New dive center dream...

[docmojo]

I am thinking about opening a new dive center. This is just a very starting block. What I would love feed back on is what do you need most in a dive center. Would it be customer service? How about local or distant trips? Maybe gear or gear cost... I will be looking to open in a few years and will try to have the very best well rounded dive center.. any help or thought would be nice.

This is a Great board and their are alot of great divers with tons of time underwater.
Thanks advance,
Docmojo

 

[Kwbyron]

Customer Service above all else, that's what I look for. As far as merchandise, variety and demos...It would add to overhead, but when it comes to buying my gear, when I invest that much money in something, I really want to try it out first, make sure its what I want. It'll be interesting to see what others post (this is my retirement goal).

 

[herman]

No doubt, good customer service is very important. The next suggestion I have is to have stock on hand. There is nothing I hate more than to go to a store for an item only to hear " we can order it for you". If I wanted to order it I would be on line, I need it now. I will drive out of my way and pay more if I 99% certain I am going to hear "yea, we got that" instead of "we can order it".

 

[cerich]

Let me know if I can help at all. I have a fair idea what works for shops in Georgia.

 

[andydiver06]

Become a PADI IRRA Member or any other agency you plan to represent. Select proper dive equipment for the type of diving and the no. of customers you plan to take per day. Buy a used dive boat or order a new one depending upon funds available. Take proper insurance coverage. Develop a good user friendly web site. Develop a good financial plan and carry out feasibility study. Locate a good place to set up your dive shop considering the ease of access to customers. Customers are obviously first as they will make it viable. Prepare a business plan and presentation if you need finance. Provide excellent service. Get all the necessary government clearances. Become a local distributor for 5/6 brands of equipment supplier or set up a good dive supply chain management for the store. Recruit properly trained manpower. Safety first so take no risk when customer safety is concerned . Drill this motto to all people you recruit and reinforce strictly. Cross your fingers and pray for your success.
I have no experience in this but these are my personal feelings.

 

[sandjeep]

A dive center would include a pool or better yet, a dive tower on site.
just my 0.02

 

[Misplaced Priority]

Eliments of success for a dive shop that is located along the Ga,SC,NC coast is obviously, good service, fair prices, selection, support and training. But the one key item for continued success is to create a community of divers. Group functions, dives and other gatherings. These drive interest and promote advancement in training and continued patronage.

 

[Rosewater]

I love the Dive Locker web site from Panama City Beach. From Missouri I can hear about things going on in the shop. It really makes me want to stop by when I get down there. Check out their Latest news section. When you open a dive shop you should really add something like this to your web-site.

I'm not a diver yet, but reading these boards and reading this web site makes me want to dive now!

 

[wreckchick]

One thing I would do if I was opening a full-blown shop is to have the stuff I'm selling in the shop in the rental line so people really can try everything out in the onsite pool to see if they like it before purchasing and you're outfitting students in gear they could actually get if they like it. It would be expensive, but I think it would probably end up generating sales and putting people in top quality gear for instruction.

Rachel

 

[Downeast Diving]

Become a PADI IRRA Member or any other agency you plan to represent. Select proper dive equipment for the type of diving and the no. of customers you plan to take per day. Buy a used dive boat or order a new one depending upon funds available. Take proper insurance coverage. Develop a good user friendly web site. Develop a good financial plan and carry out feasibility study. Locate a good place to set up your dive shop considering the ease of access to customers. Customers are obviously first as they will make it viable. Prepare a business plan and presentation if you need finance. Provide excellent service. Get all the necessary government clearances. Become a local distributor for 5/6 brands of equipment supplier or set up a good dive supply chain management for the store. Recruit properly trained manpower. Safety first so take no risk when customer safety is concerned . Drill this motto to all people you recruit and reinforce strictly. Cross your fingers and pray for your success.
I have no experience in this but these are my personal feelings.

For no experience Andy hit MANY factors, as well as the other contributors. Customer service is quite key. Customer service encompasses everything, eg. items in stock, boat tours, on-site pool, rental/trying of what you sell, etc. Everything you do, should have customer service in mind. "Build it, and they will come"... and so will your bottom line.

Another component is "Know what your competitors are doing"! Even if you are not updating a Buisness or Marketing plan, update yourself on what others are doing and what seems to work (or not work) for them...

Dennis--