Shop within a 70 km radius and observe the people in their shop for knowledge and how well they connect with you! People buy products more on the basis of a personal connection with the staff of a store rather than strictly the product themselves.
How long has a dealer been around? Find out how long the dealer has been in business, at least 5 years tells you there is a commitment for the long term.
Size of store and variety of products. A serious store wishing to sell 50-100 spas a year has to have a minimum of 5 spas on display or more. A choice of current colors and option choices is crucial.
Who services the spa? What good does it do to buy a spa from a store and learn that they contract out their work to a third party or contracted person. Such an arrangement has many tines resulted in The Comfort Shoppe making the repair instead of waiting a week or more for service. This was for new spas under warranty. BEWARE of stores that do this -- namely MASS MERCHANTS in Whitby and Ajax. A slightly lower price often results in a lot of lost value - compared to dealing with a specialty store.
Does the spa dealer offer delivery and hook-up? Serious dealers have their own people delivering the spa and can do electrical hookups if customers wish. A GFCI is required for protection against electrical shorts and a service and safety shutoff device must be located near the spa.
Does the dealer offer chemicals and accessories? After you have bought your spa you should stay with the chemicals your dealer has recommended. Hopefully they will carry a full selection that suits your needs as well as spa upgrades for your make.
Feel free to ask for references. If you want to check for customer satisfaction, then ask for some recent references of other customers who have bought and give them a call.
How long does it take for your spa to be delivered? If a spa needs to be made, expect up to a 6 week delivery time. Buying from a dealer of an Eastern manufacturer, gives you faster delivery, better chances of quicker customer services, and a hot tub more closely tailored for your area. A manufacturer that has stock spas ready for quick delivery may be an advantage.
What promotions are offered? We have found that customers prefer value added promotions like cover lifters, steps, ozonators, GFCI packages, extended warranties and no interest financing are some that offer a lot of value to customers. The best value for your dollar is a good guideline to go by. The lowest cost does not usually offer you the best value, and many people regret this buying decision after it's too late..