Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: kiva on December 02, 2020, 02:18:41 pm
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Hi Folks,
We're at the point where we need to commit to a spa or to some other option. We'd love to have some feedback, as my knowledge in this areas is limited. Here is what we're looking at. All prices without haggling / any discussion on price.
There are essentially 2 reputable, long-standing dealers in town.
Dealer #1
Has been around for 35+ years. Most popular dealer in town. Friends of mine have used him. Service their own tubs, etc. We were able to wet test tubs. Hot Springs only.
Hot Springs Beam (Limelight line): Nice looking spa, but a bit shallow-feeling for our tastes. Next available in March (earliest). Includes steps, cover lift. $7650 + $250 for delivery. Tax included.
Hot Springs Sovereign (Highlife Collection): above our original price range, but pretty damn nice. $11440 + $250 delivery. Includes steps, cover, lift. Tax included. 2 available. late Feb.
Hotspot Relay we liked best and is in that sweet spot price-wise, but it's not available until next August (price and features are a nice combo and it is the one he sells the most of). There is always the chance the vaccine will speed up production, but, for now, August. Thus, i'm not even listing it here.
Dealer #2
This dealer has been around a long time but is also a pool builder. Larger showroom, Deals in Sundance, Caldera, Marquis. We were unable to test any spas.
Caldera Martinique (Paradise Series): $7895 + tax ($8467). Plus $300 for coverlet, $150 for steps, $300 delivery. Total $8917 + delivery charge. Available 9/2021.
Sundance Peyton (680 Series): $6895 + tax ($7395). Plus same as above for total of 7844 + delivery charge. Available 3/2021.
Sundance Hamilton (780 series): $9595 + tax ($10290). Plus same as above for total of $10740 + delivery. Available end of Feb 2021.
Sundance Montclair (780 series): $8595 + tax ($9218). Plus same as above for total of $9668 + delivery. Available end of March 2021.
Dealer #3
A backyard store in the mall. Not as much confidence and least favorable dealer experience. Sells Jacuzzi brand
J-335: 13000 + tax. Includes steps but no coverlet. Out of price range but, like the others no haggling yet.
J-225: $8885 + tax ($9529). Other same as above. In stock now (we're not ready yet though).
J-235: same as 225 but available April. Has lounge we like.
So, that's it locally. Open to feedback re: internet buying? Used?
Thank you for your time.
matt
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Kiva,
I loved the 2009 Hot Springs Aria we had left behind when selling our home. It was purchased in 2010 ($10K, no optional equipment). I am close to purchasing another hot tub, but downsizing to a smaller tub now.
Undeniably, the products in the HS highlife line are very well made, and in my eyes ...the qualitative difference is immediately apparent, when compared against other makes at equivalent price points.
Having said that though, not being in the market since 2010, the pricing just appears scary HIGH (and unacceptable) to me. I can’t wrap my head around the idea that manufacturers have high end tubs priced north of $20k now. The devaluation on such a big ticket luxury item is obscene. I buy my vehicles used as well, which are infinitely more complex than a box of heated, swirling water.
Letting go of $10K for a spa delivered several weeks thereafter was hard then, and is absolutely no easier now, given the price increases due to high market demand and many months of delayed gratification. IMO, the best bang-for-buck is found in the dealer certified spa market.
If I could locate a well-cared for, preowned model of the spa I am seriously considering buying, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it, provided I was comfortable with the local dealer. Good luck in your hunt!
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I don’t know how much help I can offer we have a Caldera Geneva and we love it. Going on 7 years now and I had one leak I was able to fix myself as it was a hose clamp under the main cover and last year I did a wet end pump change myself. Both jobs were not too bad to DIY.
You mentioned the depth and that is what we liked about our tub and a big reason we bought it. Plus she loves the recliner I hardly ever get it. Three of the 6 seats are really therapeutic two have jets but are more of a social seat and one we call the cool down seat sits higher. That is also where we have our steps and that taller seat makes getting in and out a lot easier.
My advice would be to stretch your budget a little if that tub has features you like better. You will be using it for many years. One feature I will have in any tub I ever buy is a circulating pump.
Also get at least 2 more seats than you will normally use. We have 6 seats and in 7 years I don’t think we have ever had 6 people in it. The extra room is great with just 2 people.
