good on-line shopping experience

Vegas · 05-01-2007, 08:55 PM

I am not sure I am allowed to post this. I think it's ok, but If it is inappropriate, I apologize, and won't do it again.

I just wanted to share that I purchased a couple of items on-line and want to say that I had a great experience with 123Scuba.com.

Their customer service reps were so quick to reply to all my questions, and when something came up and I had to change the shipping address at the last minute, they were helpful, cheerful, and quick to be of service.

Sometimes it's so hard to even get the time of day from some on-line merchants....and these folks really shined.

I have no affiliation with them whatsoever, except as a (now) loyal customer.
Thanks!

**MgicTwnger** · 05-11-2007, 12:05 PM

If you hang around diving boards like this for any length of time, you will surely run into LDS vs. internet "discussions", and frequently they turn into rants. The arguments go something like this:
If your LDS goes out of business, where will you get training, air fills, personal service, etc?
Shop for price.
My LDS sucks.

You get the idea.

IMHO, diving is a business like any other, the marketplace will decide who succeeds and who fails. The only big item I have bought in recent years at my LDS is my drysuit, and that was only because I needed a custom fit. Anything else can be returned, exchanged, or if used, resold. I do have any used life support equipment checked by a tech before diving. The shop would rather have my repair business than none at all.

And I love the looks on their faces when I mention the internet, especially eBay.

**Kev Martin** · 05-14-2007, 05:09 PM

I have to admit that I was always on the side of the LDS during those heated debates. However, I thought that the local LDS(s) sucked as well and so I decided to go into the business myself (working on the principle that I couldn't do any worse than they were) and, I agree with MgicTwnger, if you look at the marketplace, decide what it is that people want and then put the solutions to those needs in place you are moving in the right direction. We run a one stop shop but also make our wares available on-line. This means that we can service customers from all over the UK but we have also a place for our 'locals' to come in and browse around, enjoy a tea or a coffee, obtain their air/nitrox fills and sign up for any available training courses or trips and holidays. Our prices are competitive and we also offer servicing of equipment and cylinders.

We also worked on the premise that the customer was paramount and so the service to that customer must be second to none. My daughter runs the show and customers find her helpful, cheerful, and quick to be of service. This has shown by the fact that we have built up a large following and, when I am home, there is always the opportunity for diving with our extended 'family' of divers.

Vegas · 05-14-2007, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MgicTwnger

If you hang around diving boards like this for any length of time, you will surely run into LDS vs. internet "discussions", and frequently they turn into rants. The arguments go something like this:
If your LDS goes out of business, where will you get training, air fills, personal service, etc?
Shop for price.
My LDS sucks.

You get the idea.

.

I've read those debates, and I see where both sides are coming from (ya, I'm kinda wishy-washy like that) -- yet, it's a whole different dynamic in Las Vegas.

Rather than having one or two little shops trying to stay afloat, this town has at least 8 or 10 shops (or more?) I am aware of. Some have different brands, some are huge outlets. The little guys say they can't buy tanks for what the big guys are selling them for - so most deals on tanks come with free air for a year, or some similar bargain.

The general opinion (I've heard) is that if you're looking for an instuctor, forget the outlets and ask some divers who they recommend. (that's what I did) ... Of course the shop owners will try to sell what they can with the classes, and again, a discount is standard.

Another way to find a discount and get involved is the diving clubs through the little shops - again free air or tank rentals, discounts on trips (like my trip to california on June 2nd) little freebies, etc. etc.

Having been a small business owner myself (years ago), I know one Fact of the market - competition is good for business.

The small shops keep their loyal customer by providing excellent hands-on, face to (remember your first name) face service, with integrity, and good advice. (those that don't just can't stay in the game).

The big outlets have the volume to keep prices low, and you can still get it TODAY if you want.

The 'net? Even lower prices can be found - and if you know exactly what you want, and don't have to have it now, now, now - you can save Hundreds.

I used all three - I've bought Most of my gear from two or three of the little shops, picked up my weights and lights at the Outlet, and saved a BUNDLE buying my computer on-line (making sure I was getting the manufacturer's warranty).

Competition is pretty fierce here - and the consumer gets all the benefits. [that, of course, would be ME]

I really feel for the folks that have an unreliable LDS cornering the market in their town. That has got to SUCK.

...if you are heading to Las Vegas, drop me a PM & I'll gladly give you directions to some of my favorite shops, and the names of the people to talk to. (We've got one place you might just get an additional 10% off if you happen to be a Denver Bronco's fan! LOL!) -- It just might be worth the trip!

Dragon · 05-21-2007, 01:07 AM

You think they are good, try Scuba Toys. I have no link to them except that I buy from those guys a lot and they are hands down the best people to deal with I have ever met. On line or otherwise.