High Retail Prices = Hard to Support LDS

[RandyOrr]

Well I think my mind has been made up by the terrible service at Leisure Pro. I just called them to exchange an item. I bought an Aqualung Impulse Dry snorkel. I am having problems purging it when it floods. The design of the top prevents it from purging completely and I get a mouthful of water on my first breath after purging. No matter how hard I purge it, it will not completely clear. My instructor said he hates that design and he told me to exchange it. He said he has the same problem and so did a number of his students.

So I called Leisure Pro and explained to them the problem. I stated I wanted the Impulse Flex 3 that is the exact same cost. I just want an even exchange. They told me that I am stuck with it! So I guess that made my decision a lot easier. So now I have to worry about buying something and it not functioning the way it is supposed to and I will be stuck. They said they only exchange if it is a warranty issue. So I guess I will spend my $4,000 elsewhere.

 

[fire_diver]

Glad you found out on a small item before dropping a huge chunk of change with them!

If you don't have a good LDS, give ScubeToys a call, or visit thier website. Hands down, they are the best LDS and online dive shop thier is. Thier customer service sets the standard.

 

[RandyOrr]

I would but they don't sell Aqualung. I did read their return policy though...

"We want you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. So if for any reason, you are not you can return any product - used or not - to exchange for any other like product.

That means if you buy a BC and after a few dives you decide you don´t like it - simply send it back and we´ll give you a credit of the purchase price - minus shipping - toward any other BC.

It´s just another way ScubaToys does business to assure you are 100% satisfied!

And what happens to these gently used items?? We discount them down and list them in our Demo and Used pages.

Now of course, any item can be returned unused for 30 days for a refund or exchange - but used items - only exchanged for like items.

So purchase from Scubatoys and be assured that it will be the color you like, the fit you want, the function you want - and if not - just swap them for another style, brand, color - whatever!"

Now that is a good return policy...

 

[RandyOrr]

Also note that all I had to do was lie and say I didn't use it. Sorry for being honest Leisure Pro.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I would not buy an Aqualung product from anybody. I have done business with leisure pro and had nothing but good service. The impulse line is one of the ugliest snorkels I've ever seen and you can't roll it up and put it in your pocket. My main concern with a snorkel is how easy is it to remove and stow underwater.

 

[fire_diver]

I would but they don't sell Aqualung.

AL has some great gear, but there is reason ST won't carry them.

 

[RandyOrr]

I have done business with leisure pro and had nothing but good service.

Have you ever tried to return something?

 

[vladimir]

Well I think my mind has been made up by the terrible service at Leisure Pro. I just called them to exchange an item. I bought an Aqualung Impulse Dry snorkel. I am having problems purging it when it floods. The design of the top prevents it from purging completely and I get a mouthful of water on my first breath after purging. No matter how hard I purge it, it will not completely clear. My instructor said he hates that design and he told me to exchange it. He said he has the same problem and so did a number of his students.

So I called Leisure Pro and explained to them the problem. I stated I wanted the Impulse Flex 3 that is the exact same cost. I just want an even exchange. They told me that I am stuck with it! So I guess that made my decision a lot easier. So now I have to worry about buying something and it not functioning the way it is supposed to and I will be stuck. They said they only exchange if it is a warranty issue. So I guess I will spend my $4,000 elsewhere.

Their return policy is pretty clear:

Inspect the equipment when it arrives, and if you're not fully satisfied you can return it for a full refund (less the shipping charge, for items which we offer free shipping the original shipping savings associated with the returned item(s) will be deducted), as long as you haven't used it. We won't even ask why you've changed your mind.

You used it, so it's not returnable. ScubaToys has a better return policy--that's one of many good reasons to shop there.

Also note that all I had to do was lie and say I didn't use it. Sorry for being honest Leisure Pro.

I am glad you value your integrity somewhere above $25.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Well I think my mind has been made up by the terrible service at Leisure Pro. I just called them to exchange an item. I bought an Aqualung Impulse Dry snorkel. I am having problems purging it when it floods. The design of the top prevents it from purging completely and I get a mouthful of water on my first breath after purging. No matter how hard I purge it, it will not completely clear. My instructor said he hates that design and he told me to exchange it. He said he has the same problem and so did a number of his students.

So I called Leisure Pro and explained to them the problem. I stated I wanted the Impulse Flex 3 that is the exact same cost. I just want an even exchange. They told me that I am stuck with it! So I guess that made my decision a lot easier. So now I have to worry about buying something and it not functioning the way it is supposed to and I will be stuck. They said they only exchange if it is a warranty issue. So I guess I will spend my $4,000 elsewhere.

There really is nothing wrong with LP's return policy as I see it. They tell you up front if you care to research your purchase ahead of time. Other stores may have a more relaxed policy but that does not mean that LP has done anything wrong here. I would classify this as yet another LP BASHING by a buyer who did not do their homework. LDS or online retailer, you still need to do your homework. DO not take this incident to mean that you will get any better service by your LDS if you want to return $4k worth of material because you failed to do your homework.

It may sound harsh and is not really intended that way, but you should not pass your failure to ask question onto others. No matter what, learn from this and apply that new knowledge to every future purchase, no matter of origin.

 

[Straegen]

One of the reasons LP can offer such good deals is because they don't allow return of used items. This is a VERY common practice and stated in their ToS. ScubaToys is a rarity among online retailers (and a great one).

Go into other hobbies and you will find try before you buy a rarity. Motorcycles jumps to mind. A bunch of dealers won't even let you test ride. Gear is even worse.

As for the LDS some will adapt and many will die... just the nature of a market driven economy. I just hope ScubaToys decides to franchise at some point and if they do maintain their quality of service.