LDS callbacks: None

[Gombessa]

Here's something that's happened to me and my friends a lot:

I called about 6 local shops inquiring about drysuits. They all said they would call me back when they had more information (about details, answers to questions, stock, etc.). None ever do. No problem, I call them again. After a while, I start talking to two of them, and make it pretty clear that I'm ready to buy as soon as someone can give me a finalized price. That should be pretty easy, right? One of them never calls back.

Same thing with instructors. We ask about class, get the "you'll love it, it's perfect for your skill level" speech. They say they need to iron out a few scheduling details and will get back to me. I'm waiting with checkbook in hand to give them money. No returned calls.

What the heck? Is my money radioactive?

[ReefHound]

Are you giving them the right number?

[Gombessa]

To tell you the truth, I did double-checked by calling myself once!

With all this talk about how LDSs are struggling to survive, I just can't believe they wouldn't jump on the opportunity to make several thousand dollars...for some smaller shops it could go a long way to making their month!

[thor]

I hate that. My LDS does that all of the time. "Yeah, we're getting ready to have a rescue class, if there is any interest. I'll give you a call" or "Did you still want that pair of gloves that you asked me to order four weeks ago." Uhhh, not anymore. I bought it elsewhere.

[Foo2]

If I were you I'd give ST a call. I know that they would be more than happy to take your money.

[Damselfish]

Yeah I've had some dive shops do that. Other businesses do it too. Hmm, since they can't be bothered to call to make a sale, how good will they be at calling back when you have a problem?

[fireflock]

I found the same things when I was looking for a drysuit. I decided which brand/style/size I wanted, but none of the shops I frequent was a dealer. I called a few dealers, obviously ready to buy, and it took me 4 or 5 dealers to find one that cared enough to place the order and cash the check.

[Gombessa]

Originally Posted by fireflock

I found the same things when I was looking for a drysuit. I decided which brand/style/size I wanted, but none of the shops I frequent was a dealer. I called a few dealers, obviously ready to buy, and it took me 4 or 5 dealers to find one that cared enough to place the order and cash the check.

Bingo. Drysuits are a bit particular because you really need to get the sizing right, but if ST carried the brand I was looking for, and I could get the fit settled, they'd be the first guys I'd turn to if the local shop fell through (being able to go in and size at the shop earns the LDS my money, but that doesn't mean they can't lose it by becoming unresponsive when I'm ready to purchase).

[Crimediver]

I pre-paid for a part for a knife sheath at my LDS. They took my $$$ and told me they would place the order . I would be called when it came in. Never called. Drove to the shop numerous times for six months. The hired help were clueless and I told them that I did not believe the part had been ordered and they told me I needed to talk to the owner, etc. I left written messages, phone messages and an e-mail. I finally posted this problem on Scubaboard and two hours later they had the part. I feel your frustration. Mine was a small order-$7.00 but it meant not being able to carry a knife I needed for work. It was not necessarily cheaper than on line but would have been shipped to my door for less money than driving back and forth to the shop. Next time I will go elsewhere. What made me PO'd was not calling me back.

[Gombessa]

Originally Posted by Crimediver

What made me PO'd was not calling me back.

Totally! Delays are completely understandable. And I never *asked* them to call me back; they all volunteered to get more information and contact me as soon as they heard either way. Further, one was the shop owner, and the other was the general manager; so it doesn't just happen with the clerks. Sigh. In the end it wasn't my loss.