Air Fill Argument

[redacted]

I actually had a FORMER student lay those words on me. He went to a different dive shop for gear and to see if they would match an online price, free air and pool time to test it, and free shipping out of state to avoid sales tax. When something was said about supporting the local dive shops, the in store price was very close to the online price, he looked at the manager and said," I don't give a damn about a LDS". I'm actually embarrassed that he was a student. I do know he will never be a student of mine again. I also know that I would NEVER use him as a dive buddy, based strictly on his attitude.

If someone wants to buy online, have at it, but don't look me in the eyes and tell me that you don't give a damn about me and expect me to like it. Fortunately the LDS's around here have decent rapport and now we all know who he is. He will definitely be an online shopper from now on.

Are you saying that divers in your area who cross an LDS are subject to be blackballed? What area and what dive shops are you talking about. Other divers and potential divers in your area should know so as not to make such a grievious trangression.

 

[djanni]

If you're local sporting good store doesn't fill tanks you can always go with EtherFill: http://www.diveriteexpress.com/gas/etherfill.shtml

Did you know that with a DSL connection you can get 29% Nitrox. With cable at 3,000bps - 32%, 5,000bps - 36% and 10,000bps you just dial in the % you want.

 

[robbcayman]

Trolling these waters must be good! I think you filled your cooler.

It's boring, but it's my life.

 

[in_cavediver]

I actually had a FORMER student lay those words on me. He went to a different dive shop for gear and to see if they would match an online price, free air and pool time to test it, and free shipping out of state to avoid sales tax. When something was said about supporting the local dive shops, the in store price was very close to the online price, he looked at the manager and said," I don't give a damn about a LDS". I'm actually embarrassed that he was a student. I do know he will never be a student of mine again. I also know that I would NEVER use him as a dive buddy, based strictly on his attitude.

If someone wants to buy online, have at it, but don't look me in the eyes and tell me that you don't give a damn about me and expect me to like it. Fortunately the LDS's around here have decent rapport and now we all know who he is. He will definitely be an online shopper from now on.

Lead Carrier - I hate to say this but when you step back and look at what is actually being said, the student is really not that far out of line. Where exactly is his obligation to ensure your buisness survives (or any LDS)? I truly doubt he wishes ill will of you or your buisness, he simply feels no obligation to ensure your success. He is merely trying to get the most bang and service he can for his buck. Its up to the you, the LDS, to determine whether to give him what he asks. (it is ok to say no)

I mean no ill toward any LDS but I too feel no obligation to any of the DS I frequent. They will succeed or fail on their own.

There is one shop in cave country, Cave Excursions, that has lodging and other perks who does gets a bit more consideration but then again, Bill meets or exceeds the better deals I can get online. He also isn't judgemental about where I get gear either.

 

[scubafool]

Fortunately the LDS's around here have decent rapport and now we all know who he is. He will definitely be an online shopper from now on.

I think that he is probably better off that way, don't you?

 

[scubafool]

There is one shop in cave country, Cave Excursions, that has lodging and other perks who does gets a bit more consideration but then again, Bill meets or exceeds the better deals I can get online. He also isn't judgemental about where I get gear either.

Yes, and one day some years back when I was in the area, and my regulator failed, Bill himself (I didn't know who he was at the time, but later was introduced to him) fixed it and charged me $5. And Cave Excursions is known for it's reasonable fill prices, too.

 

[robbcayman]

Yes, and one day some years back when I was in the area, and my regulator failed, Bill himself (I didn't know who he was at the time, but later was introduced to him) fixed it and charged me $5. And Cave Excursions is known for it's reasonable fill prices, too.

Okay, I'm going to be a little serious for once. What I think he's trying to say is this is a capatilistic society, and every business will either fail or prosper on their own. Bottom line, every "working person/s" must do what is in their best interest. They must look out for themselves first.

I believe LDS's do have their spot, but some, not all are out of line on their gear prices. Then some, not all get upset when you decide to save some money. Let me give you an example; a local LDS wanted to sell me a dive computer that cost more than $375 online. :no I'm not against a guy making a profit, but this was outrageous in my mind. Maybe they can't buy in bulk and give big discounts, but that is crap.

In conclusion, I don't want dive shops to fail. I know these are passionate people who love the sport and most offer great service. However, my hope is that the dive community wouldn't bash online stores that may be more of a viable option for less wealthy scuba enthusiasts.

 

[GDI]

Wait a minute here. Exactly what gear is "incorrect"? Would it be incorrect for student to take BOW with a SP reg? How 'bout a AL? Maybe a Mares then. What about a Sherwood? A Cressi? Please explain EXACTLY what scuba gear is NOT correct for a student to show up with?

Comrade Stroke

You missed the part about Walmart and Sports Authority so here it is again...

your right local schools could be the teachers of scuba. yeah and that way the students can buy their equipment on line or from places like Walmart or Sports Authority. Yeah there would be such a range of equipment quality but that would n't matter now would it.

 

[Lead_carrier]

Are you saying that divers in your area who cross an LDS are subject to be blackballed? What area and what dive shops are you talking about. Other divers and potential divers in your area should know so as not to make such a grievious trangression.

Didn't say a thing about "blackballing" him. I said I wouldn't dive with him. If you're referring to the online shopper remark. I know that we won't go out of our ways to try to go the extra mile with him. If he comes in and wants gear, the sticker is the price. No extras, no freebes, etc.

in_cavediver = I truly doubt he wishes ill will of you or your buisness, he simply feels no obligation to ensure your success

Maybe he doesn't mean any ill will and he definitely doesn't owe his loyalty to any me or any local shop. By the same token, don't ask me to go an extra mile for you then flip me off either. As the old saying goes, Burn me once shame on you, burn me twice, shame on me. It won't happen a second time.

Next time you visit Cave Excersions, bargin Bill down on his prices, get a couple of extras out of him then tell him to get screwed. See if his attitude doesn't change toward you. I have a feeling he wouldn't be as friendly and glad to see you next time you darkened his doors.:14:

 

[redacted]

Didn't say a thing about "blackballing" him. I said I wouldn't dive with him. If you're referring to the online shopper remark. I know that we won't go out of our ways to try to go the extra mile with him. If he comes in and wants gear, the sticker is the price. No extras, no freebes, etc.
:

That is somewhat reasonable. But I don't think it is good business for a shop to say they don't even want to try to make the deal. I don't object to a shop that sticks by its marked prices as long as they are not also crying about the internet to customers every chance they get. I like to check in with them occasionally to see when their going out of business sale will end so I can start looking for their stock on ebay.