MNScuba
Guest
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 Ive 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 theres 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 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 Ive 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 theres 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.