East TX Spa

I'm getting bored with all of this, so here's the truth: Lifelong Longhorn's post is a complete lie. He is a dealer of a certain brand located a couple of hours away in Dallas and works with SpaTechSince79 running a traveling spa show in this area. He never came to "The Balloon Race and Spa Show" as there was no such thing. There WAS the Great Texas Balloon Race and we did have a booth out there with some spas on display, but we were not there to sell any product. We have been sponsors of the show for 8 years and, as such, we are provided with a tent for our comfort. We keep the spas out there to sit in with our customers, drink beer, and maybe hand out some brochures. I was the only salesperson there the entire weekend. I spoke to 4 people about spas and none of them was Lifelong Longhorn (who I've met and spoken with on 3 previous occasions and would recognize instantly). I gave away 6 brochures in two days. Anyone that was interested in talking about purchasing a spa was told this by me: "We are not selling anything at the Balloon Race. The spas are here for people to enjoy and so that my boss and I can come out here to smoke cigars, drink beer, and get away from our wives. If you're interested in buying a spa, come by the store next week. This is just a party." One of Lifelong Longhorn's lies was about pricing. We gave out no prices, we had no contracts, and didn't even have pens or calculators. We were not trying to sell ANYTHING, period. Longhorn lied when he said that I was rude to him. I was rude to one person, and that was a friend of mine who had a little too much to drink, acted a fool, and I had to set him straight. Otherwise, we had a great time with so many of our friends and customers. Bottom line- Lifelong Longhorn is just as shady as his other associates in the traveling spa show. I'm sure they will continue to operate via deceptive sales techniques as long as there are naive customers available for them to fleece. That's fine by me as long as they do not attempt to associate our name with theirs as they have in the past. Liars, cheats, and scam artists all seem to disappear pretty quickly from these discussions. They register, hide behind their screen names, throw out lies and unsubstantial claims, then slink back under their rock to reappear another day. I've had my say and every word of it is truthful. Longhorn, IF you were at the Balloon Race....what aircraft was on display at the entrance to the airport? Can't answer? Here's one more...was our booth on the same side of the runway as the stage or not? I'll have some pictures of the event to display in a few days when I get more time. Ya'll have a good day! Chris Ogden Longview, TX

I can CERTAINLY understand why you wouldn't want to name names....but don't worry, I know EXACTLY who you spoke with and I assure you that I will deal with him in the harshest manner possible! However, I am shocked that you found our accommodations to be less than exemplary. Since you don't drink, our salesperson should have at least offered you a soft drink, tea, or a bottle of water. I assume that you left before we served steaks and shrimp? We had the grills going in the evening and plenty of food for everyone as our tent was the biggest one we've ever had at this event. Did any of our people even offer you a ride back to your car on one of our limo/golf carts? Everyone that shopped at our booth was given tickets for a free ride back to the parking area when they got ready to leave...I'm sorry if you had to walk (it's a loooonnnnggg way across the airport). I truly hope that the Budweiser Girls were not offensive to your wife as they are only there to hand out brochures and invite people into the tent to look around. They usually act pretty good during the daytime, but get pretty wild at night! Did you get your free Hot Spring golf cap? EVERYONE who stopped by the booth was given one as soon as they came through the door. If not, send me your address and I'll mail you a couple. If it's no too much trouble to answer these questions, I would certainly appreciate it and can get this matter resolved today! Thank you for your continued feedback. Chris Ogden Manager East Texas Spa Longview, TX

Lifelong Longhorn, I've interviewed my staff that was at the Balloon Race and I've narrowed it down to four possibilities that could have spoken to you and your partner. Was it: A. The tall, younger guy wearing the Hawaiian shirt B. The lady salesman C. The fat, bald guy that talked about guns a lot D. The fat guy with hair that talked mainly about fishing You don't have to name names. Also, which of the spas did you look at in our booth? Were you offered any beer? Were the hydrotherapy technicians friendly or did they make you feel uncomfortable while shopping? Your continued interest is appreciated. Term

I surely will as soon as I can ketch one! Term

You're exactly right, Water Boy...warranties are non-transferable between owners. Lifelong Longhorn, I need to know what day you were at the Balloon Race and who you spoke with so that I can resolve this situation. Thank you. Term

Oh my, that is terrible! Which salesperson did you speak with and I will look into this immediately?! Term

Here is a quick video that will hopefully answer your questions: ACE Saltwater System by Hot Spring Spas Termie

