Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Tatooed_Lady on February 21, 2006, 09:51:28 pm
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Alrighty....my husband and I have been going back and forth on the tub front. I've been agonizing over giving the Great Lakes dealer the bird over their lousy customer service and giving the Jacuzzi/Hot Spring dealer our money. Today we cemented things. My husband has a short fuse and he went to the GL dealer to try and get the deposit back. As soon as he told the owner we'd changed our minds, she got gritchy and whined that she could've had the tub we had money on sold the same day I put money on it, and therefor lost a sale due to me. My hubby pointed out that apparently they're not terribly concerned about making paying customers comfortable, and we werent' going to buy a tub from a company that we couldn't depend on to do warranty work if it were needed.....apparently he got a little on the loud side and she called for backup......he got ticked off, and left.
Now either I get to try to get the $200 back, or suck it up as a lesson in who NOT to deal with, even if you like the product.
We did some creative financing, and I'll be going in to the Hot Spring dealer tomorrow with about 80% of the cost of the Grandee in hand.....we're ordering an '06, and I decided to "step out of the box", instead of getting a granite-y finish, I'm ordering the pearl finish, redwood cabinet and teak cover.
The service guy there got all gushy when I told him about it, he said it almost GLOWS at night with the tub lights.....I thought that amusing, since he's a large biker-type guy....but he and the GREAT sales girl are just thrilled that we decided to do business with them (nice commission, I'm sure), and they've been TOO helpful when I have questions, etc.....
I have to wait about a month before the mason will lay the concrete (he's waiting for warmer weather), and we're throwing ideas around as far as how everything's going to be set up in the meantime...but I'm VERY comfortable going in to this store just to ask questions....(owners have been on vacation in Florida, I hope they're as cool as the sales girl has been!)
NEVER underestimate the importance of talking to the service techs!!!!
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Congrats on getting the Grandee!!!
My wife and I have the 04 model, Pearl finish with redwood everwood cabinet and hunter green cover. We couldnt be happier with it. When I bought it I had the dealer trade out the paper filters for the Tri-X filters and I only paid the difference. I am glad I did that as the Tri-X are a littlle $$$ and there is 5 of them. I think the dealer charged me $50 total. I am asuming you will also have the Luminescence 6 color light. We love it and have it on all the time. It looks great with the pearl tub.
Good luck with it and happy tubbing......
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Congrats. I'm sure you will be very happy with it.
I've got the pearl finish with the redwood cabinet on my Envoy and love it. I think it looks very sharp.
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What kind of dealer only has one in stock? That sounds odd. Whatever.
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Good job Tatooed Lady and short fused husband! ;)
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Very interesting. I didn't know HS offered a Teak or Hunter Green cover? Is that something new?
Congrats on getting the Grandee!!!
My wife and I have the 04 model, Pearl finish with redwood everwood cabinet and hunter green cover. We couldnt be happier with it. When I bought it I had the dealer trade out the paper filters for the Tri-X filters and I only paid the difference. I am glad I did that as the Tri-X are a littlle $$$ and there is 5 of them. I think the dealer charged me $50 total. I am asuming you will also have the Luminescence 6 color light. We love it and have it on all the time. It looks great with the pearl tub.
Good luck with it and happy tubbing......
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Hunter green per my dealer is no longer avail. they have a lighter green called fern I think but not sure 100%
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Congrats T-Lady. The agonizing is finally over and the good times will soon begin.
You could use the "good cop, bad cop" routine for the $200 but it appears unlikely that you get the refund.
Rather than ruin your expeprience, relax and enjoy it.
In a year when those guys are out of business due to poor customer service, you can gloat a little.
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Tubaholic:
From what I understand, the '06 comes with all Tri-X filters, but it was suggested that I buy one "regular" filter for the circulation pump. Their reasoning being, the circ pump doesn't need the unrestricted flow that the Tri-x offers, so I can use a normal one instead.
I'll have to look around a bit though, see if I can't find a little better deal....the regular filters are $30 each and the Tri-X are $60 each...if not, I guess the $60 filters are supposed to last 3-4 years each....I'll just buy one at a time as replacement filters for when the time comes...And yes, the tub's equipped with the luminescent lighting...it'll be interesting to see it in action. :)
Brook:
I can't wait.....I had to agonize over the colors, trying to choose what I want to look at for the next however many years, much like a car......*lol*
Snyper:
They only have ROOM for a few tubs. The store is an old bowling alley, and they've currently got two aboveground pools set up, along with several new model hot tubs, some older (in the process of being refurbished) tubs, a pool table (other side of store), pachislo machines, dart boards, etc. It's an all around type store....so I guess my answer to your rather....perky.....question would be "the kind of dealer that has branched out a bit, and doesn't have room for multiple items of the same model", I guess.
