Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Mendocino101 on April 11, 2005, 11:32:52 pm
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Wondering about the practice of posting prices for Spas....both from the dealers prospective and consumer...there are pros and cons to doing so .... In brief from the consumer side, If walking in and seeing a marked price for a spa and all that it includes... Do you like that... if after say being on this or other boards and the price marked was in line with what others seemed to be paying... would that be enough for you...Or do you think you still have the need to try for a better deal... For the dealers is your fear, that someone walks in sees a price and walks out with out knowing any thing about the product you represent ...Please any thoughts.....?..... :)
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Mendo, thanks for the opportunity.
The price is the price and every seller knows what their price is when you walk in the door.
The problem and the practice.
IF you post a price the next question is "what does that include?" And this is before they know what they want and the decision is made, that's too much. The fear is will they judge their decision on what they see.
So then, Should we show the LOW price without the extras? Or, should we show the complete price with the extras that everybody wants or will choose to include? Obviously, the price then goes up.
If we post a price, a decision is made without understanding and that is where we need to communicate. BUT, everyone of us has that FEAR.
The buyer wants to buy, and the seller want to sell, so then this is just about price, right?
Wrong, there is a cost of goods and doing business. People want quality at a FAIR price, but they also need, want, expect and demand not only service but FREE shopping expenses.
Several posters to this board have consumed money out of dealer's pockets while they shop with NO expectation of buying a spa from them. This too must be factored in to the cost of doing business.
I think you question is the root of what we all seek. What is a FAIR PRICE,
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I would rather see an inclusive price posted. This should include what every new buyer needs , spa, cover, lift, steps, start-up chemicals, and delivery.
Most dealers have numerous models and lines of spas. There should be prices points for most customers. I don't think a customer will walk in look at one model and walk out because of posted price. They will move on to look at models that fit their budget.
I think comparing prices on this board is a waste of time unless you can find buyers that live in your immediate area. Price variance in different markets make most comparisons useless.
I have to laugh at all this talk about the " fear " factor. A spa in most cases is a luxury purchase. You are just shopping for a hot tub , it should be an enjoyable experience.
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I have no problem with people including prices in posts. I take them at face value. Most people indicate in their posts what that price includes. We usually don't know without asking where they are located. I don't see a dealer saying, gosh, know that the secret is out I have to change my price to match that. As long as some dealer put purely fictional prices on tubs in the store its fair to arm consumers with an idea of what a realistic price might be.
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I have no problem with people including prices in posts. I take them at face value. Most people indicate in their posts what that price includes. We usually don't know without asking where they are located. I don't see a dealer saying, gosh, know that the secret is out I have to change my price to match that. As long as some dealer put purely fictional prices on tubs in the store its fair to arm consumers with an idea of what a realistic price might be.
Mendo,
Maybe I misunderstood your question. I thought you were talking about posting prices on tubs in your store.
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I think Mendocino was speaking about displaying prices on the spas at the dealerships. Then seeing other on the boards who may have paid less.
From a consumer side, I appreciate seeing a posted price, and I like to know what it all includes.
My dealer posts two prices with each spa. The cost of the spa itself including delivery and cover, and a "package price" that includes steps, lifter, startup chemicals, and things like that.
I really don't care if someone got their spa for a thousand less than I did. It's a luxury splurge and it's been worth every penny. Life is too short.............
Brewman
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Brewman,
Well put, my feelings exactly. ;)
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Mendo,
Maybe I misunderstood your question. I thought you were talking about posting prices on tubs in your store.
No, I think I did. Early morning, not enough sleep I guess.
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Wow Bill. Are you alright?
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Wow Bill. Are you alright?
It depends, do you mean the online me, the on the real job me, or the husband/father me?
#1 and #3 are fine.
