Taken to the cleaners

[TheProf]

I got taken to the cleaners by our LDS a couple years ago. I tried to "phone first" to make sure they had fins that would do the job for me before driving to the store. This is one instance where not doing my homework cost me big bucks, as I now realize that the owner jacked up his prices since he knew I was headed out on a trip. Now I've learned my lesson and will do my comparison shopping online first. The prices here at ST seem really competitive, and I like the shipping prices and policies. Do you find that the prices at your LDS are also marked up?

[adv_diver1]

The LDS's around here can not even come CLOSE to ST.com prices. In fact, most websites I have looked through can't touch these prices.

[FishFood]

Thats horrible. What fins/price were they?

Thankfully my LDS is usually only a tad higher than ST's, and often times the same price after shipping (well, except for right now with the free shipping promo)

[mitchy]

I find my dive shop comparable to all others in the area, and comparable to ST for many products, which is pretty good as diving up here is seasonal. I equiped myself with Sherwood gear, and they undercut all the other diveshops by hundreds of dollars, so I was impressed. When I bought my 7mm wetsuit, hood and gloves this summer, they gave me a great package deal, and then decided to upgrade me on the gloves as well.

[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!).

As for the fins, I don't remember the brand, but they were 65$, and it appears I could have gotten something decent for much less than that. I don't have to buy the cheapest thing out there, but if I pay top dollar, I want to get my money's worth.

[cheebaweebie]

I see my LDS alot higher than ST and other on line retailers. I usually check out the stuff that I want at the dive shops, size/fit/look then find it on line cheaper and buy. The first time I equipted myself (like 5 years ago) I spend way to much. If I look back on it, I could have gotten much better quality and quantity used and new for cheaper by doing my home work on line vs. buying from an LDS.

[Goober]

My LDS runs about 15-20 bucks more on "High dollar" items. But for the most part by the time I pay for shipping if I purchase online they are pretty much even. I usually only buy online, when there is something that catches my eye that my LDS does not carry.

I do try and support them with my purchases the majority of the time. But take for instance...I'm in the market for a wetsuit. ST has what I want. My LDS does not. The closest thing they have is 40.00 more than what I've spotted here. Times like this....ST gets my cash.

[FishFood]

Originally Posted by cheebaweebie

I see my LDS alot higher than ST and other on line retailers. I usually check out the stuff that I want at the dive shops, size/fit/look then find it on line cheaper and buy. The first time I equipted myself (like 5 years ago) I spend way to much. If I look back on it, I could have gotten much better quality and quantity used and new for cheaper by doing my home work on line vs. buying from an LDS.

IMO that's not right

If I owned a dive shop youd be getting your air fills (and trying on items) elsewhere.

[wheelman]

I believe in supporting my LDS and for the most part they are competative. I have a good relationship with the people and they treat me right and have done some services and equip. checks for nothing because of customer loyalty. I never have felt that I have been taken on any deal. Oh and the most important.... if they close no close air fills.

[cheebaweebie]

Originally Posted by FishFood

IMO that's not right

If I owned a dive shop youd be getting your air fills (and trying on items) elsewhere.

Believe me bro... my LDS gets a fair share of my cash. Trips, spare shafts / bands etc for my gun, nitrox fills... I just bought a pair of 3MM neoprene socks yesterday and a stringer when I lost mine a few months ago. They service my gear and do viz inspections on my tanks but tell me that if you had the chance to save 150 bones on a speargun or 75 to 100 on a wetsuit by getting it online vs. buying it from you LDS you wouldn't take advantage... Diving is an expensive sport and even though I know my LDS is there to service divers first and make money second I sure am not all about throwing hundreds of dollars away so my LDS can make a sale. Hey more cash for our buddies at ST...