LDS VS Internet Sale!!!

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Bottom line - No LDS - No air fills. In our area this is important because we don't have a lot of dive shops to begin with. SouthWestern Ontario - Support your LOCAL DIVE SHOP.

So, do you figure mfgr & internet retailers will just let the market die in those areas that fail to sustain an LDS? A situation which does not seem to be occurring yet, BTW.

I suspect that should this occur; private compressors, independent instructors, dive clubs, and even franchising from successful retailers will continue to make scuba available to the overwhelming majority of those who want it. Even the mfgrs may change their policies a bit to keep from losing markets.

 

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Bottom line - No LDS - No air fills. In our area this is important because we don't have a lot of dive shops to begin with. SouthWestern Ontario - Support your LOCAL DIVE SHOP.

Bottom line - LDS too expensive it goes out of business and another shop with a better business model takes over its customers.

Sensible dealers that embrace the internet, offer online sales and a shop and offer facilities will survive.
Rip-off merchants selling kit for way more than its worth relying on blind loyalty alone will die and will deserve to die.

I know of many dive operations that rely on training,air and sometimes boat charter along with SMALL items of dive gear like accessories survive quite happily and are thriving.
I know of far more diver operations who tried to rely on stupidly overpriced kit and nothing else that deservedly went out of business.

Also know of many dive shops that sell online and in the shop for the same price and do air fills and training who also survive.

Its a complete myth that online means you cant buy air - one no doubt spread by a diveshop owner with a flawed business model who refuses to modernise.

Absolutely worst case, more people start buying small compressors and offer it to friends and people in the area - the money saved not being completely ripped off by a dive shop could probably pay for one of those in a shore space of time.
If there is a demand for air then someone in that area will supply air.

 

[RAWalker]

Bottom line - No LDS - No air fills. In our area this is important because we don't have a lot of dive shops to begin with. SouthWestern Ontario - Support your LOCAL DIVE SHOP.

Maybe it is time for local dive clubs to step up purchase compressors and put all the LDS out. Let instructors work for the clubs and the clubs function as non-profits. I see both tax and insurance benefits to that thinking.
Then take the clubs group effort to an online retailer and set up accounts and have the retailer be the supplier to the club and kick back to sponsor the non-profit.
I think local clubs could probably fill all the needs of a LDS and make the sport less costly to participants.
Ok now that I'm hated by all the LDS owners. I hope the rest of you appreciate the concept.

Well when the next LDS in my area goes under maybe I'll buy the used compressor. If it becomes so difficult to compete that they all go under then I'll be able to make a fortune on fills!

But seriously the fact is there are locals that compete.
They must be doing something right and the others should learn what it is and either do it or get out of the business.

Opening and running a business does not guarrantee you a right to have that business succeed. A region may only need a certain number of shops for the customer base.
If you need fills at least 1 area shop should be able to survive just on that.
If not then there just isn't enough interest in diving in your region. That maybe something that taking a active role in promoting the sport can change.

I live in a desert and there are many other divers here. We also have many LDS to choose from. Some compete, some don't I expect to see the ones that compete grow while the others die off. Nothing surprising just the laws of the business jungle.

 

[Air On]

See search function in the upper right screen.. use it.

Now... Damn it! Where I put that dead horse stick?

 

[vshearer]

Has anyone mentioned the online stores use underage child slave labor and are a primary source of global warming?

 

[divewithjay]

Absolutely worst case, more people start buying small compressors and offer it to friends and people in the area - the money saved not being completely ripped off by a dive shop could probably pay for one of those in a shore space of time.
If there is a demand for air then someone in that area will supply air.

I don't know, around here I just don't see too many people spending the money on a compressor. Sure, there are some that might but I doubt they are going to be available every time friends or people in the area want air. It just doesn't sound too realistic. Either they don't know enough about how to use one or don't want to be bothered when they can just walk into a dive shop for fills. Plus there's maintenance, electricity (or fuel), filters, oil, and possibly air quality issues if someone doesn't know what they are doing. What happens if it breaks down and your friend doesn't have the money to fix it?

I own a shop, I don't rip people off (at least I don't think I do) and I treat people the way I like to be treated. Do they pay a little more for stuff in my shop? Occasionally but not always, in fact I can usually meet or beat any internet price or throw in some extras to make up for the difference. Most of them are happy because they want to touch it, try it out and walk out the door with it and they know if they have a problem I will take it back or replace it no questions asked. We take very good care of our loyal customers.

I often get people coming in for an open water class with cheap junk they bought of the net or from some local sporting goods chain. Doesn't fit, not the right stuff (short little swim fins), hurts after a while, or it breaks. Then after one pool session when they see how much better the people with the proper gear are doing they end up spending more money on what they should have bought to begin with.

Are we trying to make money? Sure, show me any business that isn't. I guess it's up to the individual to decide if what he's getting for the money is worth it. Every dive shop isn't out to rip you off.

Jay

 

[24940]

If I had to guess, I would say that 90% of the local divers who dive locally would give it up if there was no LDS.

 

[divinginn]

I buy from who has the best selection and service and price,be it scuba gear or any other thing.

 

[Skeeter1097]

I am amazed to see that there are so many divers that never need help or wouldn't ask a queston. So many that think that if a sales rep of a dive shop looks at you. They are pressuring you to by something you don't need or want.
But! Relay most of us meet people, see new stuff, talk to divers and dive shop people.
Most of us use to LDS and it net. Most of the net suits are owned by a person that has a LDS.
Think of this. If you go grocery shopping at the little corner stop. It well cost you a lot more. But you can use of them both. Publix and stop n go

 

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Do they pay a little more for stuff in my shop? Occasionally but not always, in fact I can usually meet or beat any internet price or throw in some extras to make up for the difference.

I don't think anyone will complain with that - if true its a sensible business model. If i can get something for near the same place in a shop i'll use a shop. Unfortunately in the case of most local shops ive seen gear 30-40% more than you can get it for online and i cant afford the luxury of paying that much more for something no matter who its from.