What gives with Dive Rite?

[bvmjethead]

Exactly the reason I haven't purchased the corded 500 yet....I'm waiting for the corded 750 to come out.

 

[PerroneFord]

The issue is not that people get mad when technology moves forward. I tend to buy just behind the technology curve as I think that is where the best value can be had, but the idea is that manufacturers have to realize that retailers cannot simply continue to absorb losses. Especially smaller shops.

In electronics retail, if you're moving 50-500 units a month, it's one thing. But in SCUBA, like with these $500 lights, you're lucky to move a few units a month. It's nearly impossible to keep up. Internet stores that need not stock inventory are ALWAYS going to have competitive advantages. And retailers need to either accommodate, or get dropped.

 

[VooDooGasMan]

Hey 480 volt why did you spill the beans, N E scubba is my technical Leisurepro, now there going to run out of every thing.

OOPP'S, o-well ,


just kidding they do have great prices and they get rid of outdated stuff quick and cheap, ther service is top-notch.

 

[DiveGearExpress]

DRE - When I saw this, the first thing I did was went to your site to look at the cost of a replacement 500 lum bulb. I was disappointed not to see one offered.

This is because it is not a user-replaceable bulb module. You'll notice we never offered a replacement 300 lumen either. We don't even do the module changes here - if we were to have it done, it would be done at Dive Rite.

The upgrade is available from Dive Rite directly - anyone interested would have to contact them, but in my opinion, it is not worth the upgrade. Like I said, with the way this technology is changing so fast, by the time you get the 500 back, there will be a brighter one out.

 

[PerroneFord]

Like I said, with the way this technology is changing so fast, by the time you get the 500 back, there will be a brighter one out.

So, as a consumer, what is the incentive to purchase? And more importantly, as a retailer, what is the incentive to stock the product, knowing that you will be sitting on obsolete technology that you cannot discount without taking a loss?

 

[Damselfish]

In electronics retail, if you're moving 50-500 units a month, it's one thing. But in SCUBA, like with these $500 lights, you're lucky to move a few units a month. It's nearly impossible to keep up. Internet stores that need not stock inventory are ALWAYS going to have competitive advantages. And retailers need to either accommodate, or get dropped.

agreed, except since when do internet stores not need to stock inventory? They're not generally drop shipping from the manufacturer.

 

[DiveGearExpress]

So, as a consumer, what is the incentive to purchase? And more importantly, as a retailer, what is the incentive to stock the product, knowing that you will be sitting on obsolete technology that you cannot discount without taking a loss?

For the consumer, the incentive is: you have a need for the a product, and the product meets your needs. Like I keep saying - it is similar to computers. On a personal note, I just bought a new Mac Pro for my video editing work. I knew at the time, there would be a better, faster computer for the same price a few months later - that's just the nature of the beast. In fact 2 days after I bought it, Apple released a faster processor in the Mac Pro for the same exact price. So should I have just kept waiting for a faster unit? How long should I wait? I needed the computer now.

I won't speak for other retailers, and how their business are run. I certianly won't speak for Dive Rite, and contrary to popular belief, we don't get any special "inside info" from Dive Rite that any other dealer would not know. The release of the 500 lumen was just as big a surprise to us, as it was to other dealers. We made do, since we carefully monitor our inventory levels, and buying trends with specialized software. Make no mistake, we are not some huge fulfillment center of scuba gear - anyone who has been to our shop will tell you we are just a small shop with 5 employees.

The fact is the technology will continue to improve. If you need a handheld or corded LED light with 500 lumen's today, then buy it today. If you need more light, and have time to wait, then wait for the next one to come out.

 

[RonFrank]

So, as a consumer, what is the incentive to purchase? And more importantly, as a retailer, what is the incentive to stock the product, knowing that you will be sitting on obsolete technology that you cannot discount without taking a loss?

I don't have inside information as to margins, but they may surprise folks. I'm betting that at $250 NE scuba is still making a profit, or at least breaking even on those 300's. I did work with camera retail for a while, and profit margins at MSRP were close to 100%. Now take into account the cost of doing business, and the real profit margin is a lot lower. But for a retailer who suddenly has a new product that reduces the value of current stock it's generally better to close out the old product even if it means loosing profit margin.

I would have hoped that Dive Rite as the manufacture would give the retailers some heads up, so they can sell stock on hand, but I have no clue, and authorized dealers may not be able to say. DiveRite Express did say this came as a surprise... I would bet that Dive Rite as the manufacture got rid of current 300 inventory before releasing the 500.

Comparing a lot of new electronics technology to this example is not real accurate. Generally computer retailers have a heads up on what is on the way, and when. Chip technology advances are announced well before they hit the assembly lines. Camera equipment is similar with manufactures announcing new products months in advance before they are available on the street. In this case it seems like this hit fast. However if one looks into LED technology there are a few manufactures that one can watch to predict these types of developments. Dive Rite is likely not making the LED's. Surefire has had a 500 lumes LED flashlight out for a little while now.

Kudos to DR, IMO this looks like the best LED dive light on the market!

 

[PerroneFord]

For the consumer, the incentive is: you have a need for the a product, and the product meets your needs.

I agree. Which is why I got a 21w HID even with the 35w HID sitting next to it on the shelf. I needed a light, I chose the best one for me.

The fact is the technology will continue to improve. If you need a handheld or corded LED light with 500 lumen's today, then buy it today. If you need more light, and have time to wait, then wait for the next one to come out.

The problem here is that very few people KNOW what light they need. Especially for a purchase like this which is often a first one. I'd wager than 99% of divers wouldn't know whether a 300 would suit their needs or they really NEEDED a 500. What they KNOW is that 500 is brighter, so that's the one they want. Especially for the same money. It's a tough problem with no easy answer. In some technology, like lighting, the market is moving at an incredible rate, and frankly as a retailer, I wouldn't stock any lights. And in fact, we don't even though we do sell two brands of lighting.

Consumers need to be adequately educated about their choices which falls to the retailer. Retailers should be made aware of pending changes to product lines, and not all manufacturers do that very well. And manufacturers need to help their retailers move old stock before flooding the market with new product, and obsoleting current on-shelf stock.

 

[buddhasummer]

I agree. Which is why I got a 21w HID even with the 35w HID sitting next to it on the shelf. I needed a light, I chose the best one for me.



The problem here is that very few people KNOW what light they need. Especially for a purchase like this which is often a first one. I'd wager than 99% of divers wouldn't know whether a 300 would suit their needs or they really NEEDED a 500. What they KNOW is that 500 is brighter, so that's the one they want. Especially for the same money. It's a tough problem with no easy answer. In some technology, like lighting, the market is moving at an incredible rate, and frankly as a retailer, I wouldn't stock any lights. And in fact, we don't even though we do sell two brands of lighting.

Consumers need to be adequately educated about their choices which falls to the retailer. Retailers should be made aware of pending changes to product lines, and not all manufacturers do that very well. And manufacturers need to help their retailers move old stock before flooding the market with new product, and obsoleting current on-shelf stock.

Agreed, well said.