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What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
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What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
Thank you for this reminder. In this current world of short supply, we were unable to sit in any of the Sundance Spas: we would be buying blind, which feels completely insane for a $10k purchase. The HotSpring we liked most in our price point was next August. I think, if that is what it's down to, I would take a flyer on something used I could sit in before buying vs. waiting until next August.
Is the general feeling that the HotSpring prices are about right or too high? We were comfortable in all the hotspring spas except I wasn't fond of the beam.
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Hot Spring prices are insanely low.
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Hot Spring prices are insanely low.
If that is the general consensus re: pricing, we may just up our budget to the sovereign and suck it up. We wet tested the vanguard in that series, but we can go in and wet test the sovereign tomorrow eve if we want.
Thank you. Any other opinions re: pricing on the sovereign would be appreciated. I think it's between that (assuming it's comfortable) or just rolling the dice a bit on a used model.
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Kiva,
In my narrowing search for another tub, if the HS Jetsetter LX had wrist jets, I would have promptly wet-tested it. (Can’t understand why only the Envoy offers them!).
I will cherish the fond memories of those addictive double barrel Moto massage jets, temporarily leaving twin ‘lash marks’ astride my spine. (but it hurts so good!) I wish Watkins would license their proprietary jet design to other spa manufacturers. If the smaller Jetsetter LX could meet your requirements, you might be able to trim the budget.
A Sundance dealer in the Atlanta area, whom frequently creates YouTube videos, posted one several months ago with transparent pricing on all the tubs he sells. Might help in your decision.
One potential purchase snag (for myself, only) would be mandatory salt sanitation. I am in my ‘comfortable rut’ ...regarding familiar usage of traditional sanitizing methods (ozone & chlorine) and would require much convincing that I should change now. If my recall on this topic is correct, proprietary salt cartridge dispensers are often an unaccounted for, recurring expense.
Best of luck on the hunt!
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What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
Thank you for this reminder. In this current world of short supply, we were unable to sit in any of the Sundance Spas: we would be buying blind, which feels completely insane for a $10k purchase. The HotSpring we liked most in our price point was next August. I think, if that is what it's down to, I would take a flyer on something used I could sit in before buying vs. waiting until next August.
Is the general feeling that the HotSpring prices are about right or too high? We were comfortable in all the hotspring spas except I wasn't fond of the beam.
No way to type this without sounding like a brat so please know at all of this comes from a place of good faith and isn't at all meant to sound bratty. . .
This could be a 15 year commitment. You don't want to "buy blind" based on that 10 month wait time, but based on that same wait time, you'd consider buying something used. I feel like that is just as big of a gamble or similar to buying blind, as you put it. I'd wager many would agree.
The point is: Over the course of 15 years, would you rather have the thing that feels the best to you, or something you got b/c you just couldn't wait a few more months for the thing you wanted? Patience is really hard when you have money to burn on a luxury item. Totally get it. Also - You have to do what is best for you and your family. But why not buy what you want, use the 10 months wait time to save for the little extra you're paying, and be totally happy? 10 months will be over before you know it and the a year from owning the odds are you'll be terribly satisfied.
Make sense? Again - hope this came off correctly and not jerky.
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What is the most comfortable spa? I'd start there. Not sidestepping the question. I'll leave discussion on pricing, etc. to others. Point is - this is a 15 year decision and it starts with comfort. What is a few months on a spa in terms of wait time if it is the *right* spa in terms of ergonomics and comfort, compared to the 15 years of ownership?
Feel tops all. Whatever feels the best tends to be the best spa for you, regardless of the brand.
I hope this helps. Good luck moving forward.
Thank you for this reminder. In this current world of short supply, we were unable to sit in any of the Sundance Spas: we would be buying blind, which feels completely insane for a $10k purchase. The HotSpring we liked most in our price point was next August. I think, if that is what it's down to, I would take a flyer on something used I could sit in before buying vs. waiting until next August.
Is the general feeling that the HotSpring prices are about right or too high? We were comfortable in all the hotspring spas except I wasn't fond of the beam.
No way to type this without sounding like a brat so please know at all of this comes from a place of good faith and isn't at all meant to sound bratty. . .
