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Hey Chris, I'm truly sorry you had a problem, however, I guess this will be counterpoint. In October, 99 I bought a used Uwatec Aix-X he had for sale ($450!), as well as some new odds and ends. For my protection with any dealer, I wouldn't think of purchasing unless they take credit cards, same as yours. This transaction was done through email and all arrived quickly without a hitch. One month later I again bought some things from him. Nothing major, and the only memorable item was a dive float and innertube. This one was first through email and then finalized over the phone. In the conversation, there was some miscommunication and the wrong float arrived. I was a little nervous about a refund as it was never discussed or on the web site. I called him, and he apologized saying the one I wanted was no longer carried. I returned it, and when I didn't immediately get a refund, called him. It was processed that day. Again Chris, I know the frustration of a bad deal or getting burned. Good thing you used your credit card. Even though it's a pain to go through the process, at least you won't be out any money. However, just as you wanted to voice your opinion of John, I have to say that I was very satisfied in my dealings with him, and wouldn't hesitate to buy any non-life support items from him in the future (as I wouldn't buy from anybody but my local dealer, but that's another topic). The used computer was too low of a price to resist, and has been fantastic. Good luck in the future. -Tom WatsonCJW@ao*.co* wrote: > I advise everyone reading this message not to do business with John Allen > (a.k.a. "Trader" John, "Big" John, JDA000@ao*.co*, John's SCUBA Equipment, > Northeast Scuba Supply of Norristown PA), unless you are in his store and can > touch what he sells. Specifically, do NOT order equipment via phone or > website. > > I placed a small order with Northeast SCUBA on 5 April 00, and haven't > received it yet. My order was made over the phone, and I spoke with John > Allen personally. I specified the shipping method (US Priority Mail; > required due to my address), and he assured me it was no problem; he did it > all the time. He charged my credit card that day and it posed to my account > 48 hours later. > > After almost three weeks I began to get nervous. Between then and now I've > sent four emails to John Allen. He replied to the first with a one-line > reply: "It was sent." The second he ignored. For the third he wrote me back > that he was "checking" and would get back with me that day. That was six > days ago and I haven't heard anything. Yesterday I sent my last message, > which he received and again made no reply. > > I've called my credit card company and disputed his charge, and I hope it > causes him as much irritation as he's caused me. To me, this is piss poor in > general, and borders on fraud in particular. He took money without providing > a product as agreed and added insult to injury by not even replying to my > attempts to solve the problem. My order wasn't big, but we all know how > frustrating this kind of situation can be. Also, if he doesn't work with you > on a typical order, why would you ever make a big one? (rhetorical) > > For those who may be lurking as I was and contemplating buying gear from a > distance, here's my summary: > > Joe McGrath / Highland Mills: Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. > > Dive Rite: Bent over backwards. (yeah, yeah, I know, but this isn't a > product endorsement, it's about their willingness to help a customer) > > Lloyd Bailey: Excellent, polite and prompt in every way. My recommendation > from now on. > > Mike Strong / Pro Ski and SCUBA, KS: Great guy, fine deal (tanks) > > Leisure Pro, NY: excellent service and prices for gray market recreational > stuff. > > Halcyon: a bit slow but worth the wait. (Wish I'd bought their stuff > sooner!) > > Stingray Divers, NY: average service, but fantastic price and delivered > immediately. > > I don't claim these descriptions are definitive, just my personal experience. > > > I have been lurking this list extensively for several months, and I've > learned a great deal. Thank you to all the frequent contributors for your > efforts to share your knowledge and skills; I think I'm a better diver for > your efforts. Based on what I've learned, I've been doing what many others > have done and migrated in fits and starts toward the equipment and methods > recommended here. I wouldn't use the term "DIR" to describe myself (yet), > but I'm trying to learn and make progress. I do think I'm better and safer > now than before. Maybe I can help someone to prevent the mistake I did: > DON'T deal with John Allen / Northeast SCUBA Supply. > > Chris Watson > PSC 813, Box 157 > FPO AE 09620 > (Naples, Italy) > -- > Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. > Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'. -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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