...My purpoose in writing the article however, was to let everyone know that if possilbe find a dive shop you like in your area and support it. There are many things behind the scenes that the public in general is not aware of but as I said can lp or st give you air fills, classes, equipment repair, trips and other things a brick and mortar shop can offer?
Had you phrased your original comments in a similar way, you may have found far more positive responses. The hope is always that the good LDS stay open, and the bad ones shut down, but life is never so simple, and it is often the bad ones that spoil it for the rest.
But remember, not all of us can afford to pay full price for dive gear, buying on line can (and does) make the difference between actually being able to dive at all. I know it did for me, and I don't do too badly. There will always be those that insist on going to the LDS no matter how good or bad, and always those that will insist on internet bargains regardless. as I said, to each their own, and hopefully only the good survive.
ST can offer fills - as they are a bricks and mortar business (they happen to be on the other side of the planet, of course).
Finally, one last question to all that said "here we go again" in response to my article, do any of you have the balls to put your life savings on the line to go into business for yourself? It is so easy to be critical when you don't know what goes on in the day to day running of a business.
Actually, yes, I did, do and I have. I've been in the AV industry on my own for nearly 8 years now, I'm a small operation and I know what it means to be undercut by the big boys.
There was a time when a 100inch projection screen and surround system would set you back $40k minimum. you can get it now for $5k. the profit margin on that $5k is about 5% - 10%.
When plasma screens were the latest thing (and they looked horrible, mind you), they were selling for $40k - $50k here in Aus, with a profit margin of about 30% or more - and there was no need to discount. There was no one to compete with.
Now every 2 bit hi fi shop offers 50 inch plasma for $2K, and the profit margin is nothing. Literally, I tell my clients to go buy it at a big chain store, because it will cost me more to place the order than the amount of profit I make on it.
I am, however, very happy to pick it up, deliver it, put it on your wall, calibrate it and spend the time to make sure you know how to use it, and to explain why you have those stupid black bars on the sides of the screen.
In short, I don't sell much equipment anymore (apart from the odd set of high end speakers or amps, or a control system), but I am selling my knowledge, and making almost as much - certainly enough to keep up the life I had become used to when electronics had higher margins. Basically, I adapted, and keep adapting.
Unlike the big chain stores with their huge glass store fronts with acres of TV screens (that all have horrible pictures thanks to the "dynamic" and "vivid" settings),I can't sell 1000 cardboard boxes a week, so I wont even bother trying to compete on their playing field. I prefer to play in my own sandbox where I can make my own rules. Sure, it's a small sandbox - but I'm the only one in it.
Perhaps an online presence is what you need? If the companies you deal with don't support that idea, ditch them and stock gear form companies that do. It's 2008, not 1908. We have the technology, we can compare prices globally - it wont get any better - and sooner or later, the Aqualungs of the world will have to yield and support internet sales - otherwise they will end up losing market share. I know, it's not easy - but you know that already. You HAVE the business, you say it is doing fairly well (which is good - I like to see all small operators do well), but it's up to you to pick which way you think business will go.
Whilst your initial spiel may be heartfelt, it is also doing one thing I really dislike - talking badly of the opposition. I hate that, and hate doing it (though, yes.. I have been guilty in the past), I find people are far more responsive when you don't try and make the other guy look bad. The consumer is smart enough, and has the resources (like this board) to discover the truth, and if it is contrary to your statements, you don't look so good.
Anyway, best of luck with your operation.
Z...
). Come on dude, is this an attempt to drum up business? I would think twice before going so boldly...where others (many) have gone before. Like I said, and many others, we support both and understand the need....for both. Get off your high horse and you will find many friends here on the board. 
