Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: michiganwinter on November 09, 2008, 03:45:40 pm
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Hi all,
I have been looking at a Sundance Majesta and like it a lot (want the Optima but it doesn't fit in the space). Went over to the HotSpring dealer to compare products and was told that Sundance is going bankrupt and that it likely will be hard to find replacement parts. Was also told that running a Sundance costs a lot more per month than the HotSpring.
Just doing some digging because I may well be getting the salesman's song and dance, but figure you all would have some ideas as well. I like the Sundance line a lot better so far but can be swayed with good rationale.
Please shed light on the situation if you know anything.
Thanks!
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I doubt Sundance is going bankrupt, but I did hear that they moved most of their operations to Mexico a few months ago.
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michiganwinter,
You are in a very unique position. You have the ability to help that hot springs dealer get rid of a "bad apple". I'm sure that the owner of that store doesn't realize he has a lying idiot representing his/her company. After you purchase your Sundance, I hope you will write the H.S. dealer a letter. Explain to the owner and salesman that you know he lied to you. And if he lies about his competition, how do you know that he isn't lying about everything else.
The sad thing is that H.S. is a very good product. The salesman had no need to lie to you. It's OK, you get to get even...Don't buy into his lies, and don't buy his spa.
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michiganwinter,
You are in a very unique position. You have the ability to help that hot springs dealer get rid of a "bad apple". I'm sure that the owner of that store doesn't realize he has a lying idiot representing his/her company. After you purchase your Sundance, I hope you will write the H.S. dealer a letter. Explain to the owner and salesman that you know he lied to you. And if he lies about his competition, how do you know that he isn't lying about everything else.
The sad thing is that H.S. is a very good product. The salesman had no need to lie to you. It's OK, you get to get even...Don't buy into his lies, and don't buy his spa.
I completley agree. Everything being told to you is a lie. The dealer I purchased from sells both HotSprings and Sundance so I get to see and hear of both manufacturers on a regular basis. On top of it all, Sundance is owned by Jacuzzi so unless Jacuzzi goes under...............
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"moved most of their operations to Mexico a few months ago"
Is this in fact true?......Did Sundance move to Mexico?
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I have found the two Hot Springs dealers I went to were extremely competent and helpful. I agree that you should notify the owner as I can't believe he would put up with such shenanigans. Both brands Hot Springs and Sundance are both quality units. Good Luck in finding the tub that fits you best!
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Was this one of the Lifestyles stores? I live in MI too and was less than impressed with their salesmen. Sometimes I think they strive to deliver a high pressure sales pitch.
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Yes, as a matter of fact it was.
I was really sad about this as I don't want to have an unpleasant buying experience, nor do I want to buy a tub where I can't get replacement parts. I just want someone to be honest with me. The Sundance dealer leaves me with a very good feeling; a small family run business in business for over 30-years. The salesman at the HS store told me they just started selling the Sundance and don't know what they are doing, which doesn't seem true from testimonials I have found on the web, or what the owners have said.
At this point I am so turned off by the HS dealer that I won't even go back in there.
I really prefer to shop locally and support a local business, but also have to look out for myself.
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"moved most of their operations to Mexico a few months ago"
Is this in fact true?......Did Sundance move to Mexico?
Yes this is true: This being said I would buy the Hot Spring that has been made in the same plant for many years, Than to be part of Sundances "learning curve" in their new factory. I do not want anyone to be learning how to build a spa when it is to be in my yard for years to come.
Good Luck!
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Yes, as a matter of fact it was.
I was really sad about this as I don't want to have an unpleasant buying experience, nor do I want to buy a tub where I can't get replacement parts. I just want someone to be honest with me. The Sundance dealer leaves me with a very good feeling; a small family run business in business for over 30-years. The salesman at the HS store told me they just started selling the Sundance and don't know what they are doing, which doesn't seem true from testimonials I have found on the web, or what the owners have said.
At this point I am so turned off by the HS dealer that I won't even go back in there.
I really prefer to shop locally and support a local business, but also have to look out for myself.
As a guy who sells cars for a living, and not the high pressure way, I would ask you. If you want the "name your brand here" and you met a bad egg in sales, would you not go to another dealer of the same brand? Its sad to hear that you had a bad experience with a salesperson, and I would send this person to "re-education camp" if they worked for me.
I would tell anyone that came into my store that had an experience like that to go back and tell the owner/manager. I would also tell them to "test drive" the car anyway because salespeople in my industry come and go, you will have the vehicle for at least a few years. I want them to be happy with their purchase, even if that means they buy the other car.
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I would if I could find another dealer....same company seems to have all of SE MI.
Good advice, though!
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I have to wonder if the sales person was talking about the other dealer and not Sundance the manufacturer. I'd ask the owner/manager what the salesperson was talking about.
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I have to wonder if the sales person was talking about the other dealer and not Sundance the manufacturer. I'd ask the owner/manager what the salesperson was talking about.
