What I want in a dive shop.

[arcFlash]

Who said you had to have the manufacturer involved? Dry suits, yes, they are too expensive and size is everything, but BC's and lights? They already have rental gear but it's all the same, LDS's would just need to diversify the rental gear they already have. Yes, this may drive some cost as the parts will not be interchangeable but I would think the rental covers most of that and they are a dealer after all. Being a dealer of, say, Mares and not having anything but SeaQuest rentals! Hows that work? Doesn't that say SeaQuest is more durable and longer lasting. If Mares can't hold up to rental it's not going to hold up for me over time. (Mares and SeaQuest chosen at random, no disrespect to ether brand)

You can demo CCR's in the TC area and at $5k each, cost isn't stopping them so it shouldn't be an issue with other items like DPV and HID's.

What about tanks, everyone has the same tired old 80's. Can I rent a steel 130 in the TC area? What about twin 50's? Single Steel 85 or 95? What about pony/stage? I may want to try an AL40 before I buy it? You can't! Can I rent an Argon for my drysuit to try before I buy? Why not?

A long time ago I was in sales and my mentor said, the more they touch the product the better chance you have of a sale.

I know I would own more stuff if the above was true for LDS. I also wouldn't have a few items but I would have spent the money so it's not a wash in my mind. I have an $800 computer that I don't use, I would like to go back in time and buy twins. As it is, the money is spent and I'm not happy about that so it's not helping my LDS or ME.

PS, The DUI demo's don't sell gear. When you fill in your registration form you have to list the shop that you would be using. You order from them if your honest. I used a little shop in WI.