The Tub King Blog

The Number One Question Asked About Walk-in Tubs

By Kerry Knight

Every industry has one important question. You know what I’m talking about, the one question everyone asks when they see your ads, or call on the phone or visit your showroom to determine if your company’s product make the final list cut before they make their final decision. So what do you think that question is? Well read on and find out, as we explore the “The Number One Question Asked About bout Walk-in Tubs.”

Having just completed the annual fall Home and Patio Show in Jacksonville, Florida, some interesting reactions from the public are worth noting. One of the items we exhibited was our Walk-in Tub. Our booth display featured our 202 model, which is 54 inches long by 30 inches wide and 40 inches tall. It is roomy and with our six-inch filler panel, it will fit in a normal 60-inch bathtub opening. Most customers are planning to remove an existing bathtub and replace it with the Walk-in Tub. The Walk-in Tub we displayed had all the plumbing fixtures, air jetted hydrotherapy, water-jetted massage system and the inline heater. Our advertised price for the complete package was $2,695.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

As people visited into booth to see our cast iron and porcelain tubs, they would find the Walk-in Tub very interesting and these tubs elicit the most questions. What do you think the number one question was? Invariably, the question was, “How much?” The greatest concern was cost. Many had already been shopping around. One commented, “We saw someone else at this show selling Walk-in Tubs and theirs was $8,000. Why is there such a difference in price?”

My answer was one that identified different marketing strategies. I replied, “Some companies are content to sell fewer tubs (due to higher prices) in order to save on shipping and employees. We choose to sell for less and make up the difference in volume. We make less on each tub, but more people buy them.” It’s like the old WalMart concept. They price their items less than conventional department stores, but make it up in more individual sales. Plus you have the added advantage of customers advertising their good fortune with friends, thus bringing more people in. I also like the idea that we are helping more people afford the Walk-in Tub. Most seniors are on a fixed income. Maybe during their working years they could earn $60,000 a year. Now they are depending on Social Security and maybe a small pension or 401k. They really have to watch their spending carefully.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

I had someone ask, “Are your tubs inferior in any way? Is that why they are priced more reasonably?” That answer is a definite NO. Our tubs meet all needed specifications and are of very high quality. They're all laboratory tested and water tested, repeatedly. They carry a great warranty, and we stand behind it. Tub King has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which should tell you that we take care of our customers.

Another reason you save with us is that there are no middle men when you buying a Tub King Walk-in Tub. We are the OEM manufacture of our products. We have them built to very high standards and by eliminating the middle man, you save a bundle.

It’s no wonder our Walk-in Tubs cost significantly less. Between what we save a customer in shipping costs, fixtures, installation and direct selling, it’s not uncommon for a customer to save a minimum of $5,000 on a purchase and installation. We even guarantee the lowest price. That’s right, we will meet or beat our competitors' price (and you’ll still get free shipping in the lower 48 states). Lastly, it’s important to ask others about the vendor in question and the quality of their products. See if you can speak with some of the vendor’s satisfied customers. If you can’t, the next best thing is to view their video testimonials on line. You can view some of Tub King's video testimonials on our website, on YouTube and our blog. We don’t recommend asking for written ones as they are too easy to fake. Of course, you should make every effort to speak with the vendor directly before purchasing from them as well.

Photo Credit: tubking.com

By the time the Home and Patio Show was over, we had over a dozen people that wanted our installer to come to their home and give them an estimate. Even our installation price is discounted so that people can afford the Walk-in Tub.

As a company, we understand what people are feeling. Right now, cost is a huge consideration. That’s why we want to be well-positioned in the market to answer that concern.

No matter what the economy is doing, cost will always be an issue with seniors. Tub King is here to answer the need for high-quality Walk-in Tubs, especially for those who are savvy consumers who aren’t fooled by high pressure sales tactics. When all is said and done, our products stand out in quality, price, performance and installation. That’s one of the reasons we have received the “Best of Jacksonville Award” for contractors four years in a row.

Customer Testimonial for Walk-in Tub by Tub King

We hope you take the time to do your due diligence and select the right Walk-in Tub for your needs. Give Tub King a call and you’ll find no pressure, great products, the guaranteed lowest prices and many satisfied customers. We can even offer you a free Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide to help you figure out what fits your needs.

In this article, I addressed the number one question asked about Walk-in Tubs (and a few other important ones as well). I further covered why it’s important to do your due diligence regarding researching a company and their products before you purchase. Knowing what to ask makes it easier to compare prices and quality. Lastly, I discussed the importance of asking for and speaking with previous customers whom ou can talk to or watch their video testimonials.

