LDS's on a Positive Note...

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MNScuba

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I'm not looking to start yet another LDS Good/LDS Bad argument, but I do want to point out something.

I just had a little reminder that made me realize that the price of items is not necessarily the main focus. Although it's difficult NOT to compare prices online versus the LDS, it is however unfair. Your LDS (if it's a good one) provides much more to a diver than just gear. Perhaps you can look at their prices as including a knowledge base, experience, guarantees, piece of mind and the future. I'll admit I’ve bought some stuff online, and enjoyed the ‘savings’... but in light of something that happened to me today, I believe I will try a lot harder to support my favorite LDS and would encourage you to do so as well. I really think most of us are missing a valid point of the LDS and it's one of those “You don't know what you've got till it's gone” scenario's. I personally enjoy spending time on the phone or at the LDS itself... heck, without them I wouldn't be into scuba to begin with. Maybe its time we sat back and looked a little closer at the big picture... I know there are already a ton of threads on this, but I just wanted to post some positive feedback on my experiences. The piece of mind I have knowing that my gear is in top-notch condition and having a place I can physically take it to, and there’s a group of people that I know and have a good relationship with is very valuable to me.

Like I said in the first sentence, I don't want this to turn into another (LDS Good or Bad) or (LDS vs Online) argument. I just wanted to give some kudos to the shops for their hard work and let them know they ARE appreciated.
 
I love hanging out in shops. I have been to the dive store every day this week just chatting. I have made a couple of small purchase there but he treats me like I am a huge customer (which I hope to be more of in the future.) If it weren't for his treatment I would be making 90% of my purchases on-line but with the service I have been getting there I am going to give the LDS the first chance at my business.

Thanks for starting such a positive thread. I think the board does great in supporting the LDS's but it is always good to remind everyone of the services we sometimes take for granted.

Chad
 
WHAT HE SAID
 
Some DS experiences:

- found a shop that treated us with respect and friendliness, offered all the gear we sought, spoke at length with us about our gear choices, and all at superb prices (this is before internet sales began in earnest). We stuck with that shop for several years, though it was hundreds of miles out of the way, until we moved farther away.

- had a dive shop on the west coast repair a damaged reg immediately, and invited me to watch. For that, they charged the princely sum of $1.00.

- the LDS where I first certified allowed us to rent all gear during OW classes, including mask, fins, and snorkel. I didn't buy any gear for over a year; when I finally did, it wasn't from that shop. I felt guilty over that for quite awhile, but the shop carried only one brand of gear, and it wasn't one in which I had confidence. I have pointed as many potential divers in his direction as I can, though.

There are some very good shops out there....I just don't encounter them often enough. :(
 
I am glad to see this kind of thread for LDS. I use a shop that has been in the buisness since the beggining of Scuba. The owner has been a resource on films as well as many other dive boards. It is truly interesting to hear his experiences.

Is this LDS large? yes but they always seem to remember their customers. Are they opinionated on what gear they sell? Yes but they always have different name brands in stock. Do they cost more than internet sites? yes but I don't usually see ScubaPro, Oceanic, and some other brands on the net and to be real the companies pretty much set your prices. If you do package deals there is a discount just as the internet.

This shop also has weekly dives, local. There are also trips set up thru out the year so as many people can get away as possible and dive with people they no.

If I seem prejudiced about this shop I am they never rushed me and always were there for advice and encouragement. I would only hope that more shops would model themselves like them.

If you are ever in the Central New York area stop in to National Aquatic on Erie Blvd. Syracuse.

I do not now or ever worked for them this is just how they are.

chuckrt
 
Originally posted by Murdock325
I just wanted to give some kudos to the shops for their hard work and let them know they ARE appreciated.

Indeed. The LDS I frequent has always been more than ready to go out of their way to accomodate my needs/wants.
 
My dive buddy and I are fairly new to the dive scene. Since we started buying equipment my buddy tried, used and traded her mask twice before finding one she likes. She also traded fins and I as well have traded fins. These trades have all been graciously accomodated by our LDS with no additional costs. The BC that I bought on-line had a mild defect and didn't fit my needs but defect or not the on-line store would allow only 75% credit toward a return of the bc. Because the local guys have been so gracious, I give them all of the business I can. In addition they are running a scouting dive group. I have seen what these young folkes do to the equipment and what the dive shop charges. They are not making any money but are subsidizing the program. They run the scout group because they have two sons and feel that the young people in the area need something to do that teaches responsibility. They are currently in Florida with the scouts. These are great folkes and are becoming great freinds. I wish that more of you had dive shops like this one.
 
I just returned from my LDS. I had the great(I thought it was) idea of replacing my latex cuffs on my new dry suit with some rings. The owner talked me OUT of the sale. He said "They are fine...you'll know when they are about to tear....they look perfect now, don't destroy them......use them first"

I trust him and have for a long time-he trained me 24 years ago.
 
I found a great LDS after I pruchased most of my gear and my son's gear, but i still frequent them for the little things that I buy and my tanks...I also send anyone I know to them for both gear and training............Linda and John at TAMdive in Peterborough, Ontario are great people......................
 
this is my feeling anyway as for the price of equiptment well
hey thats just the way it is ,
well gotta go take care ppl
 

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