Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: OKIEdave on April 14, 2008, 08:00:49 pm
-
I finally decided on an Artesian Resort Series 856L. I put money down on one anyway. If anyone can find a reason for me to not buy this tub, please let them speak now.
I am paying $7500, that includes delivery, set up, cover, lift, starter kit, steps.
Does this sound pretty good?
I can get my down patyment back if I decide not to get it, so let me know what you think.
Thanks
-
Congrats on the tub. Enjoy!
-
I don't know much about Artesian but as long as you wet tested it and it was the right one for you I say congrats. If you haven't wet tested it then I would highly recommend you do so before you go "all in".
In His Peace,
Fred
-
I don't know much about Artesian but as long as you wet tested it and it was the right one for you I say congrats. If you haven't wet tested it then I would highly recommend you do so before you go "all in".
In His Peace,
Fred
I fully agree!
I can get my down patyment back if I decide not to get it, so let me know what you think.
Thanks
I'm not sure why you would ask us that question Dave? Sounds like buyers remorse to me! If you wet tested it and it felt right to you and it's in your budget, what could we possibly say to negate all of that? :-?
-
Did you ever wet test? I think you'll be happy with Artesian, but you have to wet test. If you didn't, go do it before it's too late. You may decide you don't like it at all. You wouldn't be the first person to like a tub until they tested it.
-
I agree with Vanguard. Before my wife and I wet tested, there were a couple of tub models that I "wanted" to like, because of things friends had told me, and because there were long-standing "mom and pop" dealers near my house that I wanted to give the business to. Wet testing was the key to our deciding what to buy.
-
I agree to everything stated above by everyone here , just like real estates creed is LOCATION , LOCATION , LOCATION, the spa worlds creed is WET TEST , WET TEST , WET TEST.
-
I agree to everything stated above by everyone here , just like real estates creed is LOCATION , LOCATION , LOCATION, the spa worlds creed is WET TEST , WET TEST , WET TEST.
While I agree wet testing is good, it is not the spa world's creed. Given the rate of wet testing dealers report here, if everyone wet tested, our sales would go down 90%. Most people do not wet test, nor do the NEED to. Most buyers do not wet test and they love their spas. Even people who do wet test find that when they are spa owners they use the spa differently or like and dislike features differently than when they tested.
-
While I agree wet testing is good, it is not the spa world's creed. Given the rate of wet testing dealers report here, if everyone wet tested, our sales would go down 90%. Most people do not wet test, nor do the NEED to. Most buyers do not wet test and they love their spas. Even people who do wet test find that when they are spa owners they use the spa differently or like and dislike features differently than when they tested.
I agree with what you've written 100% as that was our expereince also but knowing what we know and just how much of a personal preference purchase this is, it's plain 'ol good advice to suggest wet testing a spa prior to buying!
When we built our new store many years ago now, we built a room for wet testing. About 3% of our customers took advantage of it even though we highly recommended it to every prospective buyer. Now, we also offered a 30 day guarantee to every customer that purchased a Beachcomber spa that they could exchange it or get their money back for any reason in the first 30 days if they were dissatisfied so that made the purchase much easier knowing this. I don't know why every dealer doesn't do this? :-/
-
OK, So here lies my problem. I have poured the concrete pad. Bought the electrical components for my electrician and I'm locked and loaded to buy a new tub now. Problem is when I wanted to wet test a Sundance Optima they put me in a Maxxus and told me the jets would be the same. When I wanted to wet test a Jacuzzi J-470 they put me in a 465 and 345 and told me the jets would be the same. So yesterday the Sundance dealer calls me and tells me that Sundance has some Optimas with slight blems that he can sell me for a discount and I should buy without wet testing because my Maxxus experience is all that I needed.
It is hard to live by the wet test, wet test, wet test rule when the dealers can't wet every tub you want to try. So what is a buyer to do. Chances are after it is installed they are not taking them back and I have the electricians and crane operator's bill to deal with.
Scott :-?
-
With all due respect to the dealers above, I myself would never buy a model I hadn't wet tested. Each model has slightly different seating positions and jet configurations. I would also never buy a car because of what I had read, or because I had driven a different model from that manufacturer. A Mustang does not drive like a Focus! ;)
-
OK, So here lies my problem. I have poured the concrete pad. Bought the electrical components for my electrician and I'm locked and loaded to buy a new tub now. Problem is when I wanted to wet test a Sundance Optima they put me in a Maxxus and told me the jets would be the same. When I wanted to wet test a Jacuzzi J-470 they put me in a 465 and 345 and told me the jets would be the same. So yesterday the Sundance dealer calls me and tells me that Sundance has some Optimas with slight blems that he can sell me for a discount and I should buy without wet testing because my Maxxus experience is all that I needed.
