Scuba PriceGrabber

[Straegen]

I have been looking for a new development project to keep me busy so I was thinking about creating a simple site scanner that would list scuba site specials and used gear chronologically. Basically it would scan ST, scuba.com, LP, TDL, etc create a single page and list all their deals by date. It would not show non-sale merchandise just stuff they list on special. Would allow consumers to simply and quickly see the latest greatest prices since their last visit without hitting a dozen sites.

Question is would you find something like this useful at all?

[mksmith713]

Who wouldn't find saving a few $$$ useful.....

[din]

heck yeah it'd be useful! you should work on being bored more often.

[chinacat46]

Somebody already compares prices although your idea might take it a little further. Check out Compare Prices of Discount Scuba Equipment - Buy Scuba Gear Snorkeling Packages Online @ Dive Booty

You have to join to do price comparisons but it's free and doesn't seem to have all of the companies you listed so there is always room for more.

[Straegen]

It wasn't going to be so much of a listing service of standard prices, but more of a current best buys listing. It highlights prices on items that are lower from one week and how much that discount is.

I have been playing around with it and have a quasi working version, but it isn't pretty. I stopped working on it since I didn't see much of a response, but I may play around with it some more.

[chicken]

I think it is a very cool idea. It would save time searching for specials and finding the best prices. Can you also include something to indicate free shipping vs shipping, handling, phone, charges ect?

[chilly willy]

Great idea, I would put the link in my favorites and use it often.

[Straegen]

A real shipping calc would be a PIA but it wouldn't be hard to list a shops shipping rules and give a possible estimate based on distance.

[Sansho]

A shopping engine just for dive stuff would be great. There's probably a dozen online sites that could be used for comparison. I can see where an accurate shipping calc could be really difficult, and to me if the search engine didn't include shipping, that would be ok.

[chicken]

I don't think an actual shipping calc would be worth the effort. However, the shop with the lowest price may not be the lowest because they charge shipping. So knowing which shops charged shipping and/or handling would be benificial.

Also knowing which shops had a price match policy could be helpful. I always search before making a big purchase at ST because I know they will match.