I have a great LDS here in Northern California. My LDS will compete with any on-line price if I can show proof that the item is less than their listed price.
Usually its’ nothing more than just a copy of the item and the on-line price. Fairly simple for me.
I’ve done and will continue to do good business with them even when they do not carry certain scuba equipments and products.
I have to say one thing, I do appreciate the ancillary dive services I receive from my LDS. They contact vendors for upgrades when new products come out. (Recently the Suunto came out with the new Cobra III, they called and got me an upgrade for $475.00 just turn in the old one)
If something doesn’t fit right they take care of it for me, even if it’s special order items. My LDS service all my gear and equipment, of course for a price.
Furthermore they really help me to tailor everything to MY specifications.
Next year I’m going tech, which means more gear and specialized equipment. I wouldn’t think of buying from anyone else.
When it comes to dive travel they will make the calls, and do the leg work if I need it done. I mainly do that myself, but, if I needed it done they would do it for me.
I try to make it easy I figure out where I want to go, then just call them and tell them to book it for me. It’s easy and conveniently taken care of for me. All I do is pay, pack and fly.
But I’ve been on the other end of this situation where the LDS is such a poorly run operation that I would buy from an on-line operator rather then give my money to hacks and crooks.
I’ve also traveled distance when a LDS was close by because I refused to give my money to them under any circumstance.
I’m just really glad that I have a EXCELLENT LDS that I can give my money to and they truly appreciate me as a customer.
Good business is just good business if you’ve got it even in the hardest times you will prevail.