Buy Local
& Save!
Avoid Hot Tub Expos and Traveling Spa Fairs
Customer Alert
The safest and smartest place to buy a hot tub is from an established local company that has its own service department with locally-based factory certified technicians.
Northstar Energy has been serving Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties for 48 years.
Be Aware
A hot tub expo that advertises multiple brands and special savings “this weekend only” is not usually the safest or smartest place to buy a product you hope to enjoy for many years to come. These expos are usually a high-pressure sales environment showcasing only one brand and they are here this weekend and gone the next with little to no after-sales support for their product.
Take your time when buying a hot tub.
Take along these 9 questions to get you started:
Do you have a brick and mortar showroom in my local area where I can test soak the models I’m interested in?
How long have you been in business? How long has the manufacturer been in business?
Can you provide local references and reviews about your hot tubs?
Do you have energy costs for a 4-6 person hot tub used in our area four to five times a week for 30 minutes at a time (the average use period) that has been certified by an independent testing lab?
What options do you have for water care that’s chlorine and bromine free?
What about delivery? Is it driveway drop-off or full service to the exact spot where I want it in my backyard? Is this in writing?
Do you provide your own service and repair or is it via a third party? What will this cost?
Can you give me a copy of the warranty for this hot tub?
What’s your cancellation policy? Can I get a refund of my deposit if I change my mind?
Here Today, Here Tomorrow!
The world’s number one selling hot tub, Hot Spring Spas, and Northstar Energy will not be at these pop-up expos.
In regard to home shows, Northstar Energy occasionally participates in locally established, reputable home shows in our service area.
Tips & Tricks While at the Expo Shows
You need to make this kind of decision in peace. At The Hot Tub Store, we want to make sure you get the absolute best hot tub for you and your family. We even suggest you schedule a consultation in your own backyard before you take delivery.
The Hot Tub Store offers you the opportunity for a “wet test” before you buy. We offer this both as a test soak for hot tubs or a test swim in an Endless Pools Fitness System. These wet tests allow you to feel the jets, make sure the water depth fits your height, and the seating fits your body. Even if you don’t want to get all the way in, it’s still important to see the spas in operation and be able to feel the pressure of the jets by dipping your arms in the water.
Sales reps want to close deals as fast as they can to earn their commission and keep your deposit. The claims and counterclaims you’ll hear for their products will boggle your mind. In fact, you are likely to hear that if you’re not going to buy today, they can’t help you because they work on commission. They’ll try to sell you what’s on hand, and if you order something like a custom color it could take months for delivery – and that’s if you receive it at all! Don’t be pressured to buy today. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
When the “expo” price says 50 percent off, chances are that’s their regular price you’re looking at. Frequently, the expo price is even higher than the regular price, so that the sellers can recoup the high cost of the booth and expenses from you! The reason you were drawn to shop their expo is likely because of their advertising campaign. These ad campaigns cost them a lot of money, and they know how to get it back by making you think you are saving big. Don’t fall for their tactics.
One of the main reasons to avoid buying from a spa expo is because when the sales event ends, you are usually left without a local showroom or anyone to answer questions, much less provide service after the sale. That’s no way to buy a hot tub or swim spa. Your spa should be an investment in a product that you will enjoy for years to come, and spas need maintenance and service to keep your investment performing how you deserve it to.
Tips & Tricks While at the Expo Shows
At a traveling spa expo, the rows of spas are no place to make an informed decision about a relaxation investment of thousands of dollars you hope will provide enjoyment and relaxation, and last for years to come.
At Northstar, we help you choose the perfect hot tub to fit your needs and desires in a very informal and neighborly atmosphere. From finding the right style, size and features as well as considering proper orientation of your tub to enjoy the best views, to understanding the space needed to allow for easy and convenient entry into your tub.
Additionally, most tubs at an event can only be dry tested.
Northstar Energy offers you the opportunity for a “wet test” – which we call a “test soak” – before you buy. These test soaks allow you to feel the jets, make sure the water depth fits your height, and the seating fits your body. Even if you don’t want to get all the way in, it’s still important to see the spas in operation and be able to feel the pressure of the jets by dipping your arms in the water.
Some of the touch points we’ll spend time reviewing are:
Finding the right style, size and features.
Considering the proper orientation of your tub so you can enjoy the best views.
Understanding the space needed to allow for easy and convenient entry into your tub.
You’ll feel the sales pressure at a traveling expo.
Sales reps want to close deals as fast as they can to earn their commission and keep your deposit. The claims and counterclaims you’ll hear for their products will boggle your mind. In fact, you are likely to hear that if you’re not going to buy today, they can’t help you because they work on commission. They’ll try to sell you what’s on hand, and if you order something like a custom color it could take months for delivery – and that’s if you receive it at all! Don’t be pressured to buy today. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t fall for the “this price is only good right now!”
When the “expo” price says 50 percent off, chances are that’s their regular price you’re looking at. Frequently, the expo price is even higher than the regular price, so that the sellers can recoup the high cost of the booth and expenses from you! The reason you were drawn to shop their expo is likely because of their advertising campaign. These ad campaigns cost them a lot of money, and they know how to get it back by making you think you are saving big. Don’t fall for their tactics.
Don’t be left without a local company to answer questions and provide service.
One of the main reasons to avoid buying from a spa expo is because when the sales event ends, you are usually left without a local showroom or anyone to answer questions, much less provide service after the sale. That’s no way to buy a hot tub. Your spa should be an investment in a product that you will enjoy for years to come, and spas need maintenance and service to keep your investment performing how you deserve it to.
