To buy local or not to buy local; my economic question of this year’s purchase .

[CaboJim]

Please correct me if I'm wrong. You want to purchase a ScubaPro reg. We all know that ScubaPro does not warrant any of their products bought on the net, at least, here in USA.
So to buy it from LP, you banking that they will be around to service your reg for years to come.
Is that about right?

Try to negotiate a price from your LDS by asking them if they will match or come close to LP's price. Your LDS needs the business, & keep in mind they do alot other things, in the way of service that a internet seller can't....

 

[tight rope walker]

Awap that reminds me of a story of long ago where Scubapro was accussed of price fixing. No matter what state you were in, or what shop you went in, the prices were all the same as in the catalogg. Also the shops had to be so far from each other, meaning you could not open a shop up right across from another one, wether across the street or across town. I don't know whether that policy has changed. And you are right about the discount

 

[Splash-X]

Please correct me if I'm wrong. You want to purchase a ScubaPro reg. We all know that ScubaPro does not warrant any of their products bought on the net, at least, here in USA.
So to buy it from LP, you banking that they will be around to service your reg for years to come.
Is that about right?

Try to negotiate a price from your LDS by asking them if they will match or come close to LP's price. Your LDS needs the business, & keep in mind they do alot other things, in the way of service that a internet seller can't....

IMO your LDS is more likely to close before LP does. I'm a big fan of using the LDS and giving them the opportunity to work things out with you. It is true that SP limits dealers to 10% off retail price for special promotions on "current" SP products. That doesn't meant the dealer wont make a special for you to include a "free air fill" card good for 10 fills, a $100 value. Don't expect to make a deal on every purchase but give them a chance.

If this is just a single purchase and you're looking to save as much as possible, LP may be the way to go. If you're looking at the larger picture and you have several purchases (most of us do) over a year or even your life as a customer, the LDS may be the way to go.

 

[CaboJim]

You could be right about the LDS vulnerability, especially in this economic climate. My point is that since ScubaPro won't warrant the product from LP. the buyer can't go to them if their is a warranty problem... & if you're going to use this reg for a # of years, what's $200 ?

 

[parzdiver]

what's $200 ?

It's the cost of your octopus and Miflex hoses.

 

[CaboJim]

It's the cost of your octopus and Miflex hoses.

I can see your point.
But for the money, I personally will give my LDS the business.
I dive 3-4 times/month.
I guess that I rely on my LDS more than you guys....

 

[parzdiver]

I can see your point.
But for the money, I personally will give my LDS the business.
I dive 3-4 times/month.
I guess that I rely on my LDS more than you guys....

I value my LDS very much and they value me as a customer. As I stated earlier, they have worked with me and given great pricing, matching or coming close to whatever online prices there are. They are one of the great shops that actually understands the Internet economy. Since I started making the big purchases, the only thing I've purchased on-line are accessories the LDS doesn't carry.

 

[Splash-X]

Like I said, I'm a PRO-LDS person but thats because my LDS takes care of me. I have a good relationship with them aside from spending money.

I'm not asking anyone else to drink the LDS koolaid and I'm trying to stay neutral. After all, as a DiveCon I have to be "affiliated" with a shop but I also want people to respect what I have to say because it stands on it's own and isn't bias towards the LDS.

Even if I had bought my reg from LP, the cost of the parts kits that SP is giving you is like $20 per year. $20 per year x 10 years = $200.

On a single purchase item it is a close call and it comes down to personal preference. For me, I would spend the $200 more at my LDS knowing that when I have other needs like refills or other things they cut me a deal when they can.

 

[MDJ1016]

Posting here

 

[Van Isle]

Understand, too, that regs are most likely to require adjustment AFTER a servicing. Are you factoring the extra shipment costs and downtime to send it back to LP for that tweaking? Or is your LDS going to extend that kind of goodwill to a customer who purchases online that they'll do it for free? If you had purchased and serviced at LDS, they would make your reg right with every service. (or should - mine would!) Factor in peace of mind, no hassle services, OEM warranty, and an air card for 10 fills and you're basically on par with online. Plus you walk out the door with it all put together, bench tested, ready to go that day.

Your needs may vary.

VI