Regulator kits

[jonnythan]

Fill Express is a different entity than Dive Rite.

So? It's not likey ou can buy gear directly from most manufacturers. If I call Scubapro and ask for a Classic BC, they're going to tell me to go to my local Scubapro dealer.

The Dive Rite regulator kits are publicly available through an official Dive Rite retailer. End of story.

 

[steve2281]

Scott,
I wonder if Zeagle (or others) were to conduct training seminars for a small fee, if this would lessen the liability? Then you could sell direct to "Factory Trained" service techs.

How many would be willing to pay for this training?

I would be willing to pay for the training if it would allow me to buy parts up front (not on the grey market).

I wonder how many small dealers/shops have "nonfactory trained" people doing their regulator service.

As already mentioned, I don't trust anyone else to service my regs Too many people have reg trouble right after it comes back from service. Also, I know of cases where a tech substituted (used the wrong parts) on purpose, just because they didn't have the correct ones on hand.

 

[scubamate]

I would be willing to pay for the training if it would allow me to buy parts up front (not on the grey market).

I wonder how many small dealers/shops have "nonfactory trained" people doing their regulator service.

As already mentioned, I don't trust anyone else to service my regs Too many people have reg trouble right after it comes back from service. Also, I know of cases where a tech substituted (used the wrong parts) on purpose, just because they didn't have the correct ones on hand.

With most of the training I went through we received a certificate of successful completion. Ask your LDS to see them and specify who you want to service your stuff.

I service a lot of regs and I'd be lying if I said there had never been any problems. If the "final tune" is done immediately after a service you have more of a chance of a problem. I always let the reg sit 24 hours after tuning it, then I retest and reset if necessary. (and it is necessary more than half of the time). A lot of guys don't do this and it sometimes takes that long for some of the rubber components to seat properly.

 

[doole]

I don't see any other manufacturers around here to help answer this question, so I am doing the best I can - please don't shoot the messenger!!!

Scott

I don't speak for the majority, but I for one am HIGHLY appreciative that you're here talking to us, Scott.

 

[redacted]

To be perfectly candid, I believe I understand the dilemma this presents to the mfgr. But I am surprised and disappointed that none have said this. The mgfrs need the LDSs to support the current scuba retail business model. Permitting internet sales is perceived as a detraction from LDS opportunities. Allowing repair parts to be sold, uncontrolled, on an open market would make us DIYer very happy. For the most part, the LDS has already lost our service business so it might even be a small boost to thier bottom line from us as they get to collect the 100 to 200% markup and maybe even a new and useful C-card. And the inept DIYer, who has completed all the necessary releases to protect the businesses, won't just be buying service kits but maybe an occasional expensive part when he drops his piston or scratches a seating surface resulting in a steady slow leak. Life threatening errors are not impossible but most will involve torque. To little or too much can both be a problem and, unfortunately, can happen at the flow bench or the kitchen table. But a potential problem, IMHO, is when the DIYer decides he is good enough to become a shade tree scuba tech. A good little scuba repair business, on the side, might make a nice hobby but may also take a couple thousand away from LDS profits. OTOH, a little health competition in this area may help Darwin improve another aspect of scuba retail & service.

So what can the mfgr do to help keep good LDSs in business if he decides to end the restricted access to repair parts? Would legal agreements work? Is anything necessary or will the good LDSs prevail just because of their advantage in parts costs and service quality? Are the "authorized" MO service facilities doing Darwins work providing quality, reasonably priced services?

 

[jonnythan]

I don't speak for the majority, but I for one am HIGHLY appreciative that you're here talking to us, Scott.

"Me too." I've always appreciated Scott's participation and the way he's understanding of us, the consumers, yet not an apologist.

I think you do speak for the majority, doole..

 

[ScottZeagle]

Thanks guys...

I just need you all to realize that I don't have a "Scuba Magic Wand" that will fix all your issues overnight!!

This is a great site, and I enjoy the discussions that go on here!!

Scott

 

[StSomewhere]

Stsomewhere,
I think Jonnythan was refering to the bottom of the page where the service kits and tools were listed for sale. May not be direct from Dive Rite but at least they are available.

No, I "got" that. The subtle point I was trying to make was that Dive Rite themselves isn't selling the rebuild kits to end users. Doing it through a separate company -- which just happens to be dedicated to their entire line -- is brilliant, it gives their end users the parts availability without the liability to the manufacturer.

 

[jonnythan]

No, I "got" that. The subtle point I was trying to make was that Dive Rite themselves isn't selling the rebuild kits to end users. Doing it through a separate company -- which just happens to be dedicated to their entire line -- is brilliant, it gives their end users the parts availability without the liability to the manufacturer.

What major manufacturer do you know of that sells any scuba gear "direct" to the consumer? See my example about a ScubaPro BC.. they will tell you to go to your local retailer.

 

[trob09]

Scott,

My apologies if my earlier 'feedback' came off as harsh (I was having a bad day...)

I think Zeagle makes some great regs, but the 'authorized repair' issue turned me away. While I can get Zeagle parts (don't ask me where, I'd like to keep my channel open), I disagree with the poilcy. I prefer to maintain my own gear as it's my life on the line. Regulator servicing is just _not_ that difficult.

Losing a customer like me may be the 'cost of doing business' or it may be a sign that policy needs to be revised.

But as others have noted, at least you're listening...

T