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#51828
2010 Scuba Diving Survey Q3: Online Scuba Dealers
Greg - 7/15/2010 4:19 PM
Category: Survey
Replies: 801

How are companies that specialize in online scuba gear sales affecting the scuba industry?
#2286
bubbleseeker - 11/23/2010 11:01 AM
[Choose #1] I can find everything i want on line and have it delivered in three days. if I order from shop it takes 3 or 4 weeks, that is IF they remember to order it!
#1690
AndyBSmith - 11/16/2010 6:34 PM
[Choose #3] folks buy from them even though they know they will drive out the local dive shop. Can you get air fills online?
#102
DiverDK - 10/21/2010 8:53 PM
[Choose #1] They definitely contribute to the sport by offering gear at competitve price and wide selection.
#315
pmombourquette - 10/03/2010 8:06 AM
[Choose #3] They hurt the survival of the small local shop that provide air, service and instruction.
#787
Mavricky - 9/28/2010 6:15 PM
[Choose #2] I think it all sorts out. I want to know who to use it I need to get it from a shop.
#75
cmyguns - 9/10/2010 4:59 PM
[Choose #4] Well I’d imagine there’s a negative impact but you got to admit that the prices in many cases are better even with shipping cost.
#825
GB - 9/09/2010 2:03 PM
[Choose #2] low priced online gear keeps diver buying gear, keeping the gear moving from manufacture to diver, but adversely impacts local dive stores, impacting local economies
#190
JillCW - 8/31/2010 6:55 PM
[Choose #3] dive shops rely on loyal customers or they are unable to compete.
#167
BobbyTowers - 8/30/2010 7:01 PM
[Choose #3] I like talking to someone!
#135
MaconBubbles - 8/30/2010 2:43 PM
[Choose #4] Haven’t used it.
#1399
Paleface - 8/30/2010 11:17 AM
[Choose #4] They help the consumer save conciderable amounts of money.
#1391
DarthDiver - 8/29/2010 9:15 PM
[Choose #1] I think they generate more competition therefore the end consumer can get better deals.
#2169
Tiara_270 - 8/29/2010 11:39 AM
[Choose #1] The American way competition!
#209
liveandletdive - 8/28/2010 9:45 AM
[Choose #3] They take the business away from local dive shops.
#202
scampycampy - 8/28/2010 6:19 AM
[Choose #1] they make it more affordable to get into gear and get diving
#10
SpiritedWahine - 8/28/2010 2:43 AM
[Choose #4] they help when we are cheaper : ) and dont have sales tax or shipping and have proof in our systems of purchasing for warranties
#34
tofucute - 8/28/2010 12:43 AM
[Choose #4] One of my LDS’s is online as well. It’s great I can browse before I go in, buy stuff online or in the shop, have it shipped, or pick it up, and get fills and services. Why does it have to be either or?
#38
iliv4scuba - 8/27/2010 4:24 PM
[Choose #4] they are convenient for those that know what they want. nothing repalces the face-to-face at the dive shop though
#75
dspd204 - 8/27/2010 1:32 AM
[Choose #1] a casual browsing non-diver could be motivated to try it after seeing a gear site.
#192
LoriA - 8/26/2010 2:22 PM
[Choose #1] If you can’t find an item at your LDS you can probably find it on line.
#1712
slippin2darknezz - 8/26/2010 2:00 PM
[Choose #1] best price and speedy service
#828
CptnTypeO - 8/24/2010 11:23 PM
[Choose #1] I think for the most part they are fine, except if you are looking for something in perticular having to do with size and fit. I feel its usually better to try on those items, prior than just rolling the dice and ordering
#300
Landon_me - 8/24/2010 9:39 AM
[Choose #3] Great prices, no warranties...sometimes it just doesn’t make since.
#1347
Pixel - 8/23/2010 3:29 PM
[Choose #3] for light equipment online shopping could work, however I prefer getting face to face advice, recommendations and help when purchasing large kit items. The experienced person helping you in the shop may know what’s better kit for you.
