LDS's are just too expensive

[amascuba]

I'm willing to spend a few extra dollars for a LDS that provides good service. Fortunately I have found one of those shops and the owner knows that I will give him a fair shot of winning my business before I go to other people (or he provides me a list of other people who can provide what I want).

On the other hand, I have also experienced the dive shop that doesn't have great service and is mismanaged. Those are the shops that make me look for other avenues for the goods that I want.

 

[ReefHound]

I'm willing to spend a few extra dollars for a LDS that provides good service.

If it was just a "few extra dollars", who wouldn't?

 

[ReefHound]

Again, a new forum suggestion for Bashing LDSs. No I don't work for one.

I guess it would go beside the Bashing Online Dealers forum because just as many, if not more, threads are started about that.

 

[matty4011]

its not beef im starting. i think LDS's should be more affordable. i understand they have a light bill, rent, ect. it does not make sense that we as consumers get frowned upon if we buy online when prices at an LDS are simply not affordable.

Absolutely, in many cases the LDS's prices are way too inflated. The markup before the usual discounts (10-25%) that only real suckers must not receive seems to be around 100%. If the LDS is totally unreasonable I would rather buy gear at a good price online and pay for whatever service I might need.

The "LDS will disappear" argument is stupid, places that have to try to guilt customers into effectively giving them hundreds of dollars in donations everytime they buy gear don't deserve to stay in business. That said in a store with no pressure, good staff and a nice atmosphere I would be glad to spend slightly more than online prices.

 

[ekewaka]

LDSs who think the customer owes them something are usually just making excuses for bad service. If the service they provide is actually worth what they are charging for it, then they should be able to sell it without guilting the customer into giving them donations.

 

[427Dave]

i think its kind of funny that we are having this discussion and to the left of our messages, we are being bombarded with online ads. i was just talking to my wife about this. why can't LDS's go online and compete? if you can't beat them why not join them. right?

I use Mozilla instead of Microsoft Internet Exploder and have ad blocker turned on,,, what ads?

 

[kneptoon]

I prefer the LDS. I've experienced great service and tech support impossible with LP. I still order from LP and other online outfits but I give the LDS first shot at my business. Some local shops know the new reality facing them and will discount to be competitive. Others are stubborn and probably not long for the business.

 

[Cacia]

Does anybody care about time, traffic, and parking..or am I the only one?
People keep discussing service....I must be so weaned from any kind of customer service that I don't even know what that is anymore. If I need to know something, I ask here or google.

I have to say, the fact that I discovered click n ship USPO this week and might never go into the PO again has made me very happy.

Every single time I discover a way to avoid driving somewhere, I am there.

I don't go in banks
I don't go in malls
I don't go in dive shops
even my Rx's are mailed

what are these customer service people doing for you that would not be easier to do for yourself? (just curious)

 

[talonraid]

Does anybody care about time, traffic, and parking..or am I the only one?
People keep discussing service....I must be so weaned from any kind of customer service that I don't even know what that is anymore. If I need to know something, I ask here or google.

I have to say, the fact that I discovered click n ship USPO this week and might never go into the PO again has made me very happy.

Every single time I discover a way to avoid driving somewhere, I am there.

I don't go in banks
I don't go in malls
I don't go in dive shops
even my Rx's are mailed

what are these customer service people doing for you that would not be easier to do for yourself? (just curious)

A oerfect example of the changing world. This is great anectdotal evidence I've my rant several posts back. Adapt or die old school business!

 

[diver 85]

A oerfect example of the changing world. This is great anectdotal evidence I've my rant several posts back. Adapt or die old school business!

got to say a big 'Yep' on that one ,....too...