opening a dive shop

Question
Dear Mike,

I am looking to perhaps relocate and open a dive shop with my husband. Of course first of all I need to calculate expenses and the amount of initial funds needed to invest in it. I would be grateful for some tips on where to buy - and for how much - materials, tools, and gears necessary (masks, tuba, palms etc in bulk, tanks for air and the machine to replenish tanks with air) where do you buy these things? I already have a local in mind and possibilities to rent a boat. Also, I guess you need a specific insurance?
It is just a beginning and i am sure more questions will be raised once this initial research has begun, but for now, just tips to begin in one direction would be great!
thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Nadia,

If you can associate with PADI, I would highly recommend it.  PADI has a program for dive shops who wish to become PADI Dive Centers.  It requires that you fulfill certain requirements in order to be a Dive Center.  Among the requirements are that you first have an operating shop with an air compressor and offer air fills.  PADI will be happy to guide you through the process.  They will also refer you to their regional manager in Greece for personal contact.  First contact PADI at 800-729-7234 and extension 2268 for the International Resort and Retailer Associations and let them assist you.  PADI can also provide you with contact information for your dive shop insurance.

Be aware that PADI has annual dues which must be paid in order to maintain your PADI Dive Center designation.

If purchasing your equipment while in Greece, it will probably be much easier for you if you shop for the equipment I've mentioned earlier while in Greece.  I wouldn't plan to buy it in the U.S. and then ship it overseas.  Equipment made for use in Europe is manufactured to different standards than for use in the U.S..  It's not better or worse...only different.  So much so that parts may not be interchangeable in regulators made for use in the U.S. and those for use in Europe.  Scuba tanks are also marked differently and this could cause problems if inspections are required in Greece as they are in the U.S..

Of course, the figures I gave you for starting up and running a dive shop must be re-evaluated for use in Greece.  If you have contacts over there, check to see what it costs for a small business to operate and it will give you a good idea of operating costs.  Things like taxes and utilities can vary widely.

When you Google some of the names I gave you, you will generally have an option to select the country you're interested in.  You may even be given a link to a specific supplier to contact for questions and availability of products.

This should give you some idea of where to start.  It can be intimidating and confusing so just stay organized and keep good notes.

Please write back if I can help further.

GOOD LUCK, NADIA!!

Mike