So, I haven't posted much, 'cause I've been busy (how many of my blog entries have started out like this?). Lots to do at work, and of course wedding plans and preparations take up quite a bit of time. In the midst of all that, I started scuba diving for "real." (You may recall my brief introduction to this largely voyeuristic sport in my
"Big World, Big Mistake" blog entry way back in December of '05.) My life's upheaval in 2006 and the following years being what they were, I've only just gotten back to servicing this addiction.
I was PADI Open Water certified this summer, and have been getting into the water as much as I can in preparation for the daily scuba diving in Jamaica I'll be doing during my late-November honeymoon.
It's been a fantastic experience... with the exception of dealing with online retailers. Having worked at
Sweetwater.com for over four years now, I've grown accustomed to responsive customer service and impeccable business practices. But I've learned this is far from an industry standard. My most recent interaction was with an abominable company called
Scuba.com.
I won't bore you with the details of the conflicts, but suffice it to say they are at best unresponsive and unapologetic. And at worst, at least one of their employees is a vindictive THIEF. I cannot recommend strongly enough that you avoid them at all costs.
On the recommendation of a couple of diving friends, today I tried
LeisurePro.com.
It wasn't exactly a Sweetwater-quality interaction, and they have a name that brings to mind the sale of recliners and footbaths rather than scuba supplies... But they do have the best website in the online scuba retail industry, and were more than helpful in the area of price negotiation, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this transaction is completed.
