Welcome to our forum.
Solo, you mention that many buyers are affluent, so the purchase of a spa isnt a financial burden on them. Â If it is a financial burden for you, why would you buy one? Â A spa is both therapeutic and a luxury purchase. Â If you solely want one for therapy, you could buy a good, therapeutic spa for much less than the tubs you are shopping. Â If saving $500 dollars is so important to you, than buy a less expensive or smaller tub. Â If you like the jacuzzi 300 series, you can easily knock $500 off the price by going smaller. Â As long as you stay in the 300 series, all you are giving up is a little room. Â You get the same features and the same jet configurations. Â I don't believe you want to spend $500 less on a spa, you want the dealer to knock an extra $500 off the price. Â There is a big difference. Â If you wanted a spa, you would have bought one by now. Â There are plenty of great spas out there that would fit your "budget".
 Is he looking for advice and knowledge or an audience? Â
one from Tom G. (Arctic Spa Exec)
FWIW Â Â As a newbie to spas and the forum, I have had nothing but useful advice when shopping for my spa, buying the spa and now help with keeping it clean. Â Whether dealers or experienced users, everyone has been honest and forthcoming with information to help me with my purchase and upkeep. Â No one tried to "sell me" on their product. Â I went to the reputable dealers in the area, Jacuzzi, D1 and Sundance and wet tested their products. I decided on a Sundance Optima primarily because of the dealer's willingness to spend time with me explaining everything I wanted to know (and some) and he didn't push. Â He then encouraged me to go to the other places and wet test their spas. Â When all was said in done, he gave me a decent discount and several "extras". Â The main thing was that I felt I could count on him for service if/when I needed it. Â All of these points were brought out on this forum before I ever went shopping. Â Because of the advice I got here, I knew what to look for in a dealer (not just a spa). Â Yes price matters, but in the long run, it's the trust and service you get from your dealer that will leave the lasting impression and matter the most. Â Solo, apparently you are the forum's whipping boy and you obviously enjoy it or you wouldn't continue to show your a$$ everytime you post. To everyone who has helped direct me (now and in the future) in the purchase and maintenance of my 07 Optima, Â Thanks.