Should a Rigger charge more for a Racer Repack?

[masterrig 1]

Too cool! Thanks for the tip.

Chuck

[riddler 0]

Not that I'm a rigger (yet ), but I think there's a perception that a rig-is-a-rig-is-a-rig, and that performing service on them is the same as changing oil in a car - since there are places that will change oil in any car for $29.99, then it seems the same. But if you change the oil on a few different cars, you realize that some are easier than others - partly because of the design differences, and partly because you get used to some, and are not used to others.

I don't think reserve repacks fit into a one-size-fits-all category - some are similar, but each brand has unique characteristics, and sometimes even older versions of the same type are quite different. Rigs and riggers are unique, and I wouldn't expect to pay the same for a pack job from any two riggers or even between either of my two rigs. I ask how much, and they quote me a price.

I know one rigger that charges $50 for every rig except Racers. And for Racers, he charges $100. He feels he spends a lot more time on Racers, so he charges extra. If that seems unfair, find another rigger. In my limited experience, there is always another rigger around somewhere. I've never seen a dropzone where only one rigger was available, but I have seen jumpers that absolutely need their rig by tomorrow and only have one rigger available to do it by then, even if that rigger charges more, then they feel cheated. You always have options for riggers, but if your time is limited, or your budget is limited, or you have circumstances, then you my have to live with whatever price or schedule the rigger gives you.

And boy, after that post, I really wish the spell-checker contained the word "rigger".

Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

[RMURRAY 1]

I pay 50 dollars Canadian - that is 36.50 US - no whining and it looks great....it's just a matter of training.

rm

[masterrig 1]

Great idea! Thanks for sharing that! Like other riggers, I appreciate learning new methods that make the job 'smoother' and bring good results.

Chuck

[riggerrob 643]

In my limited experience, there is always another rigger around somewhere. I've never seen a dropzone where only one rigger was available, but I have seen jumpers that absolutely need their rig by tomorrow and only have one rigger available to do it by then, even if that rigger charges more, then they feel cheated. You always have options for riggers, but if your time is limited, or your budget is limited, or you have circumstances, then you my have to live with whatever price or schedule the rigger gives you.

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Hee! Hee!
Oh you naive, spolied, young American.
Many DZs only have one rigger and that lone lonely rigger divides his time between rigging, instructing, fixing the airplane and begging the bank for more operating capital.
For example, when I lived in Nova Scotia, we had one Rigger A and one Rigger B. After the Rigger B moved away, the one Rigger A took forever to repack my reserve. I remember him telling his girlfriend: "Sure you can buy a Racer, but you will have to ship it out of province to get it repacked."

My solution to that rigger shortage was to attend a riggers' course out of province.

When you jump at a small, out-of-the-way DZ, you would be wise to buy a rig that your over-worked, local rigger LIKES.

[teason 0]

Quote

Hee! Hee!
Oh you naive, spolied, young American.
Many DZs only have one rigger and that lone lonely rigger divides his time between rigging, instructing, fixing the airplane and begging the bank for more operating capital.

Are ... are you spying on me?"

I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.