LDS has "no idea" how much they charge for reg service!

[CamaroChick]

So I called the LDS yesterday to see if they service my brand of reg (purchased from ST) and how much they charge. I was hoping to aviod the hassle of shipping the reg to TX. Well they said yes they service that brand, but they have "no idea" how much the annual service costs. I said huh??
Then they said well it starts as $75 but that doesn't include any parts, etc.

Off to ST it goes, for $49.95!

[Zenagirl]

Nuts, isn't it? I feel fortunate that our LDS only charges $55 for service (and does a good job!), making the shipping to TX unnecessary.

[No Misses]

Are you ready for this? My LDS wants $45 per stage (regulator)!

" Note that pricing is per stage. For example, an octopus with a 1st stage, 2nd stage and backup 2nd stage would be a total of three regulator stages."

That is $135 for annual reg service! Don't forget your spare reg and pony bottle setup.

They only service one brand and thankfully, it is not the brand that I use.

[CamaroChick]

Originally Posted by No Misses

Are you ready for this? My LDS wants $45 per stage (regulator)!

" Note that pricing is per stage. For example, an octopus with a 1st stage, 2nd stage and backup 2nd stage would be a total of three regulator stages."

OK I have to ask - who has a reg with only one stage??? Why on earth would they charge separately for each stage? My LDS sounded so proud when they told me the service included all 3 stages - oooooo impressive

[Crimediver]

I learned to work on my own gear and only overhaul it when it needs it. I do an inpection periodically and test for IP creep and IP pressure. I take good care of my regs, rinse well and don't allow water into the first stage. use environmentally sealed first stages mostly and I often can go years between an overhaul. I own dozens of regs and may not even dive some in a year. The ones I regularly use can go for several years before I need to do anything to them. I had to learn to work on my own gear as I could not afford to do annual overhauls on my regs at the LDS. I could care less about the warranty BS. As long as I can get rebuild kits I am good.
Last year I spent maybe 30 buck on reg parts, not counting the vintage double hose reg parts which I restore.

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by No Misses

Are you ready for this? My LDS wants $45 per stage (regulator)!

" Note that pricing is per stage. For example, an octopus with a 1st stage, 2nd stage and backup 2nd stage would be a total of three regulator stages."

That is $135 for annual reg service! Don't forget your spare reg and pony bottle setup.

They only service one brand and thankfully, it is not the brand that I use.

does that include purchase of parts?

if it doesn't, then it's really high priced.

if it includes purchase of parts, then it's not that bad, but still a little high. most shops charge $50-$75 "labor" for service for 3 stages. Parts usually run $50 to $60 (if you're not covered under a free parts program).

it's still not cheap, but not "robbery" if purchased parts are included.


Note I used the words "purchased parts" because some shops don't participate in the "Free Parts for Life" programs that manufacturers represent. Dealers are not required to participate. so they charge for parts. This is where you "vote with your wallet" if they won't give you something that the manufacturer advertises. (simply put, don't buy from them if they pull that crap).

however, if your reg was purchased "used" or is not in warranty and you have to purchase parts for service, I'd expect easily to pay about $120 bucks +/- depending on the shop and the reg.

Originally Posted by CamaroChick

OK I have to ask - who has a reg with only one stage??? Why on earth would they charge separately for each stage? My LDS sounded so proud when they told me the service included all 3 stages - oooooo impressive

When it comes down to it, most shops will charge ala-carte per stage, even if they normally service all three on a basic scuba setup.

but since you asked, folks who dive doubles, have two sets than each only has 2 stages. (but 4 total, but independent). Pony bottle regs also only have 2 stages. so it happens.

[scubadiver888]

My LDS charges $40 labour. If you just need first/second stage it is $25. And that is Canadian dollars!

[Byte Me]

I'm shipping mine off to ST tomorrow. I'm sure my local shop does it but since I bought from ST and the parts are included in the service price if I remember right - the extra time and effort for the shipping is way worth it!

Estimate from LDS is $100 - 110 with 5-10 day turnaround...depends on parts availability. Still going w/ ST.

[CPTOZZY]

My LDS Charged about $80, but that was First Stage, Second Stage and Octo. They have also checked and tweeked my reg at no cost on an "as needed" basis

[plot]

mines anywhere from $40-75 depending on if you gotta buy parts or not. parts are free if you bought the reg there. (it's actually an aqualung thing that gets the parts for free, not specific to my LDS)

also, thats for the first stage and both second stages...