The Golden Rule v. Dive Deposits

[inquis]

I'm heartbroken at the loss of you not no-showing for my boat this season.

Let's be clear about the two possible scenarios: I don't think anyone is saying you shouldn't keep deposits for diver no-shows. However, the diver should be able to have the deposit (i.e., a refund) if YOU'RE a no-show. Share the risk, right?

 

[LI-er]

I don't think anyone is saying you shouldn't keep deposits for diver no-shows. However, the diver should be able to have the deposit (i.e., a refund) if YOU'RE a no-show. Share the risk, right?

You're making way too much sense, he won't get it.

I also said if he's keeping diver deposits because he can't run his boat, and putting some of the risk on them, then in return he must share the profits.

That was a nonstarter too. All I got was "I don't want divers like you on my boat because you're the ones that won't show up".

 

[fullytek]

Let's be clear about the two possible scenarios: I don't think anyone is saying you shouldn't keep deposits for diver no-shows. However, the diver should be able to have the deposit (i.e., a refund) if YOU'RE a no-show. Share the risk, right?

We always show up.

I have worked through the night. In 1 case drove across the province to get another boat so our divers could get their dives in.

There has never been a situation where our reliability has prevented us from running.

We know what a commitment is.

 

[fullytek]

You're making way too much sense, he won't get it.

I also said if he's keeping diver deposits because he can't run his boat, and putting some of the risk on them, then in return he must share the profits.

That was a nonstarter too. All I got was "I don't want divers like you on my boat because you're the ones that won't show up".

We don't keep the deposit.
You get a credit.

If you are from Japan than come back next year or sell your credit to someone else.

A refundable deposit is no deposit at all.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I shouldn't jump back in here, but come on.

We don't keep the deposit.
You get a credit.

If you are from Japan than come back next year or sell your credit to someone else.

And how does that work? How does someone in Japan find someone somewhere in the world, or even local?

That's Forrest Gump's million dollar wound. Pain in the ....

I can't believe that is being suggested.

Here's the thing. You say you never have missed providing service. Then for most people, it doesn't make sense for you to make that a policy. There's no business benefit to be so confrontational. But if your business model is like many liveaboards where they need deposits to remain in business, okay. You are not the first nor will you be the last.

A refundable deposit is no deposit at all.

It is conditional on who doesn't show: the customer or you?

So yeah, its still a deposit if the customer doesn't flake. That last sentence is what made me go against my better judgment and chime back in (and yes, I do expect a response to this statement. This is ScubaBoard after all!! LOL)

 

[inquis]

There has never been a situation where our reliability has prevented us from running.

Quite commendable (sincerely). Hopefully, though, you can see how a potential client would be reassured by a refund policy in the event the boat/crew was down. FWIW, your current policy would drive me away -- needlessly it would seem, based on your track record.

 

[kinoons]

Myself and my dive buddy have a pre-payment for dives on the Cook Islands sitting waiting for us since 2020. COVID hit, couldn’t go, and the shop basically said we cannot afford to refund the cost. We’ll hold it forever for you to come dive with us, but you’re not getting your deposit back.

Haven’t been able to arrange for a cost effective trip from the US to the Cooks again since.

 

[Tracy]

My deposits are somewhat tiered and that is where the refunds get fuzzy. It is $100 per day to book dates on the calendar. That is for the entire boat, so $35 per person. When you book those dates, I reserve the slip in the marina where we are running. So basically, I spend that $100 per day immediately to make sure you can go diving where you chose. If you cancel and I can get that money back, I will refund it. If I can't, I don't.
As to the actual charter costs. I refund if I don't run and it isn't your doing. Weather, mechanical, whatever it may be, I refund the money. If you went out drinking after Saturday dives and you are too hung over Sunday, it isn't getting refunded. That happens more than it should.
Last year was really bad for weather. We got blown out a lot. Financially, it can be rough. Especially when you get the oversize permits and trailer the boat 700 miles only to get blown out for half of the trip.

 

[SpeedyJ]

If you went out drinking after Saturday dives and you are too hung over Sunday, it isn't getting refunded. That happens more than it should.

Weak willed individuals don't deserve refunds

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

My deposits are somewhat tiered and that is where the refunds get fuzzy. It is $100 per day to book dates on the calendar. That is for the entire boat, so $35 per person. When you book those dates, I reserve the slip in the marina where we are running. So basically, I spend that $100 per day immediately to make sure you can go diving where you chose. If you cancel and I can get that money back, I will refund it. If I can't, I don't.
As to the actual charter costs. I refund if I don't run and it isn't your doing. Weather, mechanical, whatever it may be, I refund the money. If you went out drinking after Saturday dives and you are too hung over Sunday, it isn't getting refunded. That happens more than it should.
Last year was really bad for weather. We got blown out a lot. Financially, it can be rough. Especially when you get the oversize permits and trailer the boat 700 miles only to get blown out for half of the trip.

and that is a completely reasonable policy. I wouldn't hesitate to sign up on your boat. And if we get blown out, I'd treat you for dinner that night.