Ever read one of those pool ads that read, a Pool, deck, fence, filter, liner, etc. For $658, $688, $699, $747?
You can locate their ads in the classifieds, Val Pak, Money Mailer etc.
They do not actually sell or install! It's all bait and switch, illegal and they know it of course. All of these companies that advertise this way are sales companies that sell pools instead of siding or windows, for example, home improvements, it's all the same hype.
This deceptive advertising has been around a long time. Ask the salesman to show you an actual photo of the pool or where you can see one. They can't because there never was this advertised pool to begin with. The newer salesmen may not even be aware it doesn't exist.
The entire program is to get you to buy the all better aluminum pool, not a steel one that can rust out.
If you can convince the salesman to write up a contract on the cheap pool, then you will see listed all the reasons not to buy one using a separate contract. I have news for you, the company will make an excuse for you not to buy it and refund your deposit after of course they try to lure you over the phone to apply your deposit on a better pool.
These sales practices or similar ones are bait and switch. If confronted by the Attorney Generals office with complaints, all they do is produce a similar pool and say this is it. If the salesman writes a contract up on one of these to some person that can't understand it's a terrible pool, then the ownership has to deal with it and that is not what they want to do, that salesman is then a threat because he created a problem. Another way to spot these types or similar, is the ad, "Demo pool sites wanted". There are no demo or show pools people, it's a way to set the lead and get in the door or to justify a price drop in closing the deal.
Pool sales in this area are mostly seasonal sales, so most of the salesmen that do last for a few months never return. It's a racket for sure!
I am writing this for the public and especially new sales recruits. Be forewarned the owners will make most of the money and you could get in trouble as you are the salesperson and assumed you are as well guilty of class one misdemeanors. These mom and pop companies use no employees, contractors only and you are nothing but a $ sign to them, your talents, your car and your own expenses.
Here's a list of these Va. Companies that use all or similar advertisements and practices in some degree.
C A Dooley / Dooley Pools, Fredericksburg, Va.
Island Pools, Fredericksburg, Va.
Kayak Pools, Md. - Va. Territory
This does not mean your pool won't be installed, it's just bait and switch advertising and headaches for salespersons. The concept is lowball the advertised price, get their salesmen in the door first to switch over the lead before other salesmen get in the door. Kayak Pools above is so afraid of competition, they will even advertise a pool and change the model name with the same name as other companies for example and say "Be warned of bait and switch pool co's", when in fact they do it themselves!
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