It puts less risk on scuba manufacturers to sell products through small independent dealers. No manufacturer looks forward to sitting down with the buyers from Wal-Mart or Home Depot to negotiate price and delivery. They are the big guys, and the financial performance of your company is on the line. A company may get negotiated right out of business.
The big dive retailers are still small potatoes compared to a Sears or Lowe's with their national market clout. Dive gear, like my first regulator, used to be sold through department store chains. That route from manufacturer to customer typically results in lower prices. Ask yourself.... is the savings is worth having the company who makes your gear constantly "on the ropes"? Oh yeah, I've worked in Manufacturing for 30 years.
Happy Shopping! Happy Diving!
The big dive retailers are still small potatoes compared to a Sears or Lowe's with their national market clout. Dive gear, like my first regulator, used to be sold through department store chains. That route from manufacturer to customer typically results in lower prices. Ask yourself.... is the savings is worth having the company who makes your gear constantly "on the ropes"? Oh yeah, I've worked in Manufacturing for 30 years.
Happy Shopping! Happy Diving!