Just got certified, and I absolutely love the shop I got certified with. However, all of their upcoming trips are full, and I really want to go out with a group. Is it ok to go on a trip with a different shop? Are people typically loyal to only one dive shop? Should I only buy equipment and go on trips at the dive shop I got certified with? I don't know if there's some kind of etiquette about this, and I don't want to offend anybody if I explore different shops. Are dive communities centered around specific shops, or do divers in the same area tend to band together and form a community?
Dive Shop Etiquette
- Thread starter pajuffin
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greatlakeswreckdiver
Contributor
There are multiple shops in our area as well as a couple dive clubs. I favor the shop I was certified at but use multiple shops for equipment, service, and trips. I do not believe it is unethical to use other shops.
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You might be able to even find a trip right here on ScubaBoard. Lord knows we love to dive. 
chrpai
Contributor
They were just very friendly and welcoming, and everybody seems interested in helping new divers and making sure that everybody is having fun. I just don't want to offend anybody at that shop if I decide to do things with a different shop as well. I don't know whether or not there are unspoken "rules" about dive shop loyalties, and if dive shops feel some sort of responsibility and "ownership" over the people they certify. Basically, I just want to be aware of any taboos that might exist, so I don't risk offending anybody.
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Just go and get wet!:goingdown:
Meet as many potential dive buddies as you can. Find dive mentors. In the end as you become a better and more educated diver, you also become a better consumer of dive services/items.
It's OK to be loyal if they've earned it. The more you dive, the more you will spend...even if its just on tank fills.
PS: I've yet to meet a diver who walked out of any dive shop without the "I gotta have it" syndrome either immediately purchasing something (even just a $0.15 o-ring) or plotting how to purchase soon.
It's a vicious cycle, welcome to the addiction...:grinjester:
PS2: You can stop when you sell your house, car, all your possessions (except scuba gear), give away the dog and move to a tropical dive destination to live the dream as a dive instructor.:rofl4:
Meet as many potential dive buddies as you can. Find dive mentors. In the end as you become a better and more educated diver, you also become a better consumer of dive services/items.
It's OK to be loyal if they've earned it. The more you dive, the more you will spend...even if its just on tank fills.
PS: I've yet to meet a diver who walked out of any dive shop without the "I gotta have it" syndrome either immediately purchasing something (even just a $0.15 o-ring) or plotting how to purchase soon.
It's a vicious cycle, welcome to the addiction...:grinjester:
PS2: You can stop when you sell your house, car, all your possessions (except scuba gear), give away the dog and move to a tropical dive destination to live the dream as a dive instructor.:rofl4:
iluvtheocean
Contributor
the only loose rule is that if you buy anything online -- don't tell your local dive shop that you did... tell em you bought it from a friend or whatever.... but that's fodder for a different thread..
your true loyalty as a consumer is to yourself but a good relationship with a business is useful.
your true loyalty as a consumer is to yourself but a good relationship with a business is useful.
R
redacted
Guest
Some shops can be "funny" about things like this. Why don't you talk to your shop and see what they think.
krawlings
Contributor
Just go and get wet!:goingdown:
Meet as many potential dive buddies as you can. Find dive mentors. In the end as you become a better and more educated diver, you also become a better consumer of dive services/items.
It's OK to be loyal if they've earned it. The more you dive, the more you will spend...even if its just on tank fills.
PS: I've yet to meet a diver who walked out of any dive shop without the "I gotta have it" syndrome either immediately purchasing something (even just a $0.15 o-ring) or plotting how to purchase soon.
It's a vicious cycle, welcome to the addiction...:grinjester:
PS2: You can stop when you sell your house, car, all your possessions (except scuba gear), give away the dog and move to a tropical dive destination to live the dream as a dive instructor.:rofl4:
DREAM
That's the key word
lamarpaulski
Contributor
Sounds like you found a good shop ...BUT...they made money off you in a mutually beneficial transaction. Where does real "loyalty" come in ? You can shop and dive with anyone. Last time I checked it was a free (mostly still) country. You certainly ought to continue a beneficial relationship but you didn't marry them and you might find they won't loan you money, nurse you when you're sick or help you move furniture. By checking out other operations and shops and online you might get a better picture of things too.
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