This could be a 15 year commitment. You don't want to "buy blind" based on that 10 month wait time, but based on that same wait time, you'd consider buying something used. I feel like that is just as big of a gamble or similar to buying blind, as you put it. I'd wager many would agree.
The point is: Over the course of 15 years, would you rather have the thing that feels the best to you, or something you got b/c you just couldn't wait a few more months for the thing you wanted? Patience is really hard when you have money to burn on a luxury item. Totally get it. Also - You have to do what is best for you and your family. But why not buy what you want, use the 10 months wait time to save for the little extra you're paying, and be totally happy? 10 months will be over before you know it and the a year from owning the odds are you'll be terribly satisfied.
Make sense? Again - hope this came off correctly and not jerky.
Not bratty at all. We actually got to wet test the Sovereign tonight and, if we had to choose tonight, we'd probably go with that tub. Is it perfect? No. But we can't afford the spa with everything so some sacrifices need to be made. I think it depends on if the sacrifices are crucial / essential.
That being said, i think I will drop the sundance dealer from the list due to being unable to wet test.
More being said...I did just find out that I *could* get a bullfrog or "strong spa" (never heard of them) from a regional dealer, 90min away. They have a service tech and there is no trip charge for service. I don't know much about bullfrog, but they have some tubs that are in the price range (R-series, I think) and available within a reasonable time frame. It may be worth the trip before dropping the $ on the sovereign.
thoughts?
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Kiva,
I am fairly confident that there’s consensus from the various dealers/spa techs here, that Bullfrog would be included amongst the ‘top tier’ spa manufacturers. Strong spas on the other hand, is unlikely to be ranked above a third tier product, and would be closely associated with mass merchandisers big box offerings. (Home Depot, among them).
Watkins (conglomerate owner of Hot Springs, Caldera & others) manufactures spas for big box retailer; Costco, under the Aquaterra label.
Immediate qualitative differences in shell/cabinet construction, gaudy lighting, reliance on small-diameter jetting to boost ‘jet count’ ...all jump out and demand notice of the discriminating shopper, whom has been exposed to samples of top tier products.
I considered the Bullfrog X5L, R5L and A5L, as they have wrist jets either as a standard feature, or an available option. The relatively (to me) low jet pressure in both jet packs for neck/shoulders, was the determining factor in moving on to other spas. I like the plumbing theory that BF spas utilize, I do concur with others that the modular jet pack assemblies do place limits on sculpted curves designed into the seat molds.
Even the D1 Spas Triad with massage sequencer (2.5 continuous hp pump) is still too weak, to my taste (HS Aria’s quartet jets were better) ...but looks like my best option for 2020 in a small 250-ish gallon spa with wrist jets.
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Kiva,
I am fairly confident that there’s consensus from the various dealers/spa techs here, that Bullfrog would be included amongst the ‘top tier’ spa manufacturers. Strong spas on the other hand, is unlikely to be ranked above a third tier product, and would be closely associated with mass merchandisers big box offerings. (Home Depot, among them).
Watkins (conglomerate owner of Hot Springs, Caldera & others) manufactures spas for big box retailer; Costco, under the Aquaterra label.
Immediate qualitative differences in shell/cabinet construction, gaudy lighting, reliance on small-diameter jetting to boost ‘jet count’ ...all jump out and demand notice of the discriminating shopper, whom has been exposed to samples of top tier products.
I considered the Bullfrog X5L, R5L and A5L, as they have wrist jets either as a standard feature, or an available option. The relatively (to me) low jet pressure in both jet packs for neck/shoulders, was the determining factor in moving on to other spas. I like the plumbing theory that BF spas utilize, I do concur with others that the modular jet pack assemblies do place limits on sculpted curves designed into the seat molds.
Even the D1 Spas Triad with massage sequencer (2.5 continuous hp pump) is still too weak, to my taste (HS Aria’s quartet jets were better) ...but looks like my best option for 2020 in a small 250-ish gallon spa with wrist jets.
Thank you for the information. I will scratch StrongSpas off the list. We could go tomorrow and check out the BF. That is an interesting point re: the curve vs. modular setup. If we end up going with the sovereign, what do you think of the price we're being offered?
