Dive shop versus online

[TheScubaBOB]

Curious. Did you do your pricing from LP online or by phone? I wanted to buy Hollis Fins last week. Online is $142. When I called: $99.00.

I did online. Now for all of the complaining I hear about Manufacturer Minimum Pricing and such isn't it interesting the LP would knock 1/3 off the internet price if you call them?

Anyway, placed my order today at the LDS. Here is some of the Value Added Service I received:

90 days same as cash right at the LDS! Paid 30% down, then the balance is due in 3 equal payments due at 30, 60 & 90 days. In the meantine the gear lives in his shop but we get to check it out (like rental gear) anytime we're going diving before it's paid in full.

He detuned my Pony Regulator for me and added the button SPG, No Charge.

He installed the DIN conversion on my Legend Regulator set, moved the HP Quick Disconnect to the other HP Port and added my second button SPG to the first HP Port. Again No Charge.

Finally, he swapped 2 yoke tank valves for convertible yoke/DIN valves so I'll be able to use my AL80s with both DIN Regulator Sets and both yoke Regulator sets. You guessed it, no charge not even for the tank valves, he accepted my two valves as even trade.

Where can I get that other than a LDS?

 

[PullmanSCUBA]

I can appreciate where you are coming from. I just bought my own set up 3 months ago and I was in the same dilemma. I saw a set up that I liked online for a great price I mean really great price, however I went to a dive shop near my home town. To make a long story short I ended up buying my stuff from the dive shop near my home town. I spent more money but I was able to ask questions and get properly fitted with all of my gear. I am glad that I went with this dive shop because just recently my new octo started acting up. I called the dive shop and they were willing to help me with my problem. According to the gentleman I talked to because my regulator was so new it was probably a manufacturerÃÔ defect. He told me to bring it in and they would look at it and if necessary they would replace the whole unit. I have to say that this dive shop really impressed me. I am just not sure you would get the same service from an online dealer.

Good luck with your decision

 

[ringmod65]

LP is my LDS

One thing that many outside of NYC are not aware of is the fact that - aside from fills and travel - LP is a full service shop that services all the gear they sell. Also, their customer service is far, far, far superior than that of any LDS I've ever had the great displeasure to encounter. As a matter of fact I just returned from LP where the manager, Ben, greeted me by my first name and then had a tech remove a mouthpiece from a brand new reg because I didn't like the aftermarket ones that they had in stock.

Bottom line is that LP saw an niche in a profitable market and rushed in to fill it. All the LP hating is just so much sour grapes. The internet had a disruptive effect on Scuba (and plenty of other types of) retail. By and large, LDSs sat back and did little to nothing to counteract that effect. Instead many resorted to gouging their customers on gear and training. Under a capitalist system of economics they deserve to go teats up. You know, free markets and all.

 

[TheScubaBOB]

Bottom line is that LP saw an niche in a profitable market and rushed in to fill it. All the LP hating is just so much sour grapes. The internet had a disruptive effect on Scuba (and plenty of other types of) retail. By and large, LDSs sat back and did little to nothing to counteract that effect. Instead many resorted to gouging their customers on gear and training. Under a capitalist system of economics they deserve to go teats up. You know, free markets and all.

I'm not a "hater" of any on-line Scuba Shop.

I'm a Supporter of my LDS.

I don't think you have to hate on LP or ST or Scuba.com or BubbaJoesBaitAndScubaEmporium.tv for that matter to be a supporter of the LDS.

 

[I Dive]

90 days same as cash right at the LDS! Paid 30% down, then 20% due at 30, 60 & 90 days.

When is the final 10% due?

 

[Stu S.]

I went to a LDS and wanted something which they rarely have any prices marked for.

Some Florida dive stores don't mark prices on their goods. Is there a purpose? It would save time and maybe embarassment if prices were marked. Being able to compare items and prices at a retailer makes for a more productive (possibly even pleasant) shopping experience.

 

[on_two_wheels]

When is the final 10% due?

Nice attention to detail.

Excellent point was made....LP is in fact an LDS. I mentioned that earlier. By buying there you're still supporting an LDS. If my local LDS had an internet catalog and competitive pricing, others would support them from around the country/world rather than relying purely on the locals. Evolve or die!

 

[Splitlip]

Some Florida dive stores don't mark prices on their goods. Is there a purpose? It would save time and maybe embarassment if prices were marked. Being able to compare items and prices at a retailer makes for a more productive (possibly even pleasant) shopping experience.

I often talk about how well my LDS treats me and how competitive they are. But I am a regular and I support them. I pay one price for items. The guy who frequents the shop thinking he is fooling everybody when trying on wetsuits, fins and masks then says he wants to think about it (because he plans to buy on line), pays another when he is in dire need of a missing piece of gear. (They crack me up when they put the game face on.)

 

[TheScubaBOB]

When is the final 10% due?

I've never liked math. Ha ha good catch. Meant the balance was to be paid in 3 equal installments at 30, 60 & 90 days.

 

[on_two_wheels]

I often talk about how well my LDS treats me and how competitive they are. But I am a regular and I support them. I pay one price for items. The guy who frequents the shop thinking he is fooling everybody when trying on wetsuits, fins and masks then says he wants to think about it (because he plans to buy on line), pays another when he is in dire need of a missing piece of gear. (They crack me up when they put the game face on.)

Which is precisely why that same guy will continue using them as a trial shop rather than a more loyal customer. Treat me like you treat your regulars and I just might become one.