Scuba and online buying

[FSUDive]

I know there are threads already about LDS vs online, and this isn't one of them.

My question is about why scuba equipment isn't very prevalent on the internet. There aren't many onlin retailers of this kind of equipment and I'm kinda stunned by it. I know there are a few, but we run a little family owned outdoors store in central florida and it actually began on the internet. We sell hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and kayaking equipment and other things and most of our sales are online. Albeit there are many items (guns in particular) that we most certainly do not ship or sell online.

My question is this: Is there a Scuba Industry regulation that prohibits or hinders selling the products online? Or is it just that the companies don't want to.

Yes, I know that buying life support equipment online is "risky." And I totally agree when buying used from ebay or even new from a small shop outta the back of some guys car. But if it come straight from the factory to the online reatiler to you, then whats the difference in that or going from the manufacturer to the LDS then you?

I just wonder why there aren't any big stores like a Cabelas or Bass Pro online. We used to have a Huge Divers Direct in Orlando and they were online, but it seems like they aren't that big anymore.



P.S. Most of my equipment is still bought at my LDS even though it may be a little mroe expensive. I'm an instant gratification kinda guy.

 

[gstroupe]

This is a popular question and one with no specific or correct answer. Having said that, I will provide you with my opinion (keep in mind, it's just an opinion). Diving is still a small market right now (compared to other sports like basketball, football, etc.) and has traditionally been serviced by small, local shops due, in part, to the regulations around tank filling and servicing. Add to that the pressure from manufacturers on LDS's to carry one or two major brands of equipment and only servicing that equipment at these shops and you have a marketplace where shops compete based on brand loyalty and service and not necessarily on other factors like price, selection, hours, etc.

In comes the internet…making information about other brands, prices, shops, and other shoppers available with ease. Selling gear on the internet is still fairly new compared to other products like books and electronics but a shift is underway. As local dive shops are forced to compete with online retailers for many of their higher margin products they will need to start competing on price as well. Unfortunately, many LDS will not fair very well in this marketplace because they simply do not move enough product to generate the revenue needed to cover costs. Some shops have seen this shift in the market and have responded well to it by seizing broad market share and brand recognition with low prices and good customer service (scubatoys.com and leisurepro.com are two examples) while others have not.

 

[mike_s]

My question is this: Is there a Scuba Industry regulation that prohibits or hinders selling the products online? Or is it just that the companies don't want to.

Simply put.... some manufacturers don't allow it via their dealer agreements.
there is no Scuba Industry regulation that probhibits it. just the individual
manufacturers that "hinder" it.

Of course some companies still sell those brands online, but it might
cause an issue with its warranty, if the seller isn't an authorized dealer.

As long as the seller is an authorized dealer, you should be getting the
same product online as you would in the store.

 

[Green Hand]

Boy, from someone in Australia's perspective the on-line scuba market in the U.S. is a veritable treasure trove. I am actually surprised at how extensive the on-line market is - when you get into it there are on-line stores and manufacturers [ie DSS] where you can get pretty much everything you desire.

A quick search on Google will keep you busy for weeks comparing prices etc. I agree that most on-line retailers only carry certain brands, but once you get to suppliers like LeisurePro, Scuba Toys, Divers Discount Florida, and Divers Supply USA etc. you are getting a pretty huge range.

I am forever amazed reading great anecdotes about divers sizing and buying exposure protection on-line - and relaying that the fit was perfect, tr doing that with a business suit!!

With the internet you can basically review equipment styles and configurations, review product information and specifications, read customer reviews [good and bad], read 'independent' product tests, review prices, contact retailers and haggle price, make a purchase from your desk and receive it within three days - and all of us wonder why our business clients expect us to be contactable 24/7 with all the information at our finger tips [bring back the telegraph LOL].

I still laugh at a recent post where a SB member was complaining that LP did not dispatch on Fridays [is their life really that busy, or out of controll that they couldn't order ahead] give me a break. When I order on-line, even from Amazon I need to allow 8 weeks for delivery [you've just gotta plan].

Boy, what a rant this has turned into.LOL

Enjoy searching on-line I think you will find most of what you need, and I applaud you supporting your LDS [some purchases are best done there]

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Watch it! You said the "LP" word! :jestera:

 

[FSUDive]

Simply put.... some manufacturers don't allow it via their dealer agreements.

I figured that this was the case. We have many products like this too. I jsut hoep it doesn't get to the point where they stop allowing it to be sold online.

I feel for the LDS, from owning our own family business. We had to get out of the plant business years ago from the advent of the silk plant. Thankfully we survived.

I think the internet is the future though. We still own a shop and use the internet to bolster sales adn I think that would be the way I would go if I owned a dive shop. I think it's goign to happen soon too, because mmost of LDS already have websites just to show what they stock and other things.

 

[Halthron]

I think there will always be some manufacturers who allow their products to be sold online, there are several who are active contributors here. Restricting how a product can be sold doesn't sit well with me, I don't buy products made by those (edit: who don't allow product to be sold online) manufacturers.

 

[joe rock]

I think the internet is the future though. We still own a shop and use the internet to bolster sales adn I think that would be the way I would go if I owned a dive shop. I think it's goign to happen soon too, because mmost of LDS already have websites just to show what they stock and other things.

I am afraid you'll be right. I posted a lengthy reply on another thread, Reader's Digest version - I'd rather pay more at a LDS (provided I get the service/value) than buy discount from a website. Just my opinion.

JR

 

[Hoosier]

Most scuba equipment aren't from US oriented company. Do you believe that online restriction is applying to other world. I think it is a transition period. For example, why do you think that SP and Aqua lung offer the "Free Part" in US? They know the customer can buy the exact same one from EU market or Asia at the better price.

Scuba market is still small so that it only takes a long time to move to the internet world. Look at the other industry. IT is the new world that we have already gotten into. So, we can talk each other here, scubaboard.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

Some folks are comfortable buying online-some aren't- I don't think it only pertains to scuba equipment.