Kicked out of OW Class

[bandit6789]

My brother and I started Open water certification with our LDS, the first week of March, 2009. We met with the instructor, and then the dive shop owner about two weeks before the class began, to get signed up. At that time we were told that our $450 would cover the class, and the open water, except that we would have to provide our own lodging and our own equipment at open water, either by buying it ahead of time, or by renting it.

As our class went on, we decided we definitely wanted to buy our own equipment, so we spent hours on the internet researching products, designs, and retailers. I had also had a chance to look at sticker prices at my LDS. So by the last week of the class, we were ready to make a purchase, so I went into my LDS, to get a price on a setup. Long story short, the price for a BC, Computer (non-air intergrated), intergrated inflator, and regs. For just under $1700. I asked the owner, "If I get my equipment from somewhere else, is that going to be a problem?" His answer was "No, I'll want you to bring it in, so I can check it out, make sure it safe, then you can use it."
So, I got a price from ScubaToys, on a similar, actually better, deal: BC, Air Intergrated computer, intergrated inflator, regs, and a wetsuit. For $1200.
So, after considering the options, we had little choice but to order from Scubatoys. We received our stuff, and we are very happy with it. So, we told our instructor, on the last night of pool class, that we bought our own stuff. She seemed concerned that the owner would not be happy about it, which I understand, no one is happy when they lose a sale.

Then the owner calls me on Monday and says that he heard we had our own stuff, he wanted to know why we didn't buy from him. I told him, it was simply a better value from ST. He asked that we bring our stuff in the next day for him to inspect it.
So, Tuesday we took it in to show him, and he said that he had changed his mind, and no longer wants to do our open water check out, he would rather just refund some money and refer us to somebody else. Which, was a total shock to us. We spoke with him at some length, and he said he would check the gear and plan on doing our dives with us after all. After getting home and thinking about it for quite sometime I decided after the way he had reacted, I no longer wanted to have my checkout with him, my brother agreed.
I called up Joe at Scubatoys and told him of our woes, he apologized for the trouble we were having, which I told him it wasn't his fault, of course, but he said it reflected badly on the SCUBA industry. He offered to run us through his class, all in one three day weekend, and get this, NO CHARGE.

So, Scubatoys has absolutely saved the day. They have no financial obligation or training obligation to us, and yet they are going out of their way to give us a special class, at no charge to us.

I will be taking any further training from them, and buying all my equipment in the future straight from them. For me its a 6 hour drive, for classes, and an overnight trip for anything I order from them, all worth the very little hassle, compared to what I've been faced with here.

+++++++
Since I wrote this, the LDS owner has apologized for his behavior, and refunded $100 of our original $450, since he is not doing the open water check out. He was sincere in his apology, and it was very much appreciated, but, I've already worked out a great deal with Scubatoys, and it going to be very hard for anybody to talk me out of my new dive shop.
+++++++
A BIG THANKS TO JOE AND EVERYONE AT SCUBATOYS!!

[Ryanh1801]

Just out of curiosity what was the dive shop in Midland? Is it a building that starts with C and ends in M?

[bandit6789]

COM is just the pool they use, COM doesn't do SCUBA classes. But, in the past this LDS was located inside the building you are thinking of. And the LDS does use COM's pools.

[Zenagirl]

Joe is a class act.

Sorry to hear that another LDS doesn't know his "six" from his elbow and is working awfully hard to go out of business. Unbelieveable that he not only lost any future training you'll do, but also the sale of accessories or other stuff you'll want.

[Ryanh1801]

Originally Posted by bandit6789

COM is just the pool they use, COM doesn't do SCUBA classes. But, in the past this LDS was located inside the building you are thinking of. And the LDS does use COM's pools.

Figured that's who it was. Sorry to hear about that. I am from Midland, and have had some run in's with them so to speak.

[fisheater]

I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Joe called the owner of the original LDS and explained a few facts of modern business to him. Hence, his call to the OP.

[Diver Kat]

It's truly amazing how so many 'business' people don't have a clue about handling customers. I count myself lucky that a number of the LDS's here in Austin are aware that we have a number of options (along with the internet) and are very honest about making a deal if they can, or not getting upset if they can't.

And again it goes to show why Scuba Toys, Joe & Larry have such a loyal following - they do their absolute best to make every problem resolution a happy one for the customer. Even when the problem wasn't theirs to begin with!

[waytooslow]

I am sure glad that ST is my LDS.

[Vlane]

It amazes me how i've only been a part of these boards a couple of months and have seen already 2 or 3 of these stories. I can understand the feelings a LDS may feel from this situation but they can either let it go or they can lose future sales, only one will keep them in business.

In the process of trying to get my girlfriend certified before she goes to Costa Rica for study abroad and ran into an issue with LDS. She would have to do private lessons, $100 more, since there aren't any others signing up right now. Now my dive buddy has offered to do it for free and can easily work around our schedule, so i'm going with him. Hoping my LDS doesn't get too upset about this, but based off what i've seen with others i'm not so sure.

PS-Not meaning to hijack your thread.

[nrembis]

refunded a 100.00, the LDS thinks that's ok?? that would not have covered a referral, in my opinion they should have refunded your whole 450.00