shopping/shopper question

[hottubdan]

Shoppers and owners, a question for you.

What kind of store do you think is best to shop for a hot tub?

Specialty hot tub store.  Spa is main product.  1 manufacturer.
Specialty hot tub store.  Spa is main product.  2 or more manufacturers.
Rec warehouse type store.  Spa is one of many products/departments.
Big Box.  Home Depot, Lowes, Costco.
Online.
Other.

[drewstar]

I prefer a spciality store where they carry more than one line.  I think the people are going to be a bit more knowegable about the product,  and have more expereince with set up, delivery, service, et all.  They also seem to carry the better brands than "Rec warhouses where they sell anything.

The internet? Good lord no!

biog box stores? Only if I wanted a cash and carry product that would be tossed out in 3 years.  

[Gary]

I think when buying a big ticket item as a spa, where ever you buy they should have a staff that is knowable about the product and the staff to service it (if needed).

[Chad]

Specialy hot tub store.  Spa is main product.  1 manufacturer.

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[thearm]

Pool and Spa store that carry more than one brand.

[tony]

Specialty hot tub store.  Spa is main product.  2 or more manufacturers.

[RobRoy]

Specialty hot tub store, 2 or more products.

[Zep]

I think I prefer stores that primarily sell just Hot Tubs.

In house repair techs / install crews.....is a big plus too.

I don't really care that much if the store only sells one brand because I would want to go to different stores that sell different brands anyway and hear their sales pitch for that brand.

I might even be slightly....but not much.....more skeptical if a store is selling two brands ....that they might be prone to steer me towards the one they make better margins on.

I just think going to stores that sell more than one brand is over-rated.

Of course there is nothing wrong with stores that sell several brands.

Again.....2EachHisOwn.

[Tyheethan]

Specialy hot tub store.  Spa is main (but not only) product.  2+ or more manufacturers.

However, in a smaller market, we don't always have that luxury.  My dealer sells mainly spas but also deals in a few high end recreational items such as pool tables and gaming tables.  Spas and spa service is definately the main focus but the added merchadise is nice as well.  The dealer was actually quite smart when we were looking as when he could tell we were serious, a secretary appeared from no where and started playing pool and air hockey with my daughters so that I could focus on what the salesman had to say.  Whether is was planned or not, it sure was handy.  

I'm happy enough with my dealer that when its time to get a pool table, I'll go to him. 8-)

[Chas]

I would chose:

a specialty store which sells HotSpring, Caldera, Tiger River, Solana, Hot Spot Spas as well as high-end Outdoor Furniture.

They would have to be located in a lower-rent area of a Seaside community to save me money, and they would have to offer all the supplies and support items I am likely to need.

They would need to be family owned and operated, at least 20 years in business, have lots of product knowledge, including being able to help with other brands. They would need to be licensed, bonded and insured, with excellent references. I would like to see a clean report from the BBB and BBB online, as well as the Contractor's State License Board.

They would need to be interested in giving back to the community, and helping people anywhere, anytime.

And if they were the recent recipient of a prestigious award from the world's largest tub manufacturer, so much the better.

And about the owner himself: he would need to like quiet walks on the beach at sunset, be musical, talented, funny, gentle, faithful to his wife and family, no criminal record, in good shape and humble.

How am I doing? Do you think I have any chance of finding a joint like that?

 8-)

[sledjunkie]

Store that carries a few quality brands with prices that can't be beat!!!!

[Spiderman]

That's why I like Watkins Manufacturing, you get four brands under one roof by the same manufacturer.  HotSpring, Tiger River, Hot Spot and Solana.  You get a nice spread of products and price range.  I don't care for stores who sell say, HotSpring and Coleman.  I think it should be one or the other.

[Gomboman]

I would chose:

a specialty store which sells HotSpring, Caldera, Tiger River, Solana, Hot Spot Spas as well as high-end Outdoor Furniture.

They would have to be located in a lower-rent area of a Seaside community to save me money, and they would have to offer all the supplies and support items I am likely to need.

They would need to be family owned and operated, at least 20 years in business, have lots of product knowledge, including being able to help with other brands. They would need to be licensed, bonded and insured, with excellent references. I would like to see a clean report from the BBB and BBB online, as well as the Contractor's State License Board.

They would need to be interested in giving back to the community, and helping people anywhere, anytime.

And if they were the recent recipient of a prestigious award from the world's largest tub manufacturer, so much the better.

And about the owner himself: he would need to like quiet walks on the beach at sunset, be musical, talented, funny, gentle, faithful to his wife and family, no criminal record, in good shape and humble.

How am I doing? Do you think I have any chance of finding a joint like that?

 8-)

Very nice. I didn't know there were any "lower-rent areas" in Ventura?

[anne]

Specialty store, one brand.

[drewstar]

I would like a dealer who is also well armed and fully supports the 2nd amendment (the right to arm bears)