why do LDS's feel the need to bad-mouth

[mpd525]

Here's the story, just recently i went to a LDS to get a dive flag, and a float for it. Originally i had intended on doing my instruction with this store because the instructor was a real good guy, and really patient with my wife. We weren't able to do it there because of scheduling conflicts so we went with another instructor and another agency.

But back to my story, I went to get a float and while i was in there talking to the nice guy, the owner was standing there and asked who we did our OW with and i told him. And he got this sour look on his face, and said "Well don't bother coming here to get tanks or equipment rental, because with your training you don't know tables". I said ok and left it at that. I continued to talk to the nice guy, and we got to talking about my future aspirations, which included someday possibly getting into Tech diving. And he said well ask what's his name about the Tech agency, and against my better judgement i did, and he again bad-mouthed for a couple of minutes got sour and walked off. I bought my flag and float and finally left the store.

And just the other day i started a thread (again, against my better judgement), on SB, curious what people thought about the different Tech agencies, i was just curious who people thought had real good programs. And i get a PM from this jerk, correcting a typo, and that i need more expereince and that i need to be ready to spend money on equipment, and yada, yada.

I guess my complaint is, why do most LDS's (trust i know not all of them) feel the need to act like this. I think it's bad for students, i think it's bad for the sport. I understand differences in opinions, but why do alot of these guys want to bust somebody's training agency, or there future goals. I don't understand these practices, and i probably never will.

On one final note. I'm glad i found ST, and i'm glad that the LDS that I use do not act like this. I appreciate all that both do for me, and all my money on SCUBA will be spent with these 2 from now on. Thank you ST, for being the way you are.

[subsur]

well, so far all LDS i've been to around here have been fine with issues like yours. In fact, I've yet to have a problem with any of them and I hope it stays like that. They don't ask questions to get pissed off by my answers. So, time to change your LDS, i guess, unless you can avoid dealing with that particular person.

[quasimoto]

I would say that the other guy had a bee in his bonnet for the other shop. This can also be more so since it seems that the other shop is tech. I really don't know why this is either.

My LDS isn't tech and I do go in for fills and such. Since he only carries Oceanic and I've bought most of my gear he isn't going to sell me much. When I got my doubles filled from him he was somewhat surprised. After that he made a really smart remark with an attitude to match it about me diving doubles and being tech. Well since i just finished my rescue class I'm not tec..yet. No I didn't buy the tanks from him and I wouldn't have because I would have paid several hundred more for them.

[cgvmer]

When the retailer doesn't have any other ammunition they fire negativity. When scheduling, selection, price, service are not in place to challenge their competitors. Rather than selling their product, they attempt to destroy the competitor.
It would be more appropriate to tell you why they are better, rather than telling you why other's are not good. The gets you to dismiss the other (or stand up for it) without viewing this retailer as any better.

[WV Diver]

I have not had this experience anywhere I have traveled and certainly not with any LDS in my area. They all usually get along and those that don't see eye to eye on everything have enough self respect and professionalism to keep things on a friendly level.

There are many, many reasons this guy may have had this attitude. I'm not sure you will ever know the why and I'm not sure it should matter. I know when I'm not wanted and if he doesn't want your business just leave him alone. Who needs attitude?

[mpd525]

Well, i just think the whole thing was childish, and i find it kinda funny that the guy sent a PM, and didn't have the guts to do it on the open forum. To me that just shows that he doesn't want people finding out how he treats people.

I've noticed a trend here in oklahoma though. Most of the LDS's dont' get along at all. Very few are cordial with each other. I've been to several about all of them in the 2 major cities. And i've only found about 3 of them, that don't mind the other's. The rest just bad mouth the other's.

I'm not a businessmen, but in my opinion these guys that act this way hurt there selves with this behavior. It's not good for the diving community, and it's not good for consumer either. Just my 2 cents. But i had to rant about it anyway.

[mpd525]

Oh, and don't worry, i'll never step foot in that place again, i wouldn't care if it was the last shop in a 500 mile radius.

And if it wasn't for Slander issues, i'd probably spot off the name of the shop.

[quasimoto]

Originally Posted by cgvmer

When the retailer doesn't have any other ammunition they fire negativity. When scheduling, selection, price, service are not in place to challenge their competitors. Rather than selling their product, they attempt to destroy the competitor.

This is probably 95% of it.

[Charlotte Smith]

My friends have had the same experience when I sent them to a LDS to get their gear...needless to say...the store missed out on 2 sets of gear and they postponed the class until they could get it from SToys which is where I got ours, but they were in a hurry....not anymore......

[hoop]

MPD, I feel your pain... Seems that way all over OKC...... I just thought that was the way it is.... There are two shops here in the city that won't ever see me gracing their doors again..... After browsing around a bit, I was asked if I was there to buy something. After telling them I was just curious as to their selection and what brands they carried, and didn't intend on buying anything THAT DAY, I was given the cold shoulder. They will never have to worry about me taking up their precious time again..