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I love to see prices. When I buy things on line I always use www. pricegrabber.com to comparison shop. I recently bought a receiver for $232.00 that was sold in a store near me for $399 and listed on other web sites as high as 455! Why pay more for anything when you don't have to? I do realize that service is important and also carries a price as well. You need to factor that in when making a purchase as well. As an example when buying a $500 electronic item I may see prices from $475 to $700. I don't always buy from the $475 guy because sometimes when you read about the company you see they are problematic. I don't mind spending the extra few dollars to ensure a smooth transaction. I buy the item for $490.
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I think posting prices speaks volumes about credibility. If you hide your prices, my impression is (and it's been seen on this board) that your prices could change depending who you're dealing with.
My Jacuzzi dealer has a binder with the specs of all the tubs and prices related to each one, which is readily available to see by the consumer.
Another "large brand name dealer" has a sheet that is for their eyes only.
When you think about the big purchases in your life, houses, cars, etc, they all have posted prices.
Again, to me, not posting prices is a tactic better reserved for a sketchy used car salesman than a hot tub dealer.
IMO...
Mark
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I think posting prices speaks volumes about credibility. If you hide your prices, my impression is (and it's been seen on this board) that your prices could change depending who you're dealing with.
My Jacuzzi dealer has a binder with the specs of all the tubs and prices related to each one, which is readily available to see by the consumer.
Another "large brand name dealer" has a sheet that is for their eyes only.
When you think about the big purchases in your life, houses, cars, etc, they all have posted prices.
Again, to me, not posting prices is a tactic better reserved for a sketchy used car salesman than a hot tub dealer.
IMO...
Mark
To post or not to post, that is the question. Some dealers post bogus prices and then turn into the used car salesman. Is that any different then not posting prices at all? It's all in the ethics of each individual dealer. I don't post pricing, and everone gets the same price unless a floor model of course. I personally think it is less ethical to post pricing that is 2-3 thousand dollars more then what they will sell it for. I agree with both tactics as long as they are done ethically. Otherwise we all just become anothe Master Spa show team! :) :D ;D ;) :o :P ;D LOL
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The problem I have with Price and Service.
I can see the product that I am going to buy.
I have to take the word of the guy who is selling to me on the value of the service. Until I need service the value of the service is nothing. All the Spa dealers I shopped said they offer the best service in town.
Kind of reminds me of the sign posted saying "best coffee anywhere" . Best to whom? You have no dissatisfied customers? Most of the customers are satisfied, but the ones you have to service are not.
I am willing to pay for the product and for a luxury item regardless of what I paid for it, the service should be just as luxurious.
The place where I bought the tub from said that the price they quoted was the best price they could give on the tub. So when I pushed him for extras he said no. When I shopped him (other dealers not letting them know the price I got) no one came close.
Which dealer has the best service after the sale? The guy who charged the most or the guy that charged the least?
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We have our laminated price sheet laying on the table where everyone can see it. Every customer that walks through the door gets the same pricing. The only exception is our "Spa of the Month" which we have started doing this year. Instead of putting all the models on sale at once, we feature one spa and discount it.
Terminator
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We have our laminated price sheet laying on the table where everyone can see it. Every customer that walks through the door gets the same pricing. The only exception is our "Spa of the Month" which we have started doing this year. Instead of putting all the models on sale at once, we feature one spa and discount it.
Terminator
I think this sends a bad message to the consumer. I have to wait until August to get the best price from these guys? This would definitely be a turnoff for me. If you have a better price that you can sell the tub for, why not sell the tub today rather than 6 months from now?
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I think posting prices speaks volumes about credibility. If you hide your prices, my impression is (and it's been seen on this board) that your prices could change depending who you're dealing with.
My Jacuzzi dealer has a binder with the specs of all the tubs and prices related to each one, which is readily available to see by the consumer.
Another "large brand name dealer" has a sheet that is for their eyes only.
When you think about the big purchases in your life, houses, cars, etc, they all have posted prices.
Again, to me, not posting prices is a tactic better reserved for a sketchy used car salesman than a hot tub dealer.
IMO...
Mark
Instead of having price sheets lying around, what about having a list of prices which the dealer is always willing to show to the customer? This shows that everyone is quoted the same price, which is important for the customer and it forces the customer to speak with a salesperson, which is important for the dealership.
