buy gear online or LDS

[msandler]

If there is a demand there will be a supply. There will always be air fill stations (maybe drive through air only stations ). Instructors will still exist and still teach. Some of the best instructors are not even associated with dive shops and there will be regulator techs still servicing your stuff. Actually, I wouldn't trust most dive shops regulator services.

These "get what i pay for" <--online perhaps, want to know where my "life support" comes from, "set it up right and test it <--funny, shipping problems, breathing people, blah blah blah are poor heresay arguments at best. If you want to throw money away go ahead, its your choice. Just don't suggest you can't get excellent, honest, trustworthy service that cares online because that's plain bullsh!t!!!

 

[msandler]

And then there is this stuff...

for the money; call LP 800 637 6880 Atmos 2 $300. I have one (among others). Since it is the only one I have that has Gauge mode, it gets to go on all the deep dives

Or call us, get a warranty, and save $30...

Recently I checked your website (being in the market for a pair of computers for some new nitrox divers). You have the Atmos 2 for $369.00 LP is still $299.00 I hate how LDS' inconsistently discount the MSRP sticker prices ONLY when necessary.

So, really, how much IS that computer at ST?

 

[cpmyoung]

I personally would recommend that you buy your gear at both places. On line has some great offers for wet suites, fins ect. Your mask and regulator I would buy from your local LDS. Why? Well to make sure your mask is a good fit and you actually like the view it offers. Your regulator, well if you buy it on line and lets say you take it out of the box and on your 1st testing of it you have a slight free flow your gonna end up at your LDS to have it fixed. If you buy it there in the 1st place and that happens they will typically will correct the problem as good customer service. Good luck. You might want to check out scubatoys.com

 

[kidspot]

Now that I found a LDS (Pacific Dive in Lahaina) that I like, I go in and tell them what I'm looking for, 70% of the time they don't carry it and can't get it, about 20% of the time I tell them what I can get it for online and they tell me to buy it there because they are a LOT higher (usually double or triple), the remaining 10% of purchases end up being there. If it's inexpensive or within about 30% of my online price after shipping I'll buy it from them.

It may not be a lot of business, but some is better than none - and many LDS's need to learn that. There are a couple of LDS's in my area that lost ALL of my business because they "frown" upon online purchases (and gave me lectures about it as well) - they will not be able to compete in this new type of economy. The shop I do business with is learning to diversify, tours, classes, etc..
P.S. I also send my friends to their shop.

Tim

 

[scubatoys]

Originally Posted by msandler
Recently I checked your website (being in the market for a pair of computers for some new nitrox divers). You have the Atmos 2 for $369.00 LP is still $299.00 I hate how LDS' inconsistently discount the MSRP sticker prices ONLY when necessary.

So, really, how much IS that computer at ST?

We have rules on what we can advertise items for... It is necessary to follow the rules for maintaining full warranty for our customers... But if you call - we can work deals. Make sense??

 

[Nomaster]

Originally Posted by msandler
Recently I checked your website (being in the market for a pair of computers for some new nitrox divers). You have the Atmos 2 for $369.00 LP is still $299.00 I hate how LDS' inconsistently discount the MSRP sticker prices ONLY when necessary.

So, really, how much IS that computer at ST?

We have rules on what we can advertise items for... It is necessary to follow the rules for maintaining full warranty for our customers... But if you call - we can work deals. Make sense??

I've really got to get my act together and talk to you Larry. I've been following these debates and checking the online prices, and not seeing some of the specific items I've been looking at on your site.
You and Scott have me pretty impressed by the way you "softish" sell and handle the heat. In fact I find myself so impressed at times that I'm afraid of making the mistake that some who are buying at their LDSs are making: lack of objectivity.
Yup, going to get a list together tomorrow and PM it to you and start by asking your advice and discuss what I "really" need.

Tom

 

[RonFrank]

If the guy certified you for FREE, THAT is SERVICE above and beyond! Where I live, that just saved you $350+.

I pay my LDS for instruction, I generally do NOT purchase from them.

BUT, if they had certified me at no cost, I would have gladly put down some extra $$$ to purchase more gear from them.

I guess it also depends upon if you have multiple service options available in your area. It would be VERY bad to purchase all your gear from LP, and have you LDS owner (who already did you a big favor) to get mad and charge you an arm and a leg to have anything done in the service area, or refuse to work on it entirely. LP will NOT assemble gear, so RU comfortable with doing that yourself, say attaching the SPG to the 1st stage? If not you may want to consider other online DS's if you choose not to purchase locally.

I'd take this to him. Tell him you what you want, and ask him what he can do for you. If his prices are just too high, then maybe suggest that you can not afford it, and ask him his thoughts on other options (used/LP/online). He may get upset at that point, but at least you have given him the option to compete.

IMO scubatoys is a VERY real option if you decide to purchase online. They have a few packages that rival LP pricing, and include the manufactures warranty.

Used is ALSO a very real option. We all like *NEW* stuff, but I got my BC with octo/inflator for about 25% of new, and it's hardly used. Regs made in the past 10 years are VERY reliable, and a used Reg can be found VERY inexpensively, just make sure you get it inspected.

Your LDS may have some good deals on used gear if they turn over their rental gear on a regular basis.

For personal items, I'd do the LP option. They just hands down beat the heck out of everyone, and IMO a fin is a fin with little to go wrong, so just get them at the lowest price possible. Of course you need to know they will fit, and trying different options is nice, so the try before buy is valid... and that is a horse of another color

Ron

I'm a new diver and want to get my own gear (regulator, bcd, computer) eventually. I've been looking at the prices of the gear here where I live (Taiwan), and they're about twice the prices I can get at online stores like leisurepro.com. My instructor also runs the dive shop, and is the importer of Mares in Taiwan. Buying stuff there is sure to have him more on my side. Do you have any advice as to where I should buy my gear? This instructor is retired, but he certified me and a friend for free, which is another factor.

 

[Squalus]

IMO, buying non-service items such as mask, fins, wetsuits, etc. online is fine. But when it comes to equipment that needs annual service such as regulators, BCDs and dive computers I would suggest going to your LDS. This way you can be fairly sure that parts are available when you need service and/or warranty repairs.

Another thing to be careful of, is that alot of equipment manufacturers will not honor warranties for items purchased via the internet.

I concur with Parrot is saying. My LDS does my annual service for free, and while it is the shop for services, they allow me to sign out a rental (for free) if I have a dive I am going to do. Forgot to mention that they do have some really good package sales, if you buy the set-up they throw in your basic OW with it, typically the internet cannot beat this.

Unless there is a cyber OW certifying agency(jk)