I have thought this over and if you get a used reg for 200 to 300 AND you put a 100 in servicing it, you are REAL close to a new price with a warranty and knowing what you get. The marketing approach used by the manufacturers is very clever, buy new, get warranty, free parts, know what you are getting (peace of mind)...the equipment looks good and is clean with a known history. If you can afford to be in this sport, chances are you have blown a few hundred bucks \ on something that was NOT as critical as how well or if you can breathe 80 feet underwater.
Chances are I will buy a new legend and maybe a new BC. I have a used dive computer, used fins, nearly new wetsuit and a few other things. But my life support items I don't mind spending a little more on. I can cheap out somewhere else.
The other thing is that people buy from people. I want to have a relationship with my LDS, and while they will sell me items they will profit from, I will benefit "profit / benefit" from the wisdom of the people who work there.
I also sell items as an hvac contractor, and if you buy a used furnace and I install it you go to sleep at night.. you have no warranty, and don't know what you have in terms of dependability, safety, etc. But when I sell someone a new hvac system they not only get new name brand equipment with a warranty properly installed and serviced, they get something more important - ME. My wealth of experience and advice is why many customers do business with me in my field.
Any product sold by the public sector that can also be bought on the internet can 'instantly be turned into a commodity, by virtue of the fact that if you shave a few online bucks off you eliminate not only the cost of the brick and mortar store, but the cost of the people who work there.'
Let's all say it together ..'VALUE ADDED'
