Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: Uzona on December 19, 2006, 11:17:56 pm
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After reading this forum I spent weeks convincing my wife about the importance of wet testing before buying. She was self conscious and didn't want to wet test. She finally relented and agreed to wet test a few tubs.
However we're having trouble finding dealers that will let us test he models we want to test..
We wanted to test both the Jacuzzi 470..and the Jacuzzi 480 because we're not sure if we prefer lounger or open seating. Both Jacuzzi dealers only the 470 availble for wet testing.
Similar story at both HotSpring locations.. Can test the Envoy at both locations. One also has the Vanguard, and the other a soverign or something, but neither will let us test the Grandee or Vista.
Sundance dealer (more of a pool place) changed the subject when we asked about wet testing. We decided we didn't like the dealer anyway so we left without pursuing the wet test question any further.
Similar story at Caldera..
Is this standard across the country or just the dealers in my area? I thought wet tests were standard pratice and that most dealers would be accomodating. But that hasn't been my experience.
I'm gonna stick to my guns and not buy a tub I haven't tested, but it sure is limiting my choices of tubs at this point.
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I wish more dealers would put more power on their showroom floors so it would be easier to wet test. I do think it is very important to wet test. When dealers have limited power on the floor, it is very difficult for them to move spas around to get one filled. I don't think they are trying to hide anything, it's just difficult.
Having said that, I do think the dealer should make every effort to fill a tub and let you test it out. But, you are correct, it can be difficult.
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Myself and most others on this forum will agree it is imperative to wet test a spa you are thinking about purchasing.
When I was shopping around, almost all the dealers in my area did whatever it took to get me in the spa I wanted....wet tests and all. If they have the model you like on the floor, there are no excuses why they can't move things around and get it filled. That is part of their job. If they're not doing it for you that's a good sign that you'll be getting the same half-a$$ service when you need a tech sent out. I'd pass on any of them that are so reluctant to let you wet test a certain spa.
Not sure if it made a difference but when I was shopping around I made it perfectly clear that I was 100% serious about buying a spa. Good luck with your continued quest of spatopia.
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I totally agree with WHY NOT about the dealer moving tubs around so that you can wet test.
My experience was the dealer attempting to make ME feel ridiculous for ASKING to wet test. "Wet test, what is that"? ...Why, people don't normally get in the spas on the show room floor", he said. He added, I've NEVER had anyone to do that".
I believe he didn't want to go to the trouble of filling a tub for me. So, I quickly learned not to ASK if I may wet test, I made it clear that I EXPECTED to wet test if that tub was to be considered. I made it clear (in a nice way) that I would not buy a tub that was not available for wet testing.
I'm so very glad I took everyone's advice here on this site and did the wet test!
Seats are very different when the tub is filled with water and you can't gauage the comfort without the water.
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Its been over 3 years since we wet tested but had now problem at any of the 4 dealers we went to. All allowed us to come at closing time and stayed an hour extra to allow us to wet test. They offered to fill others and to to come back another day if we wanted to test different models. One dealer even had towels, slippers and robes for us along with candles in the changing room.
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One dealer even had towels, slippers and robes for us along with candles in the changing room.
A nice touch. Not to influence you or anything ;D
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Our experience was totally the opposite. Our Hot Springs dealer pretty much required a wet test. Most tubs were on the floor running. 24 hours notice and they would have any other tub filled and ready to go. After hours tests were not a problem.
They let us take our time and really worked with us to find a tub that met our needs. It was a great experience and I will buy from them again when the time comes to upgrade.
There were a couple of other dealers in the area carrying other brands. We never even considered them due to the great treatment we got at the Hot Springs dealer.
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Webini,
You were treated the way all of us should be treated. Congrats on finding a dealer that made you feel at home and treated you the way you should have been treated.
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I think Chas made a good point a few days ago somewhere on one of these forums. I think what he does is make you soak in the tub he has running. If you still require him to fill up a specific spa, I think he will do it. I think that is an equitable solution for both the dealer and consumer.
One thing you should realize is that the major manufacturers cheat a lot when designing a spa. Hotspring is pretty damn notorious for it and their certified engineers will even tell you that. I have sat in plenty of Hotspring Spas and I can tell you that the Soothing Seven and Moto-Massage hits me in the same spot no matter what spa I am using. I stand by this statement even if one spa has a lounge or has no lounge.
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As much as I hate my dealer, I have to admit they went above and beyond for my wet test. We were pretty sure we wanted a Sundance Optima and fortunately they had one available for a wet test. However, I thought I might like the Cameo better and REALLY wanted to try it. They didn't have a wet one on the floor (although they had a dry one) and when I first asked they said they couldn't fill it. Well, long story short I called my sales guy that I'd met at the local fair (who was a regional sales guy and didn't actually work at my local dealer). Told him I needed to wet test the Cameo before committing to either tub, and an hour later he called me back and told me he'd "worked out an arrangement" with the dealer. They ended up taking a CUSTOMER TUB that was going out for delivery the next day, unwrapped it (which they'd have done anyway to install the ozonator), filled it, and connected the wiring. We tested it right there in the warehouse... and of course decided we preferred the Optima. ;D
Why they didn't just transfer water and power to the Cameo they had on the floor I'll never know. Moral of the story though is that if you push hard enough they can probably accomodate your desire...
