Okay, I have to get this out of my system. Over the last month I have been in about 6 different dive shops looking for various gadgets, equipment - nothing special. In every shop I'm told, "we don't have that, but we can order it for you". Here's my issue, I can order it myself and probably pay less than what I would pay the LDS. The only reasons I go to the LDS is to give them a little business so that they can make a living so that I can get tanks filled. I don't mind paying a little more for something with the LDS, knowing that I am supporting them to keep them in business again so I can get tanks filled. In addition, sometimes you want something now and not have to wait 3 days for it to get shipped to you - another reason to go to the LDS. But, are they missing the mark here? I understand inventory issues and inventory is $$$, but I hear all the time about the poor LDS who cannot compete with the internet. Do a search in this forum and it is filled (or was filled) with these kinds of posts. My only point is that I think we all want to support the LDS, but come on give us a little something here - like keeping a good inventory of things and we will buy from you.
Okay, I'm done...I feel better now (atleast until the next guy tells me, "I can order it for you".
S. Nagel