Walk-in Tub Buyers' Guide

If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog. If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Thanks again for visiting with us.

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., andSeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” four years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

Top Five Ways to Make Money from Home

By Kerry Knight

Photo Credit: theispot.com

Today everyone is trying to find more income. We all keep tightening our belts, trying to cut costs and budget our hard-earned money. But you can only do so much. With our economy floundering and no help in sight, we must turn to our own ingenuity to find ways bring in more revenue. One way is to start a new, part-time business that requires very little start-up capital and one that doesn’t have too much overhead.

Here are some fresh ideas:

Pet Sitting

Photo Credit: happytailspetsittingservices.com

I read of one woman who lost her job and racked her brain as to what she could do to replace it. She was already a dog lover and had watched after her friends’ pets while they were on vacation. She decided to turn this into a new career, and she has done well. First, most pet owners don’t like the idea of leaving their pets at kennels or veterinarians that offer boarding services. Their beloved pet is cooped up in a cage 24/7, surrounded by other, strange animals and unfamiliar people. And they’re also subjected to other animal’s contagious diseases. Being kept in a cage 24/7 for several days at a time can be very stressful for pets. Owners' concerns about what’s happening to their pet while they’re out of town can also cause stress. Plus, they’re having to pay money for the animals “cage and board.” How about this idea? You can start your own “pet sitting” business. The pet can remain at home in their own familiar environment, surrounded by the sights and smells they’re comfortable with. They’re not stuck in a cage surrounded by strange animals and visited by people they don’t know. The Pet Sitter can charge $15 a day to check in once or twice on the animal. Another plus is they can retrieve the mail, newspaper, and make sure there aren’t any other overt signs that say “We’re not home,” and that’s a security bonus. If you sit for five pets a day that would bring in $75. Working 200 days a year, a little over half the year, would bring in another $15,000. That’s a good part-time income, don’t you think? Walking dogs can bring in even more.

Lawn Mowing Service

Photo Credit: lawnmowercenter.com

If you are handy around the yard and have the tools and the energy, this can be a no-brainer. Anyone that uses a lawnmower should be able to put together a few customers. Be on the lookout for yards that are not well kept. Look especially for persons who are elderly or handicapped, who may not be physically able to take care of the lawn themselves. Charging $50 for even a small yard may only take an hour of your time. Find a few of those in the same area, and you can see how this might be a good choice for bringing in extra income.

House Cleaning Service

Most people don’t like to clean their own house. If you can offer this service at an affordable rate, you might pick up a few valuable customers. Also, many contractors, after building a new home, are looking for cleaning services that are inexpensive. If you can get in with a builder, you might have all the work you need. You can charge by the hour, by the room, or for special services.

Become a Handyman or Woman

Photo Credit: sisterhoodofthetravelinglaptop.com

There are quite a few guys and gals that are handy with many skills around the house. It might be painting, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, flooring or any number of things. Of course, many of these require special licensing, so do your homework. But the point is, if you can offer many skills at once, you have a better chance at more work. In recent years, this has become a popular part-time job.

Bathroom and Kitchen Refinishing

There are schools that offer this training for a nominal fee. One of the most popular is taught by Tub King, in Jacksonville, Florida. The all-weekend course is very thorough. The training involves how to restore and refinish bathtubs, sinks, countertops, appliances, and cabinets, and covers all surfaces such as cast iron, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass, laminate and wood. Once you’ve obtained the necessary know-how, then you’ll need to hone and practice your skills. Customers save up to 80% of tear out and replacement costs and the technician can earn up to $100 an hour. Do some reading about how this type of part-time job can add some significant money to your existing income.

Bathtub Refinishing Training Classes by Tub King

Photo Credit: tubking.com

You'll need to purchase your own equipment and tools; typically, this investment is just under $2,000. In addition to these items being tax-deductible, you’ll probably recoup this necessary expense in a very short time. Some of the equipment you’ll need are a spray rig and coating material, a fume extractor, respirator and other incidentals.

It’s time for us to realize that Uncle Sam is not a rich uncle. We need to find ways to help ourselves. Do your research and get started today. You can save up for something special or perhaps use the extra money to help pay off some bills.

In this article, I talked about how people are finding it necessary to make more money by starting a part-time business such as kitchen and bathroom refinishing. I shared five different businesses one can do that typically don’t require much start-up capital and that don’t need a lot of overhead expenses. In addition to bathroom and kitchen refinishing, I discussed pet sitting, lawn mowing, house cleaning, and being an all-round handyman or woman.

