Industry Perks for Dive Pros?

[Quero]

Prices in the United States are probably the lowest you will find anywhere in the world for dive gear.
Stefan at Dive Supply in Phuket and the rest of Thailand offers discounts to dealers and extends that to instructors and DM's, but Dive Supply hardly qualifies as an LDS. Their warehouse is the size of an aircraft hangar and he is Scubapro's largest buyer.
I found prices in the US to be lower than the discounted price I got in Thailand.

Yes, Stefan does offer professional courtesy discounts (though this is a relatively recent development), but below the discount level which is available for one-off sales to dive pros there is still at least one pricing tier. Prices for dive gear from Dive Supply (and other manufacturers' distributors here such as Aquamaster/for Aqualung) are higher than in the US for a number of reasons, among which shipping costs and customs duties (anything containing rubber is subject to protective tarrifs here). The agreements manufacturers have with suppliers and retailers are often different in the US than in other parts of the world.

 

[RJP]

I haven't yet gotten any sort of break from the numerous shops I have patronized in the States. Here a working DM (4 OW courses) gets free air, 15% discounts on a number of items and $300 to DM an OW course. Don't believe other DMs get anything, like stateside.

$300 to DM an OW course? Hell, I'm not sure if some INSTRUCTORS get that!

 

[Thalassamania]

When I was a young instructor I expected to pay no more than 15% above dealer cost. I had few shops balk at that, but most were fine with that arrangement, even though I never worked for them.

As I became more and more senior I expected better and better industry treatment ... and received it, mainly at the hands of the manufacturers themselves, rather than the shops, though the deals were often delivered through a local shop.

 

[chrpai]

I got hooked up by an LDS in Miami a long time ago. I had the misfortune of losing my first Suunto Mosquito. ($400) They sold me another one for $260 and the guy told me to never "mention" it. It flooded a couple years later and my favorite LDS in Virginia got it taken care of for me no questions asked.

I wonder if $260 was their cost or if he passed on some kind of deal to me. It was around 2000 - 2001 when this happened.

 

[drbill]

Years ago when I worked for a local dive shop, I got key man deals on Tilos equipment. I still wear one of their 3/2mm wetsuits from that era. Recently I tried to talk a Tilos executive into giving me key man deals (or sponsorship) since I probably run into more divers in an average year than any instructor or DM, and I can give them "product placement" in my cable TV show and DVDs. Not even a response from that individual. So I've decided that I will continue to wear the ancient, tattered, heavily patched (or not) wetsuits that I'm "famous" for in hopes of shaming those manufacturers into offering me a deal. Unfortunately, my Tilos wetsuits are mostly still in decent shape (and I just bought two new ones!).

 

[vkalia]

Professional courtesy discounts are commonplace not just in Thailand but here in Taiwan, too -- at least at the instructor level. When I've booked diving trips elsewhere in SE Asia I've asked about professional courtesy discounts for instructors and they have usually responded with discount price quotes (and I didn't give my business to those who didn't offer a discount).

We don't offer professional courtesy discounts to instructors diving with us. It doesn't cost us any less to take them out diving, and it isn't as if we are asking them to babysit other divers. We charge a fair price for the diving and everyone pays the same price.

Just b/c someone has a "pro" card doesn't mean they are a professional diver - i.e., someone who makes a living from diving.

 

[paraninja]

I'd just like to take a moment to thank everyone who has taken the time to share some input. I look forward to further insights on the subject.
Once again, I appreciate everyone's time and consideration.

Stay Safe

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

As a working DM I got free gas appropriate for the dive including He. At my first shop I worked I received gear at cost and was taught how to service my own gear, reg's, VIP's, Hydro's, everything. We were full service and I pulled my share.

Currently I settle for free gas because I rarely pull shop time, mostly OW classes but I've helped out with cavern and general shop upkeep because the owner is a friend, mentor and dive buddy.

---------- Post Merged at 07:13 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 07:07 PM ----------

Along the same lines as the OP's question, any shops give military or retiree/disabled vets discounts?
I'm retired Army (Major) with a 100% disability.

Lots of Dive Ops offer Military Discount. I'm not aware of any retailers. Ginnie offers 10% and the rest of the Federally owned lands offers Military discounts such as Manatee and Madison Blue. Check with your State parks.

---------- Post Merged at 07:16 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 07:07 PM ----------

Who needs a DM?

Shops that have more students than instructors, dive ops, people new to a dive location that want someone to lead a dive before they do it on their own, plenty of people apparently. It pays my insurance and renewal quite easily.

 

[Lost Shaker]

Leisure Pro/Scuba.com offers a military discount through id.me. It may extend to first responders once you verify eligibility.

 

[TMHeimer]

Wow this is an old thread. Anyone hear from RJP lately?