lds a rip off ?

[abouttime]

I sure hope you got some discount from your lds for spending that much money.

One reason their list prices are high is so they can bundle some equipment and give a discount. They sell more stuff, you get a deal.

Of course, you have to ask for it.

 

[Gabriel90512]

no no deal for me at this point
i did get 6 free O-rings for my tanks
last time i was there....

 

[RIDIVER501]

Our shop is starting to sell online, but we are authorized in writing by the manufacturers we represent. while I am involved in the education aspect of the shop the owner is always telling me he is keeping pricing comparable with LP and others online.
The website isn't completely up and running yet but take a look.

hit the NDC-Online link below
I know the dacor, AB Biller and henderson links are mostly up and running

 

[scubastew]

From a Business perspective the online supplier and local dive shop are very different entities.

The Local dive shop needs to hire top end instructors and gear specialists, and people familiar with diving in the area. Your local shop also needs to have gear instock that may never sell (talk about keeping up appearences).

The online supplier just need a few phone reps, buys mass quantities or whatever gear it can get cheap and have a big warehouse to put it. (or maybe doesnt even have a warehouse at all just forwards your request to the manufacturer).

Both are fine business models and have pros and cons.

All that said a lot of the "stuff" your local shop provides is "free". Especially the advice, gear modifications, additional resource suggestions,a good laugh, local conditions, etc. Without the local shop we'd be pay shipping and handling for every repair, so they deserve some major props. And compressed air, damn tanks would cost a lot to ship UPS wouldnt they?

Support your local shop, but also keep an eye on your wallet. Often you may be able to ask for a better price and if you are a regular they you should have some pull right?

 

[matt_unique]

I'm not trying to bash my lds but Mass diving prices are
crazy .......

I found the mask they sold me for 89$ @ leisurepro for
35$.....

man I feel like I got ripped off big time.... and there BCD are over 600$
I Love the guys there and I took my OW class there but
I feel like the prices are over the top on most things...

Gabe

MD is well known to have the highest prices in the area. They have great service, selection, and good staff but the prices for gear are ridiculous. I would encourage MD for training, service, and air fills.

--Matt

 

[Avalanche]

I'm torn too when it comes to LDS and LP or others like them. My personal trade off is, I'll give whatever business I can to the LDS, but sometimes, the .com's just can't be beat. I've bought most of my gear through .com's...but the LDS gets my dollars when it comes to certification classes, air fills, and high dollar items where they can afford to cut me a deal.

 

[RIDIVER501]

Excellent point Stew.
It has been an ongoing debate in the industry about the differences between brick and mortar LDSs and online competitors.

but if the online end of the business put all the LDSs out of business, and I am not saying that there aren't a few shady LDSs that we all couldn't do without," LDSs would only be able to make thier money to stay profitable with air fills, maintenance/repair and instruction.

How much are you willing to pay for an airfill?, annual regulator maint? your scuba class? if that is the only thing you are buying from you LDS it will go out of business or have to charge rediculous prices to stay in business.

Last point a guy I was talking on the beach a month ago was complaining about his LDS and how they were screwing him on gear prices. i asked why he didn't go to another shop. He said he had heard good stuff about another shop close by where he lives but it was a longer trip to get the other shop. I asked him if it would be worth it to go to the other shop abd he said naw the five extra minute diference between the two shops was too much of a hassle for him... WHAT???? Sometimes we are our own worst enemy...but it is easier to blame someone else then blame ourself.

 

[scubasean]

On the other hand, if you save $300 on a piece of gear, you can afford to have it fixed a few times even without warranty coverage.

And sometimes buy the gear a second time...

Even so, I'm more interested in the quality of the item. The warranty is a distant second issue.

That being said, I'm in my LDS nearly every weekend, and leave with all kinds of items I probably don't need.

:banana:

 

[MSilvia]

Even so, I'm more interested in the quality of the item. The warranty is a distant second issue.

Well, there are some things it's smart to buy online, and others it's not.

 

[Gabriel90512]

Support your local shop, but also keep an eye on your wallet. Often you may be able to ask for a better price and if you are a regular they you should have some pull right?

if mass diving would do that ... i would make the half hr drive and only get my stuff from them.....

ill give it a shot next time im in there