How to Utilize the eLearning Credit System for Facilities

Article by Neil Bolduc

Picture this: A student reaches out to your dive shop, eager to sign up for a training course. They’re highly motivated and mention that they’ve already completed an eLearning course, which they purchased directly from SDI’s website. As the dive shop’s facility administrator, you’re familiar with the pricing structure, which includes the cost of the eLearning code that would typically be provided by the shop and linked to the student’s profile. Now, you’re faced with a dilemma: Do you subtract the cost of the eLearning code from the training package and absorb the loss to maintain excellent customer service, or do you choose to prioritize profits by requiring the student to buy the code from the shop and request a refund from SDI for the course they’ve already completed? Luckily, there is a process in place that eliminates the need for this decision.

How does the eLearning credit system work?

When an eLearning course is purchased directly from tdisdi.com and assigned to a facility, the accounting team at headquarters is promptly notified. They then take the necessary steps to ensure the facility is compensated for the purchase.

For facilities located in the World HQ regions (United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean), a credit memo is issued. This credit can be applied toward future eLearning code purchases, registration credits, or physical materials. An additional benefit for North American facilities is that physical materials for the corresponding online kit are shipped to the facility whenever an eLearning course, purchased through direct sign-up, is assigned.

For facilities outside the World HQ regions, material orders are not processed directly through headquarters. Instead, credit payments are handled by the regional service center, rather than being applied as credit to the facility’s account. When a student signs up for an eLearning course, the accounting team at headquarters sends the eLearning credit to the respective regional service center, which then processes the payment to the appropriate facility. For specific details on the amount of eLearning credits, facilities are encouraged to reach out to their regional service center. https://www.tdisdi.com/contact/

How does an eLearning course become assigned to a facility?

When a student visits tdisdi.com, navigates to the eLearning course page, and signs up for a course, the eLearning is generated under SDI’s headquarters account and added to the student’s profile. Upon completion of the course, the student is prompted to select a facility to assign the course. This process establishes an affiliation between the student’s and facility’s accounts. Facility administrators will now be able to access and review the eLearning course report.
Dive centers can take advantage of the Unique URL referral links available in the “Manage Facility” tool to seamlessly guide students from their website to SDI’s eLearning course sign-up page. When a student clicks on the referral link and purchases the eLearning course from tdisdi.com, the course is automatically assigned to the facility. The facility is also rewarded for directing online traffic to the eLearning sign up page. When a student purchases the eLearning after being redirected by the unique URL, the facility will be compensated with a larger credit. These referral links, as shown in the image below, offer a streamlined process, allowing students visiting a dive center’s website to easily access and purchase eLearning courses. By using these links, students no longer need to search for and select a facility within the eLearning platform, creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

How to Accommodate Customers

The eLearning credit system is a valuable tool designed to help potential customers by converting their interest into real business for your facility. To illustrate how you can use this system effectively, let’s look at two common approaches using the following example price points:

Retail Price for eLearning Code: $150
Facility Cost for eLearning Code: $50
Training Package Offered by Facility: $1000
eLearning Credit Issued by SDI: $75

Please keep in mind that these prices are hypothetical and not intended to reflect the current price list.

Option 1: Full Credit Toward Training Package

In this scenario, the student has already purchased the eLearning course for $150. To accommodate them, you offer a full credit of $150 toward the training package, bringing the cost down to $850. Because the student already has the eLearning course, your facility doesn’t need to purchase a new code – saving you $50. In addition, SDI provides a $75 eLearning credit, bringing the transaction value back up to $975 for your business.

While your profit on the package is technically $25 less, you’ve created an outstanding customer experience. The student feels valued and appreciated, increasing the likelihood they’ll return for future training and recommend your facility to others.

Option 2: Partial Credit Toward Training Package

Another approach is to apply a partial discount based on the student’s initial eLearning purchase. For example, you could reduce the price of the training package by $125, making it $875. As with the first scenario, you’ll receive a $75 eLearning credit from SDI and save $50 by not needing to buy a code. The total transaction value remains $1000, meaning your full profit margin is intact.

This option provides a positive customer experience. The student feels that their prior purchase is acknowledged and mostly credited, while your business retains the full value of the training package.

The scenario described earlier—where a student contacts a dive center after purchasing an eLearning course directly from SDI’s website—is one that dive facilities encounter often. That’s why it’s essential to have a clear strategy for accommodating these motivated customers while still protecting your bottom line. The eLearning credit system offers a flexible, effective solution that allows you to deliver a great customer experience without sacrificing profitability. For details specific to your region, reach out to your local SDI/TDI service center—they’re ready to help you make the most of this valuable system. https://www.tdisdi.com/contact/

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