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The Price on the sovereign is insanely low. Especially with tax included? I'm closer to $13 without tax
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The Price on the sovereign is insanely low. Especially with tax included? I'm closer to $13 without tax
That's good to know. Thank you. We're headed to check out some Bullfrog spas today and we'll see what becomes of it.
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Wet tested the Bullfrog today. Pretty cool stuff. I can see why people like them. On the surface, it seems a better deal than the sovereign, but i've only just started my reading on them. Without any negotiations, here are the prices:
R6L: $10,500 + tax ($11261). Includes delivery, coverlift and steps, ozone, and 2 pumps. Built to order. Available March 2021, absent any other upcoming shutdowns.
R7L: $12,000 + tax ($12870). same as above. I don't think we *need* the bigger tub as 90% of the time it is going to have 2 people in it. it does have that 4th jetpack. Available Feb 2021.
X6L: $8500 + tax ($9116). 1 pump. We were not able to wet test or sit in this. No jetpacks, but the jets are similar to some pack setups.
The A series seemed to be too expensive for us. nice features and all w/ the touchscreen, etc., but to get 2 pumps, etc. is like $13k+.
The nearest BF dealer is 90min away. He is the assigned dealer for our region. He stated a 2 day turnaround time and $99 trip charge per issue for service. He reported in the event that he weren't in business (he's been selling BF for 8 years; his current location is new after a previous partnership in another dealership), BF would certainly get another distributor / dealer in the area to take over service. This seems to be a weak area with buying from an out-of-area dealer. Not sure what else I should be considering / asking the dealer re: service.
Any thoughts on the pricing? Comparison to the HS sovereign? We liked how the best jet in the soveriign - the motomassager - can be put pretty much anywhere you want in the Bullfrog. Not exactly the same, but the customization was pretty cool.
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To me, the dealer is the most important thing, the spa the second.
I had someone come in today and wet test a bunch of hot tubs. They tested a couple of Marquis, Artesian, and landed on a Hot Spring Jetsetter LX. They had no idea what they wanted, what they preferred, but in jumping back and forth between the various hot tubs, they decided they liked the salt system the most and loved the moto jet. They trust me to keep my promises, so it just came down to what they liked best :)
In my experience, the top-tiered brands aren't going to have much difference in terms of reliability. Bullfrog for instance isn't a ton more reliable than Hot Spring, and vice versa. You have to choose what is most important to you.
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Just a couple comments not related to price or model or the brand you're mentioning.
1) Sometimes when someone is in a rural area excessive distance is unavoidable but a 90 minute distance would make me pause (not eliminate, but definitely pause) if you have other equally good options relatively close by. If you have trust in them then that's fine but if you're in an area that freezes that would really be the main concern if you were to go down hard.
2) I'm really surprised by the delivery dates they're quoting as manufacturers are swamped. You should go in with the idea there is a good chance they'll not meet those dates just so you're not too disappointed and in reality its something you'll have to deal with wherever you buy and the dealers can only rely on what they're being told so hopefully they're not over-promising.
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Just a couple comments not related to price or model or the brand you're mentioning.
1) Sometimes when someone is in a rural area excessive distance is unavoidable but a 90 minute distance would make me pause (not eliminate, but definitely pause) if you have other equally good options relatively close by. If you have trust in them then that's fine but if you're in an area that freezes that would really be the main concern if you were to go down hard.
Thank you. We're in the northern sacramento valley, so mild winters. I recently found that there is a BF dealer north of us that is actually closer (60-70min), but they are new to BF. I'm trying to figure out the arrangement for service.
2) I'm really surprised by the delivery dates they're quoting as manufacturers are swamped. You should go in with the idea there is a good chance they'll not meet those dates just so you're not too disappointed and in reality its something you'll have to deal with wherever you buy and the dealers can only rely on what they're being told so hopefully they're not over-promising.
So, the story I'm being told is this: dealers were allotted "slots" each month based on their volume. Once those slots are sold, they sell for slots for the next month, etc. The primary dealer we're working with right now claims that he had 1 slot in February and then 2 in March (and others after).
What has transpired is that, we wet tested saturday, he and I talked Monday. I'm not super thrilled with his pricing and we're trying to figure the aforementioned service issue. I told him Monday I'd have to further consider. Surprise: When I talked to him Tuesday afternoon, the february slot was gone and the March ones still available.
