Dive shop versus online

[tk trekers]

As so many have already mentioned, the relationship pays so much more than the few $$$ you might save online on some purchases. I was at one of my LDS a few weeks ago and asked about the cost of doing a hydro on some used tanks I was going to look at. The owner asked me what I was going to pay for the used tanks and I told her, she then made me an offer on brand new tanks that was less than the cost of the used tank + the hydro so I bought all 6 that she had. We stopped in the shop yesterday for some air fills and we asked about getting our daughter certified when she turns 10 in August. The owner said she would do a one-on-one class with her during the morning if we could get her there at no additional charge...where do you think I'll be taking my daughter to get certified?

These are the kinds of things that build customer loyalty and value to me. Yes I have purchased some stuff online from LP. That was a one time deal and after my experience with them, one that I won't make again. I am fortunate to have several really good shops in my area to deal with and I spend some money with every one of them, in return, should I really need something, I'm confident that they will be there for me and that is worth way more than a few dollars I might save buying online.

 

[PaulSub]

Just bought a new reg last night from my LDS, an Aqualung Legend. Its my 5th or 6th reg, all of which I buy from my shop. For my new reg, there was only a $50 difference in price. Its well worth the price difference, especially for life support equip. I think the smaller, items which my shop may not carry, I tend to buy from Leisurepro. Its a balance, but I enjoy supporting my shop, whose prices are very very competitive, and its a great place to hang out~

 

[TheScubaBOB]

How much to you really save online?

I just quoted out the gear I'm ordering this evening at the LDS:

Leisure Pro, $1,288.05

Local Shop, $1,336.28 (this also includes a $40 ScubaPro HP Quick Disconnect that Leisure Pro doesn't carry)

9 Items (* indicates Leisure Pro had exact brand/model, otherwise I found comparable)

BCD, SeaQuest Pearl I3 size small *
Regulator, AquaLung Mikron Pearl/Vanilla Color (DIN Connector) *
Octo, AquaLung ABS *
Magna Clip Holder *
ScubaPro Quick Disconnect 01.334.005 (LP doesn't have)

Wetsuit, Deep Sea Quantum Strech 7mm Womens, size Med
Boots, Deep Sea, size 8 *
5mm Aleutian Glove, size x-small
Zipper Hood

Remove the $40 HP Disconnect and the LDS costs a whopping $10 more (yes that includes local sales tax)

Of course there are other items I'm in that market for that I might go online for because it would cost more. The dive computer I want is about $300 more with the SK7 Compass mounted at the LDS vs the LP.

 

[Plumb bob]

I keep forgetting how cheap dive gear is in the US, explains why I keep reading things like

the relationship pays so much more than the few $$$ you might save online on some purchases

Here in New Zealand you will typically save 50% buying online. Often much much more..

 

[Pearldiver07]

One more thing about service.

I strongly suggested to my friend that when he and his wife were new divers to give our LDS a chance to counter offer. (I wasn't working there yet, by the way) He was almost dead against it - pointing out that the on line $ was quite a bit less than what the shop offered.

Well, the shop's owner cut a VERY good deal because my friend bought two complete sets. But the factor that really keeps him coming to the shop is service. Right after he purchased it a compass froze up. He came back in, ready to make a serious speech as to why he didn't like that it failed so quickly, when the owner looked at it, pulled it out of the boot, pulled a new one out of the display and replaced it. The owner said "It's my problem to get it fixed. You're ok now."

No mailing in, no emails, no arguing about warranties. And if the owner hadn't been able to get a replacement, he knew he still did the right thing. Since then, my friend's two kids certified, and they all have new gear. It's the only family I've ever seen that all four air integrated computers.

It was amazing what the shop gained from just that little bit of "you don't worry, that's our job." attitude.

 

[Jupiter31]

I would agree w/ you 100%

While this question is asked frequently, its a good one

Basically, there are 2 schools of thought:

You have the "I always support my LDS" "if they go out of business, who is going to fill my tanks"

"The LDS is a ripp off and if I can save a buck I'm going to do so"

I will support the LDS whenever possible but I'm not going to pay 50% more, for example to do so - I also live in S. FL, where we have many LDS' and many choices.

I have purchased from Divers Direct, and Leisure Pro

Final thought:

Its the consumers money, and the consumers choice where to spend it - 33 years ago when I first got certified, there were not as many choice, to say the least - heck, in 1977, there was no internet and no one had a cell phone!

That said, I don't agree with those who look at eq at an LDS, try it on, get info (sometimes returning multiple times to the shop to do so) and purchase it on line - nor do I agree w/ those who do not at least give the LDS an opportunity to match or come close to the on line price.

But also acknowledge that this topic is like religion and politics -

 

[on_two_wheels]

I practiced what I preach. I did my online homework AND offered the LDS a chance to match it. They did. So, the LDS gets my business this time. Here's a scenario: You have a shop 5 miles from your home where you take regs for service, got certified, etc. Now it's time to buy a drysuit including undergarments, boots, hood, etc. LDS says $2100. Would you at least price check the shop 9 miles away to see if it were a few hundred dollars cheaper? You'd be foolish not to. It's the same thing as shopping online....two businesses competing against each other, one of which you don't know as much about. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Sas]

I keep forgetting how cheap dive gear is in the US, explains why I keep reading things like

Here in New Zealand you will typically save 50% buying online. Often much much more..

Same in Australia. And it is getting better as the Aussie dollar strengthens

 

[boat sju]

nor do I agree w/ those who do not at least give the LDS an opportunity to match or come close to the on line price.

Jupiter,

Sorry I'm editing your post here but I wanted to use the above phrase to emphasize an aspect of this LDS vs. online debate that we always seem to gloss over.

That is, some people don't feel comfortable trying to negotiate a better deal with ANYONE. Some people even pay sticker price for a car. They see a Leisurepro price and an LDS price and think that's the end of the story. I myself can be vicious with a car salesman that I don't know, but the guys at the LDS who I consider friends - well, it's hard.

 

[Splitlip]

I should clarify....I will probably buy my drysuit online but it's a difference of about $300+ dollars. I still get plenty of equip and such from the shop, just not when the difference is so huge. If I'm going to spend $2000, why would I want to pay 10% tax just to get it locally? I doubt the dive shop will give me a free day on the boat when I'm hurting for money.

Did you ask?

My LDS does that as a matter of course to compete. Free fills as well.