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!
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....
The Walk In Bathtub Store has a strict one price for all policy.We sell the best products for the best price, and we do not play dishonest games.
On our "WILL IT FIT?" page, we have provided step-by-step instructions on what you (or a friend, companion, relative) will need to measure and how to do so. Armed with this information, and knowledge of your personal needs and desires, we can easily assist you in determining which of our Walk-In, slide-in or handicapped bathtubs will work best for you in your house without sending a commissioned salesperson to call. We are also happy to accept digital pictures by e-mail, or photos by mail to enable us to advise you.
If you absolutely, positively have to see, feel and touch something before you buy it, you are more than welcome to come to our showroom in beautiful downtown Mount Dora, FL. You will find a map of our location, and discover what a wonderful place Mount Dora would be to visit by going to the "Our Location" page.
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.
ALL OF THE WALK-IN AND HANDICAPPED BATHTUBS WE CARRY ARE COVERED BY THE ACTUAL MANUFACTURER'S GUARANTEE – NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
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. Again, ALL of the Walk In Bathtubs we sell are made in the U.S. or Canada, and all come with the manufacturer’s guarantees and/or warranties, not ours.
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.
wgerber
September 10, 2008 at 5:19 PM
I agree mostly with what you have to say.
However, it's very difficult to quote a price over the phone. How much do installers charge in your town? What are the dumping fees to get rid of the old tub? What's the cost to rewire and redo the plumbing?
Like any home renovation, nobody can quote an accurate price on a job until they see the job site and know what work is necessary.
You don't want to buy a walk in tub and find out later that you're stuck with extra costs that weren't quoted to you in the first place.