Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: alwaysperky on August 02, 2005, 09:26:28 pm
-
Well the GREAT day had finally arrived after the months of planning, digging, leveling, etc., etc.. My Optima was delivered today. The electrician showed up time, wired the tub 220/60AMP. The tub was dirty inside so I cleaned it up and noticed how the chrome on the jets was rusty looking. We filled the tub..........the tub started up and then filled with black papery goo and poof the breaker tripped. Electrician double checked everything and stated well, all my stuff is correct I guess you'll have to make the call. I made the call and was told a week from tomorrow.
Upon closer inspection I note the barrier on the bottom of the tub is hagging down low, AND one of the what I would call base boards is cracked all the way through. Looks like a fresh crack. It looks like the guys who installed the cover lifter drilled the holes in the wrong spot too.
I was told the tub was new yet there was a sale sign laying in the bottom indicating that is was a floor model.
What do you guys think, are my expectations set too high?
-
What do you guys think, are my expectations set too high?
Heck no.........what a horror story. A week from tomorrow IS NOT EVEN IN THE BALL PARK! What a bummer.....
Take as much drastic action as you can.....and quickly.....
>:(
-
Expectations too high??!! I don't think so. If I had bought and paid for a brand new tub it better not have any problems other than just me learning to balance the water and operate it.
-
Did you buy that thing from the Cable Company or something?
Wow.
-
Nope. Bought if from a large dealer.
The sales rep stated the goo was probably just from when they tested it at the factory.
-
I think I would just tell them to come back and pick it up !!!! a week is way to long for someone who just purchased a new tub to have it set there after letting everyone you know that your tub was coming and now all you have is a broken dirty tub not a wise choice on the dealer's part and not acceptable in my book
-
I agree with Mark. Tell them to come and get it!! I wouldn't even consider keeping it after the problems you've had. >:(
-
I would be hot enoungh to heat water to the boiling point. I know about the blood sweat and tears man if that happens to me I will skin my dealer alive and have his hide haging on my gazzebo wall for all to see >:(
-
Personally, I think it is disgusting that you should receive a spa in such a condition and upon notice, the owner himself should have shown up with somebody in tow to clean it out or do it himself. This, even I would find unacceptable. A week from nothing. Call 800 883 7727 and ask for customer service and you let them know how you received the spa either from the factory or from the dealer.
what is your zip code?
-
Thanks for your support. I'll see what the sales rep has to say about it today. If your interested, I'll keep you posted
This has me just sick.
55306
-
Thanks for your support. I'll see what the sales rep has to say about it today. If your interested, I'll keep you posted
This has me just sick.
55306
Yes, please do. As for it being a floor model, that wouldn't concern me if everything else was ok. Many dealers don't have storage and put the tubs they receive right on the sales floor. Are you in Minnesota if remember right?
-
Alwaysperky-
You do appear to be from Minnesota. So am I.
I'd be interested in knowing if your dealer was in the TC metro area, or are you outstate.
Just curious if we have the same dealer. Good luck with your spa.
Brewman
-
I would'nt accept a floor model when you purchased a brand new spa. It should have arrived all wrapped up from the factory. Black, papery goo in the plumbing would concern me. I know mine did not come that way.
-
Nor did mine, and it too, had factory wrapping around it.
Brewman
-
mine too was factory wrapped, it still had the wrapping on the base of the tub when I got it (the dealer removed all wrapping around the tub due to the fact that he was hauling it 1 1/2 away from Billings) So I knew it was a brand new tub! This is a horrible horrible story I'm sorry for your problems always, I truly hope your dealer is going to straighten this out!! Keep us posted
-
Minnesota is correct.
What a BUZZ kill!
I'll keep you posted.
-
The black goo would have me concerned!! good luck!!
-
You mentioned that you wired it at 60 amps. Well, the Optima comes from the factory set up for 50 amps. Check with your dealer to see if he switched the jumpers in the tub so it would accept 60 amps.
-
Wow perky, I would have been balistic .
Discolored jets?
Black residue from the jets?
Dirt?
Cracked base?
The cracked base has me concerned. Could this affect the structuacl integrity of the tub? If it was cracked because of being dropped or hit with a forklift or something, perhaps there is other damage? (loosened plumbiung? Hair line cracks? Loose motor mounts etc? ? ? )
I'd insist on a new tub, this sounds like it has been kicked around.
