Rec Warehouse Salesperson said I didnt need a permit for a above ground pool, as it turns out I do, and the City will not grant me one and Rec Warehouse will not refund my money. Ripoff Sarasota Florida

In response to this complaint, someone suggested that the customer should have done his/her own research in regards to permits etc. A a consumer as well as a longtime salesperson, I could not agree more. If you listen to a salesperson about these matters and believe him, you are just asking for it! How do you think salespeople get paid! Besides,if you make any purchase you own it. It is not the responsibility of a retail establishment to be an encyclopedia of do's and donts'. I would consider myself lucky if Rec offered me anything. Now consider this, I am a former employee of Rec Warehouse,for many years,and now work in direct competition with them. I still have to take their side. I can guarantee with certainty that the customer signed an installation agreement detailing all relevant info. As for the minimum wage comment, I know the salesperson personally and I can assure all who read this, he does not make minimum wage. Not even close!!!

However if you want a quality pool, SPA, or anything else they sell, do not believe the tactics of luring you in on price alone in general you get what you pay for! Rec warehouse never change their prices, everything is on sale 365 (not just today) and they never ever sell a spa for the price on the signs, these are just overinflated #'s to make you think you are getting a deal. Most of their so called "dealers" or "mom and pop stores" sell the products that Leisure Bay i.e. Rec warehouse mfg's for less than they do! Quality spas start @ 5k. Anyone who thinks you can get one for $699 needs to remove the rock that they live under and join the rest of us! Gas $3.00/gallon-----Spas $699 ????????

Always make sure there's a clause in the contract for home improvements that the CONTRACTOR will obtain any necessary permits. Then if it turns out a permit was necessary and he didn't get it, he has to deal with it or give you your money back. Any contractor that wants you to obtain permits yourself is very shady and probably ripping you off.

The other key thing to have in the contract is a "furnish and install" basis. The CONTRACTOR will buy the supplies. Then you don't have to deal with suppliers. Again, contractors that want you to buy supplies seperate from the contract are usually not on the up and up.

To avoid this situation in the future always do your own research. Contact the city yourself to see if a permit is needed for the work you are having done. Do not rely on the 'expertise' of someone making minimum wage.