tplyons
Contributor
You sound a lot like the owner of my LDS.
From the get go, the owner of my LDS took the time to explain all the options to me. Took about an hour helping me select my mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, signed me up for my open water course, and let me pick his brain. I used rental gear in the pool and my open water dives, and fell in love with the sport.
Someone from my LDS is at the local quarry almost every weekend, and I will set up near the shop so I can BS with the instructors. I no longer consider themselves business acquaintances, but friends. The owner of my LDS has gone out of his way to tell me what gear not to buy from him, that I wouldn't need at that point in time. He takes an interest in me, knows my habits, and has helped me piece together my kit over the past year, based on what I need for specific training, etc.
What I have with my LDS is a relationship. This is invaluable. I knowingly spend a little bit more to make sure they turn a profit and can stay open. This provides me a place to hang out, BS about gear, and they've even helped me understand better gear THEY DON'T EVEN SELL. This speaks volumes to me, and is 100% worth the extra price.
My LDS owner has what you have: passion. It's a shame when people try to walk all over you, but those aren't the customers worth keeping around. They'll probably do their OW and become vacation divers. It's the ones that take the chance to pick your brain, about diving locations, gear, techniques, etc. that are worth keeping around.
But it's a shame that a dive shop can't survive without the pain in the butt customers.
Long story short, good for you for doing what you love. Best of luck in your endeavors, but should I ever be up in Mt. Kisco, I will surely drop by and buy some gear from a passionate shop owner!
From the get go, the owner of my LDS took the time to explain all the options to me. Took about an hour helping me select my mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, signed me up for my open water course, and let me pick his brain. I used rental gear in the pool and my open water dives, and fell in love with the sport.
Someone from my LDS is at the local quarry almost every weekend, and I will set up near the shop so I can BS with the instructors. I no longer consider themselves business acquaintances, but friends. The owner of my LDS has gone out of his way to tell me what gear not to buy from him, that I wouldn't need at that point in time. He takes an interest in me, knows my habits, and has helped me piece together my kit over the past year, based on what I need for specific training, etc.
What I have with my LDS is a relationship. This is invaluable. I knowingly spend a little bit more to make sure they turn a profit and can stay open. This provides me a place to hang out, BS about gear, and they've even helped me understand better gear THEY DON'T EVEN SELL. This speaks volumes to me, and is 100% worth the extra price.
My LDS owner has what you have: passion. It's a shame when people try to walk all over you, but those aren't the customers worth keeping around. They'll probably do their OW and become vacation divers. It's the ones that take the chance to pick your brain, about diving locations, gear, techniques, etc. that are worth keeping around.
But it's a shame that a dive shop can't survive without the pain in the butt customers.
Long story short, good for you for doing what you love. Best of luck in your endeavors, but should I ever be up in Mt. Kisco, I will surely drop by and buy some gear from a passionate shop owner!