The ultimate Cozumel dive ops thread

[Christi]

I don't think that's what Christi meant at all. Nothing shady about her (I've met her personnally and she is a well-respected professional on the island). Her regular prices are disclosed on her website, nothing hidden there, I think the issue here is more about not feeling comfortable with a list of dive ops and prices that may not take into account the different types and levels of services included, nor the deals offered on an individual basis (my guess is, a party of 4 customers diving everyday for a week in slow season would more likely be offered discounted rates vs. a single diver wanting to do a couple of dives during Xmas and NY). Nothing wrong with that, IMO, just basic business.
Likewise, having someone who got a great deal for any reason disclose that specific info would have awkward consequences ("why did they get a better rate than I did ? I thought we were friends ?")

Exactly Ann - you completely understand what I am trying to get across.

It would seem from a sales perspective, a business would like to start a conversation before the customer sees the price. They might deal on some open space one month, but not in a high demand month. Or the better price for regulars. Or raise the price for jerky people to either move them on or collect for the bother! Not shady, just business.

Of course the flip is if customers do talk about their pricing, that tends to benefit the customers over the business. It makes sense customers would want to talk about it and see if they are getting a deal or not.

You too Chief!!!

Nope, not what I said at all.

I like the post #1 list and would like to see Ops offer that info on their webpages, and yeah - I like to see the basic rate structure rather than having to ask and wait for any of that info. I know that specials can be arranged but normally won't ask for one unless I am giving the Op at chance at a group or something.

What are you so defensive about? Last I looked, your site was quite informative.

I am not defensive at all Don - I just misunderstood what you were saying. I am not trying to hide any pricing and there is nothing shady about it as another poster suggested - but it's not up to others to discuss mine or any other dive shops prices as an absolute. I think you know what I am saying too, because you indicate that these are basic rate structures on our websites and know that specials can be arranged under certain circumstances, for groups, etc.

 

[ggunn]

Not wanting clients to discuss your pricing sounds pretty shady.

Not at all. Dive ops are not a big box store where you walk in and the price is the price, nor would we want them to be that way. When I am given a "VIP deal", the LAST thing I am going to do is tell everyone (anyone, actually) what deal I got. I don't want anyone using that information as an economic weapon against my benefactor, and if that happened it would be the last VIP deal I would ever get from that vendor. That's as it should be.

I had another diver on a boat once try to bully me into divulging the details of a deal I had gotten from a vendor because I was a 20+ year repeat customer, and he got really bent out of shape almost to the point of abuse when I wouldn't roll over. It was partly my fault for not making up a bogus number when he first asked, and that's what I will do next time.

If we really *must* do this (and I still don't think it's a good idea), IMO it would be far better to make it as another poster suggested (sorry, I don't remember who it was) to make it a list of features (pick up at downtown pier, large boats with heads, small fast boats, etc.) with dive ops who offer it, with pricing completely left off.

 

[Christi]

I wonder if there is a way to post an excel spreadsheet here? That sure would make it easy - with a list of shops down the side and key features across the top - and boxes to check if an op has those features/ammenities - your basic comparison chart - but that would be too easy - haha

 

[Ron Lee]

I was thinking of this just before I read your post Christi. How about using this example?

Cozumel Insider - Cozumel Beaches - Guide and Chart of Beaches in Cozumel MX - Cozumel Insider

Quick and easy to pick those factors that are important. This beach comparison has about 21 criteria. That should be more than adequate. Click on the name of the dive shop and it takes you to their website. No, I do not know how to create such a website.

 

[Moonglow]

While it's very Mexican to bargain, websites should list base prices for lessons, services, trips and packages, our shop does it. You can have a disclaimer that prices can change without notice.

 

[Christi]

While it's very Mexican to bargain, websites should list base prices for lessons, services, trips and packages, our shop does it. You can have a disclaimer that prices can change without notice.

Most of us do have that info on our sites, that's not the point here - it's been discussed and explained throughout this thread

 

[DandyDon]

While it's very Mexican to bargain, websites should list base prices for lessons, services, trips and packages, our shop does it. You can have a disclaimer that prices can change without notice.

I try to be nice about prices as I know that I am cheap by nature, but I hate it when the Op tries to overcharge me to see if he can get away with it.

 

[scubafanatic]

Is this the same double secret club that was mentioned during the Scuba Mau deep dive thread?

...the Midnight Panty Raider Aquanauts ?

 

[Moonglow]

..., I prefer not to have others speak as to what my prices, policies, deals are available, availability of night/afternoon dives, etc. Simply put, customers, fans, friends cannot speak for us when it comes to working out the details or putting a package together, ONLY the shop owner/manager can really answer these questions accurately.

But, we are going to talk about your prices, policies, and what deals you gave us in the past. Business 101.

 

[scubafanatic]

I try to be nice about prices as I know that I am cheap by nature, but I hate it when the Op tries to overcharge me to see if he can get away with it.

understood Don, but scuba dive ops live in the same business universe as everyone else, and I suspect you're one of the best 'deal diggers' out there anyway.