High Retail Prices = Hard to Support LDS

[RandyOrr]

I am taking my OW test in a few weeks and I will probably rent my gear for it. however, I would like to start buying my own stuff over the next couple of months. When I go to my LDS, I find the prices are so much higher than internet prices. I don't mind paying a little extra to support the local biz, but it is way too much of a difference. I feel a little bad about not buying from the LDS but a BC they charge $650 for is $425 on leisurpro.com. $225 differnece?! Come on, how can I justify spending that much more for the exact same item? I bought a mask on the site and it cost me $55. It was $100 in the store.

Please help me alleviate my guilt over not buying from them. They are nice people, but I just don't have money like that.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Home Depot has a great deal on SNAPS and we are pulling together for a bulk GOOP buy. You in? - Longstanding joke here on ScubaBoard - This was just sarcasm.

As for alleviating your guilt.......if you feel guilty then you made the wrong choice somewhere. Figure out where that was and correct it for next time. That may just be giving the LDS one more chance to come close to the price OR not wasting their time in deciding what you want to buy online. Bottom line is, buy where ever you need to and remember that no matter what you decide, somebody on ScubaBoard will tell you that you made the wrong decision.

 

[Stormingheaven]

I feel your pain. I bought a friend an Oceanic computer at my LDS at a 50% off sale thinking I was doing him a favor, that was until he called me and pointed out that he could have still saved $65.00 by buying on line. My drysuit was $1900.00 at my LDS and $650.00 at Leisurepro. I have bought all of my tanks, 2 steel HP 100s and 2 AL 80s, my wetsuits as well as my regs at my LDS. Prices were a bit higher on these but much closer to on line prices. I try to do everything I can to support my LDS but there are times when I have to remember I have a family to support as well.

 

[SkimFisher]

My suggestion, price out the same gear you want to buy from your LDS and see if they'll match the price. If they won't, buy from wherever you get the best deal AS LONG as they are an "authorized dealer" for the gear you're buying. That part is important later on down the road when you need warranty work.

Home Depot has a great deal on SNAPS and we are pulling together for a bulk GOOP buy. You in?

As for alleviating your guilt.......if you feel guilty then you made the wrong choice somewhere. Figure out where that was and correct it for next time. That may just be giving the LDS one more chance to come close to the price OR not wasting their time in deciding what you want to buy online. Bottom line is, buy where ever you need to and remember that no matter what you decide, somebody on ScubaBoard will tell you that you made the wrong decision.

The snaps Home Depot sells suck, IMO. I've gone that route before only to have them completely rust out after a single freshwater dive. Unless they are specified as "marine grade", don't waste your time or money.

 

[ScubaFeenD]

Leisurepro is fine for some stuff, but I sure wouldnt trust tehm with everything. There are real LDSs on the net, ie Diver right in scuba, or cave adventurers, etc that sell gear at amazingly low prices while still assuring they are in warranty.

Dont feel obliged to get stuff from your LDS, but remember if they go under you wont have an LDS to go to to try stuff on, see stuff in person, and BS about scuba.

 

[goonsquad]

I can only support my LDS by buying their classes. Their prices are too high, I do try their gear then price it out everywhere and buy where I can get it for the cheapest. I have told them they are priced too high only to be told by them they price as competitively as possible.
No reason to feel guilty about being smart with your money, you only have a finite amount to spend, you need to get the best return for each dollar.

 

[vladimir]

Please help me alleviate my guilt over not buying from them. They are nice people, but I just don't have money like that.

Businesses are supposed to compete. If you have extra money to donate to charity, I'd consider the Make-A-Wish foundation worthier than your local dive shop.

By the way, this closeout deal on a ScubaPro Classic BC at $275 is too good to pass up for anybody who wants a quality vest-style BC.

 

[spectrum]

Please help me alleviate my guilt over not buying from them. They are nice people, but I just don't have money like that.

Just make rational business decisions....

LDS is more $$:
* Having made your "what to buy" decision, does the LDS even have it?
* Is it the SAME item? Revised / discontinued and last years items are out there and it may or may not be a meaningful difference.
* For that item is there value in having a solid local service relationship? Probably good for a regulator less so for a light.
* Is it fit critical? My personal ethics say it's unacceptable to use the LDS as a fitting room for an online supplier.
* Who owns the cost of shipping and reshipping internet misfits? This varies with supplier.
* Time is the essence? If you need it ASAP walking in, tying it on and walking out is hard to beat.
* The simple hassles of ordering, trying on, calling for an RMA and deciding on a next choice can be a PITA. Are you up for it.
* Some will send a load of sizes in one shot to try but it will tie u some credit card capacity.
* Being able to take that new BC into the dive store pool may save you a costly mistake.
* Will the internet supplier provide personal guidance or even a drysuit course in the price of your purchase?
* Have you spoken to the LDS? Many will work with you if you ask. they may not budge on the primary item but that can sometimes sweeten the deal with accessories or air fills. All are of value.

Personally I don't have too much heart burn on paying 15-20% over internet list to buy locally. The local shop provides other value on a regular basis.

For most divers there is a steep gear buying curve then you will level off. Long term you are mainly an air and service customer. While we're not talking about charity here you are in a brief period oh serious patronage, then it becomes less of an issue.

Once you have a frame of reference and understand the value equation it becomes a lot easier to make guilt free decisions.

Pete

 

[ScubaSteve]

The snaps Home Depot sells suck, IMO.

Perhaps a bad spot for a joke but that is what it was none the less. The "group GOOP" buy was also a joke. One needs only to read a couple recent threads on the topics to know that but in a area frequented by "new members", that might be too much to expect. Consider it withdrawn with this post. My bad.

 

[lkgators]

I agree with just about everything said. I also think that you need to weigh price against support. My LDS has worked with me in the past if they could get close on price. Also consider the implications if something goes wrong with that great piece of gear - service is never more important when it does. Work with your local dive shop and see if they will work with you. You might be able to arrive at a win-win situation. If they are trying to develop good customers, they will recognize it benefits both of you.