LDS: Point of Pain

[JVM4.0]

Don't get me wrong here guys. I'm VERY grateful to my wonderful wife for the gift. I have NO problem with the light she bought me. Heck, since she's been certified longer than I've been, she might end up using it more than me! That wasn't the point.........................

The point I was trying to get to was the fact that I've had the luxury of looking at all sorts of pricing on the internet, and have been VERY careful on how I spend money, to make sure I get the absolute best value on the products and services I need. The recent light purchase was just an illustration as to what the general concensus was as far as price levels go, and at what level do you abandon the LDS, and go with cheaper pricing off the internet.

Here's what I think I'm hearing:

A couple of you want to make sure I keep my wife happy, and keep the gift. Thanks! I'm doing the best I can. I'm planning on keeping it, since she bought it with her allownace!

Some others were willing to pay a few extra percent IF the LDS offered some sales help, some information, or otherwise "earned" the difference. I agree wholeheartedly, and will continue to support my LDS for those odd things that I need help with.

Others pointed out that even if purchased for a lower price off the internet, I'd have to include some kind of shipping costs. You're right, but I'd save local and state sales taxes. Let's call that a wash............

Lastly, there were some who said if there was a substantial price difference, they'd go to the internet every time.

Anybody else like to chip theri $.02? I'd particularly like to hear from LDS owners, to help convince us to continue to do business with them!

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Anybody else like to chip theri $.02? I'd particularly like to hear from LDS owners, to help convince us to continue to do business with them!

I don't need to be convinced ... nor convince anybody else. I'll usually buy from my LDS. They might charge me more than Leisurepro on some items, but they make it up in services, free air fills, and discounts on other items.

In general, the good shops will do what they can to retain your business in a very competitive environment. Truth to tell, I don't know any shop owner who gets rich by overcharging their customers ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[saying]

My breaking point is, generally, in the hundreds.

I far prefer buying in the shop for a bunch o' reasons:

I like the advice.
I like the help.
I like supporting local business.
I like the folks who own the shop, and like supporting their livelihood and, what's more, I like the folks who work there and like to help keep them working there.
I like to pick it up and put it down and turn it over before I commit cash to it.
Most of all, I like going and BSing for 2 hours when all I needed was some o-rings.

BUT, if I know exactly what I want and it would save me $100 to order it online instead of going through the shop... I put it to anyone to say it is my responsibility to spend the extra $100 just because of the reasons above.

I'm so liberal I border anarchy and I can see that's just good capitalism.

However: if I go into the shop for, say, a wetsuit. I try a couple on and decide on which one and which size I like, I most certainly DO NOT run home and order it online because I can save even a couple hundred. The shop helped me, they let me mess with their stock... they're the ones getting the sale.

 

[del_mo]

"Anybody else like to chip theri $.02? I'd particularly like to hear from LDS owners, to help convince us to continue to do business with them!"

I have to admit your attitude is rather disheartening. I am tempted to go on, but I won't.

 

[pilot fish]

I especially like the fact that in your LDS they are divers, you can talk diving with them, they can tell you how that piece of gear actaully works UW. Liesure Pro are just merchants that do not dive. The great advice you get in your LDS is worth the few extra bucks, plus the warranty you'll get with the dive gear you buy at your LDS that you will not get from Leisure Pro who are not authorized.

 

[FatCat]

Anybody else like to chip theri $.02? I'd particularly like to hear from LDS owners, to help convince us to continue to do business with them!

Don't know how it is on your side of the Atlantic, but here in the Benelux more and more shops are refusing to help out people who bought off the internet when they - inevitably - have to go to an LDS when they have a problem with what they bought, unless they are willing to pay the fee for the intervention.

I'm talking about things like : "I bought this air integrated computer on e-bay. Could you mount it on my first stage?" LDS owners will usually respond with something like "Sure, that'll be 20 Euros then".

Problem over here is that people buy in other countries and then expect the LDS to extend a warranty for an item they never made any profit on. The warranty is supposed to be valid all over Europe, but the LDS has no obligation to someone who didn't buy through the LDS, especially since invoking manufacturer's warranty brings with it extra costs such as time spent, phone calls, shipping costs if the item has to be sent to the manufacturer, labour...

So buy over the internet all you like, but don't whine if the corner LDS has to close it's doors and you won't have that convenient filling station anymore. No more picking up a new o-ring for free. No more readily available spare parts. Nope, you'll have to buy that mask strap over the internet and you'll have to pay extra to have it overnighted or else you'll have to wait ten days before you get it.

Get the picture?

It's like complaining that there aren't any good baker's shops anymore but still buying that plastic, prepackaged, artificial supermarket bread "because it's so convenient".

 

[RIDIVER501]

I think you meant LDS

Roger another fat fingered error

 

[DiveMaven]

I just know that I can't use the pool at LP when I need to check out gear or practice my skills. Some things are worth spending a little more money for.

 

[pilot fish]

I just know that I can't use the pool at LP when I need to check out gear or practice my skills. Some things are worth spending a little more money for.

No pool, no instructors, no DM's, not even certified OW divers. Helloooooooooooooooo??? Get the picture? Buy from your LDS. Support the diving community. :07:

 

[mech]

My job involves lots of driving in the SF Bay Area.
I do business with 5 shops plus the internet.
Each shop has their own special niche that I use.
One marks stuff down 20% for me with out asking and gives me super nice nitrox fills.(I sure wish he was closer to home).
Two have instructors and staff that I really like.
One has the best prices and the most honest man I ever met,but doesn't sell many things that I now need and one has an owner that most people think is gruff but we speak the same language and I think he is a stand up guy (and I owe him for giving me a free 3 day trip....completely out of the blue).
I'm a cheap SOB so pricing does matter.
That being said you shouldn't begrudge a man for trying to make as much money as the market will bear.
Down right gouging is another matter that might need another thread.
I don't see this to be the case here IMO.
Be happy with your light.
I bet it cost your more than twice the difference worrying about it.
I say that out of expeariance.
Andy