comparing prices and equipment online

Huggyd · 05-20-2007, 10:52 PM

One of the things I am in the process of doing is a little research on diving equipment. But I’m finding it a little hard comparing prices and equipment online. I’m finding some dive shops in the area (Canada, Ontario, trying to keep it around Hamilton, but will travel) have websites but don’t advertise what they have for equipment and prices. Do prices change that much \ that often that it doesn’t make it practical for the shop to advertise them on-line? Do price differ a great deal depending where you go? Would you tend to say you get the better deals for a big stores or more from the in-town little guy?

scubatoys · 05-20-2007, 11:00 PM

You will probably find huge differences. I know a lot of folks that will figure out what they need from our site, either by just printing them off, or calling and putting together a package deal... then they'll take that deal around to stores to see what they can do. Sometimes they can find a store that will get close - other times not... Sometimes they call us back and order... other times we just get a thank you email for saving them money at their local store.

Either way, what you might find is retailers in one area do not carry the brands each other do, so you might get a lot of the "You don't want to dive with that garbage, it will kill you.." when you mention some other brand.

Keep in mind... there cannot be any "garbage that will kill you" brands out there as they would have long ago been out of business. There are subtle differences, and some brands I prefer, but that doesn't mean the others are trash.

Wade through the different brands, prices, and options and see what you can learn, and if you have any questions, feel free to call or PM me.

**MgicTwnger** · 05-20-2007, 11:02 PM

In a nutshell:

Local shop = lower volume = higher prices
Big shop with big internet presence = higher volume = lower prices

It's WalMart vs. the little guy, pay your money and take your choice.

Huggyd · 05-20-2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MgicTwnger

In a nutshell:

Local shop = lower volume = higher prices
Big shop with big internet presence = higher volume = lower prices

It's WalMart vs. the little guy, pay your money and take your choice.

I see. Common rule for everything in marketing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubatoys

You will probably find huge differences. I know a lot of folks that will figure out what they need from our site, either by just printing them off, or calling and putting together a package deal... then they'll take that deal around to stores to see what they can do. Sometimes they can find a store that will get close - other times not... Sometimes they call us back and order... other times we just get a thank you email for saving them money at their local store.

Either way, what you might find is retailers in one area do not carry the brands each other do, so you might get a lot of the "You don't want to dive with that garbage, it will kill you.." when you mention some other brand.

Keep in mind... there cannot be any "garbage that will kill you" brands out there as they would have long ago been out of business. There are subtle differences, and some brands I prefer, but that doesn't mean the others are trash.

Wade through the different brands, prices, and options and see what you can learn, and if you have any questions, feel free to call or PM me.

I will do just that wade over everthing and see I can find. I have people tell me about package deals, saying that they are the things to look for + with scuba equ. is there a good time to buy winter deals or new equ. year comming out so the past years stuff get reduced?

thanks people, this is all good info and I'm willing to learning whatever anyone is willing to teach.

scubatoys · 05-21-2007, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huggyd

is there a good time to buy winter deals or new equ. year comming out so the past years stuff get reduced?

Actually, the manufacturers are all trying to get stuff out all the time. But they never make it when they intend! I have new products we got last week, and some that I ordered a year ago that I won't get till the fall... so many times, we'll have an item come up that we can offer a good deal on in spring, summer, winter, fall... really doesn't matter what time. All in the ebb and flow of the manufacturing process.