I'm assuming that you mean the Great State Fair of Texas! I go every year to check out the hot tubs, see the shows, and eat the latest culinary creations....best fair in the world! Having been to the fair many times and seeing the ways that the spas are marketed, this is my recommendation (for what it's worth): Never buy a hot tub at the fair. It is a great place to see the different spas, sit in them (dry), gather information, etc. After doing this, THEN go home and do the research on the various brands. Find out if they have local representation. Do a BBB check on the local dealer as well as the manufacturer. Read consumer reviews. The folks selling spas at the fair are high pressure, high commission salespeople who will tell you ANYTHING to make a sale that day. Then they are never to be heard from again as they head to the next exposition. Just remember, you can always get the same "deal" at the showroom that they are offering at the fair. In my experience, you will actually get a BETTER deal a few weeks afterwards once the guns for hire are gone. Do not give anyone your name or contact information at the fair. If you go to the dealership later, they will charge you a higher price to cover the commission of the salesman from the fair. Deal directly with the local store and you will come out further ahead. Good luck in your shopping. Terminator

$12 in advance, $15 at the gate for adults, childrens under 12 yo are FREE! 5 fantabulous spas will be on hand for test soaking. Prices range from $3900 up to so high I can't even write the number out of pure shame! Best time to buy is late in the evening once the beer has taken hold of the salesman and EVERYONE is his friend! Come one, come all! Buy a spa and I'll give you a six-pack of beer and an autographed picture suitable for framing! Hurry....these offers won't last!

Let me see if I get this straight: 1. Tim B is the regional manager for Master Spa covering Kreg's territory 2. Tim B was the registered owner of the Hotubbroker.con website up until a few days ago 3. Hottubbroker.con buys spas directly from "manufacturers" and sells them from "the east coast to the west coast", including Kreg's territory right down the road 4. He is selling them at 50% of what his "direct competitor" Kreg (the local retailer) can 5. Kreg claims that Hottubbroker.con "owns retail stores and is a dealer", that the site is "not a manufacturer's website", and he doubts if "they knew of it's existence" Kreg, why on earth would you not report Tim to Master Spa and let them know that he is severely undercutting your business? Not only that, he is evidently undercutting other dealers around the country. That is, unless ALL OF THE DEALERS are in on it. If the regional sales manager of the company I represented engaged in such sleazy tactics in our territory, he would be looking for a new job faster than he could say "several manufacturers all under one roof!" I would think that the type of operation being run by Hottubbroker.con would violate terms of his contract. That is, unless, it were being sanctioned by the home office. Don't take this kind of crap, Kreg. You are Master Spa's customer and deserve to be treated with respect. If I'm misunderstanding any of this, please speak up! If I can help in any way, please let me know. Chris O

To answer your question, Roger.....no. Spatechsince79 is smart enough to realize that if he answers any of our questions, his true identity is exposed and EVERYONE in this industry who gives a damn about ethics will spread his story far and wide. All the pieces are coming together and the truth will make for some interesting discussion soon. Term

Kreg, It would seem that your last post indicated that you felt hottubroker.con was a scam site and that the person running it was a dealer. What brand does he deal? I would appeal to you to contact the manufacturer and make them aware of what this person is doing, since you indicate that you doubt they knew of its existence. You obviously know what brand he sells, so join the rest of us in helping to clean up the industry by doing what's right for the consumers. I and others appreciate your efforts to help. You should be the point man for this since you are in the area and know more about his operation than anyone else thus far. You would also probably help your bottom line as (according to Spatechsince79) that website is selling a lot of spas. They are your direct competitor, are they not? Myself and others are at your disposal if you require any help. You seem to have an upstanding brick-and-mortar business, and I stand in support of you. Chris O (Terminator) Longview TX

Man alive, he sure is redoing that website in a hurry! Prices are changing, ratings are changing...someone or something must have gotten his attention. How many stores does he have? What are the names of the retail stores? Is it "Hot Tub Broker" or something else? Why was the website registered to Tim Baele and is he the same Tim Baele who is listed as a regional manager for Master Spa? What brands does he "broker" to the consumer? Thanks....it is interesting how much information is out there when one does a little internet forensics. Term

'Tis true that I only spent 16 years in school, most of it being in the 6th grade, but contrary to popular belief, I ain't a redneck. I don't like Lone Star Beer, I don't date my sister much, I still have all 17 of my teef, and I do have a pair of shoes stashed away somewheres. Thank you and come agin'! Term 'ite

