LDS vs. Internet

**MgicTwnger** · 10-07-2007, 05:49 PM

Things are kind of slow around here this weekend, so I'll stir things up with this hot topic: do you only buy from your local dive shop (LDS), from the internet, or a mix of the two? There are plenty of arguments on both sides.

Only LDS:
The local guy can't compete on price and will go out of business. Then where can you go for fills, training, and other services?
The local guy will back up what he sells.
The local guy understands the sport and will give you your options.

Internet:
Why pay a lot more to a local shop for the same thing? Reputable dealers will honor the manufacturers' warranty.

As for myself, I usually shop on the net or (horror of horrors) eBay. If it is new gear I thoroughly investigate the options, decide what I want, and shop around. There are a few internet places I go to for certain things, and eBay, although it can be a crap shoot, sure has some great buys. You can also find bargains in diving boards' classified sections.
Since there will always be a need for lessons, repairs, and such, there will be somebody to fill them, although it might not be the traditional LDS.

**dalehall** · 10-08-2007, 04:11 PM

Luckily, I have the best of both worlds in my area. My LDS is the Divers Supply World Headquarters in Macon, GA. They are a huge online dealer, but they also have 7 locations of stores. Great staff of "behind the counter" people (for the most part).. They lack a bit of customer service when it comes to dealing with the management, but overall, considering the prices I get from them, some of lack of customer service skills can be overlooked at times. At the times they can't be overlooked or they aren't willing to deal, Leisure Pro and Scuba.com work great also. I'll support my LDS as long as they support me. When they don't, I don't feel bad in the slightest about looking elsewhere. My few hundred bucks or so they don't get isn't going to run them out of business.