Scuba diving gear - buy online vs in store

TODD GROSS   Dec 26, 2024

We regularly get customers in the store that tell us about the nightmare of ordering scuba gear online, and repeatedly have to send it back. One of the things that regularly plagues customers buying online is sizing. Sizing is not always the same from one manufacturer to another. That's why items like scuba fins, scuba masks and wetsuits should be tried on prior to buying.
Another big misconception is saving money online. When, in fact, scuba manufacturers are the ones that set the prices, that's called MAP. Stores are not allowed to adjust that pricing in advertisement, sales, or their online stores. The only time a store can advertise a discount on a manufactures product is concurrent with a manufacture advertised sale. If you ever look closely at scuba gear for sale, for example, at Amazon. You'll notice most of the vendors prices on the gear are the same. Every once in a while, you'll see the same item listed for a large discount. Most often that is not an authorized manufacture sale and is referred to as a gray market item. Gray market items can be very difficult to get serviced or warrantied by a dealer. Unless the seller online registers the serial number of what you purchased, or you are giving proper documentation to register the serial number yourself, most likely you've purchased a gray market item. Dealers will not accommodate your warranty or service needs if you have a gray market purchase.
So, how do I save money on gear purchases? A little known fact is that scuba diving stores can discount manufacture pricing 10% to 15% depending on the manufacturer, and when you purchased the items in the store. That discount almost always makes buying in the store the most cost-effective way to purchase your gear. The added benefit is, your buying from a authorized manufacture dealer, and your warranty and service will be supported. In some cases the manufacturer may offer parts for life on your annual service, and you almost never get that benefit when purchasing online.
So remember to support your local dive shop, visit our brick-and-mortar stores, and take advantage of your best cost value on buying gear by in store shopping.