Hottubdan:
thanks, I figured I'd let him take out a little aggression, as I really doubted they'd refund the cash.....I just know better than to deal with them on ANYTHING, and word of mouth up here is BIG.
Snowbird:
the gloating has begun....I find it a cheap lesson that cost me $200 up front, instead of the next 2 years of TRYING to get my tub fixed if/when the dealer "has time" for me. I've also been armed with a LOT of good info, advice, etc....so I feel GOOD.
Thanks everyone!!
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Do I have this straight?
You purchased a mediocre a tub on impulse putting down a non refundable deposit.
For hazy reasons, you decide that the tub isn't for you, and in the middle of a blizzard stumble across a former bowling alley, selling everything from slot machines to pool tables. They have only a couple of tubs available. You don't wet test. But decide these folks must be better. Because...why?
You haven't mentioned anything about this new dealer other than owners are away and the "techs" (A lady with her infant daughter) give you warm and fuzzies.
You refinance your car and put money down on this tub.
3) Your husband gets loud and causes a scene at the other store when you announce you are not doing business with them.
Good luck to everyone involved in this soap opera.
To those watching at home:
1) Research the tubs available and their features. Do your homework.
2) Set a budget.
3) Wet Test.
3) Research the dealer (References, BBB, how long have they’ve held the dealership, do they own other stores, who makes up their service department etc.)
4) Wet Test.
5) Compare notes and thoughts with others. Verify information.
6) Strike a professional deal with the salesmen, putting everything in writing.
7) Enjoy your life.
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I put down money on a tub I was satisfied with and still have no complaints over, the mediocrity comes in where the dealers themselves were involved. I didn't learn that they're just completely unconcerned over customer satisfaction until subsequent visits where I asked questions, etc. I don't feel that not having confidence in the dealer to support any warranty claim is a "hazy reason" for backing out of the deal, do you? If YOUR tub went to pot, and was under warranty, would YOU want to depend on the guy that gave you garbage about how DIFFICULT it is to remove the service panel at the store, just so you could see underneath? I feel justified. So I found that they weren't the only local dealer, and made a call. Do you think it says "former bowling alley" in the yellow pages under their name? NO. They're a year round dealer, that sells a variety of "luxury" items, not JUST tubs and pools. I'm fine with that. Did I do all this because the girl and her baby gave me "warm fuzzies" because the babe was so cute, gurgled and cooed his way into my heart? NO. I asked questions, got ANSWERS, the tech answered my questions as well, word of mouth also was corrected, as I thought dealer A was the "good" one, but it turns out THIS was the store that everyone in the area is raving about having SUCH awesome sales and service people that I decided to move on it. Have I wet tested? NO. Does everyone that owns a tub wet test? NO. I have sat in tubs though, that are clearly too shallow, don't have enough footwell room, are confining, etc.
Did I go for the same brand I originally looked at? NO. The original dealer was SO lousy, in fact, that I want nothing to do with Great Lakes at this point. I do, however, feel that the Grandee is more tub than the Leelanau, and is more comfortable, has a better warranty, etc.
Our budget has changed dramatically, besides. If it hadn't, we wouldn't be getting an $8000 tub.
Soap Opera? Maybe, but ya know something? I think through what I do, believe it or not....and part of that process in ME is to talk through things....it seems to help the process. That AND researching products tirelessly. I've spent more time online in the last month looking at tubs, asking questions, weighing pros and cons...than I probably needed to, but in the end, I'm HAPPY with my decision, even if you don't agree with how I went about it. I don't NEED to justify myself or my purchase to you, but I think you got the wrong idea, wether it was by my wording or your interpretation of what I said.
As far as my husband having a short fuse, you BET he does. And I feel he was justified in going in, telling the owner that we're not buying from them, because they have lousy attitudes. If they have a problem with that, that's too bad, in my book. GOOD customer service will get more sales and repeat business in the end, anyhow.
Now that the headache of researching, asking the most basic questions, and trying to figure out if we've found the RIGHT people to go through is over.....it's going to be time to ENJOY what we've purchased.
Best of luck to you, Mr_Burns, I'll simply leave it at that.
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Another happy success story! Congratulations on getting the Rolls Royce of spas from people who obviously are happy to have your business and are willing to go the extra mile to earn your trust.
