LeisurePro now an Oceanic Authorized Dealer?

[ReefHound]

I think this is good news for other LDS and bad news for the dive consumer. If a diver wants to pay MAP they have plenty of LDS options, LP is for those divers who are willing to trade "authorized" benefits for a lower price. This removes that alternative to them, for Oceanic products.

I predict LP will see such a downturn in sales that they will soon violate or terminate their dealer agreement. There really is no reason to go to LP if not for price. I wonder if they will stock up to the hilt just before doing so?

 

[mike_s]

So much for trying to help. If I said the sky was blue you'd probably say prove it wouldn't you?

I think you're missing the point here....

I'm not trying to argue with you, just to point out that the Oceanic rep told you what he thought you wanted to hear and that he didn't give you a clear answer. He still wants you as a shop to buy Oceanic gear from him and knows that you being a small shop doesn't want to compete with the likes of Leisure Pro.

Read Dive Right In post above your most recent one. Looks like he's a little more informed by his rep than you are.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Does that mean he's admitting they are an "Un-Authorized" dealer then? (Shipping via 3rd party)

Which might mean they didn't answer the question clearly.

I dont understand this post? THey have always been UNAUTHORIZED......whats to be admitted??

 

[DiveSite]

As I stated before, the operative word was AUTHORIZED. If they are authorized they have to adhere to MAP pricing, which as someone just pointed out is GOOD for the LDS. I'm all for them becoming AUTHORIZED and having to play by the same rules as I do.

 

[mike_s]

I dont understand this post? THey have always been UNAUTHORIZED......whats to be admitted??

It means simply that the manufacturer ships via a 3rd party to LP. So that means the manufacturer fully knows who the goods are going to.

Not where LP contacts a dealer and buys indirectly. this isn't specific to Oceanic, but any manufacturer.

The term Unauthorized is somewhat a joke because the rep just didn't/wouldn't give a clear answer (to the other poster).

 

[DiveSite]

.........The term Unauthorized is somewhat a joke because the rep just didn't/wouldn't give a clear answer (to the other poster).

Actually he answered quite clearly. He said they were not Authorized dealers. If they were Authorized they would have to play by the same rules as all the dealers. As Unauthorized dealers or "Grey Marketers" they can do whatever they please. Just like they do with Aqualung, Seaquest, Suunto, Apeks and ScubaPro equipment.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

I see.....your right kind of....Oceanic has shut down numerous dealers in the past for selling to LP....Some of the biggest names in scuba are the ones that sell to LP in the Gray market......Some times the vendors tend to look the other way, the big retailers dont care, because the get a percentage for what they sell to LP and LP makes a few points on when they sell, and the Vendors get there product out......

I wish this wasnt in the Oceanic forum because what Im talking about is the majority of vendors in scuba.....NOT Oceanic...they figured out how to bring LP into their system and in check with MAP pricing.....Its the gray marketers that bring it all down and sell to LP....They are going to feel the hit in there pockets as well

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

gray market=voodoo just kidding....

 

[DiveSite]

gray market=voodoo just kidding....

Gray market = More profit for manufacturers (lack of "parts for life" support)

 

[mike_s]

Oceanic...they figured out how to bring LP into their system and in check with MAP pricing.....Its the gray marketers that bring it all down and sell to LP....They are going to feel the hit in there pockets as well

For years Oceanic has been trying to beat LP at their own game. To find out the grey market sources. As soon as they find one out, another pops up. It's kinda like trying to get rid of 'drug dealers'. It's a never ending battle.

Solution: If you can't beat them, join them. (make them authorized).

The 'greymarketers feeling the hit in their pockets' might be what part of this was intended to do.

1st, it brings LP on level playing field with competing dealers.
2nd, it removes the 'no warranty' tarnish of grey-market goods on the manufacturer name.
3rd, it pinches the grey market dealers from their reselling to grey market.
4th, overall it provides better Oceanic support to their customers.

Most dealers will support this. Most customers will support this.


Now... that' leads to the next question.

When will Aqualung switch over to being an Authorized dealer with LP?