on my LDS for training and equipment rental. You'd think they would be more willing to accommodate me during a recent purchase. Guess what? Nooooooo.
I was going on a wreck dive this past weekend, and I thought it appropriate to purchase lights. Well, they had UK light set at their shop. It can be had on Leisurepro.com for $69.95:
http://s1059kxm.leisurepro.com/weba...946&cgrfnbr=972&parentCategory=965&sort=ppprc
The shop's price was $98.00!!!!!! I was in a pinch though. I should have made the purchase online way before my dive. I was just too lazy. Well, I brought up the ole' I get it Leisurepro.com for XX amount os dollars, and that I had already dropped $800 plus in the store would they be willing to give me a discount. The answer was "No." I made my case again asking if they would at least give me student discount of 10%. The guy stated that I was no longer a student (recently graduating OW) so therefore that wouldn't count (even though I was going out on the ocean for my AOW with their rented equipment!). Well, he begrudgingly gave me a 10% discount for the light set. With tax it came to $93.49. I paid $23 over Leisurepro for a light set. To top it off I decided to buy DIN caps for their regulators to protect them on the boat. Each DIN connector cost $10! I looked elsewhere, and I could get these for $3 max. Overpaid another $14! Now this is the shop I'm going to plunk down $3,000 to $4,000 on? It's like pulling teeth. Imagine losing that business! It seems the LDS's just want to push people out the door. If I get angry enough I chose to stop training at their shop altogether.
It's kind of funny how local LDS's treat each other. I looked at a local LDS that is a Dive-Rite Tech Center (This is the type of gear I wouldn't mind purchasing). This guy is wheeling and dealing. It helps that DR is supporting the deals as well. My LDS is also a DR authorized dealer, yet they have nowhere near the amount of product in their store. My teacher, who used to work at this competing LDS, is totally adamant about me buying my stuff their. The typical, "...that guy is a total jerk. You DO NOT WANT TO BUY THERE! My teacher mentioned I should get my gear list together, and he would try to work a deal with my LDS. They'll try anything to keep the business short of actually dealing with you on price.
Sure, it's cool to find a local LDS you can trust with your life, and with your equipment. I do like my LDS. I've been diving with the group for a couple of months now. I also like my teacher. He seems like the type of guy I could be diving with years to come. It's just silly to over pay 30% to 50% on equipment to maintain this relationship.
I've decided to try to deal with my LDS. Otherwise, I'm going to their competitor within the area. I will also supplement my purchases with online as well. Scuba's an expensive sport. It's just going to get that much more expensive in the future (ie. cost of trips).
oharag