As far as I can see you can divide LDS most of the type (exception to this rule exist...sometimes)
Travel LDS:
-Scuba is an expensive and life threatening sport, that why they put 150%+ of MSRP. (Good exemple, reg at 800$MSRP is shown at 1200$ or more)
-Gear should be carefully maintained, that's why they charge 200% for some nameless tech to repair it.
-The owner doesn't know how to repair gear, it's too technical for him.
-I don't accept to repair stuff bought from others, you're not a faithful diver.
-Explanations are hard and cost $, that's why we put some idiot at the front.
-Travel divers won't even know if it's good or not, they'll use it months later on vacation, it'll be too late for a refund.
-I love to fleece new divers, they don't know Tusa Imprex fins aren't a new model and that it shouldn't cost 200$.
-I don't repair used or internet stuff because I didn't sell it.
-I don't repair stuff recalled by SP/AL because I didn't sell it. (it happened to me)
-AL/SP warranties are country specific, not worldwide. (look at above, his reason)
-I sell new tanks "on special" that have hydro and viz past due, I give a nice rebate and don't tell anyone, when someone ask I tell them tanks never come new with an hydro/viz or just ignore them. (it happened to me)
-Let's sell some overpriced travel packages so that I can get a vacation for free, while being there as a "dive guide".
-I sell packages (BCD, REG etc) but they are rock solid can't change some items, it's take it or leave it. (What if something doesn't fit properly?)
-I have insta-diver classes, high-cost and not often because it's expensive to rent a pool.
-A BP/W is a really expensive type of BCD, only people that REALLY want it will pay my retarded price.
-I charge for trying on 200$ wetsuits I sell at 500$. Hey, what's internet?
Local divers LDS:
-I give fair prices, not as good as LP, but not far.
-I give outstanding service.
-I answer all your questions because I'm an experienced diver.
-I give you a bonus if you come often (free fills and such)
-I make some good packages, a flexible package and all included package, at a higher price but with fit warranty.
-I have nice classes, not really on the cheap side, but 1 group every week.
-I make nice local trips, I let travel agencies make dive trips.
-I know what a BP/W is or a Sidemount.
-I rent steel tanks and doubles.
Someone wants to add something?
So to go back to the subject,
I'd feel pretty rotten to use the local divers LDS.
Would I really feel bad about using the Vacation LDS as a fitting room? Not really, would I do it? Maybe next time. Would it be necessary? No but after the amount I spent to get fleeced, I'd do it just for the heck of it.