ALOHA Dive, big problems? (Rant)

[Lake Muroc Diver]

Let me start out by noting that I have bought all my gear at Aloha dive Shop. Atomics regs ,Scuba pro computer and BCD and Xcell wet suit, as well as most of the other accessories that hang from rings on my dive kit.
Whenever I would call and leave a message, no return call. OK, they are busy dive instructors as well as SCUBA shop clerks. The lack of attention when I was trying on a wet suit was irritating but not enough to make me buy elsewhere.
The last straw began after I dropped off my Uwatec Alladin computer for repair in May.
Months passed with no call from them despite numerous unanswered calls and several emails. Finally, as if by accident, I get a hold of the owner, and he call me back to tell me that the computer will go to the shop on Monday, (3 months after I dropped it off).
I never got a call that it was ready. Over four months from handing it to Aloha dive, I go pick it up. No repair information, all they did was a battery change.
Got it home, not fixed, and to top it off, the "TECH" that changed the battery used an undersize screwdriver that cammed out, cracking the cover, as well as not clocking the cover correctly, so it is not aligned to indicate closed. I was so mad at the incompetent service, the lack of regard for a loyal customer, and the fact that I drive 80 mile to get to their store.
No wonder they have closed two stores.
I took it to California Diving company. Kyle was sympathetic to my plight. Great service and they expect it to be back in my hands in two weeks. Their store is only 30 miles away.

 

[Glycerin]

I stopped going to Aloha dive well over a year ago.....

 

[JMdiver]

They use to have a store in Canyon Country when I lived on that side of town about 10 years ago & the service sucked there then & that was the lasted time I've been in their stores. They were letting a non instructor teach a speciality class last year & the students never got a cert. or their money back. Why didn't you go to CDC or Sport Chalet they are so much closer?


John

 

[Empty V]

Why didn't you go to CDC or Sport Chalet they are so much closer?

I was wondering the same thing.

Billy

 

[L82Scuba]

When I wanted to relearn to dive and asked some people that dive about aloha they told me to steer clear they said the owner was responsible a few years back for killing a student and he had to close the other shops because of mismanagement.

 

[Lake Muroc Diver]

Sorry that I am not the only sucker.
I want to support my LDS. The store in canyon country was my store, then North Ridge and finally Woodland Hills.
This last fiasco was a bad one. I am a Technician ENGR so a blatant screw up on life support equipment is too much for me to forgive.
I'm sure that if the computer had filled with water, they would have shrugged off the responsibility.
Thanks for the support.
I now use Ca dive co. on Bouquet Canyon.

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

I'm surprised at(but cannot contest) ya'lls view of the service at Aloha Dive. They have done nothing but treat me very well. I did my open water there as well as my basic wreck, deep and nitrox.

I too must drive quite a distance to get there but the benefit for me is my folks live nearby. I tend to feel that with every basket of apples, there are a few bad ones. I figured that out pretty quick and the personnel I go to at the shop haven't let me down yet. About anything. In fact they steer me clear of problem situations as well.

Just my two cents...two paragraphs...whatever.

 

[Empty V]

Alright no more holding back. I've had some really good experiences with aloha regarding repairs and purchases, except for the last one. I bought a 3mm full suit(needed it for diving the Oriskany in FL - gloat, gloat) from Chris, he quoted me $140 for the suit. When we go to ring it up he says he was wrong about the price and it might be a little bit more than $140 so I said whatever charge my card. I looked at my receipt after I signed it, thinking that his little bit really mean a little bit, and it showed a purchase price of $187. I returned it a few weeks later and he almost refused to refund my money and only wanted to give me store credit. I told him that he'll resell the suit and make the same amount off of it and give me my money back, pronto. So he broke down and wrote me a check, which caused me to now lose more money in gas(2 trips to aloha) and a trip to the bank.

I later went to Hollywood Diver and got virtually the same suit for $125.

I miss TJ, he had great customer service, was personable, and a good person. Chris, you need to get him back and shape up bro! This is not the ethical way to operate.

Billy

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

Chris is a saleman. I cannot fault that since he owns the place.

I'm not a fan of pointing fingers...each time I go I seek just one person. Chris got me through my OW and Nitrox classroom sessions, but everything that happened in the water was under Dom's instruction. Her shop skills and (at least in my experience) Underwater knowledge make each and every trip down there an extremely great experience! And I keep going down there. Going on down Tuesday as a matter of fact.

I won't presume to tell you folks what to do, that's not right, but if you do go to the Woodland Hills shop do ask for Dom! She'll make sure all your diving needs are taken care of skillfully and professionally.

On the other hand...it just might be she is partial to the Cycloptic population. But I rather doubt that!

Happy Shopping!

 

[David P]

Chris closed 3 shops not two. I'm glad Kyle and Lorenzo took care of ya.