Another thread about shop vs internet pricing has prompted this thread... here's my vision of the dive shop of the future - within a decade, I think.
There will be no retail sales of major equipment at the dive shop of the future. There will be some manufacturer supplied samples for people to try, from those few manufacturers who survive the shake-out that's just beginning. The dive shop of the future will sell consulting services on gear selection to those who want it. They will sell consulting services on gear configuration and use to those who want it. They will sell small accessories but nothing major. The customer will either buy their own gear online, or the dive shop will act as agent for a fee.
The dive shop will sell instruction. There will be no "in house" instructors - instructors will all be part-timers who make a living doing something else, and who instruct for the love of it. They will make enough to cover their insurance, essential diving equipment and a few recreational dives of their own, but not enough to put bread on the table. Most of the instructional fees will go towards facilities upkeep for the shop, or there will be separate instruction and facilities fees.
The dive shop will sell guided travel, and will sell consulting on unguided travel. The customer will buy their own travel package online or the shop will act as agent for a fee. In the case of guided travel, the shop may sell the package directly, or may provide the guide for a fee while the customers make their own online travel and lodging arrangements. "Comp" spots will evaporate as resorts try to compete online with thinner and thinner margins.
Air fills will be more expensive.
The dive shop will perform service on equipment for a fee. It will be up to the customer to recoup any "warranty" covered charges from the equipment manufacturer/online sales outlet.
It'll be a painful transition, but once folks get used to paying for services rendered it'll all be just peachy.
Rick
There will be no retail sales of major equipment at the dive shop of the future. There will be some manufacturer supplied samples for people to try, from those few manufacturers who survive the shake-out that's just beginning. The dive shop of the future will sell consulting services on gear selection to those who want it. They will sell consulting services on gear configuration and use to those who want it. They will sell small accessories but nothing major. The customer will either buy their own gear online, or the dive shop will act as agent for a fee.
The dive shop will sell instruction. There will be no "in house" instructors - instructors will all be part-timers who make a living doing something else, and who instruct for the love of it. They will make enough to cover their insurance, essential diving equipment and a few recreational dives of their own, but not enough to put bread on the table. Most of the instructional fees will go towards facilities upkeep for the shop, or there will be separate instruction and facilities fees.
The dive shop will sell guided travel, and will sell consulting on unguided travel. The customer will buy their own travel package online or the shop will act as agent for a fee. In the case of guided travel, the shop may sell the package directly, or may provide the guide for a fee while the customers make their own online travel and lodging arrangements. "Comp" spots will evaporate as resorts try to compete online with thinner and thinner margins.
Air fills will be more expensive.
The dive shop will perform service on equipment for a fee. It will be up to the customer to recoup any "warranty" covered charges from the equipment manufacturer/online sales outlet.
It'll be a painful transition, but once folks get used to paying for services rendered it'll all be just peachy.
Rick