DaMaDo
Contributor
I'm not saying this is right, but here's my personal take.
I buy almost everything online, not just scuba equipment. I'm even an amazon prime user. It's just much more convenient for me plus I save a lot. I usually shop the closeouts and open box items for even better deals. Sometimes it's the thrill of the hunt, which is often exacerbated by the enormous selection of items on the internet to look through. It also usually ensures that I'm not struck with buyers remorse...I've seen everything there is to see and conveniently buy online rather than making several calls to see which LDS has it in stock. I tend to want items that aren't usually widely available.
Another factor is I hate having people "wait" on me to look and make my choice. I also never buy anything without reading various reviews. When I go to buy something in a local store I'm usually very educated about the item and there's nothing to discuss - especially since I'd rather get purchase recommendations from non-biased experienced divers from a forum such as scubaboard rather than someone trying to meet a quota.
I will of course support my LDS with lots of training and boat trips. If I buy a tank it will be locally also, regardless of the online price difference. Not that the tank will make much difference to them, but I'd think all the training and dive trips should. As I live in Miami, most of my diving with be here with them.
I buy almost everything online, not just scuba equipment. I'm even an amazon prime user. It's just much more convenient for me plus I save a lot. I usually shop the closeouts and open box items for even better deals. Sometimes it's the thrill of the hunt, which is often exacerbated by the enormous selection of items on the internet to look through. It also usually ensures that I'm not struck with buyers remorse...I've seen everything there is to see and conveniently buy online rather than making several calls to see which LDS has it in stock. I tend to want items that aren't usually widely available.
Another factor is I hate having people "wait" on me to look and make my choice. I also never buy anything without reading various reviews. When I go to buy something in a local store I'm usually very educated about the item and there's nothing to discuss - especially since I'd rather get purchase recommendations from non-biased experienced divers from a forum such as scubaboard rather than someone trying to meet a quota.
I will of course support my LDS with lots of training and boat trips. If I buy a tank it will be locally also, regardless of the online price difference. Not that the tank will make much difference to them, but I'd think all the training and dive trips should. As I live in Miami, most of my diving with be here with them.