It is my understanding that many manufacturers do not permit online selling, or do so only on a retailer-by-retailer basis. ScubaToys honors these rules, and gets permission to sell online, run pricing specials, etc. (For example: LDS's used to not be allowed to sell you a Zeagle online, and ScubaToys wouldn't. Leisurepro would. Many manufacturer's won't sell to LP, and yet LP constantly has their stuff to sell... hmmm.) There have been many, many questions about where LP "gets their stuff." (Do a general search on "LeisurePro" and "grey-market" or "scubapro" or "lawsuit" to see more.) Why do you think LP can't pass along manufacturer's warranties? If I were Larry, or any LDS, I'd stay pretty pissed at a "grey market" store that forced my margins down. I bought a few things from LP back in the day before I started getting discounts from the local LDS's and ScubaToys opened up here just because of the incredible savings. I was always very sure that what I was buying wasn't a high maintenance item and that I wouldn't need customer service regarding the purchase. (Spend 10 minutes on the the phone with LP, and then call ScubaToys...you'll see.)
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't care too much about the "support your local LDS" theme, but I do care about supporting a good, ethical, customer-focused business over an "allegedly" grey-market business notorious for questionable practices and bad customer service.
And, just so you know, I am not "in league" with ScubaToys, as they are not the closest shop to me, and I have a long-term relationship with another shop. (Although I do refer local students to them.) I've even had a pretty good discussion or two with Larry about some of his "opinions". Ask him what he thinks of PADI or Bonne Terre mine, for example
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