I really hate spending $3500+ on a swing set system, but after researching them, I think its our best option for safety's sake..I am curious for anyone out there that owns a Rainbow play system- do you think I could get an upgraded tire swing ? ex- standard to the Nascar tire?

I know I should "just ask" but it is hard for me and I'd rather know before I try if they might..

Thanks for any and all advice..


Also- I am up for suggestions on any other swings you might like!!
We need a tire swing for sure-

Yes, ask. When we bought ours we ended up with many extras because we asked if they would throw this in and that and they said yes. They are owned by different people so I am sure it depends on the owner that you go to .

__________________
cmemaloy@yahoo.com


I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

Life! is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but you can only spend it once.

I don't recall getting any upgrades just by asking, but, there were coupons available (Valpack I think) that the sales rep provided to help out with the pricing. I did not have (and did not know about) the coupons in advance.

We don't have one of these swings, but, I saw a clip on the news the other night that "haggling" is very much "IN", for all things that can be purchased. I would definitely give it a try. You may want to solicit some help on that, such as what to say, and how to ask to get results. I liken it to being in a store and they are out of something.....I would say "do you have any of XYZ????" and the clerk will stand there, and just say "um, if it's not on the shelf, we're out...." I would not leave it at that, I'd say "can you check the back , please?" or "can you double check with the manager??" Don't ask in a way that will end the discussion or make it easy for them to turn you down.

EX: Don't say "there isn't a chance you could throw in the tire swing, is there???" of course they will say NO, you have already stated you don't expect to get it, and made it very easy for them to say no.

I would instead say something like this: "This is a very large purchase, and we've considered many options. We'd be more receptive to spending this kind of money if you would include the tire swing......" or something like that.

It reminds me of car shopping......BLECH!!!

We got a kit from Lowe's or HD and built our own set. We don't have a tire swing, but, it was an option. Lumber and all, I don't think we paid over $400. Can you post a link to the Rainbow set, I'd love to see it.

thanks, and good luck.

__________________
Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

It is like this but the larger version
Sunshine Castle Deluxe Package II - Swing Sets - Rainbow Play Systems

She called it a "Castle Buster" deal?
I guess i am paying extra for the lifetime guarantee and replacement/safety promises their company makes.

I am defnitely going to try to use your same words to get the upgrade.
It cant hurt to try.

I'm probably too cynical, but our school has a system that is supposed to be top of the line for safety, with the rubber chips underneath, etc.

Would you believe each of my three children has had a broken bone (two elbows and one wrist) from jumping off of those contraptions and onto the soft surface below? The sales pitch is that they will fall on a soft and squishy surface. The reality is that their feet are hitting a surface that may just shift right out from under them.

I don't have a clue what goes under the Rainbows - I'm just saying that what a company touts as 'safer' than other things may just be good Page Ranking, because for us, based on what happened w/our kids, a concrete slab underneath would've helped them keep their balance better. Not advocating concrete slabs... just being learey of claims.


Edited to ask, "Why, up in my post where I said "Good P. R., does it now say "Page Ranking"?

You don't see many of these in Arizona... I believe these are the wooden sets, right? Probably the dry weather does a number on the wood and refinishing would be a chore???

Only time I ever went on a tire swing at school (when my first graders talked me into it), I felt barfy! LOL. That was a day to remember!!!! The school ended up removing it because of so many sick kids. Those were the days.

To answer your question... sorry I got off topic... I'd go for it and ask. Couldn't hurt!!!

Have fun!

LOl Cuthie- thanks for the great vomit visual

We went with Creative Playthings. They are alot like Rainbow, but offered more freebies and such. With my husbands RA and my perptutal state of pregnancy or cancer we needed someone to come build it for us.

__________________
saraedawson@yahoo.com

Mommy to Jake, Alexis, Abigail and Joshua, Wife to Matt

oCostco has some good ones but I don't see any tires swings
Costco - search results for "swing"

they also stand behind the products they sell

__________________
Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Sorry if I shouldn't post this but....I have a Castle system that is 8 yrs old. Orig around $3000. 2 swings, plus disk swing, rock wall, blue slide, trapeze and rope climber. We're putting it in our tag sale in two weeks for $700. Everyone says it will go in a minute. It is still in good shape and my son spent alot of time on it with his friends. If you're interested(I'm in NW CT) post here. If not, try to get some add ons, it is a great system and will last forever.

For that kind of price they should throw in some extras. On another board someone asked for a deal on a $6,800 set and they took 1,000 right off the top. I would ask for more then just a tire swing. I'd ask for a couple diffeent upgrades or ask for a discount. Decide what you want, then tell them. "We really like the X set but it's a little pricey and not sure if we really want to spend that much, if you can give it to us for $XXXX we'd take it" or "We're not sure if we want it or not, we'd really need to upgrade the XX and XXX but it'll bring the price up to much, if you could upgrade the XX and XXX for free we would take it." Not those exact words but just to give you an idea. If they say no, walk away. Hopefully they have your phone number, if they don't have it give it to them and tell them to call if they have any specials. If they know you'll walk if you don't get a deal then they're more willing to work with you. They would rather sell it to you for less, then to not sell it to you at all.

That's what we did too. All we have is a slide (but it's not a straight slide, it has curves in it), 2 swings, a set of rings and a cargo climbing net. The girls play with it every day, even in the winter. And in a couple of years when they lose interest, we'll sell it and put up a gazebo in it's place.

__________________

Friends are like butt cheeks.
Crap might separate them,
But they always come back together.

Marie,
thank you for the generous offer, I live in the suburbs of Cleveland Ohio now- I guess I should update my profile!

You're welcome. Yes, I guess that's a little too far for a pick-up!!

Thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions.
I ordered from Rainbow this morning. We ended up getting a smaller set ( Sunshine Castle) that doesn't allow for a Nascar tire upgrade anyways, but she did add on a periscope, binoculars, and a steering wheel ( Which I am sure they leave off on purpose to make it seem like a richer deal)


I appreciate you guys helping me get the guts to ask for extras. She never offered them, and I would have kicked myself if I had not asked!