WHAT WOULD JUPITER DO???
After much reading on Scuba Board, I decided to purchase a 2nd pair of fins. I had already purchased two pairs of fins from my LDS, some cheap full foots and a pair of Scuba Pro Twin jets with a set of springs. I decided after much reading here that I wanted a pair of Scuba Pro jet fins.
I priced them out first on LP. I went to the LDS knowing the MSRP and the LP prices. I asked if they had them in stock, they pointed high up on the wall to them, but told me I did not want them. That they would be like strapping a board to my feet and that I wouldn't like them. I said I wanted to see them. They pointed to the big hook thingy and I got them down myself and tried them on myself. Then I asked the price. I was more than MSRP. So I ask if that is the best they can do for me. They then say they will give me 10% off which brings them down to MSRP. I say ok.
Since he told me that I wouldn't like them and gave me a price that was almost twice what LP was selling them for. I took his advice and did not purchase them from the LDS. I called LP and he did not discourage my purchase and gave me a good price without me having to beg.
By the way, I really like the jet fins and have switched over all of my diving to them. I did see a cave video where the guy had bright yellow jets. I want that guys fins! Mine are black. I would purchase another pair if I could get them in yellow!
Jupiter, am I a bad person? Would you have begged the LDS to sell them to you and also paid twice to the LDS what you could have paid elsewhere?
Probably not
I would likely have done what you did - from the start.
Read my post - I buy on line as well as use 2 LDS's; my post was neither a slam to the on line retailers, nor suggesting a slavish devotion at all costs to the LDS
I think its a good system, in most instances, having both. And being selfish, living in Miami, I don't see the LDS going the way of the Dodo bird anytime soon.
In your specific instance, if I liked the LDS, and his price was fair - again, w/in a few % of the on line price - the LDS gets my business.
I believe all things being equal - or almost equal - I'd support the local guy - and like you, I'm going to do my homework to know pricing, product, reviews, what other users say, etc. Then it becomes a value proposition.
I get the distinct feeling there is some real animosity towards many LDS's perhaps brought about by the LDS's attitude, hiring the wrong people, and just overall bad experience. I have not had that experience.
I HATE dealing with folks that are unknowledgable, especially when spending serious money on products I literally bet my life on. It ices the cake if they are unfriendly or unhelpful. No one else should either.
