Bottom line - No LDS - No air fills. In our area this is important because we don't have a lot of dive shops to begin with. SouthWestern Ontario - Support your LOCAL DIVE SHOP.
Maybe it is time for local dive clubs to step up purchase compressors and put all the LDS out. Let instructors work for the clubs and the clubs function as non-profits. I see both tax and insurance benefits to that thinking.
Then take the clubs group effort to an online retailer and set up accounts and have the retailer be the supplier to the club and kick back to sponsor the non-profit.
I think local clubs could probably fill all the needs of a LDS and make the sport less costly to participants.
Ok now that I'm hated by all the LDS owners. I hope the rest of you appreciate the concept.
Well when the next LDS in my area goes under maybe I'll buy the used compressor. If it becomes so difficult to compete that they all go under then I'll be able to make a fortune on fills!
But seriously the fact is there are locals that compete.
They must be doing something right and the others should learn what it is and either do it or get out of the business.
Opening and running a business does not guarrantee you a right to have that business succeed. A region may only need a certain number of shops for the customer base.
If you need fills at least 1 area shop should be able to survive just on that.
If not then there just isn't enough interest in diving in your region. That maybe something that taking a active role in promoting the sport can change.
I live in a desert and there are many other divers here. We also have many LDS to choose from. Some compete, some don't I expect to see the ones that compete grow while the others die off. Nothing surprising just the laws of the business jungle.