Laura,
I don't think they really did do everything they could have to not get to this point. I actually think that old, tired, outdated scuba practices is what also contributed to this.
UEMIS is/was a cutting edge computer. They sold to their dealers and consumers thru their online store. They had logging software that was strictly done online. A few months ago, they lost their Canadian Distributor for reasons we will not get in to. He did allow internet sales in the US, and sales were PLENTY. Especially when they ran a sale to the tune of about $1350 with transmitter. There was ZERO signs of anything negative at that point. We couldn't keep them in stock at that price point no matter how many we ordered!!
Shortly after that (losing Canadian Distributor), they banned all internet sales...and we were actually threatened, even though we were there number 1 dealer, because we sold their products online. Regardless of the fact we weren't told of the change in policy enforcement. This was also a big deal between us and them and the treatment of their largest dealer...
So, they kill their largest selling source (online in general not just us), they limit others that are online selling it. The same folks who helped get the name out and word about their computer. Which also actually drives people into their local shops, asking about the computer, which makes the local guy become a dealer and sell them locally....all helping UEMIS. So, you get rid of all that, which makes no sense in this day and age....and what do you really expect to happen? How many local shops do you see or hear about getting the word out? How many of you that bought one, heard about it online? Bought online? Who bought and heard about it locally? Did you do any research about it online? I bet so....
Now, let's also add in a US distributor....what do you think happens to the price? Another hand in the middle. The MSRP jumps from $1649.99 to $1999.99.......
So, in all honesty, I don't agree with your statement. I stressed my points to them over a year ago that they needed to get with the times and allow us to follow their online business practices. They said, at this time we are not looking at changing to an Internet Model. Even though, everything THEY did was based on an internet model, they weren't going to allow internet sales. We obliged, due to it being a KICKASS Computer, and people wanting it. I have one and LOVE it.
Regardless of what ANYONE says, Internet retailers DO drive traffic to local stores. I just had a guy today, that talked to me extensively about buying a Whites Fusion a few weeks back...only to buy it locally. It happens all the time. My price was even better, but he wanted to buy locally. He thanked me for helping him, and told me he bought locally to support the local shop. They didn't know anything about the suit, and didn't sell it...I did. I helped that store make money, and sometimes they help us when people go try something on. It actually goes both ways. Our advertising (online retailers in general), is expansive at helping people learn about a product. Online stores are pretty good catalogs for a lot of people to peruse late at night. Our product knowledge (again online stores in general), is typically better than an actual store. We dive the products, train people how to use them, and stay up on the latest and greatest (not all online stores) to give the best service locally or not. So you are really cutting your throat to not get into having online retailers....especially a newish company. Your product can be the best, but can also not get promoted in a dead economy with just standard "Dive stores".
More stores need to evolve into today's business model, and so do manufacturers. This is another case, in my opinion, of old business practices and "know how" ruining what could have been a stellar name and computer. Just like you see dive shops going out of business due to their dinosaur practices, now you are seeing a manufacturer.
I am 100% certain there was more they could do, but they didn't want to. They relied on the "Ol way" of doing things and got burnt. Evolve or disappear. Hopefully others are paying attention! This economy isn't one that will support old practices, and YOU, everyone here, won't support it either.