It is hard to live by the wet test, wet test, wet test rule when the dealers can't wet every tub you want to try. So what is a buyer to do. Chances are after it is installed they are not taking them back and I have the electricians and crane operator's bill to deal with.
Scott :-?
Swell Tub and IL Parrothead have said it right!! When I started my "salesperson issues..." thread, it was partly in fact that the salesperson wouldn't fill the Clearwater Orlando spa we wanted, but only a Similiar model. THe similiar model had a lounger, which we didn't want, compared to the massage seats in the Orlando we did want, and since I float, I wanted to know if I was going to be forced out of the seats. This was all while she herself was telling us she would NOT buy a tub she didn't wet test. We have never heard back from her.
We were also looking at an Artesian Piper Glen, and that dealer is >100 miles away, and he said "hardly anyone wet tests anymore!"
So, this week we have been contacted by our Jacuzzi dealer, the 470 we want to wet test should be in and ready by this weekend. As well, the Dynasty spa we want to wet test is expected in this week, and the dealer had been planning on having it available and ready for us. THey will probably also have an Arctic, but I am not sure what exact models they have to wet test.
So, IMHO, wet testing is VERY important to the sale.
Scott--I hope your dealers can see the light in your situation. Maybe if they know there is competition.... ::) ;) ;)
WWHT :) :)
BTW--Dave--I have never heard anything but good about the Artesian spas, and there are many owners on this forum that are happy with them. I can't include them in our final countdown, primarily to numerous extraneous charges since the only available dealer is so far away and service and delivery would definately be an issue.
Hppy Tubbing!!!!!!!! [smiley=bath.gif]
-
But, the dealers are correct. There are many, many people who buy a spa without ever wet testing and still love their spa.
While I agree that you should wet test before you buy, if you don't you could still be happy with your spa.
If you never wet test a spa, how do you know how different other spas are? If you've never had a Ruth's Chris steak, then that T-Bone they sell at Denny's still might seem like a good steak. You just don't know what you don't know.
So, both the dealers here and the consumers are correct.
-
I talked to my Sundance dealer and he said he would not service a Sundance that wasn't bought from him. When I asked him for a deal on the Optima he said the dealers in small towns need to deal but he doesn't because he sells the best tub and supports what he sells. He then bashed the other brands I was considering.
Today I talked to my Jacuzzi dealer who refuses to say anything bad about the other brands and stays focused on the Jacuzzi product. They have no overhead because they paid cash for the building and warehouse and the utilities are paid by for by the pool part of the business. They cut the prices as low as they can to give good deals to the buyers as they are trying to increase market share here in Vegas. They are throwing in free steps, ozonator, and lift with the deal and they are about $1500 less than the Optima on their J-470.
I find myself going back and forth between the Jacuzzi and Sundance. I really like the attitude of the Jacuzzi dealer but also like the experience and the support what they sell factor of the Sundance. If I had to buy today I think it would be the J-470. But I have not wet tested either. Another idea is to but the Jacuzzi J-365 as my first tub and save another 3K and trade up down the road.
I'm so frustrated as I don't know what to do but I want to get a tub on it's way...
Scott :-?
-
But, the dealers are correct. There are many, many people who buy a spa without ever wet testing and still love their spa.
While I agree that you should wet test before you buy, if you don't you could still be happy with your spa.
If you never wet test a spa, how do you know how different other spas are? If you've never had a Ruth's Chris steak, then that T-Bone they sell at Denny's still might seem like a good steak. You just don't know what you don't know.
So, both the dealers here and the consumers are correct.
When buying a spa with a lounge (where the lounge can take up a BIG % of the space) or when the person's size is atypical (short, tall and/or wide) a wet test is especially important IMO. I would never buy one without testing because I know not all spas are alike. At the same time I can see someone average sized like me (and usually too impatient to try on pants before I buy them) thinking it really won't matter much but then again, why risk it?
In the end I think most people just take the legendary advice we learned from Tommy Boy:
"I can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking my head up a bull's ass, but I'd rather take a butcher's word for it."
