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F.A.Q.

New Customer FAQs

Getting Started

What kind of computer do I need?

DiveShop360 works on virtually any device with Google Chrome and internet access - no expensive hardware required! We recommend: 

  • Screen size: 11+ inches for comfortable use 
  • RAM: 8GB for smooth performance 
  • Any operating system (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook) 
  • Note: Some barcode scanners and receipt printers work best with Windows 
Since everything runs in the cloud, you won't need expensive servers, backup drives, or IT maintenance. Your data is automatically backed up on our secure servers, so you can focus on running your dive shop instead of managing technology. 
Do you offer on-site training? Can you help set up our new system?

While we don't offer on-site visits, we provide something even better personalized remote training that fits your schedule! Our dive industry experts will: 

  • Walk you through the complete system setup via screen sharing. 
  • Train your entire staff with scheduled video calls. 
  • Customize training sessions around your specific needs. 
  • Work with you before going live to ensure everything is perfect. 

Most dive shops are up and running within days, not weeks. Our software is intuitive by design, but we're here for as much hands-on support as you need. Take it for a spin with a free demo. 

Is there a user guide?

Yes! We provide comprehensive support resources including: 

  • Step-by-step setup documentation 
  • Quick tutorial videos for common tasks 
  • Dive shop-specific workflow guides 
  • Ongoing updates as we add new features 

Plus, our support team knows the dive industry inside and out, so when you have questions, you're talking to people who understand your business, not generic tech support. 

Pricing & Commitment

How much does Dive Shop 360 cost?

It really depends on what your shop needs. The easiest way to see the options is to head over to our pricing page it’s all laid out there for you. 

What about processing credit cards?

We provide fully integrated, PCI-compliant credit card processing that works seamlessly with your POS system. Benefits include: 

  • No separate terminals or double-entry 
  • Automatic transaction recording 
  • Secure processing that meets dive industry standards 
  • Competitive rates for dive shop transaction volumes 

Contact us for a custom rate quote — many shops save money compared to their current processor while getting better integration. 

What if I stop using the software, am I under contract?

There is no contract to continue using the software payments are month to month. Your data belongs to you completely, and you can export all your customer information, inventory records, sales reports, and certification data before canceling if needed. 

Dive Shop Operations

Can I rent items / create work orders / process travel deposits / schedule classes?

Yes to all. Dive Shop 360 handles all the unique workflows that make dive shops different from regular retail.

You can manage equipment rentals with automatic return tracking, create detailed work orders for gear servicing, process partial payments and deposits for dive trips, schedule certification classes with instructor assignments, and track student progress through certification levels.

We built this system specifically for dive shops, so it understands your business from day one. 

Do I have to set my instructors and trip leaders up as full employees?

No. You can give instructors and trip leaders limited access to just their class rosters and trip manifests without full employee privileges. This keeps your system secure while letting them manage their students and participants directly. These limited accounts don't count toward your user total, so there's no extra cost for giving your instructors the access they need. 

Can I use gift cards?

Yes, and they're built right into the system! You can issue, track, and redeem gift cards without any external processing fees. Gift cards are perfect for dive shops since people often buy certification courses, equipment, or dive trips as gifts.

We recommend ordering physical cards from Duracard (https://www.duracard.com/products/plastic-gift-cards), but you can also issue digital gift cards instantly. 

What kind of barcode labels do I use?

For thermal barcode printers, use standard 2.5×1-inch labels. If you prefer sheet labels for laser or inkjet printers, use Avery 5160 or any store brand equivalent. The system generates all the barcodes automatically, making inventory management and checkout much faster. 

Online Presence & Sales

Can I sell my products, classes, and trips online?

Yes! Online booking and sales are fully integrated with your in-store system, so everything syncs automatically. Customers can book certification classes, reserve spots on dive trips, purchase equipment, and even buy gift cards from your website 24/7. All online sales immediately update your inventory and class rosters, eliminating double-booking headaches and manual data entry. 

 

Can I continue to host my own website?

Totally your choice. We can either host a full website for you using our mobile-friendly design templates, or we can build a booking engine and shopping cart that integrates seamlessly with your existing website. Some dive shops prefer to keep their current site and just add our booking system for classes and trips. Either way, your online and in-store systems work together perfectly, giving you one unified view of your business. 

System Management & Access

How many users can I have?

Unlimited! Add as many staff members as you need without affecting your monthly rate. Whether you have two employees or 20, the cost stays the same. This makes it easy to give everyone their own login for better accountability and security tracking. 

How many registers / terminals / workstations can I have?

There's no limit to the number of devices you can use. Set up terminals at your retail counter, rental desk, classroom, and even take a tablet on dive boats for trip check-ins. Since everything runs through your web browser, you can access your system from any device, anywhere with internet. 

Can I determine what my employees are able to see / access / do?

Absolutely! You control exactly what each employee can access with detailed permission settings. Restrict who can process refunds, access financial reports, modify inventory, or export customer data. You can create different access levels for managers, instructors, retail staff, and part-time employees. This keeps your sensitive business information secure while giving staff the tools they need to do their jobs. 

Will I know who is logging in to our system?

Yes, you can monitor all login activity including successful logins, failed attempts, timestamps, and IP addresses. You can review this information anytime from your settings page. 

Can I prevent employees from downloading my customer information?

Definitely. Customer data export is a specific permission you can grant or restrict for each employee. Most dive shop owners only give this access to managers or themselves. You have granular control over who can view, edit, or export any sensitive information in your system. 

Technical & Reliability

What if our internet goes down?

We recommend having a cellular hotspot as backup if you experience internet outages. You can use your smartphone's hotspot feature or purchase a dedicated device from any cellular provider. Most dive shops keep a backup hotspot on hand since reliable connectivity is crucial for processing payments and managing bookings. The hotspot acts like a Wi-Fi router and works with all your devices. 

Is my information secure with your cloud-based system?
Your data is protected by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the same infrastructure that secures major banks and government agencies. AWS data centers feature 24/7 security staff, multi-factor access controls, and state-of-the-art surveillance systemsWe only access your data for troubleshooting with your explicit permission, and we never sell or share customer information under any circumstances. 
Does Dive Shop 360 export or integrate with accounting software?

We export seamlessly to QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Desktop, making your bookkeeping simple and accurate. All your sales, taxes, and payment data transfer automatically, saving hours of manual entry and reducing errors. We're currently working on additional accounting integrations based on customer demand. If you use different accounting software, contact us to discuss your specific needs. 

See why thousands of retailers choose
Dive Shop 360

PADI integration – course – 2