Like other retail sectors – there can be a big difference in the quality of service between one spa retailer and the next. To ensure you have a positive and successful spa buying experience – it helps to know what to look for in a spa store. Listed below are the top things to consider when choosing where to buy your new spa or swim spa.
With over 30 years' experience in the spa and swim spa industry, we have a good idea of what makes a good, great and excellent spa store. We also know what to avoid in the spa retail sector!
A spa or swim spa is a big investment. You'll want to make sure you buy from a trusted company with a good reputation that offers extensive warranties and who will stand behind their products, should anything go wrong.
Before you go shopping for a spa or swim spa in Australia, have a look at the checklist below and see how the companies you're looking at stack up.
If you find they don't tick many boxes, maybe keep looking until you find a retailer who does.
The salesperson should offer a great level of care, be knowledgeable about the products they offer and spend time asking you questions to help you determine which is the best spa or swim spa for you.
Buying from a company that has a physical store, compared to one that only sells online, has many advantages. You can build a relationship with the retailer, view and try out their products and they can’t avoid you if you have any problems with your purchase.
"With over 30 years' experience in the spa and swim spa industry, we have a good idea of what makes a good, great and excellent spa store. We also know what to avoid in the spa retail sector!"
Typically, the bigger the showroom the better because you’ll be able to consider spa options from a number of brands.
Has the company been around a long time – 10 to 20 years? They should have been operating for at least as long as the longest warranties they offer.
A retailer that specialises in spas or swim spas is more likely to have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the best decision. If the showroom is in a garden centre or they also sell building supplies and swimming pools, they are not a spa pool specialist.
The company's showroom should be well organised, well laid out and clean.
Many spas have lighting features that can only be experienced at night. A showroom that has a darkroom is the only way to test this feature out before buying.
Stores that are easy to reach, have plenty of car parks available and aren’t too far from other spa stores you’re looking at can make the buying and selection process a better experience!
"We believe in fair and transparent pricing. If a company chooses not to publish pricing, we always wonder why."
When it comes to buying a spa – we always recommend customers conduct their own research into the retailer before making a purchase.
An online search of any relevant discussion forums, news items and review sites will provide an indication of whether the company you are dealing with has a strong reputation within the industry.
As a starting point, look for stores with more positive than negative reviews on trusted review sites like TrustPilot.
Prices should be listed on the spa company's website so you can compare them with others before visiting the showroom. We believe in fair and transparent pricing. If a company chooses not to publish pricing, we always wonder why. The prices for all Spa World™ products are on our website.
It's not always easy to get to your local showroom so the company you’re thinking of buying from should offer guided and self-guided virtual showroom tours.
A warranty is a written guarantee issued to you by the retailer or manufacturer, promising to repair or replace your spa if anything goes wrong within a set period of time.
As a minimum you should expect:
Another important thing to consider when buying a spa is the level of after-sales service offered by the retailer.
All spas will require consumables and after-sales support over their lifetime. Many retail groups nowadays have an integrated parts and consumables division. The best retailers offer 7-day support via a centralised call centre.
We hope this article has given you a good idea of what to expect from a spa or swim spa store.
For expert advice, come and talk to us at your nearest Spa World™ showroom or contact us now online.
With over 30 years in the industry, we are experts in spas, swim spas and saunas and passionate about health and wellness. We back every product we sell with industry-leading warranties and offer a ‘no-risk’, 60-day money-back guarantee.
Download our Spa Buyer’s Guide below for more tips, ideas and advice on finding the right spa or swim spa for you.
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