sixgears
Contributor
Here in Ny we have entertained the idea of changing our pricing structure.WHat the OP experienced is a big problem..What we are thinking of is to raise the price of an ow class by $100. So from $269. to $369..Thats for academics and confined water.When the prospective student signs up we hand them a non transferable gift certificate for $100. that can be applied towards personal gear only, for that individual . We hope that will prevent issues of gear purchased elsewhere.
This way the LDS either makes the $100. profit that they would make on personal gear sales if student does not purchase gear from LDS or makes the sale of personal gear. This has NOT been instituted yet, and may not be institueted, but is only an idea to answer issues of gear being purchased online/elsewhere.
That's a good idea for people that do not own scuba equipment which is the majority. My original issue was with the LDS not being upfront about their pricing structure and policies then handing us a piece of paper during class that stated otherwise. I may already own fins, snorkel and mask going into the class - what does the LDS do then? Force me to buy new equipment?