IM3 launches New Website creating a Used Spa Lot for Dealers and Consumers

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 23, 2009 -
(Omaha, NE)  The Integrated Marketing Firm – IM3 launched the first of several planned niche web initiatives that brings the Used Car Lot concept to the web.  The first of the initiatives is focused on the Hot Tub or Spa category.  “The idea came after speaking with several Hot Tub retailers that were struggling to generate cash”, said Dave Frakes, CEO of IM3 Inc., “the dealers said they had several used hot tubs taken in on trade, but didn’t have the floor traffic to turn that used inventory”.

As a rule, Pool and Spa dealers do not want to take up valuable floor space or salesmen’s time to sell a used hot tub, but like the auto industry it’s a necessary part of the business.  “In the past dealers would throw them on craigslist, maybe even ebay to move the used spas”, said Frakes.  

According to Frakes, UsedSpaLot.com was launched March 17, 2009 on a new e-commerce platform that combines the functionality of popular auction sites without the auction.  Buyers can search for products close to home or all over the country and either “Buy It Now” or “Make an Offer”.  Future upgrades will include links to receive Freight Quotes, Extended Warranty Providers, Water Care Expert locator and Service/Installation locators.  “Unlike auction sites and craigslist, UsedSpaLot.com provides basic information buyers will need and links to experts that can help them once they get their spa home”, said Frakes.

“We see a pent up demand for Used Spas on the web”, said Nick Ashley, director of Search Engine Marketing & Optimization for IM3, “there were over 1.1M searches made last month on keywords Hot Tubs & Used Hot Tubs”.   An aggressive marketing campaign is underway to drive both buyers and sellers to the site.  

“We even gave the site some personality.  UsedSpaLot’s copy was intentionally written to have fun, tell it like it is – as if you were getting advice from a neighbor.” Frakes said.  This lighthearted approach will make the site fun to navigate and hopefully an information hub for Used Hot Tub buyers, before and after delivery of their tub.

According to Ashley, “we have seen a very steady climb in registrations, and page views increase significantly everyday”.  “We anticipate as many as 300 sellers and over 1000 items in the first 45 days” says Ashley.

While UsedSpaLot.com will continue to mature, the need for the site is right now.  Dealers and consumers alike need to generate cash.  There are literally thousands of Used Hot tubs sitting in back rooms or un-used in backyards that can help put cash in pockets, and hot tubs in the backyards of those that really want them.