Handling LDS fee?

[elitegoodguy]

Thanks all...

I should clarify. The one that tried charging $650, I didn't even tell him no. I just went home and ordered it online. I've dove with that shop several times since and they never said a word about it.

I'm going to a different shop for my sidemount courses and their website has it listed buy now for X. While the exact package on the manufacturers website is buy now for 25% less than X.

I've heard that they get quite pissed if you don't order from them. And I was hoping to not burn too many bridges as I was hoping to be doing Solo with them soon and further tech classes next year.

Thats an interesting idea on the negotiate rentals/fills with the cost... I may see if they'll go that route. This sidemount course and equipment is taking away from my drysuit budget. If I can negotiate in X days worth of drysuit rentals or XX cylinder fills it might be an attractive option.

Thanks all

 

[BoltSnap]

I should clarify. The one that tried charging $650, I didn't even tell him no. I just went home and ordered it online. I've dove with that shop several times since and they never said a word about it.

If I were the owner, I'd definitely want to know about this huge price discrepancy. Perhaps there is something wrong on one side or the other. If it was only one online store that had it as a dramatically reduced price, it maybe an other version from prior years or they are cleaning their stock from this specific model. However, if there is more than one place that has that BC at a much lower price, then there maybe an issue with the LDS. I'd have a chat with them anyways (in a friendly and calm way).

I'm going to a different shop for my sidemount courses and their website has it listed buy now for X. While the exact package on the manufacturers website is buy now for 25% less than X.

I would still ask them why their price is 25% more than the mfg's price. I'd ask them about it even if it were 5% more let alone 25%.

 

[TMHeimer]

The only thing I've bought on line was my Apollo Bio Tank Lock (recommend it--about $100 CAD, but tank never slips). That was because our shop didn't have one. I have patronized a couple of other shops when travelling.
I never think of online because I'm of Scottish descent and cheap as they come, so a few extra bucks the very rare times I buy anything won't matter.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

For better or worse, I can walk to LeisurePro from my office so they've kind of turned into my LDS. Oftentimes, their in-store pricing is even better than online. I am still friendly with LDS with whom I have done some classes and use their pool on occasion. I probably would be ok with paying MSRP at either place but I'm not going to be gouged. I just tell them how much I can get it for elsewhere and if they can come within 10% of the price, I go with my local guys. Think Global, Shop Local.

 

[formernuke]

My local shops are usually the same and sometimes less than online.

The exception is tanks especially lp tanks. One of my shops outright told me that their cost for 2 hundred more than DRIS and to just order them.

 

[Cdncoldwater]

My LDS has priced match within a few dollars in the past, they also hold a gear swap meet every spring so you can find some decent used gear and have access to experienced folks if you have questions. I have seen them upset if people bought elsewhere but it seemed like it was because they weren't given an opportunity to quote. So far there prices have been comparable to what I would pay online, especially if there is duty, shipping etc involved. I have bought a few things online such as small spools, knives etc because they were cheaper and not fit testing etc.

 

[Ghost95]

The reality is the shops will buy something at cost and then double that to get their selling price. In at $100 out at $200. That's how the shop I worked at did it and from what I understand still does.

The thing was, any employee was authorised to give up to a 10% discount but encouraged to only do that if the customer was getting ready to walk out the door. I didn't like the pricing but I know big ticket items don't necessarily move so you need as much profit as you can make off of each one. Still seemed high though.

One other thing that affected price, or so I was told, was the marketing (?) Requirements of the manufacturers. ScubaPro was supposedly notorious for this. The owner told me that if they sold SP gear for less than a certain price they could lose their distributorship. I don't know how true that was but that's what I was told.

I understand that a local shop might only sell one BC or regulator every couple days or a week so they need to make as much profit as they can. That makes it hard for a local shop to compete with an internet seller who has less overhead and may sell a hundred BC's a week. They can afford lower margins and the volume they purchase from the manufacturer gets them a better cost price too.

Still, some local shops really price higher than is palatable to me. Well, before I started shopping Craigslist and ebay anyway.

 

[divad]

I was hoping to not burn too many bridges

Some bridges are better off burnt.

 

[rhwestfall]

I offer the shop to "come close", no expectation to match. I have both payed a little more and got it through the local store, and also (mostly) bought on line.. I have even been told by the shop to make the online purchase as it is a great deal they can't get close on. I have also never been given grief if I was to walk in the door with gear from elsewhere. Truth is, I didn't get certified or purchase my gear here as I was living elsewhere and moved here later in life.

I do almost all of my own service, vip my tanks, and own my own compressor. I still use them for my EANx blending as I just haven't wanted to deal with that part (though I am certified).

I usually pick up some odd item when I stop in, but have become very independent.

 

[dogbone]

So, I know that in many retail sectors the store can often negotiate with the distributor to buy back old merchandise...I want to say that companies like bose will do this... It helps incentive the store to buy stock, knowing they won't have to take a big hit to move the merchandise, and it helps the company keep current stock out in stores... Another thing that happens is distributers and manufacturers giving discount money for products...Does anyone know if the dive industry does this as well? That could be the reason for the price difference... The store got it at x, couldn't move it... Larger retailers get discount money, or have deals with distributors where they will buy it back, and are able to sell it significantly less than the MSRP...