Selling a hot tub is one of the most logistically challenging private transactions most people ever attempt. The questions are real: How do you move a 700-pound tub? How do you find a buyer outside your local area? How do you avoid getting scammed? What happens if the buyer says it leaks after the fact? This page answers the 30 most common questions people have when selling a hot tub, and explains how Commonplace makes the process safer, simpler, and more financially rewarding than any alternative.
About Commonplace
1. What is Commonplace and how does it work for selling a hot tub?
Commonplace is a managed resale marketplace that handles the hard parts of selling a hot tub privately. You list for free, Commonplace manages all buyer communication and negotiation, and once a deal is made the team handles disconnection, draining, trailer pickup, transport up to 1,000 miles, and delivery and installation at the buyer’s location. You receive payment via escrow before the tub leaves your property. You never meet the buyer in person. As one seller put it: “Super easy, efficient and seamless process. Everything was great from listing the item, the pickup, and the payment. They made everything stress free and pleasant.” — Edyrelis Vargas
2. Is Commonplace available in my state?
Yes. Commonplace operates across the contiguous United States with delivery available up to 1,000 miles from the seller’s location. A seller in Texas can sell to a buyer in Indiana, a seller in Florida can reach buyers throughout the Southeast and beyond. Commonplace handles everything from pickup to delivery within that range.
3. How much does it cost to list my hot tub on Commonplace?
Listing is completely free and there is no obligation until you accept an offer. Commonplace charges a fee at the time of sale, taken from the proceeds. An optional promotion for 2% of the listing price is available to distribute your listing across Google, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, reaching buyers up to 1,000 miles away.
4. How long does it take to sell a hot tub on Commonplace?
It depends on the pricing and condition of the tub. Some hot tubs sell the same day. Others may take up to a month. Premium brand tubs priced accurately for their condition tend to move fastest. Listings that include a video have a 70% higher chance of selling and sell for a 35% premium on average, so a short walkthrough of the tub with jets running is worth recording before you publish. Commonplace’s reach up to 1,000 miles significantly expands the buyer pool compared to local-only platforms, which is particularly valuable for hot tubs given how limited the local market can be.
5. What happens after I create a listing?
Commonplace begins handling all incoming buyer inquiries on your behalf. You only hear from Commonplace when there is an offer worth reviewing. All communication, negotiation, and follow-up is managed by the team. “Excellent communication, very easy to deal with. Highly recommended.” — Mike Baltz
Pricing and Value
6. Will I get a better price selling through Commonplace than a dealer?
Almost certainly yes, and often by a very large margin. New hot tubs from dealers cost $10,000 to $15,000 or more. When you trade in or sell to a dealer, they offer a fraction of market value because they need room to profit on the resale. Commonplace never takes ownership of your tub, which means the spread between what you receive and what the buyer pays is not captured by a middleman. “They charge a fee for the sale of course, but worth every cent as they sent the right people to collect the equipment. They clearly knew what they were doing and the process was seamless.” — Maria Nonato
7. How does Commonplace compare to selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist?
Facebook and Craigslist give you peer-to-peer pricing, which is the right idea. The problem is that they provide no solution to the logistics challenge that derails the vast majority of private hot tub sales. Most buyers on general resale platforms cannot arrange transport for a 600 to 900-pound item. Most deals that generate genuine interest never close because neither party can solve the moving problem. Commonplace solves it entirely. “I knew that I wouldn’t be able to deal with selling it on Facebook Marketplace and deal with potential scammers. From start to finish the process was seamless.” — Eliana Cale
8. How much does Commonplace charge?
Commonplace charges a tiered fee based on the sale price, taken from proceeds at the time of sale:
- 20% for hot tubs that sell under $20,000
- 15% for hot tubs that sell between $20,000 and $50,000
- 10% for hot tubs that sell over $50,000
Most residential hot tubs fall in the under $20,000 tier. Even after the fee, most sellers net significantly more than they would from a dealer offer, because the starting price reflects actual market value. A Viking Regal 6-plus person hot tub recently sold through Commonplace for $1,500, with delivery included. A Jacuzzi Excalibur Series 6-plus person tub sold the same day for $2,000. Both sellers received fair market value with full logistics handled.