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PG - I hope they let that customer know they were doing that with their brand new tub!!!
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One thing you should realize is that the major manufacturers cheat a lot when designing a spa.
Please explain. :-?
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PG - I hope they let that customer know they were doing that with their brand new tub!!!
Based on their overall lack of professionalism I highly doubt it. It bothered me somewhat, although at the same time I was glad to get the wet test. I hear what you're saying though... it's kinda shady. Still, every tub is wetted down at the factory anyway, and the wrapping comes off at my particular dealer so they can install the ozonator so I'm sure the customer would never know...
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Please explain. :-?
I think I already did.
Instead of cheat, maybe I should have said, engineers use the designs from other popular spas to design new spas.
It certainly is not a coincidence that the rotary jets, Soothing Seven, and the Moto-Massage hit the same person pretty much in the same way.
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PG- sounds like the Marquis dealer I dealt with.....SHADY!!!!
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I think it can be a regional issue, and a peer pressure (among dealers) issue. If one successfull, and pushes wet tests, the others will too.
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We currently have seven spas filled and ready for wet
testing. As well as four saunas hot and ready to go.
However, recently we had a customer want to try a
spa we didn't have filled already. So we moved one
to the warehouse for them to try-out. And it worked
out to both of our's benefit as they decided that a lounger
did not work for them. And we didn't have to use our
thirty day satisfaction guaranty to exchange the spas
later. Of course now we have another "demo" special
to sell ;D
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We currently have seven spas filled and ready for wet
testing. As well as four saunas hot and ready to go.
However, recently we had a customer want to try a
spa we didn't have filled already. So we moved one
to the warehouse for them to try-out. And it worked
out to both of our's benefit as they decided that a lounger
did not work for them. And we didn't have to use our
thirty day satisfaction guaranty to exchange the spas
later. Of course now we have another "demo" special
to sell ;D
One only has to be pictures of your wet test facility and the adjacent changing rooms to see your company believes in Wet-testing.
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In the defense of dealers providing wet test hot tubs, it does get difficult at times to maintain a vareity of running spas on the showroom floor. In the best case scenario I have three running spas for customers to wet test. But what happens is someone comes in and buys one or two of them depleting your wet test tubs. Now I have to use something from my inventory, which is not that big of a deal if it is right tub(s). I have very specific tubs that I want to run as wet demos and don't like to deviate to much from those ideal tubs. I will also add, 90% of the tubs we sell are never wet tested, although we push to get people to test them. I always offer to hook and water up a tub if the customer would so desire it.
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GO GATORS
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I think I already did.
Instead of cheat, maybe I should have said, engineers use the designs from other popular spas to design new spas.
Point in case, check out the cal spa line up they splashed alot of other manufacturer spas I forget which line it is but it copys Jacuzzis 300 series almost spa for spa and many other companys as well
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My Sundance dealer in Memphis was great! Acutally all of the dealers we visited were ok with wet tests, but the Sundance guy was really the best. He expected me to wet test. As it turned out the two tubs that I wanted to test at his place were already up and running, but HE DID OFFER TO BRING UP ANYTHING I WANTED TO TEST. He let us test in the evening (closing time). He left us alone in the store, but was nearby if we had any questions. He dimmed the lights, had towels and robes. Hell, I'm surprised he didn't have a glass of wine for us.
If a dealer balks at a wet test, I'd tell him to shine. I'm not buying a suit without trying it on, a car without test driving it. Its a luxury purchase and if he wants my business, by God!, he's gong to have to at least TRY to earn it...
PS, I've been following the advice of the masses on this forum regarding water quality. Its been 2 weeks and the water sparkles. (thats the only bum steer I got from him, (dealer) He said to add 2 teaspoons of chlorine a week) I find hitting it after each use, as suggested on the forum has it sparkling every time I raise the cover. THANKS!!!! using it every night and loving every minute!
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In the defense of dealers providing wet test hot tubs, it does get difficult at times to maintain a vareity of running spas on the showroom floor. In the best case scenario I have three running spas for customers to wet test. But what happens is someone comes in and buys one or two of them depleting your wet test tubs. Now I have to use something from my inventory, which is not that big of a deal if it is right tub(s). I have very specific tubs that I want to run as wet demos and don't like to deviate to much from those ideal tubs. I will also add, 90% of the tubs we sell are never wet tested, although we push to get people to test them. I always offer to hook and water up a tub if the customer would so desire it.
We do the same have 3 running and will fill or transfer water to any spa they want to try, Most customers I sell to dont wet test I would say about 20% will.
