My LDS just keeps getting crazier!

[TheRedHead]

Ive been reading it, but why are they taking this out on the customer? Alot of people, especially new, dont know about the difference. If they have a grudge agaist LP, take it to them, not the customer. If the store really hates not being able to compete with LP, then they should do what Phil did, stop using them. Its a tough choice to make, but thats the reality of the world.

I agree and wonder how one would explain this convoluted mess to an open water student. I think they are one of the largest Aqualung dealers in the country with 5 stores in the southeast. I really don't know enough about their relationship with Aqualung, but they have been carrying line for a very long time. They have been in business since 1961 and they also teach the university classes for the University of Memphis, University of Mississippi and also have the YMCA contract just in the one store. The Atlanta store is also pretty big.

 

[utdivermatt]

I agree and wonder how one would explain this convoluted mess to an open water student. I think they are one of the largest Aqualung dealers in the country with 5 stores in the southeast. I really don't know enough about their relationship with Aqualung, but they have been carrying line for a very long time. They have been in business since 1961 and they also teach the university classes for the University of Memphis, University of Mississippi and also have the YMCA contract just in the one store. The Atlanta store is also pretty big.

So what your telling me, if they called AL and told them to either let them sell at whatever price they wanted or lose their buisness, Aqualung would want to have a say in it.... hmmm.... maybe not such a bad idea.

 

[bottomlover]

If you buy an AL product from another AL dealer, say DiveSports.com who used to be an Authorized Deal for AL. DiveShop will still require you to have your items Inspected (around 100 bucks) before you are allowed in the pool or on the boat. Been there done that.

 

[TheRedHead]

If you buy an AL product from another AL dealer, say DiveSports.com who used to be an Authorized Deal for AL. DiveShop will still require you to have your items Inspected (around 100 bucks) before you are allowed in the pool or on the boat. Been there done that.

Did you take a class with them? Their problem with AL and leisurepro and their gear inspections are 2 different issues, I think.

 

[countryboy]

I bought my Dive Rite BP from Dive Rite Express and Randy at the Dive Shop helped me set up my harness for nothing. I have a good relationship with them. They service my Zeagle reg from scubatoys.com. I have since bought an Apeks from them because I love the one my DH has. Let's be fair here.

I am being fair... I was just giving an example of good service I received from a LDS..

I have also had an experience with another dive shop that does what many do.. They punish people for buying from the internet. It was clearly stated..

The situation was a husband and wife... Husband bought his kit at the lds, wife bought on line... the owner CLEARLY with no hesitation spouted about 10 things he will do for the husband that he will not do for the wife.. Clearly as punishment for buying on line.. That is ludicris..

I have also seen the opposite, where the dive shop treats you as a "potential" customer, no matter what the current status of the relationship is...

If your dive shop is a Dive Rite dealer, why didn't you buy the harness / plate there? You seem to like them.. and have developed a rapport with them. I am sure they would have matched price, etc... So what was the decision to buy elsewhere?

(legitimate question, not trying to provoke you..)

 

[TheRedHead]

If your dive shop is a Dive Rite dealer, why didn't you buy the harness / plate there? You seem to like them.. and have developed a rapport with them. I am sure they would have matched price, etc... So what was the decision to buy elsewhere?

(legitimate question, not trying to provoke you..)

Because I when I got it I don't think they were a dealer at that time, or I didn't realize it of they were. I orignally had it on an old Transplate harness (I got on ebay) that didn't fit. Then I talked to Randy and got the plain harness from him. That was like $30. He spent maybe an hour with me getting the harness just right. I've been bugging them about stocking more Dive Rite.

 

[*Floater*]

There was no argument in paying them to assemble the regs, fully expected to, I am a Wild Blue member but was told post joining that I wouldn't be able to participate until I have my equipment certified by them.

What do you mean assemble or certify your regs? What is there to assemble?

I'm just curious because I'm a vacation diver, and no one has ever asked me to let them "assemble" my regs. No shop has ever demanded I pay them to certify my regs either. What's involved?

 

[Don Wray]

The regs came in a box and needed the octo and gauge attached to the 1st stage...they also wanted to "certify" the BCD....hence, the call regarding not knowing the technique to instruct on a Morphous...they then attach an SSI hose guard with a CIP number on it to a hose and one on the BCD...he wanted to make sure the equipment was assembled properly and so, he carried it to them to be assembled...then he was told they would have to inspect all of it....$15 each stage to inspect...$20 or $25 on the BCD....Dacor regs and gauges

 

[richerso]

I gotta tell you ladies and guys. Of course everyone has their own opinion. Peace. Here's mine. I've never had anybody - shop, boat, shark, instructor, anybody - ask to 'certify' my gear for a price. In fact, I would be insulted and walk out the door.

I have to agree with - let's see if I can name thee - Wayward Son, UTDiverMatt, Don Wray and BabyDuck on this one. Wayward Son, you have the right idea on this issue. DiverMatt, you have good judgement.

BabyDuck, I think you're cute. Sorry. Just had to throw that in there.

I am not handing my gear over to anyone just because they demand to 'certify' it for a fee. Besides, it sounds like they don't know what they're looking at unless it is 'their brand', purchased from 'their shop'. If this shop truly is a competent, qualified facility, they certainly have an odd way of showing it. It certainly doesn't do much to inspire confidence.

On the other hand, I have say to everyone involved, ladies and gentlemen, this thread definitely qualifies as one of the more entertaining threads that I've ever read on SB. It certainly ranks Number One on the Bizarro scale.

Peace. You guys have fun diving.

Edit: btw, I own three BCs. I hate one just on the principle that I don't like it. I own a new Back Inflate BC. I hate that one too because I feel like it does things to inhibit my mobility (ie. always tries to lay me out supine). I am a competent diver. I know what position I want to be oriented in. Leave me alone and let me determine my own orientation. Stop trying to enforce a supine position on me. My third BC I love. It's a brand new Sea Quest jacket style that treats me with respect and allows me to determine my dive orientation. Imagine that. A BC that gives me freedon.

 

[TheRedHead]

I'll let the management know what everyone thinks. I only got charged one fee of $25 initially. Maybe they like me more than you guys.