As an independent service agent, I have been doing Cal Spa warranty work since 2005. While I cannot rebut any of ExCalSpa's comments, I can say I have found ways to work with the factory.
The new Workbench tool provides a one-stop place to file warranty claims and order parts. I often have all the 'paperwork' done before I leave a customer's driveway.
The factory does seem to be keeping parts inventory to a minimum but so is everyone in the industry from vendors to the distributors I work with daily.
Nobody can afford to have money sitting on the shelf when it could be used more productively elsewhere.
Since I am not a dealer I do not have the overhead of a brick & mortar showroom nor to I have to pay employees. My very low overhead means I can earn a living even though at least 80% of my income is from warranty jobs.
I will not say it is easy and it has taken me years to refine my system so I can track every Cal Spa warranty claim to completion. The Workbench tool has made things much easier and my own system of keeping track of things ensures I am paid.
I have refined my process to the point that none of my customers ever sees or hears about the problems presented by ExCalSpa. I also manage to do this without spending my own money or risking that I will be stuck paying for a denied claim.
In fact, I am so confident in the warranty process I will make this offer:
If you own a Cal Spa and are having trouble, getting someone to work on it, I will order warranty parts and process your warranty claim through my own account.
There will be a "trip" or "diagnostics" fee for each repair and you might have to find someone locally to do the actual labor but I will take care of warranty parts and the warranty claim and all contact with the Cal Spa factory.
You might have to provide original sales documentation to prove you are the original owner if your tub has not been registered previously with the warranty department.
This offer also extends to anyone who wants to work on a Cal Spa under warranty but does not want to sign up as a service agent. You turn the wrenches. I will take care of the rest.
I will update my profile with contact information so you can reach me.