Regulator service

[jaxjags64109]

First of all, I'm not even sure my complaint is truly valid, and that is the reason for the post, to see if my complaint is a valid one. Secondly, I know I could of had my regs serviced by Scuba Toys, but I didn't and here is my issue.

The LDS I used for my OW Cert. has closed, not sure why but economic reasons I'm sure. I decided to check out a new LDS to get my annual service on my 1st and 2nd stage, octo, etc. I brought my gear in on 1/22/09. I was told 2 weeks, 3 weeks at the most. I explained that I had a dive planned for 2/28/09. I was told that would be no problem. The reciept I recieved gave a "promised date" of 2/26/09 (I didn't see this until I started getting concerned about the length of time passing, about 3 weeks after handing over my gear and based upon what I was told verbally). I waited until 2/24/09 to start calling. Phone number disconnected, new number provided, called new number, no answer, left message, no return call. This is repeated on 2/25/09, and 2/26/09. On 2/27/09 I finally received a return call and was informed that the shop owner had been out of the country and that was the explanation for the lack of contact. My gear is still not available to me and no date can be provided for me to expect a return ("sometime next week...probably" is what I was told).

I'm a newbie and this is the first time I am getting service on my regs, so I have nothing to compare this service against. I do know that my expectations have not been met and i am feeling like I will no longer do business with this shop. Are my feelings justified based upon others experiences?

[Straegen]

That is some horrible service. One month while not obscene is a long time for a servicing by a good LDS. I would also say something smells fishy with this LDS. I would go get my gear ASAP before it is absconded. I would also request a refund but I doubt you will see that money back. Check with the local dive club and see where they get their regs serviced. If you are in a remote location consider a mail order such as ST.

[fisheater]

No need to ask.

You've been screwed. Try to get your reg (and money) back and make sure that they never see any more of your money.

[awap]

Not only is that a fairly piss poor shop, it would seem they do not do their own service. They probably have a tech come in periodically when they have enough work to make it worth while. Get your gear back ASAP. If you can not find a satisfactory local guy (you don't say where you are), then there are a number of larger places you can mail your gear off to. They usually do very good work at reasonable prices.

If that is your zip code, Kansas is not exactly a diving mecca, but you should have lots of shop to chose from in KC.

[JTMoney]

Get your gear back and then get your money back, in that order.

[Rileybri]

Just to give you that other end of the spectrum.......My LDS inspected and serviced my 1 and 2 2nd stages same day while I waited and let me watch over the tech's shoulder all for the price of an inspection........

[jaxjags64109]

I appreciate the replies. I'm glad to know I'm not just whining and that I can and should expect more from my LDS. I'm in Kansas City, MO. and yes I do have some alternative dive shops where I can take my business inthe future. You would think that in tough economic times, local, small businesses would work harder to treat their customers well. Thanks again.

[awap]

Originally Posted by jaxjags64109

I appreciate the replies. I'm glad to know I'm not just whining and that I can and should expect more from my LDS. I'm in Kansas City, MO. and yes I do have some alternative dive shops where I can take my business inthe future. You would think that in tough economic times, local, small businesses would work harder to treat their customers well. Thanks again.

In tough economic times, stupid businessmen are still stupid.

[kat]

Even though it was a long time when you should have gotten your gear back, did they offer to let you borrow one of their rental sets so you could still make your scheduled dive?

[jaxjags64109]

No, they didn't even offer an apology. My regs are being sent UPS and the shop owner can't even give me an estimated date.