Major Industry Change re: Online Scuba Sales....

[scubadobadoo]

What happens when all the LDS in the US start selling gear online at the same prices as LP? I know the first reply is going to be "they never will", but what if. A couple of posters have already brought up the scenario where the LDS doesn't exist anymore so I was curious what the comments would be if all the shops became mini leisurepros.

Many LDS's already do or atleast match prices thus making LP obsolete becasue one can get man. warranty and price. My guess is LP wants companies like AL and SP to continuue to rule LDS's pricing structure so they can continue to be the cheapest.

 

[daniel f aleman]

The real point about selling diving product or services is getting new divers into the sport. Most all dive equipment is now of lifetime use with minimal maintainance, and 90% of certified divers remain just Open Water. The new sales paradym will need to include getting new divers (many of whom are "new consumerists"), and then meeting their needs - the success of that will determine the size of the overall infrustructure...

 

[ReefHound]

Their business model works now. They make money. Why complicate it? They won't. They have no interest in the scuba industry other than the fact that they happen to sell scuba gear. They don't need to hook up with anyone.

I used LP merely as an example that everyone would know. Maybe they have no greater ambitions. Others may.

Amazon's business model works now yet they are constantly exploring new products and services to sell.

I didn't realize you were in NYC, that probably has more to do with the price you pay for air fills than anything else.

 

[plot]

The LDS (that which are located in non-dive locations or resorts) will return to the larger sporting goods store as a department (see Sports Chalet, World Water Sports, REI, etc.) I was certified in a such a place in 1974.

You'll have "paintball" stores that will serve divers , and of course dive clubs (which are still going strong in much of the US and Europe) with their compressor and in-house club instructor.

In the future, ALL products will be sold online.

I'd guess this would be the trend. LDS's won't be strictly diving... they'll have to have some other business on the side to prop them up. Paintball would be a good choice... especially if you can open up a field right next to the scuba training pool. There's a scuba shop near here that gives swimming lessons to little kids and supposedly make a killing doing so. Could move into the boating market too possibly...

It doesn't even have to be anything related to scuba diving... just something that you think alot of scuba divers might be interested in, or better yet... a lot of people that do that other thing might be interested in scuba if it was in front of them.

 

[meekal]

just curious: what are ya'll thoughts on the 'ramifications' of selling USED gear at an LDS?

 

[plot]

just curious: what are ya'll thoughts on the 'ramifications' of selling USED gear at an LDS?

My LDS does it with no problems. They sell the old rental gear in packages for pretty cheap. Most of the people that buy them, get them soley for a second set up as back up... not to actually use. The others that buy them wouldn't have bought the expensive new gear anyways.

 

[ReefHound]

What happens when all the LDS in the US start selling gear online at the same prices as LP? I know the first reply is going to be "they never will", but what if. A couple of posters have already brought up the scenario where the LDS doesn't exist anymore so I was curious what the comments would be if all the shops became mini leisurepros.

They never will.

But if... then I would probably do all my business with the LDS. But not in person unless they radically change their approach.

I get riled up hearing the LDS shills trot out the same tired arguments and scare tactics whenever this topic arises. It just reminds me of all the facets of the dive industry that I detest. It's not so much the prices but the business practices.

I refuse to grovel or haggle. I refuse to buy dive gear like I have to buy a new car. I don't care if the LDS will match a price. Too late. If they will take $300 for a reg then they should have put that on the sticker in the first place. And there better be a sticker cuz I'm not gonna call or ask.

I prefer to do my own product research. I trust the opinions on forums like this more than anything from a LDS. They are pushing the brands/models they carry, they are trying to maximize the sale.

Online I can shop 24/7, know the price upfront, not be pestered by sales staff, compare products and prices freely with many other stores, take minutes to months to make my decisions, and not have to interact with anyone.

 

[Debraw]

I tried the "put the lowest price" to start gear I sell in the shop. People would then still ask for a discount! Now I ring stuff up at retail , give them a discount and it shows up on the receipt the amount of money they saved. It has proven to be much more effective. It's a perception, marketers have been doing it for years, SALE. The simple four letter words brings people out in droves. Ebay is my perfect example. I can sell things on Ebay higher than I do in my store. I can not sell everything I want though because of dealer agreements. People love the auction, I never sell for a fixed price. I quit questioning it after last winter. It kept my shop viable and thriving all winter long (combined with travel). I do not think Scubaboard is indicative of the majority of consumers out there today. I also do not think Scubaboard is indicative of all Local Dive Shops. There are plenty of LDS's discounting, supplying travel, service, air fills, etc. Unfortunately, people are always willing to bash an LDS when something bad happens, but the satisfied customers are out there,...... probably diving.

 

[superstar]

What if the dive equipment manufacturers would make the internet sellers stick to suggested retail price and let the LDS sell at a discount.

 

[cerich]

What if the dive equipment manufacturers would make the internet sellers stick to suggested retail price and let the LDS sell at a discount.

That would be illegal.