Local Dive Shop is getting out of hand here

[fireflock]

Originally Posted by CaribbeanDiver

Scuba Toys, it is all your fault, how come you do not handle Scuba Pro? I could have been treated fairly if only you did.

ST used to carry ScubaPro. They were a big dealer for them and did what they were supposed to in complying with all the silly rules ScubaPro insists dealers follow. ST discovered that the 'rules' were not evenly enforced, so ST did what was eventually in the best interests of their customers and told ScubaPro to take a hike.

...or something like that....the story is in the archives somewhere if you do some digging.

Rich

[awap]

Originally Posted by CaribbeanDiver

yesterday, I visited my LDS. I wanted Scuba Pro regs and since Scuba Toys does not sell Scuba Pro, I had no other recourse.
I paid a premium for two 2nd stages. Yep, a big premium as in I could have bought the first and second stage for almost as much for each of them. I bought a R295 and a R395, (2nd stages only). I paid $153 and $173 respectively. Now, I have read several (nonauthorized) online dealers offering the R295 complete with first stage for around $199 and not much more for the R395 complete with first stage.
Ok, I got raped. forgive me, I am an idiot.
But it gets worse. I have a Scuba Pro BC which I occasionally use and it has an AIR 2. I wanted to swap it out for a simple inflator and remove the AIR 2. So, I also bought an Inflator which I later found I was charged $95 for plus another $22 for the hose.
Ya see, I am old and need glasses to read find print. I dont pay much attention to the ticket they stick in front of me when paying by credit card so I signed and only looked at the invoice later. Told Ya I was an idiot.
Now, I have known these people for some time and trust them. I got certified through them, spent a ton with them before and I know they are honest, wouldnt cheat me so I just signed the sales credit ticket.
The problem is, these people are outrageously charging without mercy.
I do not mind supporting my LDS and I know I will pay more when I am there but jeez, sex without the kiss is totally unnecessary.
No wonder I always think twice before I buy locally. Scuba Toys, it is all your fault, how come you do not handle Scuba Pro? I could have been treated fairly if only you did.

That is really too bad. You paid a lot for some nothing special scubapro regulators. You could have gotten a lot more regulator for a lot less $$$ if you did a bit more shopping around. It should not be too late to return them. If the shop tries to insist on store credit rather than a refund, you might have to deal with your CC company or maybe you know a good lawyer. :-)

[whse56]

I can't complain about my LDS, they're nice people. Like any other business they don't like it when I buy online. They also understand that a dollar only goes so far and we all try and stretch it as far as we can. The dealer only parts that I buy from them are a little more expensive than similar ones online but I believe that you need to support your LDS, so I consider it paying my dues.

[aprilgoddess1987]

I dont tell them where i get my stuff from

[icandy6298]

I live in The Woodlands, Texas. My local dive shop is called SeaSports Scuba. They are so rude to people, even if you have paid hundreds for their Padi cert. My husband and I took our Open Water cert. with them last year and they required that we buy 7 things on a list to take the class ($600) worth of stuff a piece plus another $250 each for the class. Then they pressured us to buy a full set of gear after the class was completed. We refused after we saw that they were way overpriced and rude at the same time. Very snobby. We decided to wait to get our gear after we had dove a few more times on vacation and tried several brands and types of products. They also gave us the same story about not buying things online. don't even go in the store anymore because they are so unhelpful.

[MLenyo]

Originally Posted by aprilgoddess1987

I dont tell them where i get my stuff from

same, for the most part. i haven't mentioned anything about buying gear online, so i'm not sure how they'd react though. i know one or two of the staff would say "hey, whatever you can afford."

[Gombessa]

Business is tough for shops these days. Some handle it well, some just don't. That's just how things shake out, and we'll have to see who's standing at the end of the day.

[Super-Duper Scubasteve]

I like the people at my LDS, good group. Normally, I buy a lot of stuff from them ($600 dollars just the other day). they've got alright prices and a lot of sales and top notch training, though there's no beating ST prices. They still haven't seen anything I've bought from here, though I don't htink they'de be very offended or anything.

[RoyN]

I never say anything. However, some of the gears I really want isn't online at all except for camera parts.

[mbaugh]

I currently work for a local dive shop. I think there is a place for online retails like scuba toys and local dive shops. I know for instance that most of our shops income is from open water classes. Selling gear is also a part of our business and online retailers do bring competition to the table. It is just a fact that we have to recognize. One thing that we try to do to over come this is to offer a try before you buy option. If customers ask me about buying gear online I will typical tell them that they can find it about 10% cheaper depending of the gear. The key to running the local dive shop is offering the services that are above and beyond what can be done online. This includes service, training and sales staff. Sometimes it is the friendly face that takes the time to explain various aspects of diving and dive gear that will make a trip or purchase to a local dive shop worth it. I personally know and am friends with several of our customers and repeatedly have had several of them just stop by just to say hello. Diving is supposed to be fun and dive shops local and online should support that in any way possible. I have bought from scuba toys and other online retailers before and would do it again. I guess what I am trying to say is that as a dive shop staff member and a diver all I want to do is help people explore and learn about the underwater world that I have learned to love. Go with what works for you and KEEP DIVING.