Swamp Rat
Guest
I know when I ran an archery shop we were getting about 15-20 dollars and hours for service. What is the rate for scuba gear? And how often do you charge it. It sounds like everything is normally under warrenty.
The Great local dive shop vs. online debate
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AllenG
Contributor
Ferrera - I'm pleased to read that you recognize the "value" that a LDS must offer and hope area divers respond in kind. I can't say that I have observed that value in some of the LDSs I've shopped (or not shopped in other instances), but then I don't live in Indiana!
Your observation re offering that value of consultation without any charge, only to have the customer go off and purchase the item from an Internet vendor. This raises an interesting question for our merry group, perhaps worthy of its own thread:
After doing your research/seeking consultation through a LDS, do you then make the purchase at the LDS or do you use an Internet-based or telephone-based vendor?
Your observation re offering that value of consultation without any charge, only to have the customer go off and purchase the item from an Internet vendor. This raises an interesting question for our merry group, perhaps worthy of its own thread:
After doing your research/seeking consultation through a LDS, do you then make the purchase at the LDS or do you use an Internet-based or telephone-based vendor?
Scubaroo
Contributor
I've never inspected goods at an LDS and then bought over the web. I think it's unethical.
Doesn't stop me from doing my own web based research and buying off the web though!
Doesn't stop me from doing my own web based research and buying off the web though!
ninja
Guest
Not to beat a dead horse anymore!!!
If the on-line diveshops are selling that cheap 50% off than they may not be offering warranties for the products. Possibly they are back dooring the stuff. I would be leary on the future service, if you shop only on price you will be selling yourself short on the benefits of buying at home!! Dive shops need our support and we need them!!!
If you paid $800 usd for a s600/mark25 combo that is too much my local dive shop sells them for $849.00 canadian do the math guys.
Ninja
If the on-line diveshops are selling that cheap 50% off than they may not be offering warranties for the products. Possibly they are back dooring the stuff. I would be leary on the future service, if you shop only on price you will be selling yourself short on the benefits of buying at home!! Dive shops need our support and we need them!!!
If you paid $800 usd for a s600/mark25 combo that is too much my local dive shop sells them for $849.00 canadian do the math guys.
Ninja
92630Diver
Contributor
It can depend on the LDS as well. I'm currently shopping around for a BCD and found the item on-line for $300 less than my LDS has it listed for. I spoke to them and the owner said that if I dive with him and a few others on Saturday morning we can negotiate price on the BC. A definite win-win situation. I get the BC that I want at a price I can afford as well as the dive experience that I need.
At another LDS (where I purchased mask, fins, snorkel) I encountered an entirely different attitude. Soon after leaving the store at the time I purchased the gear I've mentioned I discovered that I was charged $17.00 for the $170.00 pair of fins. I returned and told them that I owed them more money, they were very grateful of my honesty. I felt that 1) I'd feel a bit guilty if I hadn't done so, and 2) I wanted to establish a good rapor with them as I expected to purchase more gear later, participate in dive trips, etc. I returned a couple of months later shopping for a wet suit. They remembered me and were happy to see me, again expressing their appreciation for my honesty. I bought the wet suit from them and asked if there was any flexibility in the price (about the same sticker price as other LDS's in the area). Even 10% off would have been appreciated. But no deal, the price was as marked. I was disappointed. To the credit of the owner's wife, she did give me a free wet suit hanger when her husband was going to charge me for it. I probably won't shop there again.
I made my next gear purchases at the first LDS I mentioned in this posting. They'll continue to get my business for whatever I need that they carry, and I'll refer anyone I know who's shopping for gear in my area to them.
At another LDS (where I purchased mask, fins, snorkel) I encountered an entirely different attitude. Soon after leaving the store at the time I purchased the gear I've mentioned I discovered that I was charged $17.00 for the $170.00 pair of fins. I returned and told them that I owed them more money, they were very grateful of my honesty. I felt that 1) I'd feel a bit guilty if I hadn't done so, and 2) I wanted to establish a good rapor with them as I expected to purchase more gear later, participate in dive trips, etc. I returned a couple of months later shopping for a wet suit. They remembered me and were happy to see me, again expressing their appreciation for my honesty. I bought the wet suit from them and asked if there was any flexibility in the price (about the same sticker price as other LDS's in the area). Even 10% off would have been appreciated. But no deal, the price was as marked. I was disappointed. To the credit of the owner's wife, she did give me a free wet suit hanger when her husband was going to charge me for it. I probably won't shop there again.
I made my next gear purchases at the first LDS I mentioned in this posting. They'll continue to get my business for whatever I need that they carry, and I'll refer anyone I know who's shopping for gear in my area to them.
ninja
Guest
Bravo my good man!!
I'm sure your honesty was appreciated, and your dive shop does need the business
Ninja
I'm sure your honesty was appreciated, and your dive shop does need the business
Ninja
Aquamore
Contributor
Hey Murdoch325!
Your Redneck response had "Urchinkiller" (the wife) and myself 'bustin'our guts with laughter!
Have you ever considered a career in car sales?
Regards
Aquamore and Urchinkiller
Your Redneck response had "Urchinkiller" (the wife) and myself
'bustin'our guts with laughter!Have you ever considered a career in car sales?
Regards
Aquamore and Urchinkiller
Ari
Moderator
I have bought online from them.
During my last trip to NYC (I live in Israel), I went into their showroom on 18th st. Manhattan and took a look at their operation.
They have almost everything, at really good prices. I bought a computer, as well as some other stuff, from them and replaced it with another model the next day. Didn't have any problem replacing it, including a refund of the difference.
They have a very nice and extensive catalog and their mail order services are really good.
It may sound like I own the place, but I think they deserve it. They get my recomendation.
Ari =-)
During my last trip to NYC (I live in Israel), I went into their showroom on 18th st. Manhattan and took a look at their operation.
They have almost everything, at really good prices. I bought a computer, as well as some other stuff, from them and replaced it with another model the next day. Didn't have any problem replacing it, including a refund of the difference.
They have a very nice and extensive catalog and their mail order services are really good.
It may sound like I own the place, but I think they deserve it. They get my recomendation.
Ari =-)
MNScuba
Guest
Just couldn't resist! That picture was worth a thousand words.
donacheson
Contributor
Ditto. The LDS seeemed happy enough to sell at a discount.
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