Why are PADI replacement cards so expensive?

[TMHeimer]

4 years ago I while doing MSD there was an apparent problem with either mail delivery or PADI's processing procedure and I didn't receive 4 of the specialties cards. PADI sent me 4 replacements free. Then a couple of weeks later the other 4 came. Now THAT'S being a card collector. Guess PADI was out $148. Anybody want some cards?

 

[DiveNav]

I keep my Instructor card in my wallet (oopppss I think I left my wallet at home today) .... but, thinking about it, since I can't use it to buy anything, a better place for it would be in my iPhone ... with proper back-up on my PC / server / cloud.

Now, if that was the case ... I might be willing to pay $0.99 to replace this digital card (and don't tell me that processing an image of a card is more complicated that getting a song ....)
But, the question is ..... would a dive store consider valid my "iPhone card"?

Alternatively, I might keep my Instructor card in my wallet, but it would be far more useful if it would double up as a credit card too .... so I can use it to buy stuff .. and it gets replaced - for free - every few years

Alberto (aka eDiver)

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

I've used my virtual card. I have a picture of the card for just in case.

 

[spc751]

A note on certification fees:

If a diver wishes to replace it because they really regret the hairstyle they had back when they were certified in 1982, then you can pay for this also. C.

If I had a card that showed me with hair I would not replace it!

 

[Mitchell Teeters]

So I'm in the local LDS and I mention the price of the card. This LDS charges $25 for replacement cards. He said it costs him $21 for a PADI card. This kinda throws a kink in your argument about all the costs. sort of pisses me of also.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[markmud]

Hello TNRonin,

Your point is well taken. $37 for a replacement C-Card that is ordered and paid for electronically is rediculous. The people who are defending PADI are rationalizers. Way too much Cool-Aid.

I went to St. Croix last fall. Unfortunately, my C-Cards were in my logbook that remained on my night stand-- I forgot to load it into my carry-on bag. Fortunately, Anchor Dive Center had an I-phone that could access the web. All was well as they verified my certs via the web.

I decided to purchase an extra card or two, just in case the St. Croix fiasco happened again. OMG...no way was I paying $37 for something that costs PADI $8. I understand that they need funding to stay viable and that replacement certs are a revenue generator. PADI would make more money if they reduced their price to $20. I would have bought one, maybe two. Instead, PADI got nothing but more of my vitriol.

I now keep my certs in two places in my travel gear. If I lose my main stash, I may not dive deep, and I may not dive with Nitrox, but I will still dive.

thanks,

markm

 

[k ellis]

I am not too concerned as I will use my card until it falls apart but look at what they are charging for the E-Cards LOL.

On a serious note I do think that PADI is trying to say "Dont loose your cards and you wont be out the $37.00. We got more important things to do then keep sending out replacement cards"

 

[theduckguru]

I can get a lost drivers license replaced from my state BMV for $24.50. PADI is a rip off.

Hey high school kid, you want to make me a replica of a PADI card?

 

[k ellis]

Hey high school kid, you want to make me a replica of a PADI card?

Very Creative. I like that!

 

[cascas]

So I'm in the local LDS and I mention the price of the card. This LDS charges $25 for replacement cards. He said it costs him $21 for a PADI card. This kinda throws a kink in your argument about all the costs. sort of pisses me of also.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

$21 for a PADI card ? Sounds unlikely.

An online card costs 25 Euro ( US $29,77 at this moment) in Europe, a paper version is 29 euro (US$ 34,54). I do not believe that in your parts it is that much cheaper. Looks like your LDS is losing money on replacements cards..
US $ 37 ( for a paper version ) sounds about right.