Never mind about how they make their money....I found this review of the company on their Google listing: "We wanted a certain spa. We shopped and shopped at local retail stores and we could not find this spa for the right price. Hot Tub Broker was recommended to us by a neighbor who bought a spa a few years ago from them. They were very happy. We called spoke to Mary Ann. She found us a $ 10999 spa for $ 5680. She said they keep their overhead low. The owners work for the largest National Manufactures of spas, swim spas, hot tubs, gazebos, pools, saunas and other backyard products. They said they get a small commission % from the manufactures they sell. They say there is always an event going on that they can inventory from. If at these shows they display 100 spas and only sell 40-50 floor models. There are always 1/2 trucks to ship and they are expensive to ship so single spas are cheaper to ship and there are no restock fees... We are very happy with our spa we bought in 2005...Check them out‎" I was thinking at first it sounded like Brian bought a Calspa....but, I don't think they do spa shows (at least I don't think they ALWAYS have an event going on). There's only one other company that fits that description....hmmmm.....and Brian says that the owners of hottubroker.con WORK FOR THIS MANUFACTURER. There's another reviewer named "Tim", but he didn't offer much info. Hot Tub Broker.con Reviews This is of great interest to myself and others.... Curious Term

Why would you intentionally send unsuspecting customers to such a site? Can they really purchase Hot Spring, Jacuzzi, Dimension 1, and Sundance Spas direct from the manufacturer or only Master Spas? If so, how are they able to provide these spas at up to 50% off and remain in business? That would put the spas at way below wholesale according to the prices listed (Master Spas excluded). Is Tim Baele associated with hottubbroker.con? The website was registered in his name up until the past 24 hours. If so, in what capacity does he serve? Is he affiliated with the traveling pool and spa expo? Lastly, if you know Tim Baele (he's been in the industry almost EXACTLY as long as you), do you also know Tim Blake in Texas? The website is very vague on specifics. Perhaps if you could expound upon them, it would shed some light on the subject at hand. Thanks for your continued attention.... Good Ol' Termie

As a favor to all of us (and, if I may be so bold to speak on their behalves, the owners of this forum), I think it would be a WONDERFUL exercise in marketing dynamics if your new customer would relate their experience to the rest of us. I think we could all learn a thing or two about the consumer mindset, which is the primary reason I began frequenting spa forums in the first place. If they choose not to do this, I certainly understand. Again, sincere congratulations! Termie (seeker of knowledge)

Congratulations! Now THAT is the way to sell product....straight, honest, face-to-face with the customer in your store, being able to see and experience your product in a relaxed environment without the sleazy, high pressure tactics espoused by dealers/regional managers such as SpaTech79. A double congratulations is in order, I believe. According to SpaTech79's in-depth research, you have SOLD THE VERY FIRST SPA that is a direct result of a consumer's having been to this forum. Continued success and let us all hope that our local customers are as diligent in their undertakings as yours. Termie (the Supportive)

I would respectfully disagree with you sir/madam. I have been on this forum a long time and have been privileged to observe many instances of peer-to-peer cooperation as well as neophytes (like yourself) provided with a great deal of help before and after their journey into the world of spas. I would, daresay, that the ratio of bashing is considerably lower than at times past. I see that as a great credit towards the presence of many long-time industry professionals whose primary existence on these and other forums is to help promote the industry as a whole. Certainly, there are rogue elements which pass through occasionally, but they are soon exposed and sent merrily on their way. Information is a wonderful tool to have at one's disposal. The rub is in being able to identify it as truth. Jolly Ol' Term

It would be nice if EVERYONE came clean about their agendas, present company included. Not gonna happen, I'll bet ya, and that's just fine. Termie

I've never heard of Dr. Gadget, but then I just don't watch much TV. He is apparently a paid spokesperson for consumer products. I'd lend as much credence to his choice of spas to promote as I would to the late Billy Mays constantly trying to sell me Mighty Putty and Kaboom! Nothing wrong with it, but it is paid advertising....nothing less, nothing more. Termie

Master Spa got hosed on that infomercial. The words "Hot Spring" were used two times in the first 43 seconds. The words "Master Spa" were never mentioned. If I were them, I'd demand a refund. Termie

Well, I don't know Tim Baele, but SpatechSince79 said that a Hot Spring Dealer started it. I'm making inquiries to find out if Tim Baele ever worked for Watkins or just who he is, exactly. It's a mystery at this point. Termie

Oh No...Go! The human resource gals are pretty good dancers...I wish the whole video was just of them.

Side splitting hilarity....har har har! Pure Comedic Genius