MurkyRockDiver:
First of all I love my lds, the people there are great but recently I had to make a purchase of $2000 +. I ended up buying from divetank and saved over $1000 from the exact same items my lds was selling.
Now I know we need to support our lds but at such a svings how can I justify it? I still get all my training there and buy smaller items and the like.
What are your views on this topic or should I even be conserned with not supporting the shop.
By the way I am new to the board so hello to all you regulars, great forum!
This is one of those topics like politics and religion.....people feel strongly - and make good points - pro and con
I've done business with my LDS for over 20 years - when all our gear was stolen a year ago, we made his day, and yes, I very likely could have saved some money buying on line, however his prices are very fair -the shop has been around forever (45+ years in the same location) and will discount.
Because of the theft, I needed receipts; he had them going back 10 years on his computer, and made the claim process easy.
Before folks think that this is a "1 in a 1000" example and does not prove much, I purchased a Sunto computer, US Divers regulator (or whatever their name is now) and a Mares BC - hated all of them - he took them back with no restocking fee, attitude, etc and I exchanged them for products I like. Yjis was after a month and 6 dives.
You have to weigh all sides - I live in S. FL and we have many LDS options - not the case for those in many parts of the country.
I've also purchased mail order; the hassle is if you need to return an item.
If the price is close - and you have to decide what close means to you - my advise is to go with the LDS.
Too, if you are going to dive frequently, and you need service or think you might need a favor from time to time - makes the decision easier as does if you are going to travel once or twice a year and thats the extent of your diving.