Trip fees more common now?

[mxw128]

Are "trip fees" or "copays" becoming more common now?  I called for service on my HS Vanguard and was told that there was a "copay" of $40.  I've had warranty service before and had never paid one previously.  THis kinda annoyed me because it was a question I had asked before I bought the tub in 05 and was one of the distinguishing factors behind going with HS over Calspa.   Is anyone else seeign dealers changing their policies now?  (maybe a gas price issue?)  

[wedag]

The dealer I bought mine from said after 1 year a fee of 45.00 would be charged. I think it is from high gas prices.

[Brewman]

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if the trip fee is more common these days.  
The company that hauls our trash puts a "fuel surcharge" on the bill now.  Has been doing this for a year or two now.
I guess that charging me $5 extra per month for gasoline is better than charging me $5 per month in higher rates.  

[D.P. Roberts]

"Copays"? I don't like the sound of that. It sounds like something an HMO would come up with. It reminds me of doctors wearing rubber gloves...

[Seahawk]

Copays or Trip charges are becoming more common these days for a few reasons
1.  Higher fuel costs
2.  Higher business costs in general
3.  Remember warranty work from the manufactors only cover a $30-55 dollar credit to any dealer
With svc calls reaching excess of $85 to $130 an hour depending on Locations.  Companies are trying to still make money in svc work. It's not unfair to do so, if any homeowner would spend the time reading any warranty in it's entirety, they would find it states that a trip charge can be added by any dealer.  Some dealers choose not to, others do from day one, some give a one year grace and then charge.  It is completely up to the dealer.  Just remember,  if you are going to complain about  a trip charge, dealers are more likely going to start adding the cost into the spa.  We all know that you homeowners won't want to pay more for a spa based on svc history.  Over a 5 year span you are likely to have 1 to 4 warranty claims on most manufactored spas.  So, paying a small copay is probably in the best interest of both parties, you the buyer and us the dealer.  

[hottubdan]

I don't like the term "copay". :-/

We use the language in the warranty.

If it says trip fee, we charge a trip fee.

If it says trip charge, that is what it is.

[Seahawk]

Find any home owner who likes the term trip charge!  I'm not saying I like the term copay either.  But to a perspective buyer copay sounds alot better than trip charge.  For anybody who allready owns a spa I do not think it makes a difference as to what you call it.  

[Spiderman]

Call Sears to come look at your washer/dryer/etc. and see what they charge you; under warranty.

[mxw128]

Yeah, I was kind of surprised when the person at the dealer used the term "copay".  Like someone said before, I really don't care what they call it, it's still $$ out of pocket.  My only beef here is that I specifically covered this when I bought the spa and the answer I got wasn't time related.  It was "We don't charge any trip fee for warranty work"  (This was different than the CalSpa rep who flat out wouldn't answer the question, even when pushed) I did read the warranty in full and saw the weasle words that Watkins puts in there, but I did't get the dealer's statement in writing.  That's my oversight, so I guess I'll pay it.  It not horrible, only $40 or so, it is just the upfront principle of the thing..... and it is beter than paying for the upper control panel....

[mxw128]

Call Sears to come look at your washer/dryer/etc. and see what they charge you; under warranty.

At least they are upfront about it (if asked) before you purchase their products/service....