The Golden Rule v. Dive Deposits

[johndiver999]

Weak willed individuals don't deserve refunds

Nobody deserves refunds. If you can't find a suitable replacement for yourself, then the deposit is lost when you are a no show. That is the policy we instituted years ago when we used to charter a 6 pack for many trips each year.

You have to pay for one trip, before you are even allowed to sign up for a dive on the season's calendar. The deposit just sits for years, if you keep diving - but of course you pay for each trip when you show up.

Miss a trip? No big deal, you just gotta supply another deposit right away or all your bookings are immediately cancelled. Water looks too rough for you that day and you got a weak stomach- no problem, pay the charter fee and go home. If the boat runs, you pay.

We had to do this to keep things fair.

The whole premise that the disposition of this fee is related to some golden rule/safety etc. is wildly immature.

Be responsible, don't leave people hanging, show up (on time) and pay your damn tab. It ain't that complicated or difficult.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

Nobody deserves refunds. If you can't find a suitable replacement for yourself, then the deposit is lost when you are a no show. That is the policy we instituted years ago when we used to charter a 6 pack for many trips each year.

You have to pay for one trip, before you are even allowed to sign up for a dive on the season's calendar. The deposit just sits for years, if you keep diving - but of course you pay for each trip when you show up.

Miss a trip? No big deal, you just gotta supply another deposit right away or all your bookings are immediately cancelled. Water looks too rough for you that day and you got a weak stomach- no problem, pay the charter fee and go home. If the boat runs, you pay.

We had to do this to keep things fair.

The whole premise that the disposition of this fee is related to some golden rule/safety etc. is wildly immature.

Be responsible, don't leave people hanging, show up (on time) and pay your damn tab. It ain't that complicated or difficult.

Damn straight!

 

[oldbikeracer]

I look at non refundable fees as a sunk cost. Go or don’t go the cost of making a reservation is x dollars. Could argue in some cases not going even without a refund is the cheaper alternative, no travel costs, no restaurant or bar bill…

 

[PDodson]

Can't think of a time I didn't pay in advance for diving. The typical refund policies I've seen (Arizona, Mexico, Hawaii, assorted Carribean) are 24 or 48 hour notice gives full refund. Less than that, no refund. If operator cancels, full refund.

Was just on Kauai in Feb. My brother got sick the night before, ended up at the hospital. Sent the dive shop an email, mostly just letting them know he couldn't make it, but did ask if there was the possibility to rebook for another date that week. Not really expecting anything, it was <24 hours and they weren't gonna see the email until we were supposed to be at the shop, but figured I'd at least ask. It was slower season so there might be open spots. The shop was nice enough to give us the full credit toward any future dive, later that week or anytime in the future. Sure, if I wasn't going to go back that doesn't mean much, but considering I figured he was SOL that still seemed very generous. And considering we have family on Kauai I have a free (pre-paid, but free sounds better) dive waiting for me when I go back!

 

[jborg]

It doesn't really have bearing on the rest of the discussion, but when I've dived abroad in Egypt and on the Seychelles, payment was always after the dives. That's the point when they know if we did two or three dives that day, if we had to rent any extra equipment, if we used nitrox or not, etc.

 

[johndiver999]

If possible, it is ALWAYS better to pay AFTER the dive. I always figured they are less likely to leave you behind if they haven't been paid!

 

[boulderjohn]

Events like concerts and raft trips don't refund money if you get sick and don't show up, not sure why dive operators would be different.

I have not been around for a while, and I am gong to bow out of this thread after explaining this.

If you are a bit sick and decide maybe you shouldn't go to a concert, but you finally decide to go because you paid the money, the worst case scenario is that you are uncomfortable during the concert.

If you are a bit sick and decide maybe you shouldn't go diving, but you finally decide to go because you paid the money, the worst case scenario is that you die.

If you think that one through, you might see one is different from the other.

 

[The Chairman]

@boulderjohn I think this has been a worthwhile discussion, making people think and rethink their attitudes about why they do, or don't go on a dive. Thanks.

 

[Johnoly]

but you finally decide to go

You should just decide to never make a reservation ever again.
Bring your gear & tanks to the boat at departure time and have Cash in your hand.

Never a refund, never a deposit, never a cancelled trip.

 

[Tracy]

I have not been around for a while, and I am gong to bow out of this thread after explaining this.

If you are a bit sick and decide maybe you shouldn't go to a concert, but you finally decide to go because you paid the money, the worst case scenario is that you are uncomfortable during the concert.

If you are a bit sick and decide maybe you shouldn't go diving, but you finally decide to go because you paid the money, the worst case scenario is that you die.

If you think that one through, you might see one is different from the other.

I say this while fully realizing the point of privilege I am saying it from.
Money never has been, and never will be the reason I decide to dive or not dive.
If I am too sick to dive, that is that. Paid or not paid doesn't enter the equation.