Low-Price BCs on Internet?

[yknot]

I did read somewhere elso on this board recently that Zeagle now allows online sales if made by an authorized dealer. They had to to stay competitive. I think they make good gear but they aren't very well represented in the market where I live, at least officially. I'm not trying to rehash the online sales argument, but if it were my company ,I would do whatever I could to create some sales opportunity. What I can't figure out is how a company that previously forbid online sales and is so poorly represented in the dive stores around me can have pages of ebay listings and there stuff always seems to be in stock at LeisurePro.

 

[kd5izq]

From the Zeagle website....

CONSUMER ALERT -We have encountered a number of consumer complaints recently about sales made through internet auction sites and mail order outlets who ARE NOT authorized Zeagle dealers. These have included selling incomplete products, providing poor service, and in some cases selling items represented as being Zeagle products which in fact were not genuine. PLEASE BE SURE YOU ARE PURCHASING FROM AN AUTHORIZED ZEAGLE DEALER!

Zeagle's warranty is issued through the Authorized Zeagle Dealer to the original purchaser. Products not purchased directly from Authorized Zeagle Dealers- this includes any Zeagle products offered on internet auction sites regardless of the seller's identity- are second hand and not covered under warranty. Only retailers designated by Zeagle Systems as being Authorized Zeagle Dealers are extended the authority to sell and provide warranty service for Zeagle products.

This is what I was referring to and this statement was still on their site when I looked less than a week ago.

 

[kona]

Hi everyone! This is my first time responding......I have been enjoying this web site so much since discovering a few days ago. Unfortunately I had some password problems, but here I am now. HELLO!

Got some great information from all of you regarding discussion of on-line purchases. I am now shopping for a Diva LX along with reg etc. Thank you!

If I can offer any info on Kailua-Kona Hawaii, please ask. My husband and I are fortunate to visit Kona twice a year to do day and night diving. Just got back two weeks ago, and yes, we still have snow in Maine........blah! If you ever get a chance please check out night diving with Jack's Diving Locker in Kona. The night dive with the Mantas is something to cherish!

Sue

 

[metaldector]

I bought a Ranger on line last year from a private individual (without warranty) I took it to my LDS and showed it to the owner. Of course he'd rathered I'd purchased from him (and this year I bought a reg, tank, and accessories) but he told me that Zeagle wouldn't turn down a BC or other equipment for service even if it hadn't been registered. As it turned out I did have a small issue with the BC and Zeagle sent me the part UPS no charge. So I say, Buy on line, it will be fine.
I also purchase on ebay a Zeagle accessory from a dealer in Sacramento,CA and it came with a warrenty card from Zeagle. So again, buy on line, it will be fine.

 

[mikswi]

Hi Kona, Welcome to the board! I for one will not buy online, personal choice. In my opinion, the difference between what online prices are and the LDS is worth supporting the LDS. NOw before I get slammed with numerous postings about the discussed to death topic of "online VS LDS" purchase, There are relatively few dive shops and I feel they should be supported. Now I realize that this is NOT a tried and true rule, some dive shops are just not realistic in what they feel is a fairmarker value. Its definately a subjective thing.

What part of Maine are you from? I could suggest a few shops around/close to you. If travel was not a consideration then I would suggest the shop that I use as, he is fair and does not rely on the shop to pay his bills. He is self employed at his day job and THAT pays his bills. He just makes enough off the gear to pay for the liability insurance and keep the lights on.

Anyways, I always end up rambling.....Dive safe and remember that saving a buck is not always the best choice...
Mike

 

[CJ_Albertson]

I'd have to agree with firedogut... someone is feeding you a line. ... any authorized dealer should service any purchase made through an authorized dealer... on line or not.

I understand the above but I wonder. Let's say I bought from a
non-authorized dealer and then I came into your place years from
now and wanted a repair under a lifetime warenty. How would you
know where I bought the BCD? Must the customer carry a recipt for
the rest of his life and if he did how would you know if the shop on the reciept that has been out of bussines for 10 years was authorized
at the time of sale.

The other question is where do the non-authorized shops buy the
stuff?

 

[mikswi]

I understand the above but I wonder. Let's say I bought from a
non-authorized dealer and then I came into your place years from
now and wanted a repair under a lifetime warenty. How would you
know where I bought the BCD? Must the customer carry a recipt for
the rest of his life and if he did how would you know if the shop on the reciept that has been out of bussines for 10 years was authorized
at the time of sale.

The other question is where do the non-authorized shops buy the
stuff?

Just remember that, regardless of when you choose to enforce the warranty, it WILL be a point of consideration regarding WHERE you bought it.

Even if your slick and get a LDS to sign off on the warranty, the SERIAL NUMBER was recorded before it even left the factory. Soo, when the warranty claim comes back- the manufacturer will know that BC serial number " XXX$#^&% "was made on this date and sold to "****&^@". And unit ****&^@ is not eligble for a warranty.
So the REAL question is, are you willing to take a chance on not getting a warranty and saving a few bucks or are you willing to spend a few bucks supporting a LDS and get the factory warranty.

Be safe, dive deep, enjoy.........

 

[deep_6]

Just my 2 cents worth...

I would really suggest that you get your gear from the LDS or better yet an authorized LDS for the specific gear you want. If you're the online shopper then check first if the company does direct selling like Dive Rite which has Dive Rite Express (where you can purchase their products directly from them).

If you are the one who takes risks in purchasing gear then I suggest you try www.unrealfind.com.

Hope this helps. Thanks

 

[scubatoys]

So the REAL question is, are you willing to take a chance on not getting a warranty and saving a few bucks or are you willing to spend a few bucks supporting a LDS and get the factory warranty.

And the other alternative would be save a few bucks, and still get the warranty. We are authorized to sell, as long as we don't sell on auction sites like ebay.

 

[ams511]

Most Manufacturers websites list their authorized dealers, so you may want to take a look.