We’re well aware of how people shop: find the product you want for the lowest price possible. There’s no shame in bargain hunting and places like Costco will often beat us on price. Before you pull out that credit card, it’s important to look at what actually comes with your purchase.

First, we’ve long known that companies will offer different quality products to meet the price point of retailers. Clothing producers, for example, will adjust the materials to fit the price point of discount-pricing stores and send the higher-end stores the products with higher-end materials. The hot tub industry is similar. In fact, a hot tub offered in a big box store is layered with features to create perceived value. In stores that offer rock-bottom prices, a manufacturer will often sacrifice quality materials, or take shortcuts in order to maximize the low price point. While a hot tub at Blackthorne may appear like a more expensive copy of a big box store’s product–we focus on craftsmanship, materials, and quality without sacrifice.

Also, shoppers will most often find speed bumps with delivery, set-up, and maintenance guidance. It makes sense because these are stores that sell you everything from pies to clothing to appliances. When it comes to hot tubs, they’re not training experts to answer your questions and help you set it up. Typically, the store will deliver it to your driveway, but after that, you’re on your own to unpack the hot tub, move it to the right place, and actually get it going.