Service Question

[SpaNE]

I am considering a Jacuzzi or Sundance spa.  Do you need to get service from the dealer where you buy the spa - or can you get service from any authorized Jacuzzi or Sundance dealer?

For example, I bought my BMW from the dealer that had the model with the color and options I was looking for, however, I take it to the closest dealer for service.  The service dealer is happy to service my car and does quality work.  

Are spa dealers the same?

[Ehizzle]

sometimes

[hottubdan]

I am considering a Jacuzzi or Sundance spa.  Do you need to get service from the dealer where you buy the spa - or can you get service from any authorized Jacuzzi or Sundance dealer?

For example, I bought my BMW from the dealer that had the model with the color and options I was looking for, however, I take it to the closest dealer for service.  The service dealer is happy to service my car and does quality work.  

Are spa dealers the same?

Sundance and Jacuzzi dealers are contractually obligated to do  warranty service on what they sell.  (Hot Spring and Caldera also).

A difference with cars is you can drive them to the servicing agent.

From what I understand, the auto manfacturers compensate their dealers so they can service your car under warranty profitably.

Spa manufacturers don't.  Then they tell us you made the profit in the sale, so factor it in that way.

A dealer can choose to service a spa they did not sell.  Most won't.

If you bought a spa from one dealer and moved with the spa into another dealer's service area, then the closer dealer would do the service.

[SpaNE]

From what I understand, the auto manfacturers compensate their dealers so they can service your car under warranty profitably.

Spa manufacturers don't.  Then they tell us you made the profit in the sale, so factor it in that way.

Are you telling me that every warranty service call on my spa would cost the dealer money out of his own pocket?

Seems hard to believe...

[hottubdan]

Depends on the issue, geography and other issues.  Typically break evn at best.

[tony]

I believe that warranty work is reimbursed at a set rate and time for repairs.  I don't think that dealers are getting rich doing warranty work.  Typically it barely covers their costs.  That is why they charge a travel charge, because they are not getting reimbursed for their travel.  So dealers are reluctant to service under warranty those spas that they haven't recieved some kind of profit margin.

That is why I always say the dealer is as important as the manufacturer.  It is the dealer who is going to be your connection to the manufacturer and it is he/she who will service your spa while it is under warranty.

[SpaNE]

That is why they charge a travel charge, because they are not getting reimbursed for their travel.  

I wasn't aware of that?  Do all/most dealers charge a travel charge?  I will definitely ask that question to all the local dealers before making a purchase.

[hottubdan]

I wasn't aware of that?  Do all/most dealers charge a travel charge?  I will definitely ask that question to all the local dealers before making a purchase.

I don't think there is a norm regarding whether most spa delaers having a travel charge.

Are you dealing with New England Spas?  They are a top dealer for both Sundance and Hot Spring.

[SpaNE]

Are you dealing with New England Spas?  They are a top dealer for both Sundance and Hot Spring.

Yep.

[Tman122]

Yep.

I get 70 bucks an hour for service work. For warranty work I get 45.

[drewstar]

Yep.

I bought from them.

They will tell you they May charge you a trip free.  I haven't needed any service, so I can't tell you how agressive they are about applying it.

I have found they are very good via e-mail and ordering on line.

Are you in MA? If so, where abouts?

[tony]

NE Spas just did a warranty service call for me.  Their normal charge is $25.00, but because I requested my service on line through their web site, I got a ten dollar credit, so net $15.00.