LDS's are just too expensive

[Ken abucs]

 

[trucker girl]

and why is that?

Because they HAVE service...? That would be one good reason.

I bought a bag on eBay and that's as far as I've gone with online equipment purchases. If I bought real gear online, I'd end up with stuff that isn't what I really wanted/needed that is a pain to return (if you can return it) and then I'd have to pay more to get it serviced.

I bought nearly all my gear used through my LDS and "the Dive Guy" always goes the extra step for me. A good LDS is about diving, not just selling. So buying from the folks who get me diving more is smart money IMO.

I don't care where you buy your gear but I know where I'm buying mine.

 

[newjack06]

find a store to your liking and stick with it - the camaraderie, fun, experiences and deals will come - also the exemplary service - just remember every dollar you save online is NOT going into your local community - someday we will wake up and see no dive stores - just like grocery stores, service stations, Mom & Pop retailers etc - look at what happened with banks - in Indpls there is ONE bank owned locally (by a diver) - rest owned by out of state interests

and you have a point. at the same time, diving should be a sport for everyone, not just the upperclass or those seeking to dig themselves into debt. what middle class person with a family of five do you know can walk into a dive shop and put $1700 for a mediocre package? if that person can put $1700 down on the counter, how is he or she going to afford to take it diving. a two tank air dive is $120 in the great lakes. diving should be for everyone willing to learn the sport. not the person in the upper tax bracket.

 

[newjack06]

don't get me wrong here, im not going to leisure pro for everything. i am going to take my time researching even if it means going into a LDS. if i can't afford the price of a LDS, why should i feel bad that i didn't buy from them.

 

[J.R.]

Most LDS's just don't do enough sales to be able to sell at prices competitive with online retailers. I'm sure this will get echoed 100 times in the coming thread, but basically, the LDS can provide services that the online retailer can't... like air fills... etc etc.

Echoed.

... 100 times.

 

[newjack06]

then if this has been echoed 100 times, why don't dive shops do something about it?

 

[J.R.]

then if this has been echoed 100 times, why don't dive shops do something about it?

Ummm... like what? Become an internet site? ... order just enough to fill orders in hand... not pay the rent of the shop where we can go and socialize while fondling the latest and greatest? How about requireing all students to provide all their own gear BEFORE taking a class so the LDS doesn't have to have half a gazillion wet suits hanging on the rack... and a staff to maintain the equipment the rent out to those middle-class occasional divers who don't have the money to lay out on the internet?

It's all a perspective issue man... depends on where you're standing. (... and no... I have no interest as owner or employee of an LDS...)...

But if you're happy gettin' your stuff off the internet... what's your beef?

 

[BubblesUp]

i am going to take my time researching even if it means going into a LDS. if i can't afford the price of a LDS, why should i feel bad that i didn't buy from them.

One reason for their higher prices is that the LDS has to pay for the building you went in to, the inventory you looked at or tried on, and the shop staff you talked to while doing your "research" before buying online...

 

[newjack06]

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.

 

[dschulte]

then if this has been echoed 100 times, why don't dive shops do something about it?

I do not know where you are living, because it is not in your profile. My LDS’s have dive packages starting at $800; which is very reasonable and includes solid equipment. One of them even has a “Previously Loved Gear” section where a newbee can find a serviced regulator backed with a one-year LDS warranty. I have been to very few dive shops that only offer the $1700 mediocre package. When I got certified I shopped at both of my local stores, they owners new it; I want both to stay in business. Each has its advantages. Now that I am in my DM program, I work for one of the shops, so my buying with the DM discount and loyalty to my mentor is exclusively at one.

Internet retailers are great at providing certain products. One of the ScubaBoard sponsors is an Internet retailer that I have shopped at for accessories and parts, but when it comes to BC’s, Regulators, Masks, Fins, Wetsuits, etc., (things that are size and life dependent), I shop at the LDS. I have said it 100 times (funny that number keeps popping up) if you purchase a BC and find that it is the wrong fit try returning it. First you have to pay the shipping back and you are not going to get your original shipping cost back in the refund. Talk to your LDS, build a relationship, they should work with you, wherever it is you are. Relationships are one aspect of diving that you will appreciate and must be able to establish to keep this sport strong.

Just my two pennies…
:monkeydan