Purchasing a Spa at an Expo
What do do when buying a spa
I have learned a lot by buying a Spa. What I should have done.
Most of us check out the Spa Manufacturers site and the warranty but what more should you do?
The Excitement of Purchasing a Spa
The Spa Dream Turns Sour:
My wife and I, eager to relive our past spa joys, were thrilled by the local fairground’s Spa Expo. Different manufacturers, diverse designs – it seemed like the perfect one-stop shop. After much browsing, we negotiated a price and delivery date with a seemingly knowledgeable salesperson. However, our excitement soon fizzled.
Delivery Day Disappointment:
The spa arrived, placed as requested, but the delivery person offered zero instructions or after-care guidance. Red flag ignored, we turned to the manufacturer’s website for setup, chemical, and programming information. Everything went smoothly, and our spa was bubbling bliss within 24 hours. We even verified the comprehensive warranty, feeling confident in our purchase.
The Service Nightmare Begins:
Nine months in, disaster struck: a “low flow” warning rendered our spa useless. Reaching out to the dealer we bought from proved futile. Voicemails went unanswered, and the service number led to a shocking $300 fee for diagnosing a warranted issue. Feeling trapped, we paid. The technician “fixed” it, only for the problem to recur two weeks later.
Deeper into the Rabbit Hole:
This time, the service line offered a chilling message: “closed due to a family emergency” for over six weeks! Frustrated, we contacted the company directly. Finally, a technician diagnosed a faulty pump, covered under warranty. Yet, weeks passed with no replacement or communication. Back to square one, leaving messages, pleading for help. Finally, a service date arrived, and after 2.5 months and $300, our spa functioned again.
Lessons Learned, the Hard Way:
While the manufacturer upheld their warranty, the dealer’s abysmal service tarnished the experience. Here’s what we learned (the hard way!):
Buyer Beware: Research the Dealer, Not Just the Brand:
- Don’t be swayed by expo deals; research independent spa companies thoroughly. Reviews on Yelp and other platforms can reveal crucial insights into service quality and professionalism.
- Don’t be shy to ask about service call costs and warranty procedures upfront.
Direct is Best:
Consider bypassing middlemen and buying directly from the manufacturer’s local dealer. This often ensures better support and communication.
Share Your Experience, Help Others:
While we cannot name the companies involved, sharing our story aims to help others avoid similar pitfalls. Remember, due diligence and informed choices are key to a truly blissful spa experience.
