Shops without pools

[AAUY]

I was wondering, what do you do when the shop you are purchasing from does not have a pool to try the gear in?

How do you make sure the gear you are buying is right for you?

I'm thinking of things like a BCD or exposure suit.

[thor]

My LDS does not have a pool, but they use a YMCA nearby. They also have a liberal return policy. If they sell it to you, it should fit, and it should be to your liking. If they won't let you take it to a pool and try the BC out, go to another LDS

[BSea]

My LDS has a pool & a liberal return policy. So does my Iternet DS (Scuba Toys).

[AAUY]

Originally Posted by thor

My LDS does not have a pool, but they use a YMCA nearby. They also have a liberal return policy. If they sell it to you, it should fit, and it should be to your liking. If they won't let you take it to a pool and try the BC out, go to another LDS

Do you mean buy the BC then take it to the pool? Or take the BC from the store to the pool and then, if you like it, buy it?

My LDS, from what I've heard, has a very good return policy and is pretty good about switching gear out or fixing problems. I've never done that yet, but that's what I've heard from others.

[RoadRacer1978]

My LDS has a try it before you buy it policy. I believe that you purchase the item first and after using it you can return it if you are not happy with the item. Not sure if they give a cash refund or in store credit for it. They also have almost every item that they offer for sale in their rental department so you could rent it first as well.

[ScubaJenn81]

I agree, most LDS have deals where you can bring it back if it does not work for you. I would think that if they did not, they would not be around for too long.

[kenmendes]

they should let you try it and if you are not happy with it they should let you return it. Just talk to them about there return policy. If they won't work with you then find another LDS

[quasimoto]

Most shops have what they sell in rental gear. if not then the internet can be a good source of information.
As for the return policy...most will only give in store credit. Think about it, I buy a BC and return it after doing a live aboard for a week. The shop doesn't know where I have been and the BC looks like new. So I take it back in and get a refund. I just saved a bunch of money on a rental.