Would you want to use the oldest, most used parachute on your first experience sky diving? Of course not. Then why do most dive shops use old equipment as their rental gear? Rental gear is your customer’s first experience using whatever brand you sell. Why not make it as comfortable as possible?
For your rental equipment, you’ll want to use the same gear you’re hoping to sell as your base. This will help promote brand loyalty as well as highlight the comfort and quality of your brands. This is most important with items like BC’s as the fit and comfort is immediate.
Not only will using the same gear help your sales, but quality working gear reduces students stress and makes their learning experience more enjoyable. If your students enjoy their experience, they are more likely to return to your shop to purchase gear and participate in more trainings and excursions.
Buying a new line of rental gear is a major expense. However, most manufacturers offer rental programs that offer special terms and pricing. This eliminates the initial expense of new rental equipment and the reduction in cash flow. Using 12 month terms will enable you to expand your rental line and even your cash flow.
How long is your brand new rental line good for? We recommend selling it off in the slow season after 24 months of service. By then, it should have paid for itself and it’ll be time to upgrade your gear to keep it new and fresh.
Using cheap, old and different makes of gear can make you look as if you’re cutting corners. Build confidence in your dive center by showing your customers the quality of the brands you sell.