Where's the group discounts???

[LMM1967]

I'm confused - I've investigated just about every group trip being put on by various LDS. The prices always turn out to be MORE EXPENSIVE than if I book myself a trip without any group pricing discounts etc.

I would expect to be able to save some money on trips when traveling with a group of people that are all pre-paid etc.

Example - all the local trips to the Keys would be well over $1000.00 for 2 people, usually 2 - 3 days diving and 2 nights lodging.

I just booked 3 nights lodging, three 2 tank trips and including fuel costs (from Atlanta) we are right at $800.00

Seems like the same thing going on when looking at more exotic trips as well - Bonaire, Cayman, live aboards etc. I can do much better on my own.

Obviously someone is getting free or DEEPLY discounted trips.

I understand the organizers & DM's on most of these trips should be compensated for their work but when a group of 10, 12 or more people are paying more than they would if they went on their own, and then add in the group discounts that all hotels and dive operators give it seems like these trips may be a primary money generator for some LDS.

[3rdEye]

i doubt that these are primary money generators for any LDS....but, the margins are thin with the airlines cutting out ticketing agents, and the ability to basically book all your own trips online...cutting out the middle man...employees expect to be paid...

these days, I'd say the group trip deal is more about the experience, and less about the discount (if at all)

[Vercingetorix]

You're paying for somebody else to deal with the hassles. Especially when things go wrong with the vendor.

[ScubaToys Larry]

The other thing you are seeing about pricing - is the timing. To book a store trip, we have to book things up 6 months in advance, put down deposits, and lock the seats. Problem is, 1 week before the trip leaves, the airline and resort are sitting on some empty seats, and they dump them for half of what I paid for them 6 months earlier.

It's really the main reason you will virtually never see us doing trips anymore. In the good ole' days, we ran at least a trip a month - but with the pricing and discounting these days, all it takes is one seat not sold - and we lose money on that trip.

[LMM1967]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

The other thing you are seeing about pricing - is the timing. To book a store trip, we have to book things up 6 months in advance, put down deposits, and lock the seats. Problem is, 1 week before the trip leaves, the airline and resort are sitting on some empty seats, and they dump them for half of what I paid for them 6 months earlier.

It's really the main reason you will virtually never see us doing trips anymore. In the good ole' days, we ran at least a trip a month - but with the pricing and discounting these days, all it takes is one seat not sold - and we lose money on that trip.

Just an FYI - I haven't checked any trip options with ST - just didn't want anyone thinking this was a question / complaint about you guys.

[ReefHound]

I'm not sure why you were under the impression that the LDS would pass on the group discount savings to the customer. The free spot is usually taken by the trip leader and any discounts are the slim margins by the LDS.

Larry said it best, your best deals will be in being flexible and taking advantage of special sales or last minute deals. Or putting together your own group and claiming the trip leader spot but you might find out it can be a lot of work.

[i like 2 dive's wife]

My husband and I have had some luck booking trips thru our LDS. Our upcoming trip to Roatan, which we booked thru them, actually called and told us that the price had dropped nearly $200/person due to fuel costs from the airline. And..., they also said that if they could get another person on our trip, that would also drop the price a bit and would hand out $20 +/- to each person at our pre-trip orientation. I know that doesn't sound like much, and we probably wouldn't have noticed the difference, but he could've kept that extra $$$. But by telling us and passing the savings on to us, he now has loyal customers and broadened his customer base.

[clararhb]

I asked the same question at a local shop and was pretty much told the same thing. But they weren't as nice as everyone here. With the economy they are doing one trip a year now..to Coz.

[comet24]

Trip just don't make money for dive shops. Most do it for a few reason. There customers want it and they can usually get a discount for the group leader. So remember your paying for the dive shop person leading the trip to go.