What you consider when deciding where to buy gear?

[meatmissile 0]

Except for my harness, I always went with what's in stock.

I have a Tempo 150 reserve (stock item)
My BladeRunner 150 main was a demo which I jumped and liked so much I bought it.
My harness was made for me. I'm a tall fellow at 6 foot 7".

I'm very impatient.

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ZZZzzzz....

[quade 4]

Ok, now here's my serious answer.

To me the most important thing when I'm buying something I've -never- dealt with before is to actually see it in person and examine the quality of manufacturing. I can get all sorts of expert opinions about how this product is better than that product, but experience has taught me that almost none of that matters if, when I finally lay my eyes on it, I don't like the looks of the actual manufacturing details. I can -only- do this at a brick-n-mortar store. In buying my first rig I took advantage of the demo program at my local gear store and tried out a number of rigs and canopies until I found something that fit well and flew the way I wanted it to. Because of the personal attention during this process I decided to buy my gear through that same store even if it cost a few dollars more. I felt that was a more than a fair trade for the service received.

Now that I have a bit more experience, I feel that I would definately have no problem in dealing with an internet order because basically most of the items would be simple one-for-one replacements. For instance, I'd have no problem whatsoever in shoping for a best price between on-line gear stores for a replacement ProTrack. In that particular case, I already know the product and it's a simple matter of getting the lowest price. The truth is though, I usually don't. I usually just go into the store and get it. It's usually in stock and I can get it -right now-.

Anything having to do with custom measurements; a new container or jumpsuit for instance, and I'll definately go to my home DZ gear store. Without a doubt, these are going to be the people that do measurements better than anyone else that I personally know. I know I certainly -can't- do them properly all by myself.

I realize -exactly- how spoiled I am in having one of the best gear stores on the planet right in my own backyard. It sure is nice when my goggles break or I need a new pair of gloves to be able to saunter in and get -exactly- what I want. I'll take advantage of it when it makes sense and I'm even willing to pay a -little- more to support it. Also, I really do like the people that work there and I think that counts for something too.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[skybytch 273]

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I think he was making a joke Lisa.

Oh I think so too. But he brought up a valid point, so I answered as if the question had been serious.

[SkymonkeyONE 4]

It has always been my opinion that one should find a decent dealer, then form a bond with them. THAT is how you will end up getting the "good old boy" hook-up later down the line. Once you have a good relationship, your customer service experience will generally get better and better. How you find the right vendor the first time is probably more what we are talking about here. Generally, these forums are a good place, as are word of mouth recommendations, though you ought not take the word of just one person. Shopping around is key.

Like Paul said, I am extremely spoiled to be living, literally, 100 feet from one of the best gear shops in the world. I give them my business and in return they treat me right. It also helps that we are friends and have been for over 20 years (thanks Tony).

Chuck

[Deuce 1]

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To me the most important thing when I'm buying something I've -never- dealt with before is to actually see it in person and examine the quality of manufacturing.

Bingo. I might have/probably would have gotten a batrack or halfrack helmet (one of those has been discontinued I think) if I had been able to fly one. My local store had Aviators and Hawkeye LT's in stock to demo and that's what I got.

Lisa, the demo program at Square One is as good as it could possibly get. It's scary-good. You can freakin try just about ANYTHING from jumpsuits to rigs and parachutes.

The ONLY problem is not having a trunkload of cash. I try to never demo anything I can't buy right then.

[jumperconway 0]

My first rig, I test jumped on jump #12 and bought it used from the DZ. After about 80 jumps, I wanted NEW gear and after shopping around some I met Kate @ SQ1(not knowing she was a sky goddess) and was very pleased dealing with her. She really stayed on top of the sale. I went back to her for
some used canopies while downsizing and ended up buying another from SQ2 with equal success. With more experience knowing what I want,I have gone with price and service. If SQ1 were a little more competitive on new gear, I would still be a loyal customer but I have bought mostly used gear since.

[billo 0]

Hmm...I usually go to a local dealer who marks up the equipment at a minimum. Cost + a few beers! The $$ definitely has to be the driving factor for me.

Oh...and the free stuff! I like buying stuff that comes with free stuff! And you gotta go to the dealer who will pass along the free stuff instead of keeping it for themself...

b

[mayday 0]

I thought Square One's website was pretty easy to buy trinkets from - and free shipping is cool. I've had good experiences with SkyKat too. (haven't ordered from paragear or sunshine factory yet)

Jumpsuits are good to have measured by the manufacturer or a dealer who is experienced with that particular suit.

Price is always a factor!

peace out...
May ;-)

"saving the world before bedtime..."

[Kris 0]

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Like Paul said, I am extremely spoiled to be living, literally, 100 feet from one of the best gear shops in the world. I give them my business and in return they treat me right. It also helps that we are friends and have been for over 20 years (thanks Tony).

Amen, Chuck.

I use Square1 a lot and have always received great service from Lisa & the gang. But Tony at SkyKat ALWAYS takes care of me when I buy pricier items without me even asking about getting a deal. I've been buying there for a couple of years now. I got my ProTrack for a song and I made a killing my my new Cazer PC with 9-foot bridle that I ordered today.

I can't say enough good things about their service and their willingness to help.

Kris

Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and
Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™