Reasonable cost for regulator assembly & testing

[SouthSideScubaSteve]

What can I expect my LDS to charge me to assemble and test my Reg, gauges, & octo?

If I had bought from them, they would do so for free; but the gauges were a closeout deal from a sporting goods chain that was getting out of SCUBA and the reg & octo were an even better deal (if i told you, I'd have to kill you)...

I think i've been a pretty good customer, they've trained me, my wife & 2 of my kids and I've boought some misc gear form them as well..... I'll pay whatever they ask, I guess I just want to know if they are being fair.

 

[captndale]

A reasonable charge for a technicians time, assuming that the establishment actually wants to make a profit, would be about $50/hr with a minimum charge of $25. That said most shops will charge nowhere near that much. Some will perform the service free, thinking it will help them keep you as a customer. As you may have noticed, few dive shops make a profit. Maybe that's why that sporting goods chain is getting out of selling dive equipment.

 

[redacted]

And other shops may charge quite a bit more to punish you for having purchased gear elsewhere. I guess you may find out what kind of a shop you have. Make sure you settle the price before you commit to the work.

 

[don Francisco]

Assembly of regs is not difficult, unless you're severely mechanically declined. Testing them is a different story, but if they were new in Box, I'd probably assemble and then and test them myself on a pool dive.

If you want the LDS to do it for you, be upfront with them, as you were here, and ask how much. If the price seems reasonable to you, do it. If they give you a very nice price try to reward them, with some kind of purchase on the spot. Instant positive feedback in situations like this make it easier for the LDS to accept the lost sale gracefully.