Local Dive Shop is getting out of hand here

[BSea]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

But on the other hand, were you planning on using *his* indoor pool to test your new reg or your own pool? It would be a bit crass to expect the shop to let you use their pool to test your new reg bought online.

That might depend on the situation. If he has to pay a fee to use the pool, then he should get to do and use what he wants as long as it doesn't violate any other rules. My LDS lets me use any gear I want, but I pay an annual club fee that allows for the use of the pool.

Now I have a buddy who lives in another city, and his LDS has almost the same situation with the exception that any gear used in their pool has to be serviced by them. Now that's not a friendly LDS in my opinion, and they are just twisting the rules to get you to buy their gear.

[ReefHound]

Originally Posted by BSea

That might depend on the situation. If he has to pay a fee to use the pool, then he should get to do and use what he wants as long as it doesn't violate any other rules. My LDS lets me use any gear I want, but I pay an annual club fee that allows for the use of the pool.

Agreed. I wasn't making any definitive statements as it wasn't clear in the post whose pool or what terms, I'm just making the point that if we want to buy our gear online we need to be fair and not "use" the LDS in a disrespectful manner. Not saying the OP was.

[adv_diver1]

I'm with Reefhound... better not to say... if they asked I would say I have had it for awhile or tell them my grandmother sent it to me for a gift. What they don't know won't hurt is exactly right!!

[BSea]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

Agreed. I wasn't making any definitive statements as it wasn't clear in the post whose pool or what terms, I'm just making the point that if we want to buy our gear online we need to be fair and not "use" the LDS in a disrespectful manner.

I agree. I just wanted to point out different situations. And I do agree that using a shop to try, then buy someplace else generally isn't ethical. I say generally because I've seen cases where a shop almost begs people to try gear. Well, usually people negotiate at the point of sale. If the LDS initiated the interest then won't compete price wise, then all's fair.

I've found if you are honest with people, most of the time they'll be honest with you. I've never made it a secret to any shop that I buy my gear where it makes the most sense. If it's an item that needs service, then more often than not, I'll buy local. Now, if they say that their price is their price & if I want to "RISK MY LIFE" to someone from from the internet, then I'll buy from the internet. And if they say they won't work on something even though they are a dealer for that brand, then I won't be back.

[awap]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

Agreed. I wasn't making any definitive statements as it wasn't clear in the post whose pool or what terms, I'm just making the point that if we want to buy our gear online we need to be fair and not "use" the LDS in a disrespectful manner. Not saying the OP was.

After all, an LDS would never use a customer in a disrespectful manner!!!

The problem is trying to seperate the good ones from the bad ones. But shops who claim ST is not an authorized dealer and refuse to service gear obtained online are bad ones in my book and deserve to be treated poorly and taken advantage of by their customers.

[danielh03]

Originally Posted by ReefHound

In the first place I've found it best to just keep your mouth shut and don't tell your LDS about anything not involving them directly. No good can come from it. Some shops can handle it well. If you told Larry you bought a reg from LP he may not be happy inside but I doubt he'd say anything to you but wish you the best with it and let it be your call. But others get indignant and upset so why even go there.

You needed to end that conversation quickly by just telling him you felt he was being a bit invasive and that you don't second guess him on his personal consumer decisions.

But on the other hand, were you planning on using *his* indoor pool to test your new reg or your own pool? It would be a bit crass to expect the shop to let you use their pool to test your new reg bought online.

No, he doesn't have a pool. I think that he should be happy for the business he gets from my wife and I though. He does all our air fills, and i even take tanks to him from the local Rescue Squad I belong to for fills, VIP's and hydro. I think it irks him that I am not a "loyal" customer" more than anything.

[PsychDiver]

I have heard the "loyal customer" line also. Since when does being loyal mean that I stand by while you price gouge me and make rules that are not from the manufacturer about servicing equipment? Loyal goes two ways.

[CompuDude]

My standard answer anytime an LDS asks where I got something is "I don't know, it was a gift." If pressed, you can even say it was a present from a cousin who lives out of state.

They don't need to know. They don't have a right to know. And refusing to answer the question (or telling them truthfully that it was bought online) is often just asking for trouble.

[danielh03]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

My standard answer anytime an LDS asks where I got something is "I don't know, it was a gift." If pressed, you can even say it was a present from a cousin who lives out of state.

They don't need to know. They don't have a right to know. And refusing to answer the question (or telling them truthfully that it was bought online) is often just asking for trouble.

Thats pretty much what i have decided to do. just sad that one has to resort to things like this just to keep peace. maybe wal mart will get into the scuba business lol.... just picture that!

[Splitlip]

I don't think you really mean that about Walmart!

You know, a lot depends on the LDS. One of my local dive shops is a Diver's Direct. Doesn't bother them where you buy your gear.
Another shop (the one closest to me) has a little store front down the road. Easy access to fills. He is the Henderson dealer I have mentioned before. His shop serves as the fitting room for people buying Henderson on line. He cannot compete with some of the big guys. His fault? Maybe for trying to get into the buisiness with less capital and buying power.
He is never rude about it, but he will tell customers if they buy their regs on line, they won't get the manufactures warranty. Is that bad to do? He is a USD-Aqualung-APEKS dealer. I don't think that is bad, I think it is marketing. "Buy from me. I can't quite match the price, but you will have a warranty."