Does everyone hate Scuba Pro?

[DA Aquamaster]

Depending on the LDS's sale volume per year, the dealer price varies. As I recall, SP calls, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, etc.... Yes, the more you can sell SP per year, the lower dealer price you can expect.

Have you ever seen the SP dealer price as a customer? You will be shocked?...

...For example, as I recall, U.S. SP used to ask at least 20~30K initial order for the new dealer. It is a big money for the new LDS (probably small size) and it is all debt to the new business entities. This kind of LDS can be another good LP source depending on their financial pressure.

Scubapro does have different dealer cost levels based on sales volumes, but unless the dealer is moving a lot of volume, the price difference is not that significant - it is only a few bucks for the average regulator.

Scubapro is no different than other companies in terms of markup. The entire scuba industry is a low volume market and a 100% markup is more or less standard on large ticket items like regs and BC's regardless of the company. It is also true that most customers don't see the dealer cost for Scubapro, but then they don't see it for other scuba companies either - or for that matter they do not see the dealer cost on milk, cookies or new cars (dealer invoice for a new car is NOT dealer cost.)

You are correct that the average customer may be shocked, but when you consider the dealer has to buy it, stock it (often for months) and pay for sales space and staff as well as the other full service dive shop services that are required of a dealer, that 100% markup is a long way from being 100% profit.

I know of at least one shop that only had to invest 7K in an initial order, but it was in a small market. I think that is a smart move on SP's part as I think you are correct that pressure by companies or sales reps to buy more than dealers can sell locally ends up being an incentive to sell some of it under the table to LP.

 

[Hoosier]

Scubapro does have different dealer cost levels based on sales volumes, but unless the dealer is moving a lot of volume, the price difference is not that significant - it is only a few bucks for the average regulator.

Scubapro is no different than other companies in terms of markup. The entire scuba industry is a low volume market and a 100% markup is more or less standard on large ticket items like regs and BC's regardless of the company. It is also true that most customers don't see the dealer cost for Scubapro, but then they don't see it for other scuba companies either - or for that matter they do not see the dealer cost on milk, cookies or new cars (dealer invoice for a new car is NOT dealer cost.)

You are correct that the average customer may be shocked, but when you consider the dealer has to buy it, stock it (often for months) and pay for sales space and staff as well as the other full service dive shop services that are required of a dealer, that 100% markup is a long way from being 100% profit.

I know of at least one shop that only had to invest 7K in an initial order, but it was in a small market. I think that is a smart move on SP's part as I think you are correct that pressure by companies or sales reps to buy more than dealers can sell locally ends up being an incentive to sell some of it under the table to LP.

I mostly agree with what you pointed out.

For the clarification, what I know is that SP is using a percentage method for the level differentiation, for example, 20%, 25% or 35%. So, it might be able to be few dollar difference on the cheapy item.


I wasn't arguing that SP is ripping off the market in U.S. (But, SP is strategically spoiling other foreign markets.) As you pointed out, it is the same with any other brands. Nothing is different with SP. We acknowledge their operating cost and know that the manufactures and LDS aren't a NPO. I was just trying to show what SP price in U.S. is and how LP business goes.


Again, I like SP products, but NOT company.

 

[John_B]

I have firehawk bc which is a back inflate and the only thing that I don't like is the fighting my face going forward when on the surface but other that that it is taking alot of abuse. the face forward might just be me because of my being fairly new to the sport

You are likely overinflating the BC on the surface and probably could use some trim weights.

 

[17-40]

You are likely overinflating the BC on the surface and probably could use some trim weights.

I do use trim weights but maybe the wrong combination thought about ankle weights but new to diving and still learning seems to be getting better the more I go getting much more relaxed.

 

[John_B]

I do use trim weights but maybe the wrong combination thought about ankle weights but new to diving and still learning seems to be getting better the more I go getting much more relaxed.

FWIW, I use a steel BP/W now but if I was renting a similar back inflate BC with an AL80 (which are floaty at the end of a dive) I'd put the trim weights on the tank bands themselves vs. in a pocket on the back of the BC. In addition to the waist straps of my harness, I keep two of these XS Scuba Weight Pockets in my travel bag for just such an occasion or to loan out. And generally I've found I need a lot less air in the BC at the surface than I once thought I did.

 

[Lead_carrier]

I drive a 41 year old 280Z .

Quite a feat since the 280Z didn't come out until 1975. The 240Z isn't but 38 years old.
Datsun Z-Car History

So different, given keyman arrangements and such, that, if in fact you are diving old regs, I'd have to wonder about either your sanity or your motivation .

And my I say in all sincerity, coming from you I take that as quite a compliment. Thanks

 

[Thalassamania]

Quite a feat since the 280Z didn't come out until 1975. The 240Z isn't but 38 years old.
Datsun Z-Car History





And my I say in all sincerity, coming from you I take that as quite a compliment. Thanks

Sorry. I misstyped, 31 years old. Let's take the "sanity" discussion to PM?

 

[RoyN]

I have two pair of MK25, an S600 and a G250. Also the smartcom computer which will be replace with the VT3 pretty soon.

 

[CJM]

This was some very interesting reading on this topic. I was wondering why the SP stuff was so expensive and why the LDS by me only sold this stuff. They are quite expensive but I am still considering them when it comes to a BC and reg.

 

[reefraker97]

I've been looking on here for threads about scuba pro and they are hard to find.....Their not even listed on the threads manufacturing list??? Is it a bad brand or something? I own all Scuba Pro equiptment and can't seem to understand why it's not discussed more on here......I thought it was some of the best gear there is....anyone know why?

Michael Sapp

I know that I don't hate scubapro. It is on the expensive side, which is why some people dislike it. It's quality gear, and it works well. As long as it works and is in price range, why not buy it? If you want some more info on scubapro/uwatec gear, visit their website:
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