Fritz - 12/23/2009 5:47 PM
I have purchased online and at the LDS. The fact is that divers want the best price they can get on any item. There are some divers that will buy from a LDS with no concern for price, but I am not that diver.
I did purchase a used set of high end regs for less than 50% of retail even after having them overhauled. The advantage that the internet has provided me with is price comparison. I have also found that the LDS will sometimes match prices.
The most costly attempt at a purchase was when I received a pair of dive gloves that were labeled to be my size but would not fit. I returned them and paid for shipping. The pair they sent to replace them were labeled the same but had a completely different problem. I returned them and got my money back. I was out 3 shipping charges. I purchased a pair of gloves at a LDS that I could try on, they were twice the price but they fit.
So, if you buy used stuff online, be sure to pay a price that will accomodate any repairs. Purchasing new stuff online can be iffy as well, if you buy from someone that is just getting rid of stuff they picked up in a salvage sale, youmay ahve problems getting warranty repairs or exchanges.
I have purchased new equipment from internet scuba stores and had no problem.
The biggest problem with scuba equipment is the high cost. Everything cost more because of liability issues. Ahh, the age of litigation.