Are Hot Tub Prices Negotiable?

Are Hot Tub Prices Negotiable?

If you are considering buying your first hot tub, you may be wondering if hot tub prices are negotiable? Is it like buying a car where you can expect to haggle, or do you need to wait for special sales and prices? The truth is it depends. If you are buying from a reputable dealer, they will typically have standardized pricing and occasionally have a promotion or sale. Other times, you may be able to negotiate add-ons or additional features. On the other hand, you may come across a hot tub dealer, typically at pop-up conventions or online, where suddenly the price of a spa is completely negotiable, and thousands of dollars are being shaved off the price tag ‘just for you.’ This scenario is definitely a red flag, as the hot tubitself is probably inferior quality, just priced with an extremely high mark up to allow for these too good to be true deals.

When it comes to buying a hot tub, knowledge is power. By knowing exactly what to look out for, you will be able to find a quality model to suit your needs and keep an eye out (or even negotiate) a great price. Keep reading below to find out what you need to know.

Maximizing Your Budget

Buying a hot tub is a big-ticket item and one that needs to be researched first to ensure that you select the right one to suit your family’s needs and lifestyle. Often, if you do not do your homework first before making your purchase, it will probably end up costing you more in the long run.

When it comes to how much to spend on your hot tub, you need to take a close look at your finances first to determine your budget. Knowing what you can comfortably spend is the best starting point before you begin shopping. Be sure to be wary of any sales rep that is overly pushy about adding a ton of extras to your hot tub. In some stores, sales associates rely on a heavy commission structure and these add-ons, although enjoyable, may not be the best use of your budget. By selecting a model within your price range that has the best programming, self-cleaning features, and adjustability you will be set with a quality, solid model that will last. Add-ons can always come later.

Avoid Cheap

There is a chance that a cheap hot tub may not even survive its first winter. Poorly made hot tubs are notorious for pumps that freeze, pipes that burst and shells that crack from cold weather exposure. There is no way that a hot tub priced at a couple thousand dollars will last or be easy to maintain. If you consider, for example, spending $5,000 for a poorly made unit that only last a couple of years, requires double the number of chemicals to clean and several costly repairs to a well-made, self-cleaning model that has an average lifespan of 10-15 years with a robust warranty, the best value for cost of ownership is evident.

Skip Online or Going Out of Business Sales

While an online or going out of business sale may be enticing, be warned. Buying from a reputable, local hot tub dealer (that isn’t going anywhere) has a major advantage. This advantage is that they provide installation and warranty servicing. This offers peace of mind to buyers, which can be invaluable. While you may get a great sale on a hot tub, if there is no one in your region to repair or service it when it breaks, you could be faced with a lot of hassle, difficulty and unexpected expenses compared to if your spa was backed by local dealer support.

Getting a Deal

If you have found a few hot tub models that you are interested in, it doesn’t hurt to ask your hot tub dealer if they can give you a better rate. There may be a bit of wiggle room or they may be able to include an add-on you would like at a discounted price. If you are still trying to find a lower price for the model you want, ask your dealer when they have a semi-annual or annual sale. These events typically provide the best opportunity to get a bargain.

Now that you know what to expect hot tub price negotiations, download a buyer’s guideto learn more about the models that we have available.