Joy at LDS

[RikRaeder]

Please note: this ISN'T in whine and cheeze!

I just returned from my (VERY) LDS after a rather pleasant experience. Just thought I'd share the love since we always hear the OTHER side of this story (also because I'm a contrarian unless of course you agree with me in which case I'll vehemently deny it).

Two years ago I stopped by a shop that had just opened about 30 min walk away. It was a mess and not too impressive. I returned tonight because they're an authorized Dive Rite dealer and I had a couple of items I wanted to buy. They've since gotten their act together. The clerk (owner?) was extremely patient with my poor Japanese, ponied up an immediate 20% discount on the list price of the items (that's a HUGE deal here in Japan where List is the LAW: appreciably less than I'd get from Leisure pro w/ shipping) without me even asking for a discount (usually if you do, they hiss at you and might give 5%-tax free), actually knew exactly what I was talking about and had additional information and (good) recommendations, didn't try to sell me anything extra, and ordered the wares immediately (they'll arrive the day after tomorrow). I think I finally found a real life LDS in the classic sense. I can't wait to hook up with their dive club!

For the one or two others here in Nagoya, props to Garuda dive shop. I hope they can live up to my second impression! Anyone else ever actually have a good LDS experience?

 

[japan-diver]

Did they show you the list price in American list or the Japanese catalog? The Japanese catalog is incredibly expensive with a Transpac with no wing at over Y70,000. Anyway hope you got a good deal.

 

[pakman]

Got pics of Joy?

nevermind...
:joke:

 

[Garrobo]

Too far to drive. Guess I'll have to stick with Ebay and Leisure Pro.

 

[RikRaeder]

Japanese list, of course. Compared with LP...got a good price for Japan...I'm sure it's all cheaper back home, but I'm not back home. I was satisfied.

 

[redacted]

Great to hear about an LDS that can satisfy customers with reasonable prices. It shows that it can be done. I hope they do well.

 

[TSandM]

The owner of my LDS came in four hours before the shop opens, on a Sunday morning, to fill tanks for us when we had the group of out-of-town divers in for a long weekend. This is the kind of service they habitually offer, although this was kind of extreme, even for them. They also offer an "all you can eat" Nitrox for a year, and although it went up in price this year, it remains an EXTREMELY good deal. Some dive shops are run by really good people.

 

[Joe-Diver]

... I was satisfied.

And THAT is all that matters...

 

[Ann Marie]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you found a LDS that you are happy with that is SO close to you!

 

[diverdowndh]

After working with another shop for a while (service went REALLY down after new owners), I found one here in the quaint little town of Castle Rock. The owner/instructor is awesome and I haven't bought a thing from them that he didn't double check me on the internet when giving me a price - he knows I buy almost exclusively from the 'net, dive stuff inclusive. This was because I really didn't have a shop that I didn't feel was taking me for everything they could. If you're looking for a shop in Colorado, PM me and I'll point you in the right direction!