Do you support your LDS (and does your LDS support you?)

[robertarak]

I am just now starting to get into diving and buying my equipment, so I can not talk from experience. However when I was looking for a LDS I asked around in the community and on here too before deciding on one for my OW. My goal is to support my LDS when possible and still be a good shopper. I plan on shopping around and on-line to find the best prices on the gear I want, then take that info to my LDS and asking them to match it. Let them earn my support. If they work with me, I will work with them. It is that simple.

 

[fast5frog]

I agree with Mark, I don't think going into a LDS, trying stuff on and going to an online store to buy and save a few bucks is very cool. Buying the regs and other stuff that needs the warranties I get through my LDS, miscellanious items like retractors, knives etc. sure I get some on-line and some at the shop. The dive shop by me is extremely friendly and will do whatever you ask of them, within reason, to help you out. They take suggestions and try to arrange trips, classes and if they don't have an item in the store, they will get it for you. They all know everyone by name and were all becoming pretty good friends. They've only been in business for about a year but the way they treat thier customers, I think they will be around for a long time.

 

[Vtdiver2]

This topic has been kicked around many times, and anyone who knows me on this board knows I am an LDS supporter. However, know that the reason i do support my LDS, is that they support me. I do not recommend supporting unscrupulous (sp) owners who try to rob the public. Luckily, IMO, the number of shop owners out there who are trying to run an honest operation outnumbers those that try to screw the public.
My biggest complaint regarding this topic is the number of people who bash all LDSs, without having been to them. They love to write that all LDSs are evil and the only way to get a good deal is to use the online stores. My LDS compares prices to the online shops all the time, to make sure their prices are comparable to them. Add the fact they let you try stuff out before buying, they have helped me learn to work on my own gear, and they have made adjustments to my gear and not charged me, and I wonder, how many online shops can offer that?
I use the internet for many things, and my Paypal account could vouch for many online purchases. But, due to the job my LDS does, scuba purchases haven't been one of them for a long time.
C-Dawg

 

[nhaone]

I only shop at my LDS, the one where I was trained. They know me, and are good to me. Extensive inventory, let you try before you buy and will do all the service etc. If I have a question, I call them or stop by and they are always there to help me. Having said this, I am a new diver and need help from time to time. Dive trips, social get togethers etc. etc. After all, my life is in their hands totally since they trained me and sold me the equipment and I have the utmost respect and confidence in them. I want a face and name I can go to for assistance, quesitons etc. My LDS serves my needs best and the customer service and support from a real live person(s) far outweighs the small price I may save at a .com outlet. JMO.
They are there after the sale.

 

[BabyDuck]

no lds around here has anything i need or want. i do most of my shopping either from my buddies - thanks, guys! - or in north florida. occasionally online from tdl, but usually in person at cathy's.

tough to find a good tech shop in nc, though there's one west of me. hard to justify driving several hours to it, though, when i can just shop once i'm spending the night at cathy's.

 

[Hockeynut]

When I read about other people's lds, I'm thankful mine is great. I hope they never change.

 

[do it easy]

I support my LDS, unless I am looking for something specific that they don't carry. In which case, they tell me to go to Leisurepro.

I get free air fills and a discount because I am a DM there. I compare internet pricing with their discounted pricing and they are competative or better, although I might have to wait a little longer since they don't always have everything in stock. They have a small staff, so I might have to wait a little if things are busy, but they usually fill my tanks while I wait, so I don't have to make two trips. The owners are nice people who have thier hearts and minds in the right place.

 

[TomP]

I
....

Having said that, I have been in to the brick and mortar stores of Scuba.com, TechDivingLimited, DiveRite Express, Extreme Exposure, and a few others so my experience is a bit different than most. It is reasonable to consider all of the options and select the one that is most appropriate for the specific purchase you are making at that time.

Mark Vlahos

That sums it up nicely.

The click & mortar hybrids are fine examples of how to adapt to a changing market and it make perefect sense to use the channel that is right for a particular purpose.

I have several LDS that are relatively close but I only do business with 2 and they are both the furthest (50min & 1hr) from my home. Both are great for advice and guidance, one more focused on training and travel and the other is great for deals on new and used gear as well as service.

These shops cover 90% of my needs and the other 10% goes to the web generally for the sheer sake of convenience.

 

[samnewsom]

my dive shop that we are doing our class through someone gave as a wedding gift to me completly screwed us told us we had to have basic scuba gear to the sum of 428.00 a person we knew no better then we decided we wanted our on equipment went back to get a price it was 1740. a person we checked around and bought that equipment from viibitlity unlimited(which is a oceanic dealer) got a wonderful price almost 600 less but that is the only dive shop we know of in jackson, ms

 

[Stu S.]

completly screwed us told us we had to have basic scuba gear to the sum of 428.00 a person

Is this still common practice? After the first scuba lesson, back in 1977, we were all given a list of what we were going to be buying the next week. It was a surprize to all of us. That $130 in '77 was like $460 today. I went shopping elsewhere, like Sam. A few students simply did not return.