Simply relying on selling dive gear can lead to inconsistent revenue. So, what do the most successful dive shops do to build a steady income? While divers may pick up a new mask or wetsuit now and then, high-ticket items like regulators and dive computers are long-term investments that don’t need frequent replacement. This is why relying solely on retail can lead to inconsistent revenue.
To truly be successful, you need to offer services like training courses, rentals, and guided dives. These dive shop services generate steady income while giving customers more reasons to return (and maybe make a few impulse buys).
Here are five high-impact services that can increase your revenue and improve the customer experience.
Hosting dive training and certification is one of the most effective ways to generate steady income. Whether someone is gearing up for their first dive or looking to advance their skills, certification courses create repeat customers who return for the next level of training.
Partnering with recognized agencies like PADI or SSI allows your shop to offer globally recognized certifications. Beginner courses like Open Water Diver attract new divers, while advanced certifications keep them engaged as they progress. For those who’ve been out of the water for a while, refresher courses give divers an easy way to regain their confidence and skillset.
Keeping track of customer certifications helps build loyalty. A POS system can send automated emails with discounts, reminders, or invites for their next course — this keeps them engaged with your shop.
Even the most seasoned divers need reliable gear and regular maintenance, making equipment servicing and rentals a profitable addition to your dive shop services.
To take advantage of this opportunity, you can:
Provide equipment servicing and repairs: Offer annual inspections and quick fixes for regulators, buoyancy control devices, and dive computers, so divers have reliable gear before a big trip.
Offer tank refills: Meet regular demand for air and nitrox fills. Promote discounted fill packages or loyalty programs to encourage repeat visits.
Stock gear rentals: Carry high-quality rental equipment, from wetsuits to regulators, so divers always have what they need. Create bundle deals or multiday rental packages to attract more customers, including large dive groups and vacationers.
Properly managing rentals is just as important as offering them. Use a point of sale (POS) system to schedule and track gear availability and make sure equipment is always well-maintained and reliable.
Automated service reminders can notify customers when it’s time for an inspection, keeping their equipment in top condition and your shop top of mind.
Curated dive trips allow you to tap into the local diving community and take advantage of visitors on vacation. Here are some ideas for generating revenue from trips:
Host local dive tours: Organize guided dives at nearby sites to introduce customers to locations they might not discover on their own. Include various difficulty levels, from shallow reef dives to advanced wreck tours, to create unique experiences for every diver.
Organize group and private tours: Cater to different preferences by providing both group trips for camaraderie and personalized, private experiences with an experienced professional. Accommodate various skill levels and budgets to expand your shop’s appeal to all types of divers.
Coordinate vacation partnerships: Partner with hotels, resorts, and travel agencies to get your shop on vacation itineraries. Put together all-inclusive packages with gear rentals, transportation, and expert-led excursions, making it easy for tourists to book hassle-free dive experiences.
Offering well-run dive shop services turns one-time visitors into repeat customers looking for their next adventure.
Diving lets you experience breathtaking ocean life up close, something most people will never see firsthand. For years, capturing those moments was nearly impossible — but now, with high-quality underwater cameras, divers can film every second of their adventure.
Advertise photography and video services to create an additional revenue stream while improving the customer experience. Whether divers want to document their first open-water dive or create professional-quality footage, your shop can provide everything, from rental gear to full-service videography. You can:
Rent underwater camera equipment: Rent GoPros, underwater housings, or high-end DSLR setups to let customers capture their dives without committing to buying expensive gear. Stock essential accessories like red filters, batteries, and stabilizers to increase sales.
Shoot in-water photography and videography: Promote in-water photography and video services where a professional captures the experience for divers who may not be comfortable filming underwater. Incorporate this service into existing packages tailored to first-time divers, honeymooners, and groups to attract these demographics.
If you can offer editing or custom video packages, every dive becomes instantly shareable, drawing more eyes to your shop from social media. Work with a professional video editor or graphic designer to bundle photo and video packages with your dives to create lasting keepsakes and Instagram-worthy content that attract even more business.
You can’t expect every diver who comes through your door to buy a full set of new diving gear, but they often need the little things — like a defogger, mask straps, or spare O-ring. Stocking these items makes it more convenient for divers gearing up for a trip with your shop.
Divers booking a guided trip might grab a dive slate to take notes, while a certification student may need a new mask strap. Pairing everyday retail add-ons with your services means your customers don’t need to go to a competitor.
If revenue is your goal, repeat business should be a priority in addition to add-ons. Consider launching a membership program that comes with exclusive perks, like:
Discounted gear rentals for divers who don’t own equipment
Priority bookings for popular excursions and certification courses
Free air fills or discounted tank refills to encourage regular visits to the store
Setting up a loyalty program is another way to incentivize customers to stay with your shop rather than visit competitors. For example, you can give customers a discount on the next guided dive after three bookings.
With an integrated POS system, you can take the stress out of managing memberships and rewards. Instead of tracking visits manually, you can automate loyalty perks and send personalized offers — without adding extra work for your team.
Adding dive shop services like training, guided excursions, equipment rentals, and photography packages creates revenue streams that take the pressure off selling expensive equipment. The more value-added services you provide, the more reasons customers have to return, whether it’s for a refresher course, group trip, or a membership deal.
With Dive Shop 360’s POS system, you can effortlessly manage trip bookings, track rental equipment, create a membership program, and keep customers engaged. It also integrates with preloaded vendor product catalogs, making merchandising easier than ever. Plus, automatic inventory syncing makes sure you never miss a restock.
Looking for ways to increase your shop’s revenue? Contact a Dive Shop 360 sales representative to learn more.