To make the claim that "getting replacement parts will be hard" tells me that he was not talking about the local dealer, but about the manufacturer.
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He wasn't talking about the Sundance dealer, he was talking about Sundance itself. I did see a previous bankruptcy (averted?) before they were purchased by the current private equity firm. He also said that Jacuzzi was in the same boat. He also said that the company Insideout had gone under, but I found them on the web in Ohio. I'll see if they are still in business too as that will be telling.
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To put this to an end, Jacuzzi and Sundance are not going anywhere! You will be able to get parts via service from your dealer, the spa's being built are fine. From what I understand after just talking to Jacuzzi literally minuets ago, the only thing being manufactured in Mexico is the shell, the rest of the spa is then built at the Jacuzzi/Sundance factory. They factory in Mexico is ISO9000 from what they told me.
The only thing you should worry about is your dealer which sounds like they have been around awhile.
Either way if you want the Sundance dont let some BS Hotspring salesman or any other dealer tell you any different!! The Majesta is a nice spa!
I'm off today, so see you guys Tuesday. Say thanks to a Veteran!! Your Welcome!! ;)
And THANKS to any of you that might be!!
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Hot Springs lack a lot to be desired also. Don't buy for part replacement because hot springs dosen't help much either, just be happy with the dealer.
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To put this to an end, Jacuzzi and Sundance are not going anywhere! You will be able to get parts via service from your dealer, the spa's being built are fine. From what I understand after just talking to Jacuzzi literally minuets ago, the only thing being manufactured in Mexico is the shell, the rest of the spa is then built at the Jacuzzi/Sundance factory. They factory in Mexico is ISO9000 from what they told me.
The only thing you should worry about is your dealer which sounds like they have been around awhile.
Either way if you want the Sundance dont let some BS Hotspring salesman or any other dealer tell you any different!! The Majesta is a nice spa!
I'm off today, so see you guys Tuesday. Say thanks to a Veteran!! Your Welcome!! ;)
And THANKS to any of you that might be!!
I also understood that the shells were manufactured in Mexico.
From what I understand, Watkin's Caldera spas are built in Mexico.
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To put this to an end...
Somehow I don't think this will end that easily.
Most of these type threads go a few pages before they die down after people take swipes from a few directions (economy driven?). Eventually people will get bored by it or Bill will move it. This is when I just start ignoring it as best I can because there will be little new added.
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Didn't mean to have this turn negative! Just wanted to hear what you guys had to say because I was upset, but then thought he might have some points. You all are obviously afficiandos whereas I am a total neophyte.
That said, it sounds like if you like the dealer, go with that dealer? I do like the Sundance dealer and feel confident that they are not fly by night and will be around for awhile (unless this economy does them in - which I hope not given in particular that this small family run business has been around over 30 years).
Thanks
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It doesn't make much sense that any dealer would lie about anything nowadays. With all the information that the internet has to offer, anybody can check up on anything and verify whether or not a dealer has lied to a potential customer.
Timid people may give in and endure the high pressure pitch but even they can go home and do enough research to sort out truth from lies.
Have fun with your Sundance, if you are still going that route.
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First and foremost, remember that many of the people in this forum are spa dealers or spa sales people. So you may get some very biased answers from people that moight not necessarily have your best interest in mind.
What to do?
Buy the tub you like. Don't worry about the filtration system. Don't worry about bells and whistles. Don't worry about where the tub is made. Go wet test a bunch of tubs and buy the one you like.
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Hot Springs lack a lot to be desired also. Don't buy for part replacement because hot springs dosen't help much either, just be happy with the dealer.
Well, isn't that a drive by shooting??
I've never, ever had an issue that either my dealer or Watkins hasn't been able to resolve. Sometimes things can happen to good spas. To just throw that out there on this thread is silly.
To Michigan: It is unfortunate that your salesman said this. I know some of the management at Lifestyles and this isn't how they want business done. They are a good company with good ethics. Every now and then you get a bad apple. Sounds like this salesman was beyond bad and on to rotten. I'd go to the manager of your location and let him know your feelings. See if he can help you.
You will not go wrong with Sundance/Jacuzzi or Hot Spring. They are all brands and good companies. I would have to believe that Sundance/Jacuzzi is going nowhere. While all brands are down a bit this year from last, the strongest companies will stay around and ride this storm out.
Good Luck in your search.
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Hot Springs lack a lot to be desired also. Don't buy for part replacement because hot springs dosen't help much either, just be happy with the dealer.
Wow do I disagree! ;D ;D
8-)
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Well I went ahead with the Majesta. Talked with a few people who own them and bought them from the dealer. Everyone I talked with loves the tub and is thrilled with the service from the dealership. One had been a customer for 20-years and on their second tub with them.
I can hardly wait!!!!
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Congratz on the tub. I was in mine this morning with my coffee. You wont regret this purchase. :)
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Congratz on the tub. I was in mine this morning with my coffee. You wont regret this purchase. :)
Famous last words. ;)