I disagree, somewhat. Those that get jumped on are those that don't promote price matching yet whine about not being given the "chance to compete", or those that price high and then jump on or even punish buyers when they buy elsewhere. Show me where a LDS was jumped on for having a set posted price that did not fall into one of those.
Wouldn't argue with you a bit. However, adopting a business model based on low volume with large markup is the typical place most dive stores find themselves. Oh, and it is not necessarily their fault....it is a problem of GEOGRAPHY.
As you WELL know, I have been a long time advocate of local dive stores changing their business model. However, it is IMPOSSIBLE for a local dive store to match the prices of volume internet sellers if such matching does not result in a considerable increase in gross sales. And for most who do attempt to match the price of the highest volume sellers, it will not increase annual sales volume nearly as much as you might think.
Phil Ellis
www.divesports.com
Phil Ellis
www.divesports.com