Original > Hot Tub Forum
First Time Purchaser Help
Hottubguy:
--- Quote from: aug0211 on December 21, 2018, 05:39:12 pm ---
--- Quote from: castletonia on December 21, 2018, 01:20:08 pm ---I don't disagree with your point of view, its valid. All I'm trying to say is that if a dealer has the policy in place for a refundable deposit, they probably have their reasons. If they present it in a professional, respectful manner, then I don't see it as an issue. Like I said before, everything is negotiable and there has to be compromise regarding this.
If the dealer is a tool though, its probably in everyone's best interest to move on to the next guy.
But let me ask you this, because I'm honestly curious on the response. Is that dealer asking for a refundable deposit any different than say a trampoline park making you sign a waiver of liability? The both exist for a reason.
--- End quote ---
Yes, they’re different. One asks me to release them of liability. The other asks for financial collateral.
If the hot tub dealer wants me to sign a waiver releasing them from responsibility for any illness, injury, or other harm caused from the wet test, no problem. That would be the appropriate comparison to the trampoline park waiver.
If a trampoline park asked for a refundable $300 deposit to use the trampolines I’d look at them like they’re crazy. So, you’re right - great point :) A $300 refundable deposit is a bizarre request both for a trampoline park, and for a hot tub wet test.
--- End quote ---
So I will start by again saying I don’t ask for deposits for wet testing. I’ve been stood up enough times where it’s Aggravating but it is what it is.
Do you travel much? Do you get upset when a hotel asks for a deposit on the room you are renting that’s refundable upon exit? They are protecting there property and in the other case they are protecting against there time being wasted.
aug0211:
--- Quote from: Hottubguy on December 21, 2018, 07:53:05 pm ---
--- Quote from: aug0211 on December 21, 2018, 05:39:12 pm ---
--- Quote from: castletonia on December 21, 2018, 01:20:08 pm ---I don't disagree with your point of view, its valid. All I'm trying to say is that if a dealer has the policy in place for a refundable deposit, they probably have their reasons. If they present it in a professional, respectful manner, then I don't see it as an issue. Like I said before, everything is negotiable and there has to be compromise regarding this.
If the dealer is a tool though, its probably in everyone's best interest to move on to the next guy.
But let me ask you this, because I'm honestly curious on the response. Is that dealer asking for a refundable deposit any different than say a trampoline park making you sign a waiver of liability? The both exist for a reason.
--- End quote ---
Yes, they’re different. One asks me to release them of liability. The other asks for financial collateral.
If the hot tub dealer wants me to sign a waiver releasing them from responsibility for any illness, injury, or other harm caused from the wet test, no problem. That would be the appropriate comparison to the trampoline park waiver.
If a trampoline park asked for a refundable $300 deposit to use the trampolines I’d look at them like they’re crazy. So, you’re right - great point :) A $300 refundable deposit is a bizarre request both for a trampoline park, and for a hot tub wet test.
--- End quote ---
So I will start by again saying I don’t ask for deposits for wet testing. I’ve been stood up enough times where it’s Aggravating but it is what it is.
Do you travel much? Do you get upset when a hotel asks for a deposit on the room you are renting that’s refundable upon exit? They are protecting there property and in the other case they are protecting against there time being wasted.
--- End quote ---
Yes, hotels put a hold on your card. First, to make sure your card is good, and also to protect against theft (TVs, towels, pillows, fridges) and/or damage to their goods (carpets, lights, walls).
If I damage your tub in the 30 minutes I’m in it with you in the shop there, by all means, hold me accountable.
If you spot me hauling the tub out strapped to my back, I suggest you let me have the thing ;D
We could go all day searching for analogies that make it ok. I think my point was delivered and received as much as it will be. I posted consumer feedback, and was surprised to see how many other consumers chimed in. Looks like multiple dealers are losing sales because of this tactic. I do understand why some dealers do it. It’s ultimately up to the dealer. If you want the pop-up tent wacky waving inflatable arm tube man vibe, take a deposit. If you’re going for the classier approach, skip this tactic and focus on service :) How many sales have you lost from being inconvenienced and even stood up? How many sales have you lost from people being turned off by this tactic?
Also, I have to admit I sound like a jerk there - lol. Sorry about that, truly not trying to be a jerk. You guys obviously do this for a reason. I was somewhat surprised to see it and definitely turned off as a buyer.
Hottubguy:
So then in a hot tub dealers case the deposit is for lost time. Time=money. I’ve been stood up opening my store when it’s off hours. Don’t you think I would rather be spending my time with my family or actually enjoying a day off. Just trying to give you a business owners perspective. Again I don’t ask for a deposit. I would rather just take the chance that they will honor there word. I can also understand the other side of the coin though especially if a dealer has been stood up enough.
aug0211:
--- Quote from: Hottubguy on December 21, 2018, 09:27:34 pm ---So then in a hot tub dealers case the deposit is for lost time. Time=money. I’ve been stood up opening my store when it’s off hours. Don’t you think I would rather be spending my time with my family or actually enjoying a day off. Just trying to give you a business owners perspective. Again I don’t ask for a deposit. I would rather just take the chance that they will honor there word. I can also understand the other side of the coin though especially if a dealer has been stood up enough.
--- End quote ---
By all means, if you are working off hours, charge the deposit. I’d just say “I understand, and private hours are not worth that to me - let’s find a time during your regular hours.” Or, if I cared that much, I’d pay for the private hours. That sounds reasonable to me.
Otherwise, it seems like you’d be asking us to pay for you to do what we (correctly or incorrectly) perceive to be part of your normal job duties. That is, setting up your showroom products to be demoed by a potential customer.
Hottubguy:
But technically you aren’t paying for anything. REFUNDABLE deposit is what was asked for. I’m done with this thread. I don’t charge for it. Never really crossed my mind to do it but I get why some might. Typically dealers set up there stores in a way that there is a method behind what they are doing. That being said I had a couple call me last Friday asking if they could come in on Saturday to try a tub out. Worked until about 10 at night with a couple guys to make it happen. They showed and bought. If they didn’t show I would have been aggravated paying a couple guys overtime on a Friday night.
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