When buying a new hot tub or swim spa, there are a lot of factors that come into play. You want to get the best price possible, but you also don’t want to sacrifice performance by purchasing a lower quality product. You also want to be confident in the person/company you’re buying from to ensure the spa will be serviced appropriately after delivery. One of the most popular ways hot tub and swim spa dealers across the country sell their product is through Hot Tub Expos, community Home Shows, and Tent Sales, which begs the question; are these a dependable option for the prospective spa buyer? Understandably, many potential spa customers have some misgivings toward events like these, and unfortunately we can’t give you a simple “yes” or “no” as to whether these are the best bets for purchasing your new spa. Read further as we dive a bit deeper into the pros and cons of Hot Tub Expos.
To start, one of the biggest advantages of purchasing a spa at a Hot Tub Expo is that prices will generally be lower compared to purchasing at a local showroom. Most dealers see these as opportunities for “volume sales,” where the total income at the end of the sale is more important than an individual sale. This means that many dealers will be more willing to send a spa out the door at a lower than usual price, banking on the average for the weekend being closer to their norms. This means you, as a buyer, have some serious negotiating power! Almost all dealers have negotiable prices on their spas, and their wiggle room is typically expanded for these events. Be sure you’re getting the best price possible, and be confident knowing you’d likely be paying more if you went to the same dealer’s showroom to purchase the same spa. This is the single greatest advantage of Hot Tub Expos.
To add to the point above, most Hot Tub and Swim Spa Dealers put a lot of capital into the average Hot Tub Expo. From renting a venue and/or tent to spending large sums of money on marketing to get people out to their event, these dealers are highly motivated to sell their product, and deliver it as quickly as possible to ensure cash flow following the event. This introduces another way buyers can save some money – floor model, cash, and quick delivery discounts. As we mentioned before, these prices are almost always negotiable, and these are some great ways to save some extra money if it’s doable for the consumer.
Now for the trickier side of Hot Tub Expos. The most important questions you can ask when going into a Hot Tub Expo are: Who is the dealer behind this event, where is their service center located, and how well do they take care of their existing customers? There are many Hot Tub and Swim Spa dealers across the country that do these large Hot Tub Expos periodically throughout their territory, and do a great job of following up with and taking care of their customers. However, there are a handful that handle this very poorly and make many spa buyers hesitant about the whole operation. One thing we always recommend is to look up the spa dealer that is backing the Hot Tub Expo and read their reviews thoroughly. These reviews are usually a surefire way to see how well the dealer takes care of their customers. Be sure to look closely at any negative reviews however, because some dealers manipulate their reviews to give a false image of their reliability. You also want to make sure the dealer has a service center located close enough to you to get prompt service should the situation arise. It is not unusual for a dealer to cover a fairly wide territory, so a service center does not need to be particularly close to be effective, but if it is two states away that should be a red flag. Typically, 2-3 hours is about the maximum distance you would want your service provider to be away from you to ensure your spa will be running as it should year round.
Another thing to consider on this topic is the location of the manufacturer, and who supplies the warranty. Most spa manufacturers supply their own warranty, so even if the dealer you purchase from goes under, the warranty will still be honored through the manufacturer. However, some dealers offer “extended warranties” through the dealership rather than the manufacturer, which can often be a bit suspect. We recommend ensuring the warranty is provided by the manufacturer, rather than paying for an extended warranty that might not be honored in the future. Some manufacturers also sell direct through Hot Tub Expos, which we find is typically unreliable. This would be similar to buying a Hot Tub or Swim Spa from Wayfair, Costco, or other online wholesale sources. Often there is no service center in your area, and the warranty only covers parts, not labor. This means the manufacturer will ship you parts in the event of a malfunction, and you will be responsible for the repair yourself. We always recommend buying from either a local dealer or a local manufacturer.
Another factor that has taken away from some consumers’ experience at a Hot Tub Expo is pushy salespeople. Dealers often bring in professional salespeople from across the country specifically to sell at their weekend events. Because of this, these salespeople are highly motivated to close a sale at the event, to ensure they earn their commission. They are there to sell, and are not typically great with follow-up after the event is over. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because as we mentioned before, these Hot Tub Expos are typically the best place to get a great deal on a spa. However, many people don’t like dealing with a pushy salesperson. To combat this, before purchasing a spa, make sure you know who your point of contact should be with the local dealer. This will ensure a smooth transition from the buying process to everything else that goes into owning a Hot Tub or Swim Spa.
In closing, Hot Tub Expos can be a great way to get a new Hot Tub or Swim Spa at the best price possible. However, a good price is not the only thing you should consider when purchasing a new Hot Tub or Swim Spa. Be sure to do your due diligence in researching the dealer behind the show, and make sure you will be taken care of after the sale. Hopefully this helps you in your spa buying experience! Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
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