LDS upset with purchase not from them

[ybb_flux]

So I went in to my LDS to try out some new equipment in the pool (I paid to rent the pool) that I purchased USED from a friend. My friend received some new stuff for Christmas and gave me an excellent deal on his older (20 dives) regulator setup. When I started setting up by the pool, the owner stopped by and started asking me where I had purchased all my equipment (this is my first reg setup). I told him the story about purchasing it from a friend. He gave me a long lecture about buying used equipment and the fact that he thought the brand of equipment I had purchased wasn't as good as what they carried. He then walked out of the pool area obviously upset.

I complete my testing in the pool without seeing him again. The equipment trial goes well, but I wanted to change around some things. After I finished up with the pool, I went to the front to set up an appointment for another hour session after I've changed some things around. I give the owner about 4 hours that work with my schedule and he says the pool is all booked for next week. I ask him what he has open the next week and he tells me that he'll have to get back to me. Since I was curious how upset he was, I asked him about an advanced open water class (night diving) that was being offered in a couple of weeks and he said that it was full.

Basically I got the cold shoulder treatment. I've spent a lot of money there in the last six months with OW certification for my wife and I, mask, fins, booties, wetsuits, and B/C's for my wife and I. Somewhere about $2500. My question is, what would you do with the dive shop. I figure I've got two options.

1. Find a new shop.

2. Sell my purchased equipment and buy from his shop.

Since I've learned a lot from this board I thought I would ask you guys if I was out of line and how you would feel if put through this situation.

Also, I know this is my first post, but I've been reading threads for a long time. Please don't flame me too bad for posting this and sorry for the long post.

 

[midwestdvr]

BTW, welcome to scubaboard. You've found a great place for info. As for your options, I'd say number one. Sounds like they've given you the cold shoulder treatment, which is not cool considering the amount of money you've spent on that shop. So what if you bought used equipment. It's not as if you tried equipment in their shop and then went ahead and bought it online.

 

[joe rock]

First of all there is nothing to be flamed for nor apologize for. DO NOT sell your purchased equipment if that's what you want and you're happy with it. I would find a new dive store. I support my LDS and have bought lots of gear there, but if I was ever treated like that, I'd find another store quick.

Joe

 

[fdog]

Find a new shop.

You paid for the pool time, so the LDS has no ownership over your actions.

I commonly gripe at folks who use a LDS to try out equipment, select sizes from that experience, then buy online. That doesn't appear to be the case here by a long stretch.

All the best, James

 

[Wayward Son]

You can try to talk to the guy & see if he comes around. Lay it out:

You've bought a lot of gear there already. Likely will in the future, unless he just doesn't want you as a customer. But it isn't reasonable for him to expect that every single dime you spend on diving is gonna be in his shop. You have a budget. People buy & sell used gear all the time. You got a deal from a friend on some that fits your budget right now when new gear doesn't, even if it is better. Sometimes 'good enough' has to do for a while.

Then ask him: Tel me straight up, do you want my business or not? Because treating me like shyt over something this simple ain't gonna cut it.

Then see what he says. If he wants to sulk like a sullen teenager, it's time to find a new shop to take your business to, someone a little more mature.

 

[fdog]

BTW, this is a common occurance from our LDS (and the reason we stick with them):

(Customer) "Hey, I picked up a new <whatever> from a sale in Monterey!"
(Shop owner) "Cool. If you want to get comfortable with your <whatever>, we have the use of the community pool this Thursday for a class. Why don't you jump in with us?"
(Customer) <speachless>

Even when we can get a screaming deal online, we'll go in to the LDS and give them a chance to match the price. Actually, if they get within 20% we'll give the business to our LDS...just because of service like the example.

All the best, James

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Wow. You spend $2500 and get attitude! I'd let you use the pool for free! Hope you have another LDS in the area.

Welcome to SB!

 

[Bratface]

Your LDS guy is acting unprofessionally and being unreasonable. Try to talk it out with him, just like you explained it so well here. He at least got pool rental from you, what is his beef? If he continues to act like a pouting baby, find somewhere else to spend your hard earned cash.....and tell all of your friends.

 

[AlexRodriguez]

1. Find a new shop.

No questions asked I would find a new shop HOWEVER I would certainly make sure I let the owner know what he was loosing. I would politely call him up and let him know how I felt and that I would be taking my business elsewhere.

Alex

 

[friscuba]

If he is indeed giving you the cold shoulder, then shame on him. You might want to find out if his AOW class is full, you never know, he could be telling the truth. If he was rude in while telling you the truth, he needs to work on his manners/sales approach.

There can be some inherent troubles with brand new divers buying used gear, however it seems as though buying from a trusted friend should alleviate most of those - you know who to blame if there's a problem. Your dealer's approach may not have been appropriate.

I'd think it might be worth investigating if he was lying to you. I can't imagine him turing down money for the advanced class over losing one sale. I've had people who want to book with me on a day I'm already full and they've asked me 3 or 4 times for the same day even though the answer never changes, it's not always personal. If he's giving you the cold shoulder, then find someone else to deal with and let your friends know about the poor treatment.