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[Choose #3] Definitely not. We all know the mark-up and if they can’t market competitively then they are in the wrong business.
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[Choose #3] It is a question of lifestyle, Scuba Pro and Mares are different companies, Cressi and Tusa are very different altogether, what do you want in your life, quality relationships or the "Price is Right?" There will always be a cheaper, cheap watch.
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[Choose #3] Local dive shops play an important role in many things and not just gear. However being able to touch and see the gear in person is very important to me. They also provide services and recommendations for sites and even sometimes buddies. Keep them!
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[Choose #3] You should always support your local dive shop even if you buy some of your gear online.
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[Choose #3] The economy is rough everywhere. Honesty and Integrity and sincere concern for the customer are not near as important as making a sale so they can stay in business. Not always, but in my experience more often than not.
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[Choose #3] I support my local dive shop for my diving equipment as they supply the personal customer service you can’t find on line.
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[Choose #3] Like most of the people, if I can buy locally I will but there have been some things that have been $200.00 less on line.
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[Choose #3] Our shop is the only major one I know of in Atlantic Canada (there is now a 2nd branch across the harbour). Not much chance of it ever going under. I usually buy stuff there (especially with the DM discount), but have bought elsewhere/online.
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[Choose #3] LDS keeps prices in line with internet
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[Choose #3] If the local shop supports me I’ll support them. We have 2 in the area one is great and the other is a pain to deal with.
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[Choose #2] As a good anarcho-capitalist, I simply and solely look for the best deal under the circumstances. If it is provided by a local dive shop, they get my money. If not, they don’t.
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[Choose #3] I do support our local dive shop, although if the product I want is not available at a reasonable price I will consider other options.
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[Choose #3] Like most people price is an important consideration, but I like to be able to handle gear before I buy, and I hate returning things, so I try to support the LDS’ in my area whenever I can.
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[Choose #3] I do suport my LDS but i do research and expect a fair price and expert service or I will go elsewhere...
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[Choose #3] If Dive shops dos-not provide service to my standers I will not use them. If they want my repeat business they must earn it. Price isn’t everything, personal service and seeing to my needs will keep me coming back.
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[Choose #3] My Department is paying for all my advanced and Dive Con classes through an LDS. Being affiliated with an SSI shop is required plus I’ve developed a friendship with the owner. I support him for that. Oh, and I also get a great discount
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[Choose #3] as long as they had what I needed at a competitive price
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[Choose #3] LeisurePro has been my main store since the 1980’s and no problem returning for size ever. And Seavenger.com is my backup.
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[Choose #3] LeisurePro no problem, bite me
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[Choose #3] I usually ask my dive store if they can get "Item X" for me and that I have seen it at such and such a price elsewhere. They are usually willing to get it for me, out from the rationale that it is better to make a small profit than none at all.
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[Choose #3] As long as the prices are close, I will buy from my LDS.
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[Choose #3] I buy on line it is cheaper
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[Choose #3] LDS are a for profit business, they will attempt to cater to whomever pays the bills. In most cases it is the "new" divers who spend the most. So the business strategy is to focus on them. Personally, I only use shops for service.
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[Choose #3] I try to support LDS whenever I can, but they usually cater to beginner/recreational divers. As a technical diver, I am often forced to buy on-line because the LDS doesn’t carry the stuff I need. The dive shop closest to me doesn’t even have Nitrox!
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[Choose #2] I prefer to support my local dive shop but I’d switch to another one if customer service wasn’t great and prices were much higher for the same quality gear at a competitor.
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[Choose #3] I deal with my local dive shop only if there the cheapest !!
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[Choose #3] Depends on the dive shop, the owner, how they’ve treated ME and my friends. It depends why they’re struggling. Too many factors.
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[Choose #3] I always try to support the LDS if they have the products I want.
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[Choose #1] I have a good relationship with the shop I go to - and try to keep business going to them. But if they had bad customer relations, there are plenty of other shops to go to.
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[Choose #3] Price!!! the customer sevice of dive shops are completly BS!!! they just want to selll...more expensive!!!
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[Choose #3] The local LDS’s prices are usually way higher... if less than 10-15% higher, will try to buy local.
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[Choose #3] I will always buy from my LDS if their prices aren’t too much higher than the bigger dive stores. I can’t just waste money because the shop can’t survive.