9. Can I set my own asking price?
Yes. You set the listing price and Commonplace brings you offers from real buyers. You decide whether to accept, counter, or decline. No offer is binding until you agree to it.
10. What happens if I do not like the offer I receive?
You are under no obligation to accept any offer. Your listing stays active until you accept a deal you are satisfied with. Commonplace continues handling inquiries and bringing you new offers in the meantime. “Used them twice actually, both times had great experiences! Would 10/10 recommend. Very trustworthy.” — David Benzaquen
Payment and Security
11. How do I get paid when I sell my hot tub on Commonplace?
Once you accept an offer, the buyer pays the full purchase amount into a Commonplace escrow account. Funds are held securely until the tub is delivered and confirmed by the buyer, at which point they are released to you via Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or bank transfer. As one seller described it: “The payment was sent to me before the equipment was out the door.” — Sarah Rayner
12. Is it safe to sell my hot tub through Commonplace?
Yes, and meaningfully safer than any private sale. You never meet the buyer in person. All communication goes through Commonplace. Payment is held in escrow before the tub moves. The risks that define private hot tub sales, including payment fraud, strangers in your backyard, and buyers who back out after you have held the item, are removed from the process entirely. “I really thought this was a scam at first — but after talking with the team I decided to give it a try. Everything was excellent and easy.” — Kacie Cope
13. How does the escrow process work?
After you accept an offer, the buyer deposits the full purchase amount into a Commonplace escrow account before the tub is picked up. Commonplace holds those funds securely throughout the transport process and releases them to the seller once the buyer confirms delivery. Neither party can access the funds during transit.
14. When exactly do I receive my money?
Upon confirmed delivery of the hot tub to the buyer. Once delivery is confirmed, Commonplace releases the escrowed funds to you via Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, or bank transfer. “Prompt payment, good communication, really helpful team.” — Barry Flanik
15. What about the $1 deposit?
Buyers on Commonplace secure any purchase with a $1 deposit, which locks in the transaction while the logistics are coordinated. The remaining balance is collected before pickup. This makes it easy for buyers to commit quickly without friction, which tends to accelerate the sale timeline for sellers.
Hot Tub Eligibility and Condition
16. What types of hot tubs does Commonplace accept?
Commonplace accepts all major hot tub types: standard 2 to 4 person tubs, large 5 to 8 person tubs, swim spas, and inflatable hot tubs. All major brands are accepted, including Jacuzzi, Hot Spring, Sundance, Bullfrog, Viking, Caldera, and others.
17. Does the hot tub need to be in working condition?
Yes. Commonplace requires hot tubs to be in working condition to list. This protects buyers and maintains the quality standard that makes Commonplace listings more trustworthy than a typical private sale post.
18. What if my hot tub has cosmetic damage but works fine?
Cosmetic wear is acceptable as long as the tub is fully functional. Condition should be accurately described in the listing. Accurate listings generate stronger offers and close faster because buyers have fewer uncertainties to price in. “Perfect descriptions.” — Shloimy Gold
19. Do I need to drain the hot tub before Commonplace picks it up?
No. Commonplace handles the full disconnection and draining of the hot tub at the time of pickup. You do not need to prepare the tub for transport yourself.
20. Can I sell a hot tub that is still under a manufacturer warranty?
Yes. Any remaining manufacturer warranty should be disclosed in the listing. Transferability of the original warranty depends on the manufacturer. Regardless, all Commonplace purchases include a 60-day parts and labor guarantee, and an optional 12-month extended warranty is available for buyers who want longer-term coverage.
Logistics and Transport
21. How does Commonplace move a hot tub?
Commonplace’s professional crew arrives at your location, drains and disconnects the hot tub, loads it onto a trailer, and transports it to the buyer’s location. The crew handles the full physical process, including navigating backyard access, gates, and tight spaces that make hot tub moves notoriously difficult. “Norman and his colleague were punctual and respectful. They quickly disassembled and moved the sold item.” — Chuck Stone
22. How far will Commonplace deliver?
Commonplace delivers up to 1,000 miles from the seller’s location. This covers the vast majority of the contiguous United States and significantly expands your buyer pool beyond what any local platform can reach. For hot tubs specifically, where the local market is thin in most areas, this range makes a real difference in how quickly and at what price your tub sells.
