The Great local dive shop vs. online debate

[Knavey]

cd_in_SeaTac once bubbled...
I knew I was hooked when they actually stopped me from buying a knick-knack that I thought might have some purpose and suggested a DIY fix that cost me pennies. Not to mention the PS2 games to play when there are not dive videos playing on the tv.

There's still good ones out there, but it took some searching to find one in Seattle.

Share...share with us the fix. What did you save money on?

 

[Rick Inman]

cd_in_SeaTac once bubbled...
There's still good ones out there, but it took some searching to find one in Seattle.

Well, who is it???

 

[MAGELLAN]

The prices I got for LP for my gear was at least 45% less, so I just felt too embarassed for the LDS to ask. I did mention it sort of joking with one the instructors, kind of thinking they would offer to bargin, but I just got a dissapproving look. Oh, well. Besides, in the event that something just completely failed, and LP wouldn't replace it (which doesn't seem likely, they've been great) it would still cost me less to just buy a new bc, reg, etc. than to have bought everything I have from my LDS. The only thing easing my consciense is I do go by and pick up all the small things from them, take their courses, trips etc. I recently spent about $2500 to set up my wife and I and I would have paid at least $2000 more through my LDS, sorry not worth it! If I have to I can fix most anything I have, I just need access to the parts, and if not I don't mind paying a little extra to have my reg serviced. In my opinion it was worth it.

 

[pasley]

5615mike once bubbled...

If you were in the same situation as I was two years ago, would you have spent twice the money at the LDS...... that's an additional $1250, not $1500 as I stated before, I looked it up, rather than purchase from LP and accept their warranty which from what I know of it is about as good as the mfg.

June 2001, I bought all my scuba gear at my LDS (Sports Chalet). So yes, I would and did spend the extra money. I am glad you can appreciate my possition. Spending several days (and we are talking 15-20 hours of actual time plus driving all over heck) only to have them purchase through some whos expertise they did not trust in the first place bites. True, it is not likely to change. But I did manage to. I simply do not show a buyer property until he signs a contract with me, wehreby I get compensated when they buy. If they go through me and the seller pays me, I credit the buyer with taht, if tehy don't go throught me, then the buyer has to pay it all.

Bottom line is the LDS does have to evolve and pooling their purchasing power is one way to do so.

 

[jhelmuth]

Most of my gear is from my LDS. Would I if I had known about LiesurePro? Hard to say, but I'm glad I did because I've already encountered a recall and warranty issue. But for many things which warranty and service are not an issue (or just too inexpensive to worry about it), I'll buy mostly from LP (just did today as a matter of fact - Lycra suit and a backup SPG).

 

[5615mike]

pasley once bubbled...


Bottom line is the LDS does have to evolve and pooling their purchasing power is one way to do so.

Pasley

Glad to hear that you are so intent on keeping your LDS in business. We need more of you who have such an abundance of spendable income.

The problem is that LDS can not co-op with other dive shops. This is not part of their contract with Mfg or they would all be doing it. This is part of the problem as respects the Mfg.. IMO they are more to blame for the demise of many LDS than are the General public.



The comparison you make of a retail purchase to a Real Estate transaction does not hold water. They are completely different animals. Many retail transactions are created due to impulse buying. Now granted, buying a complete set of gear and spending $2500 is not an everyday occurrence but I know people who have done it. But there is a completely different mind set of the buyer and Salesman in Real Estate. There is a great deal more time and effort required buying Real Estate. When your talking about spending that kind of money, hell, that's the largest transaction 99% of the general public ever make. There are many things that must be considered when making such a purchase........IMO

 

[knobber]

I stopped by the LDS where I got my OW certification, as well as another shop to try on some equipment and price shop. Took down some mental notes as to what seems to be best, and as usual, I came home to check the internet before I bought. Leisure pro is over 50% off the prices at the shops, but I feel guilty buying there! Especially since I got a lot of information from the owners as to what's the best fit, what I'll need for where I'm going, etc.

For example, a Mares 960 pneumatic speargun: LDS--$349; LP--$180. Mares Jubilee BCS: LDS--$549; LP--$275.

I know you are supposed to support your local LDS and all, but does anyone out there actually pay the higher price just because? Or, has anyone had a problem where you showed up to a sponsored dive trip with a lot of new gear purchased elsewhere?

 

[procyon]

I'd like to see the answers on this from some of the folks who have been around a while. So far all my gear has come from a few different LDS but I have been doing some online "window shopping".

I like the personal touch but is it worth the extra $$$?

 

[zeN||]

Here is a medical kit, you'll need it after all the lds employees here beat the &*^% out of you for this post cheers! zeN

 

[pasley]

knobber once bubbled...
I stopped by the LDS where I got my OW certification, as well as another shop to try on some equipment and price shop. Took down some mental notes as to what seems to be best, and as usual, I came home to check the internet before I bought. Leisure pro is over 50% off the prices at the shops, but I feel guilty buying there! Especially since I got a lot of information from the owners as to what's the best fit, what I'll need for where I'm going, etc.

There is nothing I like better than having a customer take my time, (days of it) and expertise because they respect my knowledge, only to buy through a relative who they don't think is competent enough to do the job. I am only paid by commission, no sale, not food on my table.

You must recognize that part of the cost of a LDS are:
1. Rent of floor space (or purchase of same).
2. Employees to keep a store front open for you to talk to.
3. Insurance (livability and fire)
4. Time to gain all that expertise you value so much that you took the time to drive to the LDS.
5. Floor models for you to try on (some one had to buy them so you could try them).
6. Cost of parts and other items for on site repairs.
7. Cost of store standing behind what it sells.
8. Workman’s Comp insurance
9. Unemployment Insurance
10. Furniture and other in store items to make it look nice.

knobber once bubbled... For example, a Mares 960 pneumatic speargun: LDS--$349; LP--$180. Mares Jubilee BCS: LDS--$549; LP--$275.

LP also is at least honest enough to tell you up front they sell gray market. That means that they are NOT authorized dealers for all that they sell. They also tell you some of their stuff will not have instructions in English and/or have a MFG warranty.

In short, at a LDS, who is an authorized dealer, you get MFG warranty plus the local store to stand behind the product. At LP you get LP and their warranty only.

You can buy where you want, but the online stores can be cheaper because they do not provide all the service of an LDS. But I bet you get your air from an LDS, if it can stay in business.

Why did you go to a LDS when you intended to buy from an online vendor? That was not honest of you.

Just my $0.02 worth. I do not own a dive shop, but I know what it is like to be used.