-
Scott,
We've wet tested both the J480 and the J375. They are similar to the ones you are looking at but have the lounge. We wet test the 480 first and really liked it. However, it was more expensive than what we were first ready to pay for a hot tub. We thought the 375 looked like we might like it (dry) and was less $. We drove over 200 miles to wet test the 375 and it was well worth the drive because it was not a tub we would have been satisfied with.
With all due respect to those that say wet testing isn't important, our wet test saved us a $8000 mistake. I can understand the theory that if you haven't tried them you'll be happy with whatever you buy. I just don't believe in the outcome. Why spend 10k and not get the very best tub that fits you. I'm sure not willing to settle for o.k. because I don't know there is something that would have been better....to me that's crazy. If I'm spending our hard earned money I'm going to make sure that we're getting the best for it. And in my humble opinion I would never ever buy a tub without wet testing it first. And anybody I come into contact with that is considering buying a tub I would strongly recommend doing so.
Take your time and be patient. Wet test all available tubs with and without a lounge. You may just end up liking one. We wet tested a Hotspring that my wife couldn't stay in the lounge and then ruled out the lounge. But then we wet test the 480 and we both fell in love with the lounge. You never know that's why you have to try them.
Good luck to you,
Fred
-
Not saying wet testing is not important. What I am saying is most customers say it is not important.
I also wonder about the ethics of wet testing a tub you [glow]never[/glow] intend to buy from that dealer. You were not going to buy a tub from someone 200 miles away. What did you do to compensate him for his time and expenses?
I certainly agree you did the best thing for yourself and saving $8000 would mean a lot to me. :)
-
First, as far as my ethics goes; God is working on and will continue to work on them. By His grace I will continue to grow in that regard. As far as in this case the store we traveled to was the store we ended up buying from. They have 5 locations in WI. They are actually the ones that set it up.
Secondly, I firmly believe in wet testing. If the customer doesn't believe it is important then it's only because they are uneducated of the importance. I will do my best on this forum and in my life to do just that....educate them.
In His Peace,
Fred
-
First, as far as my ethics goes; God is working on and will continue to work on them. By His grace I will continue to grow in that regard. As far as in this case the store we traveled to was the store we ended up buying from. They have 5 locations in WI. They are actually the ones that set it up.
Secondly, I firmly believe in wet testing. If the customer doesn't believe it is important then it's only because they are uneducated of the importance. I will do my best on this forum and in my life to do just that....educate them.
In His Peace,
Fred
Fred , I too am a firm beleiver in the wet test , apparently I missspoke when saying it was the spa worlds creed , didnt mean to ruffle any feathers, but like you I think some people do not know that you can even wet test a tub , I for one didnt until I first started visiting the forums , and all I kept hearing was wet test,( hence the creed remark ), well lucky for me I heeded that advice and did not buy from my local dealer , just because thier tubs were the most advertised ,and my ignorance up to that point ( pre- forums ) I almost bought one , without wet testing going on looks and brand recognition alone ,well I wet tested one and found that in order to stay in the seats or lounge I was having to tense up and try to hold on to something which totally negated any type of relaxation, So MY creedo is to wet test , wet test , wet test till you find one that fits you and your budget. and hopefully future spa buyers can learn a little something from me here at the forums.
-
\\without wet testing going on looks and brand recognition alone ,well I wet tested one and found that in order to stay in the seats or lounge I was having to tense up and try to hold on to something which totally negated any type of relaxation, So MY creedo is to wet test , wet test , wet test till you find one that fits you and your budget. and hopefully future spa buyers can learn a little something from me here at the forums.
YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD :exclamation :exclamation [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
As much as I want a powerful massage, I also want to relax and not fight with the spa!! ;)
-
Spatini,
Ditto. We found ourselves tensing and floating away also. My wives heart sunk when she sat in her first lounge. It was everything but relaxing. After the 480 test the lounge was back in play...big time.
Thanks,
Fred
-
Spatini,
[glow]My wives [/glow]heart sunk when she sat in her first lounge.
Thanks,
Fred
Fred , surely you are not with that bunch in Texas!!!! ;D ;D ;D :o ya know I'm just playin , just tryin to beat everyone else to the punch
-
If they would just put seat belts in the lounges. ;D ;D ;D
-
If they would just put seat belts in the lounges. ;D ;D ;D
Swell ,
I'm tellin ya I really did enjoy the lounge in the 480 , no floatin at all.
