My LDS is getting cranky

[Zenagirl]

Our LDS is pretty smart about trips. They sell the trips for the same cost as you can get on-line then add things like a free pool refresher dive, a party before to meet everyone, etc. Instead of charging more for their "service" of the trip, they simply take the 1 or 2 free slots (generated from the group) as their "perk" or "profit". No, it won't keep them in business by itself, but it keeps their group trips full and gets people in the shop to spend money. They also usually offer some training during the trips, so that can generate some revenue as well.

[ReefHound]

I agree, you have to price the trips the same or people will just book directly. The trip leader slots are the perks that keep their instructors around and working cheap the rest of year. Also when you book as a group, some require you to be a TA and some not, you often get a 10% commission back on the listed rate so the shop can price match what you can get directly but actually gets invoiced for less by the resort