Question First Regulator Question

[BoltSnap]

$75 for was attaching your transmitters and any hoses that needed to be attached (this is literally as easy as screwing in a light bulb) and pressurizing the regs to make sure there are no leaks, and checking to see if IP and cracking effort are within specs. 5 minutes would be a long time to do this for each regulator set. If they have more advanced testing machines (unlikely) maybe they could do some flow-testing, but that is so not necessary for a new regulator.

I don't see what the problem is here. It wasn't just about attaching the transmitter; there were other parts he bought elsewhere. The LDS's responsibility is only for the parts he purchased from them, not what he bought somewhere else. Not only they are going to attach all parts, but we also test everything to ensure that cracking pressure, IP, etc., are within specs. That's fair.

An LDS isn't a charity, and they should charge for their time, including overhead, for the things the customer didn't buy from them. There's nothing more annoying than a customer coming in with a bunch of unconnected hoses they bought cheaply elsewhere and expecting the LDS to put everything together, test it to make sure everything is within spec, and not charge for their time and effort.

During the time I owned a dive center, when a client buys a regulator package from my LDS, I connect everything and check it as if it’s in for the annual check. I do the pressure checks, cracking pressure, venturi, etc., all at no charge.

If somebody brings in equipment they bought elsewhere and wants me to put it together, I'll do that no problem, but I will charge them.

Our service department rates, including the cost to put things together, are listed on the "Price List" that is prominently displayed on the wall in the store.

 

[ImpotentSeaSnake]

You spent $800 in this shop if I’m reading things correctly, is that right?

Yep, I bought 2 Swift transmitters and 2 LP hoses. I don’t know what the markup on a transmitter is but I imagine most goes to Shearwater.
Also, correct, it’s brand new stuff so I don’t need most of their servicing, just assembly and bench test. So I’m getting assembly$ test of 2 reg setups and use of BCDs and air tanks in the pool for an hour for $150 ($75x2). Maybe not the best deal, but seemed fair enough and gives me peace of mind.

 

[BoltSnap]

So I’m getting assembly$ test of 2 reg setups and use of BCDs and air tanks in the pool for an hour for $150 ($75x2). Maybe not the best deal, but seemed fair enough and gives me peace of mind.

That's fair and a good deal especially with the use of their BC's, Tanks and POOL time.

the markup on a transmitter is but I imagine most goes to Shearwater.

Yes, it is for sure.

 

[Scared Silly]

Yep, I bought 2 Swift transmitters and 2 LP hoses. I don’t know what the markup on a transmitter is but I imagine most goes to Shearwater.
Also, correct, it’s brand new stuff so I don’t need most of their servicing, just assembly and bench test. So I’m getting assembly$ test of 2 reg setups and use of BCDs and air tanks in the pool for an hour for $150 ($75x2). Maybe not the best deal, but seemed fair enough and gives me peace of mind.

Maybe not the best deal for the assembly, testing, pool time. Though not unreasonable given you bought most everything elsewhere. I could see $25 for just the assembly.

Perhaps what is more important to me is how everything was done. That is, was the tech on sight and did they show you how to do the assembly as well as show you their bench testing? That is for the money they should have been teaching you.

 

[ImpotentSeaSnake]

Maybe not the best deal for the assembly, testing, pool time. Though not unreasonable given you bought most everything elsewhere. I could see $25 for just the assembly.

Perhaps what is more important to me is how everything was done. That is, was the tech on sight and did they show you how to do the assembly as well as show you their bench testing? That is for the money they should have been teaching you.

On-site yes, but I dropped it off and did not observe. I agree and do plan to take the PADI equipment cert.

 

[halocline]

I agree and do plan to take the PADI equipment cert.

I’m afraid that’s probably a waste of time and money. PADI is not exactly supportive of DIY service; they support their dive centers (rightly so). Their ‘equipment’ class is really more about pushing the hype. You’d be far better off trying take rsingler’s class and/or simply buy an old regulator, a few tools, and spend a lot of time asking questions on this forum; maybe find a local mentor with some experience. The only caveat; we on this forum have no idea what your mechanical aptitude is, and that’s important. It’s not rocket science.

In your case with this dive shop, the pool time is worth something. Pools are really expensive to maintain and the shop should charge for pool time. But the other stuff…after spending that much money as a new customer, they certainly didn’t do you any favors.

 

[Scared Silly]

On-site yes, but I dropped it off and did not observe. I agree and do plan to take the PADI equipment cert.

As said above, not worth the money for the PADI equipment cert. You would be better off taking a 6 pack of beer into the tech and ask to observe when they work on your reg.