#562
Argonaut - 8/23/2010 11:51 AM
[Choose #4] I think dive shop owners would have a better understanding of this.
#6310
Ichabod - 8/23/2010 5:48 AM
[Choose #1] They level the playing field price wise. To many shops are like used car dealers. They will charge as much as you let them get you for but the internet price is something they can do they just don’t make as much money.
#278
scrubrat2 - 8/22/2010 7:46 PM
[Choose #1] sometimes they have acces to stuff others dont
#623
flyingfrawg - 8/22/2010 5:19 PM
[Choose #2] I think they are a balanced part of the picture. They serve as alternate source of equipment that may not be locally available. LDS’ have had to up their service level to offer the value to make up for price differences.
#307
coolumdiver - 8/21/2010 4:15 PM
[Choose #2] NEVER USED THEM ONLY EBAY
#25
rondaniel - 8/21/2010 1:21 PM
[Choose #4] I have no idea... I’m new to scuba.
#120
j_Scuba - 8/21/2010 10:41 AM
[Choose #1] By incresing sales and people reach
#67
HeatherG - 8/21/2010 10:08 AM
[Choose #4] IDK
#1204
rebrown - 8/21/2010 7:47 AM
[Choose #1] It helps make it more affordable for more people.
#54
delsol - 8/20/2010 5:27 PM
[Choose #4] Both. They hurt LDS but bring accessability where the local dive industry is limited.
#4002
WarmWaterTurner - 8/20/2010 3:04 PM
[Choose #1] While I love my LDS, they have a limited inventory and sometimes I don’t want to wait weeks for an order.
#31
Shez - 8/20/2010 12:35 PM
[Choose #3] I think the closed market helps to keep prices higher
#30
ptanimal - 8/20/2010 12:17 PM
[Choose #1] they expose more people to diving/ equipment but hurt smaller shops
#46
rsmith4656 - 8/20/2010 8:14 AM
[Choose #2] I buy some on line but most in store. My LDS will price match on line stores.
#954
james4964 - 8/19/2010 5:10 PM
[Choose #2] takes away from the ldc but makes it more affordable for the diver
#31
trace - 8/19/2010 1:53 AM
[Choose #4] i have never bought online so unsure how to answer
#70
joebelly63 - 8/18/2010 3:36 PM
[Choose #4] I am not familiar with this issue
#93
TylerDurden - 8/18/2010 11:50 AM
[Choose #4] Seems like advances in the technology allow core competnecies to slip away from importance. ie...super smart dive computers mean divers may not understand the physics behind it’s calculations....
#640
ereediver - 8/18/2010 11:02 AM
[Choose #4] They have helped and hurt the consumer by making itmes easier to obtain, but without expert advise if needed. I really can’t comment on it’s affect on the industry itself
#686
EasyDayThailand - 8/18/2010 3:27 AM
[Choose #1] you can buy scuab gear without leaving your house. Great deal if you haev no local dealer.
#341
ScubaScott66 - 8/17/2010 9:41 PM
[Choose #1] If you want to get more people involved witht the sport, you must make it more accessible, and affordable. I still support my local shops, but when theres a deal on something I want or need, and Leisure Pro sells it for $200 to $300 less. No Brainer
#50
Darkpassenger - 8/17/2010 8:48 PM
[Choose #3] people are buhying stuff online without training
#448
TDSDiver - 8/17/2010 8:34 PM
[Choose #3] Online companies hurt the industry because losing the face to face and fraternization in the local shop takes away from the recreational enjoyment and hurts the local shop sales
#184
scubaschwab - 8/17/2010 2:52 PM
[Choose #1] They’ve shifted the local stores to more educational providing instiutions with emphasis on providing services that can’t be done over the internet.
#3160
SoCal_Kevin - 8/17/2010 12:02 PM
[Choose #4] They undercut the LDS, but many LDS’s are overpriced
#979
wiilyv - 8/17/2010 4:36 AM
[Choose #1] i bought mine cheaper compared to dive shops
#165
rangerdiver - 8/16/2010 10:32 PM
[Choose #3] I have used them in the past and if I can’t deal with my local dive shop on price to some degree I still use the onlline dealers but I much prefer using the services of my local dive shop.
