Be careful when buying a Walk-In Bathtub!

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<h1>Be careful when buying a Walk-In Bathtub!</h1> by Lisa Arden <div align=justify>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.</div> Article source: <a href="http://www.ArticlePros.com/home_care/improvement/article-82065.html">ArticlePros.com</a> <table align=center width=550 cellspacing=1 bgcolor=silver cellpadding=5> <tr bgcolor=antiquewhite> <td> About the author The author has extensive experience in the Walk-In Bathtub industry and owns a showroom in Mount Dora, Florida <a href="http:www.walkinbathtubstore.com" target="_blank" title="will open in new window" class=blue>http:www.walkinbathtubstore.com</a> <input type=button class=asubm value="Other articles by Lisa Arden" onclick="document.location='http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Lisa Arden'" style="height:20px;cursor:hand"> </td> </tr> </table>