There is another "how much should x cost" as well as the numerous number of "my lds did/didn't do this" Let me stell you about my experience and hopefully we can see what it's like to be on this side of the counter. I started diving in 1989 after five years of North East diving and dealing with dive shops to purchase my gear I decided to become "professional" I have since 1995 worked my way up, dive master, Asisstant, Instructor, Manager, inside sales/shipping and repair for a manufacturer. 6 years ago I was laid off like many other people and decided to take my lifes savings and do what I am passionate about, start my own scuba shop. How has it been like any other endevor. Long hours, during the summer it is not uncommon for me to work 21 days straight before I get 1 day off. Wonderful I get to teach help people make gear choices based on their needs. I have been here many a night because a diver got a chance to do a dive and needed a last minute Nitox fill. I have seen many a face light up as they realized they could do this or the first time they were up close and personal with a fish. Not so great how many times has a diver come in picked my brains on a busy Saturday only to buy their gear online, or made a scene because I sold them inferior equipment only to find out they dropped a tank on their gear. I have had students miss class because they want to go to a concert and I should make up the class at no cost to them when ever they find the time to do it, or just sweep it under the rug that they did not do mask clearing.
Folks I am not the bad guy, no I don't get my gear for the same price a large online shop does but,the free airfills, first years service on your gear at no charge, loaners all have to count for something. The fact that I let you come into the pool during the off season so you don't lose your skills or the fact that hook you up with a local dive partner should mean something. I am not looking for pity or an atta boy, just the same respect you want when you go to work. I want to make a living, not get hasled for every nickle. I want what I had yesterday several invitations from divers because at the end of the day we were more than just retailer and customer, we were friends who shared a passion for diving. And no you don't have to imvite me for dinner , just see that I am a small business owner trying to make a living in a tough economy, that is willing to work with you if you are honest and don't see me as the enemy.
Folks I am not the bad guy, no I don't get my gear for the same price a large online shop does but,the free airfills, first years service on your gear at no charge, loaners all have to count for something. The fact that I let you come into the pool during the off season so you don't lose your skills or the fact that hook you up with a local dive partner should mean something. I am not looking for pity or an atta boy, just the same respect you want when you go to work. I want to make a living, not get hasled for every nickle. I want what I had yesterday several invitations from divers because at the end of the day we were more than just retailer and customer, we were friends who shared a passion for diving. And no you don't have to imvite me for dinner , just see that I am a small business owner trying to make a living in a tough economy, that is willing to work with you if you are honest and don't see me as the enemy.
