I'm sitting in the PADI DEMA update seminar. Shocking development: PADI has rolled out some changes in the discover dive program. Not surprising: all DSD divers must now be registered (so PADI can market them) AND local dive shop must use original DSD brochure (~$7 cost per diver). PLUS, PADI offering a variety of benefits to these DSD'ers including eLearning trial. Here is the kicker - if they enroll, they become affiliated with the DSD shop.
This means that LDS in the midwest that get students that tried scuba on vacation do not get any revenue for the eLearning. Those tropical shops will see a nice revenue bump as their DSD customers go home and get certified.
In sum, interior US PADI dive shops will now lose revenue from PADI eLearning while putting another dollar into the PADI coffers buying DSD brochures....
Some day, this has to stop!
This means that LDS in the midwest that get students that tried scuba on vacation do not get any revenue for the eLearning. Those tropical shops will see a nice revenue bump as their DSD customers go home and get certified.
In sum, interior US PADI dive shops will now lose revenue from PADI eLearning while putting another dollar into the PADI coffers buying DSD brochures....
Some day, this has to stop!