End of the dive shop as we know it.

[H2Andy]

lol i just made it up

he said "very few" divers had gear. i figured, "very few" is about 10%

 

[Web Monkey]

sigh...

When you purchase from a small business person, you generally buy a relationship in addition to gear. And often, the relationship is much more important than the gear. If I need a piece of equipment repaired, I can usually get it done in a couple of hours. I can get a tank filled in a couple of minutes. I enjoy stopping in and talking with them. I don't exclusively buy my equipment from my LDS, but when I don't, it is usually because I want something they don't stock.

At this point in my life - and I'm probably older than many of you - establishing good relationships has trumped saving money.

Same here.

My dive-alert was leaking just a hair, so I stopped by my friendly local LDS at lunch, and the tech took it apart, cleaned it, fixed it and gave it back in time for me to get something to eat and get back to work on time. Same thing when I decided to get the envionmental seal kit for my Atomic Z1. I didn't have to FedEx it to some other part of the country and didn't have to wait a week for it to come back.

In any other industry, "kiss your ***" service typically demands a premium, and SCUBA is no different. Those that want it pay for it by paying retail. Those that don't, don't.

It's a personal choice. I consider it a bargain, others may have different opinions.

I suspect that what will eventually happen (if it hasn't already) is that good customers will get great service and customers who shop everywhere for price then expect local service will end up at the end of the queue.

This is already happpenning in retail. If you return enough stuff to Best Buy, or become a P-I-A, they'll actually blacklist you and stop sending you advertising and refuse to accept your returns if they determine you are unprofitable.

Terry

 

[RJP]

Do you ever just pay more at the LDS because you like them and want to support the business? Or is price everything?

Less about "supporting their business" as it is knowing that I'll be getting value comensurate with the higher price paid - as when they spent 3 hours setting up and tweaking my gear.

The former is charity. I love my LDS, but there are more worthy causes if I'm going to donate money.

 

[naui 15694]

Leadweight,



The common LDS training model just does not breed capable divers. It is short sighted leaves them on a dead end.

The LDS that works to build a community will thrive if there is water anywhere near it. Diving is a somewhat social activity and for the most part divers need buddies. Not everyone enters the sport with a diving companion and 1/2 of the team is most likely not as avid or may drop out all together.

Pete

That is so true. I was certified by J&S Dive Shop in Erie PA 20 years ago. For 30 years the owner, Sam Leo has put his heart and soul into building a large group of local divers.

He started a club 30+ years ago. We had club dives every Sunday and Wednesday night all year round. A local weekend trip was scheduled four or five times a year that did not cost much, so cost was not an issue. We had two club meetings a twice a month and he invited club members to come to class every Thursday night to get into the pool. All of these activities were followed by dinner or lunch somewhere. He certified students on club dives so once a person was certified he knew lots of active divers. He makes a killing money wise because people are at the shop so often to stock up for the dive.

For the 15 years I was involved in the club we averaged ten divers on each dive even cold night ice dives in Lake Erie. Like all of us his operation is not perfect, but it is the best model I have seen. I really miss my days in Erie and wish we had something similar here.

 

[iluvdiving]

I'm also willing to pay a little more for the LDS. But, when I bought my dive computer recently the mark up was more than $250. No small amount. I have no problem supporting small business but I am not wealthy. And, $250 is quite a difference.

 

[Loneranger]

I am more than willing to pay a little more to the LDS if I am able to walk out the door with my purchase. If I had $5.00 for every time I have heard "we can order it for you.'' I can order it myself and I won't have to drive back there to pick it up. There are only a couple of quality full service dive shops in my area that stock inventory, service gear and do repairs inhouse. Most shops only last a couple of years due to the high volume of shops and the ability to be able to drive down the street and getter better service or price.

 

[RonFrank]

Yes I am willing to pay "more".

Then again if there is a problem "more" because quite the bargain

How much more? And why a problem? Because you have to send it in the mail back to the shop?

With gas prices and the distance away from my LDS (50mile RT) vs. the postoffice (5 mile RT) it's less expensive, and less hassle for me to deal through the mail!

As an instructor, you may not have the luxury of having gear down. However most of us are not in any type of trouble if new gear arrives defective.

Warranty service on many defective items (computers for example) is done via mail, and takes a while. My buddy had a VT Hoseless replaced multiple times (2 transmitters, and then the puter). The first transmitter was replace by the LDS. The next two were sent by the LDS to Oceanic. If anything this resulted in more hassle and time on his behalf driving too and from the LDS, vs. if he just sent it directly.

I'd rather shop online. It's easy, quick, reliable, and less hassle for me. Plus I don't pay tax! I don't need to touch something to buy it for the most part. There of course are exceptions.

Just some thoughts..

 

[TheRedHead]

Less about "supporting their business" as it is knowing that I'll be getting value comensurate with the higher price paid - as when they spent 3 hours setting up and tweaking my gear.

The former is charity. I love my LDS, but there are more worthy causes if I'm going to donate money.

I don't donate money to my LDS. They send my business some business too. Reciprocity. I live in a small town/big city where everyone knows everyone or at least someone who knows them. I am a small businessperson too and have much empathy.

Plus I will admit I enjoy the superb service.

 

[Web Monkey]

I don't donate money to my LDS. They send my business some business too. Reciprocity. I live in a small town/big city where everyone knows everyone or at least someone who knows them. I am a small businessperson too and have much empathy.

Plus I will admit I enjoy the superb service.

Me too!

This is just about the only business I use where I can walk in when it's good for me, have something done correctly the first time, and leave happy.

If I could get that from a car dealer, I'd be thrilled to pay list price there too.

Terry