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I think this sends a bad message to the consumer. I have to wait until August to get the best price from these guys? This would definitely be a turnoff for me. If you have a better price that you can sell the tub for, why not sell the tub today rather than 6 months from now?
I certainly understand your point of view and that was something we considered before enacting this.
Bottom line is that we have lowered our profit margin per spa this year in the hopes of increasing the number of spas sold. Each month, we will pick one of our most popular spas and discount it even further hoping to pre-sell several truck loads. This is an incentive for us in that we can order our trucks and we don't have to guess which models and colors we will have to sell, they're already sold.
For the benefit of the customer, they come in looking to buy a Sovereign. It is offered at a very good price. When they find out they can get a bigger, more luxurious Envoy for just a few hundred dollars more, they go with the spa of the month. They're happy they got a great deal, we're happy because our trucks come in, we unload them, and take them directly to the customer instead of the showrooms. I've pre-sold 2 trucks of Envoys in the last 3 weeks. Everybody wins! :)
Terminator
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What is your truckload special price in Envoys??
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$7845 for the spa, cover, delivery, and water care products. CoverCradle, Ozonator, Steps, SpAudio all extra. Normally sell it for $8845 spa only.
Terminator
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Michigander, First, this is NOT a luxury product, but a discretionary one.
Secondly, We guarantee your satisfaction or your money back, because it is our job to satisfy our customers, and we have been in business for more than 21 years and handling a particular brand for more than 16 years.
You said, “Until I need service the value of the service is nothing” If you don't value service, than you must not expect it.
But then, Why would you expect, as you say “the service should be just as luxurious.”
You state, "Which dealer has the best service after the sale? The guy who charged the most or the guy that charged the least?"
That is a very interesting question. The guy that charged the most is more likely to be there for you when you need him. The guy that charged the least, well, you take your chances don’t you? He may still be in business, he may still be handling the same brand and it may take him a week or two, or three, in the winter and then who said it will be free.
Then there is always the service charges, trip charges or “reasonable repairman mileage charges and freight.”
You say, “I have to take the word of the guy who is selling to me on the value of the service.” Yes you certainly do. But then, have you no faith in relationships?
Again, “The place where I bought the tub from said that the price they quoted was the best price they could give on the tub. So when I pushed him for extras he said no. When I shopped him (other dealers not letting them know the price I got) no one came close.”
I don’t believe that. That would be unusual. They usually will match the price.
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Until I need service the value of the service is nothing.
This is kind of like health insurance IMO. Those who are unfortunate to have to utilize it see the value up front. However, those who are healthy and rarely see a doctor probably also see the value in having health insurance as they have peace of mind that when they have a problem they have coverage.
I would hope you would not need to utililize your spa's warranty to see the value of it.
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Mowgli,
if you think comparing prices on this board is a waste of time, why have you been so prolific in doing so. I have found it to be very insightful.
You say, “I have to laugh at all this talk about the "fear factor”. (Do you not FEAR paying too much?) A spa in most cases is a luxury purchase. You are just shopping for a hot tub, it should be an enjoyable experience.
A Hot Tub is a discretionary purchase that we may choose to purchase and enjoy. It is an enjoyable experience until it turns into a passion to find the cheapest price. Find your price point and buy.
When you take everybody’s time to learn about what they sell, they should at least have the opportunity to get your business. Knowing a little bit about pricing and service sure helps to be able to make that decision.
Some people shop the shows and get really ripped. That is really a shame. I am sure if you had some level of expectation you surely wouldn’t be pressured into a deal from a traveling salesman making promises that will never come true.
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The American Heritage dictionary defines luxury as " something inessential but conducive to pleasure and comfort" Sounds like a hot tub to me.
I stand by my statement about comparing prices. If you are not getting prices in your market the comparisons won't be of much value. I don't need you to tell me to find a price point and buy. I will buy when I move to Tucson from a local dealer. None of the dealers I have talked to in Michigan have hesitated to give me information. I told them upfront about moving.