Yes, it's possible he's being truthful...but it also smells like a sales tactic; that is, February never actually existed. Had I took it, I would have been pushed off to a later month anyway, etc. Basically, creating the illusion he has slots that other dealers don't and then just put people off a month or whatever once it approaches. Could this be confirmed with BF or am I overthinking it?
The new dealer in Redding did tell me they have been allotted 3 tubs as a new dealer for April. Who knows on that too.
Trying to figure out if one is being fleeced in this process is kind of a PITA.
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I highly doubt anyone is fleecing you. Bullfrog dealers have limited slots and it's different for every dealer, partially based upon previous sales metrics. Things change daily, especially with covid demand increases. I've had several customers go home to think about it and the slots fill up within hours. I had a cancellation and my sales guy sold that spa 30 minutes later.
It's an insanely unprecedented explosion in our industry. 25 years in the business and nothing has ever come anywhere close to what we are seeing.
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Just a couple comments not related to price or model or the brand you're mentioning.
1) Sometimes when someone is in a rural area excessive distance is unavoidable but a 90 minute distance would make me pause (not eliminate, but definitely pause) if you have other equally good options relatively close by. If you have trust in them then that's fine but if you're in an area that freezes that would really be the main concern if you were to go down hard.
Thank you. We're in the northern sacramento valley, so mild winters. I recently found that there is a BF dealer north of us that is actually closer (60-70min), but they are new to BF. I'm trying to figure out the arrangement for service.
2) I'm really surprised by the delivery dates they're quoting as manufacturers are swamped. You should go in with the idea there is a good chance they'll not meet those dates just so you're not too disappointed and in reality its something you'll have to deal with wherever you buy and the dealers can only rely on what they're being told so hopefully they're not over-promising.
So, the story I'm being told is this: dealers were allotted "slots" each month based on their volume. Once those slots are sold, they sell for slots for the next month, etc. The primary dealer we're working with right now claims that he had 1 slot in February and then 2 in March (and others after).
What has transpired is that, we wet tested saturday, he and I talked Monday. I'm not super thrilled with his pricing and we're trying to figure the aforementioned service issue. I told him Monday I'd have to further consider. Surprise: When I talked to him Tuesday afternoon, the february slot was gone and the March ones still available.
Yes, it's possible he's being truthful...but it also smells like a sales tactic; that is, February never actually existed. Had I took it, I would have been pushed off to a later month anyway, etc. Basically, creating the illusion he has slots that other dealers don't and then just put people off a month or whatever once it approaches. Could this be confirmed with BF or am I overthinking it?
The new dealer in Redding did tell me they have been allotted 3 tubs as a new dealer for April. Who knows on that too.
Trying to figure out if one is being fleeced in this process is kind of a PITA.
We are all dealing with allocations for tubs for 2021. On Saturday I had 5 slots open for a tub delivery on a March order. Today I have zero. It changes daily. I am also making people aware that there are plenty of things out of dealers hands right now. Such as lockdowns happening, parts being delayed, issues with covers and whatnot. It’s crazy right now. I would be willing to bet those 2 March slots will be filled by weeks end. I highly doubt he’s making things up, unfortunately right now it’s the way things are
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Just a couple comments not related to price or model or the brand you're mentioning.
1) Sometimes when someone is in a rural area excessive distance is unavoidable but a 90 minute distance would make me pause (not eliminate, but definitely pause) if you have other equally good options relatively close by. If you have trust in them then that's fine but if you're in an area that freezes that would really be the main concern if you were to go down hard.
Thank you. We're in the northern sacramento valley, so mild winters. I recently found that there is a BF dealer north of us that is actually closer (60-70min), but they are new to BF. I'm trying to figure out the arrangement for service.
2) I'm really surprised by the delivery dates they're quoting as manufacturers are swamped. You should go in with the idea there is a good chance they'll not meet those dates just so you're not too disappointed and in reality its something you'll have to deal with wherever you buy and the dealers can only rely on what they're being told so hopefully they're not over-promising.
So, the story I'm being told is this: dealers were allotted "slots" each month based on their volume. Once those slots are sold, they sell for slots for the next month, etc. The primary dealer we're working with right now claims that he had 1 slot in February and then 2 in March (and others after).
