I don't think I am slamming the concept of the LDS. I am just tired of hearing the mantra of supporting your local LDS or else.
The idea of their not being instructors or air fills is just a scare tactic. The market will ensure that if you need air, someone will be in business to sell it to you. Instructors generally instruct because they like to teach because there is really not that much money in it (for the instructor, not the LDS who makes out like a bandit when you consider the basic equipment costs). The good instructors will associate themselves with a better LDS or go into business.
I am not proposing that the internet is a better place to buy, just trying to debunk the idea that the internet is driving the LDS out of business. The internet is just giving people options. This is no different than if a better LDS opens next door. If the LDS is lousy then they will lose some business to the new competitor. I don't believe that most people are really pinching pennies here, they just want selection and service at a fair price.
I agree that I, like most people, will not write to tell about the good/normal experiences at a dive shop. This is because to most people, good service is expected not the exception. Do you write a letter every time your phone works well or your cable service is good?
I would love to own a dive shop but I would treat it as a business and not a hobby. I would also try to remember that the items I sell are life support equipment not toys. I would attempt to provide the best possible service to customer whether that order comes in by phone, internet, shoe leather, or carrier pigeon. Maybe if the weak LDS fails, it strengthens the others.
