Best online site to purchase dive accessories/gear?

[Dustinh]

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that many brands, like Aqualung do not consider Leisurepro authorized dealers. If you take your regulator in to an authorized shop to have it serviced, they have to look up the serial #s. If the numbers come up grey market, the shop is supposed to turn it away, or they can lose their authorization to sell.

This is not a comment about the quality of online stores, just a fact of purchasing grey market. Just something to think about.

 

[bsumner]

If the numbers come up grey market, the shop is supposed to turn it away, or they can lose their authorization to sell.

Hmmm. My understanding has been that grey market regs lose their factory warranty and that Aqualung dealers aren't required to provide the "free lifetime service" benefit afforded purchases from authorized dealers, but that they could still be serviced, warranty or no warranty.

Perhaps I am wrong. Could someone else confirm the situation here?

 

[vladimir]

Hello Scuba Board,

My name is Adam and I am a customer service rep for Leisure Pro.
It is to my delight that most people who've replied to this thread have had good things to say about LP. I wanted to put myself out there and if I can be of any help regarding Leisure Pro services or products please feel free to contact me on my email address adamw@leisurepro.com. Safe diving!

Adam

I guess we wore HelenOster out, huh? Good luck.

 

[keyshunter]

One thing that I don't think has been mentioned is that many brands, like Aqualung do not consider Leisurepro authorized dealers. If you take your regulator in to an authorized shop to have it serviced, they have to look up the serial #s. If the numbers come up grey market, the shop is supposed to turn it away, or they can lose their authorization to sell.

This is not a comment about the quality of online stores, just a fact of purchasing grey market. Just something to think about.

Only an incredibly stupid dealer would turn away service business, which is one of the major profit centers of a shop.

 

[Killer&Griller]

My experience is that many LDS's charge a ridiculous mark-up leveraging the loyalty of their students and the ignorance of their customers to the fact that they can often get the same product from a reputable on-line store for a HUGE discount.

Thank you for stating up front that this is YOUR experience. This retort isn't directed to you Ark, just the comment in general.

All too often an LDS has to battle the stereo type of taking advantage when it isn't the case. I am a "brick and mortar" and qualify every diver I sell a piece of gear too, just to make sure that it is the best gear for their application.

I like my LDS and I even consider myself a friend to the store. I will only train there and with no one else. But as an educated consumer I realize that their prices are outrageous and I shop accordingly. For items under $25 -- LDS. Anything bigger -- Leisurepro.

Again, this is your experience with your LDS. Although places like LP are a great avenue for a diver like yourself, they are not the "end all" as far as pricing and 95% of the time, can't touch my prices.

Again, I just get tired of seeing threads that make it sound like an LDS won't go to bat for a customer on pricing. There are plenty of us (LDS) that understand price is as important as service.......

 

[adambayam]

I guess we wore HelenOster out, huh? Good luck.

LOL. She was only temporary. I'll pass on your regards. Thanks for the welcome!

 

[seaquest diver]

So if I walk into your store looking to get my reg serviced, you don't want my business?

Brilliant attitude!

One when I meant service my opinion on equipment dosen't matter to them. Most who buy mail order also send there equipment out for service (cheapest price). We make it worthwhile to are clients to spend a LITTLE more money with us. Examples: free use of wetsuit and tank for one year for local diving, free pool use (7 days a week) etc etc. Yes I have a brillant attitude, I choose who I want to do business with to the tune of 6 fully booked trips a year, two real estate holding valued at $1,000,000.00. The most loyal clientel. If they want to shop I don't mind, 90% of the time I will beat mail order if given the chance. I can take any profession out there and make the case that they charge to much for there services. Again, if you don't like your local lds then go someplace else. I perfer to have customers who value MY OPINION and want me to be around years from now. If there is no local, dive, computer, camera stores then how do you get service.

 

[tridacna]

Most who buy mail order also send there equipment out for service (cheapest price). We make it worthwhile to are clients to spend a LITTLE more money with us. Examples: free use of wetsuit and tank for one year for local diving, free pool use (7 days a week) etc etc. Yes I have a brillant attitude, I choose who I want to do business with to the tune of 6 fully booked trips a year, two real estate holding valued at $1,000,000.00. The most loyal clientel. If they want to shop I don't mind, 90% of the time I will beat mail order if given the chance. I can take any profession out there and make the case that they charge to much for there services. Again, if you don't like your local lds then go someplace else. I perfer to have customers who value MY OPINION and want me to be around years from now. If there is no local, dive, computer, camera stores then how do you get service.

How do you know where I bought my reg? I walk into your store and bring a reg in for service and you turn me down because I did not buy it from you? What a dumb and condescending attitude. If I chose to buy the reg online, it is none of your business and most likely the result of your decision to build the Taj Mahal of diving stores and then expecting your customers to pick up that tab as part of your inflated pricing. Hey, maybe you're in this as a property play. Good luck!

 

[seaquest diver]

How do you know where I bought my reg? I walk into your store and bring a reg in for service and you turn me down because I did not buy it from you? What a dumb and condescending attitude. If I chose to buy the reg online, it is none of your business and most likely the result of your decision to build the Taj Mahal of diving stores and then expecting your customers to pick up that tab as part of your inflated pricing. Hey, maybe you're in this as a property play. Good luck!

10,000 student in 30 years of business. Are you a builder, then if you are you know the cost of construction per foot. Inflated pricing. I beat Leisure Pro all day long and you receive a manufacturers warranty with my product. Like I said if you don't like your local lds find another but NEVER group me in the LDS stores that sell retail only.

 

[carrielsal]

10,000 student in 30 years of business. Are you a builder, then if you are you know the cost of construction per foot. Inflated pricing. I beat Leisure Pro all day long and you receive a manufacturers warranty with my product. Like I said if you don't like your local lds find another but NEVER group me in the LDS stores that sell retail only.

Do you have an online store?

Carrie