Be careful when buying a Walk-In Bathtub!
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Walk-in Bathtubs have been extremely popular in
Great Britain, Europe and the Far East for almost
three decades. Bathtubs with doors were
introduced in the US 6 or 7 years ago, and public
demand has increased exponentially since then.
Nonetheless, in this country the Walk In Bathtub
industry still caters to what most would call a "
niche" market - the elderly and the physically
challenged.
Primarily because of this very specific potential
client base and still limited market awareness
Walk-In Bathtubs are generally not available in
stores or showrooms, but must instead be
purchased by visiting a website such as this one,
or having a "representative" come to your house.
Unfortunately, this creates opportunity for the
unscrupulous to take advantage of those who might
have no valid frame of reference/comparison and
therefore be gullible and often, vulnerable.
If you call a Walk In Bathtub Company and they
refuse to give you any price information on the
phone, hang up!
In-Home "Representatives" or Predator versus Prey
Prices for most big-ticket items sold by most in-
home salespeople are arbitrary. Whatever they
think they can get, they ask for. If that doesn't
work, they have a whole repertoire of reasons it
just so happens they can actually offer you a
better price/deep discount i.e. models left over
from a trade/home show, uncrated, never used;
another customer ordered the wrong bathtub door
model; you live out of the way, buy today so a
return trip is not necessary...etc. All rehearsed
lies.
The price tag for a WalkIn tub at the end of this
sales pitch can be up to $15,000 to $30,000.
There are, of course, exceptions to every rule,
and we assume there are some Walk-In Bathtub
companies that do employ ethical representatives
who care as much about your needs as they do
about their own bank account....
Misleading Warranties and Guarantees that Do Not
Really come from the Manufacturer, and Definitely
Do Not Protect You!
It is extremely important that you ask the
company from which you are considering buying a
Walk-In Bathtub who actually issues the guarantee/
warranty!!!
Some distributors and retailers imply or actually
state they are the manufacturer of the bathtub
when they are not. Verify this information. Ask
lots of questions.
Additionally, many on-line vendors advertise long
guarantees on Walk In Bathtubs that are the
retailer/vendor’s own guarantees NOT the
manufacturer’s. The actual manufacturer’s
guarantee is usually substantially shorter in
duration than that being advertised by the
retailer. For example, one of the best known
websites advertises a "Standard 5 Year
Manufacturer's Warranty on the Tub" on three of
the models it carries, when in reality, the
manufacturer's warranty is only ONE year.
Unfortunately, if you have a problem, the
manufacturer will NOT honor the retail merchant’s
guarantee.
Also, in most cases, if you need parts or have
other issues that need to be addressed during the
actual manufacturer’s guarantee time frame and
that manufacturer is in China or England, it can
take a very long time, sometimes months, to get
satisfaction from overseas.
Buying products made in North America where
manufacturers are compelled to adhere to certain
standards and can be legally held accountable is
much more prudent than purchasing imports and
supports the U.S. Economy.
Inaccurate and Misleading Walk-In Bathtub
Measurements
Make absolutely sure you question the accuracy of
the dimensions advertised for the Walk-In
Bathtubs you are discussing!
The seller of the bathtubs mentioned above which
misrepresents manufacturer's guarantees also uses
great license in describing tub height, door
width and other dimensions. This company
indicates 42.5’’ & 38.5" in height for their “
best” models. In actuality, the tubs are 41” & 37”
high with a very small “headrest” on the seat
that is 1.5” taller than the rest of the tub.
Their website proclaims the door is 18” wide.
Again, not true. Only the top of the door where
there is a wider notch is 18”, the bottom of the
door is only 14” in width. Worst of all, the step-
up into the tub (threshold) is advertised as
being "...as low as 6"..." but is actually EIGHT
inches high!!! There is nothing wrong with the
real dimensions of these Walk-In Bathtubs, but in
our opinion, definitely something wrong with
misrepresentation.
Unfortunately, many on-line Walk In Bathtub
companies engage in these deceptive sales tactics.
Be careful.
Make sure that before you spend thousands of
dollars you have the facts!
Quality Control/Getting your Walk-In Bathtub with
all of the Correct Parts and in Working Condition!
Many distributors warehouse the products they
carry that are manufactured overseas.
Many distributors never open the crates upon
arrival from thousands of miles away, or prior to
shipment to the retail customer. In other words,
there is a good chance the company from whom you
buy your Walk In Bathtub MAY HAVE NEVER OPENED
THE CRATE THE WALK-IN BATHTUB WAS SHIPPED IN,
NEVER SEEN THE CONTENTS OF THE CRATE, and may
HAVE NO IDEA WHETHER THE WALK IN BATHTUB YOU ARE
BUYING IS DAMAGED, OR PROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH ALL
OF IT’S PARTS, and definitely don't know if it is
watertight.
Ask the salesman if your Walk-In Bathtub will be
opened and inspected prior to shipment, and if so,
by whom.
A quality Walk-In Bathtub can allow seniors and
those with mobility challenges to retain, or
regain, their dignity, independence and and to
safely enjoy bathing. Just be very careful you do
not allow yourself to be victimized by shady
sales tactics, lies, and misrepresentation. Make
sure you are getting what you think you paid for,
and make sure you don't pay a ridiculous price.
More articles from this pro: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Lisa Arden
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