How do Local dive shops stay afloat?

[cdiver2]

The dive shop is the customer of the manufacturer though they often aren't treated like it. If Sherwood doesn't make the dive shop happy they just sell another brand. In reality mostr of the manufacturers treat the shop as though the shop was working for the manufacturer. With so few of them and even fewer of them being "big names" getting and keeping a dealership can be a little like getting a liquer license in Chicago. LOL...time to kiss some major booty.

On the other hand if the end user was the customer they'd be glad to sell you service manuals and parts. BTW, I haven't ever seen a dealer agreement that prevented a shop from selling parts. Most just don't want to.

The same is true for the agency. A shop can issue any agencies certs and most people walking in the dive shop door to get certified don't know the difference and don't care. The agency makes their moiney from the shop, instructor dues, teaching materials, cert fees, ect

On how you interpret customer. For me thats the guy that buys the goods for his use. I see the LDS as a middleman.
The dictionary states "middleman an intermediary or go-between esp.
One who buys from producers and sells to consumers.

 

[lairdb]

This e-mail was just sent to us from Sherwood Scuba. As you can see there are minimum prices that can be charged...

&*%#@@%&@&$!! This kind of misinformation is what gets these discussions all screwed up. Nowhere in what you posted, or in the document to whch you linked, is a minimum sales price required, laid out, or even mentioned. Minimum Advertised Price is a whole different matter, and intentionally confusing consumers as to the difference is ethically over the line.

In its continuing effort to eliminate product sales which violate its
internet policies [...]

Effective July 1st, Sherwood Scuba will institute the following
measures: Firstly, Sherwood Scuba’s Minimum Advertised Pricing policy[....]

 

[divedeepnj]

I buy from LDS and internet. My LDS only stocks so many items, so I can find a better selection on the internet. If I'm only going to pay a few $$ more, the LDS is WELL worth the money. This is especially true if you are new to the sport. The more advice you need, the more you need your LDS. New Jersey diving is a lot different than Florida diving! I recently ordered a (single) pressure gauge from the largest scuba outlet online. It arrived in (SEVERAL) pieces. Luckily, I knew how to put it together, and had the spare O-rings. You'll NEVER get that with a LDS. It will be fully assembled AND warranted. Plus, they will install it for you. That was a wake up call for me. The best shops know that they have competition. Sometimes you'll have an employee at the LDS spend half an hour helping just YOU, asking you what you need in a piece of equipment, not just how much you want to spend. If you feel comfortable in your LDS, spend your money there. If you feel you're being taken advantage of, shop somewhere else. The best shops adapt to a changing economy, the worst go out of business. I see divers spend $50 less on a tank online, even though they get free fills for life ( at 5$ a pop) at the LDS. Doesn't make sense to me. By the way, I saw the sales reps for the leading internet supplier (LP) at a Scuba Flea Market. They knew about as much about diving as a newborn. It's your choice, it's your Life Support Equipment.

 

[Diverralph]

My rule of thumb is that if the LDS can get within 10% of the online prices I’ll give him the business so he can stay around to support me.

I have to wholeheartedly agree with you. I am an MSDT instructor and always give my business to my local dive shop...even if it means paying more than on the 'net. The 'net doesn't take you diving, let you hang out in the store and chat about "whatever", and you can't try it on and return it for the right size. So, if you don't support the person, they can't stay in business to take you diving.
Not being a dive shop owner, I truly believe that I would much rather give my business to a "person" that to a "corporation".
My dream is to one day be a full-time instructor and maybe a part-time shop owner.
God bless and safe diving everyone!!
Ralph

 

[robbcayman]

I went to my local LDS shop this weekend and they had the exact same thing as the internet (Regulator) for $175 more for the exact same thing. That is not competitive pricing. The LDS was extremley busy, so I was paid no attention to and I can understand that but the customer service was just not there. I am not saying I won't ever buy anything from my LDS but it will be small items ie. wetsuit, fins, maybe a bc. They also had a dive computer same as internet for $140 more. If I bought everything from my LDS I would end up spending an extra $600 -$700 easily on gear. Bottom line, if I can buy it cheaper on the net I will. That's not to say I won't buy some things from LDS. Customer service means something to me but not $600 - $700 more for the same stuff.

 

[Perkolater]

I have purchased most of my gear from my LDS. Sure their prices on some things are a bit higher, but they will work with me to give me a competive price and it seems that they have "sales" on plenty of items that are cheaper than prices I have seen online.

All in all, I probably have spent around $100 to $150 more at the LDS than I would have if I had purchased everything online. Factor in shipping costs for online purchases and that drops to probably $75-100 difference. So, what did I get for that $100.00? A local place to ask questions, seek advice and get air fills. I've made new friends and met a couple of dive buddies while talking to people in the shop. I have a source of information that I can trust and who are getting to know me, my style, my comfort level and my dive goals.

Best $100.00 I ever spent.

 

[Wayward Son]

Robby, have you at least asked them if they can work with you? Lots of shops may not be able or willing to do much on individual items, but will give a discount for package purchases. Say a tank, BC & reg together. One shop near me offers 30% discounts on packages.

They may not do anything. But they don't have the chance to blow it if you don't ask.

 

[robbcayman]

Wayward, I would have welcomed the opportunity to bargain. They were so busy they didn't give me the time of day.This doesn't mean I won't ever go back in there. I will buy my smaller items through them. I prefer to support the LDS but if they are too high on something and can't come down I will go to the net.

 

[robbcayman]

Wayward, your avatar is sweet.

 

[toodive4]

This has been a general rule of mine. If the LDS can come within 20% of an online price, I give them the business. This means if a reg online is $400, I'm willing to give the LDS $480.00. The problem is that even this grascious gift of giving on my part is still not enough. Some shops here in Baltimore are nearly double the online prices... a $300 BCD online may be $580 - $600 in the LDS. I believe in supporting LDS's that support me (their customer,) and are not trying to beat me over the head and take my money...

Ken

I have to wholeheartedly agree with you. I am an MSDT instructor and always give my business to my local dive shop...even if it means paying more than on the 'net. The 'net doesn't take you diving, let you hang out in the store and chat about "whatever", and you can't try it on and return it for the right size. So, if you don't support the person, they can't stay in business to take you diving.
Not being a dive shop owner, I truly believe that I would much rather give my business to a "person" that to a "corporation".
My dream is to one day be a full-time instructor and maybe a part-time shop owner.
God bless and safe diving everyone!!
Ralph