AbyssalPlains
Contributor
I support my LDS and give them the opportunity to get me the gear i want before I order it online in case they can't get it. I am willing to pay a little bit more than online because believe in supporting the local diving community, and without a shop to hang out at and take classes at and teach at, there is not much of a community, especially in high and dry Arizona.
That said, if the price difference is 100%, then the LDS is clearly overcharging. A little bit more expensive is reasonable, since an LDS doesn't have the volume to bargain the same kinds of prices as LP, but not twice the price. In that case, I wouldn't feel bad for not supporting an LDS that apparently only wants to rake in dough and has no interest in supporting a happy customer base.
That said, if the price difference is 100%, then the LDS is clearly overcharging. A little bit more expensive is reasonable, since an LDS doesn't have the volume to bargain the same kinds of prices as LP, but not twice the price. In that case, I wouldn't feel bad for not supporting an LDS that apparently only wants to rake in dough and has no interest in supporting a happy customer base.