Welcome to our forum.
Solo, you mention that many buyers are affluent, so the purchase of a spa isnt a financial burden on them. If it is a financial burden for you, why would you buy one? A spa is both therapeutic and a luxury purchase. If you solely want one for therapy, you could buy a good, therapeutic spa for much less than the tubs you are shopping. If saving $500 dollars is so important to you, than buy a less expensive or smaller tub. If you like the jacuzzi 300 series, you can easily knock $500 off the price by going smaller. As long as you stay in the 300 series, all you are giving up is a little room. You get the same features and the same jet configurations. 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. There is a big difference. If you wanted a spa, you would have bought one by now. There are plenty of great spas out there that would fit your "budget".
Is he looking for advice and knowledge or an audience?
one from Tom G. (Arctic Spa Exec)
FWIW 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. Whether dealers or experienced users, everyone has been honest and forthcoming with information to help me with my purchase and upkeep. No one tried to "sell me" on their product. 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. He then encouraged me to go to the other places and wet test their spas. When all was said in done, he gave me a decent discount and several "extras". The main thing was that I felt I could count on him for service if/when I needed it. All of these points were brought out on this forum before I ever went shopping. Because of the advice I got here, I knew what to look for in a dealer (not just a spa). 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. 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, Thanks.