Need help finding the right hot tub? Follow our top tips to find your perfect match!
Top Tip #1 | “Buy the dealer” before you buy the hot tub
Do business only with a dealer who will give you service as good after the sale as before your purchase. Choosing a hot tub dealer is the most important choice you have to make in the buying process. Pick a business that is trustworthy and can offer the service and water care advice that will make owning your hot tub a joy not a hassle.
Buyers tip: Think you can pick a trustworthy business at a fair or carnival? High-pressure sales tactics should be your first clue that the business is not as trustworthy as you’d like. Most sellers at fairs do not have a local business presence. Think you’ll ever get service?
Top Tip #2 | References are a must
A reputable dealer will put you in touch with customers in your neighbourhood so you can ask them about the brand of hot tub and the customer service provided by the dealer. A major part of a top quality dealer’s business is based on referrals from satisfied customers.
Top Tip #3 | Worst places to buy a hot tub include fairs, carnivals and parking lot sales
Most hot tub exhibitors at carnivals, fairs and parking lots do not have a local showroom or local service. They set up, use high-pressure sales tactics on you (!), and pack up the tent once the fair has ended. Many unwary hot tub buyers loose cash deposits and never receive their hot tub after succumbing to a slick salesperson at a fair especially the Puyallup Fair. If you do shop at a fair, look but do not buy, even if you are threatened with losing the “deal.” A reputable dealer will hold the offer so take time to think it over.
Top Tip #4 | Look but don’t buy online
Researching your major purchase on the Internet is a good way to get the education you need to make a wise buying decision. Do not consider buying a hot tub from an out of area seller or one out of your local area. Beware of companies that do “in-home sales” exclusively. You’ll have no opportunity to see the product, evaluate its quality, take a test soak, or check references.
Top Tip #5 | Hot tubs and big box sellers
“Big box” retailers typically carry off- brands or stripped down versions of brands by larger manufacturers. Most of these hot tubs have limited insulation and most likely very noisy pumps. If you’re buying online you have no way of evaluating the fit, noise level or ease of maintenance. Choices are limited and the wait for service can be very long. The low price you think you’re paying initially will cost you far more down the road.
Buyers tip: Evaluate the total cost including energy costs, deliveries and all extras like water care products, covers and lifters for the time you expect to own your hot tub. You will pay more in the end when you purchase online, guaranteed.
Top Tip #6 | Hot deal on Craig’s List?
Sure, you could get lucky. You could win the lottery, too. Chances are the reason people are selling their hot tubs on Craig’s list is because they cost the earth to heat AND they’ve never been able to get the water clean and clear. Don’t let their lemon become your lemon.