#585
knoxie - 8/16/2010 8:06 PM
[Choose #2] gives more competition
#68
PugetS_Diver - 8/16/2010 7:54 PM
[Choose #1] You go online to look, and instore to get a feel for the product.
#271
joshua - 8/16/2010 12:44 PM
[Choose #3] People do not understand that most local dive shops make their money from equipment sales. No equipment sales no local shop.
#588
jason_tucker - 8/16/2010 11:55 AM
[Choose #1] I love scuba toys. It makes it easier for me to get what I need at a great price so I can dive more.
#52
trumpjk - 8/16/2010 9:39 AM
[Choose #1] I think online dealers make it more affordable but in turn hurt local dive shops. I think some of the local dive shops should invest in selling wares online as well.
#1598
cptstowpdm - 8/16/2010 9:31 AM
[Choose #2] It’s just another placeto get scuba gear.
#4682
Montanaman - 8/15/2010 11:25 PM
[Choose #1] The more choices, the better
#769
azskyandsea - 8/15/2010 1:31 PM
[Choose #1] Better prices than local, but it hurts the local shops
#96
hal - 8/15/2010 5:19 AM
[Choose #3] it makes it harder for the small dive shop to compete
#124
neilcp - 8/15/2010 12:36 AM
[Choose #4] They MIGHT hurt the industry by offering low cost equipment...which means established companies might lower prices... which might cause them to cut corners and/or reduce research expenditure, thereby reducing SAFETY.
#211
rsuave - 8/14/2010 11:54 PM
[Choose #2] My local dive shop El Mar Diving Center, AZ has VERY competitive pricing.
#15
Pistolero - 8/14/2010 6:05 AM
[Choose #1] better selection
#456
RidingSideways - 8/13/2010 6:15 PM
[Choose #3] dive shops rely highly on sales
#80
gunman200081 - 8/13/2010 5:13 PM
[Choose #2] They hurt the small town guys but they also sell the gear so they are still helping the scuba industy. With the world being so up to date with the internet world, more and more people are using it.
#572
greysquirrel - 8/13/2010 4:17 PM
[Choose #4] there is good and bad. obviously online companies hurt the small local dive shops because they are usually cheaper bad for the small shops. as long as they can offer the warranties and and are cheaper good for consumer.
#99
ToyotaTerrorist - 8/13/2010 2:53 PM
[Choose #3] They normally sell junk thats outdated and when you have a problem they turn there shoulder to you.
#165
Gamike - 8/13/2010 7:59 AM
[Choose #1] They keep the locals from gouging too much
#60
tresguey - 8/11/2010 9:07 PM
[Choose #4] I feel they are bad for the local dive shops. But they are good for the end user.
#65
ROYM - 8/11/2010 12:58 PM
[Choose #4] It takes business away from retailers, But in some cases it allows experienced divers to afford equipment that is often Over priced by retailers.
#4377
Catman - 8/11/2010 11:27 AM
[Choose #4] pos & neg, they get info out there to see, but that sometimes leaves the local dive shops out!
#25
tswtrskier56 - 8/11/2010 11:14 AM
[Choose #3] i feel that local dive shops suffer when people shop online, not to mention the money taken away from your local economy. sales and service from a local dive shop is negatively impacted by online shoppers.
#18
adown - 8/11/2010 6:50 AM
[Choose #4] I think a lot of people are loyal to their dive shop. Even paying a few bucks more.
#212
Divin_DnT - 8/10/2010 6:25 PM
[Choose #1] More people can afford to purchase gear for a sport they participate in intermittently. The industry needs to grow into the 21st century and stop voiding warrantys in order to protect their distributers.
#959
RockPro - 8/10/2010 4:00 PM
[Choose #1] I’ll say it’s a positive because I now have access to research the products in-depth.. to date, I’ve not bought a single item online.. always in a shop.. but researched them online first. Thanks Internet!
