Dear Rick:
Fred Calhoun’s the “sky is falling” diatribe on diving (NEDN and MWDN, July) is, pardon the pun, ALL WET! His attitude and comments are everything that’s wrong with some of the “doubtful Thomases” of diving.
Divers Den in Parkville, Maryland, has been in business for 50 years and still has a loyal following. Owner Chaz Kafer says, “Yes, things are not easy. There is competition from online sales, but it’s a challenge dive shop owners must face.” Chaz is very upset with a few of the manufacturers. “These manufacturers, who once strongly supported dive shops, now sell to online dealers at greatly reduced prices.” Chaz pleaded his case to the manufacturer, but the practice still continues. Chaz says, “I feel like they sold me out.”
Some of the other manufacturers realize that dive shops are not selling as much as they used to, and are trying to help them get through some hard times. It’s a time where manufacturers, dealers and training agencies must offer as much support as possible to local shops. Chaz says, “When a piece of gear breaks, a regulator needs repair, or divers need air, where do they go? The personal service we provide, plus expert repairs, the purest air, and individual attention are what we thrive on.”
Many shops, including Divers Den, sponsor social gatherings, newsletters through e-mail, exotic trips, and fun events such as pumpkin carving, underwater hockey, etc. Some dive shops may have slowed down, but they’re not dead. And there are plenty of store counters left where divers can pick up the latest issue of Northeast/Northwest Dive News, a publication that remains faithful and supportive of local dive shops.
Ellsworth Boyd,
Writer
Dear Ellsworth,
Thanks for emailing us your thoughts. I apologize that your email has been sitting in our in-box for so long. Surprisingly, our mailbag has been full lately with many great letters – so full in-fact, we have expanded our incoming mail onto our Facebook page. Now our reader’s letters/comments do not have to wait weeks or months for a reply. Our readers can post their concerns on our Facebook page and almost instantly get a response. This greatly improves our communications with readership and gives an increased voice to our readers.
This is our response to the changing economy and marketplace. We have literally re-invented ourselves this year. We have embraced that we are no longer just a print magazine or website but rather in the CONTENT business.
Both your letter and Calhoun’s letter reflect two sides of the same story – is the glass half-full or half-empty? Is our industry heading down hill or are we preparing for a steep assault? I applaud the efforts of small businesses to survive in the current economy. Some of the large dive equipment manufacturers mostly fall into this category too. These companies are themselves small business with less than 100 employees. While most overwhelmingly support local dive shops and current dealers, these companies are being forced to sell online due to the economy and changing consumer preferences. Some still cater to their local dive shops and we encourage all manufacturers to work with the local businesses.
I applaud the efforts of Diver’s Den and other dive shops that offer more and support the industry and local economy in the pages of our magazine.
Thanks,
Rick
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