Get Your Free Walk-in Tub Buyer's Guide

If you found this article useful, please share it with your family, friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the Comment section of this blog. If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you.

Thanks again for visiting with us.

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

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How Much Should it Cost to Have a Walk-in Tub Installed?

By Kerry Knight

Photo Credit: youtube.com

Many are in the market today for a Walk-in Tub. Seniors especially, are becoming aware of the advantages of replacing the old, outdated bathtub with something safer and more therapeutic. They look at the Walk-in Tub as the best solution. After all, it eliminates the danger of falling while stepping into a traditional bathtub. Regular tubs typically requires lifting one's leg up 12 inches or more, and then placing a bare foot onto a slippery surface inside the old tub. The Walk-in Tub, by contrast, has a short, six-inch threshold and provides a sturdy rail to hold on to while going in and sitting down. The floor of the Walk-in Tub is also slip-resistant. Once a decision to purchase the Walk-in Tub has been made, the customer begins to look into its pricing.

In addition to the cost of the Walk-in Tub itself, there is another cost that has to be considered, installation. Some people have the skills to do their own installation. Many of our customers were contractors before retiring. If they have the energy and the ability to do the installation themselves, it can certainly cost them less money. Oftentimes, there is someone in their family, an uncle, cousin, brother-in-law or maybe just a good friend who will help with the project. This can create considerable savings on installation fees.

Customer Testimonial of Installed Walk-in Tub

But let’s say the customer has to search for a professional to install their Walk-in Tub. Where to start? By calling a qualified plumber. They can certainly hook up the plumbing for you and water test it. They may even have an electrician on their staff that can do any electrical work. Most customers have a plumber they have worked with before, one they trust and can count on.

Another choice would be a general contractor. Many are purchasing Walk-in Tubs for new construction. They are having a house built, and find this the perfect occasion for installing the Walk-in Tub. Usually the contractor will give them a credit for the tub allowance, and will have his subcontractors install it for new homeowners.

Photo Credit: The Atlantic.com

Some customers have used a handyman service to install their Walk-in Tub. Check the phone book or go online, and you’ll see several professionals who offer many different services, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile, etc. It is like finding a one-stop service to do it all.

Now we come to pricing the job. How much does it cost to have a Walk-in Tub installed? There isn't a one set price because every situtation is different. What is the actual work that must be done? Let me mention some variations that will alter the pricing of an installation.

Is there an old bathtub that must be taken out? In most cases there is. One complete day is usually devoted to demolition. This requires separating the plumbing, ripping out the tub, clean up and prep work, and disposing of the old tub. If it is a complete shower surround, it becomes a little more complex.

What Size Walk-in Tub Do I Need?

Will the installer have to widen any doors? Most Walk-in Tubs rest on a steel frame so they can’t be broken down into smaller pieces. If the tub is 30 inches wide, which most are, then the doorway to the bathroom must accommodate that. Usually, the technician can remove the door jamb to give them a little extra room, but the width of the doorway is a consideration and could add to the cost to the installation, especially if the entrance way must be widened even further.

Another consideration when pricing an installation is how the Walk-in Tub will be trimmed out. Is there ceramic tile in the tub area already? What exactly is left on the wall around the old tub? The walls must be protected against water. The technician may choose acrylic panels, ceramic tile or some other waterproof material to surround the new tub.

Photo Credit: customcupboards.com

If the old tub was 60 inches long and the new Walk-in Tub is 54 inches long, what's to be done with the extra six inches? Most Walk-in Tubs will come with a filler or extension panel that will complete this space. If not, the contractor will need to provide a knee wall or shelf that can be constructed on the spot.

Have the installer come to your home and review your situation. He can take measurements and determine if there are any challenges out of the norm. He should be able to give you a price at that point. What could the installation cost? The national average for installing a Walk-in Tub without any surprises or extended labor or material costs, is $2,500. The geographic region you live in can affect the price as well. Do your homework. Get a couple of estimates and you should be fine.

In this article, I provided a number of things to consider when you're having a new Walk-in Tub installed. Many seniors are upgrading their bathrooms to take advantage of the safety features of the Walk-in Tub. Especially since it addresses the number one reason seniors end up needing 24-hour care, (i.e., falling in the bathroom). By upgrading to a Walk-in tub, seniors have a much safer bathroom, allowing them to remain more independent, and to retain their privacy and dignity.

Get our Free Walk-in Tub Buyers' Guide Today

Thanks again for visiting with us.

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., andSeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

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