LDS vs. WEB

[DeepBlueSea45305]

The mojority of threads i have read really push the LDS purchases. I have a thread concerning regulators and was told to choose Apeks and to purchase it online. Well, i was pretty well sold on the LDS then i have to get this advice from a scuba instructor which made me think. If the LDS is indifferent to the customer (me) how much loyalty should i be willing to give to the LDS as a first offering? If i feel like saving the $$ and purchase my item online how will that affect the warranty? If i get the feeling i am talking to a used car salesman behind the counter should i feel obligated to purchase a regulator from a LDS for more $$ than i would pay for it online? Customer service seems to be thing of the past and if that is the way of the future then i don't blame anyone that uses the internet. Maybe if the owner/management doesn't have time or patience to be courtious with the customer then maybe they should be put out of business by the internet and go solely into being a scuba equipment repair facility. Im ranting so i will quit, im just wondering because i have heard so much about buy at LDS that im wondering how much should i be willing to give up to do that?

 

[melfox26]

There's been debate after debate on this board about LDS vs online buying. There are members that will argue both sides to the bitter end. You have to make the choice for yourself what you think is right.

As for me, I've been burned hard by LDS in the past. Therefore I won't purchase any more gear at that particular shop, lucky I have plenty of shops to choose from, but I'll purchase online whenever I can. Not only am I saving a ton of cash, as I have kids to feed and I'd rather not stuff the LDS owner's pocket with more money.

I personally stick to the bigger online dealers, if they are running out of an actual shop, even better. LeisurePro is very cheap, although you will not get manufacturer's warranty buying through them. ScubaToys will match prices, as far as I know, and you'll get warranties when buying from them.

Mel

P.S. - Yes, I know that I can't get an air fill online, for those of you that wish to say that in your reply to my post.

 

[eod]

The LDS near me is more than just a store. It acts like the hub of everything that is happening in diving in this area. Therefore I gladly pay the higher price so it won't disapear in the future. Also the owner is really good with helping out choosing equipment, you can borrow whatever you like and try it in a real situation if you are interested in buying it.

But if I only got the higher price and nothing more I would seriously consider buying online.

 

[scubaotter]

I have found that a combination of LDS and web shopping is the best. For major items such as a BC, regs, ect. I feel more comfortable buying from a LDS. The primary reason is warranty issues. If something goes wrong I want to be able to work with a person face to face. I also like the idea of being able to take the item back to the store for annual service instead of shipping it off to God knows where.

For smaller items such as lights, slates, reels, lanyards, retractors, etc. I perfer to shop online. You get a much better deal dollar for dollar.

Just my $0.02 worth.

 

[SDAnderson]

Oscar Wilde said that a cynic is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. A local dive shop can offer much of value beyond price.

As mentioned, the bricks -v- clicks controversy has been around for a long time and isn't going to go away soon. Your local dive shop is normally going to be more expensive than an online shop, so you have to decide if they are offering enough added value to justify the price.

It's been a tough couple of years for the local dive shops - they've found that the business model that worked for the past forty years isn't, anymore. The online guys have poached some pretty prime business by offering cheap prices and now the local guys are being forced to play smarter. The adjustments needed to survive have been hard on a lot of them and many have failed. This is good - the shops that weren't competing are dying off and the shops that have something to offer seem to be surviving.

The ability to try things on, to put hands on different kinds of gear and to talk (and learn) from someone are things that the LDS offers that you can't really get online. I think a good relationship with a good dive shop, especially for new divers still trying to figure out which way to the surface, is invaluable. Nurturing that relationship requires trust, time and money. As divers climb higher on the learning curve, they may not need the local dive shop so much and a migration towards online is often sensible, just so long as they remember that the cheaper price comes at a cost.

I don't accept the argument that you should buy from the local dive shop just to support cheap fills. If the LDS can't compete, then they should be allowed to quietly fail. Conversely, your local dive shop can offer you a substantial benefit that's hard to value in dollars. Like the hardware stores of old (before they got so pretty and plastic) where you could get lost wandering the aisles and then head to the front for a bull session with your neighbors - an hour in a dive shop on a Friday afternoon should be a social event, picking up tanks, swapping tall tales, comparing notes, learning from other divers, seeing new gadgets, etc. Much like this board, I suppose, except here it's very hard to smell the neoprene.

 

[RICHinNC]

Actually Dell now has a computer out with an Air USB 3 port that you can hook
your tanks up to and down load any mix of gas you want right off the internet. Of course the faster
connection you have the faster the download.

Works great. .... ends that debate!

 

[rab]

Why go to Dell? At least support a Dive Shop with your fill needs!

EtherFill™ 5000

Enjoy!

-Rob

 

[glbirch]

Why go to Dell? At least support a Dive Shop with your fill needs!

Etherfill 5000

Enjoy!

-Rob

LOL. Hey, if I pack along my laptop and a wireless link I can fill my tanks right at the dive site.

 

[AevnsGrandpa]

I have purchased many things off the web as well as bid on things from Ebay. I also have purchased many of my scuba pieces from my local LDS. Being where I live, there is one in town and I would have to travel 30+ miles to find another if I felt I was not being treated correctly at my local LDS.

Basically I have decided for myself that items that have to do with my safety, I'll buy locally or if it is something that may have a problem and I want warranty work or replacement done locally.

Saying this still has not stopped my from straying from this throught process because of my budget or because my LDS is just too high prices on things. I know they have to buy the inventory and hold on to it till it is purchased, pay people to work there, etc. I'll usually grant an extra 20-30% on something online vs. buy local. But there some items they are 40-60% above an online retailer........I want to do right by the shop that has helped me and trained me, but my $$ only go so far..

Just my 2 cents worth.

Jeff

 

[pt40fathoms]

Almost all my new gear I purchase at my LDS. Used gear I purchase mostly online.

I say almost all my new gear, because I have found some items that are hard to find, or not available other than online. Some examples of new items I have purchased online are; Oxygen sensors, O2 testers, Helium testers, and so on.

I am fortunate in that my LDS is very competitive with online pricing, and as a result, they are doing very well as a business.

The real problem is when people use the LDS as a fitting room only, then make their purchases online after "using" them. This is not only bad on a personal level, but it is theft. Theft of the time of a paid employee, and dishonest. When they become unwelcome at a dive shop after using them in this fashion, it is entirely their fault. So if you choose to follow their bad example and advice, don't come crying about how "bad" the LDS is treating you later.