What has transpired is that, we wet tested saturday, he and I talked Monday. I'm not super thrilled with his pricing and we're trying to figure the aforementioned service issue. I told him Monday I'd have to further consider. Surprise: When I talked to him Tuesday afternoon, the february slot was gone and the March ones still available.
Yes, it's possible he's being truthful...but it also smells like a sales tactic; that is, February never actually existed. Had I took it, I would have been pushed off to a later month anyway, etc. Basically, creating the illusion he has slots that other dealers don't and then just put people off a month or whatever once it approaches. Could this be confirmed with BF or am I overthinking it?
The new dealer in Redding did tell me they have been allotted 3 tubs as a new dealer for April. Who knows on that too.
Trying to figure out if one is being fleeced in this process is kind of a PITA.
We are all dealing with allocations for tubs for 2021. On Saturday I had 5 slots open for a tub delivery on a March order. Today I have zero. It changes daily. I am also making people aware that there are plenty of things out of dealers hands right now. Such as lockdowns happening, parts being delayed, issues with covers and whatnot. It’s crazy right now. I would be willing to bet those 2 March slots will be filled by weeks end. I highly doubt he’s making things up, unfortunately right now it’s the way things are
Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. When I get into this world that starts to feel like buying a car, I get super paranoid I'm getting played.
My wife being the badass she is, was able to put it succinctly: even if you are getting played - and you're probably not - isn't that his job? To get the most he can for a product that the market will allow? He's trying to make money - he owns the place.
The place 70min north of us said they can't match his price anyway, so we're just going to commit to the March date and see what happens.
When you said you would have 3 slots and then they would disappear: that's because of sales or because the factor would change parameters?
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I highly doubt anyone is fleecing you. Bullfrog dealers have limited slots and it's different for every dealer, partially based upon previous sales metrics. Things change daily, especially with covid demand increases. I've had several customers go home to think about it and the slots fill up within hours. I had a cancellation and my sales guy sold that spa 30 minutes later.
It's an insanely unprecedented explosion in our industry. 25 years in the business and nothing has ever come anywhere close to what we are seeing.
Thank you. It's taken me a while to get to this spot of understanding...
what do you think of just saying, "screw it. I've gone this long without one, I'll just wait until next summer / fall and see where the market is. Enough time for things to sort themselves out post-vaccine? Probably impossible to predict.
Thank you for your insights.
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If you have found a hot tub you like then go for it now. The market isn't going to change during 2021.
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Just a couple comments not related to price or model or the brand you're mentioning.
1) Sometimes when someone is in a rural area excessive distance is unavoidable but a 90 minute distance would make me pause (not eliminate, but definitely pause) if you have other equally good options relatively close by. If you have trust in them then that's fine but if you're in an area that freezes that would really be the main concern if you were to go down hard.
Thank you. We're in the northern sacramento valley, so mild winters. I recently found that there is a BF dealer north of us that is actually closer (60-70min), but they are new to BF. I'm trying to figure out the arrangement for service.
2) I'm really surprised by the delivery dates they're quoting as manufacturers are swamped. You should go in with the idea there is a good chance they'll not meet those dates just so you're not too disappointed and in reality its something you'll have to deal with wherever you buy and the dealers can only rely on what they're being told so hopefully they're not over-promising.
So, the story I'm being told is this: dealers were allotted "slots" each month based on their volume. Once those slots are sold, they sell for slots for the next month, etc. The primary dealer we're working with right now claims that he had 1 slot in February and then 2 in March (and others after).
What has transpired is that, we wet tested saturday, he and I talked Monday. I'm not super thrilled with his pricing and we're trying to figure the aforementioned service issue. I told him Monday I'd have to further consider. Surprise: When I talked to him Tuesday afternoon, the february slot was gone and the March ones still available.
Yes, it's possible he's being truthful...but it also smells like a sales tactic; that is, February never actually existed. Had I took it, I would have been pushed off to a later month anyway, etc. Basically, creating the illusion he has slots that other dealers don't and then just put people off a month or whatever once it approaches. Could this be confirmed with BF or am I overthinking it?
The new dealer in Redding did tell me they have been allotted 3 tubs as a new dealer for April. Who knows on that too.
Trying to figure out if one is being fleeced in this process is kind of a PITA.
