LDS vs. WEB

[eod]

I can take a recent example (a few days ago) why I like buying from the LDS. The octopus (ur backup second stage as I like to see it) started to breathe wet during the last dive when I tested it at the end of the dive. I brought it to the LDS when I went there yesterday, no real problem, some membrane that was "wrapped". They solved it in a few minutes, I as a quite new diver couldn't see the problem at all. Now I have learned what to look for when the problem arises again. As a bonus the IP was adjusted too. No need to say that I couldn't have done that myself. This cost me absolutely nothing except a few minutes. If I had come as a completely new customer (to them) with a reg bought online I would guess that they wouldn't have dropped what they were doing at the time to fix the reg straight away and also that it would cost me some money for the same work. So in a sense, with the purchase at the LDS you also purchase goodwill which can come in handy later on.

 

[murphdivers286]

I once was pondering the idea of purchasing my main equipment online. I did extensive research on all the online stores I could find, along with my LDS. For me, I found it was better to spend a little extra at my LDS than online. When I factored in the shipping, warranty, and services issues, I really didn't spend that much more. Like the other lucky members, I have a good LDS. They greet me and my wife when we walk in the door by our first names. We are part of the dive club at the LDS, which gives us a chance know other divers and take advantages of exotic dive sites/trips. I agree with the others when they say it is a personal choice.