Bill_PNW_Diver
Contributor
I buy some things on-line but most of my gear through my LDS. When I first got back into diving I would choke at the price difference between the on-line retailers and my LDS, but over time I have started to understand the value they play in diving.
Because my LDS is an Aqua Lung shop, they cannot meet or price match leisure pro, but I find I can negotiate other incentives when I purchase gear from them such as air fill cards, free classes, Trident trinkets, and gear service. If I were to add everything up I'm probably close to break even compared to what I would have paid at Leisure Pro.
Other benefits I get from my LDS that are tough to put a dollar value on but are extremely important:
- Free weekly local group dives
- Free use of the pool during their scheduled classes so that I can hone skills or try new gear. I can usually get an instructor to help me out if I have questions.
- If I have an equipment problem one of the shop techs will usually drop what they are doing and fix my gear while I wait.
- If I want to dive a site that I haven't done before or can't find a buddy I can usually call the shop and get one of their guys to go out with me (a beer charge may apply).
Your mileage may vary from LDS to LDS but if you find a good one their value over the long term will outweigh the short term cost savings. If not then they shouldn't be in business.
Because my LDS is an Aqua Lung shop, they cannot meet or price match leisure pro, but I find I can negotiate other incentives when I purchase gear from them such as air fill cards, free classes, Trident trinkets, and gear service. If I were to add everything up I'm probably close to break even compared to what I would have paid at Leisure Pro.
Other benefits I get from my LDS that are tough to put a dollar value on but are extremely important:
- Free weekly local group dives
- Free use of the pool during their scheduled classes so that I can hone skills or try new gear. I can usually get an instructor to help me out if I have questions.
- If I have an equipment problem one of the shop techs will usually drop what they are doing and fix my gear while I wait.
- If I want to dive a site that I haven't done before or can't find a buddy I can usually call the shop and get one of their guys to go out with me (a beer charge may apply).
Your mileage may vary from LDS to LDS but if you find a good one their value over the long term will outweigh the short term cost savings. If not then they shouldn't be in business.