Taken to the cleaners

[Foo2]

Originally Posted by TheProf

Thanks for the input on ST. That makes me feel good that I've come across a good site. I'm wary of new (to me) online vendors, especially when I want the merchandise in a certain time frame (e.g., Christmas or a trip!)

I just wanted to make sure that you realize that ST isn't just an online dealer. They are a full blown dive shop and were way before they started selling online. There is no reason not to trust them. Also, you will probably find that their shipping is much faster than you expect. I can't speak from experience on the shipping due to the fact that I am local. (ST is my LDS) But I have heard very few complaints from customers that are shipping and if they do have a complaint, ST is always there to make things right. You can't beat their customer service.

[navyhmc]

Originally Posted by Foo2

I just wanted to make sure that you realize that ST isn't just an online dealer. They are a full blown dive shop and were way before they started selling online. There is no reason not to trust them. Also, you will probably find that their shipping is much faster than you expect. I can't speak from experience on the shipping due to the fact that I am local. (ST is my LDS) But I have heard very few complaints from customers that are shipping and if they do have a complaint, ST is always there to make things right. You can't beat their customer service.

I knew that you folks were a full service shop. Even come in once while on a raod trip through Dalls and just had to stop in at a place called "Scuba Toys" But I'm glad you are online too. I's stop in more, except for the 6 hour drive.

[RonFrank]

Originally Posted by Foo2

I just wanted to make sure that you realize that ST isn't just an online dealer. They are a full blown dive shop and were way before they started selling online.

This statement can be extended to most Online Scuba Vendors.

DiveTank, Scuba.com, Leisurepro, Divers Direct, they all have a brick and mortar retail presence in their local markets.

[Foo2]

Originally Posted by RonFrank

This statement can be extended to most Online Scuba Vendors.

DiveTank, Scuba.com, Leisurepro, Divers Direct, they all have a brick and mortar retail presence in their local markets.

True, but ST does many things other than retail. They offer classes and service equipment. ST is the same as your everyday LDS, just with 10000 sq ft, $5 million in inventory, an indoor pool onsite, and amazing customer service. Just an FYI.

[Foo2]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

I knew that you folks were a full service shop. Even come in once while on a raod trip through Dalls and just had to stop in at a place called "Scuba Toys" But I'm glad you are online too. I's stop in more, except for the 6 hour drive.

Just so there isn't any confusion, I do not have the pleasure of working at ST. Just a loyal customer.

[awap]

Originally Posted by mitsuguy

I understand your point... And you are intent on missing mine - that if the person helping him would have asked some simple questions, it could have prevented him from doing so...

For instance, a coworker saw a deal on a laptop online recently. Knowing that I used to own a computer store, he asked my opinion. I did some research and found that Circuit City carried the same model. I'm not much of a person to go by specs alone, I like to touch, I dragged him with me to Circuit City to see it in person. My co worker was intent on buying it online due to the fact that it was $100 cheaper, and he'd save that plus tax (A total of about $180). When we were in Circuit City, a salesman asked if we needed help - we were already looking at the specific model and I had told him it would meet all his relatively simple needs. I told him sure, that we were looking at that specific laptop. He asked us if we had been shopping around, and we answered yes - he asked what kind of other deals we'd seen - I politely responded that an online vendor had the same laptop on sale for $100 and no tax less. The salesman checked that online price, and offered to meet the deal. My coworker mentioned that online would still be cheaper due to the tax, to which the salesman said they couldnt really do anything about, but he would throw in a laptop bag and a couple other goodies.

Needless to say, although we were intent on buying online, when we went to "try it on" in the store, we ended up walking out with it. Salesperson won over the internet pricing, as should be expected by any brick and mortar store that wants to compete...

If you can find an LDS that will do the same kind of dealing, that will be one that has made the adjustment and should be around for quite a while. Generally, I believe that if myou are going to shop the LDFS, you should give him a shot at making the sale. However, the crap that some of them come out with could easily cause me to make an exception.

I put the shopper who doesn't give the LDS a chance in the same category as the LDS who takes advantage of the customer's ignorance of online savings opportunities. If a shop's survival is dependent on decieving customer, it needs to go away. Compete with honest value, not necessarily just price, and stop with the BS.

[BSea]

Originally Posted by awap

I put the shopper who doesn't give the LDS a chance in the same category as the LDS who takes advantage of the customer's ignorance of online savings opportunities. If a shop's survival is dependent on decieving customer, it needs to go away. Compete with honest value, not necessarily just price, and stop with the BS.

I couldn't agree more.

And on another note. Trying to compare a tire store to a dive shop is like comparing McDonalds to a Dive shop. McDonalds isn't going to let you take a bite before buying, and a tire shop isn't going to mount & balance your tires & let you take a spin around the block. But many dive shops will let you try gear out before buying, especially if they have a pool.

[PsychDiver]

I put the shopper who doesn't give the LDS a chance in the same category as the LDS who takes advantage of the customer's ignorance of online savings opportunities. If a shop's survival is dependent on decieving customer, it needs to go away. Compete with honest value, not necessarily just price, and stop with the BS.

I agree - honesty and politeness never go out of fashion.

[DZorn00]

Originally Posted by petard

Spot on. I'm all for buying gear online if I'm going to save a bunch of money, but I think that sort of behaviour stinks.

you guys are saying that you have never "window shopped" before. It's the same principle. Do you go to a car dealership and buy from them because you walked in the building. We all test drive before buying, it's the same concept.

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by DZorn00

you guys are saying that you have never "window shopped" before. It's the same principle. Do you go to a car dealership and buy from them because you walked in the building. We all test drive before buying, it's the same concept.

No, Ive never window shopped the intent to purchase elsewhere. I have NEVER test drove a vehicle with the intent to purchase elsewhere. It's hardley the same thing.