Comparison of the buying online vs local LDS argument

[Marie13]

Lots of people suggest “buy online” but sometimes the trouble just ain’t worth it.

I’ve been thinking about a pair of LP50s for easier boat SM (bad knees/sciatica mean a twinset is not an option at all).

New tanks are about $675 from my LDS, including left/right SM modular valves with the vindicator knobs I like. Walk in and get them, valves are on, VIP done, they’re filled.

Online: $480 for just tanks from NE Scuba Supply including tax and $40 shipping. Two DGX brand modular valves (no Vindicator knobs) are $78 with free shipping. VIP at shop (includes air fill) $25 x 2. Puts me just around $600.

The convenience of just walking into shop is worth the extra $75 for me.

Yes, I found a used pair here for $400 but seller preferred not to ship and he wanted buyer to send him all packing material for him to ship. Too much of a pita trying to get correct packing materials from a distance. My life is crazy enough that I just don’t want to deal with that.

 

[northernone]

We all decide differently what we value.

Save 10% and need to assemble myself? Send someone a bit of padding and save 45%?

Buy a boltsnap for 16$ locally because I need it, or wait 21 days to receive a 3$ better quality one?

Buy a suit that fits and is tried on for 100$ and costs an afternoon shopping, or buy one based on best guesses for 40$ online and takes 10 minutes?

Purchase used gear and avoid good equipment ending up in the landfill while having more time/money for diving (cheaper) or buy new to have a warranty?

Seems we all have our own flavors.
Cameron

 

[rhwestfall]

@Marie13 : sure, your walk-in LDS is my on-line....

I can't typically get what I want here, and if they have to do a single item order, the pricing has been unfavorable (extreme)....

 

[runsongas]

The lp50s are kind of a special case where the price spread is small due to limited supply and shipping eats into any possible savings. most other items like regs, bcds, etc there are significant savings buying online. DRIS also is more price competitive than the LDS that others are avoiding when they buy online. Wouldn't be surprised if a high markup LDS would try to charge 800 for a pair of lp50s with vindicators. In which case the NESS example would save 200 for a pair.

 

[stuartv]

2 x Faber LP50, with Thermo Pro valves, and shipping to Chicago: $530 from Dive Gear Express.

Just sayin'...

 

[Bierstadt]

Sorry Marie, but I don't think the "LDS vs online" argument applies nearly as much when your LDS is DRIS. Just sayin...

 

[Bubblesong]

I buy all over the place. I went into the LDS for a 20$ lobster bag and came away with a $60 single-hand operable one that I could have saved $15 buying on eBay, except that I would never have bought without getting to try the bags out in person at the LDS.
I bought the Freedom contour plates from Eric S. Because that is the only way to get them, then found none of my LDS’s sold a wing that fit, so I got wings and other bits on line.
What I will not do is try things at a store, then buy online, as I consider that to be unethical.

 

[rhwestfall]

What I will not do is try things at a store, then buy online, as I consider that to be unethical.

Very true!

 

[Wookie]

What I will not do is try things at a store, then buy online, as I consider that to be unethical.

+1. If it has to come to Key West, it's getting shipped anyway, so I might just as well get it shipped to the door.

 

[Roger Hobden]

except that I would never have bought without getting to try the bags out in person at the LDS.
(...)
What I will not do is try things at a store, then buy online, as I consider that to be unethical.

+1