In my presentation I always suggest it!! Maybe I am such a good salesman they feel they dont have to do a wet test. 8-)
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Dealers - if a customer is willing to wet test they are probably pretty interested in purchasing.
Question - what percentage of your customers wet test and buy?
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Dealers - if a customer is willing to wet test they are probably pretty interested in purchasing.
Question - what percentage of your customers wet test and buy?
I asked that question here a few months ago, and was amazed when most of the dealers had responses very similar to what Loosenup said: 90%-ish dont wet test!!!
Perhaps dealers will chime in again.
When I was shopping, I looked at Caldera, D1, HS, Artesian, Arctic, Cal Spa, LA spas, Coleman, and one other I cannot remember, and only Cal Spa would not let me wet test.
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When my store is fully stocked (unlike this time of the year), I will have 8 spas filled and ready to go. If the customer wants to try any spa we sell, we will make it happen.
I'll say it again: Sometimes dealers actually have to do a little work if they want to get a customer's business. It ain't rocket science.
Oh, I've sold roughly 150 spas this year. I had about 10 people actually wet test.
Terminator
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Oh, I've sold roughly 150 spas this year. I had about 10 people actually wet test.
I'm shocked at such a low number. Any feedback as to why? Modesty? PITA factory? Apathy?
No way I would have bought without a wet test.
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I'm shocked at such a low number.
Oh really...well how many spas did YOU sell this year?!
Oh, oh, oh....you're talking about test soaks. :-[ ;)
Most of my customers are 40 and over and just don't feel that comfortable getting in a swimsuit. We have a private room where they can soak, but most folks just don't take us up on the offer. I even tell them we'll give them the mastercopy of the videotape we made of them if they buy a spa. I think that may scare some folks off.
It also boils down to trust. I believe my customers trust me and our product and don't feel the need to go beyond that. I'm not saying that's the best way to shop for a high-dollar product, but I'm somewhat the same way. If I've done my research and believe in the product and dealer, I'll take it at face value. If I'm not happy, I'll take it back.
Life's a little different in this part of the world.
Terminator
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For years we stressed wet tests. We always have wet spas available.
Reality is most people do not feel the need to wet test.
I have always found test driving a car doesn't give me much real info. When I buy it is when I find what I love about it and all its faults.
Regarding hot tub design. Yes, most manufacturers have some design theories and design most if not all of their spas with the same seats and jets in different sizes and configurations. Therefore, if you wet test a Hot Spring with a luonge and one without you are going to get close. (If a customer has to test a particular model, we will make it happen ;))
When we sold Jacuzzi a few years ago, we realized it was totally true with the 300 series; 1 spa with 8 configurations, several sizes and 8 price points. Made for a smooth presentation.
I think Term's less than 10% is probably true across the country. Then, when you factor in wet testers vs. prospects, the percentage goes way down.
Finally, the question of how many testers become buyers. I think that may be a higher percentage than non testers. However, when I read about how many wet tests you all owners did, that means if you tested 8 spas, you only bought 1.
Of the folks here, Anne tested with us and bought an Arctic. Another member, who only posted a few times, tested and bought a Vista. So we are at 50%! :D
Come on down!
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Dealers - if a customer is willing to wet test they are probably pretty interested in purchasing.
Question - what percentage of your customers wet test and buy?
Buying my first tub, I didn't think I needed to. Now that I have used mine long enough to know what I like, I can see some I know I would dislike, but would probably wet test for sure the next time.
In my area, most dealers offered it, nobody said no if asked.
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Oh really...well how many spas did YOU sell this year?!
Oh, oh, oh....you're talking about test soaks. :-[ ;)
Jeeze Term, test soaks! ;D
For the record I am over 40 and had no issue jumping into tubs to test them. Some of the other folks in the showroom may have had an issue, but that is their problem. ;)
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Oh, I've sold roughly 150 spas this year. I had about 10 people actually wet test.
Terminator
You ever think about relocating to Sunny Southern California?
8-)
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Hey dealers, of the people who dont wet test, do they at least jump into a dry one to see how the seats feel?
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You ever think about relocating to Sunny Southern California?
8-)
Ol' Meanness would like nothing better. The downside is that I would have to come with her. I'll be happy to send her in my stead. She don't eat much, but she more than makes up for it with crotchiness and immasculation.
Term
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Hey dealers, of the people who dont wet test, do they at least jump into a dry one to see how the seats feel?
I'd daresay less than 20% even hop in a dry one.
Term
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The wife and I wet tested 3 Jacuzzi, 2 Sundance and 3 Hot Springs models. Each dealer had no problems, just asked us to come by near closing time. PS I am 6'4" and the wife is 5'4". Each dealer also said it was vital to wet test, and added that many buyers do nat want to do so, even when asked by the dealers. We only wet tested the ones we were very iinterested in, it was the tie breaking factor. If no wet test allowed, I would go else where. Just like buying a car, no test drive? You kidding or what.