Nothing like that new tub smell. ;)
-
Everyone involved knew about the 60 amps and the delivery guys made sure to tell my wife they adjusted it for 60.
In speaking with my wife who watched the delivery, she mentioned that it looked like when they were taking it off the truck it slipped and it missed their cart, hitting the ground. I asked what side it was and she described the same side that is broken. My guess is that's when it broke. Even my 9 year old reported in " it sounds like those guys are having problems out there." If that's the case, they damaged it durring delivery, I'd expect them to let me know the busted it and arrange to fix it verses trying to conceal it.
To this point I feel like I'm dealing with people without much integrity. From sales, to service, to delivery.
-
Yes, it does sound like you are entitled to a new tub, and that the delivery people screwed up. Were they from the same company? Some dealers, including my own back in 2003 contract out deliveries. In our case they did a terrible job and destroyed the cover. Our dealer made it right and fired that delivery company and hired his own.
-
You mentioned that you wired it at 60 amps. Well, the Optima comes from the factory set up for 50 amps. Check with your dealer to see if he switched the jumpers in the tub so it would accept 60 amps.
The tub doens't accept the amps so much as draw them due to the pumps and heater all running at the same time.
Current is pulled from the electrical load, not so much pushed from the source.
The jumper just keeps the heater off if both pumps are running at high speed, essentially.
STRICTYL HYPOTHETICALLY, someone with 50 amp service could have the jumper moved to the 60 amp setting, and the tub would allow both pumps on high and the heater to all run together. Weather or not this would cause the breaker to trip is another story.
I've heard annecdotal information that it's possible. I'd not do it, but someone somewhere at sometime probably has.
Brewman
-
Hi Alwaysperky:
Man, what a load of CRAP!
Most states give you three (3) days to back out of a contract for more than $500 from the time you receive merchandise. Your sales contract is this contract.
I'd suggest that you IMMEDIATELY draft a letter to the dealer documenting the problems with the tub and close the letter by stating that you expect the dealer to remove the tub from your property within 24 hours and that you want a full refund.
If you paid by credit or debit card, get the card company on the phone and explain the situation to them as well. They may also offer good advice.
Deliver the letter to the dealer's place of business and take a witness with you. Attempt to get someone there to sign for the letter in the presence of your witness. Make certain you record the date and time you delivered the letter. If they attempt to refuse it, leave it on the counter and immediately walk out.
The "one week" until an appointment might be a stalling tactic to get past the 3 day requirement.
The dealer may try to "fix" things with you while you're there, or by telephone. I'd suggest you get everything in writing, signed by the dealer if you plan on doing this. He should also put firm dates and times on what he promises.
Also, I'd suggest checking your state's "lemon" and "consumer protection" laws about what you received. They should be selling you a "new" product, unless the contract you signed specifically states a "floor model" may be substituted. If you need additional help, most cities and counties have a local magistrate who will listen to your problem and, if needed, issue a warrant on your behalf if the magistrate feels the dealer broke any laws. This can sometimes VERY quickly resolve your issue.
I'd suggest QUICK action here, timing is ESSENTIAL!
Good Luck!
Drewski
:-/
-
Alwaysperky its time change your name po'dcustomer. You must force action witht his dealer now. Start documenting everything from delivery to setup now while it is still fresh in your mind. Then if you get no satisfaction from the dealer call the tub manafacturer and explain in detail to them all the concerns you have. Leth the manafacturer handle it withteir customer. Also get a hold of the Better Business Bureau and report the dealer now. These types of scums need to know that customer service is #1,,,period.
-
Hi Alwaysperky:
Most states give you three (3) days to back out of a contract for more than $500 from the time you receive merchandise. Your sales contract is this contract.
The "one week" until an appointment might be a stalling tactic to get past the 3 day requirement
Good Luck!
Drewski
:-/
I think it is a shame this happened to you and it raises many questions, for me I wonder if it is a new spa. But the 3 day rules applies to contracts that were signed in your home, to help rid you of people like a thermo spa sale man who will not leave and all deals are only good for the moment they are there, that is what the law was designed to protect people from. But it does not apply to contracts that you walked in to a place of business and where you can of course come and go as you please.
-
Does the dealer specialize in spas?
Or do they sell alot of furniture/mattresses and the related?
My guess is they are in it for the sale only, and do not really care about the state of the industry in general.
