Skydiving Cost: Is Cheaper Better?

Do you remember when Homer Simpson got a triple bypass?

Right after he has a heart attack, he sees an ad with Dr. Nick Riviera hawking surgery for the low, low price of $129.95. (“You’ve tried the best, now try the rest! Call 1-600-DOCTORB–the ‘B’ is for ‘bargain’!”)

Super-funny episode, right? I mean: it’s very obviously the worst idea ever to entrust a stranger with your life just because they’re advertising all over the place and they’re the cheapest game in town. I mean, Dr. Nick is studying a video on how to do open-heart surgery while Homer is conked out on the table–and he’s accidentally taped an episode of ‘People Who Look Like Things’ over the procedure–so Lisa has to step in and help him figure out what to do in order to save her dad.

Anyway, at that point, we’re all guffawing because you get what you pay for. Natch.

Funny thing: Lots of people make a similar mistake with skydiving. I mean, sure–it’s not going in for open-heart surgery by a quack who got his degree from the ‘Hollywood Upstairs Medical College,’ but it’s definitely a questionable choice.

Train Your Gut Instincts.

Look at it this way: If Dr. Nick Riviera walked through the main doors of Cedars-Sinai, he’d probably be immediately tackled by security. It’s clear to anyone who knows how a real doctor acts and behaves that he’s not, like, a real doctor. (The ‘B’ is for ‘bargain,’ remember? Not ‘best.’)

It’s much the same with skydiving centers. If you’ve been skydiving for a little while, you know what a great, safety-minded, professional dropzone looks like. You immediately know when you’re not on one. Unfortunately, many first-time tandem skydivers don’t have the benefit of comparison and might question the average cost of skydiving.

The most effective solution is a little in-person investigation. If you’re in the neighborhood–even on a day you don’t intend to jump–check out a higher-quality drop zone (like ours!) to get a sense of what value looks like. It’s in the professionalism of the staff, the facility, and the equipment. We promise, you’ll see it–just like you’d pick Dr. Nick out of a lineup of doctors.

Look At The Creds.

It’s not just about looks, either. Not every drop zone is the same (or regulated in the same way). United States Parachute Association Member drop zones–like us–are proudly committed to a long list of rigorous procedures and regulations put in place for the safety of our customers, our staff and our sport.

Aviation safety is quite expensive, but Skydive Tecumseh is not backing down from it in order to shave a few bucks off our pricing.

Trust Longevity.

Skydive Tecumseh has been in the market for more than half a century. We are a trusted Michigan dropzone with a reputation to protect, and our customers enjoy the absolute highest value in safety, comfort, professionalism and ear-to-ear grins for their skydiving dollar.

So, to take a lesson from Homer: When trusting someone with your life, find the best quality provider–not the cheapest skydiving center you can find. Otherwise, you’ll probably end up letting out a thunderous “D’oh!”.