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.