A question about buying big ticket items

[TickTockMan]

I was in a showroom looking at hot tubs the other day. They had a sign saying that they were having a big sale now, before our state fair. At the state fair (end of August/beginning of September) all of the major hut tub companies have booths with supposed major discounts.


At what time do you think would be the best time to buy?

 

[SilverWolf]

Personally I would wait until the holidays or it's on sale for 25% off or more.

 

[mikey3000]

I got my new one last november and got a pretty good deal. Don't go to these super hyped up "Hot Tub Expos", their markups are insane. Find a decent and reputable "discount pool and spa" retailor in your area. They have the best prices all the time. And enjoy!!! I love my hot tub. I spend almose every evening out there with a glass of pear liqueur on the rocks in hand.

 

[HunterM]

I recommend going to the expo on the last day and during the last 2 hours to bargain. Most of them don't want to carry inventory back to their shops. They are willing to make you a good deal to get rid of it. I usually buy my stuff at these expos on the last day during the last 2 hours. Go up and ask them to give you a really good deal. Bargain hard with them.

Find a couple of models in the showroom now and note their prices. It would be a good deal if you're able to get 35% to 25% off at the expo.

 

[TickTockMan]

I recommend going to the expo on the last day and during the last 2 hours to bargain. Most of them don't want to carry inventory back to their shops. They are willing to make you a good deal to get rid of it. I usually buy my stuff at these expos on the last day during the last 2 hours. Go up and ask them to give you a really good deal. Bargain hard with them.

Find a couple of models in the showroom now and note their prices. It would be a good deal if you're able to get 35% to 25% off at the expo.

Thanks. That make sense.

 

[charles-smythe]

I recommend going to the expo on the last day and during the last 2 hours to bargain. Most of them don't want to carry inventory back to their shops. They are willing to make you a good deal to get rid of it. I usually buy my stuff at these expos on the last day during the last 2 hours. Go up and ask them to give you a really good deal. Bargain hard with them.
Find a couple of models in the showroom now and note their prices. It would be a good deal if you're able to get 35% to 25% off at the expo.

...i always recommend 'Cash' for big ticket items...when you've made your deal ...get out your checkbook ... then offer 'cash' for another 10% cash discount ... if they don't want to give you the cash discount, then write the check...

 

[fetaby]

I was in a showroom looking at hot tubs the other day. They had a sign saying that they were having a big sale now, before our state fair. At the state fair (end of August/beginning of September) all of the major hut tub companies have booths with supposed major discounts.


At what time do you think would be the best time to buy?

Depends.

If you wait to buy one at the fair, will you be taking one that they have at the fair home? Or will they just have display models, and the inventory is stored in a warehouse somewhere and later delivered.

If you take one from the fairgrounds, wait till the last day, buy one from a smaller company. That way you'll be able to talk the guy into giving you a better price cause he won't have to be the one loading the big ass hot tub back onto the truck.

OR, find a company that is willing to price match. In my mind, the fair is the better way to go. That way you have all the sellers there cutting each other's throats.

I guess though, you just have to face the reality that a new hot tub is going to cost at least $XXX regardless of who you buy it from and when.

 

[HunterM]

...i always recommend 'Cash' for big ticket items...when you've made your deal ...get out your checkbook ... then offer 'cash' for another 10% cash discount ... if they don't want to give you the cash discount, then write the check...

Oh yeah, pay with cash to get a better deal! Good point.

 

[fetaby]

Oh yeah, pay with cash to get a better deal! Good point.

Eh, in this day and age though. I don't think it's strictly necessary to pay with the cash. I think the important thing is being able to pay in full on the spot. That could happen with a card or a check as well, especially with the advances in CC merchant technology. Hell, even I'm able to take a credit/debit card on the spot using my cell phone.

 

[jdcnow]

Oh yeah, pay with cash to get a better deal! Good point.

Agreed. There are some businesses out there that will give you a discount because you pay with cash. You paying with cash means they don't have the payment processing fees and overhead that come with checks and plastic payments. It does not hurt to ask if there is a discount for paying with straight cash. Besides, what can they tell you? No?

