro also has free battery replacement for life on computers.

 

[mike_s]

I haven't seen a warranty that covers servicing of your reg. As a matter of fact, any warranty I've seen requires annual servicing to keep the warranty in effect.

.

what he's talking about is their "free parts warranty" program for when you service your reg....

 

[DiveMaven]

My LDS also returns the old parts after service. Besides my warranty card, my LDS requires I bring my original receipt of purchase to "prove" we bought from an authorized dealer. Since we didn't buy our regs at the LDS, I think it's a very reasonable demand before they provide free parts.

 

[NCadiver]

For parts warranty you have to bring in the warranty paper work when you drop off your regulator, after the fact their no refund. If your dealer does want to honor the warranty program its time to find a different shop. Most shop will show you the parts at least.

 

[Scubadude62]

Yes I hear people complain all the time about internet purchases. I dont know of anyone that includes free reg service other than maybe the first year and thats if you buy it from them. People complain all the time about their local dive store not helping them with their internet purchases its because everytime you purchase something on line you put another nail in your local stores coffin. I know you get to save a little money with just a little hassle, but when problems arise how difficult is it to have them fixed? When your shop closes where will you get air or service, the internet? Im not sure about the whole not giving you the bad parts back thats odd and your right to be concerned. If you have to take it back to them again tell them up front I want all parts returned and if they hassle you take it somewhere else. You might try contacting Oceanic and ask about the policy regarding your online purchase. I wish you luck and many good dives.

 

[PhilEllis]

Yes I hear people complain all the time about internet purchases. I dont know of anyone that includes free reg service other than maybe the first year and thats if you buy it from them. People complain all the time about their local dive store not helping them with their internet purchases its because everytime you purchase something on line you put another nail in your local stores coffin. I know you get to save a little money with just a little hassle, but when problems arise how difficult is it to have them fixed? When your shop closes where will you get air or service, the internet? Im not sure about the whole not giving you the bad parts back thats odd and your right to be concerned. If you have to take it back to them again tell them up front I want all parts returned and if they hassle you take it somewhere else. You might try contacting Oceanic and ask about the policy regarding your online purchase. I wish you luck and many good dives.

There is no problem with the OP's Alliance Service Agreement that provides free parts for life. If he presented the Alliance Service Agreement card at the time of the service, any PARTICIATING Oceanic agreement can provide the free parts, providing the owner is in compliance with the service internal requirements (13 months since original purchase or last service).

The internet store is an authorized dealer. Now, I don't know if they complete the Alliance Service Agreement cards and provide them at the time of purchase, but it should have been done. If I read the OP correctly, he provided the agreement card, but the dealer in question seems to have needed "additional information".

Phil Ellis
Discount Scuba Gear at DiveSports.com - Buy Scuba Diving Equipment & Snorkeling Equipment

 

[FlyinV]

What does the actual warranty card look like?

I have all my receipts -- bought it from my local authorized reseller LDS - registered it with Oceanic -- but am confused on what the warranty card looks like. I do have a card that explains you need to register your product -- Is that the warranty card?

Luckily I like my LDS and don't plan on switching but things could happen beyond my control.