If my guess is correct, this isn't the first time this has happened, they actually delivered into my area once, minutes later the customer came to me to buy chemicals for their "great deal"!
-
They do sell a lot of other stuff. My impression was two fold, they were reputable and that Sundance would only use someone who could deliver satified customers.
I wanted to thank you all for the support and advice. It's been just about 24 hours since all this stuff happened.
I received a message from the Sales Guy tonight, a f t e r I called the service area twice and asking them to contact the sales director, the sales guy stated he was working things through channels and he asked for my patience while he discovered my options.
I left him a message and indicated I'd wait until 12 noon tomorrow.
-
Alwaysperky,
Where do you live and what dealership sold you the spa? Maybe you can prevent someone on the board from buying at the same store....
-
Hey Gooboman,
I see where you're going with this and trust me I'll be very specific if I do not get taken care of.
So wait just a bit longer. I'll be sure to make full disclosure regardless of the outcome.
I'm hopeful they'll make it right. I'm just concerned that their "make it right" will be less than my expectations.
One other thing I'm contemplating. If it takes them 8 days to make a service call, what happens to my spa next winter if it stops working?
-
Personally, I think my original post gave you some good advice. Additional posts thereafter have you preparing for combat that I don't think is really necessary.
Boy oh boy, and they talk about me having in attitude.
You can see how easy it is for some of us to blow up a good relationship with a poor customer attitude. For goodness sakes people, let's get somebody on the frikken phone to understand the the situation that we are dealing with.
Did you speak with the dealer or should I say the owner? If that didn't work, call the number I gave you and don't follow other well meaning but misguided advice. ::)
-
Hey JDMcd,
Thanks again! I actually missed the phone number part in your first reply. I guess I was a bit blinded at the time. Is the number you provided the SD HQ's?
-
... My Optima was delivered today... The tub was dirty inside so I cleaned it up and noticed how the chrome on the jets was rusty looking... the tub started up and then filled with black papery goo and poof the breaker tripped... Upon closer inspection I note the barrier on the bottom of the tub is hagging down low, AND one of the what I would call base boards is cracked all the way through... It looks like the guys who installed the cover lifter drilled the holes in the wrong spot too... I was told the tub was new yet there was a sale sign laying in the bottom indicating that is was a floor model...
What ended up happening here? Did I miss the post about a resolution? ???
-
[glb]Hello. Sorry for the delay in providing the resolution details. I've been really busy landscaping around and soaking in my tub, along with a long vacation. The good news is I did get a brand new 2005 Optima to replace the 2004 floor model. The short version of the story is the sales guy kept promising me he'd take care of eveything but did nothing. I luckily had made previous contact with the guy in charge. After a full week of waiting, giving the sales guy the chance to deliver on his promise, I called the guy in charge on his cell phone and he basically resolved the issue within an hour. The sales guy called later to tell me he could fix all the problems we had with tub. "everything can be replaced". When they took it away I saw other issues with the tub. Not only was one base board cracked, another was completely missing. The delivery of the new tub did not go flawlessly either but I didn't have the energy to push it. The bottom line.......I ended up with a great tub with more bells and whistles than what I had earlier bargined for. Thanks again for all of the support. Got to go I just got invited to do a little tubbin by my 7 year old.[/glb]
-
[glb]Hello. Sorry for the delay in providing the resolution details. I've been really busy landscaping around and soaking in my tub, along with a long vacation. The good news is I did get a brand new 2005 Optima to replace the 2004 floor model. The short version of the story is the sales guy kept promising me he'd take care of eveything but did nothing. I luckily had made previous contact with the guy in charge. After a full week of waiting, giving the sales guy the chance to deliver on his promise, I called the guy in charge on his cell phone and he basically resolved the issue within an hour. The sales guy called later to tell me he could fix all the problems we had with tub. "everything can be replaced". When they took it away I saw other issues with the tub. Not only was one base board cracked, another was completely missing. The delivery of the new tub did not go flawlessly either but I didn't have the energy to push it. The bottom line.......I ended up with a great tub with more bells and whistles than what I had earlier bargined for. Thanks again for all of the support. Got to go I just got invited to do a little tubbin by my 7 year old.[/glb]
That is a nice ending to a painful story, it's amazing what a few phone calls can do.
Happy tubbing.
Ray
-
May you always have clean, hot, bubbly water to spend time in with your family!
Glad you had a satisfactory resolution!!