Original > Hot Tub Forum

I don't think I can afford to go through a dealer.

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hottubdan:
This is another Watkins product.  Made in Mexico, not China. Low speed will come on for heat.  But, depending on where you live, it will not maintain heat for 45 minutes on 110V. I am not aware of any spa with circ pump for your budget.

Good luck!

LobsterizeMe:
UPDATE:

I think it's important that I do go through a dealer. Yeah a Costco hot tub can be returned for 6 months, yeah some credit cards will extend the manufacturer warranty for 1 extra year, but that's not enough. I'm convinced going through a dealer is the way to go.

I went to a Nordic dealer and really liked the Retreat. Was quoted $5k. They also sell Master Spas and we liked the Clarity and Twilight models (quoted $7k and $9k), but then found out Master Spa doesn't have a very good reputation.

Going to a Hot Spring dealer next.

They asked if we wanted financing -- I said no. Does that raise or lower the price?

Any advice on how to negotiate a low price? We were outmatched.

I am glad I said we would go home and think about it, because I think buying a Master Spa would have caused me worry. The Nordic probably would have worked well (still might).

Perhaps I'll still go for a cheapo option, but I gotta say, what the eyes see the heart desires!

castletonia:
Nordic makes a quality product, nothing wrong with them.  Cash or check will always get you the best price.  Credit card and financing have merchant fees.

Spatech_tuo:

--- Quote from: LobsterizeMe on December 10, 2018, 10:53:49 pm ---
They asked if we wanted financing -- I said no. Does that raise or lower the price?


--- End quote ---

The finance companies are in the business to make $$. The dealer may take a bit of the hit but otherwise it goes to the customer in the way of a higher price tag though its not like they'll tell you that. By you answering that question as NO to financing the dealer now knows he can give you a better overall deal.

bachman:
Happy to hear you are looking at this from your updated point of view.

I've been a miserly shopper and I've went extravagant on things, been in sales or marketing of some sort for my early half of career and the one phrase that speaks to me now more than ever is Ownership Experience. I think too many people cheat themselves from a good experience over the long run by a few dollars here or there. I'd done it in the past with tires. Thumpy and road noise, poor ride or traction and yet I'd suffer that car every day for years possibly saving $150 total on 4 tires. That's a penny every 20 miles in tire cost over the life of tire tread.
I think the peace of mind in a purchase like this is no small part of the ingredient and spa owners or those in the industry that attest to a handful of name brands and models is a sweet cheat sheet to zeroing in on the better candidates. Your mention of warranty is a good point too. These things create happy life / happy family for people 12 - 15 years and on. 

Nordic looks like a really well thought out line putting the money where it counts and other brands/models of quality rep look a bit more frills or sparkle for those willing to pay for it. I think the important thing is getting the quality of the innards and design as the basis to start from anyways and my guess is even the real handyman fix-it types of owners appreciate having a tub they don't have to wrench on or troubleshoot problems often. Good luck ! 

 

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