BUYER BEWARE when purchasing skydiving gift certificates. Not all websites are what they claim to be.

Numerous skydiving websites have been popping up all over the internet claiming to be the closest and best skydiving location near your. They may state that they have a network of skydiving locations, or they may even advertise themselves as "Skydive XXX" (XXX being the name of a city near you.) They offer discounted skydiving gift certificates. However, what they don't tell you is that:

• They do not have a physical location near the St. Louis or Southern Illinois area. In some cases, you may have to travel 5-8 hours in order to find a location that will honor the gift certificate.
• They charge hidden fees, as much as $50.00, as a handling fee on the gift certificate.
• They do not operate a skydiving location, although they claim to have the best aircraft, equipment, facilities, and staff.

If the company is reputable, they will answer the following questions BEFORE taking your payment information:

1. What is your physical location? Get an address and an airport.
2. What is your local telephone number? Get a local phone number that you can call to verify your gift certificate will be honored - BEFORE YOU PURCHASE!
3. What other fees do I have to pay? (e.g., handling fees, redemption fees, etc.)
4. If they claim to have a network of local skydiving locations that honor their certificates, get the name and telephone number of the location near you and verify your certificate will be honored.