whats the biggest chance uve taken for scuba diving?

[alcina]

Loud applause for the advice you have received already. You need to learn how to run a business...the diving part is minimal when you have a dive operator. I personally think one should be an instructor or dive master (or have a lot of experience dealing with divers, some of the best didn't have "qualifications" until it became impossible to get insurance without them) with experience before running a shop - in my experience those who have been on the other side do a much better job & generate a lot of good will and repeat business.

You also need to learn how businesses run in the location you are thinking of - permits, insurance, unspoken rules, clientele, where support can be found, taxation, laws...the list is mindboggling.

You also need to learn about the support services in your area. Your divers will need accommodation, food, trinkets, electronics, film, developing, land based activities, post cards, phones, internet, a cup of coffee, a replacement passport, money, traveller's cheques, clothes...again, a dive centre does not exist in a vacuum.

I wouldn't think of your education as a fall back position, but an asset to building a strong, profitable business that brings you joy. Just like the gear, the building, the cars, the boats etc that you will need for the concrete part of the buisness.

Good luck and keep working towards your dreams...when doubters see you are happy they will be more relaxed about your choices!

 

[TX101]

I've never owned a shop - any sort of shop. But I can imagine what it's like. I doubt there is little difference between working in a dive shop or any other shop (eg. computer store). You still have to serve customers and try to sell them your inventory. I worked in a grocery store while going to school and university (for 6 years) and there's one thing I know: I never want to work at serving the general public ever again.

I've gotten pretty friendly with my instructor over the last few years. She runs a shop with her husband. I've gone around to their house for dinner a few times and have gone diving with both of them many times (not under instruction). The store opens 10am till 6pm, mon-fri. After they close, one or both of them stay behind (they are both instructors) to do theory in the shop after hours - all padi or tdi courses, efr training, etc. They are usually pretty booked up 2-3 nights per week. On wednesdays they go to the pool afterwards from 7:30 till about 10. On saturdays and sundays they do OW - either checkout dives at the local quarry or they organise boat trips from time to time. They also have to organise all the gear, fill all the cylinders, etc. for each confined water and open water course. Although they usually have someone on a DM course to help.

So they are working in the shop 10-7:30 most weekdays and diving on the weekends. (they don't open the shop weekends). Sounds great? Sitting on a platform (or hovering over one for you GUE types) watching people do mask clears isn't my idea of a good dive.

On their days off, they are mostly doing courses (more instructor courses, equipment courses - servicing, etc). Sometimes they may get a day when they can dive for themselves - but usually not together because someone has to watch the shop or is instructing.

My instructor told me once that they pay themselves a £500/month salary for working around 60+ hours a week. Still want to open a shop?