LDS vs. WEB

[crestgel]

I just bought my first reg this last weekend from my LDS after debating this same issue. I called Scuba Pro and Apeks to ask questions to confirm certain warranty work arounds that are available from online shops. Non of the work arounds were ideal. Being in the US ScubaPro and Apeks supplies all parts needed for an annual service. I figured I would make up the difference in a few years.

I told my LDS about my research and the price difference, they understood my pain and gave me a 20% discount on my reg. I still overpaid when comparing it to the online price. I can only say that I feel good about my purchase. My LDS bent over backwards to help me and would do it again over again.

I plan to buy non warranty essentials from online only if my LDS price is +20% of the online price. Don’t ask me how I came up with this but it sure does make it easier.

 

[Sideband]

I felt bad at first when I bought my BC and regs. online. My lds only carried ScubaPro and their price for a BCD was more than what I paid for my BCD and regs.. They are not top of the line but until I get some more experience they are plenty good. The BC will last me for years but I imagine the regs will be upgraded in a year or so. The owner of the shop said he understood though and that a lot of people go that way. He expects to keep me as a customer for continued education and I bought my computer from him.

The big thing I see about online purchases is make sure they are an authorized dealer of what you buy so you get the waranty. Also, make sure a local shop is available that services that equipment if possible to avoid having to ship it away every year.

Joe

 

[DeepBlueSea45305]

Thanks everyone, you have braught up some very good points to consider prior to making a purchase.

 

[cleant]

My LDS asks us to come in,try stuff on and shop,go home and check out on line prices but give them a chance to get to make a sale before we send a check off out of state.
There is a no questions asked 60 day return policy on equipment and at least a 2 year warranty on everything they sell.If I want to upgrade my scubapro regs (which I did from a 390 to a 650) I got 100% of what I payed toward the upgrade.

The shop has a pool where my son has learned to dive with Scuba Rangers and I can use that pool to check my equipment before trips.
In two weeks I am going out on a charter that the shop set up out of Morehead City and I know from experience that I will have a good time.The boat knows that the shop is careful as to who they book and go out of the way to get to the best wrecks.

They may not have liked it when I bought a BC on E-Bay but sure didn't give me a hard time about it.
Seeing so many posts from those that seem to paint all LDS's as rude greedy people make me grateful for what we have here.
Summer is here,lets go diving.
Tom

 

[chrisc]

I told my LDS about my research and the price difference, they understood my pain and gave me a 20% discount on my reg. I still overpaid when comparing it to the online price. I can only say that I feel good about my purchase. My LDS bent over backwards to help me and would do it again over again.

I wish I lived where you live, here in Vegas the LDS's not only will not lower the price, but "slam" each other in town on service and knowledge of equipment. I'll go to LDS to see if they have any clearance items or something I want to see in person. Unless it's an emergency, I buy on-line or at the "Big Box" sporting goods store and get it at a better price.

Service is not an issue, as there is a local guy who services most equipment at a great price, the LDS's send most of thier stuff to him anyway to service, and double the price.

Chris

 

[Paco]

I guess I'm lucky. My LDS always gives me a discount off retail, sometimes 30 or even 40 percent. They're happy to let me try gear before I buy and their service is unsurpassed. I'll buy some things elsewhere, but my life support equipment will always come from the shop.

 

[crestgel]

The big thing I see about online purchases is make sure they are an authorized dealer of what you buy so you get the waranty. Also, make sure a local shop is available that services that equipment if possible to avoid having to ship it away every year.

Joe

This is one of the things I asked ScubaPro, not sure about the rest. An authorized dealer can only sale Scuba Pro stuff at the ScubaPro price and over the counter. This is part of the agreement to become a dealer.

 

[Sideband]

This is one of the things I asked ScubaPro, not sure about the rest. An authorized dealer can only sale Scuba Pro stuff at the ScubaPro price and over the counter. This is part of the agreement to become a dealer.

Yup. That was one reason I didn't buy ScubaPro. I did like their policy on parts though. Their parts for annual maint. is free for the life of the reg., for the original owner.

 

[LUBOLD8431]

One thing that has been missed in this thread, is that no matter where you purchase your equipment, there will be some level of customer service. Getting your equipment (whether in an LDS, or online), servicing your equipment, warranty issues, returns for something that doesnt fit (or broken, or not working properly). No matter where you buy your equipment, you will have the oppurtunity to see the customer service in action. My experience with an LDS for purchasing dive equipment has been excellent. I have bought some equipment from an online retailer as well (Abyss), and the service I received was excellent there as well. Make sure you are comfortable with whoever you are giving your money to. Will the LDS or online retailer take care of you if something is wrong with your order? Is the seller easy to contact? What are the return policies? What is the warranty? I wouldnt want to purchase a wetsuit or drysuit online (due to fitting issues). As far as life support equipment, thats a personal decision. AS for reasons one way or the other, that has been beat to death. Use the search feature, and you will see for yourself.

 

[s7595]

deep blue see45305 I can solve your problem ,my lds sold my apex for 600 cdn funds now say he is a litte higher , when you have us funds had 30% mean 600 is 420 us dollars ,so you get life time warrenty because you bought from lds and cheaper than online in us funds , pm to find lds name and phone