how many times have i pondered this, being in mn we have limited stores so the market is still somewhat virgin. but of the 3 stores ive dealt with 2 in mn 1 in co, id mold my store after 2 of them. the 1 in co by far is a ideal scuba store, so a bulk of themolding comes from them and 1 store in mn . both stores have nailed it in every area. great cust service, the staff at both places are scuba addicts who love the sport. they carry brands who stand behind the product and the staff test each line.
what stands out to me that makes a great dive store is the vibe, mojo, karma what ever you call it. when you walk in you feel the scuba love, its not money money money, rather you walk in u sense hey this store is cool and can help me out and not bull**** me.
what not to do is below
this is the sad case of the 3rd store ive delt with, its in mn also, the owners no longer have a love of the sport, its all about the cash, also they treat the dive staff as 2nd hand slaves with no true respect, it seemed are input dint matter, and the staff was compossed of very smart college educated folks, ranging a wide field to drawon but it was ignored. countless times ive seen this store treat the life blood the students and customers like crap, they would piss and moan over a trival question even though the person asking the question does not know its trival. the other part was with students, once the students have taken basic cert and gear the owners no longer put on the so called happy face rather this contempment for them cause theygot what they wanted themoney.
another BAD move is tellin the staff not to dive or become frineds with the students, countless times id make good friends with my students not only as a dm but when i became a owsi, but the owners of the bad store said dont do that cause its unprofessinal, BULLSH*T IS WHAT I SAY.
also be honest to the clinetale, anyone can detect lies and bullsh*t.