-
Fred , surely you are not with that bunch in Texas!!!! ;D ;D ;D :o ya know I'm just playin , just tryin to beat everyone else to the punch
That thought crossed my mind, hahaha ;D ;D [smiley=lolk.gif] I avoided the temptation, but can't resist now!!
Fred, you really aren't Terminator, are you!! Just kiddin Term!!
[smiley=lolk.gif] [smiley=lolk.gif]
-
Swell ,
I'm tellin ya I really did enjoy the lounge in the 480 , no floatin at all.
The JQZ place we are going to already has a 480 wet, and will fill the 470. For shitz and giggles, I may try both, but we really don't care for a lounger.
-
The JQZ place we are going to already has a 480 wet, and will fill the 470. For shitz and giggles, I may try both, but we really don't care for a lounger.
The one thing I like about the J-480 is that the lounger doesn't take up the whole side of the tub. JJ says it is his best selling tub along with the J-470 and J-375.
-
It will be worth a try. With the higher back, even though there is the concern about the cover fitting, it will probably be one of the better fits for my hubby, even though the 480 dry run had him banging his head yet. One of the other threads is about spa blankets, and this may be worth the investment to add to the life of the spa and cover. Looks like Dr Spa has those for sale.
-
The JQZ place we are going to already has a 480 wet, and will fill the 470. For shitz and giggles, I may try both, but we really don't care for a lounger.
Chrisi,
ya better not try it , you may change your mind and have to add one more to the list!
-
It will be worth a try. With the higher back, even though there is the concern about the cover fitting, it will probably be one of the better fits for my hubby, even though the 480 dry run had him banging his head yet. One of the other threads is about spa blankets, and this may be worth the investment to add to the life of the spa and cover. Looks like Dr Spa has those for sale.
I'm definatley looking into Dr spas , blanket
-
Hey--spatini--2 more posts and you are a Junior member!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I will too, if I decide on the jqz or the Dynasty, since their stereo has mounted speakers and the cover doesn't look like a snug fit.
Bullfrog has some neat-o idea with the Bose stereo and the speakers lift out of the cabinet, and then tuck back in.
I think Doc Spa may be gettin' some bizness!!!
-
BTW, I looked at the cover on the J-465 at the dealer today. It doesn't look any different from the regular covers. The only difference was instead of the pitch in the middle the pitch is in the rear on the high side. I may be wrong but I don't think it is a special cover...
-
I'll check it out as well, and still seems that a spa blanket may be an added benefit.
-
for 50-80 dollars it seems like money well spent, I can see where it would help keep moisture out of the cover but I didnt even think of the speakers , thanks Chrisi
-
Bullfrog has some neat-o idea with the Bose stereo and the speakers lift out of the cabinet, and then tuck back in.
I've seen and heard that system. Really not what you'd expect from the Bose name. Plus, the speakers are really big and bulky. I didn't find them to be pleasing at all. I like the look others have that is more sleek.
-
I've seen and heard that system. Really not what you'd expect from the Bose name. Plus, the speakers are really big and bulky. I didn't find them to be pleasing at all. I like the look others have that is more sleek.
I will agree with you on the big part, other than that, to each is own. Bose is known for quality.
One thing that makes the system versitile is that fact that when you are not in the tub, but outside in the yard, you can still turn on the tunes and enjoy bose quality sound with out opening your spa cover. :-?
-
I know Hot Spring and Caldera now have speakers that do the same, but with a much smaller footprint.
As to the Bose, I love Bose sound quality. I have Bose speakers for my home system and would love to have one of their Lifestyle systems. However, the speakers that are used on the Bullfrog just don't have the same quality sound as what I would expect from Bose. Obviously, with sound, that is 100% opinion.
-
OKIEDave,
We haven't heard back from you. Did you leave us?
-
Fred , surely you are not with that bunch in Texas!!!! ;D ;D ;D :o ya know I'm just playin , just tryin to beat everyone else to the punch
Oh no my cover is broken.... Ya der heh. I really am from the U.P. der heh. Just ask Spiderman then yous will know fer sure, heh.
Chrisi,
Be prepared to fall in love with the 480 lounge. My WIFE'S heart was unbroken when she tried it. It took a long time for me to get her out so I could try it.
Deck is half done, electric is run, our tub is on a train somewhere between here and the Jacuzzi plant (California?)
In His Peace,
Fred