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I really haven't made any big gear purchases in a while - just picking up additional pieces now and then, but was recently PMed to discuss purchases by a member who was not getting very good offers from the only LDS close by, and - with the member's permission, thought I'd share how one of our exchanges went. This is not offered as a slam on LP nor a plug for ScubaToys - but only as an example of how I deal with the issues of LDS vs Gray Market Sellers, and any of the fine Authorized Sellers we are seeing in the industry today....
ME: If LP is a lot cheaper than your LDS, I agree - take action. I use LP pics with their watermarks, printed off, to approach my Lds - saying "I want this, at this price." They want my money, and they got to earn it.
I did buy a BC from LP once. Did not catch the fact that it was not put together well, and the inflator came loose on the surface. I didn't panic, just orally inflated, but you like to count on your gear. Reg & BC are the two most mentioned pieces of equipment in DAN's accidents and death reports.
Scubatoys.com ships all over the world. And he was already rich, doesn't have to make a lot of money. Give Larry a shot.
NEW MEMBER: You've been very helpful and I'm wondering if you can advise again? Please look at this package and give me your opinion. I have been told that it is a very good package, very easy to service, and at an great price. http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_1902/Context_948/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/PCKS6.html?Hit=1
The down sides are that it has no Sherwood warranties,(which are only two years parts any way), and that it does not come set up. However it does come with Leisure Pro's warranty which is two years, and it is exactly $ 1000.00 cheaper than I was quoted from my LDS. As far as set up, how can you go wrong, the threads for the high and low pressure are different sizes.
I do already own this package but I was thinking the same for my girls.
ME: I really do not know Sherwoord at all, but if it's the same as yours - then you know it well and know how to take care of it. Yes, if your LDS is charging $2,000 for that, you need a new Lds...!
One problem with LP not often mentioned is they sell out of date goods - without noting them as out of date liquidation. I relearned this when I took LP photos, item descriptions and prices to an Lds saying: "I want this, at this price, from you." He sold me the newer, better models at better price. Good Lds!
The reg should be assembled by a pro, tho. If you cannot find a better Lds locally, contact Larry at ScubaToys.com. What I cannot get from an Lds at a good price, I get from him. He has to special order the fins I wanted, but still gave me great price and free shipping. Request SB discount.
NEW MEMBER: Just an update. I contacted Scuba Toys and asked for a Quote on the same package that Leisure Pro had. They replied with their quote which was $300.00 higher. I asked them to match Leisure Pro and they beat the quote and threw in some little extras and now I will have warranty on these items as well.
ME: Wow, way to go. You often don't get the best deal unless you ask for it - and ask in a polite but strong manner.
Note: I will continue to support my LDS as possible, but only as long as they continue to earn my business.
ME: If LP is a lot cheaper than your LDS, I agree - take action. I use LP pics with their watermarks, printed off, to approach my Lds - saying "I want this, at this price." They want my money, and they got to earn it.
I did buy a BC from LP once. Did not catch the fact that it was not put together well, and the inflator came loose on the surface. I didn't panic, just orally inflated, but you like to count on your gear. Reg & BC are the two most mentioned pieces of equipment in DAN's accidents and death reports.
Scubatoys.com ships all over the world. And he was already rich, doesn't have to make a lot of money. Give Larry a shot.
NEW MEMBER: You've been very helpful and I'm wondering if you can advise again? Please look at this package and give me your opinion. I have been told that it is a very good package, very easy to service, and at an great price. http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/CategoryID_1902/Context_948/Sort_Stock/DescSort_0/PCKS6.html?Hit=1
The down sides are that it has no Sherwood warranties,(which are only two years parts any way), and that it does not come set up. However it does come with Leisure Pro's warranty which is two years, and it is exactly $ 1000.00 cheaper than I was quoted from my LDS. As far as set up, how can you go wrong, the threads for the high and low pressure are different sizes.
I do already own this package but I was thinking the same for my girls.
ME: I really do not know Sherwoord at all, but if it's the same as yours - then you know it well and know how to take care of it. Yes, if your LDS is charging $2,000 for that, you need a new Lds...!
One problem with LP not often mentioned is they sell out of date goods - without noting them as out of date liquidation. I relearned this when I took LP photos, item descriptions and prices to an Lds saying: "I want this, at this price, from you." He sold me the newer, better models at better price. Good Lds!
The reg should be assembled by a pro, tho. If you cannot find a better Lds locally, contact Larry at ScubaToys.com. What I cannot get from an Lds at a good price, I get from him. He has to special order the fins I wanted, but still gave me great price and free shipping. Request SB discount.
NEW MEMBER: Just an update. I contacted Scuba Toys and asked for a Quote on the same package that Leisure Pro had. They replied with their quote which was $300.00 higher. I asked them to match Leisure Pro and they beat the quote and threw in some little extras and now I will have warranty on these items as well.
ME: Wow, way to go. You often don't get the best deal unless you ask for it - and ask in a polite but strong manner.
Note: I will continue to support my LDS as possible, but only as long as they continue to earn my business.
