Should a dive shop match prices?

[freewillie]

Maybe you live in a different universe because last time I checked I have not yet seen a single LDS that have offered anything for free. Like NOTHING.

I wonder if Florida is just different. My LDS threw in free dive light when purchased my BC. Have already stated will give me discount when purchase regs and computer next through them. And will continue to discount my current rentals by giving me free air fills and tanks rentals.

ReefHound has his mind set that online is the only way to go. Can't argue about prices since online for most part better, but I enjoy my relationship with my LDS. Prices are just about near online anyways and I like trying on wetsuits and BC for fit before I buy. That convenience is worth it to me

Besides, it's also a little like the tv show Cheers. We all like it when walk into place and everyone shouts, "Norm!"

 

[Jak Crow]

I had a LDS claim as an authorized reseller of various brands, it isn't allowed to sell products beyond +/- 10% MSPR. Of course, it's that way for just about anything these days. Try finding an "authorized retailer" selling something like a new Playstation 3 for any more than a few bucks off the MSPR. Won't find one. The manufacturers are the ones screwing the LDSes out of having flexibility with their prices. It's "their choice" if they want remain being "authorized resellers" that is.

 

[ReefHound]

ReefHound has his mind set that online is the only way to go. Can't argue about prices since online for most part better, but I enjoy my relationship with my LDS. Prices are just about near online anyways and I like trying on wetsuits and BC for fit before I buy.

I have a wife for a "relationship". If LDS prices were competitive with online prices on a widespread basis, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

 

[ReefHound]

I had a LDS claim as an authorized reseller of various brands, it isn't allowed to sell products beyond +/- 10% MSPR. Of course, it's that way for just about anything these days. Try finding an "authorized retailer" selling something like a new Playstation 3 for any more than a few bucks off the MSPR. Won't find one. The manufacturers are the ones screwing the LDSes out of having flexibility with their prices. It's "their choice" if they want remain being "authorized resellers" that is.

A few manufacturers have MRP - Minimum Retail Pricing. But most have MAP - Minimum Advertised Pricing. The latter can cut you a better deal in person or on the phone. With MAP the online price may appear to be the same as the dealer price on those items.

 

[ReefHound]

Yarik I'd suggest that YOU try organising a dive event of any sort thats away from home. Untill you have or have organised something requiring similar logistics believe me you aren't qualified to comment on that situation.
sorry if that sounds harsh but yes I HAVE and its far from a fun time.

I have led many such trips and I consider it even MORE fun than my personal trips. So much so that I do it even when there is no comps available. I take the lousiest room assigned to us, I sit in the worst spot on the boat, and I buddy with the worst diver in the group. And I have a BLAST.

Most of us DMs and instructors are in this mainly for the love of teaching, of exposing new people to this beautiful sport, of seeing their faces as they breathe underwater for the first time or dive blue water for the first time. Ever been somewhere really cool or done something really fun and then you want to go back with your friends who haven't? Ever find yourself thinking not "I am going to have so much fun" but rather "they are going to love this, can't wait to see their face"?

A good trip leader knows how to handle the logistics AND have fun at the same time. It doesn't take much time if you're organized. I would hate to be on a trip where the trip leader is not having fun. I've been on boats where the crew seemed like they didn't want to be there. They generally have a bit of an attitude and it
rubs off.

To anyone who thinks leading trips is not FUN please do the sport a huge favor and stop leading trips.

 

[fnfalman]

Don't hate me because your LDS suck. Maybe you should move to SoCal where the LDSes are better?

Maybe you live in a different universe because last time I checked I have not yet seen a single LDS that have offered anything for free. Like NOTHING.
My LDS organizes trips to places. Yes he does. Except for the fact that he gets to stay there for free, dive for free, get air for free AND he always hitches a ride with other people forcing his students to haul 20 some scuba tanks across entire state when there is air available at docks. My LDS also organizes out of country trips which very conveniently for him come free of charge. Charging all divers 25% extra so that he can travel, stay in hotel and dive for free. But outside of that he is a swell guy.

 

[fnfalman]

So pay an extra $200 and get a foot of lanyard. Sweet deal. If those "extras" really added up to the cost difference then when doesn't the LDS just offer the guys like me the lower cost and they can keep the extras?

They gotta make a living, don't they? If they simply pass on the cost, then what's the incentive for them to remain in business?

Actually, I bought a 100' roll of shock cord online for $20 so I'll probably be the guy on the boat cutting off a piece for you.

Shock cords come in different sizes, so if you want a different shock cord than what you have, what are you going to do? Spend another $20 for another roll? Then spend another $20 for another roll of different size bungee cord? How many rolls of bungee cords are you going to buy up? How many thousands of feet of bungee cords at $20 a roll that is going to be lying unused in your garage? How do you save money that way? BTW, you wouldn't be the one on the boat giving me your bungee cords because the LDS already did.

A loaner reg might come in handy for some divers. I have 4 regs I keep maintained and several more that could be pressed into service.

So, in order to save $200, you're going to spend $1000 to buy four regs? Wow, that really shows me your fiscal acumens.

As I said, dive clubs for buddies. Many instructors and DMs in the clubs.

You might like to make friends with everybody and their brothers. That's not me, I like a dive buddy or two and good enough.

 

[ReefHound]

Shock cords come in different sizes, so if you want a different shock cord than what you have, what are you going to do? Spend another $20 for another roll?

So, in order to save $200, you're going to spend $1000 to buy four regs? Wow, that really shows me your fiscal acumens.

Actually, I bought a roll of 3/16" and a buddy bought a roll of 1/4" and we trade. Haven't needed other sizes although I cut off a couple of 3/8" cords (the ones with hooks on the ends) once.

4 regs, two DINS for doubles (one with a long hose) and two recreational setups. Although I've now changed the doubles to sidemount. Different regs for different diving needs. Nice to have the redundancy. Hate to think what it all would have cost at the LDS.

 

[redacted]

They gotta make a living, don't they? .

No, they don't - at least not all of them. Those that have enough demand and can attract and satisfy enough customers to make a living (or whatever their business profit needs are) then good. Survival of the fittest works in business also if it is allowed to operate.

 

[fnfalman]

4 regs, two DINS for doubles (one with a long hose) and two recreational setups. Although I've now changed the doubles to sidemount. Different regs for different diving needs. Nice to have the redundancy. Hate to think what it all would have cost at the LDS.

I don't have to worry at all. My redundancy is my LDS's rental fleet.