So lighten up on the fear and relationship crap. People are just shopping for hot tubs not transplant surgeons
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mowgli,
Discretionary = giving somebody authority to decide, giving somebody the freedom to make a decision according to individual circumstances.
Sorry to pull your trigger, I didn’t mean to dump in your wheaties.
I am certain dealers have given you meaningful information at their expense in both time and material. This becomes part of their cost of entertaining uninterested shoppers who expect to buy elsewhere, when they get there.
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What expense? I was the only customer in the store on most of my visits. What materials? Their time to answer a few questions? Also don't steal Stuart's lines. They are funny when he uses them.
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ok................it's settled then Hot tubs and spas are "Luxury items for those with Discretionary income" or how about "discretionary Luxury item"
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Michigander, First, this is NOT a luxury product, but a discretionary one.
That is a very interesting question. The guy that charged the most is more likely to be there for you when you need him. The guy that charged the least, well, you take your chances don’t you? He may still be in business, he may still be handling the same brand and it may take him a week or two, or three, in the winter and then who said it will be free.
Then there is always the service charges, trip charges or “reasonable repairman mileage charges and freight.”
Not to get too far in the details on my specific example, but the dealer that charged the least had been in the business longer. The delear that wanted to charge more also charged a service fee.
The overall point of my post was to show that consumers (me) see the product we want to buy. We do not see the service until we need it then the value proposition still comes into play. Not that the service is worthless.
Just like health insurance? If my hot tub breaks at most I am out the cost of the Hot Tub. If something happens to me the most I am out is many many many hot tubs. Additionally the premiums I pay to my health insurance help offset the expense for my fellow coworkers who use the service. (BTW I do healthcare consulting, and if you would like some advice as to what level of policy you are buying for a fee I will provide consultation) This seems like one of those scare tactics that dealers use to sell their service plan. Are you selling a quality spa? Does the company (not the dealer) stand behind the product? Tommy Boy quote coming... "I could stick my head up a bull's butt to get a good look at the steak, but I would rather take the butcher's word for it.
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Seems reasonable to me, service is a non-issue until we need it and it is not a factor in the price, but will they be there when you need it? When you pay too little, sometimes the sweetness of a lower price is canceled buy the bitterness of poor service, sometimes leading to disappointment and anger.
That’s when you come back to post how bad the guy is, but the price was cheaper and he took the business away from the other dealer, but then, not only was his price higher, you say he charged a service fee. I see that you charge a fee. Why is that?
We do sell a quality spa and have been selling this particular brand for more than 16 years. How long has your dealer, the cheaper one, been selling the brand you bought? Did you check either of them out with the BBB? Maybe that could reveal how well they care for their customers and help with the decision factors.
BTW, whenever I go to the doctors, or pick up a prescription or have testing done, they charge me either a co-pay or sometimes a deductible. Why wouldn’t everything be free or fully covered so I don’t have to pay anything?
Tommy Boy is right, sometimes it is best to take the word of someone who knows.
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Back to the original question.... As a consumer, I prefer to see prices posted in the store, along with pertinent information such as seats, pumps, jets, etc -- what makes this model different from the one sitting next to it.
Unless you have already settled on a particular model, there is a lot of info to process. I don't even know which questions to ask until I have shopped for awhile, and it is nice to be able to look around on my own, walk back to the model I looked at first and see how it compares to the one at the end of the row. Then I'm ready for some help.
As far as dealer concerns regarding customers walking out without making contact.... if the only way you can get your salespeople to talk to a customer is by forcing to customer to ask for prices, I think it is time to consider a new salesforce!
In regards to the question regarding whether I would be satisfied that the posted price is fair, and feel no need to negotiate... if you make it clear to customers that you offer the same price to everyone, I'll accept that ... after asking if you can do a little better on the tub I want! ;) If I were you I would make sure to play up the respect angle -- "we don't play games here, we offer our best price to everyone." Even then, it will be hard to convince some potential buyers that your tub at $7000 everyday is as good a deal as the competitors "$10,000 tub that we are blowing out at $6999.99, this week only!" Good luck on that one!
