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#11854
 Review of American Pro Diving Center in Crystal River Florida
badintexas - 2/22/2012 2:04 PM
Category: General
Replies: 8
I wanted to share the quality of service that we received from a local dive shop while in Crystal River, Florida. There are many dive shops to choose from in that area. We should have read reviews first, but we noticed American Pro Diving Center while driving around so we chose them to do business with. We needed a few things to make our dive vacation go smoothly, and we decided to buy some things instead of renting. Of course being on vacation, we also bought plenty of souvenirs.

At American Pro Diving Center, It took a longer than usual for them to help us but we understood as the shop was busy with customers. They were booking dive classes and helping others, so our group of 9 people waited patiently to ask questions about certain wet suits, booties, masks and a dive vest for myself. When it was our turn, we did not receive good customer service. The sales reps were quick and seemed pre-occupied with other things. Maybe I am just used to Texas hospitality.

Between everyone in our group, we spent over $650 at American Pro Diving Center. I personally bought a shorty wet suit and a hooded vest which totaled $175. I did not wear the hooded vest, it was still brand new with tags and in the same bag it came in. We went back the next day and asked for a refund since it was not used, and it did not fit properly. The lady that "helped" us was not friendly at all. She said the vest could not be returned for a refund, but that they could give a store credit. We explained that we were on vacation and did not live nearby, therefore we would not be able to use the store credit anytime soon.

Greg spoke to the manager on the phone, but the manager said the same thing and was not willing to do anything else. He was very unhelpful and preferred to keep our money, rather than provide great customer service and earn a good review from us.

Overall, I would not recommend this dive shop. It was convenient for us at the time but the prices were high and the customer service was below average. Instead, I would recommend Birds Underwater, which is about a mile away (www.birdsunderwater.com).
#1328
Subscribed
Lonefrogman - 2/22/2012 2:50 PM
I used to use American Pro (PADI dive shop). For years I only used them for the trips to Rainbow River, never had a problem. One year I came in to the shop to pay (Ron the owner or manger was not around) and get a spot on the boat. When I pulled out my PADI open water dated 1976, like I did for the last 6 years. I was told that the PADI card issued in the 70’s were no longer any good because the training in the 70’s by PADI was not longer accepted, by them. It was the same card I gave them the last 6 years. I don’t remember the guy’s name that told me this, It could have been Greg, he was a heavy set fellow in his late twenty’s, blond or light hair. My dive gear is older I remembered him because he operated the boats a couple of times, I took trips with them. American Pro has changed and not for the good I no longer use them or recommend them. I also recommend Birds Underwater.
#4846
Subscribed
Eve - 2/22/2012 4:06 PM
You are correct that the policy on returns suck, they should have been more understanding to those who are vacationers. I know you told them you were traveling back home to TX the next day so store credit would not be good for you, they did not even have a web site that would allow you to use any store credit on from home. I am sorry they treated you that way, I hope others will take heed and not shop this store.
#2638
John_giu - 2/22/2012 8:34 PM
It’s this type of "HUSTLE" that gives local dive shops a bad rap, and drives people to shop on-line where prices are better, service is friendlier, and you can return stuff that you have used for a year (OK may be not a whole year :-) ).

Most people would not mind paying a premium for the personal service, but no one wants to be raked over the coals.

Any-way I am sure this posting has cost them a whole lot more than they made on the vest. I like Bubble’s suggestion that you go the credit card route, you may ultimately lose the dispute but at least you will have had the pleasure of tying up YOUR money for a few months.

I have been to their web site while looking for dive ops. in Florida. I don’t know that I"ll be going to Crystal River, but if I do I wont be doing business with them.
#21167
LatitudeAdjustment - 2/23/2012 9:35 AM
From Lonefrogman: I used to use American Pro (PADI dive shop). For years I only used them for the trips to Rainbow River, never had a problem. One year I came in to the shop to pay (Ron the owner or manger was not around) and get a spot on the boat. When I pulled out my PADI open water dated 1976, like I did for the last 6 years. I was told that the PADI card issued in the 70’s were no longer any good because the training in the 70’s by PADI was not longer accepted, by them. It was t...


Dumb! The PADI training in the early 70’s included everything and would be equal to "Master Diver" today.

1st time I used American Pro my only complaint was they didn’t make the interpreter for the Japanese tourist watch the Florida Marine Patrol video on Manatee etiquette, he was too busy hitting on the female help. The tourist snorkeled upright in the water and walked on the sleeping Manatees backs. The DM and videographer didn’t tell them to stop!

I almost bought a video just to send it to FMP on how not to dive with Manatees!

The last time there the showroom was chaos, next time I’ll use Birds Underwater.
#2079
rashley - 2/24/2012 5:10 PM
Thanks for the heads up. I will remember that the next time I am in the area.
#2169
Tiara_270 - 3/01/2012 9:11 AM
Sorry about yall’s ( I can say that being from TX) experience with AP dive shop, but ask Greg I did warn him before the trip he would like Birds better, I live here and started out with AP but no longer go there and prefer Birds!!!!