Also, it does not hurt to ask what kind of discounts they offer during the Christmas shopping season/Black Friday. Did they do any specials/sales at last year's Black Friday. Half of doing your homework in this situation is just going up to retailers and just ask, ask, ask those questions, and making yourself as informed as possible before handing any money over. Again - what can they say? No?

 

[FPNY]

Could be dangerous paying cash for big ticket items, especially if they are to be delivered in the future. You get certain protections from credit card companies. For example, I paid cash for office furniture from a reputable furniture company, the day after I paid they went into chapter 11, I never got my furniture and I never got my money back. If I had paid on my credit card I would have been covered. I don't think it's worth the risk for ten percent.

 

[TickTockMan]

Thanks everyone, but M10000. You all gave me something to think about.



As for paying with cash, do you think I could get a discount if I paid cash on delivery?

 

[fetaby]

Thanks everyone, but M10000. You all gave me something to think about.



As for paying with cash, do you think I could get a discount if I paid cash on delivery?

No. The advantage of paying cash is that it's quick money on the spot. It means the deal is done and it's all good. COD is a promise of money. Not even the same thing...

 

[hungkee]

I wouldn't recommend paying cash at an expo or fair. Using a credit card is a buffer which just might be worth the non-discounted extra 10% off (potentially offered by the seller). You never know if the item is working once you get home. Or you don't know whether everything will be in new condition as you take it home.

And a hot tub is rather a luxury. Its not quite a big ticket item like a fridge or washer/dryers. So are you willing to buy whatever might be available or left over at an expo or fair? You won't be happy with something less than what you're seeking. And after several days of an expo/fair or even a store sale, what is commonly remaining are the items not worth the price or the most expensive models. Otherwise, why would they still be sitting there or available?

A big ticket item isn't only a more expensive item but its also something (like major appliances, a car and even a hot tub) which tends to be something you need or want to live with all of the time. Its not the time to compromise or to take what's left on the floor or at the end of some Blow Out Sale.

 

[TickTockMan]

No. The advantage of paying cash is that it's quick money on the spot. It means the deal is done and it's all good. COD is a promise of money. Not even the same thing...

I still might try it when I decide to buy. I think my local dealers are a bit desperate. It may work.


With my way of thinking it is not all that different. They promise to bring me a hot tub and set it up completely. And I promise I’ll pay for it with cash.

I wouldn't recommend paying cash at an expo or fair. Using a credit card is a buffer which just might be worth the non-discounted extra 10% off (potentially offered by the seller). You never know if the item is working once you get home. Or you don't know whether everything will be in new condition as you take it home.

And a hot tub is rather a luxury. Its not quite a big ticket item like a fridge or washer/dryers. So are you willing to buy whatever might be available or left over at an expo or fair? You won't be happy with something less than what you're seeking. And after several days of an expo/fair or even a store sale, what is commonly remaining are the items not worth the price or the most expensive models. Otherwise, why would they still be sitting there or available?

A big ticket item isn't only a more expensive item but its also something (like major appliances, a car and even a hot tub) which tends to be something you need or want to live with all of the time. Its not the time to compromise or to take what's left on the floor or at the end of some Blow Out Sale.

I want a hot tub for medical reasons. I’m not all that picky for the most part. I know I would like a 4 to 6 seater, with at least one lounge seat. I’m not dead set on anything though.



As of now I would like to buy this one:
the Wish hot tub by Marquis

 

[fetaby]

I still might try it when I decide to buy. I think my local dealers are a bit desperate. It may work.

No harm in that. Keep us posted and let us know how it goes?

 

[bankside]

It is very much to your advantage if you have flexible specifications for any product you would consider buying. I tend to develop a very specific and well-researched idea of what I want in a given product, perhaps even more so for big ticket items. This is somewhat of a disadvantage because I am committed to the product I want once I identify it. That tends to undercut my bargaining power. The ultimate bargaining tool being, of course, to walk away.