Regulator Warranty questions

[Shellback]

Has anyone experienced any difficulty dealing with a Manf. of a regulator when they did the purchase from the internet ? Came across a story the other day that indicated some manufacturers will not honor the published warranty if the regulator is not purchased from one of their recognized dealers.

For instance I see that some of the manufacturers offer something called "Lifetime Parts" (or something similar). I am assuming that would go out the window as well if they do not recognize the merchant that you purchase their equipment from.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Shellback

Has anyone experienced any difficulty dealing with a Manf. of a regulator when they did the purchase from the internet ? Came across a story the other day that indicated some manufacturers will not honor the published warranty if the regulator is not purchased from one of their recognized dealers.

For instance I see that some of the manufacturers offer something called "Lifetime Parts" (or something similar). I am assuming that would go out the window as well if they do not recognize the merchant that you purchase their equipment from.

Internet sales are a tricky spot. Some mfgs don't allow internet sales (atomic), (most) others do. Having said that, there are some sites which sell "gray market" regs and other gear, and are not an authorized dealer. For example, buy a oceanic reg from leisurepro, which is not an authorized dealer. You therefore won't get an alliance parts agreement, won't get any warranty other than leisurepro's, and won't get the 30 day return policy.

I'd buy from ST, which will match all other prices as well as being an authorized dealer for the gear they sell.

And the CS is superb.

[fireflock]

Here's the deal. There are a couple of big brands that don't provide warranty service unless you are physically in the store that you buy it from when you buy it. They don't allow mail order, phone order, or internet order. Some of these brands are ScubaPro, Aqualung, Apeks, and Atomic.

There are even more brands that allow authorized dealers to sell products to their customers in whatever way works best for them. These brands as a group are not 2nd class, inferior, or dangerous.

Unfortunately, some dealers from the first group of brands (in-store only sales) have decided to tell half truths that make it look like _ANY_ scuba gear bought over the internet is dangerous, inferior, or without warranty. It's just not true, and they probably know it, but the half truths work well enough to scare some divers.

If you have any question, go to the website of the brand you're considering and they usually have a list of authorized dealers. You can also pick up the phone and call them to check. In most cases, they are as sick of the misleading statements as customers are and they will be glad to answer your questions.

Rich

[Shellback]

Although I have never had an issue with any purchase made on the internet yet and would definitely check into warrnaty issues prior to a large purchase, in certain instances you can almost appreciate the manufacturer's position on this. I had once come across an article on a recall issue (think it was from OMS maybe). They had a bad batch of bladders I believe that were still being sold from a couple places in Canada.

[terrillja]

Originally Posted by Shellback

Although I have never had an issue with any purchase made on the internet yet and would definitely check into warrnaty issues prior to a large purchase, in certain instances you can almost appreciate the manufacturer's position on this. I had once come across an article on a recall issue (think it was from OMS maybe). They had a bad batch of bladders I believe that were still being sold from a couple places in Canada.

Here's a link:
Ocean Management Systems Safety News http://www.OMSdive.com

They were being sold in BC, Canada and Missouri

[awap]

The "parts for life" program is not part and parcel to the warrenty and only applies to USA (& CA maybe) distributors. Plus LDSs are independent operations, not part of the mfgr company, so they may not chose to participate in any programs or warranties the mfgr offers. If you select the right mfgrs, you can avoid all of this nonsense.

[ScaredSilly]

Technically, Atomic does allow internet sales. But only through Shop-a-tron which then out sources the actual sale to the closest authorized dealer for delivery. However, the price is at full retail. Otherwise their policy is in store sales only.

The real key anymore is to hang on to your sale receipt because that is what is going to prove you bought it from an authorized dealer.