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Soakin, I appreciate your input. When people walk in and ask a price we give it to them. An hour later when the ask what is the real price, it is the same, but we have had that time frame to establish a relationship and an impression of each other.
Our response about the real price is that it is the same. If the price was different, then obviously I lied to you to begin with. But, everybody, let me change that, some people seem to think either they can or should get a better price than the other guy. They seem to feel they can "negotiate" the price. The truth is we want to sell the spa and they want to buy the spa. If the guy down the street plays that game, they seem to think everyone does when we don't.
There is a point when you have to let them walk.
If you put pricing on the spa and they don't know what that price includes, they make judgements, maybe more than they expected, or more than they want to pay, maybe it is more than they want to afford, at any rate they try to find out if the price will move.
The only time we will move on price is when an out of town seller, or a bordering dealer is willing to undercut us and sell into our area, we will attempt to match a price to keep the deal or get the business. More often than not, this is not the customer you want. They feel their dollar is almighty and they turn into the customer from hell and they are extremely hard to please as they always want their problem to be your problem.
Sometimes you gotta let em go.
It is really hard for both of us, the buyer and the seller. And, if I can learn one thing here in this forum, it will be how to communicate with the MIND of the buyer.
Price is always important, it is how we measure things.
Quality is always important, it usually performs better, last longer, has a better warranty and is usually represented and supported by a more professional dealer which is what you are looking for.
BUT, where does service enter the picture.
If I don't have to put service into my price and be responsive to your needs, I can sell to you at a lower price and service you when I get around to it at my convenience.
This we find unacceptable and we PRIDE ourselve on our service and availability to our customer.
Obviously, it disappoints us greatly to loose out on a buyer that buys from a lowball dealer who just wants the business and doesn't necessarily have the same committment to service.
So then, Quality, Price or Service how would you number them in order of importance. 1.) 2.) 3.) ?
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I will add that "most shoppers" do not have a real appreciation of a good or fair price....as much as people participate on this board in the big picture you/we are the excpetion... most come into your store and depending on the area in which you live only have heard of one or two brands of spas ...those who spend the time researching are for us the easiest people to deal with because they know when something is a fair or good value.... most come in and to them a spa is a spa ...they all hold water and have jets ....how different can they really be ...... how different ......lol leaps and valleys between certain manufactures .... my reason for this post was, We price things for the product we sell.... among the very very lowest of the mentioned deals here ....yet most everyone who walks in still want to deal and it does not leave us much room to work with and as sad as it might seem most people..... simply don;t care about that treating everyone the same and with integrity ...most simply say give me more than the last guy got.......BUT FOR LESS... ;)... :D
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sad as it might seem most people..... simply don;t care about that treating everyone the same and with integrity ...most simply say give me more than the last guy got.......BUT FOR LESS... ;)... :D
AMEN bretheren, what ever happend to honesty.
Moderator edited to allow quote function to work.
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I've got a twist/question on this issue. As I walked through Home Depot I spotted the Weslo spa's on display. Though I could hear the voices of the forum in my mind "stay away from the evil big box store spas, you will regret it, you will melt if you........." I looked anyway. I wondered, what could make the prices of those tubs half of the "name brand" spas? Excluding the whole, "who's going to service you" discussion, is it just that the components they use are that much cheaper? $3000 or $4000? Does it really add up?
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Some of the cost difference may be HD being able to sell on a lower margin- they're a big box after all.
Then there's the lack of any type of showroom. They just plop them on some small open floor area next to the toilets, don't need a specialized staff, don't stock parts, don't hire and train service people, etc...., totally different business model.
Then there is the spa itself. The factory must be cutting corners somewhere to contribute to the lower cost. Probably a lower line of pumps, controllers, heaters, fewer option choices, less insulation.
Your higher possible heat bill will also eat away at the savings on purchase price.
Add it all up, and there you go.