#20
scubaman911 - 8/10/2010 8:16 AM
[Choose #3] Scuba is personal fit sport. Without local stores, may not buy the right things for the right person. also local stores hub for scuba activity.
#4692
aquadude5 - 8/08/2010 10:57 PM
[Choose #3] I think it hurts the retailers that r the ones were one gets ones training
#205
Synike - 8/08/2010 9:02 PM
[Choose #4] I honestly can’t tell if it’s positive or negative. I personally looked up items online, then went to a local dive store and asked for what I found and liked to have a chance to try it, see it in person.
#304
Dovelg - 8/08/2010 7:15 PM
[Choose #1] I think with gear being a little cheaper online more people can afford to particpate in diving
#58
GaryCT - 8/08/2010 3:04 PM
[Choose #1] Greater selection and lower prices
#1974
nauidiver - 8/07/2010 8:46 PM
[Choose #4] I’d say they are good & bad. There in the industry so they help but they cut out sales in your towns dive shop
#223
GFD113 - 8/07/2010 3:46 PM
[Choose #1] better prices that LDS
#941
james21dive - 8/07/2010 1:30 PM
[Choose #4] havent used any, id rather go to local dive shop
#449
Paco103 - 8/06/2010 11:32 PM
[Choose #4] I haven’t used any, not aware of any changes caused by them in my isolated world.
#819
Plumber63 - 8/06/2010 11:27 PM
[Choose #1] Make things readily available, to your door in 72 hours..
#447
jester3891 - 8/06/2010 9:35 PM
[Choose #1] It is much less stressful buying equipment this way. My only issue right now is some manufacturers will not back their warranty if the exuipment is bought via the internet, even if the dive center is an authorized dealer.
#234
iluvczm - 8/06/2010 6:41 PM
[Choose #3] When you buy equip. such as regs. no shop in town that I know of will honor any service waranty agrement of merchandise purchased online.
#343
IceCube - 8/06/2010 4:29 PM
[Choose #1] Local shops don’t cater to experienced divers.
#1004
RonSubmerged - 8/06/2010 3:19 PM
[Choose #4] I think it helps keep the shops at bay to not charge outrageous markups but it also takes away from the honest local shops potential revenue. They weed out the bad ones!
#257
Fasterfz1 - 8/06/2010 1:31 PM
[Choose #3] I believe that you can get great deals but for new divers I believe you should get fitted for some gear in a dive shop.
#2322
iScuba - 8/06/2010 12:38 PM
[Choose #1] Competition drives the economy and keeps prices somewhat down, or at least fair.
#300
popojeb - 8/06/2010 10:37 AM
[Choose #4] i have no idea
#129
scuba-joe - 8/06/2010 9:17 AM
[Choose #4] It’s good for divers, you get to compare price and get the best deal on equipment; At the same time it’s not so good for local dealers if they can’t compete with the online prices.
#9476
hoofpick - 8/06/2010 9:13 AM
[Choose #4] they hurt the small local dive shops and most people don’t understand the hidden cost involve with purchasing equipment on line.
#216
Rhonda - 8/06/2010 9:03 AM
[Choose #4] Not sure still new to diving
#113
webrunner - 8/06/2010 7:58 AM
[Choose #1] inexpensive is a double edge sword.. gets more people involved, but kills the local shops!
#286
warren2343 - 8/05/2010 11:49 PM
[Choose #3] they cut there prices and before long it will be hard to find a Quality store close because a mim and pop store cant compete with there prices
#4945
nutralbouy - 8/05/2010 9:13 PM
[Choose #4] i have not bought any gear online
#170
NashvilleAquanut - 8/05/2010 8:25 PM
[Choose #3] I feel their making hard on the small dive shops by competeing for sales, one thing you can’t get on line is airfills and the shops here have gone up to compensate for the lost sales
#99
txbairdiver - 8/05/2010 7:13 PM
[Choose #1] provide buying options .. lower prices