Pay no attention to the peanut gallery participants who just love to rain on everyone's parade. You bought a spa that has no superior anywhere and it sounds like you got a very good deal on it. Enjoy it for the next 20 years or more!
Terminator
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I put down money on a tub I was satisfied with and still have no complaints over, the mediocrity comes in where the dealers themselves were involved. I didn't learn that they're just completely unconcerned over customer satisfaction until subsequent visits where I asked questions, etc. I don't feel that not having confidence in the dealer to support any warranty claim is a "hazy reason" for backing out of the deal, do you? If YOUR tub went to pot, and was under warranty, would YOU want to depend on the guy that gave you garbage about how DIFFICULT it is to remove the service panel at the store, just so you could see underneath? I feel justified. So I found that they weren't the only local dealer, and made a call. Do you think it says "former bowling alley" in the yellow pages under their name? NO. They're a year round dealer, that sells a variety of "luxury" items, not JUST tubs and pools. I'm fine with that. Did I do all this because the girl and her baby gave me "warm fuzzies" because the babe was so cute, gurgled and cooed his way into my heart? NO. I asked questions, got ANSWERS, the tech answered my questions as well, word of mouth also was corrected, as I thought dealer A was the "good" one, but it turns out THIS was the store that everyone in the area is raving about having SUCH awesome sales and service people that I decided to move on it. Have I wet tested? NO. Does everyone that owns a tub wet test? NO. I have sat in tubs though, that are clearly too shallow, don't have enough footwell room, are confining, etc.
Did I go for the same brand I originally looked at? NO. The original dealer was SO lousy, in fact, that I want nothing to do with Great Lakes at this point. I do, however, feel that the Grandee is more tub than the Leelanau, and is more comfortable, has a better warranty, etc.
Our budget has changed dramatically, besides. If it hadn't, we wouldn't be getting an $8000 tub.
Soap Opera? Maybe, but ya know something? I think through what I do, believe it or not....and part of that process in ME is to talk through things....it seems to help the process. That AND researching products tirelessly. I've spent more time online in the last month looking at tubs, asking questions, weighing pros and cons...than I probably needed to, but in the end, I'm HAPPY with my decision, even if you don't agree with how I went about it. I don't NEED to justify myself or my purchase to you, but I think you got the wrong idea, wether it was by my wording or your interpretation of what I said.
As far as my husband having a short fuse, you BET he does. And I feel he was justified in going in, telling the owner that we're not buying from them, because they have lousy attitudes. If they have a problem with that, that's too bad, in my book. GOOD customer service will get more sales and repeat business in the end, anyhow.
Now that the headache of researching, asking the most basic questions, and trying to figure out if we've found the RIGHT people to go through is over.....it's going to be time to ENJOY what we've purchased.
Best of luck to you, Mr_Burns, I'll simply leave it at that.
You do not give the impression that you understand what you are talking about, and haven't done a lot of research for either the hot tubs, or the dealers.
There was no need to cause a scene at the other store.
Anyhow, my thoughts were more for others who maybe buying a new tub, rather than for you. Good luck with your tub. You happen to have bought a fine unit.
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The service guy there got all gushy when I told him about it, he said it almost GLOWS at night with the tub lights.....I thought that amusing, since he's a large biker-type guy....
Biker guys have feelings too!!
Lighting with shells that are pearl finish or a lighter shell color in general are really nice.
Congrats BTW.
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I didn't wet test, T-Lady. Just got offered a really good deal on a great spa, got a "warm-fuzzy" feeling about the dealer, and bought it. So far I'm thrilled with it! ;D Congrats and enjoy!
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tat
congrats on the tub.
im not trying to entice a roit here, just wondering. do you think it would have been better, maybe even more productive not to have hubby go into the GL store? i try to be a reasonable guy, but if someone were to start raising their voice to me....i would (and) have walked away.
i know you will enjoy the new tub. hope you dont think i came accross harsh.
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Hey Mr. Burns....
Give T-Lady a break. She thought she made a good deal the first time and then learned it wasn't so good so she took steps to cut her losses.
She lost 200 bucks but found a better deal. It doesn't sound like she can afford to p*ss that away. (Who can?)
The result is that the 1st dealer made $200 for hardly any work at all. I'm sure he'll reel in another fish to buy that tub and unless he is an idiot, this deal gone bad should have taught him a lesson.
The 2nd dealer found a customer.
And T-Lady (the only person who lost anything) got a deal a she is happy with.