Brewman
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Well said J. McD & Brewman.
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So then, Quality, Price or Service how would you number them in order of importance. 1.) 2.) 3.) ?
If there was an easy formula of 1 2 and 3 you would sell more hot tubs. Beacuse at each price point people's perception of what they are willing to trade off changes. Walmart has amassed their fortune on Price. Is that number one. I like to buy quality regardless of price. If I perceive an entry level product as good quality then I am not going to step up on features (necesarily). If I have to be sooooo concerned about service when I am buying quality, am I really buying quality?
For Me
Price and Quality Number 1. Service distant 6th. Sales environment, how did the product show. Wife Approval Factor (WAF). My pereceived value.
I bet most of you delears on here that justify your "high" prices by saying you deliver service shop at Sam's Club or Costco on the weekend. Why not buy all of your everyday purchases at specialty stores.
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Hi Everyday purchases do not require quick service as a spa does in the winter when the heat goes off. I will shop for everyday purchases from discounters and save money there. I want a dealer I can count on if there is problem in the middle of winter. That is the value of your extra money spent form a good dealer when buying a spa.
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I bet most of you delears on here that justify your "high" prices by saying you deliver service shop at Sam's Club or Costco on the weekend. Why not buy all of your everyday purchases at specialty stores.
Sam's is my favorite store! I load up on food, drinks, toilet paper, DVD's, etc. No way in hell I would buy a spa there. We haul many, many of their 2 and 3 year old spas to the dump.
Terminator
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Sam's ..Costco....Home Depot are great stores for certain things .... First the real reason besides the buying power they have, is....the SPAS are BUILT CHEAPER ....they are designed to hit a price point but in order to do so corners are cut to get there .....the bottom is poor as is the cover ...the insulation is neither a TP nor FF style and is very lacking ... most of the time it is one or two spas they carry...and like many things that are built for them ...they can list of things like jet count ..seating positions ( not real number of people that fit in the spa) pump size all that can listed on a marketing sheet and will look good but the way it is put together and the components that are used are not the same nor is the warranty .....one of the company s that builds for them also makes exercise equipment ... a stepper from them is a stepper but is nothing like a say Nautilus Stepper ...and that is the real difference the quality of the product simply is not the same .....
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Also- anyone ever wet tested a SAM's Club, Costco, or HD or Menards spa? Who'd buy a spa without testing it first?
I shop at SAM's club, but that's because the products they sell are commodities in nature- One gallon of milk to me is about like another.
You want a spa from there? Be my guest, it's a free country, but don't kid yourself that the reason those spa's are cheaper is because of excessive retail markup at the spa dealers.
Brewman
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Also- anyone ever wet tested a SAM's Club, Costco, or HD or Menards spa? Who'd buy a spa without testing it first?
Brewman
Honestly, any dealer will tell you that less then 10% of their customers who buy a spa wet test it prior to purchasing it.
Jason,
Store Manager for a D-1, Caldera, Nordic and Hawkeye Dealer
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If they don't wet test in my showroom, I just grab their neck and hold them under water till they say yes! Seems to work 90% of the time. ;D
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Michigander, Walmart has amassed their fortunes by stocking their goods without payment until sold and on the backs of small business’s that they have caused to go out of business. They have ruined the economies of rural regions as they take jobs away with low prices and some DON’T want them in their community, but I guess it is what some of us want. Price is King.
“I like to buy quality regardless of price.” Does that mean you buy “brands” at the upscale malls or price at Walmart’s. That is not to mean Walmart doesn’t sell quality. It seems to me price is most important to you.
You say “price AND quality are number one”. That doesn’t work. Which one is #1, which is #2. Then, I see you put service a distant #6. Even Kmart sells quality and price, yet look at where they are. It's obvious these retailers don't concern themselves with ongoing service.
BTW Costco stands for Chinese Over Seas Trading Company. I believe they have some of the best prices in town, but there are a lot of things they don’t sell. Hospital & Medical Equipment, Branded Quality Power Equipment, parachutes, diving equipment, cars, boats, etc. They sell volume consumables to price conscious consuming masses like you and me. We all shop there and there is nothing wrong with that.
