buy gear online or LDS

[ae3753]

You can also negiotate with you LDS. Even though I have bought equipment online, my LDS is very good about getting me the best price that he can give. And in some cases, it's even lower than the online prices.

If your instructor certified you for free, and he is unable to match the online prices, then I have no problrems making up the cost of certification via the difference in prices. Cause you would have had to pay for instruction otherwise.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Some more choices in the voting poll would be good. We bought quite a bit of equipment from LP. It would have been impossible to buy all of our equipment from our LDS, considering we were buying x2. Our LDS just wasn't competitive enough. We've also bought quite a bit of equipment from www.scuba.com. They are an authorized dealer for everything they sell, and they are competitively priced (compare against LP). However, just this past week, we found an LDS about 2 hours away from us that blows away our LDS price wise. Just an example, they sell TUSA split fins for $129; our LDS sells for $199. We're about to get our dry suit cert and we found the book/video there for $36, cheaper than anywhere else, including online. And they are a small operation. So, don't immediately discount all LDSs. You may need to shop around, even if it's a couple of hours away.

 

[shugar]

If your instructor certified you for free, and he is unable to match the online prices, then I have no problrems making up the cost of certification via the difference in prices. Cause you would have had to pay for instruction otherwise.

i'm pretty much in the same deal... what i did was to get a couple of items from his shop just to cover the debt-of-gratitude thing and look around other LDSs for the best deal

Jag

 

[The Chairman]

The personal touch... from an online LDS.

I am all for supporting the LDS. They are hurting and hurting bad in today's economy. That's especially true down here in Florida.

But there are some "Online LDS's" that merit some of my businees. Take Tobin of www.DeepSeaSupply.com. Awesome product from a great guy. Then there is Larry from www.ScubaToys.com. He is a full service LDS (except for those elusive internet air-fills) has great prices and exceptional service. Moreover, they are on this board (almost daily) answering questions and helping people out. Sure they have a profit motive, but niether can be characterized as "greedy". Use them? I own a steel and Kydex backplate from Tobin. I am sure I will need something from Larry at sometime as well. They've earned my support.

 

[Dapher]

I choose to purchase my equipment from my LDS for 3 reasons. 1) If I don't support them they will not be here to supply me with much needed air, tanks, continuing education. They don't make enough off of the classes to support their business, they have to sell equipment to make ends meet. 2) I want to know where my life support equipment comes from and that it is and will continue to be in good condition. How can I purchase it online and then expect them to service it for me? I think that is a slap in the face. Your not good enough to purchase it from , but will you help me out and fix it for me? 3) You get what you pay for. When I order a reg kit from my LDS, they discuss my choices with me, give me valuable input, and even put it together for me will all the touches (hose protectors, etc. ) Sure it may cost a few bucks more. Just to compare a friend that they know ordered a reg from an online shop. What they got was a box full of parts. I would rather pay for a nice setup and reap from their experience than a cheap box of parts.

Bottom line... Support your LDS... can you get air on-line?

 

[scubasean]

Bottom line... Support your LDS... can you get air on-line?

If you are going to buy from them exclusively(and pay their higher prices), I hope they at least give you the air for free...Otherwise, aren't you paying twice for the air (since that seems to be the primary reason you cite for using your LDS exclusively)?

 

[Buoyant1]

As a new diver, (and in need of a LOT of equipment) I'm dead set on getting my reg and BC from my LDS. Because I know that they'll set it up right, and give me the opportunity to test before I buy. Also, I know that they'll service it. (and probably toss in a tank or two to go hit the quarry and play with it! uhhh Jeff?)

I've had the talk with the Mrs. about pricing vs. service, and explained to her that this is equipment that will keep me alive under water so it's NOT something I'm gonna get at a "Wal Mart" like price. AND that in the long run since these people will be putting it together, then who BETTER than to service it yearly or whenever.

As far as some of the "tchotchkies" (pronounced choch keys) It'll be a toss up between them, my "LDS" in the Keys (Divers Direct)(but mainly because I used them prior to my own LDS opening, I've established a good relationship with them, and for convenience when I'm down there) and LP for some of the odds and ends that they either don't carry, or brands that they don't carry. Or just "specials" in general.

I'm sharing the wealth! Everyone wins!

 

[Squalus]

I believe that LDS's have alot to offer to the diving community. I prefer to purchase from a breathing person that I trust than a cyber LDS. Just me, I would like to have it when I wanted it, instead of waiting for UPS, FED EX, or DHL to deliver it (or maybe get re-routed somewhere else by accident). I know the LDS I use certify's the equipment they sell and that there are manufactures that back their product. My question to ponder is, if something happens and it is found to be faulty equipment where is the liability for a cyber store at?

 

[Dapher]

If you are going to buy from them exclusively(and pay their higher prices), I hope they at least give you the air for free...Otherwise, aren't you paying twice for the air (since that seems to be the primary reason you cite for using your LDS exclusively)?

LOL - I gave 3 points, you choose to only read my attempt at humor at the bottom. But actually... if there is no LDS there is no tank fills... free or otherwise.

 

[lobbolt]

Thanks for the replies everyone. You've helped a new diver out a lot.