jaxjags64109
Registered
The LDS I used to get certified has closed (I assume for economic reasons) and I was looking for a new shop to do business with and get my regs serviced for the upcoming dive season. On 1/22/09 I brought my regs to International Scuba Academy in Gladstone, Missouri. I was told verbally that the service would take about 3 weeks and cost would be $99 (approx.) by the owner of the shop. I informed the owner that I had a dive planned on 2/28/09 and was told that would not be a problem. The work order reciept I was provided showed a promised date of 2/26/09 and estimated cost at $99. On 2/24/09 I made my first call to enquire about a pick-up date. The phone number was disconnected but a new number was provided and I was able to leave a message at the new number. No call back on 2/24/09 or 2/25/09. I called again left another message, again no return call on 2/26/09. On 2/27/09 I went to where the store front shop was located on 1/22/09, shop closed and is now a food market. I left messages at the only number I had to no avail until about 7pm on 2/27/09. This is the first contact I have had from the shop owner since 1/22/09 and he left a message stating my regs would probably arrive sometime next week. No explanation for the delay was offered. On 3/4/09 I started the call, leave message, no return call routine again. I finally threatened legal action on 3/6/09 and that prompted a return call on the evening of 3/6/09 my regs were available for pick-up the cost increased to $154 (a 50% increase over the estimate) with no explanation.
I was told by the shop owner when I expressed my dissatisfaction with the lack of service the shop owner said, "you just can't please some people." When I picked up my regs I was told that my octo had a cracked housing and the housing had to be ordered slowing down the service. I paid the cost and got my regs back and at this point I just want to put the experience behind me, find a reputable LDS, and warn other divers about this particular shop as it appears that they remain in business through the internet. A simple phone call would have avoided this entire situation and would have likely resulted in my renting some regs from the shop for my scheduled dive if I had just recieved a minimum amount of service explaining the delay. As divers we will potetially spend a lot of money with an LDS and for that potential business I believe we should expect at least some basic courtesy of being informed of delays in service, increase in costs, and return phone calls within 24-36 hours.
I was told by the shop owner when I expressed my dissatisfaction with the lack of service the shop owner said, "you just can't please some people." When I picked up my regs I was told that my octo had a cracked housing and the housing had to be ordered slowing down the service. I paid the cost and got my regs back and at this point I just want to put the experience behind me, find a reputable LDS, and warn other divers about this particular shop as it appears that they remain in business through the internet. A simple phone call would have avoided this entire situation and would have likely resulted in my renting some regs from the shop for my scheduled dive if I had just recieved a minimum amount of service explaining the delay. As divers we will potetially spend a lot of money with an LDS and for that potential business I believe we should expect at least some basic courtesy of being informed of delays in service, increase in costs, and return phone calls within 24-36 hours.
