Does anyone still believe in "Support Your LDS"?

[dmoore19]

I quit comparing prices from my LDS and leisurepro and wherever .com. The LDS I go to usually is +/- 5% of what I can find online. I go in and they have what I want, if they don't they order it and it is in in <a week. When I have questions they answer them. When I have a problem, they fix it, usually at no charge. I am glad I don't live where all of you do I wouldn't want to live around the cutthroat lying bastards you all have to put up with.

 

[gcarter]

I am not sure why there seems to be this religious fervor about LDSs. I support well run businesses that provide me with quality products and services at reasonable prices and with appropriate service levels. Some of them happen to be LDSs. But it would be no different than saying I support my local car dealership or Costco or the LCBO. Heck, I even support *gasp* WalMart!

---------- Post added March 21st, 2013 at 11:12 PM ----------

I am not sure why there seems to be this religious fervor about LDSs. I support well run businesses that provide me with quality products and services at reasonable prices and with appropriate service levels. Some of them happen to be LDSs. But it would be no different than saying I support my local car dealership or Costco or the LCBO. Heck, I even support *gasp* WalMart!

But I DO have a couple of quality shops local to me, maybe that's why I don't see why others seem to make a big deal of it.

 

[farsidefan1]

Just curious if that age old saying has any traction in the online world. I know some of the old brick and mortors still around dabble in both or offer other services that don't leave them obsolete.

Absolutely. I am happy to support them - both of them I my first bc didn't fit quite right - they replaced it no question asked. I got one of those fancy masks with the no fog or glare filters and was not happy with the result. Full credit on mask of my choice. Back inflate bc that had "issues", full credit on my zeagle stiletto. Needed help figuring out my computer - no problem. Need to use pool for adjusting stuff, no issues, with free air tossed in. I consider that much more valuable than saving $50. or $100 bucks.

 

[muzikbiz22]

I firmly believe in cultivating quality business/personal relationships. Especially if you suddenly need a quick repair or air fill or really want to go diving and the dive op works you in on a charter if at all possible.

Absolute Words of Wisdom, Business 101, RELATIONSHIPS !! Applies to both sides of the counter. Price is price, big deal. Relationships add VALUE !

 

[KeithG]

Support or buy from?

I do not feel that I support either of the 2 dive shops close to me. I do buy some stuff from them. But I also buy used stuff from eBay.

My Most recent purchases have been:
- booties from the dive shop
- replacement dive light bulbs from local electrical supplier
- replacement camera o rings, local industrial supply
- backup dive computers, eBay
- backup regulator, ebay
- my second bcd in 20 years, lds
- replacement custom wetsuit, attico (local dance shop)

 

[freewillie]

I support my local LDS not just to give them business, but because they offer great service at competitive prices. They also offer dive trips and will on occasion organize a local shore dive. They are an invaluable source of information about local dive sites as well. No online retailer can tell me the local conditions, which beach has the best viz, and insider tips for navigating a reef I'm going to for the first time.

Most prices are competitive to online prices. They have given me more than a few good customer discounts as well. Once I rented two tanks for a shore dive. We thumbed the second dive and when I brought the full tank back they offered to do a yearly service on my BC (it needed the service anyways) and call it even. My buddy got no such luck at his LDS. Told him once rented no refund. He is going to use my shop next time.

They also know I bought a BC for my daughter online at leisurepro. It was clearance $175 too good to pass up. They were totally cool, didn't complain why I didn't buy from them since they do carry Aeris gear as well but not that model. Asked if I needed any accessories for the new BC. Walked out with a few new clips and retractors.

 

[Peter_C]

I like the people at the LDS's local to me. Unfortunately they just don't have anything I would want other than a d-ring and a tri-glide. We have had the conversation about Hogarthian gear, and they refuse to stock anything.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I believe in "support your LDS" ... but that's in large part because my LDS of choice believes in "support your customers". It's a husband and wife ownership, and they're both just great to deal with. They carry a lot of what I want to buy ... and if I buy something on the internet that they don't carry, rather than be upset about it they ask me to bring it in so they can check it out and see if it's something they'd want to carry. And they have some innovative programs that offer service value to their customers. For example, I own 11 regs, and I get them serviced there. I could do it myself ... but I don't really have the time ... and they send me notices when each of my regs is due for service, so I don't have to keep track of that. I get an "all you can use" nitrox deal through the shop that usually works out to less than $5 per fill over the course of a year. And they give me deals on student rental equipment, which often works out to sales when my students decide to buy. But perhaps most important, they communicate well. If they're working on a piece of my gear and encounter something unexpected, I'll get a text message to call the shop. They'll tell me what they found, discuss options, and expedite whatever we agree to. They LISTEN to their customers ... and don't assume they know more about what you want than you do.

When I go in there it's like visiting friends. Even when they're busy ... which is usually ... they'll find a way to make you feel welcome. And sure, sometimes it costs a little more to buy from them. But I don't mind ... it's in my best interest to help them stay successful. In a region where there's lots of competition, they have managed to build a very loyal customer base. Their business model is simple ... "you take care of me and I take care of you".

That's how it should be ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[maniago]

Their business model is simple ... "you take care of me and I take care of you".

If only everyone would do our capitalism this way, it sure would be a better world...

 

[Searcaigh]

Living where I do we have limited choice locally however in the past couple of years I have bought four new regulators over the past two years from the Mares dealer, two Dive Rite wings from the Dive Rite dealer and numerous bits and pieces from another LDS, which is also my Nitrox filler and where I have my tanks inspected and hydro'd.

Last item I bought online was a spare DIN first stage when I was in Spain, and it failed to turn up when I was there, however since it was addressed to a colleague he did forward it to me when it did eventually arrive.

The problem living in Dubai is that buying online is that we frequently have to pay import duty on top of high shipping costs, plus it takes time to get here.

I really like to walk out of a shop with something in my hands than wait for UPS/DHL etc to deliver.