Purchasing a hot tub is intended to be a fun and exciting experience for those seeking health, wellness, and leisure in their backyard. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, after signing the purchase agreement, buyers face issues due to financial scrutiny, unexpected costs with installation, delays, or concerns over upkeep and maintenance. These post-purchase concerns cause buyer’s remorse especially with high-cost items like hot tubs and swim spas.
Furthermore, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make a regrettable decision. For example, buyers drawn to traveling hot tub and swim spa expos that emphasize “blowout deals” may experience the most regret. These weekend events, also referred to as “hot tub super sales” typically hosted at convention centers involve high-pressure sales tactics that promise deep discounts but only for duration of the show. Often these discounts are a sales gimmick with inflated MSRP prices reduced to seemingly attractive deals that are not true bargains.
For buyers in such situations, there are ways to exit a sales contract. The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer protection laws, granting hot tub buyers a three-day “cooling-off period” for purchases made at off-site, temporary events (fairs, homeshows, etc). This allows buyers to cancel their purchase and requires sellers to refund all money within a specified period of time (around ten days).
However, the three-day rescission rule does not apply to purchases made at the seller’s permanent business location. While hot tub retailers may participate in off-site events, their primary business is conducted at their physical showrooms. It is important to note that purchases made at a retailer’s permanent place of business may not be refundable and are subject to the terms and conditions of the seller’s contract.
Some retailers incorporate formal or informal contingencies into their customer service policies. They may offer refundable deposits, allowing buyers to assess the feasibility of the hot tub’s location or to get estimates for necessary installation costs like a deck, concrete pad, or electrical service (220v/50amp service). A reputable dealer and salesperson can adjust the terms and conditions for the aforementioned concerns so that the customers feel comfortable making a purchase, even if they haven’t completed all preparations or due diligence regarding hot tub installation.
The FTC’s cooling-off rule gives you three days to cancel certain purchases transacted at your home (think door to door sales) or temporary off-site events such as a fair or home show. The rule stipulates that off-site buyers have the right to cancel for a full refund until midnight of the third business day after the sale. Sellers should also advise buyers in writing about their right to cancel and provide two copies of a cancellation form along with a copy of the contract or receipt.
For more information on how to shop and compare hot tubs before purchasing please visit our hot tub buyer’s guide pages. You can also click on the pink boxes at the top right of every page to get a free local quotes from dealers in your area. Or, click our “Spa Buyer’s Consult” link above to get one-on-one expert advice on how to shop around for the best hot tubs available in your area.