On the other hand, with all the profits of our capitalist consuming society going to China, we are watching our quality levels drop as auto manufacturer’s and industry are being forced to lower the cost of goods to us so they make cheaper goods going to other countries who accept lower wages. Needless to say, the unions are upset.
Nobody here is expecting Costco to come out to service or help you with your spa.
“when I am buying quality, am I really buying quality?” You can get quality seconds at the outlet and that is branded quality but you don’t always get the same thing do you?
If you were shopping for a parachute, or scuba gear or fire extinguishers would you buy #1) Price #2) Quality………#6) Service.
I asked you a few questions in an earlier post that you haven’t answered “for a fee I will provide consultation” how do I evaluate what you sell for what you get? And, why do you charge a fee?
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Jisimo, well said. It is apparent you are covering your backside just in case. Maybe you have been there before. As said before, that is cheap insurance and it supports the American enterprise system. When it is not there for lower end price shoppers and their problem gets bigger because it freezes, they get grumpy and they don’t know why.
We have all saved a buck or two when we have bought on price alone and we have lived to regret it. This we call experience.
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I'm not even a dealer just a customer, and you are correct, I have learned the hard way a few times. This time I paid more to buy from a dealer that has been around a long time, and one that I felt good to give my hard earned money to, in exchange for good service. I hope I never need to find out, but I have confidance, if needed that dealer will help me. Price is not everything, it is very important, but it is not everything!!
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As far as pricing is concerned, I used to think that having it written down is better but now I believe that it doesn't matter as long as I get the feeling that I'm being treated right.
I think the biggest problem that you face as a retailer is the fact that to most people a tub is a tub, even a HD tub. I spent months looking for a tub as probably everybody here did but there's a lot of people who will just go out and buy a tub. And as tubs approach the price of some cars, people are going to wonder why! And they want that $5K "bargain". As it was said - service is under appreciated until it is needed. How many people buy things with the attitude that it's going to need service - just the opposite we all hope that it'll last 15 years without service.
As I was shopping, I was looking for the "best bang for my buck" and I personally couldn't justify paying $10K for a tub. Some of the dealers that I went to didn't have their manufacturers secondary tubs to show and pushed the more expensive lines. I didn't like the feeling of "I'm an idiot if I don't buy a very expensive tub" .
I believe people can tell honest people by how their spoken to and the actions of the salesperson. If you take the time as a salesperson and listen to your customers and they like you - it doesn't matter how the price is presented, they will trust you!
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None of us want to buy the wrong tub at a price we shouldn't pay. That is why we shop. When we shop we get educated about what we don't know. The more we learn and know the more informed we are. That is why we shop.
When we put the money down we make that decision and we really should not look back. It is a good decision based on our informed shopping experience. It is just that some of us focus more on one issue than the other, then say we buy quality over price when it is really price over quality and service is not a factor.
I have always said you can not sit in a picture. Our brand has 16 different models and we represent and show all of them. If you want me to move it into water for a test, I am willing to do that at my expense, but first I want to know how serious you are.
I have the belief in my product that it will not break down. BUT, the first problem you are going to have is with the water and guess what, it is not covered by the warranty. Check out all of these forums. You will see "trouble with Baqua", "when do I shock", "is chlorine better than bromine", "how can I do this or do that" It seems that no one has a dealer to go to seek counsel or advice. By golly, a lot of you posters have bought from dealers that have been worth their weight in gold. They are there when you need them and THAT IS SERVICE.
It dosen't have to break or be a malfunction. More than 70% of our service is accomplished on the telephone without charge or expense to our customer. If they have a symptomatic problem that indicates a dirty filter, it is fixed on the phone. Typically, if they were a "negotiator" they DEMAND that some one come out and fix their problem. They refuse to take ownership and care for their property. We go out and Yup! we told you on the phone it was a dirty filter, that will be $50. Not everything is free or covered by the warranty.