Your shopping points for others are well-taken but you didn't have to bad-mouth T-Lady to make them. >:(
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do you think it would have been better, maybe even more productive not to have hubby go into the GL store? i try to be a reasonable guy, but if someone were to start raising their voice to me....i would (and) have walked away.
i know you will enjoy the new tub. hope you dont think i came accross harsh.
I figured we wouldn't get "satisfaction" from them, anyhow, so this wasn't about to harm anything. He didn't threaten, but made sure he said his piece and left. Probably didn't worry too much about tact at that point, but I'm not terribly concerned...as I said....it's a LOT cheaper lesson to learn than if we'd have bought through them.
Don't worry about sounding harsh, you're just wondering what good....I understand that. And I'm sure we'll LOVE this tub and have many years of being in the GOOD kind of hot water!
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You know there's a $200 dollar rant and there's a $200 dollar rant! Yeah, well. I'm sick of people thinking your money is their right. What I would be doing is going to the HS dealer and asking for $200 off the negotiated price for Good Will on the rethink of brands. It dosen't really cost them anything...
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What I would be doing is going to the HS dealer and asking for $200 off the negotiated price for Good Will on the rethink of brands. It dosen't really cost them anything...
Not true. HotSpring dealers only mark their spas up $10 over wholesale, so they would be losing $190. You can't remain in business very long losing $190/spa.
Terminator
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You know there's a $200 dollar rant and there's a $200 dollar rant! Yeah, well. I'm sick of people thinking your money is their right. What I would be doing is going to the HS dealer and asking for $200 off the negotiated price for Good Will on the rethink of brands. It dosen't really cost them anything...
I could.....but I've decided to work around something they've got no control over.....I've told the owners how we were treated at the other place, and how THEIR employees treated us. I laid it on the line, plain and simple. I also asked him to throw in the steps for free instead of 50% off, DONE. I'm going to see if I can't get a deal on the spa umbrella they've got on display ($400 normally).....and I also mentioned that he COULD throw in some of the spa scents and rubber duckies......he told me not to worry, he'll take care of us WELL.
Another thing...my husband talked to his boss's wife today, and told her what we've gone through. She and her husband are building a new house right up the road, and may be in the market for a tub.....where do YOU think they'll go? *wink* He also told her to feel free to mention that we sent them over.
But, basically....I don't hold the HS dealer responsible for "fixing" the GL dealer's screw up. I just ask that they continue doing what they've done thusfar, which is impress the socks off me. (I had to take my shoes off THREE times to put my socks back on....finally duct taped 'em on.)
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Not true. HotSpring dealers only mark their spas up $10 over wholesale, so they would be losing $190. You can't remain in business very long losing $190/spa.
Terminator
Am I reading this right? Do you only make $10 on a tub? You can't stay in business long that way either.
Or does wholesale include the dealer cut and the $10 is dealer cost mark up?
I'm not complaining, just wanting to understand.
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Do you only make $10 on a tub? You can't stay in business long that way either.
We sell a lot of spas.
Terminator
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Ten bucks? Unless you pay a lot less than what I would think a wholesale cost would be, I find that one hard to believe. I suppose if for instance a tub has a wholesale price of 7990 and you can get it for 5K, have expenses (rent, salaries, commissions, advertising, fuel, utilities etc.) of 2990 and sell it for 8k then you get the 10 ten bucks. Holy cow Term, you'd have to sell a thousand spas just to pay for the down under adventure. paul
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Yeah...and I'm the Pope! Nice one Term! $10.00.... :D
Come on people, do you REALLY think ANYONE could stay in business making that?
More like 30-40 points... 8)
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Yeah...and I'm the Pope! Nice one Term! $10.00.... :D
Come on people, do you REALLY think ANYONE could stay in business making that?
More like 30-40 points... 8)
I believe it. ;)
he's just not telling you about the $5000.00 he makes on startup chems, cover and delivery
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But, basically....I don't hold the HS dealer responsible for "fixing" the GL dealer's screw up.
We have now moved onto calling this fiasco " The GL dealer's screw up" ?
I have a feeling that once you decided you didn't want the GL tub, you and your husband would have found any reason to be unsatisfied with them, no matter what they did.
I hope you enjoy the tub that you have now decided on, but I don't understand why you continue to disparage the other dealer?
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Mr_Burns said: "I have a feeling that once you decided you didn't want the GL tub, you and your husband would have found any reason to be unsatisfied with them, no matter what they did. "
My response: you need to re-read what I said about the tub, Mr Burns....I don't have issue with it, I've issue with the lazy dealers that may or may NOT be there when they're needed.
And I have a feeling that you're just here to stir things up...now who is closer to the truth?