There are several reasons why you may want to get rid of your used hot tub. Perhaps you’re in the market for a new one. Or maybe you’ve sold your house and the new owner has requested you remove the tub before he moves in. Regardless, many clients ask us how much their used hot tub is worth. And the answer is never a simple one.
There are many factors involved in determining a resale price. For example, a hot tub that is larger than standard-size can garner considerable more money than a miniature version. The depth of your tub and the quality of its shell casing will also affect the price dramatically. Intense water pressure can warp the casing over time. Even though no one will notice this deformity right away, a disfigured casing will definitely become apparent once the hot tub is removed from its current foundation. Keep this factor in mind when pricing your unit and showing it to potential buyers.
Because of the intimate nature of a hot tub, cleanliness is very important to potential buyers. Do not try and raise the price of your equipment without taking a critical (and honest) look at its wear-and-tear. If the tub’s interior is visibly discoloured or grimy, it will be very tough to re-sell even if you are trying to give it away for free.
Often times, sellers will ask for 50% of the hot tub’s purchase price. For example: If Bob paid $6,000 for his brand-new tub 3 years ago, he will try and re-sell it used for $3,000. In Bob’s mind, this is a reasonable calculation. However, a smart potential buyer will have done his research. He will know that there are dozens of factory-direct retailers out there that allow consumers to buy straight from the manufacturer. Often times, it is possible to purchase a brand-new hot tub (with shipping/installation included) for under $3,000. As a seller, you must keep in mind various market scenarios and price your hot tub accordingly.
If you’d like to sweeten the deal for a potential buyer who is currently on the fence, you can include shipment in the purchase price. This would require you renting a truck for the afternoon and driving it over to the buyer’s home.
Before determining an exact cost, examine the used hot tub market in your region for a few weeks. Check out websites like Craigslist and Kijiji to see what other sellers are pricing their units at. Even though your hot tub may not be the same model, size and cleanliness are easily comparable factors. You may also notice that some sellers are throwing in “free perks”, like free shipping and new parts. Consider ways to make your offer more attractive to ensure that your unit sells quickly. Perhaps you have a good-quality cover that you’re willing to throw in for free. Or maybe you have some brand-new, high-powered jets lying around that never got installed.
There are always consumers looking for a used hot tub that is of great quality. So price your unit reasonably and potential buyers will certainly come by for a peek.