23. Does Commonplace handle installation at the buyer’s home?
Yes. Commonplace’s team handles the physical placement and installation of the hot tub at the buyer’s location. The buyer is responsible for arranging their own electrical and plumbing hookup, but the tub will be properly placed and set up upon delivery. “Service was great, came on time and installed. I would recommend this service to anyone, no hassle.” — Thomas Bowens
24. Do I need to be present at pickup?
Yes. The seller must be present at pickup for the handoff and to confirm the condition of the tub before it leaves your property.
25. How long does delivery take once a deal is agreed?
Delivery typically takes 3 to 7 days from the time of pickup, depending on the distance between seller and buyer. Commonplace provides tracking and timeline information once transport is underway. “Delivery was fast and on the exact time they gave me. The product was also as advertised.” — Felipe Macia
Buyer Protections and Warranty
26. What protection does the buyer have if the hot tub has a problem after delivery?
Every hot tub purchased through Commonplace includes a 60-day parts and labor guarantee. This is a level of protection that no Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist transaction can offer. One of the most common complaints in the private hot tub market is buyers discovering leaks or electrical issues after a cash sale with no recourse. Commonplace’s guarantee eliminates that risk entirely.
27. Is there a warranty available?
Yes. An optional 12-month extended warranty is available for purchase. This covers buyers who want longer-term protection beyond the standard 60-day guarantee.
28. What does the 60-day guarantee cover?
The 60-day guarantee covers parts and labor. If a covered issue arises within 60 days of delivery, Commonplace coordinates the repair. This applies across all categories sold through Commonplace, not just hot tubs.
29. How does Commonplace verify the condition of the hot tub?
The tub is inspected by the Commonplace crew at the time of pickup. Condition is documented before transport begins, giving both parties a clear record of the state of the item when it left the seller’s possession. “They video call you on pickup so you can see the state of the item and make sure it works.” — Blake Byrnes
30. Why is Commonplace a better option than buying a new hot tub from a dealer or a big box store?
A new hot tub from a dealer costs $10,000 to $15,000 or more, often with long lead times and limited flexibility on features. Big box stores like Home Depot and Costco sell entry-level generic brands at lower price points, but without name-brand quality, professional setup, or meaningful after-sale support. Commonplace offers name-brand hot tubs from manufacturers like Jacuzzi, Hot Spring, Viking, and Sundance at a fraction of the retail price, with professional delivery, installation, a 60-day guarantee, and an optional 12-month warranty. A $1 deposit locks in any purchase. Delivery is typically faster than a dealer’s lead time. “The pricing was very competitive compared to other sites I checked, and the ordering process was seamless. The delivery team provided true white-glove service.” — Gabriela
What Our Sellers and Buyers Say
“Super easy, efficient and seamless process. Everything was great from listing the item, the pickup, and the payment. They made everything stress free and pleasant. 100% recommend.” — Edyrelis Vargas
“I really thought this was a scam at first — but after talking with the team I decided to give it a try. Everything was excellent and easy. Highly recommend and will certainly use them in the future.” — Kacie Cope
“I decided to go with Commonplace because I have a very hectic and busy schedule and knew that I wouldn’t be able to deal with selling it on Facebook Marketplace and deal with potential scammers. From start to finish the process was seamless.” — Eliana Cale
“Very smooth transaction! The fellas came through, checked out the equipment, got me paid and then disassembled the equipment. They were nothing short of courteous and pleasant. Will definitely use this place again.” — Sollicitus
“The payment was sent to me before the equipment was out the door.” — Sarah Rayner
“I’ve sold two pieces of equipment, and both experiences were easy and problem free. The drivers provided updates and were respectful on the property.” — Kristen Lawton
The Bottom Line
Hot tubs are among the hardest items to sell privately. The logistics are a genuine barrier, the fraud risk is real, and the buyer pool on local platforms is too small to generate consistent demand. Dealers solve the logistics problem but take most of the value. Facebook and Craigslist preserve the value but leave the logistics entirely unsolved.
Commonplace is the only option that handles both. You set the price. Real buyers within 1,000 miles find your tub. Commonplace handles disconnection, draining, transport, installation, and payment. You receive fair market value, safely, without any of the runaround.
List your hot tub on Commonplace for free
Learn more about how the process works at trycommonplace.com/how-it-works.
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