We are all dealing with allocations for tubs for 2021. On Saturday I had 5 slots open for a tub delivery on a March order. Today I have zero. It changes daily. I am also making people aware that there are plenty of things out of dealers hands right now. Such as lockdowns happening, parts being delayed, issues with covers and whatnot. It’s crazy right now. I would be willing to bet those 2 March slots will be filled by weeks end. I highly doubt he’s making things up, unfortunately right now it’s the way things are
Thank you for this. I really appreciate it. When I get into this world that starts to feel like buying a car, I get super paranoid I'm getting played.
My wife being the badass she is, was able to put it succinctly: even if you are getting played - and you're probably not - isn't that his job? To get the most he can for a product that the market will allow? He's trying to make money - he owns the place.
The place 70min north of us said they can't match his price anyway, so we're just going to commit to the March date and see what happens.
When you said you would have 3 slots and then they would disappear: that's because of sales or because the factor would change parameters?
Selling tubs fast right now. In my area I think most dealers are out 4-6 months
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Thanks everybody. We went ahead and got the R7L. Right now figuring out any other options besides the jetpacks and circ pump...
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Thanks everybody. We went ahead and got the R7L. Right now figuring out any other options besides the jetpacks and circ pump...
Probably the right move. My guess is that we won't see anything resembling normal until well into 2022, or beyond. Some manufacturers are over a year out on new orders. There's no way they are going to get caught up until well after that.
What we are seeing now is so ridiculously unprecedented that it's hard to communicate to customers. People just aren't getting it. Imagine more than doubling demand and combining it with all of the problems of a global supply chain being affected by a pandemic. Shutdowns, social distancing at factories not designed for that, people quarantining due to exposure or fear, the California ports are on lockdown and parts are just sitting there for weeks at a time. It's insane. Getting yelled at daily because of the delays is starting to wear on myself and our entire team.
Don't get me wrong, I'm super thankful that we are doing well during a time where things could so much worse and are for a lot of industries. It's just been super stressful and customers just don't understand.
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Thanks everybody. We went ahead and got the R7L. Right now figuring out any other options besides the jetpacks and circ pump...
Probably the right move. My guess is that we won't see anything resembling normal until well into 2022, or beyond. Some manufacturers are over a year out on new orders. There's no way they are going to get caught up until well after that.
What we are seeing now is so ridiculously unprecedented that it's hard to communicate to customers. People just aren't getting it. Imagine more than doubling demand and combining it with all of the problems of a global supply chain being affected by a pandemic. Shutdowns, social distancing at factories not designed for that, people quarantining due to exposure or fear, the California ports are on lockdown and parts are just sitting there for weeks at a time. It's insane. Getting yelled at daily because of the delays is starting to wear on myself and our entire team.
Don't get me wrong, I'm super thankful that we are doing well during a time where things could so much worse and are for a lot of industries. It's just been super stressful and customers just don't understand.
That last paragraph......Feel the exact same way
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Thank for this reminder. It took a while, but I eventually have grown to understand what is going on. Much appreciated. a
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Thanks everybody. We went ahead and got the R7L. Right now figuring out any other options besides the jetpacks and circ pump...
Probably the right move. My guess is that we won't see anything resembling normal until well into 2022, or beyond. Some manufacturers are over a year out on new orders. There's no way they are going to get caught up until well after that.
What we are seeing now is so ridiculously unprecedented that it's hard to communicate to customers. People just aren't getting it. Imagine more than doubling demand and combining it with all of the problems of a global supply chain being affected by a pandemic. Shutdowns, social distancing at factories not designed for that, people quarantining due to exposure or fear, the California ports are on lockdown and parts are just sitting there for weeks at a time. It's insane. Getting yelled at daily because of the delays is starting to wear on myself and our entire team.
Don't get me wrong, I'm super thankful that we are doing well during a time where things could so much worse and are for a lot of industries. It's just been super stressful and customers just don't understand.
this x100....it's such a mess, they'll be lucky to be caught up by 2022...most of these manufacturers have a rolling 'build que' of about 500-700 spas during a normal good year, they now have have 5,000 - 7,000+ spas to build with not enough parts or manufacturing capacity to build anywhere near that number even during a 'normal year'