MoonWrasse
Contributor
OK. Back to the MOF fight!fairbanksdiver:
Buying Online V. Buying at a Local Shop
- Thread starter scuba_aqua_girl
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MoonWrasse:OK. Back to the MOF fight!
What the heck is MOF?
Divemst223- Edited my post because I realized what I'd get myself into by saying that.
-Brandon.
OP
scuba_aqua_girl
Guest
Im sorry I didn't know this was such a touchy subject. Im sorry I never saw this on here before Im a new member. I am also sorry I wasn't really specific enough either. I didn't really put this out to be the bad "girl" I just think there are some out there that really shouldn't be bought from. Then threre are some dive shops that used to do very well and now they are not doing as well. Thats all. And if all the shops are gone then we would have a problem.
Divmstr223
Contributor
fairbanksdiver:
All is good in the hood....:14:
I posted a rather long winded reply, then saw your response:
I agree with you. There are good and bad online stores, just as there are good and bad local shops.
The shops that are hostile, have poor customer service, naggy salespeople, poor selections, and elitist attitudes do not deserve to be in business.
The shops that treat their customers with respect, offer fair, well-balanced advice, are knowledgeable about thier products, have fair prices, etc., are deserving of our business and should be supported whenever possible.
Local does not always equal great, just as online does not always equal bad.
It's a decision you have to make for yourself, and this board is certainly full of many more opinions. Welcome, I hope we didn't scare you off too quickly!
-Brandon
scuba_aqua_girl:
I agree with you. There are good and bad online stores, just as there are good and bad local shops.
The shops that are hostile, have poor customer service, naggy salespeople, poor selections, and elitist attitudes do not deserve to be in business.
The shops that treat their customers with respect, offer fair, well-balanced advice, are knowledgeable about thier products, have fair prices, etc., are deserving of our business and should be supported whenever possible.
Local does not always equal great, just as online does not always equal bad.
It's a decision you have to make for yourself, and this board is certainly full of many more opinions. Welcome, I hope we didn't scare you off too quickly!
-Brandon
Sasquatch
Contributor
scuba_aqua_girl:
It isn't that touchy. I mean we're all pretty well adjusted it's just that in recent months (years?) this theme has really been worked over. Just do a search like "internet vs LDS" and you'll see some threads with a hundred posts.
I remember researching dive spots in Maui off the board my first week here then looked for a Hawaii forum and COULDN'T flippin' find it. I made a post to that affect and about four members came back and showed me all the threads and forums. Wow!
Like I said, no big deal. Nice to have fresh viewpoints. Maybe you could read, comment and thereby revive one of those classic threads. We'll still play!
Have fun.
Sea ya!
MOFNMOF #94
Sasquatch:
Agreed. Someone may have a great way to save the LDS.
For me, it's about service and knowledge. My most recent purchase at an LDS was because the person was knowledgable, helpful, and not arrogant about the product. Interestingly, the last internet purchase was for the very same reason.
Search on internet lds*, and you'll get the following threads:
LDS Bashers
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=121884
To buy equipment on-line or not
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=119022
LDS vs. Online
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=113147
WHY Dive shops make you Feel GUILTY ???
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=92751
LDS or Internet
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=107822
How do Local dive shops stay afloat?
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=107822
And that's only since Sept 2005.
Oh, here's a monster one, with 1400 posts, last posted in July 2005.
The Great local dive shop vs. online debate
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=64520
Btw, if you want to search when there are three characters, add * (astericks) to the end of the last character.
Welcome to the board...scuba_aqua_girl:
There is a search feature... although it's not the greatest... there is a search. Your topic is certainly not new. No offence meant.
People here take things seriously, so if you post something that is aggressive, be prepared for the responses.
Even if you "think there are some out there that really shouldn't be bought from" that's fine, but even then, be prepared for happy customers from that store to defend their "IDS"
Again, welcome to ScubaBoard... do you wear your mask on your forehead?
Leadking
Contributor
The question of local vs. internet should focus on value not price. It's easy for an internet company to offer price, no expensive retail store, no compressor, you can go to the local store and try it on, handle the product and get educated about options, and the after the local store eats all the "cost" of doing business you can go home and punch your decision into your computer and get the best price.
If your store is doing a good job, support them!
If your store is doing a good job, support them!
cummings66
Contributor
I believe it boils down to a simple thought. There are good and bad stores, both online and local. The one you choose to support will have earned your support by providing service.
The thought that air fills will go away when the local shop goes belly up is only partially correct. Unknown to many, there are often other sources of air fills and in the worst case a bunch of divers will just form a club and buy a compressor. It's really no big deal.
Personally I buy most all of my gear from my LDS. If he doesn't carry it he'll order it for me, he bends over backwards to provide gear for me and I guarantee you that he beats almost every internet price out there without me pleading with him to do so. I support him because he supports me, it's that simple. Now if he wasn't there then I'd buy my gear from a place like Scubatoys who also has fantastic service. Many Internet shops are also somebodies LDS, something you seem to have missed out on.
Not slamming you, but I am pointing out it's not a black and white case as you initially seemed to think.
The thought that air fills will go away when the local shop goes belly up is only partially correct. Unknown to many, there are often other sources of air fills and in the worst case a bunch of divers will just form a club and buy a compressor. It's really no big deal.
Personally I buy most all of my gear from my LDS. If he doesn't carry it he'll order it for me, he bends over backwards to provide gear for me and I guarantee you that he beats almost every internet price out there without me pleading with him to do so. I support him because he supports me, it's that simple. Now if he wasn't there then I'd buy my gear from a place like Scubatoys who also has fantastic service. Many Internet shops are also somebodies LDS, something you seem to have missed out on.
Not slamming you, but I am pointing out it's not a black and white case as you initially seemed to think.
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