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[Choose #3] I always try to support the LDS when I can. I do not mind paying 10-15% more to buy local. There is a great value and service to have a LDS and it is important to support them if they are knowledgeable and actively support the sport
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[Choose #3] support what best suits ones needs and who you trust your life depends on it
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[Choose #1] Scuba shops provide more than just equipment, but fill our tanks an provide speciaty courses as well. also a great place to interact with others.
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[Choose #3] All depends on pricing and the need for a local shop.
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[Choose #3] If the local shops carry a good selection of good quality product and fair/competitive pricing they get my support
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[Choose #3] The local dive shops are already competing with online and other alternatives for equipment. All support the local dive shop as long as I feel there is value with doing business. The value they perform is intrinsic in nature...
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[Choose #2] I would agree 1st with glassmans comments.2nd I have worked up a GOOD relation with my LDS. They have given me good discounts on some big purchases.Some merchandise is non negotiable,as we all know.I use the Internet as a source of price gauge.
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[Choose #2] If the lds has a good, knowledgeable staff then the advice you can get from them outweighs the difference in price and it is basically free. OTOH if the shop is TOO pricey, then competition will take care of that.
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[Choose #3] Like 85% of most dive shops, they get to gig you the first few times until you realize your the fool. They over price everything with expectation that you most likley will be a one time sale. "And they are Right". Experience Divers Know!
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[Choose #3] Depends if they are a real divers that are helpful and knowledgable or just salesmen trying to sell you things as soon as you step through the door!
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[Choose #3] Local dive shops are very important but must provide quality goods and services at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, local shops find it hard to compete with large companies like Sport Chalet or online retailers like Scuba.com.
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[Choose #3] Depends on the owner relationship.
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[Choose #3] I don’t have a problem going to a dive shop out of my state. If I need tanks filled the fire dept. will do it.
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[Choose #3] LDS has to be competitive, customer focused, good training with quality training
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[Choose #2] this did happen for us the old one closed due to loss of instructors and a new one open up.
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[Choose #3] I just wrote a small commentary on this topic for my scuba club’s newsletter can I place the link in here when it’s available?
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[Choose #3] Local dive shops should be supported, but not at any cost. They need to provide services, and products at a reasonable price too. The internet sales are here to stay, and dive shops who don’t recognize and embrace this fact won’t last long.
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[Choose #3] I just fill my tanks w them and I’m out the door as fast as I can. I get a better price on everything else via internet!
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[Choose #3] A shop that charges 50 - 100% more than other local shops and tries to make me feel guilty for shopping around does not deserve my loyalty.
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[Choose #3] Some equipment we buy online, I do like to support our local d.s. though.
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[Choose #3] It depends on what kind of shop they run, a dive shop must provide competitive pricing , excellent service & training
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[Choose #3] I support my LDS. Try getting a repair done online of gear you purchased. I want someone I trust working on my gear that I can talk about the problems, and fixes. My life is not cut rate. I’ll pay the price.
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[Choose #3] It depends on what kind of shop they run....if they treat the customers very well...yes I would support them to keep them in business.
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[Choose #3] I support local dive shops as long as their gear (compared to online)are reasonably priced. Shops using an outdated Business Model, with a 300% mark-up (northeast) and gouge their students just to finance their "Fiji trips" should be avoided.
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[Choose #3] a dive shop must provide competive pricing, excellent service, training, and community, they may be friends but are still a business.
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[Choose #3] It is nice to have a local dive shop, but one can also survive without it, in this internet age. The main strength is to organise local dives in lakes in our area, I am personally not a great fan.
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[Choose #3] No, if they go out business there is a reason.
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[Choose #1] The shop I use is great - for gear and travel! I have confidence in their technical expertise and never feel like I’m being upsold.
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[Choose #3] Best gear, service / advice, and price - in that order - can be online.
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[Choose #3] I need my LDS, but not at the cost of putting myself in the "poor house". I need options to find services, so "may the best LDS win" is my professional opinion
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[Choose #3] I buy local because I need a local shop (service, fills, training, travel). That said they would not keep my business if thye failed to provide the services and be competitive (not cheapest, just competitive).
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[Choose #3] I try to buy from my local dive shop as much as possible, but if local means a big mark up....I go to the Web...If I save 50% or more by going to the web, I have money for dive trips.
