what's the deal with Cave Excursions?

Holy cow ... I wasn't expecting this much of a response.

FWIW - it was Cave Excursions East ... yesterday afternoon. I stopped by to check out the Santi drysuit, because I've decided to sell this Fusion when I get it home and wanted to see what the Santi looked like (we don't have a local Santi dealer in Seattle). I wanted to look at a reel (see if they had the Ralph Hood Jasper some of y'all had recommended) ... and maybe buy a souvenir t-shirt. Seemed almost like I was imposing by asking questions and being in the shop ... so I left. After we got back in the car my dive buddy said he had the same impression I did.

The shop manager has contacted me ... that says a lot. First impressions can be wrong impressions, but they are important nonetheless.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Before everyone goes running to another shop maybe you should call and talk to Bill or Linda. Mr. Rennaker has done more for cave diving than some of you know and I don't think for one minute that he would tolerate an employee or a family member to drive his friends away. This man has taken the time to help me and my dive buddies with gear problems and has seen to our every need while we were in cave country. And I also love sitting around the shop in the evening listening to stories about Convict Springs and looking at some of the original sidemount riggs. Maybe I got a little carried away but my point is give Bill a chance to make it right. I know where I'll be in late January, Cave Excursions.

Jim

You will never get the level of service that any of these shop's offer anywhere else in the world. Especially Waynes, good luck trying to fill your own tanks at midnight at any shop you don't own or took a fill class from.

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Originally Posted by BigBoB

You will never get the level of service that any of these shop's offer anywhere else in the world. Especially Waynes, good luck trying to fill your own tanks at midnight at any shop you don't own or took a fill class from.

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You can't beat the service at Amigos.

I don't have anything against CE necessarily, Wayne is just a good friend and offers incredible service. Plus my father owns a home in Ft White and that is where I stay. (www.cavecountrylodging.com)

I'll 2nd, 3rd, 4th, ??? all the positive comments about CE and CEE. I always frequent these shops and overuse the chairs. Nothing like a sandwich from the local store, sitting in a plastic chair, waiting for the next fill. Always lots to learn and good conversation.

I do remember a guy they called Red that used to work at CEE. We would show up first thing in the AM and he would show up just a little late and I'm pretty sure he had usually had a rough night. Always seemed a little grumpy, but gave good fills. Gave us something to laugh about all day. I don't know if he's still around or not. I only get to the area once a year, so it's hard to get to know anyone real well.

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Originally Posted by lstrait

Hi, this is Linda, Bill's daughter, the new manager at Cave Excursions. I truly apologize to anyone that has received poor customer service at our shop. We try very hard to offer a friendly environment that all the divers want to come and experience.

If you have a direct issue with an employee, please feel free to contact me direct at 386.776.2299, lstrait2000@yahoo.com or in person. I was not aware of this issue and I will deal with it head on.

Again, I apologize to anyone that has received poor customer service at Cave Excursions.

Linda

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I've always received excellent service at both of your shops. My only complaint is I always seem to spend more money then I should :-) Thanks to you and Bill for all the help over the years.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigBoB

You will never get the level of service that any of these shop's offer anywhere else in the world. Especially Waynes, good luck trying to fill your own tanks at midnight at any shop you don't own or took a fill class from.

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Really?? I don't own Amigo's, nor have I taken a fill class there, and I have had NO PROBLEMS filling my tanks at 2:00 AM there! BTW, I also never had a problem getting fills at CE or CEE. Although I never went there after hours, but everytime myself or Beth have been there, Rich or Bill have been polite and professional.

I haven't been to the other shops so I cant comment on them. I really like going to CEE when in cave country and Rich and the family always make you feel welcome. When we take groups to the area we always run them by CEE so they know where to go if something arises they need help with.

Bill, Rich and Wayne......are you feeling the love?

Actually this just confirms what we all knew, you guys do a great job!

I too am glad to see so many positive comments. It helps put things in perspective.

Rich, thanks for contacting me directly and for being supportive.

I'll be back in the High Springs area on Saturday (off to Jackson Blue in a couple of hours) ... will probably check in at CEE again after the dives that day.

... Bob (Grateful Diver)