Shopping for scuba diving gear can be a long process. You’ll want to make sure you’re selecting kit that will last and getting a good deal in the process. Buying from a scuba diving shop that you can trust will make the whole process easier and give you peace of mind that you’ll receive good service no matter what questions may arise.
There are a few simple steps you can follow when you are hunting for the best shop for all of your new dive gear. So, before you make your next purchase, bear in mind this handy list:
Make the most of recommendations
Getting your scuba diving equipment from a shop that comes highly recommended is always a safe bet. Start by asking friends and fellow divers where they get their equipment from. After all, if people you trust value a particular scuba diving shop, you can feel pretty confident that you’ll be happy with the service you receive too. You can also utilise online resources and read reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot. If others have taken time out of their day to detail their experience with a particular shop, they’ve probably got something worthwhile to say and their review may help you spot any red flags before you’ve made a purchase and it’s too late to change your mind!
Research history and expertise
From learning to dive to servicing your equipment, seeking the right expertise is essential for all things scuba diving. Though the growth of online shopping has meant that there are more people selling scuba diving gear online and some great deals out there, it also means that it can be harder to find the shops with the most experience in the industry.
When researching scuba diving shops, find out how long they have been in business and what kind of qualifications they hold. Opting for a PADI training centre is a good choice, as you can utilise their knowledge of diving, discover products the staff and instructors would use themselves, and receive recommendations that are likely to be much more tried and tested than those from a shop which doubles up for lots of other activities.
Consider customer recognition
Shopping around is all well and good if you’re looking for deals but it also takes a lot of time and when you eventually find a good scuba diving shop, you’ll probably stay loyal to them for some time. It’s nice to receive something in return for your loyalty and the way that a store treats its customers gives you a good indication of how trustworthy they are. Loyalty schemes, clear returns policies and price match promises are all strong signs of a shop that cares about its customers, so take advantage of these as they tend to get you the best value for money too!
Align your values
If sustainable diving is up your street, finding a shop that has similar values should be high up your checklist. Select a shop that stocks sustainable brands like Scubapro, who are leading the way with their work towards 100% recyclable packaging. Different online stores may also have their own policies to do their bit for the planet. As part of Aquanauts’ commitment to making a difference, we reuse, recycle and repurpose all of the packaging that we receive and are doing everything we can to stop old neoprene wetsuits from ending up in landfill.
Why choose Aquanauts?
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from over 1,700 reviews, Aquanauts is proud to be a scuba diving shop you can trust. We are proud of our roots as a longstanding family business, run by divers for divers since 1986.
Aquanauts evolved from a PADI training centre to a shop that stands by our values of only selling scuba diving equipment we’d be happy to use ourselves. Our expert team are always on hand to provide unbiased advice and help you with all of your scuba diving equipment needs, whether that’s in person at our Plymouth scuba diving shop, over the phone or via message.
So, as you browse different scuba diving shops for your next bit of kit, remember that you can trust Aquanauts with all of your needs. Don’t hesitate to get in touch today to discover what we are all about!