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[Choose #3] and fortunate for me i’ve been dealing with the same dive shop since 89
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[Choose #3] I try to buy from my local dive shop as much as possible, but if local means a big mark up....I go to the Web...If I save 50% or more by going to the web, I have money for dive trips.
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[Choose #3] Places that are well run , provide excellent customer support, don’t scam their customers, are not overpriced will stay in business. The others deserve to go out of business. Natural selection at work.
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[Choose #3] I will support those worthy of being supported. If they provide excellent customer service, build relationships with a long term view, are on top of their game with instruction and the industry, and provide quality gear that they stand behind.
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[Choose #3] The local dive shops in my area are way over priced.
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[Choose #3] I try to buy as much as I can from local shops but when it comes to buying large items, I buy online because I am on a budget and I can get decent gear for about half, or less, of what the local shops charge. I don’t have to have the best of the best
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[Choose #3] I don’t like those local or abroad shops who don’t apply spare parts/accessories
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[Choose #3] I work for a LDS and would agree with the general sentiment of the board; The LDS, like every other business, needs to earn business through EXCELLENT customer service, fair pricing, and quality training.
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[Choose #3] Always support the local dive shops with good customer service if you make all of your purchases online you will loose your local stores & when you need something quick they will not be there for you!!!!
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[Choose #3] Absolutely do not support that kind of shop. Their attitude will show in every service, poor after sale support, etc.
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[Choose #3] Yeah, I’ve been to some Local dive shops where it’s PADI and they look at your NAUI cert and rag you about it. I go where the price is right and can service my gear. the shop I got certified through are good dudes, I go back there when I can.
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[Choose #3] Disapointing that most shop’s do not support the trained diver and continued diving! No dive club, trips, buddy’s or dive opertuinity’s. They tell you up front they have plenty of other diver’s to dive. Once cert and basic gear purchased. Go away!!!
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[Choose #2] May the best dive shop for marketing,customer service survive. Its a business not a friendship.
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[Choose #3] For tank fills and service I do (even if they’re not the cheapest, but I know the quality of their job). For gear it’s different story, small items I’ll still buy from LDS but expensive ones I look for a deals.
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[Choose #3] I try to support my dive shop as much as possible, plus they’re familiar with my gear and my needs. But it’s like anything else. You return to those that provide good service. But it’s not exclusive, I do like to check out other dive shops.
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[Choose #2] If there’s money laying on the table, somebody will pick it up! If my current shop is poor at running a business, they should go under!
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[Choose #3] I try to support my local But the poor customer service and attitude by the owner has forced me to travel an hour away to do my business
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[Choose #3] For life support gear your local shop is invaluable. Internet for everything else. Try and get an Internet air fill!
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[Choose #3] My local diveshop is great so I make purchases there. If their not in business where will I get my tanks filled.LOL
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[Choose #2] Scuba Clubs supported the sport/hobby long before the LDS system. They can do it better because the overhead and profit motive are not the driving factors. A model for this is AZ-DiveBuddies in Arizona.
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[Choose #3] If they don’t operate with honesty and integrity, I won’t support them.
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[Choose #3] Sure, as long as they aren’t a$$holes and are condescending.
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Agojo - 9/21/2013 11:14 AM
[Choose #3] I support LDS if mark up is close to on-line. If they stay competitive (price, service, attitudes, etc) they will likely stay in business.
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Boise - 9/21/2013 10:37 AM
[Choose #3] I see this as like any other business, if they provide a better value than the competition, then they deserve my support. Price, service, and attitude are all part of that value. My local shop is usually a better price and service than online.
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[Choose #3] I did support a local dive shop as long as the service and personell were proffessional. When that changed, I found another shop. The first almost went out of business, but re-opened in the owners house!
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[Choose #3] I support my LDS because the quality of their instructors and their selection is better than any other dive shops I found. I make all my big purchases from them, too, to make sure my equipment can be serviced locally.
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[Choose #3] I believe in supporting LDS for core life support gear and for booking trips to remote locations..
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[Choose #2] I believe you diffinetly should support your existing local dive shop,, unless your local dive shop is trying to make too huge a profit and completely overcharging for items and products.
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[Choose #3] Supporting local businesses is great, as long as they have the specific products available at an affordable price (no more than 10-15% more expensive than online)
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