It's all about help us help you, and we do a damn good job helping our customers.
Vinny said, "I believe people can tell honest people by how their spoken to and the actions of the salesperson. If you take the time as a salesperson and listen to your customers and they like you - it doesn't matter how the price is presented, they will trust you!
They might like you, and they might trust you, but with some PRICE prevails and they will buy from any opposing dealer that is cheaper.
It is all about Price for some, not all. As a seller of one brand, we are not the cheapest, we do make a difference, and we keep our customers happy.
Now that is a specialty store.
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None of us want to buy the wrong tub at a price we shouldn't pay. That is why we shop. When we shop we get educated about what we don't know. The more we learn and know the more informed we are. That is why we shop.
When we put the money down we make that decision and we really should not look back. It is a good decision based on our informed shopping experience. It is just that some of us focus mone on one issue than the other, then say we buy quality over price when it is really price over quality and service is not a factor.
I believe the truth is ALL dealers tell us that their brand is quality - it's up to the consumer to believe it or not. It doesn't matter if their selling the big 4 or Cal Spas and IF we the consumer heard it a lot we will be looking to save a buck and buy the cheapest we can get.
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I have the belief in my product that it will not break down. BUT, the first problem you are going to have is with the water and guess what, it is not covered by the warranty. Check out all of these forums. You will see "trouble with Baqua", "when do I shock", "is chlorine better than bromine", "how can I do this or do that" It seems that no one has a dealer to go to seek counsel or advice. By golly, a lot of you posters have bought from dealers that have been worth their weight in gold. They are there when you need them and THAT IS SERVICE.[/quote]
The internet is faceless and I believe that DEALERS (not all dealers) have lied to these people and they need help or want reassurance. If Baqua is SO BAD, why is it being sold ... to line the pockets of DEALERS and MANUFACTURERS of products. Also, water chemistry is a mystery to some people. I told someone to stop using test strips and they couldn't handle the chemistry behind the drop test! Remember that some of these people believe they are doing what they've read or been told. Who knows I might be asking similar questions!
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It doesn't have to break or be a malfunction. More than 70% of our service is accomplished on the telephone without charge or expense to our customer. If they have a symptomatic problem that indicates a dirty filter, it is fixed on the phone. Typically, if they were a "negotiator" they DEMAND that some one come out and fix their problem. They refuse to take ownership and care for their property. We go out and Yup! we told you on the phone it was a dirty filter, that will be $50. Not everything is free or covered by the warranty.
It's all about help us help you, and we do a damn good job helping our customers.
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I hope this to be true of ALL good dealers!
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Vinny said, "I believe people can tell honest people by how their spoken to and the actions of the salesperson. If you take the time as a salesperson and listen to your customers and they like you - it doesn't matter how the price is presented, they will trust you!
They might like you, and they might trust you, but with some PRICE prevails and they will buy from any opposing dealer that is cheaper.
It is all about Price for some, not all. As a seller of one brand, we are not the cheapest, we do make a difference, and we keep our customers happy.
Now that is a specialty store.[/quote]
In all sales positions - you can't win them all. You have the people who have the money and price is no object and the ones who can barely scrape up the money and really shouldn't be buying it!
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Thanks for all the advice on this site.
I own a 1995 Blue Ridge spa (6-person) that came with the house I bought. It's indoors and I'm looking for something more therapuetic and smaller to take it's place. I went to 4 dealers in Bloomington, Illinois last weekend to compare spas.
The dealer that made the biggest impression on me was the only one that had prices posted with the floor model- the price was for what was in the floor model. I like that they were the most up-front.
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I'd love to see the prices posted with a list of what that includes or even a package price as stated in another post.
I'm not wanting that so that I can find the "best deal" or to try to haggle on a price. I want to shop and compare at my pace.
I don't like to have to ask what is the price, what does that include, what is the warranty, will you service it - for every single model in the showroom.
Post the prices and let me find the price range and model that interests me, then the sales person is welcomed. Besides, a sales person following me around is distracting.