Traditionally, the hot tub hire market has provided a useful first dip into the market for many would-be spa retailers. More established water leisure businesses looking to diversify for added revenue streams are now reaping the many rewards of the hot tub hire sector. For the customer, the ‘try before you buy’ approach offers a glimpse of hot tub ownership before forking out – often providing the stepping stone to a purchase.
Hot Tub People (HTP Inc) of Bristol, has offered hot tub hire since October last year, to meet the increasing demand of customers wishing to test the waters before taking the plunge. “We spotted an opportunity to maximise hot tub sales through the hire route and it seems to be paying off,” reveals Managing Director Lewis Salvidge.
“At first it was a case of seeing how it goes, but the more hire jobs we do, the more jobs we gain.” HTP Inc customers that choose to purchase a hot tub following a hire period are refunded the hire cost, which comes off the total cost of the new hot tub. “Having run three hot tub showrooms, time and time again customers were coming to us asking to test the spas before purchasing one,” Lewis continues.
“We delayed offering the hire options initially, because we thought it would be too much hassle in terms of logistics – but we’ve tried to make it as easy for ourselves as possible and it keeps the clients happy which is the main thing,” says Lewis.
Lewis relies solely on the power of Facebook to advertise the hot tub hire service, and it’s proving to be a winning formula: “All of the hire enquiries we have come through Facebook. I don’t do any other advertising, so it’s purely through social media and word of mouth.”
The busiest time for HTP’s hires was over the Christmas period, when the company offered a ‘buy one week get one week free’ promotion. Since then, bookings have been rolling in for almost every weekend.
“There’s always a deal to be had,” explains Lewis. “The average rate for a weekend hire is between £175 and £195, which includes set up and delivery, but we’re always doing special promotions.”
For a weekend hire, the HTP Inc team delivers and sets up the hot tub on the Thursday and allows it to heat up overnight, leaving Friday as a buffer day to iron out any problems, before use on the Saturday and Sunday and collection on the Monday or Tuesday.
Lewis comments: “We’re pretty flexible on the hire side. If we’re really busy, I’ll ring the client and ask to arrange collection later in the week. It’s a win-win situation as it keeps the client happy and frees up our time.”
Upon delivery, all hot tub hire customers receive a thorough training session, with a demonstration of how to correctly use and look after the tub while it’s in their possession. They also receive a full set of terms and conditions, which is a signed document to confirm that they understand the agreement.
Lewis adds: “I think one of the main reasons that our hire service has been so popular is because we offer choice of three quality all-in-one hire products that are easy to install and simple to use. Our latest venture is offering the hire service to corporate clients for business events. We’ve already had some uptake so watch this space!”
To view the full article, please subscribe online today.
