My First ScubaToys Experience

[Vercingetorix]

I cite this to others on other boards, like ScubaBoard, as an example of the ScubaToys difference.

Last December 2006, I just returned from a cruise where I had the opportunity to snorkel. I'd previously been unable to do so; I had trouble mouth-breathing and the masks never fit quite right (I'm talking about 30 years ago). Given that I could snorkel, I decided to resurrect a goal I had in my twenties, that is to scuba dive. I'm now 55 yeas old.</DIV>

I went to three LDS here in Dallas:

LDS #1 tried to sell me $1000 of used gear (LadyHawke BCD regulator). First, I'm guy, so why would I want a women's BCD? Second, the sales guy told me the gear package was worth over $1400. It's wasn't; I checked on line. Finally, without having even tried scuba, why would I spend $1000?

LDS #2 sold me "the most popular fins", Aqualung Blades II for $100 ("on sale" from $140). These suckers are big and stiff. I'm not a strong swimmer, and these tired/cramped my legs in 5 minutes. I found the fins on-line for $80.

LDS #3 tried to sell me nothing. The sales guy told me to go through OW first or a Try Scuba class to determine if this is something I wanted to do. He selected a regulator, Aeris Atmos Pro that was on sale for $200; but, he said, I won't sell this to you today. He spent over an hour-and-a-half with me and didn't sell me a thing. In fact, he even gave me a bottle of mask defogger (I had purchased my mask snorkel on-line elsewhere).

If you haven't figured it out, LDS #3 is ScubaToys. The sales guy...some guy named Joe, whom I would later learn owned the place. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I was in the store on Sunday. If you know ST, you know IT'S CLOSED ON SUNDAYs. Joe and a few guys were there to do inventory and other tasks. Joe could have kicked me out so he could return to what he really needed to do. But, he didn't. He was more interested in answering some newbie's questions then tending to what needed tending.</DIV>

That's why I go to ScubaToys. I've been through NAUI OW, NAUI AOW, and NAUI Rescue at ST. Someday, hope to go through NAUI TA and, maybe DM.

[ertechsg]

I think Joe and Larry need to just let us move in the shop and stay(less money on gas more money too spend).I'm home and never leaving.

[frankc420]

Originally Posted by ertechsg

I think Joe and Larry need to just let us move in the shop and stay(less money on gas more money too spend).I'm home and never leaving.

I'll live in the pool, you can have the shallow end.

[jacewindu]

i'm sure they'd provide you with enough tanks for that actually to be possible

[gunnarman]

i too went to a couple lds's for my ow cert. one stop @ s.t. and i knew where i'd take my class(s) and spend my money. and a extra thanks to greg who will answer all 1000000000000 questions i have and treat me like im the only person there even when its packed. thanks for the large selection and the outstanding customer service.

[Lucky(AR)]

thats cool would they would help you out on sundays ..hard to find shops like that

[Axewizard]

Originally Posted by Vercingetorix

I cite this to others on other boards, like ScubaBoard, as an example of the ScubaToys difference.

Last December 2006, I just returned from a cruise where I had the opportunity to snorkel. I'd previously been unable to do so; I had trouble mouth-breathing and the masks never fit quite right (I'm talking about 30 years ago). Given that I could snorkel, I decided to resurrect a goal I had in my twenties, that is to scuba dive. I'm now 55 yeas old.</DIV>

I went to three LDS here in Dallas:

LDS #1 tried to sell me $1000 of used gear (LadyHawke BCD regulator). First, I'm guy, so why would I want a women's BCD? Second, the sales guy told me the gear package was worth over $1400. It's wasn't; I checked on line. Finally, without having even tried scuba, why would I spend $1000?

LDS #2 sold me "the most popular fins", Aqualung Blades II for $100 ("on sale" from $140). These suckers are big and stiff. I'm not a strong swimmer, and these tired/cramped my legs in 5 minutes. I found the fins on-line for $80.

LDS #3 tried to sell me nothing. The sales guy told me to go through OW first or a Try Scuba class to determine if this is something I wanted to do. He selected a regulator, Aeris Atmos Pro that was on sale for $200; but, he said, I won't sell this to you today. He spent over an hour-and-a-half with me and didn't sell me a thing. In fact, he even gave me a bottle of mask defogger (I had purchased my mask snorkel on-line elsewhere).

If you haven't figured it out, LDS #3 is ScubaToys. The sales guy...some guy named Joe, whom I would later learn owned the place. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I was in the store on Sunday. If you know ST, you know IT'S CLOSED ON SUNDAYs. Joe and a few guys were there to do inventory and other tasks. Joe could have kicked me out so he could return to what he really needed to do. But, he didn't. He was more interested in answering some newbie's questions then tending to what needed tending.</DIV>

That's why I go to ScubaToys. I've been through NAUI OW, NAUI AOW, and NAUI Rescue at ST. Someday, hope to go through NAUI TA and, maybe DM.

My wife and I have been shopping at ST for years. The reason that we continue to go back is because they focus on building RELATIONSHIPS, not just driving top-line sales. My wife was certified through ST and we've bought all of our gear through them. We'll continue to go back!

[kevinj1]

I want to move in too. Then, I could stop hogging the webcam all day.
Ladies dressing room will be fine by me...

[TxScubaBear]

I emailed Joe something the other day about Labor Day weekend, asking if they were going to be open, his response "we never close". You just can't beat a shop like this folks!

[uzzell20]

everytime i go to my local dive shop it seems hard to find anyone who can answer questions, at ST i can pick up a phone almost anytime and talk to someone with extensive knowledge and experience, i haven't found anywhere else with this kind of customer service