Question about buying from "non-authorized" re-sellers

[emmagee]

OK, I am planning on buying a new ScubaPro regulator in the near future, probabl the same set-up my wife is using, a MK25/S600, and retiring my older MK10/D300 to use as a backup regulator. I bought her locally from ScubaToys, but I understand they have dropped the ScubaPro line, so it doesn't look like I can buy from them; I have not verified this and wil talk to them this week.

Which brings me to my initia question, if I buy a ScubaPro, or any other product, for that matter, from a "non-authorized" re-seller, do I give up anything other than not getting the warranty? Depending on how much I can save, that may or may not be an issue. My big concern is just getting it serviced in the future, I would assume a ScubaPro dealer can tell this is a gray market regulator via the SN, will the refuse to service it? In a nutshell, other than not getting a factory warranty, are there any other downsides to buying from someone like Leisure Pro?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sasscuba]

The search button is your friend... http://www.scubaboard.com/search.php?searchid=3650057

 

[PerroneFord]

While I am sure there are some hardline shops out there, I don't know many dive shops that would be prepared to turn down an $80-$120 job just beacuse you bought your reg from outside authorized channels.

What do they know? You could have gotten it off Ebay.

 

[HowardE]

ScubaPro offers free parts FOR the service when you have an authorized purchase. So - people would still do the service, but you'd have to pay for the parts required to do the service. It's a savings that would probably negate the discount from buying a grey market purchase within 2 years.

 

[Carribeandiver]

Manufactuers set a minimum sales price called the MAP price. Manufacturers do not want a price war with dealers trying to sell cheaper than the other guy. In the long run, that would be bad for the dealer, the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer. Consequently, most brand name manufacturers do not allow online sales. Some companies, such as LeisurePro, purchase products from Europe and market them in the US over the internet. They are not authorized dealers and cannot offer manufacturer's warranties.
And any dealer caught selling below the MAP price will lose his authorization for the product line. Manufacturers are really protecting the consumer with this practice and I applaud them for being strict in effectuating this policy.
If the product has to be sent to the manufacturer for repair, they simply will not repair it IF serial numbers indicate the product was not sold by an authorized dealer.
IN SHORT, support those who support you. DO NOT BUY from unauthorized dealers and do not buy products from dealers who are not authorized dealers.
You can still purchase many products from LeisurePro and other such online marketers but not regulators, BCDs, etc made by most brand name manufacturers.
LASTLY, ScubaToys is no longer a ScubaPro dealer. Must have been a big falling out because as I recall, they have this huge ScubaPro logo in the middle of their floor.

 

[Damselfish]

Manufacturers are really protecting the consumer with this practice ...

For the record, many people think price fixing (and all the other related stuff) is as anti-consumer as it gets.

 

[HowardE]

MAPs (minimum advertised prices) suck... retailers should be allowed to decide on their own profit margins (spoken as a retailer - just not a retailer of scuba gear)

 

[jeckyll]

For the record, many people think price fixing is as anti-consumer as it gets.

Some people think 'price fixing' is a practice engaged in by competitors

After all, you can purchase any reg you like and vote against this practice by choosing a competing product that does not engage in the practice you object to.

 

[tridacna]

Manufactuers set a minimum sales price called the MAP price. Manufacturers do not want a price war with dealers trying to sell cheaper than the other guy. In the long run, that would be bad for the dealer, the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer.

:mooner:

Spoken like a true socialist. Now why would we in the USA actually want free trade and competition? Do we actually need to answer that? Unbelievable that someone actually has the gall to make such a statement. Let the goverment set prices. Let's prosecute anyomne who sells below goverment prices. OMG.

You see, competition is actually BAD for the dive industry. Let's make sure dive resorts, dive operators all have the same high inflated prices too. I would hate to "harm" the diver with competitive pricing.

What codswallop! On principle I do not believe in buying from organisations that support the nonsense espoused above.

 

[mdb]

"Consequently, most brand name manufacturers do not allow online sales."

A partial list of SCUBA companies that allow online sales includes: Akona, Apollo, Aeris, Beauchat, Cressi-Sub, Dacor, Dive-Rite, Genesis, Harvey, Henderson, Ikelite, Mares, Oceanic, O'Neil, Poseidon, Pelican, Sherwood, UK, XS SCUBA, Zeagle.