Newbies, Don't make the equip mistake I did

[Skipraha]

Looks like I made my first major diving mistake (financial) before I even hit the water.

Last week, I went out to check out LDS's about getting my C-card and to get a mask & snorkle for an upcoming vacation. At the first shop I found a mask I liked and paid $130 for it and a snorkle. At another shop I found one I liked as well, but I didn't buy it--luckily--since I wanted to see what the boards said about the brands.

Here, I learned about an online shop where I found the same products in color I preferred for only $70 with shipping. Now, I like to support local businesses but I could not justify a 50% price difference, so I bought the other set online and went to return the original LDS purchase.

When I returned, they pointed out a nice small sign behind the register saying that they cannot return mask, snorkles and fins (?fins?) due to health codes. Yes, it was my mistake, but it might have been nice, since they knew I was a newbie, to point that out verbally as well. So goes life and so goes their chance to get my business for my OW and any other certs.

Now, I am stuck with two sets of equipment at $200 (see e-bay in the near future) when I should have only spend $70. Lesson to other newbies...read the fine print and make sure the equipment you're buying is what you want!

 

[chrpai]

Mask fit is super critical. It's very hard to buy a mask online. However if the one you bought online fits you perfectly, then store it away. Sooner or later your first mask will get damaged during the line of duty and you'll have a nice backup.

 

[MechDiver]

Be sure to also find an online shop that will teach you to dive, give you air fills, and let you try on further dive equipment.
All for a hugh discount naturally.

 

[SubMariner]

Here, I learned about an online shop where I found the same products in color I preferred for only $70 with shipping. Now, I like to support local businesses but I could not justify a 50% price difference, so I bought the other set online and went to return the original LDS purchase.

When I returned, they pointed out a nice small sign behind the register saying that they cannot return mask, snorkles and fins (?fins?) due to health codes. Yes, it was my mistake, but it might have been nice, since they knew I was a newbie, to point that out verbally as well. So goes life and so goes their chance to get my business for my OW and any other certs.

Welcom to scuba, Skipraha. Sorry your first encounter was not the best of scenarios.

It does lead me to point out something that applies to all purchase, not just to scuba. When you buy something and it turns out that you don't like it, found another one cheaper, etc., do not expect the vendor to take it back and give you your money back or a credit.

Unless the item is defective, there is no legal reason why a vendor is expected to take back the merchandise: you bought it, you own it.

Now, the LDS, knowing that you had only just bought the gear & it was unused could have given you a store credit. Frankly, their "no returns on M/F/S for health reasons" is kind of bogus. The only item that this possibly could apply to could be the snorkel. And even that could be "fixed" by putting a new mouthpiece on the item or thoroughly sterlizing it.

In the end, scuba is like any other business: caveat emptor... let the buyer beware!

 

[simbrooks]

The simple stuff you might be able to buy online, things that dont require a fit. I often buy CD's and the like online from amazon and other stuff i have bought for my kayaks thru e-bay, but i am no longer buying scuba stuff from discount online stores - at least not new as at least one i know of (and put me off buying scuba online) is known to sell old stuff and can come without the manufacturers warranties.

Its a toss-up of what you want, low cost and things that entails, or helping your LDS out (getting other benefits in return - fills, teaching, trips, equipment discounts) to keep them in business and being able to try things on, talk to them one on one, try things out possibly.

To all newbies, this discussion (LP vs LDS) and other types (PADI vs rest of the world/teaching standards/weekend courses, DIR, BP/wings vs BC's and many more) are constant battles between the forces of one side and the other (notice no right/wrong, good/evil, or greater/lesser)!!

 

[simbrooks]

Oh and LDS's do usually offer masks from $30+ some i wouldnt choose to use, others i would. I have bought two masks for myself, both $60 from two different LDS's, both great masks. The first one i lost on my first dive after OW cert, the other is still with me. I since have also bought a back-up mask (for $30) just in case i lose another one and am still on the boat - so i can dive again that trip.

Also once you get out on your own make up a save a dive kit, not just the little tube that you can buy for $12-15, it can really save your or your buddy's dive (your buddy not being able to dive can also stop your dive) or be a lifesaver to the others on your boat/trip.

 

[Big-t-2538]

Frankly, their "no returns on M/F/S for health reasons" is kind of bogus.

Welcome to Columbus/Dayton/Cincy LDSs....for the most part...well, all the shops I've been to (I haven't been to COVCI yet...but Chris really isn't a "shop" per-se...anyway) I have been relatively un-impressed with the service and selection. Not to mention the prices compared to other parts of the country. There are two shops in OH I've had dealings with that were very nice, but they weren't from the tri-city area.

Anyway...I'm glad to see another OH newbie around here....Enjoy the board.

 

[Bob3]

Welcome to the board.
Try to look on the bright side, you only paid a few bucks (relatively speaking) for a very valuable lesson; "Never, ever pay full retail."
If you're going to buy more gear from that shop, see if they'll match Leisure Pro's price.
Do this by phone, you can't get skinned knees from getting tossed out of the store that way.

 

[simbrooks]

If you work with your LDS, assuming there are a few in your area, you do business with them, you can always pay less than retail, and still not go online. I have yet to pay full retail and have bought all my stuff thru several of the 10 LDS's in my area, all due to loyalty and working with them on packages, other benefits like trips, rentals, fills etc.

My main LDS gives me full rebate on rentals towards the price of a BC/Reg combo (every $ i spend on BC/Reg rentals goes towards purchase), plus 15% off full retail on top of that, which is a substantial saving. At this time with only about 6 rentals it is only just a little more expensive than LP w/mailing - and i get to try it on and have it there and then! Very soon i should be able to 'beat' the LP price of the same equipment, which i might have lost had i not rented from them - they encourage loyalty.

 

[Skipraha]

Well, I knew I was going to get some flames when I wrote the first message, but please remember, I meant this as a warning to other novices who didn't realize there may be health codes or other reasons that would preclude a product return. Just be sure what you buy is what you want!

I will not go into depth on the Wal-Mart versus LDS debate since I do not the people or board well enough to comment w/o p-ing off half the group. My only statement will be if LDS are going out of business because of LP and others taking product sales, perhaps they should emphasize area where the can compete (i.e. fills, training, trip organization, etc.). Just a thought from the world of simple economics.