⌛ Introdusing myself.

Well. That was just what I did later on.This guy never got a new job from me.
You dont seems to understand what's the point with the story.
"Dont try too fool anybody, It will backfire at you".
As I wrote. i would have given him the rest as a tip. But then it is chosen by me.
It is a difference in give money and being robbed for them. Even the same amount.

Why should I complain about 100 piso.

 

Today I want to apology that I maybe have made an impression that just Pinoys are as shortsighted in their business.

A couple of days ago I went on a diving trip with some of my DI Forum friends to APO for a Triple dive journey.
This done with one of the towns diving companys.The dives went just ok with the professionality to be
expected from the crew and guide.

When it comes to payment this had of course to be done to the "longnose" owner himself.At least he has no one to blame then.
First I saw one of my buddys paying 2000PHP for the dives to him and soon he was coming towards me and the third guy.
First A little bullshit chitchat before turning to me telling 3500 PHP for the dives.My buddy was going to the car
to get his wallet and the owner follows him and giving him the two finger's sign.Seconds later 4 five houndred PHP
bills more have changed owner.

I have no real problems with the extra 1500PHP for me,exept the feeling getting cheated. It is one hour Work only.
The owner have at least lost one future customer in me.And will of course not get any good "jungle drum" advertisement
from me either.Monkey business will always be monkey business.

I could of course easily use names in this story but dont want to.:(

 

Maybe you were using the service of this shop the first or second time, while your dive-buddys frequenting the shop more often and getting therefor resident-discount, which won't apply for first-timer, who (of course) will pay a regular price ...

that will happen anywhere using a service the first time, long-nose or not....

for sure I pay for a rental-bike in Duma in several shops a fraction of the normal price of a first-timer, same for Hotel rooms, private Multicab and other service.

I guess it is not much different in our home countries

 

Thats a ..

Thats a nice way to look at it Rhoody... I was thought they cheat you until they know you. Only then you get a fair price. Your way is a much nicer way to look at it.:D

 

I just certified some friends of the Dane to Open Water diver... of course they had to pay the full price, just because they are friends of friends does not mean the Danes discount can be transferred to anybody of them, who I almost don't know

 

Full price

Full price is one thing and then over charging is another. I don't think the "longnose" are in the practice of over charging. But again anything is possible. As for me I will always bargain for a better price before I just flip my wallet out..

 

I have the same here in a lot of the bars, I get a lot of my drinks at 20-50% discount while my tourist friends at the same table pay full price...

Nothing wrong with a business owner giving his friends / piers discounts, the discounts might even be business related. For example if somebody brings in 5 other divers(or in my case regularly bring in a bunch of guys for a drink) - then I am sure that individual will be able to negotiate a nice discount...

That said, I think the going rate for a boat trip with 2 dives to Apo Island is around P3500-P4500 so I do not think you got cheated in any way...

A lot of dive centers even give discounts to divers of a certain certification - divemaster and above often recieve discounts even on their first visit in the center.

There are very few dive outfits in Dumaguete I would trust my life to, so unless they would overcharge me (meaning charge above the going rates, not) I wouldnt be upset about them giving discounts to repeat customers / friends / business piers ... In fact I think I would try to get on their good side to maybe be eligible for these discounts in the future

EDIT: I just read your post again, and saw you did THREE dives on Apo Island, for P3500...

That is extremely cheap, next time try to go with Atlantis, Sea Explorers or some other resort with more realistic prices... I am sure they chage $25++ to $30++ PER DIVE (++ meaning extra for equipment & boat transfer)

$30 * 3 + $30 Boat Fee (Atlantis Example) = $120 for the same trip

$120 * P48.4 = P5800

Seeing that I think you should go buy the longnose a beer

Just my humble opinion...

 

Forgot 2 very important questions here:

Did you ask for a price before you went out with the dive shop?

Was the price charged to you in the end the same as the price quoted to you before departure?

 

Well,money was never the main part of the problem, guys.The problem was how it was done. Thats why
I commented the hidden two finger signs.
That never will be a part of good business traditions.

I have been here in DGTE on regular trips since 92, having house and properties here.
So I am no regular tourist.To APO I have been 10+ times before,first time 92.

I have no problems paying these money when its done in a proper way.


Why wasn't the guy coming to me telling that 3500 was a fx first timer price,and the other guy got
another prise as frequent customer,help adding more customers etc etc.

If you think this is how business should be done,I'm sorry for that.

For me this is monkey business,

And its defended by the same people who dont find it so very tricky to discredit pinoys
for their way to do the same kinda stuff.At least they are grow up with it.You're not.

Here the guide and crew of Pinoys do their job nice and according to expectations.
The longnose fall trough.

But according to my opinion.

You can have yours. Final from my part.

 

I would still like to have these 2 questions answered...

You kind of evaded them and I feel they are very important here....

So:

1 - Did you ask for a price before you went out with the dive shop?

2 - Was the price charged to you in the end the same as the price quoted to you before departure?

The Dane...