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"I was at my LDS today and asked if they could get Hollis equipment because I would really like to see and possibly purchase this simi-dry suit. The owner told me he has tried three times to be a Hollis distributer but Hollis requires him to purchase the entire line of equipment which for a small shop is not feasible. Hollis seems to want to cater to the online stores. I really like to support my LDS as do all of my diving friends. Our LDS is always there to provide support and guidance when needed. So, even though I really like this suit and the Hollis product reviews have been really good I will be going with a brand (Aqualung or Henderson) because they work with and support the LDS."
I would take that with a grain of salt. Hollis is owned by Oceanic as well, and they LOVE retailers. My guess is there is some other reason they are not a dealer. There could be another dealer in close proximity, there could be a saturation in that area, the guy might have a bad relationship with them as a whole from past ventures, there is a ton of reasons. I can pretty confidently say as a Hollis retailer it's not because they value the Online vs. Shop. There have been quite a few promotions they have done lately that were ONLY available instore. That isn't something Online shops ever get or could have advertised. My guess is there is alot more to the story. Typically, manufacturers require a buy in to be a dealer. You have to buy product, and make a commitement, in order to sell it. If he doesn't see himself selling $10k of hollis gear, why would he buy in for 1 guy wanting a semi dry? It just might not make sense in his budget, and he doesn't want to say that. Either way, Hollis is a solid company, and so are the other brands you are looking at (Aqualung and Henderson). I don't think you could make a bad choice. The difference would be the Hollis is about 30% cheaper than a semi dry with either of those other brands, and might have a a couple more useful features too.
I would take that with a grain of salt. Hollis is owned by Oceanic as well, and they LOVE retailers. My guess is there is some other reason they are not a dealer. There could be another dealer in close proximity, there could be a saturation in that area, the guy might have a bad relationship with them as a whole from past ventures, there is a ton of reasons. I can pretty confidently say as a Hollis retailer it's not because they value the Online vs. Shop. There have been quite a few promotions they have done lately that were ONLY available instore. That isn't something Online shops ever get or could have advertised. My guess is there is alot more to the story. Typically, manufacturers require a buy in to be a dealer. You have to buy product, and make a commitement, in order to sell it. If he doesn't see himself selling $10k of hollis gear, why would he buy in for 1 guy wanting a semi dry? It just might not make sense in his budget, and he doesn't want to say that. Either way, Hollis is a solid company, and so are the other brands you are looking at (Aqualung and Henderson). I don't think you could make a bad choice. The difference would be the Hollis is about 30% cheaper than a semi dry with either of those other brands, and might have a a couple more useful features too.