When you take the equipment that you bought online to your LDS for sevice, the LDS may sugest that you have your service done by the online store that you purchased it from.:depressed:
I have found an alternate way to approach the situation is don't tell them where you bought it and if they ask, just say you bought it 2nd hand from a friend. I hate lying, but I don't feel I should be treated with contempt either because of my location of purchase.
I have paid top $$$ in the past for name brands from shops that no longer exist and when I took to other LDS they give so much friggin' crap about having paper work in order, is it photocopied, regardless I didn't buy it from them so they won't service it... yada yada yada. They'll tell you "don't blame us, it is the requirement of the vendor that we have to treat you with contempt and like a criminal" but turn around and ask for a 10% discount and they'll rave about how they'll go out of business if they do that and how the vendors have those favorable (to the shop) policies for a reason. I don't even buy or recommend most of the big names anymore because to me it isn't worth it and I've found equally quality gear from other lessor known brands that suit my needs well. But that's just me!
In the end, do what you feel best. If you like that shop, buy from the shop. It'll certainly make things easier down the road when you need a legitimate break and they are in the most convenient position to assist. I've made "political" purchases for that very reason, albeit very selectively.
Some gear you can only buy online such as HOG regulators (unless you are a lucky few that has LDS that carries it like TDL and DRIS) and DSS BP/w and so on.
Be aware, of the $35k I've spent on my diving career in the past 4 years diving, I kept every receipt (including training trips). I've added up all my discounts from buying online and whatever, I've only saved about $4k total so while it's substantial, it's also not significant in the scheme of things. Therefore I find ways to support the many LDS' that I care about, I just don't hand them over blank checks. There are many shops I want to go out of business because they are pricks, and there are many I would be sorely upset if the did. Don't be afraid to buy online, and don't be a cheap SOB. Just do what makes sense!
If you can't afford to be diving, then don't! But if you can, then you'll find a way to make it work out! Whether you buy from your LDS or not, one great way to make them happy is to sign up for classes or if they aren't your type (they train by different agency then your preference) then refer people to them (if you feel comfortable doing so). Whatever, you get me point! Sooner or later, you'll learn how the industry works and how to be a part of it even if in protest you still have to support it in some way).