midwayman:Its a dead horse by now.
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midwayman:Its a dead horse by now.
ghostdiver1957:50% markup?... The LDS's in my area markup 100% - 300%.
They sell a snorkel for $45 that I can buy on line for $17... it costs them about $8
They sell a mask for $110 that I can buy on line for $55... it costs them $30
They sell a Regulator for $550 that I can buy on line for $250... it costs them $180
... you get the idea...
I won't pay exaggerated prices that allow shop owners to buy condos in Maui at my expense. I will pay reasonable prices to local shops... like 10% - 20% higher than online prices... so in the above scenario... the local shop will gain my business if they sell the above three items for.. $21, $66 and $300...
Problem is they won't... they'd rather just complain about the internet... so that's exactly where I'll buy
Ishie:Snipped
This last trip was so wonderful that it kind of reinforced my anger at the first shop. For one thing, when at the first shop, all I heard was nasty trash talk about the shop I'm with now, and yet when I talked to the owner of the shop I went with about WHY I went with them, I noticed he was VERY careful not to badmouth the other shop at all, but was still very nice and compassionate as he listened. Far more professional.
...they are being good consumers and shouldn't be treated as if they're "screwing the LDS" by seeking better treatment and better service.
I can think of a far more plausible reason ... that the student in question purchased her gear online, then came to class and told all the other students how much money they could save by doing the same.DBailey:The only reason I could see a shop kicking someone out for having "online gear" is if that particular manufacturer does not allow online sales. I know my shop has kicked out one person for having online gear. Upon checking the serial number of the gear with the manufacturer, it was determined that the gear was bogus and the instructor kicked the student out of class. The student was told exactly why they were being kicked out. Perhaps you friend is in a similar situation.
NWGratefulDiver:I can think of a far more plausible reason ... that the student in question purchased her gear online, then came to class and told all the other students how much money they could save by doing the same.
Question for the thread originator ... has your friend considered taking her instruction from an independent instructor, or from the YMCA, where gear sales isn't a consideration?
... Bob (Grateful Diver)
The YMCA is one of the oldest certification agencies out there ... it's recognized worldwide, and in some ways offers more comprehensive training than the mainstream agencies.midwayman:I dont think thats the case- telling others its cheaper, but maybe.
Anyhow, Doesnt ymca give you a different cert? And is that recognized many places?
She's looking into local club that are unaffiliated with a shop.