scubabunny
Guest
I agree with Brandy, although I do realise that for alot of people, the nearest dive shop is hours away. I know our shop does email sales, although we are not really an "on-line" dive shop. The manufacturers know we do this, and approve (we match online pricing w/ full manufacturer warranty) HOWEVER, we do check and make sure there are no Dealers nearby (within 1/2 drive time) that carry or can special order that item for the customer before we make the sale. We try not to step on any "territorial" toes or take business away from local shops. But, it is amazing how many people live 4 hours away from the closest dive shop. For these people, buying gear online is the most practical option they have.
And Buff, how much are you willing to pay for airfills? If you think compressors are cheap (even online) you might be in for a surprise! Even small compressors use gobs of electricity...not to mention the maintanance (oil, filters, cleaning...).
Basically, I think some people are going to buy gear online instead of through their dive shop. And, truthfully, I can't blame them sometimes. The prices the Diveshops pay for the gear is outrageous, so their retail price is going to be more so. But, this is life support equipment, so it isn't going to be "K-mart" pricing.
I think the majority of people still like the "one on one" relationship they have with their dive shop. Maybe the internet is a good thing. It will make the dive shops more customer oriented and price competitive. I'm not saying that most dive shops AREN'T trying to make their customers happy. But, maybe they have to start offering something else besides just selling gear. I agree that gear sales is how most of them stay in business. And, there usually isn't alot of profit made..they do it because they love diving. And their loyal customers will keep buying from them. I think alot of people still like that "instant gratification" of walking out of a store with their new regulator in their hands..rather than waiting a week to 10 days for it to be delivered to them.
Ok....done rambling now. As you can probably tell, I can see both sides of the issue here (what can I say...I'm a Libra!)
And Buff, how much are you willing to pay for airfills? If you think compressors are cheap (even online) you might be in for a surprise! Even small compressors use gobs of electricity...not to mention the maintanance (oil, filters, cleaning...).
Basically, I think some people are going to buy gear online instead of through their dive shop. And, truthfully, I can't blame them sometimes. The prices the Diveshops pay for the gear is outrageous, so their retail price is going to be more so. But, this is life support equipment, so it isn't going to be "K-mart" pricing.
I think the majority of people still like the "one on one" relationship they have with their dive shop. Maybe the internet is a good thing. It will make the dive shops more customer oriented and price competitive. I'm not saying that most dive shops AREN'T trying to make their customers happy. But, maybe they have to start offering something else besides just selling gear. I agree that gear sales is how most of them stay in business. And, there usually isn't alot of profit made..they do it because they love diving. And their loyal customers will keep buying from them. I think alot of people still like that "instant gratification" of walking out of a store with their new regulator in their hands..rather than waiting a week to 10 days for it to be delivered to them.
Ok....done rambling now. As you can probably tell, I can see both sides of the issue here (what can I say...I'm a Libra!)
