ClevelandDiver:I fail to see the reasoning in this business model. Does anyone really believe that kids raised in the age of the internet are going to even consider buying a product that prohibits or restricts on-line sales? If Aqua Lung can stop 100% of the grey market sales of its product, all they will accomplish is a reduction in their market share.
Another HUGE flaw in their LDS only model is product availability. Small shops have small inventories. Half the time when I want something from my LDS they have to order it. Then they usually wait and combine it with other items to save on shipping. I have literally waited months for some items. Today's consumer wants things yesterday, not next month.
So Aqua Lungs answer to the internet is for a diver to pay full price and wait 2 weeks to get their products?
The sad thing is my LDS (which I actually like and support) believes the price protection business model will eventually work. They have been sold a pipe dream by the dive equipment manufacturers that will likely cause their demise.
Well put. IMHO, right on target. No turning back the hands of time. Internet sales went over a billion dollars this holiday season. A 26% increase from a year ago.