chicagodiveguy
Registered
Hi Everyone,
I am starting a thread that is sure to see many opinions! It goes back to the old "grey market" issue again.
Here is the story. Last year a couple of us got together when a local LDS was closing, and bought a bunch of their inventory, then shortly after saw a public auction of scuba gear items that were for sale and bought some more!
Long story short, we have a web site in which we sell these items. (We only have a couple regs, everything else is masks, snorkels, boots, lights, etc.) All the items are brand new in original manufacturer packaging with labels.
So yes... this would be considered grey market I assume. On the first page of the site, we clearly state where we got the merchandise. We do NOT claim to be authorized dealers of the equipment.
Over the weekend we were contacted by a manufacturer requesting us call them to discuss becoming an authorized dealer, OR to remove all the items from our site or face full legal action.
We have sent the info to our lawyer, but have removed their items for now.
Having been in the dive business for 20 years we know the effect, that the big grey market guys have had on the industry (Although, it seems they are not grey market any more since most manufacturers opened them up. You know who I'm talking about )
We are not huge buyers, importers, etc. of gear, and are not interested in starting a dive shop. We purchased gear to help a closing store out, and increased our inventory via a sale we found.
But now, we are getting some heat.
Unfortunately in todays economy we are seeing dozens of shops around the country closing, and dumping their inventory, selling below manufacturers MAP Pice on their websites, etc.
So... am I the bad guy for trying to make some vacation money, and help a store out that needed the income? Do I risk legal action now from the manufacturers whose stuff I have listed??
Keep in mind the prices we are selling for are slightly less than what most dive shops are selling for (i.e. MAP Prices) But anyone who buys online, via mail order or phone KNOWS, you can usually get a better price, package deal, etc. if you ask - Check the scubaboard discount most people advertise, too.
So, thoughts anyone?
I am starting a thread that is sure to see many opinions! It goes back to the old "grey market" issue again.
Here is the story. Last year a couple of us got together when a local LDS was closing, and bought a bunch of their inventory, then shortly after saw a public auction of scuba gear items that were for sale and bought some more!
Long story short, we have a web site in which we sell these items. (We only have a couple regs, everything else is masks, snorkels, boots, lights, etc.) All the items are brand new in original manufacturer packaging with labels.
So yes... this would be considered grey market I assume. On the first page of the site, we clearly state where we got the merchandise. We do NOT claim to be authorized dealers of the equipment.
Over the weekend we were contacted by a manufacturer requesting us call them to discuss becoming an authorized dealer, OR to remove all the items from our site or face full legal action.
We have sent the info to our lawyer, but have removed their items for now.
Having been in the dive business for 20 years we know the effect, that the big grey market guys have had on the industry (Although, it seems they are not grey market any more since most manufacturers opened them up. You know who I'm talking about )
We are not huge buyers, importers, etc. of gear, and are not interested in starting a dive shop. We purchased gear to help a closing store out, and increased our inventory via a sale we found.
But now, we are getting some heat.
Unfortunately in todays economy we are seeing dozens of shops around the country closing, and dumping their inventory, selling below manufacturers MAP Pice on their websites, etc.
So... am I the bad guy for trying to make some vacation money, and help a store out that needed the income? Do I risk legal action now from the manufacturers whose stuff I have listed??
Keep in mind the prices we are selling for are slightly less than what most dive shops are selling for (i.e. MAP Prices) But anyone who buys online, via mail order or phone KNOWS, you can usually get a better price, package deal, etc. if you ask - Check the scubaboard discount most people advertise, too.
So, thoughts anyone?